2015

Sun enters Capricorn - Dec 21, 2014

The Sun enters Capricorn on December 21, 2014 and will transit here until January 20, 2015

Click here to learn about the Sun. Click here to learn about Capricorn.

When talking about your Sun sign, it’s really more accurate to say “the Earth’s relation to the Sun” since the Earth is the one moving. An appropriate name for this much-celebrated, often oversimplified astrological element would therefore be Earth Sign.

Adding structure to your life

If you are a Capricorn, for the next month you have a Solar Return. Whatever was set in place when the Sun last transited this cardinal earth sign will now come to fruition. With the Sun in Sagittarius for the last month, our attention was directed, well, in all directions at once, beyond the Self. This was an exceptionally active period. The first phrase that comes to mind now: time to buckle down! Capricorns are known for their prodigious work ethic and relentless pragmatism. Keywords are tradition and structure.

Get back to work!

This cycle is likely to be both serious and productive. After fervently exploring and socializing, we’re ready to get back to work, so to speak. Overcoming inertia might prove difficult during the Capricorn cycle, but if you can accomplish this, the rest will come naturally. The sea goat is the patriarch of the zodiac, quietly entering after the party is over to put everything back where it belongs. This is not to say that Capricorns don’t like to party too - if anything, they are usually the ones who go really hard and then feel guilty about it. The balanced sea goat is responsible, reliable, practical, honest and straightforward. Imbalanced Capricorns can be indulgent, lazy, cold or uptight.

Discipline and control

We can learn a lot about the signs of the zodiac by looking to their ruling planets. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the iron fist of the solar system. The sea goat is often one to believe that things absolutely must be done a certain way; more precisely, they must be done the conventional way. This cycle may herald the return of a little discipline in your life. Unlike Sagittarius, the goat is willing and able to move slowly. Capricorn understands better than anyone that we do our best work when we are deliberate yet efficient. The greatest challenge now may be simply remembering to smile and shake it off. It is all too easy to fall into a rut of working too much and laughing too little. Remember all that we have learned from the archer about staying lighthearted and optimistic.

Channeling cardinal energy

The sea goat enjoys deep conversations as long as the subject material is not too intangible. I like to visualize cardinal signs as existing along an axis, a foundation, the face of a clock: things that draw us back again and again to what is. Capricorn is a realist; what could or should be does not interest the goat. There is a certain comfort in knowing what to expect and planning accordingly. You can see why the goat has a reputation for being a little boring. However this often stems from the way Capricorns carry themselves; they are not prone to being bubbly or outwardly emotive. Underneath their (potentially) cool demeanor is an incredibly loyal heart. When balanced, the sea goat treats all relationships with notable dignity and respect.

Muscle through it

How does this all translate into our daily existence? Watch for a tendency to be critical of the Self and others. Capricorns set the bar high then struggle to understand why everyone else can’t keep up. The goat would do well to learn a little empathy and compassion from the opposite end of the zodiac, Cancer the crab. Embrace structure and discipline as worthy tools for reorganizing your life and providing a bit of direction, but don’t forget to listen to your heart too. Capricorn is no-nonsense, hardworking, strong, determined and confident. Harness the power of the goat and put your nose to the grindstone. This is the time of year to just DO IT - no complaining or second thoughts or procrastinating. Take a deep breath and dive right in. If you are a Capricorn or if you would simply like to know more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: I am strong

Mercury enters Capricorn - Dec 16, 2014

Mercury enters Capricorn on December 16, 2014 and will transit here until January 4, 2015

Click here to learn about Mercury. Click here to learn about Capricorn.

The way we speak, write and present ourselves to the world now takes on a more practical tone with Mercury moving out of Sagittarius and into cardinal earth sign Capricorn. We are no longer quite so interested in shooting the breeze or throwing opinions around; conversations with Mercury in Capricorn are straightforward and evidence-based. Indeed this transit is similar to what we witnessed with Mercury in Virgo as all earth signs desire pragmatism in their own right. However, Capricorn moves slowly and deliberately. Visualize a goat climbing with sure, steady feet up a mountainside.

The cardinal modality of this transit manifests in the directness of our speech. Capricorn, like the other earth signs, wants to remain deeply grounded at all times. There is no room here for sentimental anecdotes, wishy-washy ideals or rambling tangents. Capricorn’s mantra is I use: with Mercury here, we are encouraged to examine the applicability of our thoughts and words. This is a good time to get organized and refocus on projects/plans/goals that were ditched in favor of wild Sagittarian adventures. Unlike the centaur, Capricorn both admires and emulates those in positions of authority. The sea goat finds comfort in structure and discipline.

