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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

June 2008
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. 

VOID-OF-COURSE MOONS 

Try to avoid starting important new things during these times. 

6/2, 9:03 am - 6:07 pm (Gemini)
6/4, 8:09 am - 5:17 pm (Cancer)
6/6, 5:33 am - 6:01 pm (Leo)
6/8, 11:41 am - 10:02 pm (Virgo)
6/10, 3:42 pm – 6/11, 5:56 am (Libra)
6/13,  5:16 am - 4:54 pm (Scorpio)
6/15, 5:30 pm – 6/16, 5:21 am (Sagittarius)
6/18, 5:38 - 5:53 pm (Capricorn)
6/20, 3:03 pm – 6/21, 5:35 am (Aquarius)
6/23, 3:05 - 3:34 pm (Pisces)
6/25, 10:17 - 10:51 pm (Aries)
6/28,  2:14 - 2:52 am (Taurus)
6/30, 2:43 - 4:05 am (Gemini) 

6/1 (Sun). With Mercury quintile Saturn, it’s a great time to do creative brainstorming around new business ventures or other substantive accomplishments. Learning and communications of all kinds are well-supported. 

6/3 (Tue). June’s NEW MOON lines up at 13°34' Gemini at 3:22 pm. New Moons are normally ideal for new beginnings, but this energy of initiation is compromised because Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, is retrograde thru 6/19 at 10:31 a.m. And by then, we’ll be in a Full Moon phase. This doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t kick off New Moon plans – just don’t expect them to go as you anticipated. (It can be highly educational to observe Mercury Retrograde’s effects firsthand!)
          Whatever your decision, the fact remains that this New Moon bears a striking Sabian Symbol*: “Bridging physical space and social distinctions, two men communicate telepathically.” Its keynote is, “The capacity to transcend the limitations of bodily existence.” How perfect that this comes up during Mercury Retrograde, since Mercury is about communication and retrogrades can mark a turn within into the deeper, more hidden realms of reality. So there’s at least one New Moon goal you can make: try an ESP experiment with a friend! 

6/4 (Wed). Anticipate a nice energy boost with the Sun sextile Mars today. With these planets in Gemini and Leo, it can also be a good time to step into the spotlight and strut your stuff! 

6/5 (Thu). Today’s Sun-Jupiter biquintile is subtle, but can be inspirational for writing and other forms of self-expression. 

6/6 (Fri). Venus, now right on the Sun’s coattails, makes the same biquintile to Jupiter today that the Sun made yesterday. With this combination, look for inspiration in the realms of relationships and creativity. Communication with your beloved is also positively supported.
          But there’s more good news: the lovers’ planets, Venus and Mars, make a flowing sextile today. This also bodes well for harmonious interactions with your sweetheart. 

6/7 (Sat). It’s a double conjunction day, with Mercury giving quick kisses to the Sun and Venus as it reverses through Gemini. These link-ups are generally good for learning, writing, and teaching, and ideal for reflection on self-concept, relationships and creative expression. 

6/8 (Sun). Mercury may be retrograde, but as it sextiles fiery Mars in the spotlight-loving sign of Leo today, the urge to wow ‘em with a show-stopper may impossible to resist. Even if you’re not a Broadway diva, or even a hometown karaoke king, this is a good time to shine out at least a bit more than usual! 

6/9 (Mon). Venus, having dogged the Sun’s heels for weeks, finally catches up with today’s conjunction. Let the brightness of the Sun’s light help you clearly see your relationships for what they are, while simultaneously radiating an abundant vitality that will assist you in either shoring up any weak spots or celebrating what’s already wonderful. 

6/10 (Tue). The common theme among the three aspects that Venus makes today (quincunx to Jupiter, quintile to Saturn and trine to Chiron) is a sense of solidifying, grounding and fine-tuning. Feel free to apply this to relationships, creativity or both. (The fact that the Sun makes all the same aspects tomorrow morning helps to energize all of this even more!) 

6/12 (Thu). As Uranus is squared by Venus (today) and the Sun (tomorrow), you may get the opportunity to see both yourself and your relationships from a different perspective. Uranus communicates via the ITC – the “Intuitive Tingle of Certainty” – so be open to those strong but fleeting “lightning strikes” of wisdom within. The more you act on them, the less Uranus will have to play its “sower of chaos” role in order to bring about necessary paradigm shifts in your life. 

6/13 (Fri). When you play any two notes an octave apart on a keyboard, they harmoniously support and reinforce each other. This is also the case with “planetary octaves,” such as today’s Venus-Neptune trine (amplified by tomorrow’s Sun-Neptune trine). Venus represents personal creative expression, while Neptune stands in for the inspiration bestowed by the Muses themselves. These two energies merge easily today, making it an ideal time for creativity of all kinds. Venus and Neptune can also play well together in helping you create a more profound relationship with Spirit, and in bringing deeper soul-connection to your relationships with humans and other earthly beings. 

