Practicality and Pleasure

The Moon has recently dipped into Virgo to join all work and no play Saturn. A vast cosmic shift from OTT Mars/Leo/Moon combo at the weekend. A little luxury over the weekend was a nice reminder of why we all work so hard. Saturn in Virgo is about working smarter, not harder. The next 48 hrs are prime for contemplating what can be done away with in your life to allow for more efficiency and pleasure. A Sun- Jupiter link today encourages big dreams about your future self. If there is somewhere you’d rather be in life Jupiter will inspire you now. This trine aspect kicks off a ‘pre-retrograde’ phase for Jupiter where is spends 6 months of the year. This trine-to-trine aspect highlights the retrograde motion where he will be direct again once the Sun reaches Virgo in September. Spend the winter here in the Southern Hemisphere planting the seeds you wish to sew when Jupiter again moves direct.

Fiery Mars entered fiery Leo over the weekend, finally putting closure on the tedious Mars Rx in Cancer phase since late last year. Moving forward now with friendly aggression will ensure your goals are met. The dominant energy of Earth wish a dash of fire provides a practical tenacity with a dash of energy to really make things happen now.

May horoscopes have been updated – read yours here!

Taurus New Moon

Cosmic joker Mercury is now right at home as he entered Gemini early this morning. Mental clarity is sharper and agile now he has left the slower sign of Taurus. The Gemini mind is like cache in the computer- recalls from a kind of temporary memory where as the Taurean mind is like the RAM- safely stored deep in the computer and takes a moment to recall. The downside of Mercury in Gemini is the proverbial chasing your tail syndrome- knowing a little bit about everything but not with much substance or depth. Finding yourself in a flurry of superficial conversations and small talk is often prevalent at this time of the year. Emails and mobile phones become the bane of existence. Mercury in Gemini is a great time to be social, spending time with friends or taking that short course or finally reading that book you have meant to read for ages- you’ll get through it faster now too!

Tomorrow evening after 10pm (Sydney time) we are treated to the most earthly of delights- The New Moon at 15 degrees of Taurus. Venus, Jupiter and Saturn also in earth signs are in on the act making all things about the element of Earth important now. Practicality, stability, routine, dependability and security become a priority. Be patient with yourself if you happen to seem a little more rigid, reluctant to change or stubborn now.

Have you ever tried New Moon wishing? I highly recommend this book to anyone who uses affirmations or simply writes list or sets goals. Using the Moon to direct your wishes from month to month is a great way to hone in and focus on the best energies available to you at the time. Tomorrow night, I will be getting together with a friend who also has the New Moon in her 11th- no doubt lots of wine, cheese and the like will be consumed- a perfect way to honour the Taurus New Moon.

Happy New Moon

Discipline and Luxury

Ever so gently, the astro tide is beginning to turn as Saturn, the planet of restriction begins to move direct. Currently at 1 degree of Virgo, those ‘gonna do’ projects that have been on the back burner since mid December 2007 will begin to become your top priority. Projects of the Virgoan kind, such as cleaning up or doing those once a year ‘big jobs’ around the house, finances, paperwork or things that require a sharp mind with analytical abilities will be much easier to do. Perhaps those health and fitness goals can now be achieved with far more motivation and endurance.

One of the key themes of Saturn in Virgo is the concept of streamlining, de-cluttering and reorganising. There is nearly a ruthless (reminiscent of current Pluto in Capricorn) streak to obtaining one’s personal or business objectives now. The last 6 months have been ideal to review what can be improved, perfected or even done away with leaving you with a much lighter load to deal with moving forward.

Before you get all serious with Saturn, the New Moon in Taurus happens this coming Monday evening at 15 Degrees Taurus. Lady Venus herself drops into this pleasure seeking sign TONIGHT (yippee) at 11:25pm and will join the lights on Monday. With Jupiter and Saturn in also in Earth signs stability, routine, practicality and the creature comforts the Earth trio enjoy so well are under the cosmic spotlight now. Yours truly is certainly gearing up for her Venus return and already I have been invited to a linen party. I can’t think of a better way to indulge in the Taurean way and encompassing the Saturn/Virgo vibes. I mean, there is only so much food and wine a girl can have!

