Random Meanderings

Greetings to friends old and new! It's been a very busy spring and early summer and I sincerely apologize for my absence!

Here are a few random thoughts for you as I get back into the swing of this writing thing. 

1) Sticks & Stones--I'm now reading at Sticks & Stones in Fairfax once a week, every Tuesday night from 5-7. I do take appointments there but you can also just show up, too. I will also be there July 4th and 5th, so if you're off either of those days and you need some guidance, stop by!

2) Tarot classes--I'm a little behind schedule but these are still coming. Thanks to all of you who have asked! I'd like to get them started in September. Thanks to those of you who responded to the Facebook survey--classes will be 1 hour and 15 minutes long and in the evenings. 

3) New astrology teacher--I've been studying with Kathy Rose, who has been a consulting astrologer for 36 years. I met her last year at SOTA and was extremely impressed with her teaching ability but also her therapeutic approach to astrology and working with clients. I'm learning a ton and really honing my skills. 

4) Pin Curls Salon--I'm still reading at Pin Curls, but I've taken a few weeks hiatus since I've been traveling. My next date there is Saturday, July 13 from 9-4.

5) Kittens!--We are fostering four kittens right now so our lives have been consumed with caring for them. Jen's been doing the "lion's share" of the work but it's been amazing having them here. A few more weeks and they will go to the shelter to be adopted out.

6) NoVA Pagan Pride--Once again I'm reading at Pagan Pride on the George Mason campus in September. More details to follow!

I think that's all for now, folks. Thanks for hanging in there with me. Hopefully another blog will be coming soon: A book review of Tarot for Troubled Times by Shaheen Miro and Theresa Reed! I've been waiting for this book for nearly a year. 

As always, thanks for tuning in. See you again soon!

Online Group Tarot Classes Coming Soon!

Mountain Retreat in Lost River, WV, March 2019

Greetings everyone! I am finally back in the saddle after a very turbulent winter! Happy spring to one and all, and a very happy end to Mercury retrograde in a few days!

I'm going to do something that I've wanted to do for a long time: Offer online tarot classes. 

I've had a number of folks approach me about teaching online tarot classes for some time, and I'm almost ready to get started. 

All I know right now is that they would be on Zoom, a video conferencing program you can download to any device, and that basic tarot classes are what I plan to offer first. 

If you're interested, please make sure that you have liked my Hierophant Tarot page on Facebook. I'll be putting out different polls on possible dates and times, as well as other questions that will help me decide what people want, and I'll want your input. Nothing is set in stone, so if you're interested, make sure I'm hearing your opinions. 

If you're not on Facebook and are interested, feel free to email me as well.

Thanks so much for your support, encouragement, and interest. More to come...

Three Things About Planets in Detriment

So you might have heard an astrological planet described as "in detriment". That sounds...bad, right? But what does that really mean? How would you know if you have one? And how might it manifest in your life?

A planet in detriment is in the sign that is opposite of the planet's rulership. The Sun, for example, rules the astrological sign Leo. If you have the Sun in the opposite sign of Leo, which is Aquarius, you have the Sun in detriment. 

Here's a quick list of the planets and the signs in rulership and in detriment:

Image from Canary Quill Astrology (http://www.canaryquillastrology.com)

A planet in detriment is the weakest manifestation of a particular planet's energy. That doesn't mean that the planet isn't present; think of it like starting a race two lengths behind everyone else. You'll have to do lots of work on the areas of your life that planet rules to get the most out of it.

Another way to consider it: A planet in detriment does things their own way. In other words, it doesn't care how it is supposed to work; it's sort of a wild card. I often think of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" or Limp Bizkit's "My Way" to understand it. 

In my case, I actually have two planets in detriment: The Moon, which rules Cancer, in Capricorn; and Venus, which rules Taurus and Libra, in Scorpio. 

The Moon in Capricorn is one I think of as "Hoover Dam" because it really holds back emotion. It lets selected emotions out but tries hard to keep them at bay. In other words, it does what Capricorn's ruler, Saturn, does best: Suppress them. My alter ego Silent John is likely a Capricorn Moon manifestation. 

Venus in Scorpio is a very intense placement. Relationships can take on an "all or nothing" vibe that can cause problems with others. There's always a quest to find "the one person" with Venus in Scorpio. Luckily, I found my person...but Venus in Scorpio is relentless in pursuit of "the one." Jealousy, possessiveness, and control issues in relationships are also common.

In both cases, the planet's influence manifests in an unorthodox, unexpected, or overly intense way. The effects will really depend on a number of factors, including:

• The planet
• Where it is in your natal chart
• What relationships it makes in the chart or via transit

Don't be concerned if you have a planet in detriment. Just know that it's an area you have to work on. The more work you put in, the more progress you'll be able to make. 

Bottom line: It's important to be aware if you have planets in detriment, and this is an important question to ask during an astrology consult. Your astrologer can give you possible manifestations of the planet's energy and provide ways to work on using that planet's energy to your benefit.

