Summer Solstice 2023

Today, June 21^st is the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere -a potent portal of Energy…

The Energies of the Solstice kicks off the Summer of LOVE 2023 as the Sun is intricately linked with Asteroid Goddess Juno- putting an emphasis on your closest connections.  Along with the Cosmic Lovers, Venus and Mars, closely coupled in Leo putting an emphasis on what is near and dear to your HEART – while Chiron in Aries is also in the mix, suggesting remedying rifts and splits in relationships.   Following a path of LOVE and leading from the heart is the key that opens new doors. 

Venus, the Goddess of Beauty and Love, is already in her shadow phase as she’s set to retrace her steps later this summer during her retrograde phase in Leo July 22 through September 4^th.  During this phase, it’s time to take a deep dive reflecting on your heart’s desires and those things that express your very essence.  This period holds LOVE Re-connections and HEART Re-calibrations. 

Solstice Blessings and Good Vibes to ALL!

New Year and a New Moon

New Year’s New Moon

It is typical that during this time of the year we are resolving to be a better version of ourselves than we had been in the previous year; the time of year that we are committing to some new path in some manner or where we are restricting ourselves in some way.  This is no surprise since the Sun is in Competent Capricorn during this time of year.  Capricorn energies test us to handle responsibility, to be accountable and ambitious; to be mature and able to manage things effectively while showing the disciplined side of ourselves.  It is no surprise that this is the time of year that we feel compelled to set goals for the New Year and prove ourselves to ourselves.  This year we are also blessed with a New Moon on our New Year.  This is a rare occasion and hasn’t happened in nearly two decades.  New Moons are a time for New Beginnings and ‘planting our seeds’ or ‘setting our intentions’ so we can expect a little more ‘oomph’ to what we are putting out there into the Universe.  The thing about this particular lunation is that it is highlighting and setting off a pattern which will pretty much dominate much of the first half of 2014.  The theme for the year.  This lunation will be tangled into the long standing and much talked about square between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn.  Mars in Libra also plays a role here while Jupiter in Cancer is also on his way to the table. These four planets will gather in perfect mathematical alignment in April and form a Cardinal Grand Cross.  What happens now hints at what is to come the days surrounding April 23-24.  This energy could have everyone feeling on edge.  In 2013 we’ve witnessed and experienced a tremendous amount of change and adjustment and it seems that 2014 continues along those lines.  The Cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will feel this the most.  You may be one of these signs reading this and already aware of all the changes that are and have been taking place lately.  Hang in there!

This New Moon is closely conjunct Pluto and Mercury in Capricorn keeping our mood and our minds on the side of serious and intense.  It’s a feeling of “do or die”.  We may feel a passion for some goal we want to achieve, or maybe we feel that we have something important to say; with Mars in Libra also having his say it might be difficult to get your point across, or someone may oppose or criticize you. There could be arguments.  Or if you’re lucky, maybe someone of importance or influence wants to collaborate with you on some new project. Things may come out of nowhere and take you by surprise.  Respect given or received may also be an important issue right now.  It may be that you want respect and recognition from powerful people or a superior or maybe it’s a mutual respect you want or to just be taken seriously.  Maybe there is anger over inequality or someone not ‘playing fair’.  You might want to ruffle some feathers or someone could do it to you.  Ambitions and career, parents, older people and authority figures play a role now.  Talking about shared responsibilities, especially financial, can also upset the peace and can suddenly turn into arguments; or maybe you’re working hard and pushing for some kind of compromise or agreement.

I think money and spending will be a big topic in 2014.  Well, isn’t it always?  Venus in Capricorn is also retrograde during this time so it is a time to ‘get real’ where finances are concerned, cut back, take responsibility, evaluate our spending vs. earning, consolidate, and find out what is really important and of value to you.  Venus will turn direct at 13 degrees Capricorn on January 31.  This is the same degree where this Cardinal Grand Cross will take place in April.  You could again note the events around January 27- February 2.  Especially where money or relationships are concerned.  Venus will remain in Capricorn until March 6.  Venus in Capricorn isn’t very showy although she does like nice things, antiques and things of quality and value.  Venus is very practical and Earthy in Capricorn and can slowly build up things that are meant to last.  Whether this is your bank account, career, reputation, relationships etc., you must be willing to put in the time and the effort.

Venus is also the sign of beauty and in Capricorn, it made me think of ‘aging beauty’ or slowing the aging process or just blocking it all together if it were possible (I wish).  Growing older is a fact of life and something that has been on my mind recently with a milestone birthday just around the corner.  At the time of this New Moon it is a good time to review your beauty regimen especially where skin and teeth are concerned.  Venus Rx is not a good time to do anything drastic or to do cosmetic surgery.  Perhaps it is a time to appreciate our marks of experience.  Shopping at this time, you may find yourself attracted to more conservative items, or something that is classically styled that is never out of fashion or it could be that you are in need of career clothing or perhaps you are interested in items that may be more “age appropriate”.  You also may spend more money than you anticipated so it may be best to wait until at least the first of February, after Venus is direct.  This way, you can make sure you actually like what you bought and got it at a good price.

2014 may also bring us new laws or legal action having to do with security and technology; breaches within technology and the internet, especially with big money and banking, credit and data.  The situation with Target stores’ security breach with the credit data of their customers comes to mind.  Perhaps there will be other examples and instances that bring issues like this to light. There may be new rules and regulations, assuming responsibility or coming to judgment about who is responsible.   This could also extend to the Real Estate market, home buying and mortgages.  The improvement and growth of the market may be challenged by new changes, policies, rules and regulations with lending and mortgages.

