Astrological Characteristics by Kerry

The full moon in ARIES puts the focus on our SELVES and puts a mirror on all our partnerships and close relationships.  How we see and respect ourselves will reflect the treatment we receive from others – our family, # 1, our significant others and our romantic connections, our children, our friends and our social circle. 
Friends may be in need of healing and the best way to help them might be to set an example.  We can extend ourselves to them so long as we don’t deplete our own recourses.  It’s useless to help people who don’t help themselves.  Some of our associations may need to be let go of for this very reason.  Holding onto those connections to further our social life when it’s taxing our energy can be self (Aries) defeating.
Our health is still a work in progress and we need to reserve our strengths for those tasks most important to personal growth.  Pay extra attention to knees, bones, skin, teeth, and intestines.
Now is the time to rejoice in our spiritual enlightment and transformation.  We have grown a lot over the last 14 years and can embrace new insights both within ourselves and the collective.  We will continue to evolve using the lessons we have learned.
Sexuality is highlighted and can connect us to higher realms.  However, we may need to draw boundaries between friends and lovers.  Expect the unexpected and remain open minded and open hearted.
Finances are not as bad as one might think so long as we don’t spend more than we make!  We must also be cautious with impulsive spending.   Hard work is paying off nicely for those who have put in the extra effort.   We are now seeing rewards for hard work!   Any money constructively spent is good for circulating the economy.  We can learn from the past but let’s not fear it or we’ll recreate a similar situation.
Mercury goes direct on the 15th, meaning it’s stationing (slowing down) this week.  So communication and transportation are still delicate.  Patience will be difficult during an ARIES moon.  Let’s not get in our own way!
Let us use this energy to boost our spirits and better our world!!
        

By Kerry Fezza 2008                                                                                                     

Go to my LINKS, click on SKY BEAR ASTROLOGY, then ASTRO ALERTS for my buddy Larry’s take on the New Moon and Equinox!!

LIBRA

Happy Birthday/Solar Return to the lover, charmer, and diplomat of the zodiac! You are on the threshold of a deeply personal transformation, starting in early November. Over the next 15 years you will be purging things from long ago. The ultimate goal may be to emancipate yourself from family or past life experiences that dealt with power and control struggles. There will be a lot of intensity and letting go. Keep a close eye on your blood sugar.
Homes and real estate will be undergoing changes too. You could be moving and/or could purchase a “fixer upper”. Presently, your home and family sector is highly favored until 2009 & you can feel internally optimistic. You might be home schooling, looking at moving to a foreign country, or renewing your faith/spirituality.
In January 2009 the energy shifts to your children and their learning endeavors. Expect good health for them and you may see a growth spurt. Luck and abundance surrounds if you don’t over indulge them.
For single Libras, expect a lot more romance in the new year. You could meet someone foreign, wealthy, spiritual, well traveled, or educated. You’ll still need to be cautious about finding a special someone that seems too good to be true. Rose colored glasses aren’t your friend. At this particular time you may be fantasizing about or dealing with someone from your past, maybe one who has issues? Old wounds may get reopened so you can finally heal them, as destiny smiles on your love life, your children & your creativity! Being honest with yourself will help others be honest with you.
Your work and health sector remains filled with surprises. You’re probably dealing with previous problems at present. You crave independence and freedom and may not appreciate the confines of a regular schedule. There’s a certain anarchy with in yourself that is altering your personal life. Subconsciously you may be turning people against you. You gain the most from working hard behind the scenes.
There’s a lot going on in your life, especially this month, when you are the star of the show! Depression is possible as you try to make sense of all the deeply personal changes you are going through. You may want to keep a journal or write poetry as an outlet for pent up frustration. Persevere as adversity will give you strength! You’ll need it the 20th-31st but your financial picture will benefit at the same time from effort.
Communication and transportation are delicate this month so really watch your words. It’s an excellent time to reconnect or finish up self-improvement projects. You’ll get a boost here after the 18th and you could receive many social invitations.
This is your time! And you are blessed now with the opportunity to learn from past mistakes, take control of your dreams, and build yourself up to new heights! Keep the faith! ARIES
October focuses on all types and aspects of partnerships! Communication may be sensitive and will center on previous discussions. Romance is favored until the 18th and passion is high all month!
Hard work and discipline continue to boost your career and public image. Expect a financial pay off the 25th-31st.
Legal, travel, spiritual, educational, and publishing affairs are highlighted after the 18th. You’re finishing up important things here.
Health issues most likely result from past anxiety, especially the 20th-31st. Pay attention to the whisperings of the Universe to gain insight.
Your own faith comes through helping those in need and it plays a big part in your destiny. Lovers, children, and socializing may be distracting you from your life path. Stay focused!

