Smell the Coffee

Full Moon July 29, 2007 8:47 PM EDT
Ypsilanti, MI
Valid until August 12, 2007

Wake Up!....

And smell the coffee!

Listen to the other people in your life!!

This is the two week period when the folks in our region can really get a handle on how other folks are thinking and how they can, themselves, become part of something bigger.

The “Values Assessment” of retrograde Venus is in full swing, and there is no time like the present to set our own priorities and listen to those of the other people in our lives.

The time is right for drawing people together under a common banner.

For leaders in the community, the news is not so great. While this will be a better couple of weeks than those just gone, its still a tough overall period. The grass roots are still seething, and it seems like it takes forever to accomplish anything at all. Leaders are still feeling the pinch of opposition parties and still have to work really hard to get any idea what the people themselves are thinking. Those leaders who take personal responsibility seriously will have an easier time of it, but its still difficult.

The opposition parties need to be hammering personal values and accountability where they see them lacking.

Those most strongly affected by this moon have significant placements early in the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius).


Things to keep in mind

Venus is currently retrograde. Values are the key issue at the moment and knowing who to trust is difficult. Signing contracts, starting ventures, and forging partnerships needs to be held off until September if at all possible.

Mercury does another retrograde in October, and Mars turns retrograde in November. They all march on, one after the other, and it makes it a bad period, between now and February 08, to be starting much of anything. There are windows of opportunity, however they are surrounded by long periods of difficulty, each retrograde having its particular effect.

The retrograde periods are great times for introspection, research, planning and development. Also great for troubleshooting.

The Astrology


Aquarius Full moon right on the Ascendant in the first house makes this a very strong moon in the community. THIS is the community “awareness-raising” period. The opposition between self (Leo) and other (Aquarius) makes this a great period for the listening and learning functions of relationship, again made much stronger in this district by the proximity to the ascendant.

The leadership woes are pat of a much biggr problem, however Jupioter in ten, (though retrograde) means thatthere will be at least some progress in these couple of weeks.

Disgruntled grass roots (Mars in 3 in Taurus) just a hard time there, we’re looking for better things as Mars enters Gemini in the next coupe of weeks.

Hard-working opposition making use of retrograde Venus to really keep the leaders sharp, Saturn right on the descendant holding the power of the people and torching the feet of the leaders. The power is building in the opposition, and it is likely to peak in the August new moon period to come.

‘Till then

Take Care

Rod

Repair the damage

New Moon July 14, 2007 8:03:40 am
Ypsilanti, MI
Effective until Full Moon July 29, 2007


Repair the damage


There is a strong conservative feel to the coming couple of weeks. The focus on family values will take on a spiritual glow as folks seek to pull themselves up by their bootstraps.

Elected officials will be appealing to conservative values in order to make restitution for past mistakes.

Leaders are likely to burn up resources in damage control, which is going to get up the noses of the grass roots pretty thoroughly. Many administrations are still largely working at odds with the people.

For the leaders who are presenting challenges to the people that are well reasoned and make judicious use of resources, the picture is much stronger. “personal responsibility” is going to be the catch cry with the neighborhoods, a wise leader will use that to his or her advantage.

The people are going to start really feeling the burden of past indiscretions and grandiose ideas. This will become more strongly focused over the next couple of weeks, another good time for grass roots groups to raise awareness in the greater population. Opposition groups would do well to capitalize on the growing discontent.

On a positive note, it’s a good couple of weeks for those in the healing arts and those with a spiritual focus in their work. There is a general spiritual yearning developing in the community.

For those affected by Mercury’s recent retrograde, the time is right to repair the damage done by the various communications crises which erupted over he past few weeks, most particularly where they affected relationships.

Those most affected.

The new moon is strongest for those with placements in the late degrees (20-30) of Cancer, and the other cardinal signs (Capricorn Libra, Aries)

Anger and tension will be most heavily felt by those with placements in the middle degrees (10-20) of Taurus and the other fixed signs (Scorpio, Leo and Aquarius), though it’s worth mentioning that this waxing period is less intense than it has been for these people over the last month.


Things to keep in mind

Venus will retrograde on the 27th, a transit that will last until September 8th . Values and valuables are Venus’ keywords, and a retrograde transit happens only once in 18 months or so.

