Tara's October 2018 New Moon Forecast!

October 8th 

1146 pm 

Washington DC

Greetings Sky Watchers,

Welcome back for some more astrology talk. On Monday October 8th ,at approximately 1146 pm, here in the nation’s capital, we experienced a new Moon. As we have discussed in the past a new Moon is the time in a lunar month when the Moon and the Sun share the same sign and degree—an exact conjunction—at 15 degrees Libra.

The lunation will occur in the 4th house; however,  it's an intercepted 4th house. Cancer is on the Ascendant and the chart signature is Cancer as well. The Moon rules Cancer, which gives the Moon rulership over the lunation chart as well as the overall expression of the lunation.

With such a strong emphasis on the sign Cancer, regardless of what sign the Moon actually resides at the time of the lunation, we can expect a focus on Moon-based topics. This is especially true as the lunation will be occurring in the Moon’s native home, the 4th house. We can expect the focus to be on our emotions, families, cultural roots, homes, the land we live on, and women in general.

The intercepted 4th house adds another layer of complexity to this lunation. Intercepted houses are like rooms without windows; locked between two other signs, the only way in is through another door. The intercepted sign has a hard time expressing itself. Its energy is harder to tap into. With the lunation occurring in Libra both the sun and Moon will be trying to express the energy of Libra: partnerships, equality, relationships, and sharing.

The sun in Libra is in its fall, which means that the sun does not function well in his position. The interception will increase the sun’s struggle in Libra. The solar and lunar contact will draw focus on the emotional component, as the Moon is experiencing a coming home in the 4th house. The Moon’s boost being in its home house will bring the focus on our emotional desires and responses to stimulus; especially those things within the boundary of our home environment.

Virgo is on the cusp of the 4th house. This will increase the desire to self-analyze and possibly speak about. Scorpio will finish out the 4th house and the sign asks us to let go of what no longer serves our goals and build bonds with those who can help us get where we need to be.

Currently, we have Venus in retrograde in Scorpio. Venus rules our idea of relationships, finances, and women. In retrograde, Venus nudges us to re-think, re-assess, re-visit, re-do and re-evaluate our current connections to other people and to our finances. 

This is not the time to begin new relationships, new businesses, or anything involving long term emotional or financial attachments. Don’t be surprised if old flames come calling, forcing you to reconsider if they are something you want to revisit. 

With all of that said, proceed with caution; relationships during Venus retrograde may only be based on physical need and NOT the emotional component required for long term healthy relationships.

Venus in Scorpio can also deceive, so there may be more going on than meets the eye. People may be more driven by their own desires and not the truth, manipulating facts to suit their needs and degrade your ability to remain abreast of the situation, a very Scorpio technique. With Scorpio ruling the reproduction and the genitals be careful that during this time you are being mindful to protect yourself against STDs!

Venus retrograde in Scorpio makes an applying square—90-degree angle where the faster planet will overtake the slower one—to Mars in Aquarius. Squares cause challenges between planets, and as these are both personal planets the stakes are high. Venus Mars squares exemplify the classic battle of masculine vs feminine, passion vs self-control, and desire vs feelings. However, it should be noted that with Venus in Scorpio, Venus won’t behave as her normal gentle self; she’s much more aggressive and intense and may cause arguments and other strife.

Finally, there is a Mercury-Uranus opposition during the lunation. Mercury is the planet of thought, messages, learning, and travel. Uranus is the planet of sudden shock and revolution. So It’s especially important for all of us to pay attention to the details of life. 

The coming week or so is going to feel like an energy vortex and everything is going to run at a hectic pace. Be open to new and shocking information that may come your way about people you may know or may be close to, and keep your wits about you. Try to go with the flow whenever possible and stay focused on your own needs. Allowing yourself to become caught up in the web of the social spiral may cause you more harm than good.

Good luck navigating the cosmic energy shift and thanks for listening. I’ll be back to discuss the October full Moon in just about 2 weeks!

Brightest Blessings

Tara

Letters from Saturn: Venus Retrograde Caution

Good morning, everyone, from the most dignified planet to grace this blog. 

Normally when I discuss retrogrades I'm here to talk about Mercury's, which, to be honest, are usually taken way too seriously by the general public. 

In this case, however, I feel that people do not take Venus retrograde seriously enough. I'm here to offer some warnings and advice, should you choose to heed them. 

Venus went on her retrograde business trip a few days ago, as she does once every 18 months or so. My esteemed colleague does need to get out of the office from time to time, so she'll be gone for about 6 weeks, until November 16. 

Once she returns to direct motion, her shadow period will continue through December 17 so her retrograde motion and its effects may be felt through then.

That shadow period is quite important, by the way, as it represents the area that she will travel over twice. 

