The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

September 2007

by Benjamin Bernstein

Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.

While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your birth chart. 

9/2. Saturn enters Virgo. Saturn has been transiting Leo for over two years, but today it moves into Virgo. As it journeys through Virgo through late October 2009, it will have many effects: challenging us to institute better structures when "business as usual” needs an upgrade, giving us an uncompromising reality check on our health and healthcare systems (both personal and planetary), opening new possibilities for sacred service, and bringing a deeper level of scrutiny to business in general. It also makes it easier to give these areas the disciplined, long-term effort they need to meet Saturn's high standards!
          With Mercury in Virgo biquintile Neptune, it's a great day to receive divine inspiration in its raw form, and then craft it to perfection with your mind.

9/3. Exercise caution today -- with three powerful squares peaking, it could be a very challenging day!
          The most volatile of these is Mars (in Gemini) square Uranus, which has been associated with accidents and sudden violence. To harness this combination more positively (i.e., use it before it uses you), do some intense and mindful exercise, take constructive action on an intuitive flash, do some writing, or engage in stimulating conversation with positive people.
          Mercury square Pluto is no cakewalk either -- with this energy, communication can be intense and confrontational. Take advantage of Mercury's current position in Virgo to carefully consider your words before you say them, and strategize the best win-win ways to get what you want without resorting to more animalistic tactics. (I'd also advise praying for guidance, since Mercury is still biquintile Neptune.) Other ways to give this energy a positive spin include doing research, delving into an occult art, or finally cleaning out the storage room!
          Today's Sun-Jupiter square can pump you up with so much energy and optimism that you feel like Superman. The danger with the square is overinflation, which can lead to recklessness and overconfidence. Given everything else happening today, you'd do well to remember Han Solo's advice to Luke Skywalker: "Don't get cocky, kid!"
          On top of everything else, Venus is sextiling Mars. While this would normally be a harmonious relationship energy, in today's context it paves the way for all of today's challenging energies to flow into your most important relationships. Venus-Mars is also a creative combination, however, so it will make it easier to come up with inspired solutions to any problems that arise.          

9/4. A magical Mystic Rectangle peaks today, transmitting the energy of special opportunity and divine protection. With Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Chiron involved, you can expect good outcomes in fine-tuning your relationships and creative projects. This configuration is active September 1-6.
          Be open to intuitive flashes regarding relationship and creativity. But, with Venus quincunx Uranus, significant adjustment may be required to put your inspiration into action.
           Finally, with Mercury quintile Jupiter, it's an inspired day for learning, communication and writing. 

9/5. Mercury will be in Libra today through the 27th, making the energies of harmony, beauty and balance available to your talking, teaching, writing and learning. 

9/7. With Jupiter sextile Chiron, giving or receiving mentoring and productive work on resolving your childhood wounds are supported.
          Pluto (still a full- strength planetary force, no matter what the astronomers say!), retrograde since March 31, goes direct today at 26° Sagittarius. If you've been contemplating a powerful transformation during the last five months, this could be an excellent time to implement it. Planets have extra power when they change direction, and you'll be able to harness Pluto's most easily if your natal chart has a sensitive point near 26° Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo or Pisces. 

9/8. Couples everywhere can breathe easier today, as Venus finally goes direct today at about 17° Leo . She goes retrograde about every 18 months for approximately six weeks, encouraging reflection on and reevaluation of relationships, creative expression, and everything else you value. (See Spiritsong’s article on Venus Retrograde for a deeper look.) This is an ideal time to take action on what you been pondering -- or, if you're more cautious, you can wait until Venus clears her retrograde shadow on October 11.  

9/9. The energy of radical change is in the air as a Grand Cross, which some consider astrology's most challenging configuration, peaks today. Uranus, bringer of revolution and paradigm shift, is the dominant player, opposing the Sun and squaring Mars and Jupiter. Two elements of this configuration were exact on 9/3 -- see the paragraphs on Mars square Uranus and the Sun square Jupiter for helpful reminders. I could write an entire column just on this configuration, but the bottom line is to be open to intuitive flashes, and be willing to take bold action in new directions. If what you're doing fills you with vitality, you're probably on the right track. This grand Cross is active September 2-11.
          The possibilities opened up by Mars in Gemini trine Neptune include opening up to new spiritual or creative directions and allowing your writing or speaking to flow through you like water through a pipe. 

9/10. Now that Venus has gone direct, she'll be making many of the same aspects as before in reverse order. The first of these is her quincunx to Uranus, which you can read about again in the second paragraph of the 9/4 entry. 

9/11. A partial solar eclipse (and New Moon) on September 11 -- anyone else getting the willies? I’ll leave it to the mundane astrology specialists to speculate on how this might affect the United States as a country – at 18° Virgo, it won't be visible in North America -- but check your natal chart for sensitive points around 18° Virgo, Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius to gauge how strongly and in what ways it might impact you. Generally speaking, a New Moon eclipse is several times more powerful and long-lasting than a regular New Moon. Therefore, contemplate with extra seriousness what new beginnings you might want to make in your health, service to others and daily routines at home and work. (The eclipse reaches its height at 8:31 a.m., and the new moon is exact at 8:44 a.m.) 

9/12. Like a hurricane being downgraded to a tropical storm, the Grand Cross discussed on 9/9 loses a planet (Jupiter) today to become a slightly less powerful T-square through the 13th. There is no change in how you should be working with it.
          If your vitality seems a bit sapped today, it could be an effect of the Sun’s quincunx to Neptune. Some meditation, creative activity or chi gung should help you get your energy back. 

9/14. A Diamond is not only a girl's best friend, but an energizing astrological configuration as well. The one peaking today -- in which Jupiter sextiles both Chiron and Mercury -- is especially juicy for writing and editing, but also supports precise, harmonious communication of any kind. It's in force September 11-16.
          Mercury also quintiles Pluto today, adding intensity and depth to communication. It's a great day to pour out everything you're feeling into your journal or to a friend! 

9/16. a Yod, or "finger of God," points most intensely to Uranus from Venus and Mercury today. One way to use this: dialogue with your partner about how you could paradigm shift your relationship for the better (while staying open to intuitive flashes), then do it! This yod lasts from September 14-18.
          Mercury is also involved in a quincunx with Uranus, sparking the kind of intuitive flashes require significant life changes to incorporate. 

9/18. “Wedge” -- it's not just the name of the Rebel pilot in Star Wars, it's an astrological aspect pattern (made up of an opposition, sextile and a trine). The one peaking today joins Venus, Mercury and Neptune, and should be equally good for creative inspiration, clear communication with your Higher Self, or making a soul-level connection with another being (human or otherwise). Use it as you will! 

9/19. Peaking today is a much more challenging aspect pattern – a T-square formed by the Sun squaring Mars and Pluto. This one's a little bit scary: Mars and Pluto are the planets most associated with war, and the sun just adds fuel to their fiery opposition. With the Sun and Mars in Virgo and Gemini, the two signs ruled by the messenger Mercury, the wrong choice of words could lead to fisticuffs or worse. Put this energy to better use by doing some cathartic writing, clutter clearing, or organizing some sort of service project that will positively transform peoples’ lives. This T-square runs September 13-26. 

9/20. Ceres, the Earth Mother planet, is retrograde today through December 28. Use this time to reflect on what you can do to live on this planet in a more sustainable way. (See Leonardo DiCaprio's terrifying and inspiring new documentary, "The 11th Hour" -- which takes up where "An Inconvenient Truth" left off -- for ideas.)
          Ah, Mercury biquintile Uranus -- flashes of divine inspiration will come if you only leave space for them! 

9/21. Two important oppositions are exact today, and they're part of aspect patterns I've already described. For helpful insights, see 9/19 for Mars opposing Pluto, and 9/18 for Venus opposing Neptune. 

