THE SOLAR ECLIPSE OF DECEMBER 25/26,2019 There is a total solar eclipse on December 25/26. This is the last eclipse of the year and of this decade. I have heard some fearful end-of-the-world talk about this eclipse but I believe it is a very positive one bringing gifts from Jupiter and is especially good for the Cardinal signs - Capricorn, Aries, Cancer and Libra. It is a major event with a stellium (line up) of planets - Pluto, Saturn, Jupiter, the South Node, and the two Lights, all in the Sign of Capricorn. THIS SOLAR ECLIPSE IS A GIFT! There is something we should remember during this solar eclipse. One is that because gifts may be given to you at Christmas, and because they look shiny and pretty on the outside, it doesn't always mean you will like them. Some will be good and some not. However, you know you will open them anyway and whether you like them or not, there is always joy in receiving and in opening gifts. I want to say the same about this solar eclipse. Gifts may come your way in the form of opportunities for growth but when you really look at them, you may not like them because it means you will have to make a change. The planets are urging us to be courageous, so let's accept the gifts they bring! SERIES OF ECLIPSES ON CAPRICORN/CANCER AXIS There have been a series of eclipses on this axis of Capricorn and Cancer and the first one in this series was July 13, 2018, through 2019 and this series ends in the summer of 2020. These eclipses have coincided with the approach of Saturn towards Pluto which I discuss in my Blog and will go into more detail in my upcoming lecture (details below). You might think back to what was happening to you around July 13, 2018. I think you may see that the way you approached life before that date, and the way you do now is different. In other words, you have grown during this time, however, painful this last 18 months may have been for you. However, the growth won't end there. This series of eclipses continues until Summer of 2020. So let's all stay frosty, honest and true, and be open to change when it arrives. THE SATURN/PLUTO CONJUNCTION - JANUARY 12, 2020 This conjunction of Saturn and Pluto becomes exact on January 12, 2020. This will have brought many shifts and opportunities to the Cardinal signs especially as mentioned above. Especially the sign of Capricorn and its opposite sign of Cancer are in the spotlight. However, eclipses affect all of us, depending upon where they fall in our natal chart. LOOK AT WHAT IS LIT UP! Be objective and honest about yourself right now. This planetary line up is calling for greater awareness. Pay attention over Christmas and look at what is lit up in your life rather than staring at the shadows. TIME TO BE PRACTICAL This eclipse is calling us to be practical rather than overly idealistic - especially about family members and those close friends or groups to which we belong which are also like a family to us. This may be our work colleagues or Church members or close friends, or all of these to some extent. OK, they may not be as perfect as you are but just have fun with them anyway:) Go for the light, the planets are saying, don't dwell on the darkness. This eclipse happens just four days after the Winter solstice so still lined with that and describes the unfolding of events over the next three months. It is a good time to formulate goals that will benefit the group of which you are a part, rather than purely personal goals. The Jupiterean influence here is urging us to be kind, forgiving with a heart full of goodwill - a wonderful Christmas message! IN-DEPTH OVERVIEW OF 2020 Please do take a look at my Blog on my astrology website, www.astrologycity.com for an overview of the planetary influences and climate for 2020. For a more in-depth analysis and predictions, I'd love to meet you if you're able to come along to my lecture on The Extraordinary Astrology of 2020, details below. Kindly do me a favor - if you like my Blog, would you please click on Like at the end of each Blog? I write Cosmic Cafe because I think it may be helpful to you. However, getting feedback is definitely much appreciated. If I don't get any, I may fade once again fade into obscurity on the astrology front.... Happy New Year - Have a Joyous 2020! Blessings, Chrissie Blaze The Extraordinary Astrology of 2020
INTRODUCTION 2020 is the beginning of not only a new decade, but a new astrological era. The theme of change and chaos continues, and intensifies as the year begins. Expect a year when we will be confronted with all the difficulties that need remedies in our world – the environment, government, starvation, immigration and more - and because the influence of the planets affects the whole as well as the individuals who make up the whole – it will be a year for us to confront all those problems in our lives that need remedies. I’m afraid we can’t expect an easy year but the influences are very powerful and it’s not the time for any of us to sit back and wait and see. We are actually under a vibration of work; of crossing the is and dotting the ts; of laying new foundations. It’s a year for us to actively help lay the foundations for the new you that you want to be – but more importantly for the new world that we want to be a part of. It’s time to wake up to the