Lets celebrate the potential of the next three months until the Winter Solstice. This will be an eventful period with a much anticipated election occuring during this time.  So these are my predictions.  Although I choose to look at things politically, you can still apply the basics to your personal life.
Astrologers note:  All technical astrology terms will appear in brackets.  For those who haven’t a clue, just proceed with the regular text. 

(I use a solar chart with zero degree house cusps. 0 degrees Libra on the Ascendant, 0 degrees Scorpio on the 2nd, and so forth.)

(Sun on Ascendant in Libra square Moon in Cancer on Mid Heaven)
How we see ourselves ~ tactful, charming, and diplomatic; trying to find balance between two very divided political parties; dependent on others; and geared towards compromise ~ conflicts with our public persona.  The world at large sees us a “united” country that is very nuturing and protective of itself and perhaps using the metaphor of Cancer/The Crab, impervious of what others think. 
(The Sun in an out-of-sign square to Pluto in Sagittarius)  We have a serious conflict overseas that is not going to be easily negotiated.  The positive spin given by those in power is hard for us to swallow.
(The Moon is opposite the Pluto/Jupiter mid-point forming a T-square of sorts with the Sun) We are looking to our foreign allies to help us which is in opposition to our on best interests.  (Jupiter in the 4th) We need to rely on ourselves which is going to get more difficult as a major recession is upon us.  (Wait until Pluto moves into Capricorn!)  Outsourcing is defeating our own purpose as a nation that needs to come together now!!

(Venus in Libra in the first house but close to the second house cusp)  We could be feeling positive and optimistic during this time frame, especially about our financial picture.  (Venus is exactly sextile to Pluto, modern ruler of 2nd house, Scorpio)  We are ready to embrace radical “change” now and transform our spending habilts!  ( Saturn in the 12th house, trine Jupiter in the 4th) There’s a quiet stirring of downsizing going on all around us as people accept the need to make economical sacrafices.  We’re keeping the faith that hard work will pay off and our basic needs will be met.  This enables us to be practical and responsible. 
There is also the push behind the scenes towards alternative medicine as a remedy to our current healthcare situation.  And we’re discipling ourselves in regards to the environment.

(Mars conjunct Mercury in Libra, 1st house) We’re passionate about banding together, speaking out, and unifying our nation, but also reaching out to others to help us solve our inner conflicts and national crisis.  (Mars & Mercury trine Neptune and loosely the North Node/Chiron conjunction in Aquarius)  It looks like there may be some relief or at least an impasse to the gas/oil issue. 
In addition, we’re working to heal our collective wounds, mainly by re-opening them.  This election is a good example as we bridge racial and gender gaps. (The Aquarius stellium in the 5th house)  We can reach out through our youth to help spread the message of equality.  Perhaps by using creative means? 

I like to use a 5 degree orb for all the major aspects but use your own discretion.  Look at Aspects both Natally & Transiting; also the Sign & House positions in your Natal & Solar Charts.

Nodes - based on the Moons path around the Earth’s ecliptic; 19 year cycle.  Often referred to as the ‘Dragons Head’ (North) & ‘Dragons Tail’ (South).  Always in opposing signs at the same degree.

 North Node (looks like an upsidedown horseshoe) - one’s destiny in their current life time; what you should be working towards; not familiar energy because it’s new; need to work at it for positive growth & development
 South Node (looks like a regular horseshoe) - one’s karma; baggage from past life(ves); placement in chart where issues are possibly unresolved and can arise -can be self sabotage (12th house expression); feels very familiar but you should be moving away from it in this life.  Look closely to conjunctions.
 
Part of Fortune (Circle with an X through it) - just that! Where you can expect luck - either materially, physically or spiritually;  where you’re innately talented/gifted

Vtx - Vertex - another point of destiny & fate; also deep feeling; look to sign & house; compare the degree with other peoples charts!  My Vertex, located in my 5th house of romance, conjuncts my husbands Moon/Jupiter conjunction in his 1st, at the exact degree.

 EQ - Equatorial Asc - like a 2nd Asc.; how you see yourself; can be a health indicator.

