2025: A YEAR OF CHANGE, INNOVATION, AND NEW BEGINNINGS

It feels like I was just writing a New Year article for 2024, and here I am again, welcoming another new year and a fresh journey ahead. Looking back, I can’t help but reflect on what a wild ride the past year has been. Yet, I also see moments of positivity and hope - reminders that many of us are still holding onto optimism for a better future. It’s essential to let the Universe feel our energy at its highest vibration. 

As we step into this new year, I encourage each of us to think about how we can shine our light to create a kinder, more compassionate, and humanitarian world. Let’s look forward with anticipation to the roles we can play, not only in uplifting ourselves, but also in helping others rise with us.

Looking ahead to the energy of 2025, there are three major planets changing sign this year which marks the beginning of a brand new cycle for those planets: Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Pluto is also a big part of this having already made the transition into Aquarius back in November of 2024. All of these planets moved from Earth and Water signs into Air and Fire signs, so we should expect to see some major upheaval, change, and new beginnings collectively.

I want to take some time explaining how these changes might affect us overall and what we may expect as we are moving through the year.

Saturn will move into Aries on May 24, 2025, not totally leaving this sign until April 12, 2028. Saturn stays in a sign for 2 ½ - 3 years. He is the strict authoritarian figure, the ruler of structure, boundaries, responsibility, and discipline. This is the planet that teaches us our hardest lessons and forces us to learn things through experience, sometimes the hard way. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and is a very independent, courageous, and assertive energy. Aries is known as the warrior. He has great leadership abilities and initiates action.

When Saturn enters this sign, it marks the beginning of an entirely new 30-year cycle around the zodiac. We can anticipate significant changes and the start of a new chapter, particularly on a societal level, where shifts in leadership and power struggles may emerge both at home and abroad.

The last time Saturn was in Aries, from 1967 to 1969, society experienced massive upheaval and transformation, steering it in an entirely new direction. This period witnessed the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Moon landing, Woodstock, the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, and the Manson murders—just to name a few pivotal events.

This is a powerful planetary alignment, and the most constructive way to harness its energy is through inspiration rather than control. By doing so, we allow it to manifest at its highest potential, paving the way for growth, courage, and transformation.

In our personal lives, wherever it comes up for us individually, we can use this energy to start new chapters in our lives in a responsible way. Allow confidence and courage to guide the way while remaining aware of the need for hard-work and perseverance.

Neptune will also move into Aries in March 2025 and will remain in this sign until 2039, staying far longer than Saturn. Neptune, the planet of spirituality, idealism, creativity, imagination, and inspiration, but he also delights in illusion and creating confusion. With Neptune in Aries, we can hope that people will wake up and emerge from a state of dreamy illusion and reconnect with the deeper purpose of why we are here on this planet. This transit encourages us to direct our attention toward the critical issues that are shaping the very fabric of our society.

Uranus will begin its transit into Gemini on July 7, 2025, briefly moving back into Taurus on November 7, 2025, before finally re-entering Gemini in April 2026, where it will remain until May 2033. Uranus is the zodiac’s rebel, a master of unexpected change and, at times, revolution. His motto could well be, “rules are made to be broken.” This planet embodies innovation, freedom, and independence, delivering groundbreaking ideas, cutting-edge inventions, and advancements in technology. Consider the rise of AI, social media, and electric vehicles; these are all Uranian influences.

Uranus thrives in Gemini, where it is exalted. Gemini rules the mind, intellect, and communication, so we can anticipate an era of expanded creative freedom and significant leaps forward in science and technology that have the potential to enhance and transform our lives.

On a personal level, tracking Uranus’ movement through your chart can provide insights into where you’re being called to learn, innovate, and embrace new ideas. This energy encourages you to express your unique voice, refine your communication skills, and open yourself to fresh perspectives. It’s also an ideal time to channel this energy into positive activism, engaging with humanitarian efforts and contributing to social justice causes that inspire meaningful change.

This month, the astrological signs of Capricorn and Aquarius will begin to guide us, inspiring us to lead our best lives in the year ahead. Capricorn sets the tone for the beginning of January by encouraging us to keep a clear head and to begin to set goals for the weeks and months  that are stretching out in front of us. Use Capricorn’s strengths of structure, persistence, and dedication to chart your course. The beauty of Capricorn is his ability to teach us how to have trust in our own abilities and to always land on our feet. 

Aquarius takes over mid-month on January 19th bringing with it an original, unique, and inventive energy. This sign helps us to believe that anything is possible. You may be able to come up with more innovative ideas and feel inclined to use your power to help social causes in some way. The energy of Aquarius helps you to see the big picture. What I love most about this sign’s energy is that it gives us the ability to think beyond the mundane. It allows us to honor diversity and differences and encourages us to use our personal freedom to choose our own path.

I have chosen just a few of the transits to highlight for the month of January that have resonated most with me. You can be guided by my full transit calendar on a daily basis by signing up for the iCalendar thoughtfully created by Crystal Heinemann, The Psychic Soul, ensuring that daily guidance is always within reach. Simply go to http://www.thepsychicsoul.com/iCalendarContact to be added to the monthly calendar which will automatically update on your iCalendar and Apple devices. 

On January 1, 2025, Mars in Leo will be in opposition to Pluto in Aquarius. This is an intense way to begin the new year. This dynamic reflects the tension between your personal desires and your potential to contribute positively to society. It’s a delicate dance between the individual ambitions represented by Mars, and the communal, transformative influence of Pluto. You may find yourself navigating the challenge of harmonizing these opposing forces.

Mars in Leo can bring a tremendous drive for power and recognition, while Pluto in Aquarius seeks higher truths and wants to invoke powerful transformations.  Don’t be surprised if you feel triggered during this time and experience anxiety and inner conflict. This transit will be around for a while due to retrogrades. It doesn’t totally move on until mid-April, so be aware of your struggles and emotions and make sure to set healthy boundaries with yourself and others. Try to use this energy for constructive, not destructive purposes. It is very helpful to focus on keeping yourself grounded through breath meditation, physical exercise, and time outdoors. Since Mars is still in retrograde motion until February 23rd, keep all of your goals and ideas in the planning phase, and wait until Mars stations direct before implementing them.

Venus enters Pisces on January 2nd, which will help to cool the heat a bit from the Mars/Pluto opposition. Venus is exalted in this sign, meaning that she is operating from her highest and most positive expression. Pisces' dreamy and sensitive ways nurture Venus' need for beauty and sensuality. Make the most of this transit by letting go of anything that blocks love, compassion, or your connection to the divine within yourself and others. At times, emotions may feel overwhelming, but try to stay grounded in reality while trusting your intuition to guide you. Practicing gratitude, meditation, and nurturing your spiritual connection can also be especially helpful during this period.

January 6th is the 1st Quarter Moon in Aries. This is the moment to clarify the intentions you put out during the New Moon in December. You will become very aware of the new direction you envisioned. Be alert for opportunities that will help you to pursue your goals. With the Moon in Aries, you’ll be supported by courage, passion, and initiative.

On January 12th, the Sun will trine Uranus in Taurus. Expect to feel a sense of excitement and anticipation of something on the horizon. Your soul is working toward something creative, and it is a great time to dive into something uniquely your own. Embrace your individuality and think outside the box.

The Full Moon rises in Cancer on January 13th, a sign where the Moon feels most at home and can naturally express its true essence. This energy brings themes of sensitivity, nurturing, and emotional care. You might experience some emotional highs and lows, along with a strong desire to retreat to the comfort of your home or a familiar, secure space. A Cancer Full Moon encourages you to nurture yourself and pay attention to your emotional needs as they come into focus. It’s a powerful time for self-discovery, for having healthy conversations with loved ones, and bringing moments of enlightenment that can guide you toward greater emotional growth and understanding.

On January 19th, the Sun moves into Aquarius, officially kicking off Aquarius season. It’s time to lighten up and shift away from Capricorn’s seriousness and it’s focus on responsibility. Embrace a more innovative, forward-thinking energy and allow your creativity to flow. Stay open to new ideas and let your humanitarian side shine.

On January 21st, the Sun is conjunct Pluto in Aquarius. This is a very powerful combination that can be an extremely transformative time in which you plumb your own depths, uncovering your deepest thoughts and feelings. Use this time to reveal long buried truths in order to bring positive growth to the most private parts of your life. Be gentle with yourself and have a safe space to process any memories or feelings that come up. Meditation and journaling are particularly helpful during this transit.

On January 25th, Venus in Pisces forms a trine with Mars in Cancer, creating a beautifully harmonious and creative energy between these two planets. Venus represents our desires and needs, while Mars helps us take action to fulfill them, and together, they work in perfect balance. This is an ideal time to express yourself creatively and share your message in a gentle, non-pushy way. On a personal level, this aspect can also bring a deep sense of intimacy and passion, making it a particularly romantic and sexy time with your partner.

Welcome the Lunar New Year! On January 29th, the New Moon will be in the sign of Aquarius, encouraging innovative and inspiring new ideas and visions, as well as looking ahead with positivity and hope. This gives us an emotional break from the usual Moon feelings since Aquarius is a more detached and objective energy. During these next couple of weeks, reach out to your social and professional friends and recognize the value of collaboration and networking. You never know what new adventures can come as a result of sharing your visions for the future.

