Electric Initiations - New Moon in Aquarius Jan 29

The New Moon is always one of my favorite times for the simple fact that it allows us to 'start over' or to at least start something New. (New Moon = New Energy, simple to remember).

The New Moon on Jan 29 falls in the progressive, intelligent air sign of Aquarius.

What does that mean for everyone? The New Moon in Aquarius presents an excellent time to commit to living "outside of the box" - by breaking a few of your own 'life rules'. If energy is stuck, it's time to find a new dynamic way ahead.

Looking to the future becomes a major theme at this time - perhaps you're wondering where your career is headed, if you're set for a pay-raise, where you'll be in a week, month, year from now. Brainstorming is easy at this New Moon - fresh information pours in and you'll be surprised by the ideas and answers you get - they won't be anything like the ones you've come up with (or been given) before.

Having a vision becomes essential under an Aquarian New Moon. Like-minded souls come into focus - or friendships that aren't right for you begin to fade from view. You may reconnect with old friends or make some entirely new ones. Stoke the ones you have that guide you and nurture you, get out and socialize - it's worth getting out of your comfort zones on the night of the New Moon this month, who knows who you could meet!

After the intensely emotional Cancer Full Moon it's a great time now to put passion on the backburner, and not be so touchy about anything. Detach - get some air and breathe, become more objective and scientific and rational about things. Perspective is everything.

Breaking free of convention is perfect now - I'm sure we'll see some quirky new stories of rebels, inventions, scientific progress and some oddball stories you can only hear at an Aquarian New Moon.

The Status Quo gets a slap now - after all, how can we evolve unless we leave 'tradition' behind?

Be a friend - to everyone. Brother and Sisterhood is the key theme now - if it's not good for everyone, forget it. By all means destroy the mainstreams notions of what is right. Do it YOUR way but don't go too far, make it useful and helpful to the Planet as a whole, remember everything is connected, pollute your world and it affects everyone else.

Detachment and distancing ourselves from our habits and attachment to the past will help us break away from destructive behaviors that are holding us back. Now's the time to experience true freedom, when you turn your back on your own past and say 'Thanks for the lessons, it's time to break free and go conjure up a new reality to live in.'

Enjoy the fresh air of this crazy, quirky, funny, topsy-turvey New Moon!

Love.,
Neil

Lessons of Love: Venus Retrograde Dec 24 - Feb 3, 2006

Venus is Retrograde in Aquarius and Capricorn from December 24th, 2005 to February 3rd, 2006.




Time Periods

22 Nov 2005 02:42 pm 1601' Venus Enters Rx Zone
24 Dec 2005 04:35 am 0128'Rx Venus Stationary Retrograde
03 Feb 2006 04:21 am 1601' Venus Stationary Direct
06 Mar 2006 11:23 pm 0128' Venus Leaves Rx Zone

As the planet of love and values, Venus retrograde periods are times when we re-assess what—and who—we value. It is a period that most astrologers consider inopportune for getting married or starting a new relationship. Major financial undertakings are not advised during this period as well. Venus retrograde cycles are good times for creating budgets and financial plans, and for re-thinking our personal relationships. Taking action in the areas of finance and love is not advised until Venus turns direct again.

Because Venus rules beauty and aesthetics, Venus Retrograde is a less than ideal time for beautification processes (new hairdos, enhancements, purchasing a new wardrobe, and so forth), renovations, re-decorating, and the like. Because Venus is associated with social events, parties may not go as planned.

On the subject of love, past lovers may re-appear and some relationships may end. With Venus in Capricorn for most of its retrograde cycle, our fear of rejection may be strong. Old friends and lovers may re-appear, perhaps complicating current relationships. Venus retrogrades when it conjuncts Chiron, the wounded healer, suggesting that we may be nursing our relationship wounds during this cycle. We are called to deal with relationship issues from the past.

Think back to what may have happened during the last few Venus retrograde cycles (April through July 2004, September through December 2002. February through May 2001). Although each retrograde cycle is different, similar issues may arise. In fact, some of the issues we faced then may need to be dealt with now. Events occur that seem fated or pre-destined. It will be a real challenge getting close to a lover during this period of time. Unorthodox, experimental, and non-intimate relationships may be favored.

Particularly around the days of Venus' stations (December 24th, 2005 and February 3rd, 2006), hold your tongue. If you are itching to argue with a lover, try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of heart once the station passes, and you can do a lot of damage in the meantime.

Some people are more sensitive to Venus retrograde cycles than others. For example, I know of one woman, with no knowledge of these cycles, who broke up with partners in each of the last three Venus Retrograde cycles!

Venus-ruled Taurus and Libra natives are likely to be particularly sensitive to the effects of Venus Retrograde. Also, people who have Taurus and/or Libra associated with love or financial areas of their chart tend to be more affected than others. This includes Aries Ascendant natives (because Libra is on the house of partnerships and, often, Taurus is on the cusp of their income house, the second). Taurus or Libra on the fifth house of romance is another indicator, and those people who have Venus in Taurus or Libra are also quite sensitive to the cycle.


Aries and Aries Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your tenth house of career and reputation. For the time being, the social aspect of relationships on the job may be compromised somewhat. Be as non-judgmental as you can with co-workers during this cycle.

Taurus and Taurus Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your ninth house of faith and adventure. With Venus as your ruler, you are especially sensitive to all of the Venus Retrograde issues described above. An argument over personal philosophies of life can get you into hot water.