6/14 (Sat). PLUTO RE-ENTERS SAGITTARIUS. Pluto’s entry into Capricorn back on Jan. 25 was headline astrology news, and its passage through the Sign of the Mountain Goat through 2024 promises to coincide with events that will profoundly alter life on earth as we know it. (For more on Pluto in Capricorn and other astrological mega-events, read this article.) Today, however, Pluto retrogrades back into Sagittarius for one last visit before settling into Capricorn for the long haul on Nov. 26. Don’t be surprised if Pluto digs up some more dirt in the areas of religion, politics, and international intrigue while it revisits the Sign of the Archer! 

6/15 (Sun). Today’s Mars-Jupiter quincunx can bring a sense of frustrated desire – a powerful urge to burst out of the starting blocks weighted down by the sense that some significant adjustment must be made before the starting pistol can fire. If you can figure out what the adjustment is, though, you’ve got some powerful energy supporting you! 

6/16 (Mon). A “leadership challenge” YOD peaks today, and is active June 15-18. With Uranus and Jupiter pointing the “finger of God” at Mars, the question is whether you’re willing to step into some kind of leadership or pioneering role in a high-profile way (Mars in Leo). The keys to success in this endeavor are maintaining a steady sense of hope and optimism (Jupiter in Capricorn) and acting on your intuitive flashes of wisdom (Uranus in Pisces). Chiron’s opposition to Mars (making this a “bounce-back yod”) suggests that sharing some much-needed wisdom or healing with the world might be an important factor. 

6/18 (Wed). There’s a FULL MOON today at 1:30 pm at 28° Sagittarius – time to ask how “full-filled” you are in areas such as religion, philosophy, foreign travel, higher education and adventurousness. This Full Moon’s Sabian Symbol* is, “An old bridge over a beautiful stream is still in constant use.” The keynote is, “The enduring elements in a society which reveal its ability to significantly link the genius of its individuals to the everyday needs of the collectivity.”
          With this Full Moon occurring on the last day of the yod discussed on 6/16, an additional Sagittarian keyword – “teacher of higher wisdom” – comes to mind. Would part of you shine more brightly if you stepped forward to share some information or talent you possess in a more public way?
          Venus enters Cancer today thru 7/12, bringing the opportunity for a more heartfelt, nurturing tone to relationships. She also opposes Pluto, which can expose secrets within relationships and possibly ignite power struggles. If used more consciously, however, the Venus-Pluto opposition can ignite soul-deep passion (great for tantra!) and encourage a deeper soul-blending than ever before. 

6/19 (Thu). Exercise special caution today, since Mars and Uranus, the Accident Twins, make a challenging quincunx today. To use this energy to your benefit, be willing to act rapidly on any intuitive flashes you receive – even if you must make a significant adjustment in order to do so.
          MERCURY GOES DIRECT today at 10:32 am. Many will breathe a sigh of relief and jump ahead with new projects that have been waiting in the wings. Those of a more cautious bent, however, will wait until Mercury clears its shadow (the point at which it went retrograde) on July 4 at 9 am to avoid any trace of MRE (Mercury Retrograde Effect) tainting their new undertakings.
          Saturn sextiles Ceres today, a solid combination for business and financial activities. 

6/20 (Fri). Happy SUMMER SOLSTICE! There are more actual minutes of daylight today, as the Sun enters Cancer, than during any other day of the year, so give up a prayer of appreciation to Old Sol for the abundant solar energy that makes our physical existence possible. Be sure to include a sincere openness to ongoing personal transformation, as indicated by today’s Sun-Pluto opposition.
          The STELLIUM formed today (three or more planets in a sign – in this case, Sun, Venus and Ceres in the Sign of the Crab) makes Cancer the strongest energy in the sky. It will remain so thru 7/22.
          Mundane astrologers (who study astrology’s practical effects on countries and the world) draw up “ingress charts” when a new season begins. These tell something about the energy picture for the next three months. The summer ingress chart for the U.S. (calculated for Washington, D.C.) has plenty of challenge, so look for a rather tumultuous national scene this summer! 

6/21 (Sat). Wait to be acted upon, and today’s Neptune-Mars opposition could drain the energy from your physical vitality. Used more proactively, it could give you the impetus you need to visualize the reality you desire or forge boldly into the heights of spiritual realization!
          Need a focus point for your visualization? Today’s Venus-Saturn sextile is good for bringing relationships and creativity into the next level of manifestation and groundedness. 

6/24 (Tue). A GOLDEN YOD peaks today (made up of a Mercury-Mars quintile, with both planets also biquintiling Jupiter). Golden Yods are magical configurations of divine inspiration. In this case, you can use it to boldly (Mars) take your fresh ideas (Mercury) out where they will do the world some good (Jupiter in Capricorn, both of which are social energies). If you’ve got a helpful light burning, let it shine! 