As Uranus stations direct on January 30th, take a moment to reflect on everything that’s unfolded since it went retrograde on September 1, 2024. What have you learned about the area of your life ruled by Taurus? With Uranus moving forward, it’s time to embrace progress, take bigger risks, and move full steam ahead. While Uranus remains in Taurus, remember that change and innovation are essential for growth. A little shake-up can be a good thing, especially when it benefits everyone.

We end the month on January 31st, with Venus in a conjunction with Neptune in Pisces. This transit infuses every aspect of your life with a heightened sense of love, inspiration, and creativity. While it’s easy to get swept up in the dreamy waves of emotion and compassion, be sure to ground yourself with self-awareness as you work to bring your dreams and visions to lif

DECEMBER 2024 COSMIC GUIDANCE AND ASTROLOGY FORECAST

As we enter the final month of 2024, a little guidance can help us cross the finish line. With the winter solstice and holiday season approaching, it’s crucial to make the most of the energy around us to wrap up the year on a high note. This year has been emotionally intense, and compassionate insights are essential for closing it on a peaceful note and setting the stage for a positive new beginning. The cosmos is active with significant transits and aspects, and I’m here to explore how these energies can support our highest good as we move forward.

The astrological signs of Sagittarius and Capricorn share the month. Sagittarius is a fire sign that ushers in the holiday party season with lots of enthusiastic energy, spontaneity, and optimism. Later in the month, earthy Capricorn steps in, offering a grounded and realistic perspective to kick off the new year with stamina and clear, long-term goals for what we hope to achieve. It is a time when we can begin to turn our dreams and faith-driven ideals into a realistic and goal-oriented future. 

What better way to start the month than with a New Moon in Sagittarius on December 1st. This New Moon provides us with optimism and a sense of adventure. New Moons are always about new beginnings, and the seed that is germinating is all about welcoming a fresh start and expanding life’s possibilities through learning, traveling, and opening our minds to new beliefs and philosophies.  Allow yourself to make positive changes by reflecting on the past year, your emotions and thoughts during this time, and then letting those things define a positive new direction in your life. 

Later in the day the Moon moves into a conjunction with Mercury retrograde. Allow this to help you slow down, reflect, and possibly create some emotional healing. It can provide you with the opportunity to have some important self-discoveries, such as understanding and adjusting your basic emotional patterns.

On December 2nd, the Moon in Capricorn is in a conjunction with Pallas Athene. Pallas is an asteroid discovered in 1802 and is one of the four major asteroids, Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta, each discovered within a few years of each other. These asteroids were named for female goddesses and their discovery has been aligned with the rise of the women's movement ever since.

Pallas, the goddess of wisdom and self-defense, is often known as the warrior goddess. While I don’t typically focus on asteroid influences, her perfect 0-degree conjunction with the Moon is worth noting. This alignment greatly enhances your ability to tap into intuition, emotions, and intellect. Trust your gut as various life issues come up; this connection strengthens your capacity to blend intuition with rational problem-solving when making decisions. It’s an especially supportive energy for resolving conflicts, particularly within interpersonal relationships.

From December 4th to December 14th, the Sun in Sagittarius will form a square with Saturn in Pisces. With Saturn in Pisces, there's a strong focus on tuning into your inner voice and trusting your intuition, aligning well with Pallas’ influence. However, Saturn is also the planet of discipline, boundaries, and responsibilities, so this transit may bring a sense of duty that feels restrictive. You might experience blocks to self-expression or feel like your true self isn’t finding an outlet. To find balance, ask yourself some key questions: Who are you becoming? What steps do you need to take to move forward on your life path? And what parts of yourself might need to be released to make room for growth?

On December 6th, Mars turns retrograde in Leo until February 23, 2025. During Mars retrograde your energy may feel more internalized and introspective rather than outwardly active. You might notice a slowdown in your plans and goals, which can lead to feelings of frustration. Instead of pushing against this slower pace, use this time to prioritize inner reflection and focus on your emotional and psychological well-being. Align with your own rhythm, practice mindfulness before reacting to triggers, and cultivate compassion for yourself and others. By the end of this retrograde, you’ll likely gain greater clarity about your path forward.

There are four major transits occurring on December 7th; Venus enters Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius conjuncts Pluto, Neptune stations direct, and the Sun is in opposition to Jupiter in Gemini.

Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and harmony, guides our relationships and connects us with the feminine essence. As she moves into Aquarius, expect to feel a boost in social energy, with a particular interest in broader societal issues. This transit encourages you to experiment with new approaches to love and connection, making it a great time to explore how you relate to others. You may feel drawn to more unconventional relationships and a stronger sense of independence. Embrace this shift as a chance to learn about your outlook on love, commitment, and the freedom to express your unique self.

At the same time, Venus and Pluto form a powerful exact conjunction in Aquarius. Pluto adds a powerful energy to matters involving relationships and how we form close personal attachments. Pluto does not play small. When he teams up with Venus it creates a magnetic, all-consuming energy. Be mindful of potential power struggles in partnerships and watch for any controlling or manipulative tendencies, whether from yourself or others. This transit may have you balancing the desire for deep, intimate connections with a fear of losing yourself within them.

Neptune having been retrograde since July 2nd of this year, finally stations direct on December 7th. During retrograde, we hopefully had more clarity about our lives, our relationships, and inner selves. In fact, it may have provided a little too much realism. As it moves back into a direct motion, allow yourself some periods of escape and appreciate your ability to dream and fantasize. Try to operate from a place of faith that all is unfolding just as it should be. Neptune’s intent is to dissolve boundaries and limitations so that you are able to receive inspiration and lean into your creativity.

Lastly, we have the Sun in Sagittarius opposing Jupiter in Gemini. As opposing signs on the astrological wheel, Sagittarius and Gemini both emphasize the mind and communication, but in different ways. Gemini, the logical and analytical sign, relies on reason and practical thinking, while Sagittarius is more about big-picture insights, intuition, and higher understanding. Both are curious, restless, and eager to connect with others and hear their stories. This opposition may lead you to feel scattered or pulled in many directions. The key here is finding a balance between your expansive dreams and the practical steps needed to bring them to life.

December 8th brings the First Quarter Moon in Pisces. This is the half-way mark between the New Moon and the Full Moon. Anything that you began to think about and develop at the New Moon phase on December 1st, is getting closer to actualizing when the Full Moon phase occurs. However, at this phase, now is the time you may begin to have doubts or start to question yourself or your ideas. Watch out for stumbling blocks but persist in your goal visions. At this time, start to have conversations with others about your intentions and get the ball rolling. Getting feedback can turn your doubts around.

On December 12th, the Goddess of Love opposes the God of War as Venus and Mars face off in opposition. Though opposite in nature, these two share a unique, complementary relationship. They actually rely on each other and work together sharing a special relationship. Venus represents what you desire, while Mars shows how you go after it. With Venus in Aquarius (an Air sign) and Mars in Leo (a Fire sign), this transit may bring a push-pull dynamic to your relationships. You might find yourself torn between a desire for closeness and a need for freedom, trying to balance your own needs with those of your partner. The key is to find middle ground—acknowledge and respect each other's differences, and make sure to communicate openly about your thoughts, feelings, and needs.

On December 15th, we experience a Full Moon in Gemini, just as Mercury, Gemini's ruling planet, stations direct after its retrograde phase that began on November 25th. This Full Moon shines a light on themes of learning and communication, encouraging us to examine our belief systems and philosophies with fresh eyes. What are you truly seeking? This lunar event invites us to remain open to new perspectives and to reconsider how we view the world. In a conjunction with Jupiter, the Full Moon enhances feelings of love and generosity, opening our hearts and minds. You may find yourself drawn to explore deeper spiritual and philosophical questions, inviting profound insights and growth.

With Mercury going direct just as the holiday season hits its peak, travel plans should flow more smoothly, gifts will hopefully arrive on time, and connecting with loved ones will feel easier. Expect lively conversations and a joyful atmosphere as we dive into the festivities!

On December 18th, the Sun is in a square aspect to Neptune in Pisces which can create some confusion and a lack of mental focus. This aspect does increase your imagination and creativity, yet you may not see the reality of things as clearly as you’d like. It will be really important to practice ways to ground yourself during this time and practice self-care. Journaling and spending time in nature are great ways to do this.

The next day, December 19th, Venus in Aquarius makes a harmonious trine aspect with Jupiter in Gemini. This is a lovely connection between the two most kind, generous, loving, and altruistic planets in the Universe. You will feel more relaxed, making it an opportune time for holiday socializing and expanding your personal life. It’s also a great time for romance and dating as your heart center opens and you welcome connection with others.

On December 21st, the Sun enters Capricorn, marking the winter solstice. This day brings the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year, symbolizing the start of the winter season. Yet, it also represents a celebration life’s rebirth, as from here on, the days will gradually grow longer and the Sun will shine brighter. The winter solstice reminds us of renewal, instilling faith and hope that spring is just around the corner. It’s a perfect moment to reflect on our life’s direction and consider the changes we’d like to make as we approach the new year—a natural time to set intentions and envision new possibilities.