Mercury in Sagittarius directed our thoughts toward the lighthearted side of life. Capricorn is notably more intense. Whereas the centaur likes to learn, the sea goat prefers to study. I like to visualize Mercury in Capricorn as an enormous library with heavy wooden paneling, thick carpets and thousands of intricate volumes. We are apt to think just as much as we did with Mercury in Sagittarius, but we are more serious now. We want not only to know, but to know how. Sagittarius may be content with a good conversation and a joke or two; Capricorn wants to take that conversation and immediately put it to use in the real world.

Capricorn has a reputation for being rigid and old-fashioned. This is not exactly how I would describe Mercury in his natural habitat. As a result, you may feel stuck when it comes to communicating your heart. One thing is sure: the sea goat is not prone to open emotional expression. As with Mercury in Sagittarius, we can use this to our advantage. Now is the time to get real, to observe your interpersonal relationships with an objective eye. Sagittarius energy drew us out; Capricorn reels us back to center. Curiosity is replaced by an overwhelming need for life to operate smoothly and efficiently. If Sagittarius is the inner child, Capricorn is the proverbial father figure, instilling order to the chaos. As we move closer to the beginning of the Capricorn cycle, we are once again reminded of the importance of contraction: ask yourself where and when life feels excessive or out of control.

Mercury in Sagittarius was conducive to movement. However Mercury in Capricorn doesn’t lend itself to motormouths. Think instead of a gruff uncle sitting in an overstuffed chair, speaking infrequently but always with conviction. I don’t mean to make this transit sound unpleasant. If anything, expect others to be conventionally polite, even hesitant. Coming back to the image of a goat climbing a mountain - the goat does not take risks, as these inevitably lead (if only in the mind) to a long and painful fall. The goat is known for setting and maintaining extremely high standards, both for the Self and others. One of the greatest challenges for Capricorns is lightening up and not being so critical of everything. Although you may feel like you will “lose everything” in saying the wrong thing, this is likely an illusion. Remember all that we have learned from the centaur about candidness and courage. Don’t get bogged down thinking about what you should say!

We are no longer seeking; we have our visions and dreams, and now we’re ready to put them into action. It can be difficult to slow down and take a step back after having so much fun during the Sagittarius cycle. But if you’re feeling balanced, this should be a welcome change. Observe your mind’s tendency to once again dwell upon that which we so masterfully rejected as petty or inconsequential during the Sagittarius cycle. I do not expect this transit to be dramatic or arduous, although you may feel like life is giving you constant reality checks. This is not a particularly social phase. Mercury in Sagittarius was loose and honest; the sea goat would do well to be more communicative. I have no doubt that choosing your words carefully will be no problem now.

To ascertain your personal Mercury sign, click here. To learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: I mean what I say

Venus in Capricorn ⚢ Dec 10 - Jan 3

Venus enters Capricorn on December 10, 2014 and will transit here until January 3, 2015

Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Capricorn.

Venus now moves out of mutable fire sign Sagittarius and into cardinal earth sign Capricorn. Venus draws us closer to our feminine side: romance, beauty, pleasure, happiness and artistic endeavors. As Venus moves from sign to sign, changes take place within the heart. The energy of Venus transits is all about attraction: what kind of vibes are you exuding, and what is attracting you? Venus’ move into Capricorn is like clay cooling from the kiln. Soon enough we will be fully grounded again, reconnected to our foundation.

Venus in Sagittarius encouraged us to meet as many people as possible and maybe even experiment with different types of romantic unions. We craved mutual trust and candidness in all interactions. The centaur archer is a mover and doer, so you might have felt a bit restless during this transit. Under this influence we were curious and lighthearted. Our interpersonal thoughts and actions were driven by a desire to learn and share. Venus in Sagittarius often finds us talking to complete strangers and walking away with new wisdom and insight, not to mention renewed faith in humanity. The energy here was dynamic, buoyant and vivacious. If imbalanced, you may have been a bit brash or reckless with others’ feelings. So, what to expect now as the Goddess of Love settles into the realm of the sea goat?