6/25 (Wed). Today’s Sun-Saturn sextile can give you consistent energy to fuel your vitality. Go get some good work done! 

6/26 (Thu). URANUS RETROGRADE. Uranus shifts into retrograde today for just over five months, thru 11/27. This is a good time to reflect on how you can evolve into your highest level of individuation, which both fulfills your reasons for incarnating and serves the planet’s other living beings. 

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

May 2008
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. 

VOID-OF-COURSE MOONS. It’s best to avoid starting important new projects or making major purchases during these times. “Business as usual” is the best strategy for these periods, which occur when the Moon has made its last major Ptolemaic aspect but has not yet moved into the next sign. 

5/2, 5:35 am - 6:52 am (Aries)
5/4, 3:16 am - 7:59 am (Taurus)
5/6, 4:22 am - 7:18 am (Gemini)
5/7, 9:37 pm – 5/8, 7:02 am (Cancer)
5/9, 8:07 pm – 5/10, 9:11 am (Leo)
5/12, 4:09 am - 2:49 pm (Virgo)
5/14, 12:39 pm - 11:47 (Libra)
5/16, 11:29 pm – 5/17, 11:00 am (Scorpio)
5/19, 10:12 pm - 11:19 pm (Sagittarius)
5/22, 12:20 am - 11:56 am  (Capricorn)
5/24, 6:53 pm - 11:52 pm (Aquarius)
5/26, 10:50 pm – 5/27, 9:39 am (Pisces)
5/29, 2:23 am - 3:53 pm (Aries)
5/31, 8:54 am - 6:19 pm (Taurus)

5/1 (Thu). Today is when the third and final incarnation (active 4/27-5/6) of the GRAND TRINE that dominated April peaks. This time Venus is in the musical chair recently vacated by Mercury and the Sun. Please read the 4/18 entry for the Grand Trine’s basic meaning, but what's different now is that – since Venus rules Taurus, and Taurus is a money sign – the business and financial possibilities are especially strong. You can also use this energy to empower and stabilize relationships and creative expression. 

5/2 (Fri). Mercury enters Gemini today through -- July 11? That's right. The messenger’s stay in its home sign will be unusually long because its next retrograde, which starts on the 26th, will take place entirely within Gemini. Therefore, opportunities for communication and learning will be amplified during this time.
          SATURN DIRECT. Saturn, which has been retrograde since December 19, turns direct today at 2° Virgo. This can help give new forward momentum to business ventures and other accomplishments requiring persistent effort. This is a great time to shift from "planning your work" to "working your plan." Don't expect your efforts to be instantly rewarded -- Saturn always requires hard work before he ponies up -- but at least you're no longer tacking against a headwind! 

5/3 (Sat). Mercury is doubly challenged today, with a quincunx to Pluto and a square to Saturn. Watch for challenges to your self-expression and freedom of thought. Or you can proactively harness these energies by diving into psychological or research work or speaking out as an authority. 

5/4 (Sun). Mercury’s quintile to Uranus makes it much happier today, opening the rational mind to flashes of creative inspiration from Divine Mind. 

5/5 (Mon). May's NEW MOON is at 8:18 a.m. at 15°22' Taurus. Since one of Taurus’ mottos is "I have," and since the Sign of the Bull relates to what you value, you can use this New Moon to make new beginnings in the areas of finance and material security. New starts in the areas of sensuality and immersion into nature are also well supported.
          The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is, "An old teacher fails to interest his pupils in traditional knowledge." The symbol's keynote is, "the inadequacy of past knowledge in time of crisis," and relates to the principle of "creative frustration."* So even though this New Moon is in Taurus, the sign which most loves to dig itself into a comfortable groove, its Sabian symbol urges us to break out of our comfort zone and try something new. Perhaps this is in response to a new and unprecedented situation -- since Taurus is the sign that most relates to the natural world, the global climate crisis springs inevitably to mind. Following the principle of "Think Globally, Act Locally," identify the biggest sea change in your own life and think outside the box to come up with the best response.
          Thinking outside the box -- along with every imaginable flavor of creative expression and divine connection -- is also supported by today’s Venus-Neptune quintile. 

5/9 (Fri). JUPITER RETROGRADE. Jupiter begins a four-month retrograde today, backpedaling from 22° to 13° Capricorn before turning direct on 9/8. In a way, it hardly seems fair: Saturn, the planet of sweat equity, only went direct a week ago and has just started to build some momentum. Now Jupiter has to go and slow things down by putting its expansive energies into reverse in Capricorn, the sign which represents the same accomplishment-oriented ethos as Saturn. This pulls some energy away from "work your plan" and back into "plan your work."
          Saturn still has the upper hand, since slower planets tend to trump faster ones, and overall this is still a good time to get things done. Just be prepared to invest a little bit of extra energy!
          Mars also enters Leo today through 7/1, heating up the energy of the entertainer, jester and royal leader in each of us. 