Capricorn season, lasting from December 21 to January 19, is governed by Capricorn’s ruling planet, Saturn, which encourages us to plan with discipline and foresight. This period is ideal for setting long-term goals and learning from the past year’s experiences to help shape new strategies. Consider the areas where you want to grow or make changes in the coming year. Begin by writing down your intentions and creating a to-do list, outlining the steps needed to manifest your goals.

On December 22nd, the Moon enters her last quarter phase in Libra, marking the halfway point between the Full Moon and the New Moon. This phase represents the gradual shift from the Full Moon's bright illumination—when everything feels ready for manifestation—toward the dimming light of the New Moon. As the Moon’s light decreases, it invites a time for reflection, release, and preparing for new intentions in the upcoming lunar cycle.

The last quarter Moon very often creates a “crisis of consciousness” or more simply, a sense of confusion or a disconnect between your actions and your core values. During this phase, try to be aware of your own truth and moral principles. Your sense of right and wrong. Reflect back on the month to evaluate what is worth keeping and what no longer serves you. It is a time to make space for new and fresh ideas to enter your life as the New Moon phase rapidly approaches.

On December 24th, Jupiter in Gemini is in a challenging square to Saturn in Pisces. There are creative and inner tensions at play during this time. We have the optimism and abundance of Jupiter squaring up with the structure and limitations of Saturn. A positive way to work through this is by combining discipline and hard work with faith and imagination. You might feel highly driven to accomplish your goals right now, but could encounter some obstacles along the way. Even though certain limitations may arise, remain open to finding ways to work around them.

As Jupiter in Gemini opposes Mercury in Sagittarius on December 26th, expect your optimism and visions to begin to take off. Just make sure you ground your grand plans with a healthy dose of realism. While you are extremely confident and excited to share your ideas, it is equally important to deliver your message with humility and openness to other opinions and viewpoints. You may be looking more at the big picture and over-looking the fine details so keep things in perspective.

You will want to keep these things in mind as Mercury squares Saturn on December 27th. This aspect wants to keep you stuck or fixated on a certain way of thinking. It can create a rigid mind-set. You will absolutely benefit from other people’s viewpoints, as well as allowing yourself to be open and flexible to new ideas and perceptions. Journaling, writing down notes, and creating structure in your thought processes, is extremely helpful in getting through this transit.

On December 28th, Venus in Aquarius squares Uranus in Taurus. You may experience some challenges within your relationships and perhaps changing circumstances in where you find your value and self-worth during this transit. There will definitely be some tension as you try to navigate between the desire for more freedom, a curiosity and exploration of unconventional connections, and what makes you feel desired and valued. Uranus in Taurus truly supports your need to “march to the tune of a different drummer” or to experiment with different life choices. 

The month ends with a New Moon in Capricorn on December 30th. In keeping with the energy of Capricorn season, these next couple of weeks are a great time to really think about what you want to achieve going into 2025. Be explicit with your goals and intentions. This is all about preparing for the future and focusing on ways to develop self-discipline and understand commitments and responsibilities. Free yourself from whatever limiting beliefs you have about yourself and focus on what truly matters.

As the final days of December unfold, take this time to reflect on the year’s journey and honor the growth and lessons it brought. With each planetary alignment, the energies around us encourage introspection, renewal, and a sense of purpose. Embrace these opportunities to set meaningful intentions for the year ahead, making space for fresh perspectives and positive change. Prepare to welcome 2025 with an open heart and a clear vision for the future. Happy Holidays!

October's Astrological Guide: Eclipses, Energetic Shifts, and Spiritual Insight

There are many things to look forward to in the month of October. From the dual influence of both Libra and Scorpio season and their influence on the month, to the significant Libra Solar Eclipse, and October’s cosmic energies and planetary transits, this month’s energy supports decision-making, personal growth, and emotional clarity. 

This is also a time when we embrace the mysticism and mythology of the Halloween season when the veil between the physical world and spiritual realm thins. “It has been told that the veil thins as the autumn leaves and things of nature seem to go back into the earth and therefore leaving a larger space for higher consciousness to occur. It's a time of quieting down our busy lives and our minds so that we may become more in tune with our higher selves and the divine (sentinelandenterprise.com).”  

Libra Season & The October Solar Eclipse

Ushered in by the Fall Equinox, October begins with Libra’s harmonious influence, setting the tone for reflection on relationships, balance, and decision-making. As an Air sign ruled by Venus, Libra encourages us to weigh different perspectives, fostering a sense of unity and understanding in our interaction

The Libra Solar Eclipse on October 2, 2024, marks a pivotal moment for relationship dynamics, urging us to reevaluate connections and embrace compromise. This annular eclipse, visible in South America, brings a unique "ring of fire" formation, symbolizing clarity and transformation for everyone regardless of location.

 This Solar Eclipse occurs at the South Node of the Moon. The South Node represents our natural born gifts and talents, past life matters, and our limiting beliefs and habits. This particular eclipse is focused on relationships, cultivating harmony in our lives, and bringing new perspectives regarding our interactions with others.

Overall, these next 6 months are a time to work on relationships and to recognize our partners as teammates. Learn to make peace with any negative feelings that have occurred toward those you are in any type of relationship with. Establish more harmony, balance and order in your life, and recognize the value of partnerships. This eclipse brings an open and creative energy into all of our relationships.

Deepening Connections: Venus in Scorpio Trine Saturn

From October 4th through the 10th, Venus in Scorpio forms a trine with Saturn in Pisces, promoting deeper emotional connections and meaningful discussions. This is an ideal period to strengthen your relationships through open and compassionate communication. Whether it's a romantic partner or a close friend, this transit encourages honesty, introspection, and a more profound understanding of emotional needs. Reflect on how you can create a more harmonious balance between supporting your relationship commitments and honoring your own needs and boundaries.

Energetic Shifts: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Pluto

Mid-month, we experience some tension with Mercury in Libra squaring Mars in Cancer on October 6th. This aspect can create some tension and may lead to misunderstandings, irritability, and impulsive reactions, but by practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques, as well as some physical energy to release energy, you can navigate this time with grace.

Shortly after, Venus harmonizes with Mars on October 8th, restoring balance and supporting emotional and creative expression in relationships. This is a wonderful transit for dating, friendship, and companionship, as well as for passion and sexual intimacy. It brings you more in touch with your creative side so use this to get your messages across to others in a unifying way.

Jupiter’s retrograde in Gemini on October 9th shifts focus toward self-reflection and philosophical contemplation, offering a window for personal growth. Jupiter is a very spiritual and faith driven planet. During this period, leading up to Jupiter stationing direct on February 4, 2025, you may find yourself reflecting deeply on life's profound questions, pondering the principles that guide you, and envisioning your dreams, major projects, and future aspirations.

The Moon enters her First Quarter phase on October 10th. This is the moment to clarify your intentions from the Solar Eclipse and begin actively pursuing your goals. With the Moon in Capricorn, you’ll be supported by determination, commitment, and a practical mindset. Leverage these qualities to start implementing your plans and establish clear boundaries. Stay grounded in reality and create a time-frame for working toward your long-term objectives.

Meanwhile, Pluto’s direct motion on October 11th wraps up its transformative journey in Capricorn, setting the stage for lasting changes and urging us to bring hidden truths to light. Pluto’s stay in Capricorn will be brief before it transitions into Aquarius on November 19th, where it will remain until 2043. What did you accomplish during this retrograde? Were you able to self-reflect enough to finally bring whatever has hidden in the dark into the light? With Pluto now direct and moving into the progressive and socially conscious sign of Aquarius, it is time to begin the transformation and take action on any revelations garnered during that time period and revolutionize important elements in your life.

On October 13th, Mercury enters Scorpio, heightening your intellectual sharpness and observational skills. This is an ideal time for research, delving deep into information, investigating, and trusting your intuition. Be creative and resourceful as you seek to uncover the core of a puzzling situation. You'll find yourself mentally probing for truth and hidden motives in conversations and other scenarios. It's a potent period for revealing many concealed truths.

On October 15th, Venus in Scorpio will trine Neptune in Pisces. The Goddess of Love in the highly passionate sign of Scorpio, harmoniously blending with Neptune, can create some truly erotic and romantic moments with your partner in a very emotional and spiritual way. This combination creates a lovely opening in the heart center.

Powerful Transformations: Full Moon in Aries

The Full Moon in Aries on October 17th brings an assertive, bold energy, highlighting personal achievement and healing deep-seated emotional wounds. This is all about opening your eyes to your life’s purpose, but still being able to recognize you will come across problems and set-backs while getting there. Allow this Full Moon to shine her light on your direction and to also provide the pioneering spirit and motivation to pursue it.

With square aspects to Chiron, Pluto, and Mars, this Full Moon is a time of emotional intensity, urging us to confront past hurts and move toward healing and empowerment. This period asks us to balance our personal needs with our relationships, fostering both independence and unity.

With each of these squares, passions and emotions run high and at times may feel overwhelming. These emotions want to teach us about letting go of these old wounds. Emotional power struggles may occur, so express your needs and boundaries with absolute clarity. As you move through this intense period, make sure you practice self-care. Explore your emotions gently, spend time in nature, and engage in an activity that is a healthy outlet for all of this emotional intensity.