Folding in to the earth

The move now is from an optimistic heart to a pragmatic one. Unlike Sagittarius, the sea goat would rather hunker into the couch and cuddle with someone than go out on the town, excitedly hopping from one conversation to the next. The energy of this transit favors old-fashioned romance. We treat our relationships in the way that we treat business or school. This is not to say that we are impersonal or objectifying, but rather that we don’t feel like taking risks, nor do we treat matters lightly. Our focus now is on remaining steady. To achieve this, Venus in Capricorn may come off as cool and unemotional. Although Capricorns may not show their feelings during tense moments, they are often just employing incredible emotional strength in order to appear put together. From CafeAstrology:

We are more cautious with our emotions, and somewhat skeptical of both our own feelings and others’ expressions of affection. Longevity is important to us under this influence. There is a formality to Capricorn that can make personal expressions seem awkward and forced. However, this cycle offers us the opportunity to consider some of the practical issues of our relations and to work on making our partnerships work in the real world. A dose of realism in our personal lives can help us to feel more grounded and secure in the long run.

The shadow side of Capricorn manifests as calcification of the heart: fear of letting others in, showing emotion or surrendering to love. The sea goat wants to love and be loved just as much as the next person, but it can be truly challenging for this sign to melt and flow. In fact, the goat can become quite annoyed by excessive displays of emotion. This is because Capricorns mean what they say and say what they mean; the goat finds resoluteness sexy and indispensable.

Emotional check-up

Way back in July, Venus transited the sea goat’s opposite sign: Cancer. Themes that surface now are a reflection of our progress since then. Cancer is the prototypical mother, Capricorn the father. Both signs feel a soul longing to put down roots and get settled early in life, whether physically or emotionally. Capricorn and Cancer both seek stability and comfort. However, the sea goat has a thick skin and a hard head, unlike the fragile, sensitive crab. Then as now, expect intensity, seriousness and depth in the relationships that you form or build upon during this transit, but without the accompanying emotional roller coaster. The crab retreats when confused or offended; the goat stands strong. Capricorns are realists more than capable of swallowing the truth.

We are entering an initiatory period

Venus in Capricorn favors smart financial management. You may meet or grow closer to co-workers, business partners or anyone who plays a mentor role in your life. If balanced, the people who enter your life now will all seem to magically come together to support your ambitions. The sea goat is also well-known for having excellent taste and style, so art and aesthetics may become a focus now. The ideal friend/partner at this time is loyal, reliable and ready to commit. This transit heralds new beginnings; each endeavor is begun with the utmost sincerity.

Cultivating independence

Venus in Capricorn may manifest as a block on your intuition if you are feeling imbalanced. On the bright side, emotionally charged issues may suddenly seem less daunting. We easily express ourselves now without succumbing to martyrdom or moodiness. Capricorn is a self-confident, independent sign needing little praise to keep moving up the ladder. In fact, you may now have an overwhelming desire to do everything by yourself. Expect to feel clearheaded and practical if balanced.

Sagittarius energy is certainly entertaining, but you might be feeling dizzy with all the archer’s commotion in our skies right now. Venus in Capricorn is like crashing into bed after a long night of partying with friends. We slowly return now to a mindspace that is familiar and traditional: a bit of structure after a great yet exhausting adventure. Capricorn has a reputation for being a bit of a wet blanket, but someone’s gotta clean up the mess right?

To find out your personal Venus sign, click here. If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: I create my reality

Jupiter turns retrograde - Dec 8, 2014

Jupiter is retrograde in fixed fire sign Leo from December 8, 2014 to April 8, 2015

Click here to learn about Jupiter. Click here to learn about Leo.

I recently posted about Neptune turning direct after being retrograde for more than 5 months. Click here to learn about retrograde motion. Jupiter is retrograde approximately 4 months out of the year. This transit will herald Jupiter’s nearest position to Earth until June 2019. Cool tidbit of information from EarthSky:

On February 6, 2015, Jupiter will be at opposition […] If you could look down upon the solar system plane on that day, you’d see the Sun, Earth and Jupiter making a straight line in space, with Earth sitting in between the sun and Jupiter.

Where to look on Wednesday night, courtesy of EarthSky.org

To be very clear, planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is entirely an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a sort of “backwards” functioning of the planets and their roles.

2014-dec-9-text-jupiter-regulus-moon-night-sky-chart

Where to look for Jupiter, courtesy of EarthSky.org

Journeying within

Jupiter is concerned with spirituality and higher learning. One might describe this planet as jolly and generous, much like Santa Claus. Areas associated with this planet are law, ethics, education, justice, fairness and equality. When Jupiter is retrograde, our quest for greater understanding becomes an inward journey.