problems that confront us and humanity. It’s a serious year. Now 2019 was social in a way but also highly emotional. This year is not emotional so much but serious. It’s what I call a “reality check” year. We have been seeing a lot of chaos, and now things are settling and we can now see things as they are – not as we’d like them to be. THREE MAJOR PLANETARY CONJUNCTIONS There are three major planetary conjunctions in 2o20 as well as many other powerful planetary events. However, I will focus on these three conjunctions. Conjunctions occur when planets reach the same point in the sky, as seen from the Earth. Astrologically, according to the planets involved, they signify the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. I call this the Extraordinary Astrology of 2020 and am giving an indepth lecture on it at The Aetherius Society in Royal Oak, Michigan on Friday, January 17 next year. You can visit the EVENTS PAGE for all the details. PLANETARY OVERVIEW
You will see here a lot of emphasis on the outer planets: the slow moving planets farthest from the Sun and these are the ones we are focusing on that even though they are the farthest away in distance and time, they have the greatest effect on us because they are so slow. With slower-moving planets such as the ones involved in these conjunctions the effects can be even deeper and farther-reaching because these planets interlock for a longer period of time, and their contacts are much less frequent. So, we are looking at Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, and then Saturn and Pluto together; Jupiter and Saturn together. You will also see a predominance of the sign of Capricorn. We have felt this sign for some years. You are undergoing massive changes in your life over the past decade or so, and it will continue. In this blog I wont go into all the planetary configurations above but will discuss three of the major ones. JUPITER IN CAPRICORN Let’s look at the first influence. Jupiter moved into Capricorn on December 3, 2019 as I write this. It’s like a light that will light the way into the darkness of 2020 and it will continue all year. It will bring us opportunities to climb out of the problems; it will bring a hopeful attitude, and optimism. Astrologers have been very gloomy about 2020 but there is hope here. It’s an excellent time to begin new studies or long-distance travel – also relationships, investments, business and legal matters under this influence have a. great chance of success. SATURN CONJUNCT PLUTO IN CAPRICORN Now let’s look closely at the Saturn Pluto Cycle that culminates on January 12. As well as having Pluto in the Saturn ruled sign of Capricorn, for the last few years we have also had Saturn. Last week, this joining up was exact. When a conjunction is exact, it has tremendous power and we feel the pressure months beforehand. This cycle is bound to stimulate the global distribution of power and natural disasters, particularly seismic and volcanic activity. From a spiritual perspective, you could say the intention of the Saturn–Pluto conjunction is to increase value and empower people and systems. However on this world we tend not to have the high ethical and spiritual leadership it would be good to have, so it does smack of an economic recession, political conflicts and all that good stuff that has been so much a part of our lives in the last decade or so. So, what’s new, you may say. Well the effects of these things will gradually start to change. In other words, people approach to them will change. We have become so used to it, apathetic, but now we will start to wake on. We will begin to rebel – this will take many forms. We will have reached a point – and other planets this year encouraging us to do this – to say “enough is enough” – it’s time for me to make a change. I can’t just stand by and watch anymore. I’ve got to do something. So apart from a reality check about the Earth, there are other signature themes of Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto also gives power. Remember the sign it is in Capricorn is ruled by Saturn which favors age, wisdom and all those qualities that take time to develop. We have seen, and are seeing now, older people having more power Take politics, we have people in their 70s and late 70s now running for President and existing President is in his 70s. The Speaker of the House, Pelosi is I think 82 and still powerful. You will see it in religious organizations and all organizations. Age should bring increased power and wisdom not breakdown. It was the age of the young but right now the older people have a lot of power. TRANSFORMATION So that is Pluto in Capricorn. Deeply felt and extremely difficult things that lead to transformation. And transformation only comes personally when we face things – or are forced to face things about ourselves. If we go through difficulties and see ourselves as victims, we will never learn and never transform. We all need to think about this. USA The conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn will affect everyone and every country, especially the United States, which will feel the pressure more than most because of the U.S. chart and the chart of its current President, Donald J. Trump. This configuration will be very closely affecting