Pack a Picnic: July 2018

Sun casts shadow. Courtesy of Wallup.net

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Astrology Update for July 2018!

While going through the ephemeris to write the astro-planner for July and August, I was reminded of Plato’s words, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle”. In other words, none of us has it easy; everyone is dealing with some challenge or other, and appearances can be deceiving.

The planetary aspects during this time may feel like we are driving in a fast car on a road with lots of sharp twists, turns and tolls. It’s not possible to take a break while behind the wheel as all our attention is needed to stay the course. But can we find the common sense to slow down and enjoy a picnic off the beaten track? Perhaps the hard battle you’ve been fighting is really only inside your own head.

I’ll be travelling in July and will send out the astro-planner for August in a simplified form. I’m taking appointments now for September/October.

Wishing you a truly relaxing and happy summer!

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

 

ASTRO-PLANNER FOR JULY 2018

July 9: Jupiter moves direct at 13 degrees of Scorpio. For those of you born November 3 to 7, the area of your life which has felt so emphasized lately will start to feel “normal” once again. This is a good day to swim, steam or sauna. It’s also a good week to plan ahead so that current writing projects and/or legal concerns can be wrapped up by November 10

July 11: Venus leaves party-loving Leo and moves into Virgo, where she has to work harder to socialize and let go. As Venus will be dancing together with asteroid goddess Ceres, use this time until August 7 to focus on nurturing yourself and others

July 12: Partial solar eclipse at 20 degrees of Cancer at the New Moon. Set your intentions for the month while you make your peace with everyone and everything – it’s time to begin again. Pluto’s connection with this eclipse suggests that something may come up to be released, especially in the areas where you hold on to fear or try to control events. Much help will be offered (by two grand trines in earth and water signs) so meet any difficult events with the faith that everything will be alright in the long run. This is a golden opportunity to put something traumatic from your past behind you

July 22: Sun moves into Leo – Happy Birthday Leo!

July 26: Mercury stations retrograde at 23 degrees of Leo. You have 24 days in which to refrain from making computer or appliance purchases. More importantly, use these 3 weeks to reorder filing cabinets, reorganize cupboards, and remove obsolete apps. Disregard rumors and think twice before passing on “news”

July 27: Full Moon at 4 degrees of Aquarius, a total lunar eclipse. Red light from the Sun will be reflected onto the Moon as it passes through the earth’s atmosphere, hence the name Blood Moon. This will be the longest lunar eclipse of the century. What does this mean for us? With Mars retrograde and Uranus strongly in the mix at this special full moon, emotions can run high and you may act rashly before you have time to think. The call is to use this time as an emotional reset period, a time of reflection, rather than one of high activity. However, if intense feelings overwhelm you, channel them into non-violent activities which can bring satisfying results. Avoid mind-altering substances or checking out of reality at this time

Blood Moon courtesy of Wallup.net

The things we value: June 2018

Hands in the water of life. Pic courtesy of WallUp.net

Welcome to Astrology Update for June 2018!

There’s a strange combination of stability and volatility in the air this month. June 1st and 2nd have a serious feel, while the next couple of days may find us surprised by unpredictable events or completely caught up in our own emotional reactions. And so the pattern goes for most of the month.

Pay special attention to mid-month, June 12th to 14th, when the personal planets switch signs and make contact with karmic lord Saturn and Uranus the awakener. We are being asked to receive a message at this time about how we treat what we most value in our lives.

If we love and value someone or something, now is the time to show it. How? We’re using current planetary energies wisely when we watch our emotional reactions and avoid confrontations wherever possible (Venus-Pluto opposition). Giving of our time to a friend or organization in need is another wonderful way to focus our energies this June (as Mars in Aquarius hooks up with the Nodes, Jupiter and Uranus).

The opportunity is present for deep transformation in the way we relate to others and to our community. Step up: your hands and hearts are needed.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

Gemini the Child, Gemini the twin. Courtesy of WallUp.net
Gemini oil on special this month
Visit HeavenScentNY.com for your pure astrology scents!