Just after 4pm today, the Moon dips into what I consider also to be an indulgent sign- Pisces. Rather than the indulgence of the senses, Pisces indulges in the mind, imagination and fantasy. Saturn’s authoritive presence isn’t particularly conducive to fantasy so the challenge is to turn your imagination into something real and tangible.

Full Moon in Scorpio

This Full Moon in Scorpio (0 degrees) is extra potent due to a Sun/Pluto link. Feelings are always bound to become unearthed whenever the Scorpio/Pluto combination is in the mix. The big difference here is the connection to Mercury, encouraging the hidden to be spoken about and brought into the light. Secrets will be revealed as well as hidden agendas. Saturn’s presence indicates that it will take time, but will happen eventually. Be aware also of emotional power plays- either your own or of those around you.

The Karmic energies of both Pluto and Saturn suggest that issue on the table now will need to be handled with diplomacy, honesty and care unless you wish to deal with it again. This Full Moon is also an opportune time to do a periodic cleansing or purging of some kind especially physically with the strong earth emphasis in the heavens now. It’s also a great time to consider severing certain emotional ties too. Old phone numbers, emails even photos that energetically tie you down are best done away with now.

Mars and Jupiter face off this week. Energy will be in overdrive and you may find yourself burning the candle at both ends especially if financial gain is at stake. You may over exaggerate your physical abilities this week. If near enough is good enough, that may well just have to do for now.

The Sun moved into Taurus nearly an hour ago as I write. It’s time to focus on the area of your birth chart that governs Taurus, it is here where you can afford to slow down a little bit for the next month. You will find a little extra money may be spent but alot of enjoyment can be found. I have Taurean planets in my 11th house and the last few days I have spent more time (and money) catching up with some of my dearest friends that I haven’t seen since Christmas. I have neglected some of my work commitments in the process but the caramel cheesecakes, coffee’s and wine were sooooo worth it!

If you aren’t sure of where you can afford a few treats over the upcoming weeks, please email me with your date, place and time of birth.

This Tuesday is the YAA. If you are in Sydney please contact me with your interest in attending. If you are unable to attend meetings but still wish to be a part of the Young Astrology community I can add you to our emailing list.

Happy Sun in Taurus.

Endings and Beginnings

The proverbial saying of one door closes, another door opens aptly depicts the astro landscape right now. The last 5 months have proven to be turbulent times for Cancerians in particular with Mars retrograde in your sign (he also dipped back into Gemini who weren’t entirely immune). Now that Mars has passed back over his shadow (the degree where Mars stationed and turned retrograde) Cancers can get back to being Cancerians and Aries being their impulsive selves, each with a new awareness. The crabs are a little more assertive and the rams experiencing a new sensitivity to others. On a more zodiacal ‘global’ scale any endeavours that have been to and fro-ing since mid November 2007 will start to take off for you. If any hidden agendas or secret battles that have been an undertow in your life may come to a head. Generally speaking, the astro energy has now been freed up- personal vitality increases as well as a naive new vigour to initiate new beginnings.

The first New Moon of the new astro year occurred at 16 Aries on Sunday (Sydney time). Despite entering the beginning of an anticipated chilli winter here in the Southern Hemisphere, there is a definite spring vibe with the old adage ‘out with the old and in with the new.’ Mars (ruler of Aries) is now free to express itself as he pleases and with Venus now in Aries this ‘New Year’ vibe is bursting with passionate and fiery energy. Careful consideration is required so this cardinal energy isn’t misdirected into recklessness, anger or aggression.

Jupiter makes a supportive link to Uranus that may encourage exaggerated or reckless unpredictability. Talk may be just that- talk- conversations of big dreams or unbelievable promises are best to be taken with a grain of salt. If you’ve done your homework and not stumbling through any particularly tough personal transits the planets do offer exciting new beginnings now.

The Moon is now in pleasurable Taurus- for anyone who has read Astro*Cass for a while now will know just how much I love the pleasure principle. So in perfect astro timing, I had an unexpected run in today with one of my favourite people and together indulged in some fine caffeine at one of my most frequented coffee shops. Taurus is about luxury and similar to her cousin Leo, Taurus loves anything that is fine- fine wine, fine food etc etc. When it comes to the Taurean nose- there is no fooling her she can pick a fake Dior fragrance a mile away, it will be the Taurus in your life that will ask if there is a little more coriander in this stir fry- she enjoys pleasure from all the senses. This luxury loving vibe will last another 24 hours (Moon in Gemini late Wednesday) so take advantage and do something for yourself just for the pure pleasure of it!