Lunar Eclipse, August 28

Solar eclipse, September 11

Mercury Retro October 12

Mars retro November 15


Astro Analysis



Mars in 10 and Saturn in 1 makes for a time when folks are still feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders.

The New Moon in 12th has people seeking spiritual solutions.

Mars square the Ascendant in Taurus in the house of the leaders is burning resources and getting up the noses of the general population.

Chiron sitting on the descendant suggests reconciliation is a great move for couples, though there is still some pain to work through there. Those who are committed to finding a resolution will do well, those who choose to find fault will have a worse time of it.

Till next time

Have fun

Rod

Personal Responsibility.

Full Moon June 30, 2007 9:48:38 am
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Effective until New Moon, July 14, 2007

A season for personal responsibility.

Relationships (personal and business… any binding, committed relationship) are still somewhat strained in the general community, as the ideals and reality are brought together on a theoretical basis, but nothing very concrete is emerging just yet. Old wounds are having undue influence on current planning, leaving issues unresolved, even though they feel very close to resolution.

Those who want to use the current season to their benefit will need to talk honestly and often about the pain from the past, on both sides of the relationship, that is holding them back, and commit time and resources to understanding the other.

Personal responsibility is the key to resolving the issues that erupt during these couple of weeks.

Resentment will build under this moon if it goes unchecked.

Personal responsibility will be high on the list of discussion topics over the next couple of weeks. Core values are going to be subject to the hard light of reality, elected officials will feel very exposed, the general community is going to look for a better plan, a new vision as it seeks to distance itself from those it has trusted with its well being.

Disappointment over deceptions of the past will be palpable throughout the community.

Grass roots opposition groups need to spend this couple of weeks working on their next foray, and let the elected officials slip in their own mess.

Leaders who ignore the advice of the Solstice reading are going to try to smear their enemies and foist the burden of responsibility onto the people. This is likely to backfire into grassroots anger as the failures of elected officials become the stuff of public ridicule.

On a much lighter note, this is a great period for special events and generally having a lot of fun. Events focusing on family values and days gone by should see some great exposure this over the next couple of weeks. Event organizers need to be vigilant in attending to details and make sure they have contingency plans for predictable delays.

Those Most Affected

The combined influence of the full moon and retrograde Mercury heavily impacts (again) those with early Cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) placements. Juggling issues of “self” and “other” is going to be difficult as understanding is severely hampered by past experience. Resolution will be more forthcoming as the New Moon approaches.

Those with placements around 20 degrees Fixed (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are under increased pressure again for this two week period. As with the last New Moon, this couple of weeks keeps the pressure up on what is an on-going, painful issue. The focus diminishes with the New Moon, however the coming Venus Retrograde will ensure some pressure for a while to come.

Things to keep in mind.

Mercury’s retrograde finishes on July 9 and resolution of Mercury’s issues (whatever blew up in your face over the previous couple of weeks) will be most effective from July 9 to July 25.

Venus has begun her period of strong influence, and begins her retrograde transit on July 27. This retrograde ends September 8, and resolution of Venus’ issues (the “values” issues that wouldn’t leave you alone, or the “love lost” issues) will be most effective from September 8 through October 12.

The Astro Analysis


The elusive resolution to difficulties is shown by the proximity of Saturn to the Ascendant, and its 12th house position locally. It is so close to the ascendant, that those on the west side of the county will find resolution easier, as will those in Lansing and the west side of the State. However, it is 12th house and without a lot of work, there will be no real resolution for relationship difficulties. The pain and idealism are seen across the chart with the Neptune/Chiron opposition to the Saturn/Venus conjunction.

It is a difficult time for anyone with placements around the 15-25 degrees fixed

Resentment building under the moon is marked by Mars’ ingress into Taurus and its rulership of the 4th and 9th houses.

The proximity to the ascendant of Saturn/Venus in Leo makes personal responsibility a BIG issue this period. Venus’ strength as she approaches retrograde means that issues raised over this period are going to be the ones that come back to haunt us in the retrograde.

Disappointment over past deceptions…. A Saturn-ruled moon in 5 (killjoy) opposing a Moon-ruled Sun in 11 (elected officials, other groups of friends) which is conjunct a retrograde (past issues) Mercury.

Grass roots (3rd) ruled by Venus in 12…. Good time to lay low and plan.