9/23. You can use the Yod peaking today to think (Mercury) about how to bring positive transformation (Pluto in Sagittarius) to the Earth (Ceres in Taurus). On a more personal level, observe how a shift in your thinking can positively transform your self-esteem or activate the Law of Attraction to increase your abundance!
          The Sun is in Libra today through October 23, radiating the energy of harmony, beauty, balance, creativity and partnership.  

9/26. September has certainly had no shortage of T-squares -- the one peaking today has Ceres squaring Neptune and Venus. Ceres and Venus are money planets, and Neptune either spiritualizes or dissolves. Under this energy, if you're visualizing prosperity, finances can manifest more easily. But if you're not, they could begin to dissolve. (Make him that vision board now!) Another possibility: watch your self-esteem strengthen as your relationship with Spirit deepens. This T-square is active 9/17 through 10/3.
          Another Wedge peaks today (okay, okay, no more Star Wars references), with Mercury in Libra making harmonious aspects to the Pluto-Mars opposition. If warlike energies are in play, this is an ideal time to resolve them diplomatically. Artists can use this Wedge for general creative empowerment.
          This month's Full Moon is at 3:44 p.m. at 3° Aries. Evaluate how you’re doing in terms of leadership, initiation and taking care of your physical body, and make appropriate changes now. 

9/27. Mercury enters Scorpio today, retrogrades on October 11, and slips back into Libra on October 24. Mercury in in Scorpio is a great time for research, telling the unvarnished truth, occult studies, prosperity thinking and plotting to get that juicy inheritance. (Yes, I'm just kidding about that last one, although it does make astrological sense.) 

9/28. Another day, another sign change -- today Mars enters Cancer. Interestingly, it too will go retrograde in its new sign (in mid-November) which will keep it in Cancer through the end of the year. During this period, the cuddling afterward becomes as important as the sex. It's a good time for new initiatives or fresh energy directed toward nurturing and healing, as well as trying out some new recipes! 

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

August 2007
by Benjamin Bernstein

Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.

While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your birth chart. 

8/1. Don’t be surprised if you encounter significant resistance now through Aug. 6. Mars, the planet of drive and initiative, is making challenging angles to powerful Saturn and Pluto. Obstinate resistance may be your natural response, since Mars is in set-in-its-ways Taurus, but consider carefully whether the energy expended is worth the cost. If you want to take this energy by the horns, use it to transform an outworn structure into something better. 

8/2. It’s a great day for celebrating! The Sun and Jupiter, both in fire signs, are trine. This easily connects their energies of vitality and exuberance. Getting creative and letting your inner child come out to play are other good ways to use this shiny-bright energy. 

8/3. A yod, or “finger of God,” peaks today. Mars (the body) and Mercury (the mind) point to Pluto (transformation and power). Positive ways to use this energy include getting mental clarity on any physical transformations that would help you, or using body/mind modalities such as chi gung or yoga to empower self-transformation. 

8/4. Actors and storytellers rejoice – Mercury, the planet of communication, today enters the dramatic sign of Leo. Mercury will be in Leo through the 19th, lending a flamboyant sparkle to communications and encouraging the trickster in us all.  
       The Sun, already in Leo, adds to the spontaneity and creativity with a biquintile from Uranus. 

8/5. Fine-tuning your creative outpourings is facilitated by the Leo Sun’s opposition to Chiron. Since opposition is the angle of relationship, consider involving a partner in your creative refinement.
        Mercury, which just entered Leo, makes a creative biquintile to Pluto today. Will there be no end to all this creative stimulation? 

8/6. Saturn trines Pluto today. This is a powerful combination for productivity, although some challenge and transformation may also come into play. (This transit has been strong for the last four weeks, and will be powerfully felt through the end of August.) We can even continue our creativity theme – with Saturn in Leo, one way to interpret this is “empowerment of creative accomplishment.”
        Jupiter goes direct today (it went retrograde four months ago, on April 5). If you’ve been reflecting on Jupiterian themes such as world travel, higher education, disseminating information and spirituality, now is a good time to shift from planning to action! 

8/7. All three of today’s significant aspects involve Mars. The Red Planet enters Gemini (thru Sept. 28), giving a boost to learning, teaching, writing and other mental activities. It also squares Venus, powerfully stimulating (and possibly challenging) relationships. (My advice: exhaust yourselves with passionate lovemaking so you won’t have any energy left for fighting!) Finally, Mars quintiles Uranus, generating flashes of inspiration that can be rapidly acted upon. 

8/8. Social Venus, grown pouty all by herself in Virgo, backs into Leo to join the party that already includes Mercury, the Sun and Saturn. She’ll stay in Leo (where she’ll turn direct Sept. 8) through Oct. 8. This continues our creative theme, since creativity is a major energy that Venus and Leo have in common. 

8/9. Beware of foot-in-mouth syndrome today. With Mercury trine Jupiter, it may be all too easy for your strongly stimulated thoughts to immediately jump from brain to tongue! It is, however, a great energy for learning, teaching and exploring other cultures. 

8/10. Yesterday’s mental stimulation was also amped up by today’s Mercury-Uranus biquintile, a pairing that supports flashes of intuitive inspiration. Uranus is also being quincunxed by the Sun, which can activate a certain amount of nervous energy if you’re not actively receiving and acting on your intuitive flashes. Finally, Mercury is opposing Chiron -- an ideal time to be giving or receiving mentoring. 

8/12. The New Moon comes exact at 7:02 pm eastern time at 20° Leo. It’s an ideal time to put new energy into activities such as performing, creativity, recreation and interacting with kids (including your own inner child!).
        The Sun, Neptune and Ceres are forming a T-square which peaks today and is active August 5-22. (The Sun opposes Neptune, and both planets square Ceres.) Some ways to make use of this one: watch your self-esteem (Ceres) blossom as you consciously surrender your ego (Sun) to your intuitive guidance (Neptune). Or build your material resources (Ceres in Taurus) by consciously (Sun) invoking the spiritual laws of abundance (Neptune). Potentially challenging configurations such as T-squares can be a lot less troublesome when you put them to use in a positive way! 

8/13. Any intuitive flashes you receive around now may require you to make adjustments to incorporate them (Mercury quincunx Uranus). If they're accompanied by a bona fide ITC (Intuitive Tingle of Certainty), then the adjustment should be worth making!
        Today's Sun-Neptune opposition is part of the T-square discussed on 8/12. On its own, however, it represents a wonderful opportunity to connect to your divine source and/or receive an abundant download of creative inspiration.
        Relationship problems? With Venus and Saturn conjunct today, you're definitely not alone! Venus is the planet of relationship, and Saturn is the stern taskmaster. Any structural weaknesses in your relationships -- romantic or otherwise -- may be highlighted. Taking a proactive approach to healing relationship problems, or releasing relationships that have outlived their usefulness, can help smooth out this transit. For artists, this can be a wonderful time to crystallize your creative visions or deal with business matters. 

8/14. Mercury merges most powerfully into the T-square described on 8/12 today, squaring Ceres and opposing Neptune. (It conjuncts the Sun tomorrow.)  With Mercury and the Sun in Leo, it's a good time to jump onstage and let your talents shine! (Mercury will be part of the Sun-Neptune-Ceres T-square August 12-17.) 

8/15. The relationship issues that got stirred up by the Venus-Saturn conjunction on 8/13 get ratcheted up even more today, as Venus trines transformative Pluto. (And yes, Venus is still very much being written a "reality check" by Saturn!) While this double-teaming of Venus can be challenging, it also represents an extraordinary opportunity for positive transformation in all of your relationships.
        Viewed in a different light, the current planetary alignment also speaks of significant financial opportunity. Venus is the traditional money planet, Pluto is the bringer of massive wealth, and Saturn rules business. As if that wasn't enough, all three are aspecting Ceres in Taurus (accumulation of resources)! 