 Chiron (Looks like a K with a circle) - Asteroid discovered in 1977, between Saturn & Uranus.  Returns every 50 years.  Its discovery could be associated with the New Age Movement & Alternative Healing gathering more mainstream attention.  Because it lies between Saturn & Uranus, it provides a ‘bridge’ between the personal planets to the outer planets, representing the bridge between the conventional & unconventional, the conscious to the unconscious, & the personal to the collective.  Has an Aquarian feel in that it is a Maverick; doesn’t quite fit in anywhere.  Often referred to as the “Wounded Healer”.  It’s representation in the Natal Chart, by Sign & House,  shows a karmic wound that defies complete healing.   It’s  a deep hurt that you’ll always work at, at a very person level.   Look to sign & house  to see where you may feel rejected or out of  place.  It can literally describe health - physical or mental.  It particularly lends itself to alternative healing since Chiron is so unconventional, & perhaps psychotherapy given it’s chronic nature.  Chiron is the wound we deal with for life so look to transiting Aspects to reopen it.  The theory is we must go beyond personal boundaries and heal others, in order to heal ourselves.   If Chiron conjuncts a planet in another persons chart, you may help them to heal; look to the energy of that planet, ie: One’s Chiron conjunct another’s Venus could mean they have a karmic duty to heal that person through love &/or pain. ?
Chiron may also be associated with an unusual or unexpected death(s) and leave strange repercussions with remaining loved ones. (I got this from a book - thoughts?)
                                                                        

Click on Skybear Astrology under my “Links” and then go to “Astro Alerts” For Larry’s New Moon Report!

Finally a breather as Pluto and Jupiter turn direct in motion ~ aka power and success move forward.  Mercury will go retrograde on the 24th so we are in it’s shadow until then.  (For more info on MR please see my blog Mercury Retrograde.)  There are many positive forces this month, helping us to learn, grow, and prosper!

VIRGO
Happy birthday to the most sensible, hardworking, and pragmatic sign of the zodiac! 
Onward and upward, steady as you go!  While things continue to move slowly, know you’re on path and that long deserved rewards await you next year.  You’ll gain immense satisfaction looking back at how far you’ve come and how hard you’ve worked to get there.  This year will certainly seem a lot easier than the last few. 
Children continue to move forward with lessons well learned.  They should be in a period of growth and illumination.  This year is the start of a major transformation for them.
Amorous adventures inspire your creativity as love and romance get grounded and geared toward the future.  This month is highly favorable for close encounters, especially the 1st-6th. You’re on the verge of a very passionate dynamic that will define your love nature for years to come.  There’s a deep intensity coming to all social encounters. 
Long term relationships and partners still remain unpredictable.  There’s a push/pull dynamic between your need for security and stability vs your need for independence.  This month highlights learning from previous mistakes.  You could hear from an old love, after the 23rd.
Your past also plays a role in health and work endeavors.  Don’t repeat behaviors that aren’t good for you!  Falling back on karmic tendencies can lead to depression or self undoing.  Exercise discretion with all medications and focus on your future.  Meditation, massage, aroma therapy and spiritual endeavors can benefit the job environment and work wonders for your physical body.  These cures can also work for pet ailments that are hard to diagnose.
Now is the time to focus on your over all well being.  Your vitality gets a boost after the 7th.  Implement a new exercise routine or structure your eating habits.  You’re the most nutritional and environmental sign of  the zodiac. 
Don’t over do it the 19th-23rd.  At the same time drive cautiously and bite your tongue.
Communication is delicate all month, with the possibility of rushing to judgment, especially with your money.  You’ll be super motivated to earn and to spend,  so exercise caution and pay attention to details.  Financial discussions are favored the 6th-15th and you may be overly idealistic the 16th-30th. 
This year is really about focusing on your own forward progress and not taking on more than you can handle.  Do the unimaginable and spoil yourself!!!
 
ARIES
This month highlights all relationships and work/career endeavors. Your job sector is favored for steady progress, especially the 1st-6th.  Educational, publishing, spiritual, legal, and travel pursuits, all move forward after the 7th.  Some frustration is possible the 19th-23rd.  It’s time to establish long term plans.
Partnerships are passionate the 6th-15th and communication is excellent.  You’ll be referencing past topics and realigning your goals, hope, and dreams the 16th-30th. 
Don’t cave into anxiety.  Instead, be inspired by replaying your dreams and listening to your intuition!
 

Release your dreams to the Universe! 

This eclipse hits Neptune before it hits the Moon.  Neptune, co-ruler of Picses, is associated with many things. Negatively it is associated with depression/mental illness, and addiction ~ based on escapism/retreat from reality.  It creates fantasy and idealism ~ think ‘rose colored glasses’.
It also rules the feet and is accociated with water ~ think King Neptune!  It governs gases, oils, and chemicals of all kinds!  Health issues are possible, especially with the ankles and feet. Caution should be excercised with water sports.  Look for even more unusual weather patterns.