There’s really no need to panic with this transit; as with the other gas giants, this retrograde period is quite tame when compared to, say, Mercury. In any case, it is advisable, as with all things in life, to adopt a healthy attitude here and see this as an opportunity to stop, take a step back and get a good look at where you’re heading. Jupiter encourages us to be aware of our horizons and so-called boundaries. Now we turn this awareness within so that we may evolve spiritually and emotionally. In pausing and reflecting, we come to better understand who we are now and what we can change in order to move forward more quickly and efficiently. From the Daily Defenders of Good Karma:

It’s also a time to look at the details that are a part of our larger plan. Because Jupiter in forward-motion promotes activity and going out into the world, Jupiter backwards is all about knowing ourselves and our emotional life. Reconsider truths you previously thought to be self-evident.

Setting a goal

Jupiter will work diligently for you if you set a definite goal - he loves nothing more than goals! I don’t use the word “enlightenment” lightly; after all, it takes many lifetimes to achieve such a state. However, if this is something you yearn for, now is the time to cultivate the necessary discipline and self-control. Jupiter is encouraging you to communicate with the Self. Deep within is an eternal wellspring of perfect wisdom; with a quiet enough mind, you just might be able to hear it begin to bubble up.

We are now more preoccupied than usual with our path: where am I going? Am I becoming the person I want to be? One more from the Daily Defenders of Good Karma:

Instead of the happy-go-lucky planet pushing us to go go go, Jupiter will now go slow slow slow — which means it’s the perfect time to take a time out and examine our personal philosophies and reevaluate the beliefs that motivate us on a daily basis.

Returning to old lessons

Jupiter Rx does not equate to total introversion or constant delays in projects and plans. Plenty of exciting opportunities will still be available to you, but these Jupiterian good fortunes will likely be connected to lessons you failed to learn the first time around. Retrograde periods ask us to return to that which has been ignored, forgotten or discarded. In particular, Jupiter Rx might lead you back to school or to mentors/friends who have wisdom to share.

When direct, Jupiter asks us to reach beyond what we think is possible. When retrograde, we reach instead for the highest version of the Self. The paradox with all retrograde periods is that the very thing you are encouraged to do is in fact the most difficult; for example, gaining access to spiritual insight may not happen effortlessly now. However, this is precisely what makes these transits so rewarding and powerful. These obstacles force us to jump higher and higher; with each successive transit we are ever stronger and more knowledgeable. From astrologer Kerry Shamblin:

Planets when retrograde gain ‘chesta bala’ which is strength to act. This implies that while Jupiter is retrograde, we may have to struggle more to gain the fruits indicated by Jupiter. We all expect exalted Jupiter to shower us with abundance, knowledge and spiritual fulfillment. With the retrograde status in effect, we cannot expect this shower without doing some work of our own in these arenas.

To find your Jupiter sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here. It is interesting to note that, if you were born with Jupiter Rx, you may not notice the effects above as strongly, if at all. More to come on natal Jupiter Rx!

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: I reach within

Mars enters Aquarius - Dec 4, 2014

Mars enters Aquarius on December 4, 2014 and will transit here until January 12, 2015

Click here to learn more about Mars. Click here to learn more about Aquarius.

For more than a month, Mars has been spinning through cardinal earth sign Capricorn. I observed in myself a strong compulsion to feel productive at all times and to regard my actions very seriously. At other times I felt stuck, lethargic. What can we expect with Mars moving into fixed air sign Aquarius?

The inner rebel steps up

As each planet gravitates from sign to sign, subtle aspects of life on Earth shift accordingly. Martian transits shape the nature of our drive, ambition and sexual urges. Mars’ power is sourced now from the collective. I visualize Aquarius energy as a bolt of lightning; a genius scientist; humankind’s infatuation with outer space; all things eclectic, eccentric and offbeat; a community working together innovatively and peacefully. Mars is the physical path, the plan on paper, the bullseye; we move quickly now on our chosen path so long as it allows us total freedom and independence. Unlike Capricorn, Aquarius totally rejects routine, predictability and methodology in favor of all-out rebellion. With the air element at play, expect the unexpected.

From Molly Hall:

This is a time when the individual stands out. But paradoxically, it’s also one of the best transits for group effort. Creative collaboration has an almost supernatural speed, as each is freed to act on a full range of wild ideas.