 

ASTRO-PLANNER JUNE 2018

June 12-14: Keep your calendars as uncluttered as possible and opt for some relaxation time, or take care of routine activities

June 13: New Moon at 22 degrees Gemini – a good time to set a serious intention for the month. Communication projects are favored. Avoid gossip!

June 22: Sun moves into the sign of Cancer – Happy Birthday, Cancerians!

June 26: Mars stations retrograde at 9 degrees of Aquarius. Expect things to slow down as the weekend approaches and plan for delays. If you’re travelling, have a back-up plan and stay patient. Extra time may be needed to move about and technology may be flakey

June 28: Full Moon at 6 degrees of Capricorn. Similar to the New Moon, there’s a heavy-weight energy surrounding this Full Moon. And with Mars moving so slowly, delays are almost inevitable. Stay calm. And may you realize the ambitions you set at the New Moon! At the very least, something needs to be weighed and balanced; at the most, it will be cemented

Happy June!

Uranus the Awakener: May 2018

Sunrise Awakens Love Of Nature. Courtesy of Wallup.net

Dear Friends,

May marks the start of an important new seven-year cycle for all of usUranus glyph courtesy of https://cosmicintelligenceagency.com as Uranus, the Awakener, enters the sign of Taurus the Bull mid-month. Uranus brings lightning change and upheaval, while the sign of Taurus is about preserving the status quo through the accumulation of wealth and precious things. Sound incongruent? It is!

The next seven years will give us a chance to ground the enormous changes that have taken place since 2012, when Uranus entered Aries and the Arab Spring took the world by surprise. How will we as global citizens balance our desire for freedom with our wish to preserve the status quo?

Fixed Sign Glyphs, courtesy of http://home.earthlink.net
Look at your chart and find the house that has Taurus on the cusp; this is the house where you can expect major change as this cycle gets under way. As always, email me if you need help. Those of us with planets and angles in fixed signs – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius – will be particularly affected by change during this period. Remember, without change we cannot grow. It is the role of Uranus to stir up that which has become outdated and needs to shift.

On a personal level, the roller-coaster ride of Uranus contacting a point in one’s chart often brings profound spiritual growth. On a larger scale we can expect major change over the next seven years in the banking industry, and ever-increasing actions to preserve and protect our natural surroundings and landmarks.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

Taurus HeavenScentNY, Copyright GoshenAstrology 2018

Taurus oil on special this month
Visit HeavenScentNY.com for your pure astrology scents! 

ASTRO-PLANNER MAY 2018

May 15: New Moon at 24 degrees of Taurus. Something old and something new… the New Moon chart promises new and brilliant seeding ideas as well as great efforts to complete projects hanging on from the winter

May 1-16: Moon waning. A reminder for all garden lovers that the Moon is waning for the first part of the month so if you can wait until May 16 to do your planting, the results will be worth it! If you feel you can’t wait, plant half now, and the rest on May 18, and see the results for yourself!

BEST PLANTING DAYS THIS MONTH:
May 18-19: Moon in fertile Cancer – plant for strength
May 26-27: Moon in fertile Scorpio – plant for length

May 17: Mars moves into Aquarius where it will remain for most of the year. This unusually long stay for Mars in fixed sign Aquarius will activate the awakening energy of Uranus. Watch out for dare-devil feats of bravery, going down untraveled paths and innovative inventions. Those born April 18-22, July 22-24, October 22-25 and January 19-22 will be most affected by this change cycle.

May 21: Sun moves into Gemini

May 29: Full Moon at 8 degrees of Sagittarius – plan a long weekend for Monday-Tuesday if at all possible, a wonderful get-away time!

 

 

April’s here!

 

Sunflowers for Spring, Courtesy of Wallup.net

Dear Friends,

There’s a feeling of a fresh start in the air!

April begins with a blessing as Venus enters the sign she rules, Taurus. This sets the tone for the month and stirs us to cultivate beautiful, natural surroundings and tables spread with delectable foods.