his chart, as he has a conjunction of Saturn and Venus almost exactly opposite this planetary configuration in Capricorn. Donald J. Trump’s conjunction is at 23 degrees and Saturn and Pluto meet at 22 degrees – almost exactly opposite showing that the chaos of the past few years will continue. Although only a small planet, Pluto’s influence is like a detective who brings things out from the darkest places. We can expect man of this President’s deepest and darkest secrets to be revealed. As a result, he will feel a deep insecurity and vulnerability causing him to erect an even bigger wall around himself of adoring fans, which we can see now with his own Party as well as his followers. Emotion is high and logic is low around this planetary combination. January will be pretty turbulent, especially as on January 21, Saturn will be exactly opposite the President’s natal Saturn. Later in the year on December 20, 2020 Pluto exactly opposes his natal Saturn. This will be a really dramatic time for this President. I suspect this turbulence will be in response to the outcome of the election. However, it doesn’t mean he won’t get elected because at the same time there is a Jupiterean luck factor going on so it’s hard to predict. To do so accurately, an astrologer would ideally have to take into account the horoscopes of all the US voters, so you can see it’s a pretty impossible job. In short, while it’s impossible to know specifically what will be happening for Donald Trump over the next couple of years, there’s no question that it will be a roller-coaster ride for him, both professionally and emotionally. SATURN IN AQUARIUS Let’s look at the next planetary influence coming in – Saturn in Aquarius – that begins on March 21, 2020, occupying this Air sign for the first time since 1994. We are entering unknown territory since the last time Saturn was in Aquarius was in 1405. Saturn is one of the rulers of Aquarius (as it is with Capricorn) so it feels pretty good in this sign – strong and comfortable but it has a completely different expression than when in Capricorn. Now Saturn steadily moves forward, making connections, sharing information and developing new humanitarian ideas and inventions. Change is definitely in the air. People will start to question more and we will see an urge to break free from the status quo. We will see changes in our values and relationships. We could feel overwhelmed but fortunately Saturn in Aquarius enables us to be detached and analyze what we should do next to make those changes necessary for our growth. This particular conjunction will set major astrological themes for the next twenty years in motion. So in other words, it is a very significant planetary alignment and brings us hope for the future. This reflects a major birthing of Aquarian Age energies. It is when all of this Aquarian impulse – power to the people, humanitarianism, invention, comes to the fore and captures people’s attention and imagination. An organization like the one I have been associated with for over 35 years, The Aetherius Society, will be recognized for what it is – a pioneering Spiritual order founded by Spiritual Master, the late Dr. George King in conjunction with advanced Masters from beyond this Earth. A spiritual organization that can help solve the major problems facing humanity through its cosmic wisdom, and its global healing missions designed by Dr. King which continue to this day and will continue into the future. LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE You can see some of the problems we will have in the future and especially I think around 2023-2024 when Pluto will return to the location it occupied when the US was founded. This is likely to be a critical time for the US, especially for their economy. This Pluto return as it is called sounds a karmic note. In astrology – and the type of astrology I study is evolutionary astrology also known as karmic astrology – the planetary cycles which hit planets or significant points in a birth chart – of a person or a nation are important karmic watersheds. Karma is based on our actions in the past and we are creating it all the time – every second. So the karma of a nation will be mixed – some good but almost definitely over the past few hundred years, quite a bit wrong. The US is currently the most powerful nation on earth, but will this continue to be the case? In the horoscope of the US, Pluto is located in the second house of money and resources and when Pluto returns to this point, we can expect a bi wake up call for the economy. We have been living on borrowed time and borrowed money, with a current deficit of an amount beyond our true comprehension – of 1.2 trillion Dollars. The pressure is on…. We are being shown by the pressure of these extraordinary planetary configurations the need for us to change, and we will be shown the way how to do this if we are courageous and compassionate enough to want to do so. Chrissie Blaze c 2019. When we look at the chaos and division in the world we may wonder whether Peace on Earth is just a dream; whether it can ever be possible. Let us never doubt that it is possible. We may not have the power or influence of the politicians or big businessmen but it isn’t technology that is going to shift the problems we have