Leaders (MC) ruled by Venus, which moves to the 1st house in the political chart (MC Chart), clearly indicates an attempt to push responsibility back onto the people. Neptune in 7th shows an attempt to smear the opposition, however retrograde Mercury conjunct the Sun in the 11th is going to see this plan fail, and Mars in the 9th will see resentment build.

Public ridicule for the failings of the leadership is displayed by the Moon in the 5th as the significator of the people, opposing the 11th house sun discussed above. One could expect a few choice cartoons to emerge in the next couple of weeks.

In summary, a hard couple of weeks to be in power, a difficult time for relationships, not a great week for anyone except pranksters, however the community as a whole will do fairly well in spite of the details.

Take Care

Rod

Gemini New Moon

June 14, 2007, 11:14 pm, Ypsilanti Michigan effective until June 30, 2007, 9:40 am


Summary.
A less intense moon locally that highlights fun but can bring some folks undone.

Basic Prediction

For the good folks in our district, an easier time over the next couple of weeks. The couples who have had strife over the last two weeks can now sit down, having examined their own personal faults, and understand the position of the other. The new moon in Gemini is conducive to understanding and “lightening up” a bit. Recovery from the heavy hard-hitting of the previous full moon is vital over this time-frame. CAREFUL communication is the key here.

I emphasize CAREFUL communication, because Mercury goes retrograde on June 15 and careless assumptions are going to bring you undone. Be certain that you understand EXACTLY what the other is saying.

Basically, lighten up, but put your mind into gear before putting your mouth into action.

On a more general level, the new moon places Mercury’s retrograde in the 6th house, which means its not going to be a huge factor in relationships, however there is likely to be a communications crisis in the health-care community. Double-check any information that comes your way regarding your health.

On the political front, leadership is likely to become active in their support base over the next two weeks, but the population needs to be careful of a major deception in the offing.

The 5th house Gemini moon is going to be conducive to excessive confidence, though Mercury’s retrograde is going to lead to exposure. One might also expect a political scandal in the entertainment industry.

Leaders need to be aware that their plans are going to come under cold, hard, scrutiny from open enemies, and any illusions put forward at this time will be hammered mercilessly. Attempts to hide the real consequences of proposals will be very tempting. Opponents will be vigilant. Communities facing current crises will be the most severely affected. Unfortunately, the ability to learn from the mistakes of the past is still elusive at this time.

A great couple of weeks for grass roots groups to build a support base.

Those most affected

Those with strength in 23-30 degrees of Capricorn will do well under this moon.

Those with strong Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) at 20-30 degrees will have a lot of fun.
Those with strong fixed (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) around the 16-24 degree mark. There is a long-running pattern that is giving these folks a general rough time, this new moon it will be stronger and brought to the foreground. It too shall pass.

Things to keep in mind

Retrograde Mercury from June 14 (11 deg Cancer) to July 10 (2 degrees Cancer)
Mercury Shadow begins May 30 and final shadow ends July 24.
Mercury’s keyword- communication, translation

Retrograde Venus from July 27 (2 degrees Virgo) to September 8 (16 degrees Leo)
Venus shadow begins June 23, and final shadow ends September 22.
Venus keyword- Values, Love as giving and receiving.


The Astro Analysis


These charts are set up in Ypsilanti, and are going to be generally true for Washtenaw County

The 5th house position of the New Moon means it’s general feeling is for fun and adventure, but its ruler, Mercury, is going to be retrograde for most of the period, so the fun is likely to have some unintended consequences.

The 25 degree Capricorn ascendant is gaining unexpected creative support from the Gemini new moon in the 5th house. A period for strong resolutions and for resolving previous conflicts.

The 20 degree Scorpio MC has its ruler (Mars) in the third in its own domicile. A period for strong grass roots support in the political arena, particularly for the “loyal opposition”.

Mercury at 11 degrees of Cancer is virtually at its retrograde station. In the 6th Ascendant house , it portends a communications crisis that affects the health-care of the LOCAL population. In the 5th MC houses, it portends a LOCAL political scandal in the entertainment industry.



I have already had some good feedback about this style of blog

I hope to improve the posts as I go along

Take Care

Rod

What on earth is going on?

What on earth is going on?

The last two weeks have been hell on earth for many couples in and around Washtenaw County, and the astrological signatures were so conspicuous, I thought this would be as good a time as any to start this blog rolling.