5/11 (Sun). Carrying around some buried anger, rage or frustration? Be wary of potential triggers for its eruption, courtesy of today's Mars-Pluto quincunx! To circumvent such unpleasantness, take advantage of Mars’ recent entry into Leo by making a dramatic new beginning of some kind instead.
          The Sun is also square Chiron today, hinting that an unresolved childhood wound may lie at the core of any dark energies being stirred up within you. 

5/12 (Mon). Bright sunlight breaks through yesterday's storm clouds -- and not just metaphorically, since the Sun itself benefits from two favorable aspects today. The sextile from Uranus makes it easier to receive intuitive flashes, while the trine from Jupiter beams in the energy of joy and expansiveness. 

5/13 (Tue). The Sun is in the spotlight again today (okay, I guess it is the spotlight, but you get my drift). Its square to Neptune favors more etheric activities such as meditation, creative downloading, dreamwork and fantasizing. 

5/17 (Sat). Here are three ways to make good use of today's Venus-Chiron square: work through an old childhood wound in the context of a current relationship, refine your latest creative masterpiece, or engage in a breakthrough mentoring session. 

5/18 (Sun). If, in reading this month's column, you’re occasionally struck with a sense of déjà vu, it's not just your imagination. Venus starts May trailing the Sun by about 10°, then gradually closes most of that distance by month’s end. As a result, Venus plays copycat by making most of the same aspects as the light of our lives.
          Today is a good case in point, as Venus sextiles Uranus and trines Jupiter (just as the Sun did on the 12th). But Venus’ involvement definitely changes the interpretation, bringing the energies of paradigm shift and expansion into the fields of relationship and creativity. So try something new with your sweetheart, and make time for your muse! 

5/19 (Mon). The creative juices are strong again today, as Venus and Mars (which can be either creative or procreative!) connect via the angle of creativity itself: the quintile. This is also a lovely energy for relationships.
          Emotions will also be running strong for another reason: May’s FULL MOON, which achieves maximum brightness at 10:11 p.m. at 29°26’ Scorpio. As always with Full Moons, contemplate how "full-filled" you are -- in this case, with your shared resources. These could be financial (stocks, bonds, loans, etc.), relational (romantic or business partnerships) or occult (astrology, numerology, tarot, and such, in which you blend your personal energy with transpersonal forces).
          The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is, "Children in Halloween costumes indulge in various pranks." Rudhyar further defines this symbol as, "The periodic outlets society furnishes within traditional limits to still-immature energies" and "creative relief from tension."* 

5/20 (Tue). Venus squares Neptune today (there’s that Venus/Sun déjà vu again), keeping the creative flow going strong. (Be aware, however, that deception and delusion in relationships are possible under this aspect.) Venus’ biquintile to Pluto empowers creativity even more.
          The Sun enters Gemini (at high noon), bathing Earth with the energy of curiosity, communication and eclecticism through June 20.
          Finally, a GOLDEN YOD, active 5/18-22, peaks today. With both members of a Mars-Venus quintile making biquintiles to Pluto, this magical aspect pattern inspires creative expression and helps it well up from a deep and powerful place. It can also do the same for relationships. 

5/21 (Wed). May's most powerful astrological event comes exact today as JUPITER SEXTILES URANUS. Aspects between slower planets have longer-term effects: these two really started connecting in mid-February, made another exact sextile on 3/28, and have had their energies powerfully linked ever since. In fact, their connection won't weaken until late June!
          During this time, Uranus strives to revolutionize all things Jupiterian: religion, spirituality, philosophy, politics, foreign affairs, long-distance travel and higher education, to name the most obvious suspects. You would do well to act on any intuitive flashes you receive in these areas.
          There’s also a Sun-Pluto quincunx today, challenging us to experience increased vitality by surrendering to whatever powerful transformation we've been resisting. 

5/22 (Thu). Vitality can be hard to come by with aspects like today's Sun-Saturn square. If you're feeling “heavy burdened”, there are two strategies you can try. One is to capitalize on Saturn's love of work by overcoming your inertia and forcing yourself to be productive: often, once you get the ball rolling, Saturn will reward you with endurance. If you're just not up for the front-end grunt work, you can retreat from effort entirely and play hermit. (Even workaholic Saturn needs an occasional rest!) 

5/23 (Fri). Mercury trine Chiron is great for fine-tuning details or meetings with mentors. 

5/24 (Sat). Venus follows the Sun into Gemini today, where she will remain through 6/18. This is a great time to cultivate a variety of your most mentally stimulating relationships.
          Venus will pass the Sun and Mercury on her way through the sign of the fleet-footed messenger. This STELLIUM (three or more planets in the same sign) means that Gemini will be the strongest sign in the zodiac through 6/18. 