Gemini and Gemini Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources, and personal transformation. Hold onto your money, work on a budget, and avoid arguments with loved ones that revolve around intimacy and sexuality. An argument over joint finances can also get you into hot water. Hold back. What you say now can have serious ramifications.

Cancer and Cancer Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your seventh house of one-to-one partnerships. Misunderstandings with your partner now can do serious damage. If you need to talk through problems, do your best to be as non-judgmental as possible, and don't over-react to what your partner has to say either. Things will look much better in February and March.

Leo and Leo Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your sixth house of work, health, and habits. In addition to the general cautions outlined above, the social aspect of relationships on the job may be strained for the time being. Do your best not to let people get to you. Put off beautification processes during this cycle.

Virgo and Virgo Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your fifth house of romance, speculation, entertainment, and children. Because the cycle directly affects your sector of romance and speculation, you should be especially wary of jumping into arguments with a lover and taking a risk gambling. You may feel you are on shaky ground in the romance department. You don't need to share all your feelings with a lover right now, and you shouldn't jump to conclusions if your lover needs a little space.

Libra and Libra Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your fourth house of home and family. The last week of December, however, can be a challenging one for you in the romance department. Don't jump to conclusions if a lover is acting a little distant. Wait it out. In January, relations with your family may be a little strained. You might want to wait until Venus is direct before you express your frustrations with family members! What you say now may be costly. Furthermore, if you take the time to think about things, your approach to dealing with these issues in February is likely to be much more productive.

Scorpio and Scorpio Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your third house of communication, siblings, and neighbors. You are likely to withdraw from chit-chatting during this period, and this might alienate a few people, especially siblings and perhaps neighbors. You may be misreading body language as well.

Sagittarius and Sagittarius Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your second house of money and values. As such, in addition to the general cautions outlined above, hold on to your money. Take the time to re-think your sources of income and how you spend your cash during this period, and avoid making any big purchases until February or March.

Capricorn and Capricorn Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your first house of personal appearance and mannerisms. Venus is retrograde in your sign. This retrograde cycle will affect your manner. Others are likely to misunderstand what you do and say, and misread your body language. Try to keep things status quo with regards to your love life. Don't worry if a lover isn't quite "getting" you for the time being. Things will change once Venus turns direct.

Aquarius and Aquarius Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your twelfth house of all that lies beneath the surface of things. In the last week of December, Venus is retrograde in your sign before it moves back into Capricorn come January, and you might find that others are misreading and misunderstanding you. Keep things status quo in your love life as much as possible. You are likely to be more withdrawn than usual, which can be a source of concern for your lover.

Pisces and Pisces Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your eleventh house of friendships, groups, and aspirations. Your friendships or associations with groups may be a little strained during this period--a time when you may withdraw and others might misinterpret your intentions.
(courtesy of Cafe Astrology).

Wearing your Inside Out: Full Moon in Cancer, Saturday January 14 2006

Cancer Full Moon, Saturday Jan 14 at 24Cancer.

Since Cancer is ruled by the Moon, this Full Moon proves to be an extra special one with obvious Cancerian connotations - intense emotions, making or surfing intense waves on the home and family front and a general air of sensitivity for everyone.

If you've been seeking a new place to live since the New Moon, chances are it reaches it peak and you find somewhere or a major part of that puzzle falls into place.

if you're having 'issues' at home or with your nearest and dearest (family, close buds, roomies, landlords and those connected to your home picture) then it should reach its peak by Saturday and a resolution can be found.

Things hit the fan, complete, resolve or are revealed at the Full Moon so for everyone - emotions are revealed and vulnerability and sensitivity is right out there for all to see. In short - we're being urged to wear our hearts on our sleeves, to bring our inside, out.

So let the full moon shine its bright spotlight on what's going on inside you - remember, outer reality is but a reflection and refraction of your inner light - if it's not at peace, you're not. Forget outside battling, and find the source of your inner discontent.

Let it go - an emotional message for every Full Moon, but stronger at this one, in the sign ruled by the Moon itself.

Water figures strongly now - from weather patterns intensifying (Seattle, WA has seen around 20 days straight of 24-hour rain, the west coast of the USA has already been swamped with floods this past few weeks etc). Tidal waves (literal or symbolic) are possibilities - in dream analysis, water = emotions, so watch the water this week. Drink more. Bathe more. Relax at the ocean or by the pool. Take a bath, shower, go for a walk in the rain if you're feeling emotionally out-of-sorts.

Once you find your centre, everything falls into place and life takes on that rosy glow again. The Cancer Full Moon helps us find where out emotional buttons are - so we can push them for the final time and move on to a new area of growth. Creativity is strong now - use your emotions for something useful and it should be a pretty fun weekend.

Love,
Neil

What Numerological Year are you in?

Astrology is great for decoding your personal cycles.

Jupiter cycles show where your opportunity lies, for example. in House 11, new friends help you out. Your social circle grows and suddenly you find yourself reacher a wider audience. Your goals seem limitless. In House 4, your personal comfort zone expands, giving you the urge to move, create more space at home, or get out in the world more.

Saturn cycles show where your focus, commitment and karmic/hard work lies. In House 2, you need to find new ways to earn, your income becomes a focus of discipline - are you overspending, or selling yourself short?

Uranus, Neptune and Pluto chart different courses - ones that affect our lives deeply, at the core.

Astrology Readings of your personal Birth Chart give you a handle on the exact cycles and specific developments you can expect. Choices open up as doors do and you have the freedom to decide where to go. In the end, it's up to you.