I’m going to start with the current Full Moon (which is all but expired) because SO MANY people in our local district, and in my own circle of friends, have been having major relationship troubles.

Full Moon May 31 2007, 9:03 pm EDT Ypsilanti, MI

Basic prediction (with 20/20 hindsight for this one, but the rest will be ahead of time).


The problem.

Where a relationship needs a shake-up, it will happen under this moon. Relationships and families, partnerships and businesses, are all going to feel the pinch this full moon until the new moon on June 14.

Salt will be rubbed into sensitive wounds, irrational ideals will prevail, and long-lasting decisions will be made. Some irreparable damage to relationships may ensue.

If you don’t have a relationship per se, then the same might apply to any binding commitment you have.

If you are not experiencing these issues at this time, be thankful, and lend your support to your friends as they go through their issues.

Not everyone needs a shakeup, but this particular moon is going to apply to a lot of folks in this district.


The solution.

Realize that you are under as big a cloud of illusion as your partner appears to be. Work hard at finding the root cause of the issue. What is your part in the issue? What is your partner’s?. Communication is likely to be difficult. Understanding the other point of view will be difficult unless you are prepared to let go of your own point of view. Concentrate more on your own part in the issue. Do the introspective work, be honest and hard with yourself for a brief season, particularly in the last quarter of the moon. Remember to release whatever negativity you have built around yourself as the moon approaches its darkest moment. Being aware of your faults is one thing, hanging onto the negativity for any length of time is detrimental to your health.

DON’T DO ANYTHING HASTY !!

This is not a period for clear understanding. It will pass.

The coming New Moon will bring the opportunity you need for healing,clear thinking, and reconciliation. It is important to listen carefully to the things you learn about yourself during the dark period.

Things to keep in mind

Mercury’s coming retrograde will put a real challenge on communications, the things that have exploded under this full moon will need to be carefully worked through, or the Venus retrograde, which follows hot on Mercury’s heels, will cause a lasting rift. It doesn’t need to happen that way, but it’s a really strong possibility if you don’t take control during this coming new moon season.


Those most affected

Those with strong mutable (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) particularly around 10-15 degrees.

Those with strong cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) particularly around the 2-5 degree mark.

The astrological analysis (for those who are interested)



The first thing we notice is that the full moon is right on the ascendant of the local chart, in the 12th house by one degree (It is exact on the ascendant in the western part of Lansing, Bay City and Saginaw)

The ascendant is a personal point, and in mundane matters usually represents the general population. With the full moon in a subjective (12th) house, touching on the ascendant, and Jupiter in the First house in its own domicile (Sagittarius) and retrograde, one can expect a lot of “where did that come from” (12th house) energy, blown out of all real proportion and subject to heavy scrutiny by retrograde Jupiter.

These things don’t tell the whole story on their own though.

Mercury (translator, communicator) looks pretty innocuous in the 7th house in Cancer (3 degrees), until you realize that, on July 9, Mercury will go direct at 2 degrees of Cancer, after its retrograde transit.

The stations (places at which they change direction) of the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, and Mars) are points of great significance.

Mercury, having just crossed its station, is in a position of high power, and is in the house of relationships. Mercury’s retrograde transits are always about communication.

So lets add up the factors so far.

“Out of left field” energy, blown out of all proportion, while the communicator (Mercury) in the sign of sensitivity (Cancer) in the house of relationships (7th) is in a position of great power.

Can anybody say “relationship blow-ups”.
Add to this the power of the Nodes (a sense of destiny) exactly square to the ascendant of the chart, and there are some big, long-lasting blow-ups in the wind.


There is added pressure for those with significant planets around the 20 degree fixed mark, that pressure being applied by the Neptune/Chiron conjunction which opposes Saturn.

Mercury’s coming stations are at 11 degrees Cancer (June 15) and 2 degrees Cancer (July 9).

Mercury’s shadow period begins May 30. The issues that arise from here to June 14 will be the focus of mixed messages during the retrograde. The more clearly you deal with these issues in the first shadow, the less impact the retrograde will have for you. Ignore them at your peril. Issues that arise during the retrograde transit will tend towards resolution during the final shadow period, which begins July 9 and ends July 24.

Venus’ coming stations are at 2 degrees Virgo (July 27) and 16 degrees Leo (September 8). More about that later.

Take Care

Rod