Enter Scorpio Season

Scorpio season begins on October 22nd, shifting the energy to a deeper, more introspective focus. Known for its transformative power, Scorpio invites us to explore our subconscious, confront fears, and pursue spiritual renewal. This season is ideal for diving into personal desires, forging stronger emotional connections, and embracing vulnerability in a way that fosters growth.

You can use this energy in several ways. Ask yourself what you most desire. Connect with others in a more intimate and meaningful way. You may want to merge with your partner in a deeper way, increasing your level of sensual intimacy and commitment. Or you may want to share your inner secrets with your closest friend and allow yourself to open up and be vulnerable without fear of being hurt. It is a great time to dive into deep conversations and have those discussion we most fear.

Last Quarter Moon, Mars, and Uranus

On October 24th, the Last Quarter Moon in Leo invites a period of reflection and evaluation. Following the Full Moon, you've likely gained clarity on what truly matters. Now, it's time to assess the past, acknowledge lingering issues, and let go of anything that no longer serves your highest good. This lunar phase offers the opportunity to use past experiences as catalysts for deep soul transformation. 

On the same day, Mars forms a sextile with Uranus, energizing you with a rebellious and revolutionary spirit. You're likely craving change and variety, eager to embrace fresh ideas and new possibilities. Open yourself to exciting, perhaps even daring experiences, and surround yourself with people who are innovative and shaping the future. This transit will invigorate you with the thrill of what's possible.

Halloween Transits

We close the month by celebrating Halloween or Samhain on the 31st. While it may not be filled with spine-chilling frights, this time is more about connecting with your spiritual and mystical side. With Mercury in Scorpio forming a trine to Neptune in Pisces, your intuition and imagination will be heightened. If you're embracing the Halloween spirit, use this transit to create captivating visual displays for those trick-or-treaters.

The true gift of this aspect lies in the opportunity to tap into your creativity and imagination. How will this resonate with you on a spiritual level? Could you channel your inner self-expression into something that bridges the gap between the spiritual and physical worlds? Quiet the mental chatter, unplug from social media, and allow yourself to listen to your intuition and the beauty of silence—see where it leads you.

Closing Thoughts

As we move through October’s cosmic transitions, the planetary influences offer powerful opportunities for self-reflection, transformation, and connection. The balance between Libra’s harmonious energy and Scorpio’s intensity invites us to reflect on our relationships, confront deep emotions, and take steps toward personal evolution. Whether through the lens of a transformative Solar Eclipse or the introspection of a Full Moon, October’s celestial events guide us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. Embrace the mysticism of the month, tap into your spiritual side, and let October’s cosmic energies inspire your journey toward growth, balance, and deeper connection.

SEPTEMBER STARGAZING: UNVEILING THE MONTH’S COSMIC SHIFTS

September has always had a magical feel to me. The oppressive heat and humidity of summer have cooled off, giving way to perfect weather—temperatures hovering at just the right level, no humidity, cloudless sunny skies, and cool evenings. This is the liminal space of perfection before fall weather sets in and the days start to grow shorter.

This period is more than just a seasonal shift; it's also packed with significant astrological events that promise to influence every aspect of your life. From Uranus going retrograde in Taurus to a Super Full Moon in Pisces, the cosmos is stirring, and you don't want to miss out on the opportunities these transits offer.

Kicking off the month Uranus turns retrograde in Taurus. From September 1st through the remainder of the year, until it finally stations direct on January 30,2025, this retrograde will push you to reassess the areas of your life tied to Taurus in your birth chart.

Uranus is in its fall or least comfortable position in Taurus. Uranus is all about change, rebellion, stirring things up, and freedom. Taurus wants security, dependability, and resists change. Uranus wants evolution and progress. Taurus is all about upholding tradition. As you can see, they are total opposites in nature. Expect to see disruption and changes in the area of your life where Taurus is in your birth chart. During this retrograde, be prepared to reevaluate how you relate to that area of life and how you can make authentic and positive changes while still honoring yourself, your values and your self-worth. This is about finding your freedom and creating inner change.

At the same time, Pluto re-enters Capricorn for the last time before its final move into Aquarius on November 19, 2024. Pluto is an extremely powerful planet associated with transformation, power, control, and the unconscious. It governs the processes of death and rebirth, symbolizing the need to let go of what no longer serves us to make way for new growth. As the planet takes his last breath in the sign of Capricorn, reflect on what this may mean for you personally. What needs to be released so that you can follow your soul’s journey toward personal empowerment? What uncomfortable truths will you have to acknowledge in order to align yourself with your soul’s journey toward empowerment.

On September 2nd, there is a New Moon in Virgo. The New Moon phase is all about new beginnings, new ideas, and fresh starts. Virgo’s meticulous energy will help you ground your ideas and set structured goals for the next six months. Virgo provides you with the instincts to streamline, organize, and perfect your thoughts and objectives in an orderly manner for your highest good.

However, with Mars also squaring Neptune on this date, the path forward may seem unclear. Whatever new path forward you are considering, it may feel very hazy or confusing right now. You may actually struggle a bit with your New Moon intentions. Mars is the planet that wants to charge full speed ahead, while Neptune likes to play with our subconscious and cause us to have doubts. She is famous for creating uncertainty and making us question the reliability of our thoughts and actions. Don't rush; instead, move slowly and lean on your intuition to guide you through this hazy period.

Adding to the confusion, Mars enters the sign of Cancer on September 4th until November 4th.  When Mars is in Cancer, this planet is said to be in its “fall.” This is the most difficult placement for Mars. The warrior planet finds himself in an emotional and nurturing environment, which can be challenging. However, it can bring in a nurturing energy in a very protective way. There is a mama bear quality to this combination. Use this time to channel Mars' energy into home improvement projects or nurturing your relationships. Be mindful, though—this transit could stir up protective instincts that might lead to misunderstandings.

Mercury, the planet of communication, enters its home sign of Virgo on September 8th. Unlike a planet in “fall,” when a planet is in rulership, it is at its most fluid, authentic and most powerful representation. Mercury will be in Virgo until September 25th so take advantage of the power it will bring to the areas of communication and your intellect. This is an ideal time to sharpen your organizational skills, express yourself clearly, and engage in detailed analysis.

Mercury in Virgo is a wonderful transit to have as the Moon enters her 1st Quarter phase on September 11th. Now is the time to get off square one and really get going with things. This is an ideal time to sharpen your organizational skills, express yourself clearly, and engage in detailed analysis. Mercury in Virgo will help you see things more clearly and you can now take decisive action with the ideas that started to percolate during the New Moon phase.

From September 14th until the 21st, Venus in Libra forms a harmonious trine with Jupiter in Gemini. This alignment brings a wave of good fortune, love, and growth opportunities. Whether it's in your romantic life or financial matters, keep an open heart and mind for the blessings that come your way. Overall, remain open to feelings of enthusiasm, joy, and a positive outlook on life.

On September 17th, a Super Full Moon will occur in Pisces, making this event particularly special as it coincides with a partial lunar eclipse. During a partial eclipse, only a portion of the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow. This offers us a unique opportunity to tap into the spiritual and emotional insights that often accompany a lunar eclipse. With the Moon in Pisces, a sign known for its deep spirituality, creativity, imagination, and intuition, and conjunct with Neptune, the ruler of Pisces, these revelations are likely to be especially profound.

This Moon carries the polarity between Pisces and Virgo, which reflects the elemental energies of earth and water. The combination of these elements can ground your spiritual energy and intuition, making it possible to use these talents in more practical ways as well as providing a deeper connection to the physical world and Mother Earth. Using a disciplined approach during this Full Moon is suggested through guided mediations and by incorporating more practical applications when using your creativity and imagination in manifesting your visions. One of the goals of a Full Moon and lunar eclipse is to release anything that you have outgrown or is no longer useful for your growth. There is a greater connection to the Universe and Source energy during  this time so allow yourself to be guided on the path where you need to be.

As Mercury in Virgo opposes Saturn in Pisces on September 18th, you may feel a wave of self-criticism or doubt. Instead of letting negativity drag you down, use this transit to practice self-compassion and focus on finding solutions to anything that comes up that threatens your state of being. Remember that Saturn’s lessons, though tough, are ultimately designed to help you grow.

September 22nd marks the Fall Equinox and the Sun’s entry into Libra, signaling a time of balance and reflection. The Equinox is a powerful time for inner work, gratitude, and preparing for the symbolic death and rebirth that autumn represents. Use this energy to release the old and make space for new growth as you transition into the quieter, introspective season ahead. Meditation and other inner work is beneficial in order for you to make room inside yourself for growth and transformation.

As Venus moves into Scorpio on the same day as the Equinox, expect your relationships to intensify. When Venus is in the sign of Scorpio, you can experience some intense emotions, passions, and desires. Scorpio’s passionate energy can bring about deep emotional bonds but also stir feelings of possessiveness or jealousy. Reflect on where these emotions stem from and whether they are justified, or simply a result of Scorpio’s influence.

On September 24th, the Moon will be in her Last Quarter phase. As the Full Moon's energy wanes, focus on closing old chapters and preparing for new cycles. It is time to review, reevaluate and reorganize in order to make room for the next new stage of development. It is important to close the last chapter, leave behind the things no longer relevant, and see what still can be useful for our future endeavors.