5/25 (Sun). Ready to make the adjustments that will promote transformation in your relationships and your creativity? Then you’re all set for today’s Venus-Pluto quincunx! (With Venus in Gemini, be prepared to talk things through at the deepest level.)
          It's not often that we experience THREE PLANETARY RETROGRADES WITHIN 18 HOURS. But, starting today, that's exactly what's happening! Retrogrades have the effect of encouraging reflection more than action, and can slow down whatever you’re doing that relates to the planets involved. Plus, planets are especially powerful when changing directions, which adds special intensity to these next couple of days.
          CHIRON RETROGRADE. Chiron is the first of the three, and will stay in reverse for exactly five months -- retrograding at 21°9’ Aquarius and going direct at 16°2’ Aquarius. You can use its retrograde to reflect on your childhood wounds, consider how you should be giving and/or receiving mentoring, and work on becoming a "rainbow bridge" – an open channel for the transmission of transpersonal forces. 

5/26 (Mon). "Retrogrades R Us" kicks into high gear today, with Mercury and Neptune shifting into reverse just 27 minutes apart (Mercury at 11:48 a.m., Neptune at 12:15 p.m.)
          MERCURY RETROGRADE is, of course, the badass of the bunch, infamous for throwing a monkey wrench into communications, technology and travel. (It retrogrades at 21°32’ Gemini, then goes direct again on June 19, 10:31 a.m. at 13° Gemini.) Since this retrograde is occurring entirely within Gemini, which Mercury rules, it could well be more powerful than usual. So make sure your communications are set up like you want them, back up your data, and triple-check your travel arrangements. (And don't schedule those airline connections too close together!) On the upside, Mercury retrograde is a wonderful time for introspective reflection and finishing up projects that were started prior to the retrograde.
          By the way, it's worth noting that people experience Mercury Retrograde more or less powerfully depending on how major a player Mercury is in their natal chart.
          NEPTUNE RETROGRADE will last much longer -- it won't go direct until 11/2, over five months from now -- but, for most people, will be much less noticeable. (The rule for retrogrades is that the faster the planet, the more we notice the effects of its retrogrades.) However, if you have a sensitive natal point on, opposing or square to Neptune’s retrograde path (it goes retrograde at 24°15’ Aquarius, and will go direct at 21°28’), you will definitely feel it doing its dissolving or spiritualizing work!
          All three of these newly retrograde planets are in air signs, which relate to the intellect. So weed through your fixed ideas and concepts, and have the courage to revise or discard those which have outlived their usefulness.
          As if all these retrogrades weren't enough to deal with, we’re also faced with a notoriously challenging relationship transit: Venus square Saturn. Yes, we all need the periodic reality checks that the stern taskmaster provides, but that doesn't make them any easier. Still, it's good to know when a relationship has run its course, and being willing to embark upon a little relationship renovation will make a good partnership stronger. 

5/28 (Wed). If yesterday's relationship challenges left you flustered, don't despair: today's Venus-Uranus quintile could provide you with the flash of insight you need to make things better. It can also provide creative types with the “Eureka!” moment they need to inspire their next masterpiece. 

5/29 (Thu). With Neptune trining Ceres, call upon Spirit to empower both your self-esteem and material prosperity. and today's Mercury-Chiron trine is just as good for fine-tuning details or meetings with mentors as it was on 5/23!

* Sabian Symbol and interpretation quotes are from An Astrological Mandala by Dane Rudhyar.

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

April 2008
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. 

4/1. If you encounter a challenge to your self-esteem today, or come up against a financial difficulty, Pluto’s quincunx to Ceres may play a part. (No fooling!) Ask yourself what adjustments you can make to deal with the situation.  

4/2. Pluto, at just past 1° Capricorn, goes retrograde today through September 8. The directional changes of outer planets are usually less significant than those of faster ones unless they aspect a sensitive point in your natal chart -- in this case, near 1° in the cardinal signs of Capricorn, Aries, Cancer or Libra. If this is the case, you would be wise to reflect on opportunities for transformation as this mighty dwarf reverses course.
          Mercury enters Aries thru 4/17, making strong start-up energy available for learning, writing, teaching and other communication endeavors. Focusing in these areas will lessen the “dark side” Mercury in Aries possibilities of mental impatience and verbal sparring matches!         

4/3. All things Mercurial are highlighted today, with the winged messenger making four aspects: a Pluto square, a Ceres sextile, a Saturn quincunx and a Jupiter quintile! The upshot: Mercury is simultaneously challenged, energized and creatively stimulated, making this an extraordinary time for all the infocentric activities described in the previous paragraph. 

4/4. Issues around money or self-esteem often come to the fore when Saturn squares Ceres, as it does today. Ask not, "Why me?", but "How can I rise to the challenge?" 