Positively, Neptune represents etherial beauty.  Most Neptunians have that “X” factor or Star quality.  It governs inate talent, especially with musicians, dancers, and artists. 
It is a very compassionate Planet.  Just like Pisces, Neptune has issues with boundaries.  Where does water go but all over the place?  It is accociated with sacrafice and Spirituality.

I think this eclipse will accentuate Neptune’s more positive qualities as both the Moon & Neptune are next to the North Node which guides our destiny!  The full Moon, Neptune, and North Node, are all in the sign of Aquarius which rules humanity, friendship, goals, hopes, and wishes.  As long as we choose to face universal circumstances realistically, and not succumb to Neptune’s seductive side, we can put forth measures that benefit the collective.  Perhaps carpooling with friends or using mass transit options will be the result of the current gas crunch?!  Maybe we’ll see some alternative changes made to our health care system?  These are only a few of the possibilities. 

The signs most likely to be affected by this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse are Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, and Scorpio.  If your Moon or Ascendant is in one of these signs you may feel the effects more profoundly, too.  Change is your saving grace.  Expect the unexpected around relationships, career, home, family and real estate matters.  Eclipses bring hidden things to light.  If you have been living in the comforting fog of Neptune, this event could be a major eye-opener!  Rest assured ~ the Universe is promting you to follow your life path.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a wish list for the next six months.  Be really specific.  Combine reality with fantasy and dream big!  As long as your goals can somehow favor the greater and highest good of all, the sky will be the limit on what you can achieve!

  
This month gets heated up with 2 Eclipses ~ a Solar one on August 1st and a Lunar one on August 16th.  The energy generated can last for up to a year and a half in the signs of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio.  Also, hidden things may be revealed.   For more info, please see my blog on Eclipses.

LEO
Happy birthday to the most generous, loving, outgoing sign of the zodiac!  Your year is off to a roaring start! 
Expect some big changes for yourself and your significant others.  The more obstinate or resistant you are, the harder your transition will be.  It’s not about relinquishing control but having faith in the Universe.  Let it guide you towards your destiny!
Your partnership sector is very fated at this time!  Established unions will benefit from the partners achievements.  Newer engagements will be focusing on long term goals, and single Leos may find their soul mate. You’re feeling exceptionally passionate right now! Be wary of deception and deceiving others.  Someone from your past (life) could play a role or old issues will need to be dealt with until November 1st.  Otherwise, relationships  are sublime and may even take on a spiritual quality.  
When it comes to shared income or intimacy, things continue to be unpredictable.  There’s plenty of excitement but it comes at the price of instability or inconsistency. Unconventionality can play a role too ~ taking risks or doing things outside the norm.  You’ll be retracing your steps until the end of November.
Exercise caution with your own finances this year.  You’re probably being more conservative which is good!  It’s time to focus on long term investments and building wealth. 
This month you’re motivated to earn and to spend.  Money arguments are possible the 3rd-9th with partners, and with children or a lover the 14th-20th.  The 15th-30th provides a much better opportunity to discuss resources, ask for a raise, or earn income on-line or through communication endeavors. 
Luck is with you on the job although you’ll be finishing up old projects until early September.  After September 7th you can expect  a BIG transformation around your work environment!  Be really flexible and on your toes here!
Affairs lighten up around finances after the 20th, but could heat up around relatives and/or neighbors.  Bite your tongue and drive carefully!  Car problems are possible.
Your health should not be neglected.  Favorable influences continue until 2009 unless you’re prone to excess.  It’s an excellent time to learn more about your liver, skin, knees, bones, and teeth!  Take care of things now, because come mid September, your health sector will begin a major period of alteration.  You already had a taste of this in early 2008.  Issues could arise around the pelvis and reproductive organs. 
The spot light is shining on you now, Leo ~ A place where you are most comfortable.  So hang on tight and keep smiling!  This year is going to be one wild ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Solar Eclipse Aug. 1 ~ 9 degrees Leo, Lunar Eclipse Aug. 16 ~ 24 degrees Aquarius

What does this mean?  Well, the Eclipses are primarily affecting Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio.  If you have your Moon and/or Ascendant in any of these signs, you’ll feel the energy too.  Look at what part of your chart these signs rule and expect activity in these areas.

JULY 2008 ASTROLOGICAL PREDICTIONS
 
This month marks my first anniversary of writing this column!  I hope you enjoy your monthly updates as much as I enjoy plotting the planets for each sign.
Happy 4th of July!!