Simultaneously, we have potent Mars energies around to do what we need to do – but only if we’re prepared to proceed in a calm and courageous way. This month is not your usual “leap before you look” Aries energy; both the Sun and Mars are working closely with Karmic Master Saturn to reign in impulsivity and cool down the pace.

The Aries New Moon on Sunday, April 15, changes all that as the Sun and Moon hook up with Uranus, the Awakener. Watch the night sky and offer up your intentions for your life and for those you love.

The week of April 15 – 21 is a period of adjustment as some planets pick up speed while others slow down. It’s a good time to allow things to take their course.

If you’re looking for a time to execute a project that requires major effort and forceful energy, it’s April 25 – 27. Best of luck!

And bon appétit!

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

 ASTRO-PLANNER APRIL 2018

March 31: Full Moon (Blue Moon) at 10 degrees of Libra. How is the balance of power in your relationship right now? Let the light of the Full Moon shine and show you where you need to adjust – do less, or do more? Only you know!

April 1: Venus moves into Taurus; Mars is conjunct Saturn in Capricorn

April 15: New Moon at 26 degrees of Aries; Mercury begins to move direct at 4 degrees of Aries ending its retrograde period

April 18: Saturn stations retrograde at 9 degrees of Capricorn; the next four months are ideal for attending to outstanding dental procedures or tackling structural issues on the home front

April 21: Sun moves into Taurus: it’s planting time, especially as the Moon is waxing in the fertile sign of Cancer!

April 22: Pluto stations retrograde at 21 degrees of Capricorn; some people may experience a couple of days of sluggish energy in the body

April 29: A sensitive full Moon at 9 degrees of Scorpio heightens feelings; stay close to yourself and review your intentions from April 15

Aries HeavenScent, Copyright GoshenAstrology 2018

Visit HeavenScentNY.com for your pure astrology scents!

 

 

Celestial Planner for March 2018

Sunset on Water, Pisces. Courtesy of Wallup.net

Dear Friends,

March begins with a lot of mutable energy about, calling us to be open to change. As the sign of Pisces is emphasized, we may be feeling more sensitive than usual. Balance any escapist or addictive tendencies with practical acts of kindness, both to yourself and others. You know your deepest wish for your life – how can you nurture it daily?

The Full Moon on Thursday, March 1, helps us put into perspective the events brewing since January 31. The Moon and Saturn connect harmoniously in earth signs in the Full Moon chart, calling us to ground our energies. We may experience strong tensions during this time between the wish to act decisively and the wish to hold back. Can a fresh perspective help us to resolve these opposing forces?

From March 7, planetary energies shift gears and we’ll feel the pace increasing as the month unfolds. All the personal planets move into the cardinal (“doing”) modality by March 18, allowing us to get day-to-day things accomplished. Jupiter, planet of justice and reward, however, slows down. Look to the house in your chart that contains the mid to late degrees of Scorpio to find out in which part of your life you’ll experience this slow down.

On a national level, the United States Sun remains at the midpoint of Saturn/Pluto for most of the year. This is extremely challenging for our country as we suffer the manifestations of privation and mass violence. At its most positive level, Saturn/Pluto pictures can manifest as “endurance and the capacity to make record efforts of the highest possible order”*. Let’s remember this, and persevere at our own efforts for a better world, however small these efforts may be.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

 Full Moon Chart March 1 2018, Copyright Catherine Goshen, GoshenAstrology.com 2018

 

ASTRO-PLANNER MARCH 2018

March 1: Full Moon at 11 degrees Virgo. Avoid emotional sentimentality and work in the garden or the kitchen, clearing and organizing

March 7: Mercury and Venus both move into Aries. Be mindful over the next few days of what you wish to project to the world. There’s a lot of fire (action) and water (emotion) about with no air (thought) to balance hasty pronouncements

March 9: Jupiter moves retrograde at 23 degrees of Scorpio. It will turn direct in July at 13 degrees of Scorpio. Watch for more information coming to light over the next few months concerning last year’s numerous sexual misconduct scandals

March 17: New Moon at 26 degrees Pisces. Use this day for creative or soulful pursuits as you set your intentions for the month ahead. On March 18, Mars shifts signs into Capricorn, facilitating getting things done. Plan your weekend ahead!