On September 26th, Mercury leaves Virgo and enters Libra, bringing a more diplomatic and balanced approach to communication. While this transit can make decision-making challenging due to Libra’s tendency to see all sides, it also offers an excellent opportunity to improve your communication skills. We don’t want to hurt or offend anyone, and we want to use our words to be supportive of others, but we also don’t want to be people pleasing to the extent that we stifle our own voice.  There are many ways to communicate with others. Being in agreement is only one of them. It is okay to have opposing beliefs and opinions. Just make sure your delivery is done with respect and understanding of other feelings. Strive for harmony in your interactions while respecting differing opinions.

The month ends with a Sun-Mercury conjunction in Libra on September 30th. This means that both of these planets are in the sign of Libra and for this short time are blending their energies together. There is a quality of intimacy and power between the two signs. This alignment enhances your mental clarity and confidence, making it an ideal time to make decisions and set goals. With communication flowing smoothly, trust your intellect and intuition to guide you as you close out September and look ahead to the future.

As September unfolds, these cosmic shifts offer a powerful opportunity for growth, reflection, and transformation. By staying attuned to the energies of the planets and their transits, you can navigate this month with greater clarity and intention. Whether you’re embracing new beginnings under the Virgo New Moon, deepening connections during Venus’s journey through Scorpio, or seeking balance with the Fall Equinox, remember that each moment is a step on your path to personal and spiritual evolution.

MERCURY RETROGRADE IN VIRGO: A TIME FOR REFLECTION AND RENEWAL

As we step into the heart of summer, the cosmos brings us a significant celestial event: Mercury retrograde in Virgo, starting on August 5th and lasting until August 27th. This period, known for its astrological significance, invites us to pause, reflect, and reassess our plans and strategies. Here’s how you can make the most of this introspective time.

Understanding Mercury Retrograde in Virgo

Mercury, the planet of communication, technology, and travel, goes retrograde three to four times a year. When Mercury retrogrades, it appears to move backward in the sky, signaling a time for us to slow down and revisit unfinished business. This particular retrograde in Virgo, a sign known for its attention to detail and analytical nature, enhances the focus on organization, efficiency, and thorough review.

Why You Should Pause and Reflect

During Mercury retrograde, it’s wise to hit the pause button on new ventures and major decisions. Here’s why:

1. Clarity and Insight: Use this time to gain clarity on existing projects and plans. Virgo’s meticulous energy supports detailed analysis and reflection.

2. Avoid Miscommunication: Mercury rules communication, and during its retrograde, misunderstandings and misinterpretations are more likely. Take extra care with emails, contracts, and important conversations.

3. Revisit and Revise: This is an excellent period to revisit old projects or ideas that were put on hold. With a fresh perspective, you may find new solutions and improved strategies.

How to Harness the Energy of Mercury Retrograde

1. Reflect on Your Goals: Take a step back and review your goals. Are they aligned with your current path? Are there adjustments that need to be made?

2. Reassess Strategies: Evaluate your strategies for achieving your dreams. Virgo’s energy will help you see where you can streamline and optimize your efforts.

3. Reconnect with Past Projects: Look at past projects that didn’t come to fruition. With renewed focus and a better plan, these can be revitalized and brought to completion.

Practical Tips for Navigating This Retrograde

• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation and journaling to stay grounded and centered.

• Back Up Data: Ensure that your digital data is backed up to avoid any tech mishaps.

• Double-Check Plans: Verify travel plans and appointments, as delays and changes are common during this time.

• Communicate Clearly: Be clear and concise in your communications to minimize misunderstandings.

Embrace the Pause for Growth

Rather than viewing Mercury retrograde as a disruptive force, see it as an opportunity for growth. This cosmic event serves as a wake-up call to slow down, reassess, and refine our approaches. By embracing this time for reflection, we can emerge with stronger, more effective plans that truly align with our highest aspirations.

Conclusion

Mercury retrograde in Virgo is a powerful period for introspection and improvement. From August 5th to August 27th, take advantage of this cosmic pause to review, revise, and rejuvenate your goals and plans. Embrace the clarity and insight that this time offers, and you’ll find yourself better prepared to move forward with renewed purpose and determination.

AUGUST REFLECTIONS: KEY TRANSITS AND HOW THEY WILL AFFECT YOU

We are heading into the last hurrah of summer. We begin the month of August with the fiery energy of Leo before settling down to the more practical and efficient earth energy of Virgo when the Sun changes sign on August 22nd. I thought it would be interesting to reflect on how we can use the dynamic energy of Leo to our full advantage before focusing on slowing down and anticipating the details of the routines and daily needs that come with the end of August.

Where do you still need to increase your confidence and get noticed or recognized for what you have set out to do during this summer? Are you close to accomplishing your goals? Have you committed to showing up for yourself and creating more visibility for your projects?

As we move closer to August 22nd when Virgo will steer the ship, think of the ways in which you can best serve yourself and others. What do you need to pay attention to and where can you stream-line your life? Do you need to pay more attention to your health and wellness after a summer of travel and indulging?

The Universe provides clues about the direction of energies and how to navigate every month with the planetary transits. It is always so interesting to me how they move in tandem with the energy of the signs.

On August 4th we will have a New Moon in Leo to give us that push forward. This New Moon is providing us with creativity and the ability to use our personal self-expression in matters of the heart, our passions, and also romance and connection. It is a time to let the Universe know what your intentions are in moving toward the Full Moon phase in the next couple of weeks. What is it that you really desire? Are you ready to step into the spotlight? What energy can you bring to the table for the highest good of not only your own needs but those of others?

On the same day, Venus enters the sign of Virgo. Venus is the planet of love, beauty, personal values, and our pursuit of harmony and happiness. When Venus enters the sign of Virgo, all of these qualities are expressed in more practical forms. You may find yourself expressing your love in ways that make others feel special and cared for. If you are looking to strengthen your bond with a partner, this is a wonderful time to do that. This transit promotes mutual respect, understanding, and faithfulness, and being an earth sign, quite a fair amount of sensuality.

The third retrograde of the summer occurs on August 5th. Mercury goes retrograde in the sign of Virgo until August 27th. During this time, I would suggest taking a break from moving forward with any new plans you have in the works. Until Mercury stations direct once again on the 27th, take those 3 weeks (give or take a week on either side) to slow down and review your thoughts and the plans you are making for the future. Reflect on the best ways to really make your dreams work. Perhaps revisit attempts on similar projects that were started in the past that you didn’t finish or that didn’t pan out. Return to those ideas with renewed focus and a better plan for completion. This is a period with an emphasis on more reflection and less action. Look at this as a wake-up call designed to slow us down and give us the opportunity to do some things over in a different way. Embrace this time to see things from a different perspective, reassess your strategies, and use it as a tool for growth.

On August 7th, the Sun in Leo is in a sextile to Jupiter in Gemini. A sextile aspect is always one of opportunity, but it must be acted upon to produce any talents or benefits available. This is a pretty short connection between these planets, about a week, so if you are presented with an opportunity or situation during this time that could expand your life in ways that you want it to develop, I would suggest having faith in the process and taking advantage of what is being presented to you.

As the lunar cycle progresses, on August 12th the Moon moves into her 1st Quarter phase in Scorpio. This is the time in the lunar cycle when we start to develop and fine-tune our thoughts, ideas, and intentions that occurred during the New Moon. Things really start to gel at this point. However, be aware that during the 1st Quarter phase, the Moon is in a square aspect to the Sun. A Leo Sun is an extremely strong position since it is in the sign of its rulership. So, you may feel passionately led to develop your dreams in a very creative way, yet have a deep knowing that there are things from the past that need to be unearthed, acknowledged, and worked on as well. It is important to check in with yourself and make sure as you develop your intentions, that you are on the right track and in balance with your goals.

Mars connects with Jupiter in a conjunction aspect on August 14th. What does this mean when the fiery planet of Mars blends his energy with optimistic and expansive Jupiter? Well, for the next 2 weeks you feel like you can conquer anything. You will feel courageous and enthusiastic about all areas of your life. You may feel very adventurous and have the desire to travel during this time to broaden your horizons. Or you may feel extremely confident about your goals and will want to go full steam ahead. This is a very empowering energy, which is great, but do not overestimate. Try to keep a balance between your vitality and a self-awareness of the reality of life.

On August 15th, Mars connects with Saturn in a square aspect which cools things down a notch. Saturn is cautious and wants us to be responsible and have discipline. Also, remember that Saturn is in its retrograde station right now. You’ve got all this positive steam building up with the Mars/Jupiter conjunction, you want to go faster and be more brave than ever. But now Saturn is telling you to put the brakes on a bit. During this time, before plunging ahead, re-evaluate your personal, professional and social decisions, before moving forward.  Just take some time to slow down and decide if your activities are in your best interest and then see what comes to light.

August 19th is a day of intense alignments; Jupiter is square Saturn, Saturn is in opposition to Venus, the Sun is square Uranus, and to top it all off there is a Full Moon in Aquarius. Let’s look at this transit by transit.

1.        Jupiter square Saturn: optimism and abundance vs. structure and limitations. A good way to look at this transit is to combine hard work with faith and creativity. You may be very motivated to achieve at this time, but could run into some barriers. Recognize that there may be some limits that occur at the moment, but open your mind to how you can work around those limits and make adjustments to your beliefs and perspectives.