Where are you at in your personl cycle as far as 2006 goes?

Well your Astrology Chart decodes the specific parts of your Big Picture - consider an overview of 2006 so you can get ready to make the most of cycles when they open up, and get ready to let go and move on in certain areas when the cycles are closing. Be prepared - Knowledge is Power and choice is freedom.

Numerology is an interesting path to look into. If everything is connected and a vibration of energy, you can determine what your overview is by a simple process of finding your Personal Year Number. try it and see what you think:

Add your month and date of birth to the current year (2006):

Example: June 18 is your birth date. Add 6+1+8 to (2+0+0+6) = 23 = 2+3 = '5' Year

What's a prevalent theme in 2006 for you? Read below and check out further comments on each Personal Year at http://www.acumind.com/Joe/persyr.html.


Personal Year 1. . . .A New Beginning In Your Life
The current year is the beginning of a new nine year cycle for you. It holds the promise of being an exciting new adventure, with life taking on new challenges that pave the way for the next cycle of nine years in your life. This is a time to clarify your goals and it is a time to act on them. Hard work may be necessary to get a new venture moving. Your physical strength will be up during this year, perhaps higher than it has been for some time, as you have some special needs for this extra energy. If you are unable or unwilling to answer the call to change and make the move in your life that appears necessary now, your prospects may be delayed until the next cycle begins in nine years. Because of this, you feel like an adventure, a major change in your life, something new. New goals should be clearly set and worked toward, as this is really a new beginning of a nine year cycle and it is best not to dwell on the past at this time. This will be fairly easy for you to do because most of the problems and disappointments of the past will tend to disappear, leaving the way open for these new challenges. This is a great time; use it to its full advantage.

Personal Year 2. . . .Development, cooperation, and waiting
This is a number 2 personal year. A personal year 2 is a wait and see time; a year when you will find yourself in the background and very much in a stage of development. This is not a time to force the issue and try to move forward. It is a time for cooperation and building relationships that will benefit you in the future; a year for accumulating and collecting. Aggressiveness will cause problems now. You must be prepared for delays, detours, stoppages and you must be patient. This is a time of small contribution, of helping, and details must be taken care of when they come up. You may give time and effort to further another's work. This year may be a test to your self-control and emotional sensitivities. This is a time to improve your abilities to work with others in a productive way and this can be difficult for you if you have chiefly worked alone in the past. Keep calm, cool, and pleasant. You may experience a degree of nervous tension during this period; the two year brings a tendency to emotional extremes including depression. Very deep relationships with a person of the opposite sex (including marriage) may be more apt to occur during a 2 year. If married, there is apt to be a deepening of feeling in the relationship during a 2 year.

Personal Year 3. . . .Social expansion & creative successes
This is a number 3 personal year. This is a social, happy year, and it generally tends to exude bright and cheerful vibrations. This is a year when you will want to check up on old friends and broaden your social circle to include some new ones. Romance and love affairs may bloom. You are inclined to live life to its fullest now, even if you have to pay the consequences later on. You are likely to be more sociable and the bridle of responsibility will seem to be loosened a bit. You are inclined to scatter your energies and undertake too many things at the same time. You can safely take some time off to enjoy yourself, but resist the temptation to completely give in to having a good time; keep your goals in mind. A 3 personal year is a good time to expand personal creative talents, particularly those related to the arts and verbal skills. Recognition in this regard is likely this year.

While this can be a happy year as far as personal expression and activities are concerned, it may be a disastrous year on the business scene. A generally frivolous attitude in that environment can cause rash decisions and impractical, unfinished schemes. This is not likely to be a very good year for your finances, and it is fortunate that the next year is designed to compensate these effects.

Personal Year 4. . . .Hard work and slow, but steady progress
This is a number 4 personal year for you. The previous year frivolity will now be truly forgotten, as the facts of life are clearly spelled out. This is a year of hard work and effort when one must knuckle down to the task at hand. A year of digging in and hoeing, a reestablishment of self-control. In many ways, however, it is a frustrating year, when considerable effort fails to produce dramatic results. One step forward and two back may seem to be the case most of the time. This is an organizational period and you must look at your current and past performance in a very hard light. It is a time to get organized and bring yourself down to earth. Responsibilities will increase, magnifying the effort and hard work needed to maintain a reasonable level of existence. Health and diet should be carefully scrutinized this year, as physical resistance is low and you may become more susceptible to ailments. A tidying up of affairs is now in order, as you must make ready for a very hectic year ahead.

Personal Year 5. . . . Feeling Loose and Free
This is a number 5 year, a year of major change in your life. Horizons are expanded and growth is less impeded. You are likely to make a number of new friends this year as social activities are expanded. This is a year that has brought/will bring excitement and adventure and a good deal more freedom than you have experienced in recent years. This is a time for feeling loose and free; for moving away from old routines in a constructive way. If you became bogged down during this past year, now is the time to seek out new directions.
The problem with a personal year 5 is the tendency to scatter energies in all directions. Your ability to do detail work is limited now and it will make you feel very confined. In all, this a free-wheeling year that is liable to bring major changes to your life; your career, your family situation, your residence.