8/17. Talking about those relationship issues will be easier today, with Venus conjuncting Mercury, the planet of communication. (Venus’ conjunction to the Sun, also today, should further lighten the mood.) Easier communication around things that were previously buried or kept secret is supported by Mercury’s trine to Pluto. 

8/18. Mercury conjuncts Saturn today, making it a good time for business discussions and negotiations. 

8/19. Mercury enters Virgo today (one of the two signs that it rules), where it will stay through September 4. Now is a good time to begin editing and fine-tuning any creative projects you initiated while Mercury (and several other planets) were in Leo. It's also a good period for “Virgo work" such as filing, tidying up and organizing.
        The Sun is also trine Pluto today, giving a general boost to vitality and, perhaps, stimulating some deep psychological work. 

8/20. There’s a Grand Cross -- perhaps the most challenging astrological configuration -- today. The good news is that, since the fast-moving Moon forms one of its corners, it’s only active today!
        This Grand Cross is formed by a pair of oppositions -- Venus-Neptune and Moon-Ceres -- linked by four squares. If something happens in one of your relationships today which threatens your self-esteem, this configuration suggests that you would do well to put your relationship with your Divine Self first. Fueled by the nourishment, nurturing and support which is always available to you from the source of infinite love, you'll be in a much stronger position to handle any challenges presented by your human relationships. 

8/21. If you don't do anything about it, today's Sun-Saturn conjunction could leave you feeling tired and depressed (Saturn's constricting force diminishing the Sun’s vitality). However, consciously applying yourself to a task could have the opposite effect (the Sun's vitality energizes Saturn's natural love of work and productivity). It's your choice! 

8/22. Although August has its share of relationship challenges, today's Venus-Mars quintile may provide you with the flash of insight you need to work through any issues that have so far defied solution. Creative inspiration in general is also supported. 

8/23. The Sun joins Mercury in Virgo today, where it will stay through September 23. Please see the 8/19 entry on Mercury entering Virgo for ideas on how to make the best use of this.
        There's also a Mars-Jupiter opposition today. Both of these planets exude the energy of initiation and excitement, so it's a wonderful time to get things started! 

8/25. Here's something you don't see very often – two separate T-squares peaking on the same day!
        One involves Mercury squaring the Mars-Jupiter opposition discussed on 8/23. This is an extraordinary combination of energies for learning, writing, lecturing, teaching and/or publishing. Excitement and precision are both included in the mix. This T-square is active August 22-28.
        You can use the other T-square, which features a Venus-Neptune opposition squared by Ceres, to receive your Muses’ inspiration, develop a closer relationship with your Higher Power, or develop a deeper soul connection with another human being. Whatever you do, you'll know you're on track if your sense of self-worth is enhanced. This T-square lasts quite a bit longer than the other one -- from August 16 to September 3. 

8/28. Today's Full Moon, at 6:36 am eastern time and 5° Pisces, is also a lunar eclipse. Ask yourself how “full-filled” you are with your divine connection and your creative receptivity. And, because the eclipse gives this question special importance, keep it in mind for the next six months.
        Gaining insight into this question will be easier than usual, thanks to Mercury's opposition to Uranus. These planets are natural allies -- Uranus is the higher octave of Mercury – and tend to ignite flashes of divine inspiration whenever they connect. Since they're in opposition -- the angle of relationship -- don't be surprised if Spirit chooses another human being to deliver its message.
        This Mercury-Uranus opposition is further empowered because both planets are squaring Mars in Gemini (which forms a T-square, peaking today and active August 26-30). This suggests that, once you receive those flashbulbs of inspiration, you should act on them ASAP! 

8/30. Not content to hook up with just one outer planet, Mercury quincunxes Neptune today while still opposing Uranus. This gives your brain two ways to connect with Spirit -- Uranian flashes of inspiration and the ceaseless waterfall of Neptunian flow. 

8/31. August ends with diversity-loving Mercury adding yet another planet to its list of current connections! You can use its trine to Ceres to make some money and/or consciously craft your thoughts to support your self-esteem.

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

July 2007 - A Month of Yods!

by Benjamin Bernstein

Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.

While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your birth chart. 

7/1. July opens with a potentially challenging Venus-Saturn conjunction, writing us a “reality check” for our most important relationships. If they have solid foundations, they can grow stronger under this transit. If they can't withstand restructuring, they may fall by the wayside. Fortunately, with Mars also sextiling Mercury in Cancer today, nurturing communication is supported! 

7/2. Ready to initiate some creativity? Mars, already receiving a creatively inspiring quintile from Neptune, today gets inspired by a biquintile from Jupiter! Since Mars is in Taurus, consider expressing this creativity through gardening, building, or something that involves as many senses as possible. 

7/5. What if God's voice thundered from the clouds and said, "This is urgent -- do it now! But wait - this other thing is just as important!” That can be the energetic effect of a rare aspect pattern, peaking today, called a Double Yod Key. Its technical description is rather involved -- two joined yods, or "fingers of God," which point in different directions -- but the bottom-line effect is a sense of split or conflicting priorities.
                Given the planets involved -- Jupiter in Sagittarius, Chiron in Aquarius, Ceres in Taurus and the Sun in Cancer -- a theme emerges of old wounds that need healing. The yod pointing to the Sun gives energy to the healing process, while the yod pointing to Jupiter could suggest an urge to flee from it. But. if so tempted, remember that the yod pointing to Jupiter could also indicate an adventurous new solution to the problem, possibly incorporating modalities from other cultures. 

7/6. Powerful healing forces are available today with the Cancerian Sun quincunx Chiron, the wounded healer, but you’re asked to make a significant adjustment to receive them. Connect with Source for intuitive guidance on exactly what adjustment is required (Sun biquintile Neptune). 

7/8. A Golden Yod is active today and tomorrow, with Jupiter and Neptune (quintile each other) pouring divine inspiration to the Sun (which is biquintile Jupiter and Neptune). Creativity gets a big boost. And, with the Sun in Cancer, you can receive new insights around nurturing and healing. 

7/9. Mercury Retrograde ends at 10:16 pm, so snafus around communications and travel should start calming down. The energy is once again clear for initiating new projects. However, there may be some lingering retrogradish effects until Mercury clears its shadow – the point where it began its retrograde – on July 23.
                Venus also trines Pluto today, injecting jet fuel into the creative engines already burning. This transit also stimulates positive transformation and soul-deep connection in relationships. 

7/10. Mercury went direct just in time – there’s some powerful initiation energy today, with Mars conjunct Ceres, and both planets quincunx Jupiter. Kicking off a new way of making money has support if everything comes together just right. With this quincunx, however, wait for the ITC (the Intuitive Tingle of Certainty) before you act! 

7/11. Pay special attention to that income opportunity (7/10) if it comes out of the blue, since suddenness and surprises are hallmarks of today’s Sun-Uranus trine. Intuitive flashes are also common, so keep alert for mental lightning strikes! 

7/14. This month’s New Moon occurs in its own sign, at 22° Cancer, at 8:04 a.m. – time to initiate nurturing and healing!
                With Mars square Chiron, niggling little details could irritate you today. Or you could just take a calming breath, plunge in and deal with them! This energy can also support new mentorship and the honing of leadership skills.
                Venus also enters Virgo today through Aug. 8, supporting the fine-tuning of creative projects and relationships. 

7/19. If you’re feeling uncomfortable or challenged, it may be today’s Sun-Pluto quincunx trying to stimulate inner transformation. Stagnation’s a drag, so go for the growth! 

7/20. Today’s Mars-Uranus sextile says, “Grab that intuitive flash and run with it!” It also has athletic benefits, enhancing agility and quick reflexes. 