March 31: Full Moon (Blue Moon) at 10 degrees of Libra

*Ebertin, The Combination of Stellar Influences

Pisces HeavenScentNY essential oils

Visit HeavenScentNY.com for your pure astrology scents!

 

 

Astrology Update 2018

Mountain View, Courtesy of WallUp.net

Dear Friends,

How are you faring? Let’s look at the year ahead so that we can plan in sync with the cosmos!

By now we’ve all had a chance to adjust to the overall tone of 2018 which can be likened to the year you had the strictest teacher in the school, Mrs. X. Remember that year? At first you were afraid of her, but as the year went on, your grades improved, and you began to appreciate the fact that you always knew where you stood with Mrs. X. She had no favorites, and was consistent and fair. She punished you when you broke the classroom rules or fooled around. She gave you the marks you deserved, for better or for worse. Why? Because she wanted you to learn. You never forgot the lessons she taught you about life, the universe, and everything.

Saturn in Capricorn is like Mrs. X and will be our most influential teacher until March of 2020. We are therefore encouraged to work hard and follow the rules a little closer than usual, and to set stores by for our future.

January, February and May are the months for all of us to initiate new projects and break new ground. The rest of the months of this year will see one of the personal planets (Mercury, Venus or Mars) retrograde, allowing us time for integration and evaluation of our progress.

Gemini and Virgo, your integration months are late March to mid-April, late July to mid-August and mid-November to early December. Most of the year will be relatively unpressured for you (unless you have a cardinal rising sign) so take some time to enjoy the small joys of daily life. Put off making important decisions when your life path seems cloudy.

Taurus and Libra, your kick-back period is early October on into mid-November. Research or activities which require inward-turning focused intensity are ideal for you during this period. Taurus, prepare for possible changes initiated at work this month. The theme for the year for you is expansion. For those of you born April 19 (late Aries) to April 23 (early Taurus), expect sudden and important shifts in 2018! Why not decide right now on initiating that change you’ve always dreamed of? Libra, there will be a couple of obstacles to overcome this year but you’re prepared for them – you’ve done the spadework. And once overcome, the results will be worthwhile.

Aries and Scorpio, your quieter months are July and August. Use this time to make connections with extended family and friends, or to push your technological learning boundaries. Aries, it’s the year to advance your career; help will be given. Scorpio, abundance is yours, so focus your energies only in areas of your life which you wish to grow.

For all of us, July and August are challenging months to initiate new ventures. Take note, and book your holiday soon! Let’s use the month of May to advance our cause.

Leo and Aquarius (or those with these signs rising in their charts) you continue to be impacted by the eclipse cycle. Take note of the partial solar eclipse on February 15 which echoes last year’s August eclipse; it may stir up recurring themes around partnerships. You’re being shaken up as what you thought was true is revealed as partial truth only. The best way to deal with change is to welcome it in.

Cancer and Capricorn, make use of the growth potential this year offers! Capricorn, you deserve to be rewarded for all the work you’ve already put in of late. Schedule time to treat yourself and a loved one this month. Cancer, you also need to make time to relax. The area for you to watch in February is your partner’s resources; for the year, your focus is on relationships and business partnerships. What is worth consolidating in this area of your life?

Sagittarius and Pisces (and those with these signs rising in their charts), you’re dealing with emotional and/or spiritual growth this year. You may be revisiting events from 2006. Embrace possibilities for a new working environment. Reduce clutter by clearing the decks and donating unwanted goods.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

Cropped mountain view, courtesy of WallUp.net

ASTRO-PLANNER FEBRUARY 2018

January 31: Full Moon: Total lunar eclipse at 11 degrees Leo. With Mercury just changing signs from Capricorn to Aquarius and Mars in opinionated Sagittarius in the eclipse chart, your best bet is to lay low and avoid saying or doing something brash during the last couple of days of January

February 11: Venus enters Pisces where she’ll remain until March 6. A wonderful time period for volunteer work and/or joining a spiritual group/yoga class/choir/healing modality workshop

February 15: New Moon partial solar eclipse at 27 degrees Aquarius (visible in Antarctica and southern Argentina and Chile). Endings and completions. Surprise communications. Refer back to August 2017. Check your chart to see which house 27 Aquarius falls in (email me if you’re unsure)

Visit HeavenScentNY.com for your pure astrology scents!

