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!

Astrology Update for September

Dream sunset. Copyright Catherine Goshen 2017

Dear Friends,

How are you faring as we approach the changing of the seasons?

This month is all about Virgo energy. Happy birthday to those of you with Sun in Virgo – this is certainly the month to activate your plans! All of us, however, can benefit from the abundant Mercury-ruled energy coming in now.

On September 6, after Virgo’s ruler Mercury has moved direct, Mars will enter into the sign of Virgo. Then, on September 10, Mercury itself will move into Virgo, appearing to leave the dramatic Leo energy of the eclipse behind. Venus will follow ten days later – so watch out for a surprise kickback of some sort around September 18.

Virgo energy is Mercury driven. When Mercury is in the sign of Virgo, it feels comfortable, and likes to use its energy helping others. Virgo energy is not only efficient and practical, but discerning and logical.

Mars can also function quite comfortably in Virgo, allowing us to get a practical handle on things. Commit to tasks you know you can accomplish. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by relationships. Stay grounded (Virgo is an earth sign) and plan ahead. Much can be cleared out on both a physical and an emotional level before the equinox on September 22.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

September 5: Mercury stations direct at 28 Leo (at the same degree as the August 21 eclipse)

September 6: Full Moon at 13 Pisces conjunct Neptune – avoid over-sensitivity. Mars moves into Virgo

September 10: Mercury moves into Virgo, where it has honor of domicile and exaltation

September 16: Mercury joins up with Mars – the mutable energy is building

September 20: Venus moves into Virgo – Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all in Virgo

September 22: Autumnal Equinox (Spring Equinox for the Southern hemisphere) – Sun moves into Libra

Astrology Update for August

 

Dream this August at the Lake. Copyright Catherine Goshen 2017.

Dear Friends,

The crackling and explosive energy of July is behind us. Dare we allow our hearts to open to our dreams for a better future?

There’s a good dose of motivational energy around this month focused in the fire signs. Promote, lead, and follow through. At the same time, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks at work during early August – the time is ripe for them to pay off.

Mercury is stationing retrograde mid-month in its home, Virgo, where it’s most comfortable. There’ll be plenty of time to get to those tasks you placed on the back burner for the last few months. Whether you’re reorganizing your computer files or clearing out your clutter, tackle the work with imagination. Why not listen to your favorite opera or jazz band while you work? Experience the non-linear flow of time which visits us when we are concentrated yet relaxed.

In this way, we’ll make space for the finer things in life, courtesy of Venus in voluptuous Cancer. Be sure to pace yourself with social activities as there is a hint of caution against over-indulgence of one kind or another.

While eclipses can act as emotional bottlenecks – and we have two this August – these special new and full moons are only potent on a personal level if they contact a point in your unique chart. Keep calm, and carry on lovin’.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

Eclipse. Courtesy of feelgrafix.com

August 7: Full Moon, partial lunar eclipse, at 15 degrees of Aquarius.

August 13 – September 5: Mercury retrogrades in Virgo – reorder your cupboards and/or computer files, or reupholster the furniture. You’ll accomplish plenty!

August 21: New Moon – but don’t use this one to initiate something new. It’s a total solar eclipse at 28 degrees of Leo. Perhaps you’d like to think back to what you were doing in August 1998, the last time there was an eclipse at this degree. How have you changed since then? What’s the next step on your path?

 

Hot Spotlight on July!

Hot Sun in July. Copyright Catherine Goshen 2017

Dear Friends

As the energies begin to build here for the summer, the challenge is to institute a change in your daily routine. With the New Moon just past in Cancer and the Full Moon approaching in Capricorn (July 9), we are asked to find the balance between nurturing our home selves and our work selves.

No-one said it would be easy! Ancient astrologers understood the special relationship between the Moon (ruler of Cancer) and Saturn (ruler of Capricorn). While the Moon (moist, receptive, emotional) and Saturn (dry, authoritative, indifferent) appear to have nothing in common, nevertheless, they are both the markers of Time in the zodiac. How do you balance time in your life?