7/23. The Sun slides into home plate today, entering its own sign of Leo through Aug. 23. Creativity is boosted (which helps explain all those summer arts and music festivals!). 

7/24. The yod (“finger of God”) peaking today emphatically asks us to amplify (Jupiter) the use of words (Mercury) as tools for healing and nurturing (Chiron; Mercury in Cancer). But be careful not to overdo this, or anything else, since Mars is aspecting Neptune and Pluto. Asking for intuitive guidance on the use of this power will help you to bring about positive transformation, rather than getting caught in escapism or power trips. 

7/26. I dub July 26 Creative Day! For starters, Mercury in Cancer (nurturing self-expression) makes an angle of divine inspiration (a biquintile) to Neptune, the planet of divine inspiration. But the big news is another Golden Yod peaking today and active July 23-27, a creatively charged aspect pattern formed by a quintile and two biquintiles. This one is fiery – great for excitement and new beginnings -- involving a Leo Sun and Mars in Taurus (an artistic sign) pointing to Pluto in Sagittarius (expansive transformation). Bottom line: if you’re the least bit creative, get creating! 

7/27. The creative vibe gets a boost from Mercury’s biquintile to Jupiter. Meanwhile, the Mistress of Creativity, Venus, goes retrograde today. This starts an ideal period to reflect on relationships and creativity. The optimal time to begin acting on your insights when she goes direct again on Sept. 8. 

7/28. Mercury trines Uranus today, sparking an increase in intuitive flashes. (Careful around those gas pumps!)
                Today is also the peak of a T-Square, with Saturn opposing Neptune and both squaring Mars. It’s a great time to watch The Secret again and initiate visualizations, affirmations and other manifestation techniques. But, being a T-Square, it’s also likely to challenge you in those life areas which most need transformative assistance! 

7/29. This month’s Full Moon shines forth at 8:47 pm at 7° Aquarius – time to ask how “full-filled” are you in stepping out as a unique, one-of-a-kind individual, no matter what anyone else thinks.

7/30. I dub July 30 Almost-As-Creative Day, thanks to the Leo Sun quintiling Mars and Mercury quincunxing Neptune. Make time for your muse! 

7/31. July ends with one leg of the T-Square (see 7/28), Mars square Saturn, coming exact. Your initiatives can encounter resistance under this transit, but unrelenting persistence (easier with pioneering Mars in stubborn Taurus) and focused visualization (Neptune is still aspecting both planets) will win the day!

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

June 2007

by Benjamin Bernstein

Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your birth chart.

6/3. Relationships may require adjustment today as Venus quincunxes Pluto.  

6/4. Can you say, “Abundant energy today”? With high-energy Mars and Jupiter making an easy-flowing trine, and with both in fire signs, it’s a day to get out and get things done! 

6/5. Venus enters Leo today, where she stays through July 14. Fashion becomes more flamboyant and glittery, and people tend to crave more excitement in their relationships.
                 This is balanced by Ceres’ entry into her home sign of Taurus: the Earth Mother returns home. (She’ll stay in Taurus through March 2008.) This will help everyone be more sensitive to the needs of the intelligent, sentient being which is our planetary home.
                 Finally, the Sun opposes Jupiter, adding juice to the high energy already in place (see 6/4). 

6/8. Actually, there’s been strong, balanced and sustained energy in place since the 1st, when Mars, Saturn and Jupiter formed a Grand Fire Trine. It peaks today and lasts until the 12th. This Grand Trine is augmented by kite points to the Sun and Neptune, which boost its energy further and invite you to visualize and rapidly manifest your heart’s desires.
                 But this Grand Fire Trine isn’t the only configuration in town – also peaking today is a volatile T-square formed by the Sun, Jupiter and Uranus. This dynamic combination can be used to give new ventures a powerful kick-start. If you’re not proactive, however, this energy still needs to manifest, and could do so in surprising and unpredictable ways.  

6/9. Writers and artists rejoice! Creative inspiration is boosted by two biquintiles today: Mercury-Chiron and Venus-Pluto. The Sun is also square Uranus, which is part of the T-square described on 6/8. This could result in challenging breakthroughs and paradigm shifts (as well as excess nervous energy – nothing a good workout won’t cure!).

6/11. You could call it the “Energizer Bunny Configuration” – a diamond pattern in which the Sun sextiles both Mars and Saturn, and Mars trines Saturn. It’s another great day for getting a lot accomplished! 

6/13. Neptune is the major player today, with a trine to the Sun and a sextile to Mars. You can think of this alignment as a starting gun for your dreams: it’s a great time to take action and start making them happen! 

6/14. June’s New Moon is at 24° Gemini at 11:14 pm. Time to kick off new activities around writing, learning, teaching, and other mental themes. 

6/15. Ever notice how even those who pooh-pooh astrology still pay attention to Mercury Retrograde? It starts today at 11° Cancer, goes direct July 9 at 3° Cancer, and clears its shadow (the last lingering effects) July 23. Of course there will be the usual technology glitches and communication snafus through July 9, but this one is a great time to reflect on changes needed in your home environment, your deep psyche and your heart. Contemplate how you can do more nurturing and healing in the world, and receive the nurturing and healing that you need. 

6/17. Today marks the peak of a Grand Fire Trine incorporating Mars, Pluto and Saturn. Its motto could be “initiating the power to get a lot of work done.” It’s active June 15-22, so get cracking! 

6/19. Today’s Sun-Pluto opposition is versatile: you can use it to do deep inner work and/or empower your worldly actions. Meanwhile, relationships and creativity are juiced up with positive energy as Venus biquintiles Uranus and trines Jupiter. 

6/21. The Sun enters Cancer today through July 22, radiating the energy of nurturing and healing. Let your Inner Mother shine! For the meaning of today’s Mars-Pluto trine, see 6/17. 

6/22. You may feel like fine-tuning the details of your relationships and/or creative expression as Venus opposes Chiron today. 

6/23. Uranus turns retrograde in Pisces today for five months, calling upon us to reflect on how we can best develop our unique gifts – especially the ones that most challenge the status quo! 

6/24. Edit and polish your writing and other communications today with Mercury biquintile Chiron. And, with Mars coming into Taurus today through Aug. 6, it will be easier to apply consistent effort to all your endeavors. 

6/25. It’s The Big One – Saturn opposing Neptune, the most important transit of the year – making its final appearance. (Until 2043, anyway!) Saturn and Neptune also opposed each other on Aug. 31, 2006 and Feb. 28, 2007, marking a powerful window when manifesting your desired reality has been easier to accomplish. (Neptune = dream it, Saturn = crystallize it!) That’s a major reason why The Secret became an international phenomenon during this time: the DVD and book precisely expressed this powerful Saturn-Neptune theme. It’s also been a period when outworn structures have been dissolved to make way for better ones.
                 You can tag onto this final opposition’s fading residual energy through July, but the Big Juice has done its main work. Don’t worry, however – even though this prime window of opportunity is now passing, the power of manifestation will be with you – always. 

6/26. “Do I look like a doormat?” It’s a great question to ask as Venus quincunxes Uranus, calling for whatever relationship adjustments are needed to establish true equality. 

6/28. Mental and business activities get a boost today as the Sun conjuncts Mercury. 

6/30. This month’s Full Moon is at 8° Capricorn at 9:47 a.m. How “full-filled” are you in your career, reputation, recognition and “wise eldership”? Now’s the time to make adjustments!
          June ends with Venus opposing Neptune. For relationships, this is about blending more fully into relationships that serve your highest need and letting the ones that don’t dissolve away. For artists, it’s a time when the Muses can be at their most inspiring. Not a bad way to end the month!

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology  

May 2007

by Benjamin Bernstein

Welcome it “It’s All Good Astrology”. Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s astrological energies!

Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your birth chart.

5/1. May opens with a T-square on the wane, with Venus and Jupiter both squaring a Mars-Uranus conjunction. These energies peaked on April 27, but you may still be feeling the fallout from the relationship challenges and creative shifts that it stimulated. 

5/2. May's first Full Moon (there's another on the 31st, making this a "Blue Moon" month) is at 12° Scorpio at 6:09 a.m. Investigate how "full-filled" you are with your committed relationship, research, occult practices, investments and partnerships. Make adjustments as needed.
        The Sun conjunct Mercury in Taurus gives steady energy for disciplined learning, writing and other activities involving communication. Business activities are also supported. 

5/3. With Jupiter biquintiling the Sun and Mercury, you may receive a high level of inspiration as you go about those communication and business activities! 

5/4. Someone may give you some great insights today, but don't be surprised if you reflexively resist them. After all, Mercury is square Chiron.  

5/5. A Grand Trine, active May 1-20, peaks today. With Saturn, Jupiter and Ceres flowing together in fire signs, this is a stable and supportive energy – especially for initiating financial ventures and boosting self-esteem. Neptune adds a kite point to the Grand Trine the 1st through 10th, showing that imagination, visualization and partnering with the divine will be especially effective in creating your desired result. (Be sure to relax and receive intuitive input as well.)
        Mercury makes three exact aspects today: a sextile to Uranus, a square to Saturn and a quincunx to Jupiter. These conflicting energies show a highly stimulated mind receiving new insights, yet tending to resist them because they threaten the status quo. Rather than rejecting these challenging ideas outright, take a hint from Taurus, the sign Mercury now occupies. Taurus’ symbol is the bull, which has four stomachs. Let those new concepts digest thoroughly before passing final judgment! 

5/6. Venus-Pluto oppositions, like today's, give couples who have already worked through most of their relationship issues the opportunity for deeper soul blending. Less stable relationships get the chance for transformation, while partnerships which have served their purpose may end. If it all seems pretty intense, you can thank conjunct Mars and Uranus for making a T-square to Venus and Pluto May 6-9. 

5/7. The most powerful transit of 2007 is the Saturn-Neptune opposition. This combination makes it easier to manifest (Saturn) whatever you visualize (Neptune). With Mercury squaring these two planets, it's a great time to focus on the positive reality you wish to create! 

5/8. Venus moves from playful Gemini into nurturing Cancer today, were she'll stay through June 5. Heartfelt connection in all types of relationships is supported during this time.
        It's a high-energy day, with the Sun sextiling Uranus and quincunxing Jupiter. Your brain should also be in high gear, with Mercury sextiling Mars. It's a great day for getting a lot done! 

5/9. The Sun is now replacing Mercury in the T-square discussed on 5/6. (Its full range of activation is May 6-16, with its peak on the 11th.) The same ideas apply here, but also be aware that both Neptune and Saturn can sap vital forces when squaring the Sun. You may find it easiest to use this period for less physically demanding activities such as visualizing and planning. 

5/10. Be wary of speaking too bluntly or harshly with Mercury quincunx Pluto. You may also encounter obstacles when trying to get to the bottom of something.
        Jupiter square Uranus can be an impulsive, "daredevil" aspect, so triple-check your parachute if you're planning on skydiving (metaphorically speaking). This energy can also be great for breaking out of an old pattern. 

5/11. Outside-the-box thinking is a common effect of today's Mercury-Uranus quintile. Mercury also accelerates out of Taurus into its home sign of Gemini today, like a Formula One racer with the pace car finally off the track. Mercury’s in Gemini through the 28th. 

5/12. The Sun is square Neptune today; see 5/9 for details. 

5/13. Temper, temper -- Mars square Pluto has stimulated more than one angry outburst! Directing that Martian energy into some all-consuming activity will give this volatile energy a more productive outlet. 

5/15. Mars comes home to Aries today, radiating a powerful vibe of pioneering, initiation and leadership through June 25. 

5/16. It's New Moon time, at 3:27 p.m. and at 26° Taurus -- time to initiate projects relating to nature, sensuality, gardening, building and/or simple beingness! 

5/19. Mercury trine Chiron is a great time for editing, refining your thinking and doing detail work. Or you may resonate more with the Sun-Pluto quincunx, which has facilitated more than one challenging psychological breakthrough. 

5/20. A T-square with Mercury opposing Jupiter and square Uranus peaks today. Your hyper-stimulated brain may be in overdrive. Write down those flashes of insight as they strike!
        Today also starts a seven-day period which brings together two configurations you don't see every day: a Mystic Rectangle involving Jupiter, Saturn, Chiron and Mercury, and a Yod which features Jupiter and Chiron pointing the "finger of God" at Venus. They are also linked, since they both include Jupiter and Chiron.
        There are many ways to direct this complex combination of archetypal energies (and I won't even mention all the other planetary energies blending into this cosmic stew!), but here's a good one. From the 19th through the 25th, spend time every day precisely visualizing the relationships you wish to attract, or the ways in which you want your existing relationship to transform. If you're doing creative work, map out the details of your project(s) as thoroughly as possible.
        These seven days have magic in them. If you take this exercise seriously, the results might amaze you! 

5/21. The Sun enters Gemini today, setting a more lighthearted and eclectic tone through June 21. It also quintiles Uranus, boosting creative insights. In addition, Mercury sextiles Saturn, helping your mind to be more serious and focused. 

5/22. Musicians and artists take note -- Venus is biquintile Neptune today, and your muses should be especially generous with their inspiration! 

5/23. The creative flow continues and strengthens, with Mercury trine Neptune and Venus quincunx Jupiter. 

5/25. Sudden flashes of insight and glimpses into new creative directions are added to the mix as Venus trines Uranus. Helpful insights into relationship issues are also available now, as are synchronistic social encounters. 

5/27. You may feel like having a deep, intense conversation about The Things That Matter Most as Mercury opposes Pluto. This is also a great energy for research and exploring hidden realities. 

5/28. With Venus stimulated by both Jupiter and Neptune, the creative juices flow more easily. Be aware, however, that you may not be seeing an important relationship for what it really it is right now (Venus quincunx Neptune). 

5/29. Mercury enters Cancer for an extended stay today -- it will go retrograde in this sign on June 15, go direct on July 10, and finally move into Leo on August 4. Mercury's usual mental agility can feel a bit waterlogged in Cancer. However, this placement is wonderful for marrying thought and feeling -- which, when harmoniously joined, can result in the rapid manifestation of whatever reality you visualize. 

5/31. If you have a healing gift, you may find it amplified today as Jupiter sextiles Chiron. Financial good fortune is also a possibility as Ceres trines Pluto.
        May’s second Full Moon -- the blue one -- sneaks in under the wire at 9:03 p.m. at 10° Sagittarius. Ask yourself how "full-filled" you are in the areas of religion, teaching, travel, foreign studies and/or publishing, and tweak as necessary.
        By the way, according to certain folklore (and Wikipedia), during a Blue Moon, the Moon has a face and talks to whatever it casts its light upon. I don't know about you, but I'm going to be standing in a moonbeam tonight – and listening.

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

April 2007

by Benjamin Bernstein

Welcome it “It’s All Good Astrology”. Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s astrological energies!

Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your birth chart.

4/1. April opens with the "genius conjunction" -- Mercury conjoining Uranus. This is a time when rational mind easily receives intuitive flashes from Divine Mind. Take time to tune in, and be sure to take notes! 

4/2. Venus square Saturn is testing time for important relationships, romantic and otherwise. But it's a good thing, designed to expose weak structures so that they can be reinforced or replaced. Of course, not all relationships can bear up under this challenging energy, so be willing to release a relationship that has outlived its usefulness.
        Creatively, this is a wonderful time for high productivity if you can get past any initial inertia.
        There's a Full Moon today at 12:15 p.m. at 12° Libra. Think about how "full-filled" you are in your relationships and creativity, and make any appropriate adjustments. 