in society today – it’s going to take a shift of consciousness. It’s up to each one of us to decide whether or not we will do this. Just like the politicians or the big businessmen, we too have the ability to move great forces within us and affect the world. But where do we start? We can begin by entering the place of our hearts. We can there kindle a flame of peace in such a way that wherever we go we spread peace around us. We may not have a doctorate from Harvard but we should never underestimate the power of our hearts. In the words of Shekaina Gabitanan in her article: “Heart over Brain”: The heart is the most powerful generator of electromagnetic energy in the human body, producing the largest rhythmic electromagnetic field of any of the body’s organs. The heart’s electrical field is about 60 times greater in amplitude than the electrical activity generated by the brain. We enter this powerful place of our hearts when we help another person; when we lift up or heal another person through our words and actions; when we give gratitude and kindness. If we do these things then we will begin to spread an aura of peace around us. So let us, at this time of goodwill to all men, cultivate this feeling of goodwill; of understanding and tolerance to others. This is not always easy to do. There is now a trend in politics that we need to have the same opinion as others before we will even tolerate them. However, every minute of every day we have the choice as to whether we enter a place of judgment and intolerance; or whether we enter the place of our heart. My Spiritual Master, Dr. George King, in an Address he gave on December 31, 1961 entitled “Peace on Earth” urged us all to have goodwill towards others because then we begin to generate a light around us. He said: “Don’t for a moment think that this light, no matter how large it is, no matter how small it is, goes totally unnoticed in this world…. It must be noticed. It must be felt.” Dr. King talked about how some people are very humble and wonder what they can do to make a difference. He explained that goodwill begins within us all and if there is enough of this real goodwill we would never be able to go to war with another country or kill others. He said: “That country would have a greater protection than all the rockets and all the missiles….It would have a real lasting protection because you cannot conquer goodwill with a bullet or an atom bomb. You can only appear to conquer it but, sooner or later, it will grow again, only not in ones next time, but in hundreds.” When we make a definite choice each day to have goodwill towards others, our own spiritual light will begin to shine and, in Dr. King’s words: “…others who come into contact with this light, even though they may not realize it, will be risen by it.” This feeling of goodwill, therefore, which can be generated by each and every one of us, is creating a circle of light around our Earth which will – which must – raise human consciousness. It is only when our consciousness is risen that we can achieve lasting peace upon Earth. It seems like a tall order but down throughout history change has always begun with one person, or a few people, and then a critical mass of people. Let us make a conscious, determined effort during this season of goodwill to all to open our hearts and spread our kindness to all. Dr. George King, during his lifetime channeled over six hundred communications with Interplanetary Masters, one of whom was The Master Jesus. Over twelve Sundays in 1958, this great Avatar of Love delivered His cosmic concept to Earth – a wonderful spiritual teaching and practice – The Twelve Blessings. Each of these Twelve Blessings is dedicated to a different focial point, beginning with Blessed Are They Who Work for Peace to Blessed is the Absolute. At the end of The Ninth Blessing to the Supreme Lords of Karma, The Master Jesus implores us: “Be good, be tolerant, be kind, be merciful, be gentle, be humble and you will be great”. Wonderful words for us all to contemplate upon during this holiday Season. Together we can, we will and we must bring Peace on Earth. Chrissie Blaze Uranus in Aries to Taurus The first major planetary event in 2019 is on January 6 when the slow-moving, revolutionary and inspirational planet, Uranus, finally ends its retrograde motion in Aries. It had just dipped its toe into Taurus in 2018 but from November 20 until January 6, it returns to Aries, to perhaps remind us of something that we began previously and didn’t finish – particularly something out of the ordinary or even eccentric. It’s a good time for Aries, particularly those born at the end of the sign to have a way to channel their creativity and inner fire at this time. Once Uranus returns to Taurus it will remain there until 2026, bringing new challenges for people born under this zodiac sign. Uranus is the planet of breakthroughs and innovation. Globally, the Uranus transit in Taurus will quite possibly result in breakthroughs in the understanding and handling of Mother Earth and Her precious resources. (Please check out my book, Earth: Astrology’s Missing Planet, which delves into not only why this is so vitally important for us now – but also about you and your Earth Sign). Since Taurus also rules the stock markets, there