This July, you might find yourself making extra time in the morning for quiet reflection – without your cell phone for company. Or you may feel compelled to stand outside in the evenings and look at the starry skies – pondering on your place in the cosmos. Emboldened, you may make a crucial decision to change your attitude toward the irritations that seem to plague your life right now. One small change can start a revolution.

There’s a tremendous amount of energy around this month just waiting for somewhere to go. Try to use it well by taking stock of your current situation and then planning your time wisely.

July 9: Full Moon at 17 degrees of Capricorn. The Moon is conjunct Pluto and in opposition to the applying Sun-Mars conjunction in Cancer. Potentially explosive or ground-breaking physical and emotional feats – you decide. Avoid political debate or family arguments and take a hike!

Mid-July: Uranus, planet of break-through and radical change squares off with war-veteran Mars – avoid conflict, practice random acts of loving kindness, and find constructive ways to let off steam

July 23: Sun moves into Leo and joins Mars there with a potent New Moon – time to shine and lead by active example

July 26: Mercury moves into Virgo – prepare to clean out those closets!

May the Sun shine upon you, always,
Catherine

Glimpse of the Sun. Copyright Catherine Goshen 2017

 

 

Astrology Update for June 2017

Sunlight through the trees in summer. Copyright Catherine Goshen 2017

Dear Friends

June looks to bring some cosmic relief! For those of us who feel like we’ve been going over the same ground since November last year (especially those born in early October, or who have personal planets around 13 degrees of the cardinal signs), things will at last move forward and we’ll be in a position to receive the rewards and abundance we’ve all been hoping for.

You’ve been toying with the idea of having a party to celebrate life – June 9 and 10 are the perfect days! Mercury, planet of communication, will be smiling on this weekend and your guests will be in their chattiest outfits. Venus, planet of social harmony and beauty, will be at ease and the earthy joys of good food & wine will flow. Bountiful Jupiter will at last be moving forward into his final stretch through the sign of Libra and optimism will be back in fashion. And with the full moon in Sagittarius (June 9), we might find ourselves philosophizing the night away…

At this full moon we are also asked to pause and give thanks for all the learning and inspiration that we’ve received from our spiritual teachers, past and present.

June 21 marks the summer solstice here in the northern hemisphere. This is the traditional time of honoring the Sun, our Source of light and life. It is harvest time, a time of fertility and heat, when the Sun appears to stand still in the sky and the day seems to last forever. A great day for a wedding!

Petals like confetti - the solstice is a traditional time for weddings. Copyright Catherine Goshen 2017

The chart drawn for the Sun’s Ingress into the sign of Cancer is often used by astrologers to see ahead for the next few months. In the above chart, note the alignment of Venus in her rulership with the Moon exalted in Taurus, and the Sun’s contact with dignified Mercury in Gemini, all of which create a favorable climate. However Neptune on the Ascendant in New York State suggests that nothing is as it seems, so don’t believe everything you read in the news. Jupiter’s square with Mars in Cancer reminds us to look for solutions to obstacles using a “glass-half-full” mindset.

Sun's Ingress into Cancer, June 2017, Chart set for New York. Copyright Catherine Goshen 2017

Happy Solstice! Happy Summer!

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

Solar Once-over: Astrology Update for May

Sun shining in Taurus strength through the blossoms. Copyright Catherine Goshen 2017

With the pace of life quickening exponentially, let’s check in this month with your Sun sign!

CARDINAL SIGNS

Aries, you’re feeling the push for ever-increasing independence and risk-taking at work. Yet home and family slow you down which may act as a blessing in disguise. Keep moving forward but ground each step in thorough research before taking action. Cancer, this is the month to reach out to friends and talk about your relationship. There are challenges here which won’t go away unless you address them. You’ll be amazed at the support you receive. Libra, you’re frustrated by power struggles at home. Try a fresh approach. The trick this month is to keep moving forward with hard work because it’ll pay off very soon. Capricorn, you have from now until the end of August to make the changes sorely needed in your life. Go for it! This heavy cycle will pass soon.