Personal Year 6. . . . Love, Family, Home and Responsibility
This is a number 6 Personal Year for you. A personal year 6 tends to bring on increasing responsibilities and a deepening concern for family, loved ones, and close friends. It may be a year when you are called on to make some adjustments in your life, or sacrifices for those in your family or close circle of friends. This is not really a year for major accomplishments, but rather a time to handle those adjustments to your plans that may be necessary or required, and for finishing projects started earlier. Endeavors will seem to be moving so very slowly throughout this year. You should expect to have a very good year so far as family, domestic, and romantic matters are concerned. Your emotional interchange with those who are close to you should be at its very best during this particular year. The important thing is to be willing to accept a slower pace and be sure to enjoy the peace and harmony that the personal year number 6 will bring.

Personal Year 7. . . . a time for analysis and understanding
A 7 personal year promises to be a very introspective year, a period of some pause and reflection between very active years in your life. This year should provide you with some time for gaining some understanding of yourself, and you are apt to spend a good bit of time in contemplation. It will be good for you to spend time alone or in quiet activities, as free from outside responsibilities as possible. You should try to get away from business pressures. This is a good year to reflect on the past and plan for the future. This will not tend to be a year of action, but rather a year of waiting and development. One of the most profitable activities in with to engage during a personal year 7 is that of study and writing, for your ability to think clearly, analyze, and integrate your thoughts is peaked now. Your capacity for research and understanding is at its very best. It would not be unusual for you to take on an appearance of coolness and detachment during a 7 year. Certainly, it is best for you to focus your attention on your talents and your skills in an effort to use the time you have now to refine them. Perhaps you can find the time to gain more education, or simply spend free time in reflection and meditation.

Personal Year 8. . . . Attainment and capital gains
This is a number 8 personal year for you. This is your power year, a period when you can make important strides in you life. Coming after a very slow and introspective period (the personal year 7), you may start feeling some stirrings of ambitions. This is a year of big decisions and major achievements. Activity is your keynote now, and you will find yourself very much involved and occupied. Opportunities for advancement and recognition for past and current work is likely to come about during this year. You have things going for you so long as you take advantage and act. It is easy for you to branch out and expand in a businesslike manner. If you are at all inclined, this is the time to exude self-confidence and authority, because others will tend to be receptive to your leadership and control. Your power and status potential is at a peak of the nine years personal epicycle that concludes at the end of the next year.

Personal Year 9. . . . Reflection and Reaching Out
This is a 9 personal year for you. This is a year of completions, ending, and a time when you are apt to take inventory of the many factors in your life, some of which you are no doubt proud of, and others that you may want to change. You are likely to scrutinize old values, ideals, and the ideas that you thought were important. This should be a time when you become more involved with other's and giving may become more important that merely looking out for yourself. You may also become aware of a lure to commune with nature, as escapist desires become much stronger than in the past. A lot of things that you have been working for should come to completion during this year, and you will tend to clear the deck for the beginning of a new nine year cycle.

2006: Our '8' Year

Welcome to a new Vibration!

Since the New Year begins at the Spring Equinox and the sign of Aries, the lamb of resurrection (symbolic of the easter promise of renewal when the Sun (son of god?) rose again to bring new life to the world of darkness (winter) - resolutions are all too easy to make and break but we push ahead regardless hoping a new number will help.

It will - 2006 is an '8' year (2+0+0+6 = 8). To find out what year it is for you then you take your Day and Month of birth and add the 2006. For us all it's an 8 year. Power. Prestige. The Fruits of Hard Work. Discipline. Money. The Goods. Promises delivered. Solidification. Strength of purose and will ready for a dissolution next year in the 9 cycle when we let go and prepare for a new start.

What's your personal year? If you're born oct 28 then you'd be experiencing a '1' year - Oct is the 10th month, add the 28 and 2006 and you get - 1+0+2+8+2+0+0+6 = 19 = 1+9 = 10 = 1+0 = 1

Simple as that. I'll go into more detail on the Personal Years soon, but for now, work out yours and check back for more. 2006 is a year of dedicating yourself to your own path with full passion and commitment. What do you want? Find it, get it, experience it. Don't complain about what's not working, you don't have time, get it moving and make it work out or try something new.
Hard work pays off hugely now so stick with it, success is assured.

I am now in Los Angeles, California, enjoying the first day of sunshine after a 5 day trip from Seattle in some really intense storms, flooding and roads closed. it reminded me of the power of Water - to flood even the strongest and most grounded and 'stable' cities and people. Water is emotions, the drivng fuel of our life on Earth (a lexigram of the word Heart).

So my reminder for 2006 is the ability to adapt - water in astrology gives us the ability to flow, to embrace the obstacle rocks and to keep moving. We can wear away the problem boulders with persistance and peace. Water is strong - as I saw on my drive down here. The ability to adapt - as personified in Pisces the last mutable sign in water - will get us far - when Change comes calling can you shift with the winds and waters? When the tide shifts can you swim on against the tide?

If so, the treasure island awaits. And in an 8 year the rewards of adapting but persevering are amazing.

Happy New Year 2006 - May you Chart a Course while allowing things to take their course.

Love,
Nil

A Magical Holiday to you!

No matter what your belief, may you find yourself open to the flow of the Universe this Holiday Season and surrounded by people to Love and be Loved by.

Santa Claus is a planetary form in disguise; felt by those who are 'nice' not naughty - Jupiter protects those who trust and have faith in the good in life - good luck comes to those who walk secure in the knowledge that things work out.

So I hope Santa Claus has found you wherever you are today - the true gifts are the ones without wrapping that last throughout the year in those sneaky situations where you are saved, protected, made to laugh or think 'wow i can't believe my luck!'.

