Blog
by Steven Forrest
In pop astrology, Jupiter is celebrated as the lucky planet. So if you are a Virgo, lucky you! Jupiter enters Virgo on August 11. And all you Leos better drink up because your year of glory is drawing to a close. Jupiter’s sweep through Virgo will run for about thirteen months, finally bringing sunshine to all the world’s Librans starting on September 9, 2016.
We will have deeper things to say, fear not! But for a moment, let’s contemplate the phenomenon of plain dumb luck. Who knows what that wild card signifies in the larger scheme of the universe? Is it random—as simple as saying “every dog has his day?” Is it good karma coming home to roost? That’s my own guess—I’ve never had much faith in the “random universe” model. But whatever dumb luck’s origins may be, it’s a real phenomenon. We all recognize it when we see it. And when it raises its lovely head in your life, there’s a good chance that Jupiter has stepped into the spotlight of your chart.
by Tony Howard
Since Venus stations retrograde later this month, I planned to write about it in this newsletter, but I can’t resist talking about the memorable events of last week instead. For some interesting Venus retrograde insights, check out Nick Dagan Best’s excellent video download. Venus is still on my agenda though - via the current Venus-Jupiter conjunction that is gracing us with positive vibes and opportunities for growth. What makes this cycle so special though, is that Venus and Jupiter are also parallel by declination, making this the strongest kind of conjunction. To top it off, they are both in shiny, solar Leo while in a fire trine with Uranus in Aries. This combination holds the potential for sudden liberation, genius creative innovation, breaking free of constraints, unleashing creativity and growth, and unblocking restrictions to fairness, justice and equality. And that’s just for starters.
Reflecting the high potential of this transit, the Supreme Court announcement on the morning of June 26 legalizing gay marriage came at a time when we really needed some good news. Just a week before, a tragic shooting took the lives of several innocent people in a Charleston church on the evening of June 17, at 9:05pm.
Transiting Pluto is sitting right smack on my Sun. The “god of hell,” right up my nose. And yet, despite all doomsayers, I am still alive. When I was a young astrologer, I might have seen that transit coming and bet anyone five dollars that it would kill me. That was my training. I would have lost five dollars too.
Funny how fear gets in one’s blood as we learn astrology. There’s so much of it out there. Many of my private clients come to me knowing a little bit of about the planets—enough to be dangerous. I mention an upcoming transit of Pluto or Saturn in their charts and they grow pale, as if it’s some kind of death sentence. As most of you know, I constantly preach against that kind of astrology. Am I immune to the fear? I’ve got a student who adds a cool little colophon to her emails—“Start listening to your own lectures.” That’s a good reminder . . . for me, as much as for the rest of us.
by Tony Howard
Are you ready for another Mercury retrograde cycle? We almost never are, are we? Since Mercury will retrograde in Gemini this time - its own sign - it’s likely we’ll see more of the stereotypical manifestations of this cycle. To get in the flow, you’ll probably need to slow down in general, but especially in regards to Gemini-ruled topics, like communication, speaking, writing, teaching, and learning.
My approach to a smooth Mercury retrograde period is to soften my will. Frustration only arises if I’m too invested in doing something at my usual lightning pace (I have natal Mercury conjunct Uranus). If I allow myself to slip into ultra-patient mode, I usually find that Mercury retrograde is pleasant. It’s one of the only times I give myself permission to slow down, let things go undone until they get done, and allow life to unfold as it will without pushing too much. Hey, I should probably adopt a Mercury retrograde attitude all the time! Luckily, Mercury retrograde happens 3 times a year, so we get 3 chances to get it right. (Did I really just say “luckily”?!)
by Tony Howard
As a child of the 60s, I grew up on the The Sound of Music, which seems to have aired on TV at least once a year. Like many of you, I never grew tired of it, and looked forward to it every time (and still do!). The film’s release chart is of course, very interesting. But it is Julie Andrews’ lovely and memorable performance that provides the film’s backbone. Sure, the music is amazing. The cinematography and art direction is first-class. But just ask Carrie Underwood if the musical itself is a sure-fire recipe for success. (1) Unfortunately for Underwood, Julie Andrews emblazoned that character on our hearts and minds. And for good reason. With her natal Moon sextile Neptune and conjunct Jupiter, she was the perfect fit for this once-in-a-lifetime role embodying the Great Mother as an inspiration to generations of adoring fans.
Let’s explore the Moon-Jupiter conjunction in more detail by looking at Julie Andrews’ role in The Sound of Music. Through the magic of synchronicity, actors are often attracted to roles that embody the strongest aspects in their birthcharts, which lead to their most memorable performances. Andrews is no exception.
Jupiter has a reputation for being the planet of exuberant expansion, the Santa Claus planet dolling out good luck and blessings whenever it makes a harmonious aspect. Jupiter elevates whatever it touches, for better or worse. It is the planet that compels us to dream big, and reminds us to never underestimate ourselves.