Venus deals with both love and money, so I caution you to avoid making decisions in these areas while she is gone. I've listed some brief examples below of things to avoid:

• Purchases of big-ticket items (house, car, appliances, etc.)
• First dates, important relationship decisions, getting married or moving in together
• Extreme changes in decoration, either in a home or business or in a person's wardrobe or hair
• Starting a business

I urge Saturnian restraint in all of these areas, good people, as the Venus retrograde may cause you to regret those decisions if made during this period.

It's very important to understand that this is a time of re-evaluation in all personal and business relationships. What things, people, jobs, and styles are no longer serving you? Think carefully, but take no action immediately. 

Once Venus comes back to the office on November 16, you can solidify your plans, and if possible, wait until December 17 to implement them. If you can't wait that long, then at least Venus will be in direct motion after November 16.

One final important note: If you have any planets between 25 Libra and 10 Scorpio in your natal chart, these will be in the Venus retrograde zone. If you're not sure, ask your astrologer for some advice.

Our favorite astrology blogger has his natal Sun in that area, so I know he will be doing some careful consideration during this time. He's proven himself a worthy astrologer by passing his NCGR level one examination, so I have no doubt that he'll know what to do.

As always, I appreciate your attention. You will no doubt benefit from my sage wisdom. There is no reason to "freak out" as the youngsters say, but it is good to be aware of Venus retrograde's possible effects.

Very truly yours, 

Saturn

Sun Opposing Uranus: Expecting the Unexpected

Moon: Go on in, John...they'll see you now. [smiles]

John: Thank you, Lady Moon. You're positively beaming!

Moon: [grins] And you should be, too, for passing your astrology certification exam! That's quite an accomplishment.

John: I'll admit it wasn't easy, Lady Moon. I'm honored and humbled.

[enters office]

Sun: John! Come on in and sit down. [hands John a glass] Diet root beer, as I recall?

John: Thank you, sir. Luna has an excellent memory, doesn't she?

Sun: Cheeky already, I see. Excellent!

John: Is Uranus here or is he running late?

Uranus: [voice] I'm here!

John: I don't see you...where are you? [Turns around] What are you doing behind the door?

Uranus: Have you met me? Did you expect me to be just sitting in a chair like every other planet?

John: Fair enough. That's kind of what I wanted to talk to you both about anyway.

[Uranus sits down; the Sun sits directly across from him]

Sun: So how can we help you?

John: [sits down] So I just had a question. I found out last week that I passed my astrology certification exam.

Sun: I heard! Congratulations! Casting charts by hand isn't easy, is it?

John: Nope, it sure isn't. [drinks some soda]

Uranus: And yet it has value!

John: That's true, Uranus. But I looked at the chart for the date and time that it happened, and you were at 1 Taurus 37.

Uranus: [confused] Yeah...so what?

Sun: I think I can answer that. Wasn't I sitting at 1 Scorpio 37, John, when you were born? As I recall that was the moment.

John: Yes, sir. That's correct.

Uranus: Well I'll be damned! That explains a LOT, doesn't it? I opposed your natal Sun position. You know how rare that is?

John: I was just thinking that it's once or twice in a lifetime, right?

Sun: Yup. Urnie doesn't move fast enough for it to happen more than that.

Uranus: Hey now...I move pretty good for an older guy!

Sun: I can see you've come a long way in your studies, John. Good for you!

John: Far enough to see something this obvious, sir. But what I want to know from your rebellious charge here [gestures toward Uranus] is what is coming next. Can you tell me that?

Uranus: Dude...how should I know?

John: Astrology exam results are one thing, but I have some other things in play. I'd love some more clarity. [finishes soda]

Uranus: Who do you think I am? Mercury?

Sun: I guess we'll just have to wait and see, John. Sorry.

Uranus: I'm not!

Moon: [from outside] Urnie, be nice! And John...don't leave that glass in his office, please.

John: [stands up and raising voice slightly] Yes, ma'am. I'll bring it to you on my way out.

Tara's Full Harvest Moon Forecast!

Full Harvest Moon 

September 24, 2018

Manassas, Virgina

Greetings Sky Watchers,

Many people have been commenting on all of the cosmic energy floating around lately and wondering why it feels like why there is something off. There has been a lot going on cosmically, so let’s take a look.

On Tuesday, September 11th, Mars entered Aquarius, squaring both Uranus in Taurus and Venus in Scorpio and creating what astrologers call a T-square. With Venus in detriment in the sign Scorpio, we get to see the darker side of the celestial Goddess as she brings forth her obsessive, possessive, and inquisitive side. She is far less trusting or loving as she probes for evidence of reciprocal and equal affection. With Venus opposing Uranus in Taurus, she’ll get an energy boost from the comforts of her Taurean home; however, since oppositions require balance to navigate effectively, erratic and unpredictable Uranus will not calm an insecure Venus.