4/3. Be sure you're expressing yourself clearly and unambiguously today, since Mercury quincunx Saturn can lead to communication difficulties. Relationship issues continue in the forefront due to a Venus/Jupiter quincunx. 

4/4. Jupiter's expansive effect as it squares Mercury could cause you to speak before you think, so be careful to avoid foot-in-mouth syndrome.
        Be cautious with relationship commitments right now. It's easy to confuse fantasy with reality with Venus squaring Neptune. This combination can also bring up a strong urge for escapist pleasure. Focusing on spiritual or creative outlets is a healthier choice than the addictive options that might otherwise beckon.
        Today is also a high energy day, with athletic Mars sextiling powerful Pluto. Anger is also a possibility when these two planets interact, so don't let your exuberance go to the dark side! 

4/5. Today is a good day for powerful, cathartic creativity with Venus biquintile Pluto. 

4/6. Mars enters Pisces today, energizing spirituality and inspired creativity. This energy will hold through May 15. 

4/7. Today's Mercury/Venus sextile is a great time for relationship communication. If you've been waiting to discuss something important, today could be the day! 

4/9. This is a good time for personal balance and stability, with the Sun forming a Grand Trine with expansive Jupiter and anchoring Saturn. Neptune even forms a kite point, enhancing your inspiration and divine connection. This energy peaks today, but is strong the first half of April.  

4/10. Feel like speaking the unvarnished truth, even if it ruffles some feathers? You can thank today’s Mercury/Pluto square. This is also a great day for deep research.
        That talk might be especially pointed, since Mercury moves into aggressive Aries today (and stays through the 26th). Think twice before saying anything that might have unpleasant repercussions!
        If you just have to start something, consider launching yourself into a fresh creative project instead of a personal confrontation. Venus’ quintile to Uranus will make it easy to catch that flash of divine inspiration.
        That creativity might come with a side order of catharsis, since Venus is also quincunxing Pluto. You can direct all this Venus energy into soul-deep creative expression or relationship transformation – take your pick! 

4/11. Venus moves into Gemini today. She’ll hang out with the Twins thru May 7. This is a good period for creative diversity and rampant socializing! 

4/17. For our fourth Venus transit in a row, we have the Goddess of Love making a quintile to Saturn. This lovely energy can help artists crystallize their visions into concrete form, and assist lovers in gaining new insights into their relationships!
        There’s a New Moon today at 6:36 a.m. at 27° Aries. This is a fiery energy under with to make new beginnings, especially physical-focused ones such as exercise programs and diets. It’s also a great time to step into a greater leadership role if you’re so inclined. 

4/19. Sun trine Pluto may guide you into some intense psychological transformation, strap a turbo-booster to your vitality, or both. It’s a great day to carry out any ambitious plans you may have.
        Mercury is also sextile Chiron, which can give an easy precision to your communication. Along with the Sun/Pluto trine, this would be a great day to give a speech or important presentation.
        Finally, Saturn goes direct today, following a 4-1/2-month retrograde. If you’ve been planning your work, you now have a major green light to begin working your plan! 

4/20. The Sun enters Taurus today, where he will remain thru May 21. Activities involving sensuality, nature and slow, steady accomplishment (The Way of the Energizer Turtle) are supported during this period. 

4/21. The Grand Trine Kite I described on 4/9 is back, but Mercury has taken the Sun’s place in trine to Jupiter and Saturn (and in sextile to Neptune!). This formation gives powerful support to inspired communication and learning. It peaks today, but is strong April 18-24.  

4/24. Take a quiet moment today to relax and connect with Spirit. With the Sun quintile Neptune, it should be easier than usual. 

4/26. Mercury trine Pluto is ideal for deep research, powerful communication, occult explorations or working a high-dollar business deal. Take your pick!

4/27. Mercury joins the Sun in Taurus, where it will remain through May 11. Decision-making can be a little more slow and deliberate during this time, and some of your best ideas may come when you’re out in nature.
        April’s final major configuration (following those two Grand Trine Kites) is a challenging T-Square. Relationship issues will be heightened during its tenure, which peaks today but is strong April 23 thru May 3.
        This T-Square starts with Venus opposing Jupiter. Both planets also square Mars and Uranus, which are conjunct. This configuration is like cosmic TNT. If the relationship is strong, this explosive energy can catapult it to the next level of passionate intensity. If the relationship no longer serves your highest need, these volatile forces could blow it apart so that a better one can ultimately replace it.
        This T-Square can also stimulate artists to move in exciting new creative directions! 

4/28. Today’s Mercury/Neptune quintile can provide enhanced mental inspiration and intuitive connection.
        Mars’ conjunction to Uranus can give a stronger ability to take immediate action on intuitive flashes. But watch out for sudden outbursts of anger and accidents, which are also more likely under this transit. 

4/29. The more volatile aspects of the Mars/Uranus conjunction (see 4/28) are restrained today by Saturn’s quincunx to Mars.  

4/30. Jupiter helps overcome Saturn’s restraint by squaring Mars today. This is a strong energy surge that demands action, so get out and act on something that needs doing!
          April’s last major transit is Venus trine Neptune, which brings inspiration to the creative, harmony to lovers, and helps calm the effects of the current T-Square (see 4/27). It’s a delightful way to end the month!

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

March 2007

by Benjamin Bernstein

Welcome it “It’s All Good Astrology”. Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. You will experience planetary movements that specifically affect your natal chart much more intensely than these global transits. 

3/1. March opens with Mercury sextile Pluto, a great time for research, psychotherapy, or delving into the occult arts. Pluto is also quintiling the sun, giving your core creativity a powerful boost. 

3/3. With Venus sextile Chiron, it's a great day to give or receive mentoring. But today's big news is the Full Moon eclipse at 13° Virgo. An eclipse dramatically increases the strength of a New or Full Moon, so pay special attention to how “full-filled” you are in your daily routine, your health and your service in the world. Make adjustments as needed. 

3/5. Today's Sun/Uranus conjunction can have you buzzing with energy one moment, then feeling drained the next. You may also feel unusually zany or radically individualistic, especially with this transit coming right after the Full Moon!  

3/7. Had enough of Mercury retrograde? Thankfully, Mercury goes direct today, putting an end to its retrograde effects of difficult communication, technology glitches and other irritating anomalies.  

3/8. Today and tomorrow mark the peak of a powerful configuration involving four planets (full duration: March 3-13). Technically speaking, it's a fire element Grand Trine composed of Venus, Saturn and Jupiter, topped off by a kite point to Neptune. While this configuration can manifest in different ways, most people will primarily experience its relationship effects.
                    This is an excellent energy under which to evaluate a relationship. If it serves your highest need, Saturn will bring stability, Jupiter expansion, and Neptune soul-level blending. If the relationship has outlived its usefulness, Saturn will bring challenge, Jupiter will magnify the problems, and Neptune will help dissolve your bond.
                    Either way, all that fire can make this process intense and dramatic. This is also a strong energy under which to initiate new relationships.   

3/9. Artists, musicians and other creative types can use this Grand Trine Kite (see 3/8) to both receive new inspiration and carry forward projects already begun. Your circuits may feel overloaded, what with Jupiter squaring the Sun on top of everything else, so take care not to overreact or blow things out of proportion. 

3/10. Saturn helps slow things down to a more reasonable pace as it makes a quincunx to the Sun today. Diminished vitality is a common symptom of Sun-Saturn contacts. 

3/11. Quintiles provide a magic spark of creativity. Today, try using the one between Venus and Mars to help you initiate new possibilities in your artistic endeavors and relationships! 