The unemotional approach

Aquarian energy can be cool and unemotional at times. We can use this to our advantage by approaching emotionally charged relationships with a more impersonal tone: by remaining detached, unconcerned with what or how things happen, we are able to remain in the present moment, free from the limitations of anger and sadness. We move through the day (potentially) erratically, doing a little bit of this then a little bit of that. You might feel oddly satisfied if you happen to shock others with your actions and behavior now. Expect to have a lot of physical and mental energy with this placement, especially with all of the Sagittarius light in our skies right now. We are in the mood to learn about everything and share it with everyone - I cannot emphasize this enough!

Some interpretations of Mars in Aquarius mention an interest in taboos and the appearance of bizarre sexual fantasies. However, I see these as belonging incontrovertibly to Scorpio. What we are more likely to observe is a rearrangement and expansion of social circles. Aquarius craves change; the water bearer is fearless, dynamic and spunky.

From Æternalight Astrology:

Mars in Aquarius is clear-sighted and unattached: after its journey through the ascensional, goal-oriented sign of Capricorn … [it’s] prompting us to assert ourselves and our uniqueness in the social world.

I expect that the pace of life will pick up considerably now. I’m personally very excited - the Mars in Capricorn transit moved too slowly for my taste. It’s so refreshing to see people in lighter moods now that we’re fully in the Sagittarius season. Enjoy this next week as the Moon rounds herself to fullness. Only three more weeks until the Winter Solstice!

To ascertain your personal Mars sign, click here. If you would like to know more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: my dreams are shared

Jupiter in Leo ♃ July 16, 2014

Jupiter enters Leo on July 16, 2014 and will transit here until August 11, 2015

Click here to learn more about Jupiter. Click here to learn about Leo.

For the next year, Jupiter will transit fixed fire sign Leo. What can we expect?

Whenever a planet transits a sign of the zodiac, the qualities associated with that sign are brought into sharp focus. Think of the planets as magnifying glasses that amplify the energy of whichever sign they currently occupy. As Jupiter moves through the signs, certain domains in our life become more prosperous or “lucky.”

Since last summer 2013, Jupiter transited cardinal water sign Cancer. With Jupiter in Cancer, you may have noticed boosts, bonuses or good fortune in the following areas if you felt balanced: heightened sensitivity/empathy, emotional strength, family matters, feminine energy, reconciliation with the past, caring for others and building of support systems. IF however you felt more imbalanced over the last year, you may have experienced an unusual increase in the following: clinginess, lethargy, melodrama, emotional fragility, gullibility, excessive doubt or fear.

Jupiter normally rules mutable fire sign Sagittarius so he is quite at home in fellow fire sign Leo. Fire is all-consuming and powerful. With Jupiter in a fire sign, we have greater drive to create our own opportunities. We are more inclined to dream big and take risks. Make this the year that you finally summon the confidence to do what you have always wanted, professionally or otherwise. Harness the power of the flame and BLAST OFF!

Expect to feel more courageous and outgoing. Just as fire grows and spreads rapidly, your social circle, professional life or interests may expand dramatically. With Jupiter in Leo, you will feel more generous with yourself and others, and not just in a material sense. This generosity may take the form of encouragement. Express sincere pride in your loved ones - your confidence in them is a marvelous, irreplaceable gift!

Leo is the fixed sign of the lion. Jupiter in Leo encourages us to embody the positive qualities of the lion. The balanced lion is dignified, affectionate, romantic and genuine. The lion’s greatest challenge is avoiding egotism and stubbornness. It is true that Leo often gets a bad rap for being self-centered. Channel your newfound Leo pride into admiration for others, healthy self-love and creative expression. The balanced lion loves nothing more than helping others - perhaps because this is the best way to improve the self!

Leo rules all things related to entertainment, children, romance, self-improvement and recreation. Expect your love life to kick up a notch - Leo energy is very sexually potent. Arts & crafts, sports, theater and film may figure prominently in the next year. Leo is notorious for loving the limelight and hamming it up too. You may interact with more children or improve relationships with children who are already in your life. If not, perhaps this is a time when you get in touch with your inner child. Expect to feel more playful. Your inner child will help you enjoy life more fully rather than question your happiness - why do we do that?! Leo is also prone to excess. Watch for splurging, giving away things that you really need or self-destructive behavior.

Jupiter was last in Leo from August 2002 to August 2003. According to CafeAstrology:

What we started during this period is now enjoying a Jupiter return, so that it might blossom, increase, or require adjustments in order to grow further.

I was born with Jupiter in Leo, so this year will be what is known as a Jupiter Return for me and everyone else with Jupiter in the sign of Leo. Check out this chart to see what sign Jupiter occupied on your day of birth.