Santa Claus does exist - Astrologers know him as "Jupiter" - the ruler of Gifts, Good Fortune and Good Times. Attract him to you today, with a smile, and some holly-jolly belief that good things happen to people who truly 'believe' - that's Santa's secret, and it's not just for kids....

Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays to you all!
From your Astrological Santa,
Neil xxx

Push 'n' Shove : Jupiter square Saturn Dec 17

Today, two biggies begin fighting it out for their say over which path to take.

Jupiter in Scorpio wants us to grow, transform ourselves, to ditch something that no longer works and to take on a new, deeper more meaningful challenge. "Let it go, and grow" shouts Jupiter, the Planet of Expansion in Scorpio the sign of transformation.

Saturn in Leo wants us to stand back a little and not be so gung-ho. Is this really transformation or just plain ego? Fun is all well and good, but why expand unless you know where to shine your light?

Saturn in Leo = Should
Jupiter in Scorpio = Could

Should you? Could you? Can you? Will you?

When it all comes down to it, the planet of expansion squares off (90 degrees) with the planet of constriction/restriction forcing us into a push-pull playoff where it's two steps forward and three back, or no steps forward or backwards at all.

Current events will show the desire of Authority to repress the playfulness of life, the fun and frolics. Saturn in Leo makes it a bitch being a boss these days - more responsibility weighs on you. If as the Top Dog you can't have any fun, then why the hell should your charges?

Jupiter in Scorpio says Death is good for all of us, so let's just jack this in and try something diferent. Saturn in Leo has manners and protocol. Jupiter in Scorpio wants it done yesterday. Saturn in Leo is fearful of how it comes across to the public. Jupiter in Scorpio cares about nothing less than 'what needs to be done to find a new way ahead'.

The two don't necessarily clash when you see that all they want to do is find the BEST POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO MOVE AHEAD WITH GREATER POWER (Scorpio) AND PURPOSE (Leo).

So situations will arise to help us battles with these sides of the same coin. It all comes down to POWER - after all Leo and Scorpio desire nothing less. Self-control versus the control of others. Can you control your own will or enforce your way onto everyone else?

Politically this is a minefield aspect - blame is around every corner. Arrogance is high, and conceit is full-blown. People complain but what is being DONE about things?

Self respect and the respect of everyone whose life you touch, is the order of this astrological season and cycle. Saturn in Leo is the Dictator. Jupiter in Scorpio is the stick of dynamite that brings down the whole building instead of rebuilding the interior. We lose the pretty facade (but when was Scorpio every about that) but perhaps also the traditional core and value. Progress becomes a pain in the ass because we lose the best of what we had.

So... to combine the two, we'll see many BIG events play out. Saturn wants us to slow down and find out WHO is leading and WHERE we're going. More importantly WHY? Like the actor, Leo can no longer Lord over others and steal the show. There are rules - scenes, and pages of a script. Is it working?

Jupiter can no longer pull us to greater heights by cutting off everything that's been before. Scorpio likes to end chapters. Scorpio wants to dig beneath. If we cut too deep, we bleed and healing slows down progress. How can the Leo star shine on stage if Scorpio is poking holes through the floor? We must tread carefully. Are we gaving up and ahead or are we looking back into the past with a sense of blame or fault?

Saturn says 'wait, slow down, polish and perfect your Leo skills'
Jupiter says 'get going, give it up, move on, grow and find your passion for more'

Neither wins, but both can compromise. Stay tuned for big news stories that sum up this planetary aspect. Push and Pull energies get things moving, once we know which ends to lead with (Leo will try very hard for this) and which side can allow a little lee-way in the name of the bigger picture (let's hope Scorpio can here, self control and willpower).

And for god's sake, let's just BREATHE... why are we in such a hurry?

Love,
Neil

And in other news...

The Sun-Pluto news continues as Unionists in Northern Ireland call for a public inquiry after an expelled Sinn Fein official admitted he was a British agent. More Pluto political intrigue.

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4537098.stm)

Classic Sun-Pluto Conjunction: Political Espionage

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4536418.stm

Not only has the Senate now blocked some clauses of the Patriot Act that give the US government more powers of control (Pluto) but President Bush is now under fire, the same day the SUN CONJUNCTS PLUTO in the sign of honesty - Sagittarius.

Policy, Law and Integrity are Sagittarian. Lies, underworld activity, espionage and shadows are Pluto. When the SUN met Pluto as mentioned in my last post, it highlighted negative issues of Sagittarius and upheld the more positive.

Sagittarius demands honesty not only in its typical international reach but also on home soil. After all, honesty is honesty, truth is truth. The Sun helped Pluto dig up some deceit and it all surfaced in a grand dramatic Sagittarian fashion - witness the lawmakers on TV shouting and screaming and demanding Justice.

How perfect.

Bush is to give a speech on Sunday which will no doubt detail how he is doing 'everything for the good of the country' when in actual fact he allowed domestic spying (pluto) without our consent (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4538286.stm)

Of course, the very same lawmakers who passed the Patriot Act never even read the damn thing, but Sun-Pluto conjunctions always bring a showdown.

I wonder if we'll see an 'attack' somewhere which Bush will use as his launchpad to his little 'chat' with everyone this Sunday. Why does he need a few days to prepare his words? Waiting for some 'chance' encounter with Fate to help his hand?

Pluto relates to conspiracies but also on underhand action. So public figures are not above behind shady in their actions and motivations. Things get whitewashed, scapegoats made and manipulation reigns supreme.