4/5. April's NEW MOON indicates its presence by the absence of lunar light at 11:54 pm at 17° Aries. New beginnings of all kinds are especially supported because this takes place in the zodiac's kickoff sign, as are new starts relating to exercise, physical activity and the body. (For best results, however, always wait 12 hours after the moon goes new before taking action.)
          This New Moon's Sabian Symbol is "two dignified spinsters sitting in silence,” and relates to “the ability to transform a natural lack of potency into poise and inner serenity” and “the value of dignified inward withdrawal.”* This is not the image that would come to most people's minds in association with the rising sap of spring, but there are undoubtedly some -- elderly, perhaps, or physically limited -- for whom it will have resonance. 

4/6. Venus joins Mercury and the Sun in Aries today, creating a STELLIUM (three or more planets in the same sign) and making the Sign of the Ram the strongest in the sky through 4/17. Venus also squares Pluto today, creating conditions ripe for conflict and argument if you don't tread carefully! Used positively, however, this energy can bring about powerful and positive change in relationships of all kinds. 

4/7. Relationship challenge is the main theme again today, with Venus making a quincunx (adjustment required) to reality-checking Saturn. This adds even more intensity to the potentially difficult energies that kicked in yesterday. Guys would do well to bring their sweethearts flowers and a card today – “just on a whim.”
          There's also a subtle creativity in the air (two biquintiles!). 

4/8. Yesterday’s subtle creativity perks up considerably with today's Venus-Jupiter quintile. This angle of divine inspiration between benefics can also apply to relationships, so it may help you mend any damage caused by Venus’ recent difficulties.
          However, this does not change the fact that a T-SQUARE, active now thru the 12th, peaks today. I wouldn't worry too much, though – it's  only moderately strong as these things go. This configuration -- a Mars-Jupiter opposition squared by the Sun in Aries -- could stimulate some home-based conflict, since Mars and Jupiter are in the Cancer-Capricorn "family axis." Or you could put this energy to better use by launching a new project or kicking something into high gear, since Jupiter, Mars and Aries are all potent energies of initiation.

4/9. Two planets dear to financial astrologers -- Venus and Ceres – make an energizing sextile today, opening up income possibilities for those ready to capitalize on opportunity! 

4/10. Today is an "early bird gets the worm" sort of day, with Mars squaring Mercury in Aries. Not only that, the Sun (also in Aries) squares Capricornian Jupiter. These aspects have business opportunity written all over them, amplified by a sense of urgency. Just be careful that the Mars-Mercury square doesn't cause you to blurt out something you'll later regret! 

4/12. The T-SQUARE described on 4/8 (second paragraph) has changed flavors, with Mercury now squaring the Mars-Jupiter opposition instead of the Sun. The interpretation is pretty much the same, except that mental activities are more specifically boosted the 11th thru 14th.
          It's also a good day to crystallize creativity, with Venus biquintile Saturn. 

4/13. It's another good day to be mindful of your speech, since today's Mercury-Jupiter square could encourage insufficient filtering between brain and mouth. Also be sure to pay sufficient attention to what's going on in your immediate environment: today’s Sun-Neptune sextile is lovely for experiencing higher consciousness and altered creative states, but could also make you something of a space case! 

4/14. With Arean Mercury sextiling Neptune, it's a great time to enthusiastically communicate your creativity and spirituality. 

4/15. It seems as if everyone wants to get involved with Neptune lately! Today it's Mars, making a creative biquintile to keep the recent creative vibe humming. 

4/16. You should be able to get your brain firing on all cylinders with today's Sun-Mercury conjunction. (You might also notice that the people around you are more chatty than usual.) 

4/17. Relief is at hand for those who've been feeling mentally hyperstimulated recently: Mercury enters Taurus today thru May 2. Communication becomes slower and more reflective in this calm, taciturn sign. 

4/18. A week-long GRAND TRINE, created by Mercury, Saturn and Pluto, runs the 15th through 21st and peaks today. Grand Trines create equilibrium and natural blending of the energies involved, so it's easier for communication (Mercury) to be efficient and productive (Saturn) as well as psychologically deep and transformative (Pluto). This particular setup also creates a good environment for profitable business dealings. Just don't expect the money to fall into your lap: Grand Trine energy is so naturally balanced that it can tend toward laziness. Therefore, you'll need to provide the motive force needed to reap its rewards.
          The Sun and Venus also participate in this Grand Trine -- please read the 4/21 and 5/1 entries to see how they both extend and alter the tone of this aspect pattern. 

4/19. The Sun follows Mercury into Taurus today, where it will radiate the energy of calmness, serenity and sensuality through May 20. Taurean energy is also great for immersing yourself in the natural world and being consistent and methodical about building something. My favorite Taurus motto: "I am not a human doing -- I'm a human being." 