2.        Saturn opposite Venus:  structure and limitations vs. harmony and love. Don’t be surprised during this transit if you experience some hardship in gaining the love and appreciation from your partner or others who are important to you. Take some time for yourself to reflect on what you want and expect in this area of life and work on your own self-development and values. This will bring more clarity to what is in your highest good.

3.        Sun square Uranus:  usually we see sudden changes in ourselves emerging  in different ways during this transit. You may feel a need for more independence or freedom during this time, or an urge to rebel against the mundane or norms of your life. Take time to process what is encouraging these feelings and how you can align with your true self through new opportunities.

4.        Full Moon in Aquarius: this Moon is in line with the Sun/Uranus transit in the respect that it is calling you to embrace your uniqueness, to think outside the box, and open your heart in how you can help others in a humanitarian or societal level. It is about finding your place in the world.

Because the points of opposition are between the Leo Sun and Aquarius Moon, it may be time to decide how you are going to let go of some self-centered qualities and learn to be of service to others. Leo and Aquarius are both leaders, so perhaps using your personal leadership qualities to aid society instead of purely supporting personal ambitions. Aquarius can learn from Leo how to look at more individual needs instead of the big picture all the time. Overall, the Full Moon is allowing you to see everything leading up to this point fully illuminated and to see both sides of any given situation. You can satisfy both the need for personal expression and the need to serve others.

On August 22nd, the Sun enters Virgo. The sign of Virgo is an earth sign and is known for having a very grounded and practical energy. Take advantage of the Sun’s month long stay in Virgo to use this energy in the most efficient way as possible. After all, Virgo is known as the organizational genius of the zodiac. This is the perfect progression of the signs. As the Sun leaves the dynamic and radiant Leo, it is time to take those creative ideas and focus on finding practical outlets for them and concentrate on the details. It may not sound exciting, but it is a great time to organize your daily routines and responsibilities. Give some thought of how you can best be of service to others both personally and professionally. You actually may feel better energetically during this time by having put structures in place.  This would also be a good time to make any medical appointments you have been putting off and to adjust your health and wellness routines if you feel your diet and exercise routines have suffered over the busy summer months.

On August 26th, the Moon moves into her Last Quarter phase. This phase is the half-way point between the Full Moon and the New Moon. We have hopefully realized what is important post the Full Moon which occurred on the 19th. It is now time to reevaluate and reorganize our philosophies and belief system. It is time to again make room for the new and to re-invest in what may still be valuable in anticipation of the New Moon which is rapidly approaching on September 2nd. Use that Virgo energy to help you take care of things you have been putting off. Clean up the clutter both emotionally and physically, complete any unfinished paperwork, catch up on daily chores, and most importantly let go of any negativity or things not in your highest good.

On August 28th, Mercury stations direct. Yes! This particular retrograde is over, but give yourself another week to get through the shadow period. You’ll find your communication skills improving with fewer crossed wires, and you can begin to create momentum again on projects, goals, and relationships because hopefully during retrograde you were able to slow down and reassess, revise, and rethink your approach to whatever area of life this retrograde was affecting.

Venus then enters Libra on August 29th as the month comes to a close. This is a lovely way to end August. Venus is in her rulership in Libra. She is very comfortable and has full access to the highest expressions of the sign. You can take advantage of this energy for a little over 3 weeks before it moves into Scorpio on September 23rd. You can expect a great deal of harmony and love to enter your orbit while Venus is moving through this sign. Reach out to an old friend, nurture your connections to those you are close to, allow your romantic nature to flow, and embrace the beauty of everything that enters your life.

August offers a rich tapestry of astrological events, each presenting unique opportunities for growth and transformation. By aligning with these cosmic energies, you can navigate the month with greater awareness and intention.

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER AND SURVIVING JULY 2024

July is the second month of summer and the beginning of what was commonly known as the “dog days of summer.”  I used to think this was a reference to the intense heat of mid-summer, which was not fit for a dog, creating feelings of lethargy.

I’ve come to find out that this term actually refers to a particularly bright star that rises and sets with the Sun during this time of the year and is known as Sirius or the Dog Star. This star is responsible for the expression “dog days.” It is also extremely interesting to note that Sirius was the name of the dog of Orion, the mythical hunter, who has his own constellation, and reinforces the Dog Star’s association with dogs. The Dog Star is the second brightest star that can be seen by the naked eye, so take a look up at the night sky between July 3rd  and August 11th to see this shining star.

Let’s take a look at what is happening during this sultry month of July. On July 2nd, Neptune Retrograde begins. We now have two planets, Saturn and Neptune, in retrograde motion and both in the sign of Pisces. Saturn stationed retrograde on June 29th until November 15th, and Neptune is retrograde in her own sign until December 7th. What does this mean and how do we move through this with a higher awareness?

 First of all, Saturn represents perseverance, discipline, and following the rules. This is the planet that sets boundaries and limitations. He shows us where we need to be responsible and make mature decisions in our life.

 Pisces is the sign of compassion, intuition, and spirituality. This a very watery and imaginative energy. When Saturn is in this sign, it can create situations in which you are less confident, perhaps even a bit fearful and self-conscious about making the right decisions. However, what Saturn really is encouraging us to do is become serious about what we have been dreaming of and to use that powerful Pisces intuition to lead us forward. To embrace the softer and more sensitive energy of Pisces as you plan your next move.

 What we need to do during the Saturn Retrograde period is connect more deeply to the areas of intuition, spirituality, imagination, and creativity that Pisces brings to the table. It can allow us to bring more structure and idealism into these areas of life. This is the time to  re-evaluate our personal ambitions, as well as our professional and social decisions, so that we can restructure and rebuild the things that are no longer serving us. We have the time to slow down, reflect, and decide if our activities are working in our best interest or if we should change direction. We need to take a look at our past behavior and our past decisions and see what comes to light so that we can bring our actions into balance and make things right in our life. As Neptune closely follows Saturn in retrograde motion, there is a continuation of the themes of introspection and reflection concerning our lives. Since Neptune is the ruling planet of Pisces, he can express himself to the fullest. He loves being in this sign and feels completely comfortable and in harmony with this energy.

Here’s the thing about this trickster Neptune. Yes, this is a very compassionate, spiritual, and inspiration planet. However, Neptune is also famous for creating illusion, self-delusion, and fantasy. This is an extremely watery planet that can sometimes cloud our minds with a mist, creating uncertain thoughts and misunderstood perceptions.

At times he encourages us to put on our rose-colored glasses so that we don’t have to face things or see things as they really are. It is a protection mechanism for when the realism of life is too harsh. As far as the spiritual component, for many of us, spirituality and our spiritual beliefs are often hidden, yet Neptune is the planet that provides us with faith in all we cannot see or touch. This is the work of Neptune. He gives us our imagination, creativity, sensitivity and governs our dreams.

The interesting thing that happens during a Neptune retrograde is that you will see things more realistically and with greater awareness. Almost as if a veil has been lifted. It will be easier for you to see situations more clearly. This time period encourages you to view the most difficult aspects about yourself, your life, and your relationships with others, with no blinders on.

During this time, it is particularly important to stay true to yourself, trust your instincts, and follow your intuition. Your intuition will never steer you wrong. Neptune’s retrograde inspires creativity and helps you to better understand your hopes and dreams.

Throughout this time period, I encourage everyone to delve into the more hidden characteristics of self and engage in strengthening your spiritual side by starting a solid meditation practice, take classes that interest you in more metaphysical areas of life, take part in intuitive healing energy work, spiritual counseling or retreats, or gaining clarity through soul guidance. These types of activities will greatly help you weather both the Neptune and Saturn retrogrades.

Mercury moves into the sign of Leo on July 2nd as well.  Mercury will remain in this sign until July 25th. This combination brings a dramatic flair to our communication style. We become more confident in our thoughts and in how we are planning our next/next. Take advantage of this energy by communicating from your place of truth. Leo is the sign of creativity, so do not be shy about envisioning what you want in the grandest way possible. The details can come later.

On July 5th there will be a New Moon in Cancer. The Moon is in her rulership in Cancer, so expect your emotions to be heightened during this New Moon. You may be feeling extra emotional or extra sensitive, or your feelings may see-saw a bit. However, this is a wonderful time to build close and meaningful relationships, not only with your family but also with others who you are in personal, professional, or business partnerships with. Issues of sharing, partnership, cooperation, and compromise are highlighted during this New Moon. This is when we envision how we would like our relationships or partnerships to grow and what we would like to create in this area of life. Tune into your inner self by meditating on your wishes or write in your journal about what you would like to generate in terms of personal relationships. Reassess your personal needs and work through issues of your own individuality and those of the important others in your life.

Adding to the energy of this particular Moon, Venus then conjuncts the Moon on July 6th. Venus brings in a lovely, calm, harmonious element with this transit. It can provide you with the ability to connect on a deeper level with others, and at the same time, allow you to explore your own emotional world and understand how to navigate relationships through understanding and compassion.