Believe only your own personal experience right now - with the Sun and Pluto in Sagittarius - we truly can't trust anything we're told without knowing it fully for ourselves.

So over this weekend and to the end of the year, watch what your believe (Sagittarius). As a sign of freedom don't forget, the price to pay is as we have been told many times over, 'eternal vigilance' (pluto).

Keep a watchful eye. Honesty will always win out no matter what. And thats the beauty of this planetary aspect.


Love,
Neil

Spit it out! Full Moon at 23Gem - Dec 14 2005

The Full Moon in Gemini falls this Thursday, December 15, 2005 8:15am PST 23º 48' opposing Pluto in Sagittarius. The day after, the Sun conjuncts Pluto at 25Sag.

When the Moon enters Gemini, we all have something to say. At the Full Moon, we want to the world to know. If we've been learning (Sag) we get to put our knowledge to use (Gem). If we've been asking questions (Sag) we suddenly get the answer (Gem). The question is - will we listen, and more importantly will we HEAR?

This Full Moon, lasting two weeks but always stronger in the first few days, will put a lot on our tongue which we can choose to swallow our words, or divert into Mars, the planet of energy, currently residing in Taurus, a sign connected to the throat.

Gemini loves information and Full Moons highlight new information. Emails increase and the volume of traffic and transportation of goods, peoples, ideas and information increases accordingly. It could mean big traffic jams, it could mean all your holiday gifts arrive at once.

Lines at post-offices will probably increase this week since everyone will feel the need to get it out on time. Cell phone use is sure to be intense - look for people arguing on their phones, or those cell-addicts who sit and talk really loudly on the bus, at the supermarket, or on the street.

People buzz around a lot more under a Gemini Full Moon. Expect greater activity or messages to or from siblings. People seem in two minds (The Twins) so they need to talk it out with someone.

It's a great time for letter-writing and communication in general - have that special 'talk', send the memo, how about a telegram to someone out of the country. Catch family up on your news with a long letter. Go through your emails and write to people you forgot about in all your daily busy-ness.

Full Moons as you know, increase emotional energies so be careful on the roads - Gemini rules cars, trains, planes and travel so you may find people get a little high-strung, the phenomena of 'road rage' was probably coined under a Gemini Moon, and this is compounded by a Full Moon in the sign.

Use the week of the Full Moon to get busy with writing, public speaking engagements, message-delivery and paperwork that's mounting. Clear out old newspapers, and old bills and paperwork you no longer need. Get rid of (Full Moons are perfect for this) old phone numbers of people you truly won't be calling anymore.

Keep an eye on where your mind goes - are you looping? Are you repeating old thought patterns that keep you stuck? If so, move on. Let it go, forgive and if that's not possible yet, then try and forget. Your mind is your greatest reality-shaping tool so train it to focus on what you WANT and not on being so reactionary.

Parties, social events and hang-out time should be fun. People get chatty now - some people you can't shut up. If you're a hermit, then be prepared to hear a LOT when you're out of the house - wear a walkman if you need to - but for the curious amongst you, keep an ear open to passing conversations, there's probably something symbolic you need to hear that may help you on YOUR path. You'd be surprised if you keep your ears open.

Geminis are set to become excited, irritable, tense or bouncy, it all depends on their charts but they're all going to be touched by a little bit more sentimentality. Emotions are obvious - so they're fired up to deal with stuff. Good times roll in for Twins who are open in their feelings and communicate where they're at.

Sagittarians are likely to be emotional drained if not ready to do battle with people. Since it's an opposing sign to Gemini, Sagittarians face themselves through other people, so life becomes a mirror at this full moon to show them how well they're dealing with THEIR stuff as opposed to pointing the finger of blame. Relationships are strained but they can fuel their passion into honest and open connections and finally let go of people and situations that are causing harm or pain. Compromise is essential or no one wins, Sag!

Pisces can get to work on sorting out their personal lives and cleaning up their homes (yes, that mess is getting too much, Fishies) and Virgos can finalize work projects and decide where to go now professionally. Watch out for an over-sensitive boss, fuel your stress into getting on top of things. Pisces & Virgos need to let go of family stress from Mom (Pisces) and Dad (Virgo) or whatever they represent in their lives - perhaps they're going through intense times. Something ends, in preparation for a new phase. Is your past or present causing you trouble? Face it, and move on this week.

The Sun conjuncts Pluto in Sagittarius the day after the Full Moon and Death arrives, to swipe away all that is no longer any use to us. Will you let it go or wil you be forced to give it up? Beliefs cause trouble - this we know from Pluto's fueling of Sagittarian 'holy-wars'. Does it really matter if someone 'doesn't get it'? Believe in something new - re-write your script. If someone becomes arrogant or preachy (which they will) step back into your own space and choose a new way.

The best of Sagittarius shines - optimism, adventurous spirits, freedom and the quest and search for Knowledge and 'truth'. But Pluto will strip away all the negatives now - arrogant, preachiness, a holier-than-thou attitude.

This goes for everyone!

Whatever is not truth, not honest and not free is set up for some major problems ahead. Pluto touches the Sun and some Sagittarius element of life dies. Just as the Archers are all asked to clean up their individual acts now, the world is asked to let go of the old belief system and to embrace a new truth - the truth that we are all brothers and sisters (Gemini).

This then, becomes the theme. How are you treating your neighbors (Gemini). Forget religion (sun,pluto,Sag) and treat they neighbor as you would want to be treated. It's a sound karmic principle that WILL be upheld now...no matter how well placed we may think we are.