could be disruptions here, and a rise of alternative currencies. Personally, Taureans may be forced out of their fixed ways in some areas of their life which will be healthy for them in the long term but could be uncomfortable short-term as this is a sign that does not welcome change. Total Lunar Eclipse Also on January 20-21, there is a total lunar eclipse and this is the perfect time for making changes, for going on a new path or trying something you’ve always wanted to do but perhaps never had the courage. Total Solar Eclipse The solar eclipse represent signify beginnings and endings.They can bring a fall of power, and also a restoration of power. The total solar eclipse in 2019 is July 2. Saturn in Capricorn In 2019, Saturn, the planet of karma and responsibility will continue in the sign of Capricorn. With Pluto also in this sign since 2008, it has been a long, slow time of seeing structures that we thought were permanent fail. Personally, this has been – and will continue to be – a time to dedicate more time and attention to build sure foundations for your future. We may be seeking freedom but Saturn teaches that freedom doesn’t come by shirking responsibilities. We learn that we can grow through our failures even more than our successes. It is a time to let go of things that hold us back and be realistic – about ourselves. We may have been underestimating ourselves – our overestimating ourselves. Saturn wants us to face ourselves as we are – and from that point of honesty, then we can grow. It shows us where we have been overconfident or entitled and how these things do not serve us in the long run. It is all about sincerity, honesty and authenticity. We might think we know best but now is the time to turn to other older, or perhaps wiser, people for advice and guidance. In 2019, Saturn makes a good aspect (sextile) to Neptune for most of the year. In other words, the Saturnian discipline can help us move in the direction of our dreams. It can help us turn our ideals into reality, as long as they are based on what is, not what we would like them to be. Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn Pluto remains in Capricorn until 2024 and in 2019 it will be retrograde in this sign between April 24 to October 3, influencing our attitude towards our ambitions and material assets; perhaps we can then gain a new way of managing our resources – both personally and globally. Neptune Retrograde in Pisces Another retrograde of a slow-moving planet is Neptune between June 21 and November 27. Neptune is transiting Pisces from 2012 to 2026 and is influencing each of us in a different way according to its position in our birth chart, and our Sun sign. Jupiter in Sagittarius Jupiter continues to transit its own sign of Sagittarius from November 8 to December 2, 2019, influencing almost the whole of 2019 in a positive way. After the limitations felt by an emphasis on the sign of Capricorn, now we can sense a feeling of optimism and expansion and new opportunities for growth will open up. Think back to 2007, the last time Jupiter transited this sign and see what new horizons opened for you then. This planet in Sagittarius wants to see us regain faith and believe in ourselves. It is a particularly fortunate time for those with the Sun, Moon or Rising sign in Sagittarius, or a strong influence in the 9th House. For those people particularly, travel is definitely in the air as well as expansive activities generally as well as spiritually. It is a good time to study and learn. Jupiter is retrograde in Sagittarius from April 10 to August 11. Mercury Retrograde There are three Mercury retrograde periods in 2019:
I hope you have a joyful, fulfilling, inspiring, healthy 2019! Blessings, Chrissie Blaze Dear Friends: December has some interesting planetary events In the busy build up to Christmas and the holiday season, fortunately Mercury has now turned direct on December 6 and we should see an end soon to those frustrating technical hitches and glitches, and Christmas packages getting lost in the mail - all those sort of annoying Mercury retrograde things. Mercury is now direct in Scorpio. Interestingly, in the news we are seeing secrets unfolding as far as the Mueller probe and Mercury in Scorpio has a way of revealing things that have been concealed - Scorpio being the sign related to, among other things, our deepest secrets. It's time to pay attention and be objective about things that may be unfolding around you in your personal and work life. New Moon in Sagittarius The new moon takes place on December 7th in Sagittarius. Every new moon marks a beginning. It is the proper period to start something or to plant the seeds of the new. It is the perfect time to set our goals and aspirations. If we look at the zodiac sign in which the new moon is taking place - in this case Sagittarius - we can get a good idea of the types of goals to set. Take a look at the Sagittarius Sun Section section on Astrology City, to see the type of thing. An example is that Sagittarius represents travel - perhaps, therefore, a good time to start your travel plans. It also is your Spiritual path - so perhaps now you can begin a regime of Spiritual practices. This is an excellent time to make a fresh start but as well as this it's a great time to question