Over the last few weeks I have been totally distracted by a new man in my life. He is so handsome, cuddly and affectionate. I spend every spare moment of my time with him and we are gradually getting to know each other more and more each day. Having the Sun, ascendant and stellium in Sagittarius he loves meeting my friends and going out together- however his Capricorn Moon offers him a dependability I really enjoy. This sure has been one of those love at first sight experiences and the last three weeks have been total bliss- so Venus in Pisces. If you would like to see some photos of my new man- click here.

Now the Sun has comfortably settled in my 10th house- its time to refocus on my career (not to mention my posts!) Sometimes I find it beneficial to withdraw and observe life and not even pay any attention to the planets, (honestly, I have barely kept an eye on which sign the Moon has been in since Henry came into my life.) I make some mental notes, I may even jot a few lines down from day to day, but often it is in reflection when you have the real penny dropping astro moments!

Venus dipped into one of her favourite signs on 13 March- since then life has felt a little sweeter. Dreams have been more vivid as well as any hopes, wishes or goals have seemed far easier to obtain. More often than not, it has been the unexpected gifts that have offered some divine Piscean happenings.

Since the Full Moon in Libra last weekend, relationships have had a gentle reflective quality to them. With Libra, Mercury, Venus and the Sun all in its Antiscia sign of Pisces- gentleness, pure love and a certain selflessness have been a gentle thread weaving through all forms of relating. What was once hard to do, give up or compromise on is easier- there is now a want behind it.

Late tomorrow evening, the Moon dips into unpredictable Aquarius, where next to Neptune it will be the only fixed planet in the sky. With a Sun Mars aspect that perfected today, a little time out may be required if you have been trying to do too much or if your demands of others have been over the top. Reflection with a detached and vague Moon will offer inventive flashes of thought as well as inspirational moments of what you want to achieve.

The next YAA meeting is Tuesday 18th March, 7pm at my home in Western Sydney where we will be discussing the Solar Return- Your Personal New Years Day. Discover how the planetary line up on your birthday effects what’s in store for you in any given year.

Numbers are limited so please contact me if you wish to attend. For more information about the Young Astrologers Association, click here!

3 March 2008

The dreamy and vague vibe of Pisces gave way to the hardworking Moon in Capricorn today. Remaining focussed on your goals wasn’t easy as the path to distraction was a far easier path to take. Tomorrow may prove to be no different as of 3:24pm (Sydney time) the Moon moves into Aquarius where she will be up until the New Moon on Thursday.

Forgive yourself if your imagination runs will as new and exciting Aquarian moments light up your creative centre. As the Moon moves into her Balsamic phase, the next couple of days are a time to prune back the parts of your life that aren’t working for you. What worked well for you last month? What didn’t? What would you change or improve upon for the upcoming month? Mercury and Venus are in the New Moon mix so write down your thoughts and wishes and watch them manifest. You can begin this anytime from Thursday morning 8 hours before the New Moon. The Moon in Aquarius will offer the ideals that will follow into the New Moon in Pisces that will challenge you to turn dreams into reality.

Mars slips out of Gemini tomorrow morning at 9:30am and into Cancer after is long drawn out sojourn through the sign of the twins. If you’ve been striving toward something since November last year or even battling some issues with anger management, agitation or frustration- things should slowly pan out through March as the warrior finds solace with the nurturer (Mars in Cancer). I am currently writing a humorous piece on exactly that ‘When the warrior meets the nurturer’ that will be posted on the website this week!

Happy New Moon!!!

We all have times where we turn inward or underground. Being an inconsistent Cancerian, I’m usually unaware of when that mood will strike. Often when someone asks what I would think or do in a certain situation, I will often say “I’m a Cancerian, it depends on my mood!’ There is nothing like an Eclipse to sensitise an already Moon-sensitive person. A lot of astro happenings occurred last week while I was in hibernation. Sun in Pisces, Mercury direct, Venus in Aquarius and despite all that, I did what I Saturn required and then just stayed at home.