Talk, talk, talk. Listen to me!? It must be the Gemini Full Moon about to beam full overhead. I expect to hear from you, by phone or email. I know I will be. Very soon.

Enjoy this Full Moon - watch what you say. Truly mean it. Mental magic is underway!

Love,

Neil

Hitting the fan: Mars Direct Dec 10

Bickering about money? Fights about materialism? is 'stuff' bogging you down? Itchy, tickly or sore throat? What about the bank? Short of cash? Scratching for change? Stuck in a rut?

Angry? Irritable? Stressed beyond belief? Ready to kill someone? Getting into arguments?
Ready to head for the countryside and retire? Ready to sue, stomp, destroy? Refusing to budge?

Welcome to Mars Direct. The planet of anger, aggression and sexual energy just stopped its retrograde motion and suddenly, in the sign of taurus, it's full speed ahead (which is next to impossible).

A sudden surge of energy is sure to cause some financial shifts - watch the news for bankruptcy, or issues with banks or people fighting over their 'goods'. Values become clear - we fight for what we hold dear to us. Perhaps we'll go too far, but Mars suddenly reminds us what we VALUE and DESIRE in the sign of Taurus.

Get close to the Earth. hug a tree. go barefoot. feel grass. sit and relax. Listen to Nature. Right now, not much else will make sense. This week, anger, assertiveness and energy is high - things are coming back into balance.

Where do your desires and values lie now?

This past month has been a reorientation on WHERE and HOW we use our energies. Wasted your time? Mucking around with the wrong stuff, people, priorities?

Material matters either matter greatly now or don't matter at all. Make sure whichever side of the coin you fall on, you're dedicated to spiritual matters above all else. When all changes (which it will) they remain.

in taurus, Mars wants what lasts forever. Values often do. What is 'reality' to you? It's what you invest your energy (Mars) into, Financial, emotional, physical and intellectual.

Feed only the fires you want to keep you warm this winter. The rest are embers of an old way, an old life. The best things in life truly are free, and that stuff is the stuff that refuses to change because it's tied to Universal Truth.

Enjoy the energy, just don't get caught up in all the 'stuff' that truly doesn't matter. Increase your spiritual sense of abundance and the physical delights are sure to follow!

Love,
Neil

Bigger is Better?

Epics are always Sagittarian by Nature. One need only look at the men behind the movies - Spielberg and Lucas both share Sagittarian Planets. Though I haven't yet peeked (let me know if you do before me) that Peter Jackson shares some strong Jupiter/Sag themes in his own chart. Why? Because he was the director behind The Lord of the Rings (for those who are interested, the 'Two Towers' installment came not long after the Twin Towers fell in New York (A Gemini city, during the time Saturn the planet of karma was moving through Gemini, opposing Pluto in Sagittarius, sign of religion and overseas).

Jackson is now directing King Kong - with Sag size always becomes a consideration. it's no wonder it's seen as the most Over The Top sign (Jupiter was all about big parties and lots of food - and partners).

So is it any surprise that Peter Jackson's new film King Kong has gone $32m (£18m) over budget but the studio remains happy, as the BBC reports? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4384458.stm)

Not really.

Keep an eye out for more size issues. Sagittarius expands, pushing back the boundaries - but where do we draw the line?!

Love,
Neil

One for Freedom - Sagittarian Laws allow Gay Marriages

Under the spectacular and wide-reaching Sagittarian New Moon the UK finally decided to make gay Marriages legal. Legal proceedings of course are wholly Sagittarian in Nature. Under this particular New Moon (Sagittarius relates to overseas) more countries will begin to follow suit. After all, who wants to be left standing behind 'archaic old England'.

This is good news for all of us - and a point on the side of Freedom. Sagittarian principles of fairness, honesty and integrity are upheld. Of course Sagittarian Religion comes into play - and as Pluto the planet of Death and Rebirth continues his karmic cleansing of this sphere of life (since he's sneaking through Sagittarius while we speak) this new laws comes as a blow to 'traditional and outdated religious thinking that people should be separated from each other due to sexuality.

Three cheers to Sagittarius and even more to Pluto's insistence on honesty, fair dealings and justice.

Love,
Neil

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/4493094.stm

The Next Grand Adventure! Sagittarius New Moon Dec 2

The New Moon falling in Sagittarius this Friday Dec 2, is the key to an even greater adventure in our lives and in the world picture.

Sagittarius is open spaces, big adventures, high energy, freedom, independence and Big Ideas! Since it's also the sign of Religion, Overseas, Law and Education look to new doors opening in these areas - from new laws introduced to unite countries and people from differing belief systems, to the delivery of more old-world concepts and archaic principles. Sagittarius remember is the sign of the holier-than-tho preacher!

What perfect timing for the movie release of 'The Chronicles of Narnia' on Dec 9 (C.S Lewis it's author was born with a Sagittarius Moon). A story full of Sagittarian principles - independent children, vast open land, the issues of honesty and nobility.

Interestingly enough, the 9th House (Sagittarius House) for Sagittarius itself falls in Leo - and it's no surprise that a LION features strong in this particular adventure. How symbolic.

For those of you who are curious - find Leo in the natural order of houses for your own sign for more tell-tale clues as to your Solar Nature (and where you shine) just as your Leo House in your birth chart is a force of creative power.