our habits and beliefs in order to make progress. The effects of this New Moon will last about four weeks until the Solar Eclipse on January 5, 2019. The best time to make a new start is during the first two weeks of this New Moon cycle. When the new moon in Sagittarius occurs, it usually brings a renewal in spirits and a widening of our perception. It is a moon that fills us with optimism and makes us turn to the future, helping us to grasp the big picture. Mars conjunct Neptune in Pisces. This New Moon, however, is a little tricky as it is square (difficult aspect) to the alignment of Mars and Neptune at 13 degrees Pisces and themes of this can bring anger, deception, confusion. Tempers can be frayed and disagreements can boil over. However, we can avoid this, as well as confusion and disappointment around this time by acting with integrity and being completely honest (in a way that Sagittarius understands). Have a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season, and love and blessings to you for a Happy, healthy and spiritually uplifting 2019! Chrissie Blaze Cranbrook: copyright Chrissie Blaze, 2018 Your Earth Sign
While your Sun Sign represents your creativity, your Earth Sign represents the field or type of service (the grounding of the soul on this material plane) that your soul will guide you towards in this life, if you allow it. We may be drawn to healing; we may have a desire to use our resources to help those less fortunate; or we may wish to be involved in animal rescue or environmental causes. There are many ways to serve on this planet, and the Sun’s energies provide us with the energy and vitality to do this. The Earth shows us where we can find our Spiritual Path and what form this can take. This is not to limit us, but to help us express our divine potential more fully. When we center ourselves in our Sun Sign and then walk the Spiritual Path represented by our opposite Earth Sign, we can find true balance in our lives. Once you find your Sun Sign from the table below, you will find your Earth Sign opposite. Earth Sign Sun Sign Aries Libra Taurus Scorpio Gemini Sagittarius Cancer Capricorn Leo Aquarius Virgo Pisces Libra Aries Scorpio Taurus Sagittarius Gemini Capricorn Cancer Aquarius Leo Pisces Virgo The Secret of Using Your Earth Sign Power The secret of using the power of your Earth Sign is to become aware of these “Earth energies” within you and then manifest these as positively as possible. Since the Sun and Earth are opposite each other, you may always feel this pull, as if your life is somewhat of a balancing act. Life is indeed a balancing act; but astrology as well as spiritual disciplines can help us to achieve true balance. Using astrological understanding, first center yourself in the positive attributes of your Sun Sign (refer to my book Superstar Signs, or another good astrology book on the Sun Signs) and from there, draw and use the power of your Earth Sign and the power of the other planets to achieve harmony. For example, if you have the Sun in sensitive, cautious Cancer, express this side of yourself through a group, family, or friends; but don’t neglect to use the great power of your Earth in the opposite sign of ambitious Capricorn. Be ambitious to achieve, strive, and reach your personal and spiritual goals and you will be consciously using more of your divine potential. Since the Sun is now in Libra as I write this in September, 2018, I shall say a few words about this combination of Sun in Libra and Earth in Aries below. For in-depth analyses of all the Sun Sign/Earth Sign combinations, please refer to my new book: Earth: Astrology’s Missing Planet – Reconnecting to Her Sacred Power, Dodona Books, 2018. Earth in Aries/Sun in Libra When a person is drawing upon and using the potential of their Aries Earth, he will courageously fly high and go where no one has been before. This person, not content just with the discussions and social contacts enjoyed by his Sun in Libra, also likes to work hard and achieve. He enjoys the thrill of the unknown; and, when he reaches his destination, another trail lies before him waiting to blaze. Always seeking distant pastures new, never content, never resting on laurels, and knowing the only place for him is out in front. Out in front is a lonely place and this can be especially true for the Earth Sign Aries. With their Sun in Libra, they like to spend time around and with people, enjoying social engagements, and seeking peace and harmony rather than trail blazing. While this is important for Earth in Aries, if they become too embroiled in the thoughts and ideas of others, they can lose their keen focus and intelligent perspective. This combination is all about achieving balance. This person is learning who they are at a deep level; they are learning when to assert themselves; and when to resolve conflict and work in a team. If this balance isn’t achieved, there will always be a certain tension that may eventually manifest in the physical body. These are individuals who need to learn to relax, to socialize, to listen and share with others, while never losing their own unique focus. Chrissie Blaze copyright, 2018. Copyright, Lake Powell at Sunset by Gary Blaze Mars is heat; it provides the energy for us to get out of bed in the morning, to