Celestial Season Planner for December

Campfire with tree stump, Courtesy of Wallup.net

Dear Friends,

It’s the holiday season!

Social interactions have been feeling on the intense side of late. And there’s been a fair share of frustration when trying to complete tasks. From December 1st things will lighten up considerably to get us into the festive mood. The energy builds throughout the month as we come increasingly under influences which ask us to kick back, relax, and let things flow.

Try to stop treating time as if it’s linear – it isn’t – and this is the best month to experiment with this concept yourself. Be open to several possible outcomes as you move through your day. Use December 9th as your seasonal “reset” – an opportune time for bodywork/healing/nature.

You might be feeling a little concerned about your budget right now. It’s indeed wise to consider (from the Latin ‘considerare’, ‘to examine the stars’) before you spend. Current planetary aspects make spending easy because everything appears to have a rose-tinted hue to it. Take note, dear readers! This feeling of expansive generosity will not last into the New Year so pause before you shop, shop, shop.

And it’s a good time to recall that this season is not about shopping. It’s the time to gather the clans during the darkest time of the year and give thanks that from this day forward the light of the Sun will increase. The winter solstice takes place in the northern hemisphere on December 21. This is a wonderful week for sharing joy, laughter, and warmth. Allow some time for serious reflection and a walk in the woods – planetary patterns from late December suggest the ability to work with ambitious plans for structuring the year ahead.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

Cropped campfire with tree stump.

ASTRO-PLANNER DECEMBER 2017

December 1: Venus leaves Scorpio for Sagittarius helping us to lighten up

December 3: Full Moon at 11 degrees of Gemini; your best party night is December 2 as the Moon waxes full

December 5: Mercury turns retrograde conjunct Saturn; avoid taxing thoughts and emotional heaviness – retreat under a cozy blanket if you can!

December 9: Mars leaves Libra for Scorpio – channel the increasingly strong energies for action into exercise and healing, avoid self-flagellation or physical burnout

December 16: Another good holiday party day with the Moon in Sagittarius

December 18: New Moon at 26 degrees of Sagittarius – plant your fresh intentions for the month

December 20: Saturn leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricorn

December 21: Winter solstice; Sun leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricorn

 

Solar Once-over: Astrology Update for November

"Starry night". Astrophotography courtesy of Wallup.net

With all of us seeking some guidance right now, let’s check in this month with our Sun sign!

CARDINAL SIGNS

Aries, if there ever was a time to pull back a little with your warrior style energy, it’s now. Keep working quietly on your projects while exercising sensitivity when dealing with others, especially those who can assist you in reaching your goals. Cancer, this is the month to extend yourself beyond your comfort zone. Make the effort to go out when you’d rather be cozily ensconced at home. You’ll find useful information on your travels! Libra, things have improved in your major relationships lately and that’s a relief. Take care of the details at work even though it feels as if there’s no time for the small stuff. All the activity of the previous 12 months needs to be integrated now. Capricorn, many of you have been through profound inner changes lately. Don’t worry if you feel socially withdrawn; this is part of the cycle you need to experience. Your hard work is a necessary blessing at this time.

FIXED SIGNS

Taurus, it seems as if you’re on everyone’s invitation list this month! Say yes to everything as social engagements are profitable. Leo, once again your energy is taken up with your work this month – and once again, the call is to make the time to relax when you can. You can keep it all together… now is not the time for uncharacteristic self-doubt. Welcome support arriving in unusual forms! Scorpio, happy birthday! It’s a charmed birthday month in general with things appearing to manifest for you. Try not to spread yourself too thin. Aquarius, you’re coming to the end of a time of introspection. Use November to clear the air and set things to rest. December looks busy for you!