4/20. April's FULL MOON is at 1° Scorpio at 6:25 a.m. Contemplate your level of "full-fillment" in how you share energy and resources with others. This can include committed romantic relationships, sexuality, finance (including investments and loans), occult practice and psychology.
          The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is, "A crowded sightseeing bus on a city street.” Rudhyar* interprets this as “The fundamental human eagerness to expand one's social horizon and to experience the results of collective achievements and new ways of life...A widening of experience." This suggests a more adventurous mindset as you make adjustments to the areas of life experience mentioned above. 

4/21. The energy of the GRAND TRINE described on 4/18 has now shifted. Mercury has moved on, but the Sun moves from side player to center stage. The solarcentric version of this aspect pattern peaks today, but spreads its web of influence April 14-28. The 4/18 interpretation still holds for the most part, but there is less focus on communication and a more general sense of grounded, consistent and reliable energy available for accomplishing your goals and building your personal resources. 

4/22. All these Grand Trines are bringing Earth energy front and center -- all fine and good, but definitely not high on the excitement scale. To bring a little zing back into the picture, we have today's Mars-Uranus trine. This can represent an easy connection between your ability to receive flashes of intuitive insight (Uranus) and quickly act on it (Mars). (If you're not receiving as clearly as you would like, my article on how to take dictation from your Higher Self might help.)
          Financial opportunities, already a strong theme this month, are further enhanced by the Taurean Sun’s quintile to Chiron and Venus’ sextile to Chiron. 

4/23. A tight T-SQUARE peaks today, with a Mars-Jupiter opposition squaring Venus. This can focus a lot of expansive and aggressive energy into relationships, so it could be easier than usual to slip into fights or arguments. However, you can put this energy to better use by kicking off something new that nurtures or stabilizes the relationship. Creative projects can also be highly energized by this aspect pattern, which peaks today and lasts April 19-28. 

4/24. A Mars-Jupiter opposition, the centerpiece of the T-square which peaked yesterday, itself peaks today. This keeps the T-square at high intensity. In addition to the ideas in the 4/23 entry, this combo is also good for a fresh start or energy boost wherever you might need it. 

4/25. Neptune makes two exact contacts today, sextiling Venus and quintiling the Sun. Spend some time meditating or receiving the Muse’s inspiration to use this energy in its highest form. 

4/27. The distance between rational mind and divine mind is shorter today because of Mercury's sextile to Uranus. Stay receptive and you might just have a "Eureka!" moment!
          Mercury’s square to Chiron may also boost your urge to edit or refine. 

4/28. Steady, productive mental work is supported by today's Mercury-Jupiter trine, with an added boost of inspiration from Mars’ quincunx to Neptune. 

4/29. There's a fine line between becoming a container for divine inspiration and zoning out into nonproductive obliviousness – with today's Mercury-Neptune square, straddle it carefully! (Mercury’s sextile to Mars will help energize and focus you.) 

4/30. Venus’ entry into Taurus creates a STELLIUM as she joins Mercury and the Sun in the Sign of the Bull. This makes Taurus the strongest astrological energy in the sky (though only until Mercury skeedaddles on into Gemini May 3).
          Venus is very much at home in Taurus, one of the two signs that she rules (the other is Libra). While she's here, through May 24, you may find it easier to enjoy The Taurean qualities described in the 4/19 entry. 

5/1. I wouldn't usually include a May entry in the April column, but May 1 is when the third and final incarnation (active 4/27-5/6) of this month's GRAND TRINE peaks. This time Venus is in the musical chair recently vacated by Mercury and the Sun. I once again refer you to the 4/18 entry for the Grand Trine’s basic meaning, but what's different now is that – since Venus rules Taurus, and Taurus is a money sign – the business and financial possibilities are especially strong. You can also use this energy to empower and stabilize relationships and creative expression. 

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The overall "cosmic weather" affecting everyone

It’s All Good Astrology 

December 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. 

12/1. December opens in the midst of a BOWL configuration (also called a CRADLE), comprised of a string of energizing sextiles connecting Uranus, Ceres, Mars and Saturn, as well as a Uranus-Saturn opposition. This can bring a highly productive and enriching period as the new comes into shape or the old is revitalized. The Uranus-Saturn opposition indicates that an established order or system may need to make way for a paradigm-shifting innovation. This configuration started 11/24, peaked 11/30 and will last through 12/9.
          Mercury enters Sagittarius today through the 20^th -- a great time for new learning or passing along what you already know. 