3/13. A second quintile, between Venus and Chiron, also affects creativity and relationships. Its inspiration, however, is more about refinement and fine-tuning. 

3/15. Today's Mars/Chiron conjunction offers numerous possibilities, including fine-tuning your passion, initiating the healing of old childhood wounds, and starting or reenergizing a mentoring process. Take your pick! 

3/16. What do you call a day with three exact Pluto transits? Intense! The Lord of Transformation’s square to Ceres can challenge (but ultimately empower) self-esteem. The sextile to Mercury, now happening for the third time in 45 days due to Mercury’s retrograde, is just as great a time for research, psychotherapy and delving into the occult arts as it was on March 1. And, with the ruler of the snake, scorpion, eagle and phoenix also trining Venus, it's also a time for powerful relationship transformation.
                    The day also holds promising financial possibilities, since Pluto, the ruler of great wealth, is aspecting the two money planets Ceres and Venus.
                    The only significant non-Pluto aspect of the day has expansive Jupiter trining constrictive Saturn. This equilibrium helps to ground all that plutonian transformation! 

3/17. Mercury sextiles Venus today, facilitating good relationship communication. This is also a business aspect, since Mercury rules commerce and Venus money.
                    Venus will transit Taurus today through April 11. She takes on extra power here, since she rules Taurus. Sensuality, appreciation of nature, creativity (especially the physical or three-dimensional kind) and financial prosperity are all energized. 

3/18. Mercury will transit Pisces today through April 10, making it easier to integrate intuition with rational thought.
                    There's a New Moon at 28° Pisces today, made especially powerful because it's also an eclipse! Give special focus to setting new goals around spiritual and creative manifestation. 

3/19. Ceres enters Aries today, barely ahead of the Sun and closely squaring Pluto. This could set the stage for some financial good fortune if you're willing to face whatever challenges arise.
                    The Sun and Pluto make an exact square today. With the Sun poised on the cusp of Pisces and Aries, this could lend you the power to start crystallizing your dreams and visions! 

3/20. With the two creative planets Venus and Neptune joined by the angle of creativity, it's a great time for artists and musicians to tune in to their Muse. Spiritual seekers may also experience a magical connection with the divine.
                    The Sun enters Aries today, marking the first day of Spring. This is the classic day for new beginnings, with much greater goal-setting power than New Year's Day! 

3/21. The sun conjuncts Ceres today, continuing to support the prosperity energy described on 3/19. 

3/22. Be alert for conflict and resistance today, as trailblazing Mars in revolutionary Aquarius opposes conservative Saturn in the fixed sign of Leo. 

3/23. The rebels gain an ally in the Mars-Saturn face-off as Mars gets an expansive boost from Jupiter. If you're facing resistance, make your push now! 

3/25. Is Mars busy or what? Today he conjuncts Neptune, making it easier to initiate spiritual or creative activities. 

3/28. "Mental inspiration from the depths" could be the slogan for today's quintile between Mercury and Pluto. It's a great day for research, occult explorations, or psychological work. 

3/29. The creativity continues with today's Venus/Jupiter biquintile, so get started on that masterwork now! Venus is also squaring Chiron, so be prepared for the opportunity to heal some of your old childhood wounds as they play out in your current relationships. 

3/31. Venus' sextile to Uranus amps up the creative juices even more as March ends, with an emphasis on innovation. This transit also can inspire you to break out of old relationship patterns so that more satisfying ones can take their place. 

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

February 2007

by Benjamin Bernstein

Whatever your sun sign, this column will help you choose how to best use each month’s astrological energies! 

Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and afterwards. 

2/1. February opens with Mercury sextile Pluto, a great time for speaking the unvarnished truth, deep research and probing into the psychological or occult depths. 

2/2. As Mercury enters Pisces, the mind turns more easily to thoughts of spiritual union and divinely inspired creativity. Intuition is also bolstered thru the 26th. 
                 The Moon is full at 13º Leo. If you're not completely “full-filled” romantically, creatively and recreationally, now’s the time to make adjustments!

2/3. Look out -- here come four transits in one day!
                 If you've been dreaming of a way to make more money, today could be a great day to put that plan into action -- courtesy of Ceres in Pisces sextile Mars in Capricorn. In fact, with Mars sextile Uranus, this day is ideal for acting quickly on flashes of divine inspiration.
                 Ceres also conjuncts Uranus today. This can lead to unexpected change in your financial condition, for better or worse. It can also represent a breakthrough in your self-esteem, especially if you embrace your true individuality. This is powerfully supported by Jupiter's sextile to the Sun in Aquarius, so shake off the shackles of conformity and "let your freak flag fly!”      

2/5. Pluto's quintile to Venus in Pisces is especially well-suited to the empowerment of creative visions. This is a perfect time to let your creativity flow unhindered from the cathartic depths! 

2/7. Artists may feel especially inspired under today's conjunction of Venus and Uranus. But for most of us, it's about meeting individual needs in the context of relationship. This transit asks whether you can be fully committed to your relationship and to your unique path of personal growth at the same time. 

2/8. Today's Sun/Neptune conjunction is ideal for spiritual union, psychic sensitivity and receiving the creative visions sent by your Muses. If your energy feels low, these activities should re-energize you. Be cautious on the road, as drivers may be inattentive and spacey.

2/9. The two money planets, Venus and Ceres, join in the sky today -- a stellar time for financial opportunities! It's also an excellent time to observe how your relationships affect your self-esteem.
                 Both these planets are also squared by Jupiter today.  Squares create discomfort and compel change. With Venus, relationship issues are expanded, as is your awareness of any areas of disharmony that need healing. New relationships are also frequently formed under this transit. With Ceres, the square highlights your self-esteem issues. For both planets, financial opportunity beckons, as long as you're willing to overcome some obstacles! 

2/10. You got the visions two days ago. Now, with the Sun opposing Saturn, you have two basic choices: retreat to reflect on your plan, or do the work it takes to make the dream real. 

2/13. It's time once again for everyone's favorite astrological event: Mercury retrograde! Through March 7, we're more likely to experience delays, changes of plan, and transportation snafus. This is not the best time to initiate new projects, but it's ideal for finishing up old ones.
                 Mercury retrograde is also great for reflection and planning. Contemplate your spiritual and creative directions as Mercury backs through Pisces through the 26th. Then ask yourself how you're expressing as a unique individual, and how you can help humanity, through March 7. 

2/14. Valentine's Day will have an unusual tone this year. At first glance, the energy looks great: Venus and Mars, the two relationship planets, are making a high energy connection via sextile. And their sign placement -- Venus in Pisces and Mars in Capricorn -- seems perfect for turning romantic dreams into reality.
                 The challenge comes from Saturn, which today forms a configuration called a yod (Finger of God) to Venus and Mars. This turns the day's energy much more serious, and asks if you're willing to make the adjustments necessary to get serious about your relationship. So Saturn could throw a cold splash of reality into a day that's supposed to feel all romantic, warm and fuzzy.
                 To compensate, make sure you've "taken care of business" regarding reservations and the other details of your romantic outing, and preemptively dealt with any unresolved relationship issues so they don't come up and spoil your date. This Saturn yod should be less challenging if you've already made a significant commitment to your sweetheart. 

2/17. You could be buzzing with energy today, as the Sun is charged up by expansive Jupiter and high-powered Pluto. Plan to get a lot of things done -- you're not blessed with this much energy every day! 
                 The Moon is new at the power degree of 29º Aquarius. Time to renew your focus on shining out as the unique, one-of-a-kind person that you are, humanitarian service, and maybe even high technology!