Then on July 13th we become better equipped to understand what we need to do to move ahead with our New Moon intentions when the Moon transits into Libra and the 1st quarter lunar phase. This is the phase when the Moon is in a square aspect to the Sun. Some see a square aspect as a negative time, but really this is the time of great vitality. It is a very energizing time to get things going and start to take decisive action. You may not have all the moving parts in place, but you begin to put your energy into it. Usually 2 days before and 2 days after this phase you will feel an expansion of this energy for growth and development. This is the turning point when things start to develop significantly. Use your intuition when establishing the groundwork of whatever it is you are doing. Be courageous and take at least one fearless step forward in the process.

On July 20th, Mars, the planet of action, assertiveness, ambition, and drive enters the sign of Gemini. This energy takes us straight through the summer until September 4th. This combination will help you to advance forward on your journey. It brings vitality to the mind, providing you with a ton of ideas and the ability to stay active and engaged with your plans as we move toward the Full Moon. You may find you have very strong opinions and a creativity that helps you in communicating your truth to others and is a great time to plan and strategize for those future goals. Just make sure to keep your focus where it needs to be because Mars in this sign can cause you to scatter your energy in too many directions.

Right on schedule, the Moon moves into her Full phase on July 21st. This is a Capricorn Full Moon. I love how the Universe works. When the Moon is in Capricorn it brings a stability to our emotional life. We want less drama and will be more cautious with our personal attachments. It also brings awareness of what we have achieved or are about to achieve during this lunation cycle. We are provided with focus and self-discipline and an ability to see  all with complete illumination.

Here is the most amazing part. This is the 2nd Full Moon in a row in the sign of Capricorn this summer. Yes, on June 21st the Full Moon was in Capricorn and now on July 21st the same. This is a really rare occurrence. Each brings a different flavor and energy to the cycle. The June Full Moon occurred at the beginning of Cancer Season, and the July Full Moon occurs at the end of Cancer Season. The June Full Moon was at the first degree of Capricorn, while this July Full Moon falls at the last degree of the sign. This suggests a mastery of the knowledge being imparted to us and what we are supposed to have learned as a result. We have been given the opportunity to do some deep work here and to learn about the responsibilities we have to both ourselves and to others. If we can understand ourselves with compassion on a deep level, it then allows us to share that truth with others and perhaps help them with their own healing journey.

During this time period, make self-care a priority. Commit to a daily practice of reflection or meditation, be productive in your daily routines, honor your emotions and learn to listen to what your mind, body, and soul need. Take the opportunity to release anything that is keeping you from your true purpose and remember what your goals and wishes were at the beginning of this entire process.

THE FALL EQUINOX AND THE MYTH OF PERSEPHONE, PLUS YOUR HARVEST MOON HOROSCOPE

September has arrived bringing with it the Fall Equinox. Just as there is a Spring Equinox in March marking the official arrival of spring, there is also the Fall Equinox marking the arrival of autumn. This occurs on September 23rd at the same time that the Sun enters Libra, the sign of balance, equality, and harmony.

The Equinox comes from the Latin, meaning “equal” and “night.” Equal parts light and dark. As we progress from the Fall Equinox, we see the days become shorter and nightfall occurring earlier. This is a tipping point in the Earth’s cycle when the Moon begins to outdistance the Sun. The Moon has been chasing the Sun since spring and finally overtakes it during this time. This dance will continue until the Winter Solstice in December, when the days will slowly start to grow longer until we once again reach the Spring Equinox in March.

This cycle is the basis of the mythological story of Persephone and Demeter. As the story goes, Demeter is the Earth Mother Goddess who reigns over all of nature, ruling over grains, crops, harvest, all of agriculture, and the fertility of the earth. Demeter becomes impregnated by Zeus, who later becomes her husband, and she gives birth to her daughter Persephone, Goddess of Fertility and Spring.  

Persephone was a beautiful Goddess and the love of her mother’s life. One day as Persephone is playing in a meadow, she is kidnapped, (with the helping hand of Zeus) by Haides, God of the Underworld, thereby making her Haides’ bride. When Demeter hears of the kidnapping she is distraught and heartbroken. She searches for her throughout the world until finally discovering Persephone’s fate. When she learns that Zeus had actually been a part of her precious daughter’s abduction, she becomes furious and refuses to let the Earth bear fruit, remain fertile, or flourish, until her daughter is returned. This results in Earth becoming a barren wasteland, plunging it into great famine where nothing will grow, causing humans to die. She tells Zeus that it will remain this way until he has Persephone returned to her.

Zeus consents in order to prevent disaster and commands Haides to return Persephone to her mother. However, it is a bit too late, as Persephone has already eaten the food from the Underworld, making it impossible for her to return to her mother forever. A deal is then made that Persephone will divide the year between her mother and her husband, which explains the seasonal cycle. Demeter does not allow warmth or growth of any kind while Persephone is gone, but when she returns home we see the joy, hope, and renewal that she brings with her. Her annual return to the earth brings the flowering of the meadows and forests, the growth of new grains, the promise of the regeneration of life. Herein lies the nature of the seasons and the death and rebirth cycle of nature.

With the beginning of the autumn season, we experience a slower pace as the earth tilts away from the Sun. It is a time of turning inward and surrendering to the symbolic death/rebirth phase. It’s all about releasing, moving, transforming. Meditation and other inner work is beneficial in order for you to make room inside yourself for growth and transformation. It is a time of practicing gratitude and reflecting on all you have achieved since the Spring Equinox and through the bounty of summer that will sustain you through the winter. Allow your intuition and emotions to emerge so that you can tap into your creativity and dreams for the future when you can again start a new chapter in your life come the next Spring Equinox.

The Moon that appears and is associated with the Fall Equinox is called the Harvest Moon and occurs closest to the start of autumn. It dates back to the time when farmers depended on the light of the bright Full Moon to harvest their crops late into the night. This is the first Full Moon after the Equinox and is special because at this time the interval from one moonrise to the next becomes shorter. It carries the energy of endings.

Since this Full Moon is in the sign of Aries, it carries the polarity between Aries and Libra. The goal is to find balance between the Aries Moon and Libra Sun. In other words, in finding balance between self and your relationship with others. This polarity teaches lessons about valuing your independence while keeping in mind your commitments to others. Since Aries is a very reactionary, passionate and assertive sign, learning to pause and listen before reacting is very important. Include some of the Libra qualities of compromise, cooperation and diplomacy in order to have more successful relationships and life experiences.

In order to understand how this Full Moon will affect you, it is helpful to know which area of life will be most influenced by this Moon/Sun polarity. Below is a brief insight for each zodiac sign.

YOUR HARVEST MOON HOROSCOPE: 

ARIES Your state of mind during this phase is to put yourself first. It is all about asserting your independence, power, and authority. However, try to find a way to create balance between your needs and understanding the needs of other important people in your life. The challenge for you will be learning the art of collaboration and cooperation with others at this time.

TAURUS The Moon is in the house of the subconscious where you will be focused on your inner life and  more spiritual pursuits. This is a time for dreams, reflection, and inspiration. Schedule some down time, including some self-care activities, and learn how to trust your intuition and passions.

GEMINI Visions that you have for your future goals are solidifying. Let the Harvest Moon guide you in planning your next best steps so that you can reap the most bounty from them. Because you tend to lose interest in things quickly, allow the Moon to illuminate what is true for you and allow yourself to see things clearly. This also shines light on the people you surround yourself with and allows you to decide on those you want to connect with and groups you want to be involved with.

CANCER The Harvest Moon is in your 10th house of career, profession, and public recognition. This is the time to get serious about whether or not you are happy in your life path and professional direction. Allow this Moon to illuminate what you should be doing in your life. This is a good time to obtain guidance regarding  new opportunities within your current position or looking at a whole new career sector.

LEO The future is unknown and you have to rely on your personal beliefs and philosophies. However, this Full Moon might just have you questioning your belief systems. A mentor or teacher could go a long way in helping you to shine a light on a new path or encourage a new journey toward enlightenment or new dream. Or YOU may be the role model for inspiring or leading others by example.

VIRGO The Harvest Moon is moving through your house of deep transformations, encouraging you to release whatever has been dragging you down and prohibiting you from having a fulfilling and powerful life not only of your own, but also within your intimate relationships. This is the last of the relationship houses and this house deals with maintaining your relationships, not beginning them. Use this time to dive deep into your soul, allowing the light of the Full Moon to guide you toward powerful self-discovery regarding your needs which can lead to healing, rebirth, and renewal of what you want and need in all facets of your life.

LIBRA The Moon is transiting your natural home, the 7th house. In fact, this is the beginning of a super important period for all Libras as the eclipse axis shifted into Aries/Libra in July. Therefore, during the next 18 months be prepared for some major transformations in your life associated with relationships and how you relate to others. You can expect this particular Full Moon to begin shedding light on all relationships both personal and business. Begin to assess all one on one connections and take the opportunity to improve your relationships in some way.

SCORPIO This Full Moon is moving through your 6th house, shining a light on things that could include your health and wellness, issues in the work environment or with work colleagues, or a project that is nearing completion. Your true feelings regarding anything involving these activities will be illuminated and will help you to see the benefits of being able to work towards a job goal, a health and fitness goal, or a lifestyle habit. Use this time to make positive changes to your routines or get started on an exercise or nutrition program that you’ve been thinking about.