12/2. A YOD, or “finger of God” configuration, peaks today and is active 11/30 thru 12/4, with sextiling Sun and Chiron both quincunxing retrograde Mars. Many interpretations are possible, but the one that comes to me is about developing a new healing strategy to replace an old one that isn't working. The Sun is in Sagittarius, the sign of quests and journeys. Chiron, the planet of alternative health, is in Aquarius, the sign of revolution and paradigm shift. And they're both activating Mars, which is retrograde (reflection, redoing) in the sign of Cancer (nurturing and healing). Could it be time to consider herbal remedies and detox programs instead of pharmaceuticals?
          Seeking support for creativity or key relationships? it doesn't get much better than Venus (in her own sign of Libra) sextiling expansive and fortunate Jupiter (in his own sign of Sagittarius). 

12/3. Please note that today's entry is unavoidably technical, since I'll be discussing the combined effect of three interlocking aspect patterns – a rare and powerful occurrence! If these are deeper waters than you care to swim in, simpler interpretations resume on 12/4.
          As if one YOD wasn't enough, a second one peaks today with sextiling Ceres and Mars both quincunxing the Sun. One way to use this would be to move boldly (Mars) in an adventurous new direction (Sun in Sagittarius) that boosts your self-esteem or creates income (Ceres in Taurus). This Yod is active December 2-4.
          The two currently active Yods join to form a DOUBLE YOD KEY Dec. 2-4, also peaking today. According to Sally Fisher's web article, “The two Yods point to areas of equal force in the chart, where it may be difficult or impossible to make a choice between priorities, although generally one or other area will dominate at different times. The net result of this is a ‘flickering focus’ between the two Yods - which can produce either an inability to decide on anything related to these Yods or apparently sudden decisions to ‘change tack’….”
          In this case, one Yod’s focal point (the Sagittarian Sun) says "Go for it!", while the other (retrograde Mars in Cancer) says "Woah, let’s think about it for a while." Integrated, however, you can have the best of both worlds: an exciting new adventure launched on the basis of careful reflection.
          There's also a T-SQUARE in the sky – a Saturn-Uranus opposition squaring the Sun – active Dec. 1-7. (It peaks tomorrow, but I'm discussing it now in order to integrate it with everything else that's going on.) Saturn and Uranus are over 6° apart, and won't make an exact opposition until November 2008, but the Sun is splitting the difference and pulling their energies together.
          This T-square focuses radically different energies onto the Sun. Saturn urges restraint, caution and conservatism, while Uranus wants to hurl a Molotov cocktail to light the fires of revolution and change. These energies can be joined -- keeping the best of the old while paradigm-shifting into the new -- but the highly challenging nature of a T-square doesn't make this easy.
          To make matters even more interesting, the Sun serves as a focal point for three of the currently active aspect patterns (Bowl/Cradle, T-square and one of the Yods)! This means that, if your natal chart contains a sensitive point around 12° Sagittarius, it's receiving a laser-like focus of tremendous astrological power. That makes this a powerful time to take bold new action (guided by careful reflection) -- which could be religious and/or philosophical, and could possibly involve delving into a new field of knowledge or immersion into other cultures and lifestyles.
          As if all that isn't enough, the Sun is also sextiling Chiron today. With its energies of attending to the details and being a maverick, Chiron can be a helpful ally in the process described above.
          Finally, there's one more aspect which is completely independent from everything else going on today: Venus sextile Pluto, which can empower and transform both relationships and creativity. 

12/5. Venus enters Scorpio today, fresh off her sextile to Pluto. (Pluto and Scorpio embody the same archetypal energy.) Venus will transit Scorpio thru the 30^th. This is a good time to take your relationships to a deeper level of intimacy, transform the ones that need changing, or release the ones that no longer serve. It’s also a great time for cathartic art! 

12/6. Mercury connects to both Neptune and Saturn today – the two planets whose recent opposition energized the success of “The Secret.” Therefore, it’s a great day to use your mental powers (expanded, due to Mercury being in Sagittarius) to powerfully visualize the reality you desire! 

12/7. Mercury quincunxes Mars today, adding fuel to the visualizing that you started yesterday (if you can adjust your schedule to make time for this powerful mental work). 
          The Sun also squares Uranus, which can make for a day of stop-and-start energy and unexpected surprises. However, by consciously opening yourself to the intuitive flashes that Uranus loves to send, you can take the edge off the square’s more challenging tendencies. 

12/8. As retrograde Mars sextiles Saturn, reflect on new ways in which you can project your energy into the world. This “Energizer Bunny” aspect can also beef up your stick-to-it-iveness. 

12/9. This month’s NEW MOON is at 17° Sagittarius at 12:39 pm eastern time. It’s a great time for new beginnings in your religious or philosophical path, courses of study, and exposure to the cultures and customs of those in other parts of the world.  

12/10. Mercury (rational mind) and Uranus (divine mind) square today, and you may receive intuitive flashes that contain special urgency. You may also tend to resist them, which will not serve you. Your mind may also be working at high speed and with enhanced brilliance, so this is a great time for mental activities. With Mercury in Sagittarius, just try not to get too scattered! 

12/11.