2/18. The Sun enters Pisces today, the sign of the mystic, the poet, and the dreamer, where it will stay until March 20. This can be a somewhat otherworldly time, when spiritual connection and divinely inspired creativity are both enhanced.
                 Venus piggybacks on this energy with its biquintile to Saturn, giving both creative inspiration and the ability to manifest it in the physical world. Some solid relationship insights may also come your way under this transit. 

2/19. Those relationship insights may have come just in time, since Venus squares Pluto today. This energy urges us to either transform our relationships for the better (get ready for a serious heart-to-heart), or leave them behind if they're unworkable. This transit can also challenge artists to create powerful, cathartic work from their deepest core. 

2/21. With Venus in Aries today through March 17, it's a good time to be bold and initiate relationships with the people you feel drawn to. In all your partnerships, strive to achieve a balance between giving and taking. 

2/22. You'll be more sharp than usual today as the sun conjuncts Mercury. This is a good time for mental heavy lifting! 

2/23. How's your self-esteem? Today’s Saturn/Ceres quincunx will help you see any areas you need to work on, and could also bring a bit of financial challenge into the picture. 

2/25. Mars enters Aquarius today, where it will transit through April 6. You can use this time to take new steps toward your unique individuation, or to put new energy into humanitarian projects. 

2/27. Mercury, still retrograde, slides back into Aquarius, where it will pay a return visit through March 18. This is a good time to focus on original thinking, individuation and humanitarian work. 

2/28. February ends with the exact line-up of one of the year's longest and most important transits: Saturn opposing Neptune. This dissolves existing structures that have outlived their usefulness, and also helps bring dreams into reality. The distance between dreaming and manifesting is shorter now, so get busy creating the life you really want!

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

January 2007

by Benjamin Bernstein

Welcome it “It’s All Good Astrology”. Whatever your sun sign, this column will empower you to make your own choices about how to best use each month’s unique astrological energies! 

Astrological events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, each event’s influence will be active for at least several days before and afterwards.

See the bottom of this page for a brief glossary of aspect definitions.

1/2. Everyday encounters can be much more interesting with the Sun sextile Uranus. It’s a good day to give your unique individuality free reign. Your physical energy may fluctuate a bit, but it’ll be hot when it’s hot! 

1/3. Venus enters Aquarius today and stays through the 27th, asking you to balance relationships with your unique needs as an individual. This is a good time to be experimental and adventurous in your relationships, acting on your flashes of inspiration. This is also a great time to let your one-of-a-kind creativity flourish.
                The Moon is full at 13º Cancer. How “full-filled” are you with the way in which you’re nurturing and healing others, and taking care of things on the home front? Now’s the time to make adjustments in these areas. 

1/4. This is a day of unusual encounters and new discoveries. Mercury/Uranus sextiles ask that you abandon routine and let your moment-by-moment inspiration guide you. It’s also a good day to revisit old problems that have stumped you, since a fresh new solution may present itself. 

1/6. With the Sun on Mercury, this is a great day for animated conversations. It’s also good for starting new business ventures, since Mercury rules commerce. Your mind will be especially sharp, so use this day to tackle anything that requires serious mental focus. Mercury also rules local transportation, so this is also a good day to bop around town or take short trips. 

1/8. Today’s trine makes this a great day to do steady, focused work as Martian energy blends with Saturnian discipline. Your concentration should be strong, and you should be good with anything detailed or intricate. 

1/10. Venus’ alignment with Chiron is good for fine-tuning relationships and creativity. What can you do to help out a friend today? 

1/12. You may not feel like putting your nose to the grindstone today, since this is a better day for enjoying rest and recreation with your friends. Venus’ sextile to Jupiter is also financially favorable.  

1/13. With Mars conjunct Pluto, you may amaze yourself with your endurance. People may be prone to power plays today, so be careful to avoid any serious conflicts. 

1/14. Saturn can constrict energy, so its quincunx to the Sun could make you feel a bit wimpy. But Saturn can also give discipline and focus. You can counteract any energy droop by focusing on the work that most needs to be done and willing yourself to get started on it. 

1/15. Now thru Feb. 1, Mercury gets tuned up by its passage through Aquarius. Your mind will be able to think more innovatively and connect more easily with flashes of genius, so capture the insights as they light up your brain! 

1/16. Mars enters Capricorn today, where it remains thru Feb. 25. This can be a very productive period, with good stamina, endurance, and the ability to apply consistent effort. Plan your work (if you haven't already) and work your plan! 

1/17. Some days are good for acting on impulse, and today’s Mars/Uranus quintile is one of them. If you catch an intuitive flash, don’t hesitate to put it into immediate action! 

1/18. The annual union of Venus and Neptune represents the joining of personal and divine creativity. This is a creative person’s dream transit, so get creating! The spiritually inclined can use it to empower their union with Spirit, or blend souls with another person. Just be careful that Neptune’s ability to cast fog and illusion doesn’t obscure a relationship’s true nature. Relationship commitment decisions are best postponed for another day.
                There’s a New Moon at 29º Capricorn, time to get started on new goals around career, ambition and achievement. 

1/20. The Sun enters Aquarius today, the sign it will transit thru Feb. 18. This is a good time to step into your unique individuality, even it means disappointing those who love you but wish you’d stick closer to the status quo. Your humanitarian impulses will also be stimulated during this period.
                Mercury also conjuncts Chiron today. This is great for fine-tuning your thoughts, writing, and speaking skills. Absorbing detailed or challenging information will also be easier. 

1/22. Get ready for some reality testing in your most important relationships as Venus opposes Saturn. Let those worn-out relationships fall away, but do the work needed to restructure the keepers. Business partnerships can thrive under this transit.
                Big-picture thinking and philosophical musings are supported by today’s Mercury/Jupiter sextile. Humor and travel are also in line with these planets’ multi-faceted archetypes.
                Finally, Jupiter’s square to Uranus may result in some paradigm-shifting thoughts about your religious path. Some of these ideas may be challenging. They may also be true. 

1/25. Watch for creative financial opportunities as Pluto, the planet of massive wealth, quintiles the money planet Ceres. This can also be a time of self-esteem-boosting psychological breakthroughs. 

1/26. Another great money transit comes exact today as Pluto sextiles Venus, the other main financial planet. It’s also a time to flow with whatever transformation is needed in your relationships.
                Your rational mind gets a powerful intuitive overlay as Mercury conjuncts Neptune. Be sure to let spirit have its input before coming to final decisions. This is also a great time to take dictation from Spirit. Set a timer, sit down in front of that blank page or screen, and see what flows through! 

1/27. Refer to the 1/18 entry to catch the flavor of Venus’ transit through Pisces, which runs today thru Feb. 20. Since Neptune and Pisces share the same archetypal energy, the interpretation is the same for Venus in Pisces and Venus conjunct Neptune! 

1/28. You’ve already been receiving the creative and spiritual visions (see the 1/26 entry, second paragraph). Now, with Mercury opposing Saturn, it’s time to manifest those lofty ideas physically.  

1/30. Creative expansion of mind is indicated under this Mercury/Jupiter quintile. You may find brainstorming about religion, philosophy, and foreign cultures to be especially juicy today. 

1/31. Your mind can go deep with today’s Mercury/Pluto sextile. It’s a great time for research, occult study, depth psychology or other activities that take the mind into the hidden depths.

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QUICK GLOSSARY OF ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS

Conjunction.  Two planets in the same place (0° apart). Union; merging.
Opposition.  Two planets opposite each other (180º apart). Opposition; relationship.
Square.  90° angle.  Conflict; challenge for growth.
Trine.  120° angle. Easy, flowing connection.
Sextile.  60° angle. Flowing, high-energy connection.
Quincunx.  150° angle. Difficulty making connection; adjustment required.
Quintile.  72° angle. Inspiring, creative connection.
Biquintile.  144° angle. Like a quintile, but more subtle.

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