CANCER
Happy birthday to the most nurturing, sensitive sign of the zodiac! 
This year sees major change around partnerships!!  Right now until years end, it is make or break.  Past issues could be coming to a major climax. 
2009 can usher in new contenders.  You will be attracting very intense people.  Their powerful presence may move you deeply.  Be aware of those who come on too strong and stay away from anyone who poses violence.  If you have problems with a stalker, now is the time to address them!  Otherwise, look forward to some really passionate encounters.  Luck continues to be with you in the relationship sector but until early September the focus is on the past rather than the future.  Law, travel, education, and spirituality, play an important role in close encounters!  The 24th-28th bodes well for communication.
There is a push/pull dynamic between sexuality and morals at this time.  You’ll be rethinking your values.
Finances are another major area of interest.  Your personal budget vs earned income should be a major area of concern with special attention paid towards spending.  Joint endeavors are more favorable but partners need to watch their spending also.  Shared expenses could arise around plumbing, nautical, chemical, or spiritual concerns.  Wise investing in these areas could pay off.  However, be very careful signing contracts or documents until November 1st.
In regards to  spirituality, you may have become enlightened over the past several years.  Perhaps you’re contemplating a new area of faith or an interest in metaphysics?   Let your intuition guide you and follow your gut instinct.  You could also be feeling more philanthropic towards humanitarian causes in foreign countries.
Be spontaneous when it comes to travel. 
Legal affairs remain unpredictable and surprises are in store for a long time to come.  The focus is on previous or unresolved issues until December.
Communication, especially with in-laws, relatives, neighbors, or on-line acquaintances, can be delayed or postponed.  Things are moving slowly in this sector.  The same is true for transportation concerns.  If purchasing a new vehicle, buy a Saturn!  Tried and true, erring on the side of caution, thinking before you speak, and planning for long term rewards is favored until 2010.  This month things pick up but could get challenging the 6th-13th.  You’ll get a boost the 24th-28th.  Drive extra cautiously now and don’t put your foot in your mouth!  Watch the drama!!! The best time to get your point across is the 10th-26th.
Reoccurring health crisis’ needs extreme attention now until mid September.  Areas of concern can be the groin area, the reproductive system, or the hips, thighs, and/or liver.
X-rays may be needed to determine the root cause of symptoms.  Don’t neglect yourself.
Basically you shine with vitality until the 22nd.  After the 12th, your finances get a boost!
Rise and shine this year Cancer!  Make peace with the past in 2008 so 2009 starts fresh!

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs
to…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … something perfect to wear if the employer, or
date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … a youth she’s content to leave behind….

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … a past juicy enough that she’s looking
forward to retelling it in her old age….

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and
a black lace bra…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … one friend who always makes her laugh.. and
one who lets her cry…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … a good piece of furniture not previously
owned by anyone else in her family…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … eight matching plates, wine glasses with
stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel
honored…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … a feeling of control over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW… how to fall in love without losing
herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW… how to quit a job, break up with a lover,
and confront a friend withoutruining the friendship…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW… when to try harder… and WHEN TO WALK
AWAY…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW… that she can’t change the length of her
calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW… that her childhood may not have been
perfect…but it’s over…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW… what she would and wouldn’t do for love or
more…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…. how to live alone… even if she doesn’t
like it…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW… whom she can trust, whom she can’t, and
why she shouldn’t take it personally…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW… where to go… be it to her best friend’s
kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods…. when her soul needs soothing…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW… What she can and can’t accomplish in a
day, a month, and a year…

 ~ Special Guest Stars: The Full Moon (June 18), Mercury Retrograde station Direct (June 19), and Uranus Station!!!!

Ok!  I did the Summer Solstice (S.S.) chart as a solar chart using 0 degree house cusps.  The 1st house 0 degrees Cancer, the second house 0 degrees Leo, and so forth.  My focus was on us as a nation and what we can expect over the next 3 months.  I did a few comparisons with the USA, Gemini rising chart and factored in the above ‘Guest Stars’ ~ all major planetary events happening this week that will surely have an effect on this Summer Solstice.