MUTABLE SIGNS

Gemini, life feels a little surreal at the moment and you need to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground. Think carefully before you commit to things, and take charge of your wallet. Your goal is achievable but it’s up to you to create some structure for your dreams. Virgo, put your energy where it’s most productive this month. There’s less need to please others by doing the “right” thing. Fulfillment and confidence comes when you discern correctly who needs your time. Sagittarius, you thought it would never end… the uncertainty, the changes, and the hard work that seemed to go unnoticed. That’s over now as you enter into a time of greater financial stability. Look around for future investments – it’s a good time to plan ahead. Pisces, this is a month for you to create opportunities for yourself. Don’t wait for things to happen, make them happen – this way, you’ll feel more in control of the situation.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

ASTRO-PLANNER NOVEMBER 2017

Nov 4: Full Moon at 11 Taurus – a good evening to put your troubles aside and invite friends over for warm-hearted cheer. Give thanks for the abundant produce we receive from Mother Earth

Nov 8 – Dec 2: Venus and Mars are in each other’s signs. A fine time for choreography, design, work-shopping emotional blockages, and journaling

Nov 18: New Moon at 26 Scorpio – intentions for healing will take root at this time; light candles to symbolize a fresh beginning

Nov 19: Mars squares Pluto – channel your energy into physical activities to avoid confrontational encounters or negative emotional expression

Nov 22: Neptune moves direct at 11 Pisces – those born between Feb 29 and March 3 will be most affected, possibly feeling sluggish. Take it easy for a few days; avoid intemperate behavior and get creative!

Nov 23: Sun moves into Sagittarius – Happy birthday, Sagittarius! For all of us, let’s get holiday shopping done between now and December 3 for a glitch-free experience

Starry night pic edited.

Astrology Update for October

Space, Universe. Courtesy of Wallup.net

Dear Friends,

As an astrologer, I get asked the strangest questions, as if everything on earth could be attributed to astrology!! It cannot – we are under too many influences – but I thought I’d take a moment to share a few thoughts on the nature of the beast, so to speak.

Astrology is the study of consciousness as light, and how consciousness descends to earth. The planets themselves do not physically emit light, so the light we are talking about is a metaphor for consciousness. This light emanates from the center of our solar system in the form of our Sun.

If we were living in another galaxy, we would not have or need the same Astrology. Think about that. It is the light from our Sun which enables us to see all the other bodies in the sky, from the Moon to Saturn. Take away the Sun and we’re left in the dark with floating lumps of rock all around.

We’ve been given the miracle of astrology as a way to understand our lives here on earth. Astrology helps us to see how different kinds of consciousness are expressed in each of us. For example, how much light is your Venus receiving? Is your Mars so close to the Sun that it’s blinded by it? What does this mean for you? How can you work with it?

Each one of us is here for a reason and our natal chart is the map which shows us the things that cannot be changed and the things that can. What is our “karma” or “fate” or “Saturn”? What is our “dharma” or “right way of living”?

Enjoy October – find the Astro-Planner below!

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

ASTRO-PLANNER OCTOBER 2017

October 5: Full Moon at 12 degrees of Aries: stay out of the combat zone; practice small acts of kindness at home

October 11: Jupiter exits Libra where it’s been sitting comfortably since September 2016 and moves into Scorpio where its energies are more unpredictable. However, fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius) can expect their share of bounty, if deserved, in the upcoming year. Hooray!!

October 15: Venus moves into Libra until November 7. Thank heavens, as we need some social grace and diplomacy around here!

October 19: New Moon at 26 Libra: Great day to set your intentions for a new self-care routine or to implement positive change in your relationships.

Entire October: Pluto continues to hang around at 16-17 degrees of Capricorn: I know this is hard for many of you as you’ve been reaching out, especially those born in the second half of 1974 and the first half of 1975, near the end of 1981 and during most of 1982, and the 1990 crew. Hang in there! You’re learning about true grit.

Space, Universe. Courtesy of Wallup.net

Happy Birthday,  Libra!