assert ourselves, and to fight for what we believe is right. It’s our vitality, our passion and our fighting spirit. Not surprisingly, it is the planetary ruler of the fiery sign of Aries and the co-ruler of intense Scorpio. As it moves through the signs and houses in our natal horoscope, it enlivens and empowers the activities and qualities associated with those signs and houses. We’re about to enter a long, slow burn as Mars goes retrograde on June 26 for most of the summer. This is an unusual one in Aquarius and Capricorn. Why is that unusual? Mars retrogrades are not distributed evenly and this upcoming Mars retrograde in Aquarius is only the second in most people’s living memory! It was briefly retrograde in 1924 and 1939 but then full on in 1971. That’s it – 47 years ago! Mars shows each of us how we deal with conflict as well as our own anger – expressed or submerged. Some people burn slowly and others explode in a second and forget just as quickly. Mars retrograde is going to do a dance in the next two months – from Capricorn then Aquarius, then back to Capricorn and then forward again into Aquarius. You can describe Mars as action – and by the same token you can describe Mars retrograde as in-action. So, if you have lots of plans for lots of activities, you might think again. Your plans could be thwarted at this time. This can be a frustrating time if you want to get ahead. However, like all retrogrades, the Cosmos is trying to tell us something. With Mercury retrograde, it’s to think differently (see my book on the topic); and with Mars retrograde, it is (in a nutshell) to act differently though you will probably find that your thinking will be shuffled also, and your preconceptions about the world will change. If you ignore this advice, you may well find you are forced to slow down and act differently by people and things around you. In the world around us, we will see Mars retrograde in Aquarius shaking up the social order. If we’ve been trying to fit in and do the right thing for a long time, this could be an uncomfortable time for you. If you’re already an individualist it could also be a difficult time as you no longer feel you fit in – anywhere. So What Can We Do?
The dates: Mars is retrograde in the sign of Aquarius from June 26th to August 12th. Mars is retrograde in the sign of Capricorn from August 12 to 27. Mars turns direct at 28 Capricorn 37′ on August 27, 2018. Shadow period: May 12 to June 26; August 27 to October 8. It’s April, and Spring has arrived but we may not feel that burst of energy to get moving ahead with our plans as we usually do. This is not only because of the cold, wintery weather (certainly here in the Midwest) but because of all the retrograde Planets at this time.
Retrogrades compel us to go back and re-assess our plans rather than forge ahead with them. Until April 15, we’re still in the middle of Mercury retrograde in Aries. I don’t know about you but I have really felt this impulsive Mercury retrograde as far as breakdowns of computers, cell phones and equipment generally. It’s a tricky time for communications and decisions and these require careful consideration rather than the impulsive action that Mercury Retrograde in Aries seems to demand. There is also a conjunction of assertive Mars with controlling Saturn; the combination of which generally brings stress through having to work long hours, or being out of sync with someone important to the project you may be working on such as a coworker of boss. Things should definitely lighten at the time of the New Moon on April 15 at 28 degrees Aries and aligning with the planet of sudden change, Uranus. This is, therefore, the perfect time to make a positive change in your life. Use these energies! The best time to make a new start are the days following a New Moon and this is definitely an indication of unusual and unexpected things to come. This is a good time to take a risk or begin something new. April 18 marks a special Sun-Uranus conjunction, filling the air with energy and unpredictability. This is the last time this conjunction will take place in Aries until 2094 so make the most of this fast-paced energy before Uranus moves into stable, earthy Taurus the next day, April 19, for seven years. Come along to the fantastic Power Circles held at The Aetherius Society worldwide on April 18 to mark the beginning of 2018’s first Spiritual Push – the best thing you can do to really utilize this energy to help yourself – as well as others! Also, in April, the heavy-duty, slow-moving but powerful outer planets, Saturn and Pluto start their retrogrades in Capricorn on April 18 and 22 respectively. With Saturn, this is a long, five-month retrograde when you will find yourself thinking about all your obligations and asking yourself whether these still fit into your spiritual purpose and destiny or whether they have just become habits. Be reflective and deliberate; you may seek to change things but do so with the wisdom of experience. It’s actually time to move up a notch. This can be a rewarding retrograde – if you are prepared to do some inner work and honest reflection. Then on April 22, another power planet, Pluto, retrogrades in Capricorn – also for five months, which could bring to light power struggles with others that have been