On a more inner or spiritual note, 2014’s dominant pattern could be prompting us to initiate involvement and act peacefully, move beyond the past conditioning and former prejudices and assumptions in order to find our personal truth; our internal sense of right and wrong and to make new and exciting changes in our lives while restoring our faith and trust through these shared experiences.

Gemini Full Moon and a Headz up for the Holidaze

December 17 Full Moon

This Full Moon in Gemini is the last Full Moon of 2013. It may have us in a talkative and social mood. Or there may be a lot of inner chatter going on.  It could be our moods and plans may be changing rapidly as we are moving from here and there and everywhere.  It is a busy time of year so we may be running errands and sending cards and packages etc.  It may also be that a communication issue or a certain line of thought or a conversation reaches a turning point during this time.  Full Moons shed light on things so it could be that new facts or information changes plans too. 

This Full Moon in Gemini is quincunx Venus in Capricorn.  There may be changes in social schedules, get togethers and parties.  In relationships, it could mean that a ‘heart to heart talk is needed to set things right.   

On the Winter Solstice, December 21, Venus in Capricorn will turn retrograde until January 31, 2014.  At this time, we may need to re-evaluate our wants, desires, relationships and ….gulp….our finances.  Venus in Capricorn is already a ‘no-frills’ kind of energy.  She’s all business here.  The Universe seems to be giving us this opportunity right around the holiday season to get us more in touch with what and who matters.  At this time of gift giving and celebration, it will be about quality vs. quantity.  Capricorn rules time, and you may need to re-evaluate how you’re spending yours and with whom and whether or not they or it are worth it.  Capricorn also governs over our careers and during this time we may also have to re-evaluate it.  Are we doing what we love?  Is there any appreciation or compensation coming our way?  Or do we feel under-valued?  Or are we just wasting our time?  These are some of the questions we may be asking now.  Venus retrograde is also not a good time for entering into new relationships; business or otherwise unless it is with someone from your past.  With Venus retrograde, it is common to cross paths with someone from your past. 

Uranus, the radical, revolutionary of the Zodiac stations Direct today.  Uranus has been retrograde since July 17.  Whichever sector of your chart that Uranus is currently transiting is an area that we’ve wanted to change; now those changes may start to move us forward. 

Jupiter in Cancer is trine Saturn in Scorpio indicating that while we are moving beyond the past, we can take the lessons we’ve learned from it to build a solid future.  Jupiter gives the urge to wander and to grow and Saturn sets the boundaries.  When they are working harmoniously with each other as they are now, we can move forward slowly and cautiously.  With Mercury in Sagittarius also entering the mix, we’re adjusting and setting our sights on the future and making plans for it.  We may be tweaking some of our former beliefs to be more in accordance with the big ideas or lengthy conversations we’ve had lately. 

Mars in Libra is moving in closer to an opposition to Uranus in Aries.  This is a very volatile aspect and will be exact just in time for Christmas Dinner and will move in to square Pluto in time to ring in the New Year.  This makes plans and get togethers very unpredictable.  If your usual gatherings with family are a bit contentious, you could anticipate an all-out free for all.  If you have your heart set on a desired outcome, be prepared to make many changes and adjustments. With these kinds of aspects, you can ‘expect the unexpected’.  Please don’t kill the messenger as I am only trying to warn you.  It may not be as bad as that, maybe it’s a weather inconvenience that changes plans.  Maybe you are doing something differently this year than you’ve done on previous years. It could be that you’re spending these holidays with new or different groups of people such as a different side of the family or in a different location. These are just a few out of a zillion possibilities.  If it is at all possible you may want to keep things lose and light and spend a quiet evening at home or with just a few close people. 

I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year!  I’d also like to personally thank everyone that has read, subscribed, shared and supported Spellbound and Tales of Lunacy all throughout 2013!  Thank You!  And may the stars always shine upon you all! 

Venus enters Capricorn

Venus entered Capricorn at 3:43 am EST this morning where she’ll remain for an extended stay until March 6.  At this time we may have to be content to get along with less.  We need to be realistic about money and financial matters.  Money seems to come in slower or we are working harder for it and spending it conservatively and cautiously. This is also going to set the tone for the holiday shopping season.  It may also be that we’re slowly building up something of value and putting our time into something worthwhile.  Relationships at this time take on a more serious or mature tone. If you enter a new relationship at this time it may have some staying power though it may not be overly demonstrative or romantic but one you can count on.  No rose colored glasses here.  This will be a relationship rooted in the real world. It may be with an older or more mature person or even a person in authority such as a boss or superior.  It could also be that you become aware of the responsibility you have toward a loved one.  If it’s not a personal relationship, then possibly a favorable business relationship or you may have to agree to some sort of commitment. 

Venus Caught in the Crossfire

June 11-12

Venus, the Goddess of Love tangles in the tense and ongoing square between Uranus and Pluto.  This could upset relationships as family values and our desire for the familiar, comfort and protection or our sense of belonging is confronted by the elimination of things that were long standing or that seemed permanent and set in stone. Whether viewed as something of security or an obstacle, we are challenged to take risks and initiate changes.  Vesta in Cancer is also in quincunx to Juno in Aquarius and it may be that although we are devoted to home and family and hold these things sacred we must acclimate to any shake ups or unrest in relationships.  Saturn in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces perfect their trine aspect indicating that although these are constructive changes we’re going through that we may be left feeling disillusioned, lost or confused for the time being. If you’re not feeling this in your love life, look to your pocketbook for these unsettling changes.