FIXED SIGNS

Taurus, Happy Birthday! You’ve had so many creative ideas brewing since January and they’re all starting to manifest now. Your most fruitful time will be in June but keep sowing these seeds and envisioning how you want your work to grow this year. Leo, your energy is taken up with your work this month – and, hopefully, some travel is on the cards too! With all the strategizing that’s been going on, you need more than ever to make time to relax. Scorpio, it might feel as if your partner is on a different wavelength to you right now. They are! So turn your attention to adjusting the areas of your life which could do with a little makeover. You won’t be disappointed in the outcome, especially if you focus on improving communications. Aquarius, finances feel a little blurry right now. Spend time this month clarifying monies going in and out. Your reward? A clearer budget and time in the second half of May to focus on creative pursuits. Yes!

MUTABLE SIGNS

Gemini, your energy is returning this month as you pursue your goals with greater focus after May 7. If something is bothering you at work it’s not the time to act. Rather, stay in touch with what matters most to you as you plan your mid-year break. Virgo, finances look good as do work opportunities – be open to what comes your way. Things will begin to move forward for you in the later part of the month. Sagittarius, you’ve been feeling overstretched and under-appreciated for a while now. The end is in site because you’ve already learnt the lesson. So allow this month flow – everything is set in place – all you need to do is show up. Pisces, it seems as if transformative events are happening in your close friendships. There are new opportunities to connect both for work and for pleasure this month as long as you can overcome your reluctance to put yourself out there.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

Telescope for star-gazing - summer sky is coming soon! Copyright Catherine Goshen 2017

May 10: Full Moon at 20 degrees of Scorpio

May 3: Mercury stations direct at 24 degrees of Aries

May 17: Mercury moves into Taurus

May 21: Sun moves into Gemini

May 25: New Moon at 4 degrees of Gemini

Astrology Update for April: Transforming Ideas into Actions

New Growth in Spring

Dear Friends,

There’s so much to look forward to!

The Aries New Moon on Monday night (10:57pm, March 27, New York time) will set the tone for the month of April. Make time to write down your intentions and plans for the month. Wake up early on Tuesday morning with everything in place. How will you begin?

Allow new impressions of yourself to filter in as the week goes by – can you embrace the courage of your convictions and act on them? New thoughts and bold actions so often require a leap of faith. Ask yourself honestly when last you stretched beyond your comfort zone. Then translate the answer into an action plan and follow it through.

Planetary influences this month support focusing on your own needs, on seminal ideas, and on creative projects. And it won’t hurt to spend some time alone nurturing these.

May the Sun shine upon you,

Catherine

 

March 27: New Moon at 7 Aries

April 6: Saturn stations retrograde at 27 degrees Sagittarius

April 9: Mercury stations retrograde at 4 Taurus

April 11: Full Moon at 21 Libra

April 15: Venus stations direct at 26 Pisces

April 20: Pluto stations retrograde at 19 Capricorn

 

Astrology Update for March: Through the Looking Glass

 

 

Dear Friends,

March seems the very best month to let your mad hatter out to play. There is a contrary blend of planetary energies which favors an upside down perspective and the ability to laugh at your own quirks.

This is not the month for a beauty make-over, for finally decorating the kids’ room, or for introducing those two people who you just know will get along. Neither is it the month for finally jumping out of an airplane to conquer your fears. Rather, take this water-fire blend of soulfully explosive energies and allow yourself to jump through your own looking glass – only you know where it is.

The secret this March is not to be too attached to the results of your labors. Take yourself less seriously. And think twice before you text it; some things are better left unsaid.

There is an indication that everything will work out fine in the end. ‘All’s well that ends well’, as the Bard reminds us.

May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine

 

March 4: Venus stations retrograde at 13 Aries

March 11 – April 20: Venus and Mars will dance in each other’s signs

March 12: Full Moon at 22 Virgo; Daylight Saving Time begins at 02h00 on the East Coast. Spring ahead!

March 20: Spring Equinox (Northern hemisphere): Sun moves into 0 Aries

March 27: New Moon at 7 Aries

April 15: Venus stations direct at 26 Pisces