For example - for Aries, the natural Leo House is the FIFTH - making Aries ego-oriented, creative, dynamic and fun to be around. For Cancer, the SECOND HOUSE makes Crabs particular about money, good savers and also people who hold on stubbornly to what they value.
For Scorpio, Leo makes the TENTH House - givng Scorpio a craving for power and a natural right to be in control.

Make sense? try it with your own sign to discover more.
Of course the House Sagittarius Falls in will be home to the NEW MOON this Friday - and a new opportunity awaits here. A door opens - or at least you get to see a new one. Freedom. More independence.

Enjoy wherever this next Adventure leads you. Keep an eye out for more dramatic and extravagant Sagittarius goings on this weekend!

Love,
Neil

Jupiter, Sagittarius, ThanksGiving and more

Did you know that Holidays reflect the seasons they fall in along with the signs?

Take Halloween (Scorpio) with its masks, death, leaves falling, dead pumpkins, gutting one thing to make a new life out of it (Pluto).

Christmas some could say reflects Capricorn the sign it falls under - a sign of materialism ruled by Saturn (think Ebenezer Scrooge).

Easter of course falls at Aries time - a sign of new beginnings, rebirth - eggs, and the infamous 'Lamb of God;' theme (Aries the Ram).

Right now we celebrate Thanksgiving in the States. A full-on Sagittarius JUPITER affair if ever there was one. Did you know it falls on the 3rd Thursday of the month every year.

3 is the Number of Jupiter.

Thursday is Jeudi (in french) = Jupiter's Day.

Did we plan this or is it cosmic coincidence or something more ingrained in our collective conscious.

Sagittarius season where we find ourselves currently is about having fun, freedom, travel, adventure, and large portions - of food, optimism, daring and independence.

Enjoy!

Love,
Neil

Mercury OOPS!

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/space/11/13/japan.probe.reut/index.html

“TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) -- A miniature robot released by a Japanese space probe to a small asteroid circling the sun was lost before it was able to land on the asteroid's surface, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said on Sunday.

Thanks to Shane (www.shanenygaard.com) for this one!

About Turn...

Tomorrow I'll be RE-filming some scenes from one of the short films I have been working on. Turns out some of the footage didn't come out as clear as was hoped for.

I'll be adding to the Mercury Retrograde news sections in the blog below, so check back often to see what's new and what's been added.

I've heard from numerous people who are having problems with documents - closing on deals, getting paperwork together. Typos, mind-changes, about-turns - all part and parcel of the Mercury Retro period, of course. Still, it's no comfort when you're in the middle of it all, eh.

Hang in there - if we slow down long enough, we'll see that things are actually work in our favor. A friend of mine recently checked in to say he was flying back to Seattle from Louisiana - and so missed the devastation in the area, although he did lose his home.

Another friend was telling me she wasn't able to get her flight to Paris arranged - but then realized she had missed the heavy rioting going on there currently.

We're blessed in what we miss sometimes. And often we don't even get to know it. These stories reminded me of the magic of the Universe - we're always in the right place at the right time for what we need to learn and experience. Why do we doubt?

Love,
Neil

Mercury Retro Past-Returns

Reissues make Eurythmics proud of past
A spate of archival projects has left the pop duo Eurythmics feeling proud of their past.
http://www.newsdaily.com/Entertainment/UPI-1-20051115-11393400-bc-us-eurythmics.xml

Alanis Morissette happy to look back
With a new best-of album, Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette is allowing herself an uncharacteristic look backwards.
http://www.newsdaily.com/Entertainment/UPI-1-20051115-14351600-bc-us-morissette.xml

Rare autos (Mercury transportation) from old movies to hit the auction block
The Aston Martin driven by James Bond in "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball" as well as cars owned by Al Capone and Hank Williams Jr. are going under the hammer.
http://www.newsdaily.com/Entertainment/UPI-1-20051114-21154600-bc-us-carauction.xml

Mercury Retro Legal Action

Madonna in plagiarism case defeat

Madonna experimented with Eastern influences on Ray of LightA Belgian songwriter has won a plagiarism case against Madonna over her 1998 hit single Frozen.
Salvatore Acquaviva's claim that the song copied one of his recordings was upheld by a Belgian court.


Orlando Bloom sued
A Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit claims actor Orlando Bloom owes hundreds of thousands of dollars to his (Mercury Retro past returning) management company.

Insurance worker trips on accident claims (reversals, paperwork..how Mercurial) http://www.newsdaily.com/Quirks/UPI-1-20051115-00051800-bc-scotland-insurancesuit.xml

Former Getty curator in Rome court
ROME, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The former curator for Los Angeles' J. Paul Getty Museum was in a Rome court Wednesday, where she has been charged with trafficking in looted art.

Sharon Stone settles case with surgeon

Actress Sharon Stone has settled her defamation suit against a plastic surgeon she said falsely claimed he had worked on her face. Stone filed her suit in Los Angeles Superior Court 11 months ago charging Dr. Renato Calabria allegedly implied to Us Weekly and In Touch magazines that she had plastic surgery.

Mercury Retro Typos!

Scotland's "forgotten poet," Robert Fergusson, (whose work inspired Robert Burns so much that he paid for Fergusson's headstone in an Edinburgh churchyard, has been remembered by admirers who arranged a bronze memorial surrounded by paving stones with Fergusson's name, dates and the opening line of his most famous poem, "Auld Reikie," a description of a day in Edinburgh. It turns out the paving stones have a spelling error, misspelling the street, Canongate, as Cannongate.