Articles on Evolving Door Astrology!

Hello everyone! I wanted to let you know that some of my articles have been featured on Evolving Door Astrology! 

I wrote three articles: The lunar forecast, the "Low Down on the Far Out" feature, and the Sabian Symbol article. 

This is a big deal for me as it marks the first time I'm actually getting paid for writing an astrology article or blog. Our usual planetary friends got a special place on the site and are appearing on another blog for the first time ever!

Thanks for taking a look! Luckily for us, Tara will be back in a few weeks to give us the Full Moon in Virgo forecast!

Shutdown Press Conference from the Sun

[The Sun stands behind a podium, with the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars to his left, and Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto to his right.]

Sun: Good evening, everyone. I come before you with a matter of the utmost importance. Specifically, I'd like to address the people of the United States affected by the government shutdown.

Please know that whether you are a furloughed government employee or working without pay, a contractor, a small business owner, or a private citizen impacted by this terrible event, know that you matter to me! 

To the hardworking employees of the United States Government, I know many of you will not receive checks today. This is an incredibly frustrating, demoralizing, and nerve-wracking time for you, and all of us here share your pain. 

As your chief astrological executive, I pledge that I will put every effort into helping you cope with current conditions. Right now, every astrological planet is direct--in itself a rare event!--and in a position to help you. I have asked Jupiter and Saturn, who are not present today, and I have directed them to work on this problem until the situation is resolved. Let me assure you of their seriousness and diligence.

Finally, as a gesture of goodwill, none of us will receive a paycheck until this crisis is resolved. Lady Moon, would you please...

Moon: Yes, sir. I'd be happy to. [Moves to the front of podium] Many of you are embracing me right now, as I am who you go to in times of crisis. Please accept my sympathies and wishes for a speedy resolution forward. Do not close yourself in your homes worrying if you can help it, and please make sure you are taking care of yourselves, especially by resting. Mercury...I believe you're next?

Mercury: [moves to front] Yes, ma'am. As chief information officer please keep abreast of what's going on out there. Things can happen quickly. Hopefully, this thing can end even more quickly than it began. Also, I know this can be a very nervous time for many. Deal with the facts as you have them in front of you as much as is possible. Speculation about what might happen will erode your mental health slowly but surely. Venus, I think you're up?

Venus: [Moves to front] Thanks, Merc. As the planet of money and cooperation, I can't express my disappointment deeply enough. The very idea that some people are considered "non-essential" makes me incredibly sad, because everyone is always essential! The fact that not only do you not have money to meet basic needs, or are losing money indirectly, is infuriating. This has happened because people won't compromise! Sadly, you will have to put some of what you want on the back burner for now until this thing is resolved, and for that, I cry with you.  Hold your loved ones a little tighter, please, and try not to sell anything in these hard times that you're going to regret losing later. Again, I'm so sorry. Know that you are loved and appreciated for more than just what you are able to buy and do. Mars...you're up. 

Mars: [shoves Merc out of the way and faces the Sun] Boss, we're not getting paid? When did this shit happen?

Mercury: An email sent two days ago at 3:45pm entitled, "Suspension of Salaries due to Financial Crisis", Mars. I'm guessing you didn't read it? I know you were on the TO line. 

Mars: Well now I'm REALLY fuckin' pissed! And I know you are too! But hear me out: GO DO SOMETHING. Get your ass off the couch and make something happen. Use that anger to get some shit done, especially if you're not going to work or have some more free time. And if you've got time, you've got time for sex, right? Damn right you do! Take what you can get, especially 'cause sex is free, amirite? [leers at Venus] Who's next?

Uranus: [Steps forward, carefully avoiding Mars] This whole thing has thrown a monkey wrench into your financial life and into your plans! I just was in Taurus but moved back into Aries not long ago. I should be back in Taurus in six weeks, but I hope the shutdown doesn't last that long. When it comes to your finances, think outside the box! You may have more than you know. And use social media to help deal with your feelings and to make ends meet whenever possible. Look for online deals and specials if you're in need, and share those that you find. Nep?

Neptune: [stumbles toward the podium] I know getting drunk sounds like a really good idea right now, but if you can find an escape that's a little healthier than that, you won't regret it as much later. And if you've got some extra time--GET CREATIVE! Write, draw, paint, craft, whatever. Put some of that energy into creating something beautiful. Thanks...where's Pluto?

[All look around and Pluto is nowhere to be found]

Sun: I apologize that a member of my staff seems to have...stepped away...

Mars: I smell an ass kicking! I mean what the fuck dude? Little shrimpie couldn't take the heat? TOLD YOU!

Sun: [grimaces slightly] Mars, please...I'm sure there's an explanation. [faces front]. In short, good people, please don't get down on yourselves. We're here to serve you as best we can and hope the situation gets resolved soon. If we have any news we'll send it along. 

For now, please hang in there!