With Saturn’s rings nearly touching the eclipse, a sense of duty came out of last week’s celestial lunar offerings with feelings of sensitivity and increased emotional reaction filtering through obligatory tasks. One can meander through the mundane routine of life, but it is an event like an eclipse that can often shake up or make you realise that something just isn’t working. Enter Saturn. Saturn in Virgo has a purifying quality to it, like a sifter refines and separates impurities from flour when baking a cake. An eclipse falling in the same sign occupied by Saturn will highlight what commands your attention, persistence and discipline and then calls upon you to change it. The Lunar eclipse is reflective in quality, like the Moon herself. Regardless of which house in your personal horoscope last weeks eclipse fell in, tough decisions need to be made around the way you feel about something. Last weeks events may resurface in mid April when Saturn backs into the eclipse degree of 1 Virgo with a trine from Pluto suggesting that if you didn’t heed the message last week, you will a couple of weeks after the Easter break.

Speaking of Easter, during the last few days I have had several people ask me about the date of Easter and why it changes from year to year- including a family member who considers himself a devout Catholic! Easter falls on the first Full Moon after the Autumn Equinox which is always March 21 or the ingress of Aries.

The Moon is now in peace keeping Libra, (where she will again be during Easter), gently reminding us that with all the purifying, quantifying and tough decisions recently being considered and/or made that its time to be nice. The next day or so do something for the people closest to you. Bake a cake, beautify yourself or surroundings or indulge in quality time with those who are most important.

The YAA is a monthly meet of Astrologers from all over Sydney and beyond. Both young and old, advanced and beginners as well as the ‘astro curious’ will meet this Tuesday at 7pm in Blacktown. The cost is $5 for FAA members or $10 for non-members. Please bring a plate of food to share on the night! Contact Cassandra via email for further details or call 0405 125 266.

Now that the candles have burned to the wicks, the warm fuzzy glow of the wine is beginning to dissolve and the tossing and turning of a restless night sleep due to a partially digested heavy meal (as well as other activities) keeping you up all night, the morning promises that everything will be just as they were before. Well, that’s Valentines Day for ya!

The love vibe of today was practical as well as sensual with the earthly overtones of Venus in Capricorn and a Taurus Moon respectively. Financial matters were on the love agenda as well as the simplicity of my 3F’s theory kept romance simple yet sensual. But what happens when the Neptune haze of Valentines Day lifts and the groundhog day scenario of real love and real life set in again? With Mercury still retrograde some love wires are bound to get crossed, the way a woman’s brain ticks in comparison to a man’s can be heightened leaving behind a sense of frustration and potential cynical attitudes to days like today.

The western model of a horoscope is closely related to the Judeo Christian cross- each end of the cross symbolising the four pillars of life. The self, the most significant relationship on one axis, home and family life as well as career and public life are symbolised on the other. It is one of these areas of life that the majority of Astrological advice is sought- especially the axis of self/relationships.

www.marsvenus.com

I am currently reading the new book from John Gray- Why Mars and Venus collide. Despite the title, this book has nothing to with Astrology, but amazingly describes what I would consider modern day Mars and Venus archtypes and how they have changed in the modern world. Weather in a relationship or not, from the astro interested layman to the professional this book offers some of the most invaluable relating insights. For greater understanding of how to honour the Venus or Mars in each of us and gain a better understanding and appreciation of our differences and how they perfectly support each other- this is a must read!

After a romantic Taurus Moon, overnight she will move into flirty Gemini. With ruler Mercury on his first of three holidays of the year, innocent banter may get misread into something more serious. With the strong Aquarian planetary line up this weekend looks set to exchange new and inventive ideas within a group of friends or extended social circle. Get together with people who share a common interest with you. The Moon in Gemini til the early hours of Sunday morning.

The majority of the sky’s astro action is occurring in the consecutive signs of Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces keeping the area of focus relativity narrow even with the dreamy vibe of the current Pisces Moon. With the miserable and consistent wet weather in Sydney lately your best bet is to catch up on any of the small stuff you have been putting off. Tidying up paperwork, escaping in a good book or movie or obligatory family visits are on the agenda with Saturn in opposition.

The escapist will return to reality as the Moon moves into Aries late Sunday afternoon encouraging a more independent vibe. With a Moon Mercury (Rx) link it will be a little tricky to express this new self determined wave. Write down your feelings if expressing them falls on deaf ears or words get muddled up. Pluto is in the mix so remember that some words once spoken can’t be taken back.