Major Players, Act I
Sun on the Ascendant, fresh out of the 12th house, coming off an opposition to the Moon.
The Moon, the chart ruler, transitions over  the Descendant from Sagittarius to Capricorn, conjuncting Pluto on the Descent, also in opposition to the Sun!  ~ Powerful stuff!
Could this mean hidden things coming into the light and triggering an explosive response from our open enemies?  A culmination of past undoings blowing up in our face? OR a chance to right some wrongs in a radical and different way that involve our nation as a whole?
Venus conjuct the Sun, certainly softens the blow and gives us a diplomatic edge.  It provides a sense of optimism.  Combine this with the conjunction to the USA Venus/Jupiter conjunction, in sextile to S.S. Saturn in Virgo falling in the third house. We can derive some practical enthusiasm from listening to the Presidential hopefuls talk about creating us a brighter future.  The USA Venus, Jupiter, Sun, Mercury stellium in S.S. 1st, certainly gives us something to look forward to! 
USA Mercury, in opposition to S.S. Jupiter, and trine S.S. Uranus, heightens the expectation of this election.  Our country is craving some major and much needed change!  For the first time we have the possibility of a black or female President who can really make a difference at a crucial time.  The quincunx  of  USA Mercury to S.S. Neptune and semi-sextile S.S. Mars, reminds us that all cannot be fixed by waving a magic wand.
Which brings us to:

Major Players, Act II
Mars conjunct the South Node in the second, opposite Neptune conjunct the North Node in the eighth, tying in a conjunction with the USA Moon!  Does anything better describe our rising fuel costs and our dependency on foreign oil????????!!!!!!!!  How our need for speed and perhaps careless ways are costing us a fortune and have become our own   undoing?  Not only is this opposition tight, it falls exactly on the upcoming Lunar Eclipse degree, 24 Aquarius, on Aug. 16th!  Being as we are 2 months away, we’re a little bit out of the shadow period for it’s influence to affect us now.  However, come August we’ll see if we’ve made any progress with cleaning up our act.  It should definitely serve as a warning.  The USA North Node falls in the S.S. second and will be with in 3 degrees of the Solar Eclipse, Aug. 1st.   I give a larger window to Solar Eclipses which puts the USA North Node already in the shadow.  I believe this could have a positive affect of pushing us in the right direction.  It’s semi-sextile to S.S. Saturn in Virgo  is already evidenced in the abundance of commercials geared towards ‘going Green’.   We know astrology works.  Let’s try to use it to our benefit.

Sorry for the delay.  I’m blaming Mercury Retrograde for the technical difficulties! :)
This month ushers in the Summer Solstice, 2 days after the full moon in Sagittarius.   The focus will be on our families and our country and the world’s view of us.  Look forward to a future article on this subject.
I have also posted a separate blog on the Mercury Retrograde this month. 
Happy Summer!!

GEMINI
Happy birthday to the most multifaceted sign of the zodiac!! Your brilliant mind usually has you comfortably scattered in many directions. 
2008 should see you calming down after a 2 year period of flux and a 13 year cycle of major transformation around relationships ~ both personal and professional!  You could have attracted some really intense, perhaps even violent people.  Power struggles may have been an issue.
Reminders of all that change can creep back up on you until early November.  You must finish up the past before proceeding with your future.  This is very evident in June while your ruling planet Mercury and several others are retrograde.
As you head into December and the new year, you can expect some relief around partnerships and the type of people you’re attracting.  Passion increases and new concerns may arise around joint finances.  You continue to prosper here, this month, but careful scrutiny is still required.  Pay attention to spending. 
You are lucky where career matters are concerned the 1st-7th but do-overs may be necessary.  Your desire for freedom and independence requires you to take stock of prevous endeavors.   Change is immanent but try to figure out which direction you want to go.  Be wary of conflicts with money the 12th-22nd.
Destiny suggests relearning some things or a desire to return to school.  It’s preferable to patronize an institution rather than doing your classes on line. 
Long distance travel, spiritual concerns, and legal or publishing documents may need reviewing.  Concentration can be lacking now.
Hard work and discipline are highlighted around the home, family and real estate.  It would benefit you to take on a long term project whether it’s remodeling your home or yourself!  Rewards come only if you earn them.
Communication, transportation, neighbors and relatives could all pose problems for you ~ not just this month but over the next year and a half.  Be cautious with the written and spoken word, drive carefully and check yourself before any verbal confrontation. Aggravation is really possible the 12th-24th.
Your health may need review with certain ailments hard to diagnose.  Pay attention to the kidneys, pelvis and reproductive organs.
June starts off with the spotlight on you ~ Happy, happy, joy, joy!! Between the 18th-20th you should feel the energy shift towards your personal finances and nurturing others.  A boost in income is also indicated!!
Breath easier this year, Gemini.  The universe shouldn’t throw you anything you haven’t  already handled!!

Mercury appears retrograde 3 times a year for approximately 3 weeks at a time. Here’s the kicker ~ I attach a 3 week shadow on each side making it a 9 week period altogether.