SAGITTARIUS The Full Moon is shining her light in your 5th house. This is the area of life that is all about the things that bring you joy and encourages you to use your creativity and self-expression. You will want to have fun during this time so put yourself out there. Creatively express yourself in some way. If you are looking to begin a new romance, try an online dating site. Plan an adventurous trip abroad. Whatever you love to do, do more of it within reason. You don’t want to go overboard, but you will definitely find the things that you love to do illuminated at this time.

CAPRICORN This Full Moon is effecting your foundational security bringing feelings regarding home, family, and emotional safety to the surface. One of the issues that may rise to the surface is the quality of your home life. Have you been spending too much time at work? Do you need to find balance between your work life and your family time? Is there a renovation project that you need to finish? Is there a family issue that needs to be healed? These are all questions that may come up at this time in order for you to strengthen your sense of belonging.

AQUARIUS The Harvest Moon is illuminating something that is occurring in your community. You may feel a certain need to teach or communicate to others what you think and feel about the situation. This is a time to think, observe, and learn regarding what is happening here and decide how you can improve on your skill sets to help find balance in the situation. During this time period, it is also important for you to get caught up on the mundane chores you have neglected over the past couple of weeks like paying bills, clutter clearing, or responding to general correspondences and communications.

PISCES The Full Moon is shining light on your self-worth and what it is that you value, as well as your financial sector. If you have been assessing your budget and deciding on a major purchase, something you have been saving for or something which could be considered a splurge item, now may be the time to allow yourself to move forward on it. The most important thing is to allow self-awareness about what is truly of value to you and what it is that reinforces your sense of foundational security.

WHAT DO OUR PET’S ZODIAC SIGNS REVEAL ABOUT THEIR PERSONALITIES

I was going to write one of my standard monthly articles focusing on Spring, new beginnings, and April astrological happenings when another idea came to me. Yes, April is the time of new beginnings, and the New Moon on April 20th is actually the first Solar Eclipse of the year; however, I also have a new beginning in my life and thought it would be fun to share a little something different.

My husband and I adopted an adorable 10 week old standard poodle puppy who we named Cassie. We lost our beloved 12 year old female standard poodle Roxie last March. Since then, our 4 year old male standard Charlie, my husband, and myself have been feeling the loss. I believe it was written in the stars how we came to have this sweet girl arrive in our life. But that’s a story for another day. 

This little girl is a Capricorn, born on December 27, 2022. Of course, I began to look at her personality and behavior to get an idea of how easy or difficult training would be, what her energy would look like, and how sensitive she would be to our energy and what we expect of her. I also began to think that other dog lovers and dog owners would find this interesting as well in understanding their own furry children.

Reflecting on Roxie’s personality, she was born on July 2nd and therefore was the water sign Cancer. She certainly lived up to this sign’s definition of sensitive, intuitive and very complex. She managed to hide her illness from us until it was too late because she was such a sweet little soul and didn’t want to reveal any cause for alarm. Cancer dogs do not have a bad bone in their body. But on the other side, she could also be prone to anxiety and worry, and if she didn’t want to listen, she could be extremely obstinate. All in all, she was strongly attached to her home and loved her secure surroundings and family beyond measure.  

Charlie is a Pisces which is also a water sign. A Pisces dog is even more sensitive than Cancer. Extremely intuitive and loving. Very mellow and happy to just be where his family is. With Cancer, when feelings get hurt, Roxie would go off on her own and pout. With Charlie, he just retreats within himself. These two got along famously because they intuitively understood each other and knew when to be together and when to back off. They shared the gift of emotions which enabled them to understand each other In a rather unique way. And because Cancer is a nurturing sign, she made a great companion for the kind and caring sign of Pisces. 

Now what happens when you mix the Capricorn earth sign which is our newbie, Cassie, with the Pisces water sign of Charlie? I think she will definitely have a nice grounding effect on Charlie, hopefully bringing more confidence to his nature. And Charlie will provide a quiet and calm energy needed by a Capricorn dog. Capricorn dogs don’t do well with hyperactive energy.

Here are descriptions of the zodiac signs as they show up in your dog’s personality.

ARIES – March 21 – April 19: If your pet was born between March 21 – April 19, he/she will have an Aries personality. Expect this pup to have a confident, strong-willed, and assertive demeanor. He/she will definitely have their own mind and will want to do things their own way. Be prepared for lots of activity, playing, and running around. As long as you keep them happy with lots of play initiative, they will be an awesome addition to the family. And if you have always wanted to do agility training with your pup, this is the personality that would love it.

TAURUS – April 20 – May 20: Good luck to those of you who have a dog with a Taurus personality. He/she will be headstrong and stubborn, which can make it somewhat difficult when trying to train or control. Plan on having tons of yummy treats to entice them into doing what you want them to. If you plan on taking your pet on trips, this could prove difficult in that this is a dog personality that absolutely does not like any change in his/her routine. But on a positive note, this dog loves to be loved, cuddled and pampered, and is the perfect companion for long walks in nature.

GEMINI – May 21 – June 20: If you’ve got a dog with a Gemini personality, this is a pet that can literally outsmart you. Ruled by Mercury, they are curious, intelligent and mischievous. Take this one to the dog park as this type is very sociable and loves to mingle. A Gemini pup should be in a fenced in yard because they are notorious escape artists. Always with their nose to the ground to gather more information which can take them to places unknown. 

CANCER – JUNE 21 – JULY 22: If you are looking for a warm-hearted, loving, devoted companion, this is the zodiac personality for you. Cancer pups become very attached to their families and can’t bear to be away from home. So, if you travel, plan on having a pet nanny stay at your house as opposed to a kennel. Cancer dogs also make awesome service animals as they have a level of compassion that tunes into the person who needs them.

LEO – July 23 – August 22: All the world’s a stage and this furry friend wants to be front and center. They love attention and don’t mind being brushed and pampered to look their best. A Leo personality is also very loyal and very protective of the people they love. This is a very courageous animal who would probably step in the middle of anything or anyone trying to be aggressive to a member of their tribe.

.VIRGO – August 23 – September 22: Also ruled by Mercury, this is a very intelligent and dedicated dog. If you are looking for a service dog, this personality would be perfect. They love having a job to do and are very attached to their routines. They are also very dutiful and make excellent guard dogs. This is also a very hygienic pup who likes his/her personal space to be clean and would rather explode than create a mess in their bed or living space.

LIBRA – September 23 – October 22: Gorgeous to look at and sweet as can be. A Libra pet is very well-balanced. They want to snuggle and love on everyone in their family without picking a favorite. They don’t like being left alone, so having another pet would be wonderful for this sign. Be aware during training that they can be a bit ADD as a Libra pup can be easily distracted. Please be patient with these tender hearted souls. Their feelings can be hurt easily if you speak harshly. They need lots of repetition and gentle positive reinforcement.  

SCORPIO – October 23 – November 21: This is an extremely loyal and dedicated personality and they will often attach themselves to one specific person in the household. It may take some time to gain their trust, but once you do you’ve got a friend for life. They are extremely perceptive and can sniff out anything or anyone who is inauthentic. When they look you in the eye, it is intense. They seem to really understand who you are and will let you know when they are ready to trust you. The Scorpio pup enjoys puzzle toys where he/she can investigate and keep his/her mind active.

SAGITTARIUS – November 22 – December 21: The pup with a Sagittarius soul is friendly, adventurous, comical and absolutely does not like being restrained in any way. Be prepared to let this one off leash to run free and explore all the sights and smells that nature has to offer (safely of course). They are happiest being outside, so if you love outdoor activities, hiking and traveling, this is the companion for you. Because this is a very freedom loving personality, keep a watchful eye on them so they don’t wander off in their quest for adventure. As for training, let them know what is expected of them and they will give you 100%.

CAPRICORN – December 22 – January 19: Dogs with the Capricorn personality are serious minded and calm, but also smart and good-natured and eager to please. They are the natural workers of the zodiac, so expect your pup to be the star of his/her training class. They are quick learners and don’t forget once they are taught a task. The training technique that works best for this sign is positive reinforcement. They respond much better to rewards than being yelled at for mistakes. They inherently really want to do the right thing. This sweet soul prefers to sit back and observe before jumping into the mix. Make sure you give him/her a good challenge and new tricks to learn every now and then to give a sense of achievement.

AQUARIUS – January 20 – February 18: Aquarian dogs are quite unique little characters. They are not really cuddly and overly affectionate but are super social and love to make friends. You can recognize this little rebel at the dog-park as the one not following the others but leading the chase. This is also the one dog with a social consciousness wanting to help people and other animals. If you have ever seen a dog rescuing someone from a burning building or from drowning in a lake, you have just witnessed an Aquarian dream. 

PISCES – February 19 – March 20: If your dog is a Pisces you have an extremely sensitive and highly intuitive companion. They can pick up the vibe in the room or the energy of other people before you have a chance to take anything in at all. If your pup takes an instant dislike to someone, that is the only caution sign you will need to stay away from that person. They are happiest with their chosen person or people and will be attached like Velcro to your side. These personalities are the most gentle, kind and loving of the pet world. If you are looking for a soulmate who will listen to you, provide you comfort, and follow you from room to room, this is the one for you.