With Mars in Aquarius squaring both Venus and Uranus, Mars becomes the apex point of the T-square, pulled in both directions. Mars ambition and drive is caught in a tug-of-war between Venusian obsession and Uranian freedom leading to a power struggle. Venus square Mars is your classic head-on challenge that requires some effort to wrangle. Mars square Uranus is like a bolt of energy urging you to take risks and shove aside old patterns. Don’t be surprised if people in general, especially women, are a little more feisty than normal. This is a time for evaluation and decisions; also how the energy is expressed may be far more intense than usual.

This T-square occurs in fixed signs, which can cause people to dig in their heels. Uranus in retrograde will turn the Taurus energy inward, causing an internal processing of what we desire to tolerate. Mars feels the pinch from Venus and Uranus and the God of War will push back. Fixed T-Squares are not ideal for the beginnings of new relationships, and it may be a testy time for existing ties.

The key to finding balance through T-square tension is the point opposed to the apex, in this case, Mars. The point opposite Mars in Aquarius is 3 Leo, conjunct the North Node of karmic implications and our future direction. Leo is the sign of fun, socializing, children and romance, and is driven by self-gratification. The lesson in this T-square is if it doesn’t feel good or right don’t do it, no matter who is asking. Just like the king of beasts take a little time to relax and indulge in what you love and draw pleasure from that.

Lastly, both luminaries are squaring the greater malefic, Saturn, which forms the apex of a second T-square. At the time of the full Moon Saturn is dignified in Capricorn but in the 7th house of partnerships. Saturn brings lessons and responsibility, and if we are successful with the lesson Saturn also brings success. Having a Saturn apex point of the T-square can bring feelings of burden driven by the hope of success. Anyone STRESSED yet?

With T-Squares there is a missing component to completing what would be the grand cross. To find the way out of the T-square stress, we look to the position opposite the apex point. This sensitive point represents what we lack and should focus on to create the balance of four. Four is a building number and provides balance and stability. For this chart, the point is located in Cancer in the first house.

The Moon rules Cancer, and the 1st house represents the self. This indicates that it is important for us to focus on our emotional wants and needs while maintaining the balance of the weight of our responsibilities vs our social desires. Cancer reminds us that it’s time to focus on what breathes life into your soul, as we learn to balance wants, needs, desires and responsibilities accordingly. We must let some things go to plant the seeds for our personal growth tomorrow.

Thanks as always, Sky Watchers! See you next time!

Blessings,

Tara

3 Ways to End Things Using Saturn

Saturn finally went direct! And while it might not seem like it...there was much rejoicing! 

His energy will produce new opportunities for growth in our lives and in our careers. But we can't take advantage of new opportunities without ending others. 

One of the best ways to use Saturn's energy is to establish boundaries in your life. Of those many guidelines you establish for yourself, very few are more important than deciding when you've had enough...of a course of study, a job, a relationship, or even a way of doing things. 

Tonight I'd like to talk about three ways to know when it's time to move on using different life areas.

1) What was your original educational goal? Has it been achieved?

We all start out thinking we know what the goal is. When we start a course of study, for example, we have certain expectations of what we expect to learn, how long it will take, what it will cost, and its long-term impact. It's time to see how far you are toward that goal, and if it is still relevant to you. 

I'll use my wife Jen as an example. She takes pottery classes every semester they're offered. She's loving every minute of it and improving her ability every semester. Clearly, the time and money are not wasted, and I now have amazing works of art all over my house, which makes me really happy. 

Education takes a lot of effort. If you feel like the path you've gone down is now a waste of resources--time, money, or energy--then it's time to re-evaluate whether or not you should continue. 

2) Is a particular relationship serving you?

I know how that question sounds, but every relationship you have should have a benefit to you. It can be as simple as, "I like this person's company!" or "I learn a lot from them" or "We have fun together."

But if you're in a relationship that is not serving you, or if you haven't ended it due to what I call "emotional blackmail" ("If I try to end this relationship, the other person will be angry with me"), then it's time to really examine the relationship and ask yourself if it's worth it. It may be that its time has passed and you have to be the person to say, "I'm sorry, but it's over."

The "breakup talk", whether it's with a friend or a romantic partner, is never easy. But with Saturn moving direct, now may be a good time to plan your exit. 

3) Is your job affecting your attitude?

Every job has its good and bad days, and there are jobs where the best you can do is cope. But this is where your ability to put up boundaries is important. Are you taking the stress home with you? How much time are you bitching/venting about your boss or co-workers? Are you working longer hours on nights or weekends with no compensation? 

If you are, it's time to set some boundaries. Leave on time. Don't give more of your time away for free. And stop thinking about work on your own time. A former colleague once asked me, "Why do you let them rent space in your head?"

Saturn is a career planet. He's moving forward now, so if you find yourself in one of the aforementioned situations, start examining your options.

As an important aside, Venus goes retrograde on October 5. That will be a time of re-evaluation. So it's time to make sure you know where you're going. By November 16th you should be ready to end a few more things and begin some new ones.