Not all of Mercury retrograde is negative, though. Yes, cell phones and computers can get glitchy; the light can come on in your car and you take it to the mechanic and nothing is wrong with it. ( I always tell people, unless it’s the break light or something important, wait until after the retrograde to get it checked because it just might fix itself!)  Anything with communication and transportation can go haywire and if you’re a Gemini or a Virgo, ruled by Mercury, it can be even more frustrating.  You must really be careful of what you say and how you say it.  Words can be misconstrued.  It’s also a bad time to start anything new or sign important contracts or documents.  The exception can be someone who is born with Mercury retrograde ~ it does not affect them as much.

So what can possibly be positive?  Lots!  Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to contact or hear from people from your past!  Rather than solicit new clients, return to your sphere of influence.  Reach out to someone you need to REconcile with.  It’s an awesome time to REconnect.  Go back and FINISH old projects so when the retrograde period is over you can begin new endeavors with a clean slate.  It’s not the best time to get married but how about REmarried?  Rather than plan a trip to some place new, why not REvisit a favorite destination? Different people have different opinions on traveling while Mercury is retrograde.  If it can be avoided, it probably should.  Some plans may have to be REscheduled.  It’s almost impossible to hook up with new people but an excellent time to get together with old friends or plan a REunion!  Just about anything you can put “RE” in front of works.  Refurbish, redo, reconnect etc.  The one exception can be remodeling.  If it’s your first time doing it and contracts are involved, try and wait until after.  Things will have to be REdone!  Don’t go to a new agency, partner, or job if you can help it.  Try to connect new endeavors with the past if that makes sense.  Also, if you’ve had a dilemma you may now suddenly have an epiphany.  If you’ve been waiting for something or someone to arrive it could happen now! 

We all have the ability to focus on the positive and make the most of trying situations.  Use your energy wisely and constructively.  Rather than branching out in new directions, go down a tried and true path.  Be patient and really cautious with the words you choose and use.  Drive extra cautiously. Take time to REview.  Think before you take action as your mind (Mercury) could be playing tricks on you!  Stay as focused as possible and don’t let it run your life.  Did Mercury retrograde bother you BEFORE you knew about it?  We must deal with the past before we head into the future!  

TAURUS
Happy Birthday to the most grounded, devoted and sensual sign of the zodiac.   You love creature comforts, enjoy life’s many pleasures, and will work hard for financial security.  Quality over quantity best describes you.  Not the speediest sign, you like to do things tried and true.  The trick is not to get too comfortable or too complacent.  Your biggest obstacle in life is getting ‘stuck’.   You can stay too long in jobs, relationships and other endeavors that have outlasted their goodness.
The Universe is bringing you change this year.  Actually, you started a two year cycle of diversity back in November.  Don’t fight the forces!  It’s time to modify!  Let go of things in your life that are no longer working.  The more you resist, the more you will feel challenged.   It’s time to open new doors.
Areas of alteration can include relationships (make or break), the residence ~ most notably moving, and your career.  If everything is to your liking I suggest you rearrange the furniture or do something different even on a small scale!
Friendships, groups, and associations all remain unpredictable but new chance encounters can bring you insight and excitement.  Pleasant surprises are in store all month, especially where foreign contacts are concerned!  After the 9th you may find the need to reconnect with a spiritual or higher learning organization as you seek new truths in this time of uncertainty.  Don’t lend friends money, especially the 20th-31st!
Your own finances require revision this month and may get a boost after the 24th.  While destiny has been shining on your career and helping you to manifest goals, after the 26th you’ll want to pay very close attention to your income.  Cross your T’s and dot your I’s very carefully.  Read the fine print. Take care with all real estate transactions.
If you’ve compromised your impeccable morals or values you may be vulnerable to a public scandal.  Make sure to play by the rules!
Powerful yet subtle shifts are occurring around legal, travel, foreign and education endeavors which may need revision after the 9th.
Karmic influences have been visiting your home and family life.  Things can really get nasty after the 9th.  Watch out for accidents or arguments.  Use this surplus of aggression to be productive around the house.  Procrastination has come to an end.
On a positive note, your lover, children and/or pets may finally get moving in the right direction.  Hard work and discipline are paying off for them.  Creative blocks are lifted and their health should improve.
This is not the year to be stubborn or unyielding.  Embrace this opportunity to start a new chapter in your life!  This month is all about you ~ enjoy what it has to offer!!

I am going out on limb here with mundane astrology which I have studied very minimally. 
I like to do event charts, such as Solar Returns, like individual birth charts even though I know there is relevance to where the return planets fall in the natal chart.  I prefer to approach the chart as a separate entity and that is what I have done here.  I have calculated the Spring Equinox chart for Washington DC to see what is in store for our nation.  I welcome your comments and feed back for links with the USA chart. ( I personally prefer the Gemini rising chart.)  I did peak at it noticing that USA Mars falls on the Spring Equinox Descendant.  Please feel free to expand on my article and add whatever thoughts or concerns you feel are relevant!