hidden. Pluto has a way of getting rid of excesses or things that hold us back – often painfully. It is like a type of psychological cleansing process! Between Saturn and Pluto at this time is the planet Mars in what is an uncomfortable position for this planet of action. While Mars is not currently retrograde for a few months, its position between these two planets confines the energy of Mars - making it more about waiting and withdrawing than moving forward. The last week of April is intense with an aggressive Mars-Pluto conjunction on April 26 and a Full Moon at 9 degrees Scorpio on Sunday, April 29. Although intense, this Full Moon is a good omen for stability and success, as well as healing and transformation. This is a great time to rejuvenate and clean out closets and unwanted items. A positive Sun-Saturn trine to the New Moon makes it a good time to plan carefully and get a lot done. For those of you in the Royal Oak, Michigan area, you're welcome to join me can join me on Friday, April 13 for the second session of Cosmic Café: Where Astrology Meets Spirituality at 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This is at The Aetherius Society, 3119 N Campbell Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073. Tel: 248 588 0290. www.aetherius.org Blessings, Chrissie Blaze March begins with a Virgo Full Moon, the first of two in March. It’s a good day to focus on the mind-body-spirit connection and honestly look at the effect your thoughts and emotions are having on your physical body. A nice aspect between Venus and Jupiter (trine) assist you in confidently making any changes or adjustments you need to make going forward. On March 4, the Sun joins with Neptune as it does each year in Pisces. This Pisces connection will continue until 2025 when slow-moving Neptune then enters Aries. This long trend of Neptune in its own sign, Pisces is bringing great sensitivity but also possible self-doubt and confusion. When the Sun joins Neptune on Sunday, it is a good time to find a quiet space and reset your life towards a more spiritual orientation. Monday, March 5 brings a week of change. Both Mercury and Venus change signs and enter Aries and Jupiter turns retrograde. Mercury remains in Aries for a long time – until May – because on March 22 it turns retrograde dipping back into Pisces and then entering Aries again. What this means is a speeding up of communications and a more forceful, direct approach. Venus in the same sign may temper this a little but Venus in Aries can also bring things to a head with relationships. However, you can use this energy in positive ways – such as promotion, public relations, sales. It’s an ideas time and a time when you feel confident and courageous to begin new ventures. Jupiter retrograde in Scorpio is urgings to tune in and listen to our inner voice over the next four months; it’s a time to follow your hunches and your intuition more than ever. It is also a good time to learn to channel and control the turbulent emotions of Scorpio so that when the retrograde period ends, we are ready for unexpected opportunities. However, we won’t have to wait that long…when Mars joins happily with Uranus (trine) on March 11 it brings a great week for unusual opportunities to break out of the rut. March 17 is a New Moon in Pisces; a good time for healing or to begin a compassionate project. However, watch out for a square from Mars that day when an argument could quickly flare up before Mars moves from fiery Sagittarius to more stable Capricorn for the next two months. Mars is urging us to work hard now towards our ambitions and if we do, we can accomplish a lot. March 20, it’s the start of the astrological New Year with the Sun entering Aries and the Spring equinox bringing hope, growth and new beginnings. Two days later, Mercury goes retrograde bringing a great time to review, revise and renegotiate. For more information about how this will affect your Sun sign, please check out the Mercury Retrograde on this website, or my book, Mercury Retrograde, which gives in-depth information about how to handle these tricky times each year. With Mercury retrograde tending to skew communications and a hard Venus-Pluto square on Friday, March 23, watch out for power struggles and obsessive reactions. In fact the whole weekend could be challenging so – be prepared, stay calm and carry on! When Venus joins Uranus on March 28, expect the unexpected. You may feel inclined to take a risk but probably best to avoid this if possible. Saturday, March 31 – the month ends with some important planetary events – a Blue Moon – the second Full Moon of the month, this time in Libra. It’s a great time for completion. Perhaps you have been having an ongoing battle with someone; now with the Full Moon in the relationship sign it’s time to end this and cooperate. Also, on this day, Venus moves into its own sign, Taurus, and is very happy there bringing three weeks of positive social events, pleasant relationships and an upswing in finances. It’s also a great time to reconnect with Nature and the Mother Earth! Check out my new book which is full of ideas on how to do this: Earth: Astrology’s Missing Planet – Reconnecting with Her Sacred Power. Blessings, Chrissie Blaze |
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