Thanks,
            Kerry :)

Looking at this S. E. chart with the Sun at 0’00 Aries in the 3rd house along with a Stellium in Pisces, leaves me to believe that how we communicate (or do not!)  with the rest of the world ~ Sagittarius Rising ~ is key to how foreign policy is received.  We can use empathy, compassion, spirituality, and alternative forms of healing to bring ourselves into a higher dimension or we can deceive ourselves about our financial predicaments.  If we choose to lie, cheat, charm, and con our foreign counter parts, they will see right through our naiveté and vulnerability, letting them take advantage of our self deception.  This seems to already be going on.  

We are in danger of becoming our own worst enemy in not using our power wisely, over estimating our own self importance, and putting too much stock in ‘Corporate America’ ~ Pluto and Jupiter in Capricorn in the 1st house.

We have depleted our own resources, so wounding ourselves financially, that we have nothing left to offer other countries. We have also created a certain dependency on outsourcing ~ Chiron conjunct Neptune in Aquarius in the 2nd.  The conjunction to the North Node offers us the opportunity to heal ourselves first before we can lend help to others.  In other words:  CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME!
This Stellium, opposite Saturn in Virgo, in an out of sign conjunction to the South Node in Leo in the 8th house, says that we have nothing left to give and therefore nothing left to receive.  Our investments may be drying up and we could be frustrating those who can help us.  Thoughts?

The Sun in Aries conjunct the IC, may represent our repressed anger and inner turmoil as a nation (The war at home).  It’s formation of a Cardinal Grand Cross in opposition to the Mid Heaven, square the Pluto (1st) /Mars (7th) opposition, leaves us open to attracting acts of violence (like terrorism etc) because we are not manifesting our own energy positively.  We are open to war and aggression based on our own actions of power, control and even repressed envy.
The Libra MC with its ruler Venus in Pisces, gives us a false sense of security in the refrain of:
“Can’t we all just get along?”!  Group hug everyone. 

ARIES
Happy Birthday to the most eager, enthusiastic and impatient sign of the zodiac!  Yes, I am trying to get these out early so you don’t have to wait!
This is your year to manifest dreams and goals!
You’ll have more power and control over your career but be careful not to ruffle influential feathers.  Power struggles are possible until Sept. 8th.  You may choose to complete educational pursuits during this time so you can proceed from a position of strength!
You’ve been in a period of revision regarding your work and health since mid December. This month you have ‘super powers’ to redefine, and reestablish yourself these areas.  You will enter into May with confidence that comes from discipline and hard work.
Luck comes to you from behind the scenes now, either through secret sources or spiritual endeavors.  April will have you feeling especially enlightened. 
Dare to dream BIG! ~ What you wish for is aligned with your destiny now.  Friends, groups, and associations play a special role so don’t forget to share your good fortune!  Fate surrounds all your acquaintances for the next year and a half and you may encounter a chance meeting with someone from your past (may be even a past life!)
Karmic influences around love affairs and children continue to test your patience.  Old  issues will need to be resolved. 
There’s a lot of passion burning deep inside you.  Use this energy wisely to accomplish things around the house like spring cleaning or a home based exercise program, especially the 18th-25th.  You may also be focusing on real estate.  Watch out for arguments with loved ones or accidents around the home.
The spotlight is on you all month ~ you look and feel good and your energy is high. 
Taking time out to enjoy the good life and the people in it, could cause some tension between work and home the 20th-27th.
After the 17th your focus shifts to personal resources and values.
Have the best year ever!!!! :)

TAURUS
Many favorable influences come from behind the scenes this month.  Secret investors/ments can benefit you greatly the 20th-27th but may interfere with travel plans or communication.  After the 17th you’ll have more clarity and focus.
Powerful changes are occurring around foreign/travel, legal and spiritual affairs that may be connected to lovers or children.  Now is a positive time to reexamine these areas.  You’ll find unexpected help through friends or associations.
You’re addressing some really personal issues that concern the past and are passionate about getting things off your chest.  Don’t take out your aggravation while driving.  Arguments with relatives and neighbors are possible, too.  Friends lighten your mood the 18th-25th.
Destiny favors your career and social status this month.  Be careful not to get lost in the spotlight. 

This came in an email from my Canadian friend Silke ~

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile.  It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.  Buy a lock if you have
to.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,

‘My purpose is to __________ today.’

5. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer. They
provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foo