Sun into Taurus 2011: Dream it, Build It

   When the Sun moves into Taurus on April 20th, the grounded, patient energy that astrology's bull is famous for may be in short supply.  At that time, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus will be in high spirits as they continue their lively foray through bold, fiery Aries.  While many like to think of Venus as a gentle, loving energy signifying beauty, art and delicate femininity, it’s a money planet that will enter Aries late on the 20th.  With such an excitable cadre of personal and outer planets in the sign of provocation, the bull’s more tempestuous side is likely to show itself in 2011.  By the end of this solar journey however, Venus, Mercury and Mars will have moved into earthy, fixed Taurus.  Softly aspected there by Neptune and Chiron in healing Pisces, this lineup suggests that the Taurus cycle will ultimately yield the peace, calm and sense of security the bull requires.  

   At this time of the year much is written about the Cardinal sign of Aries, the sign responsible for kicking off the astrological year.  In 2011, that is especially appropriate because at any given time from March 11th through May 11th no fewer than half of the zodiac's planets, 5, will be under its ferocious, instigative influence.  Independent and free-spirited, Aries loves to get us all fired up.  Its motto is "just do it" with an "out with the old and in with the new" added for emphasis.  Did I mention “Now!”? But with tough squares from Pluto in Capricorn and oppositions from Saturn in Libra waiting at every turn, many an Aries impulse will be interrupted or curtailed.  So while the Sun will lead the way into Taurus’s tranquil and abundant pastures on April 20th, it will be well into this Taurus cycle before the other planets stop their squabbling and begin to catch Taurus's easy-going drift. Quirky Uranus and violent Mars are two of the obvious Arian agitators, but Venus in headstrong Aries exerts a force to be reckoned with, or at least one to be recognized and reconciled.

   A living tribute to the saying that it’s always the quiet ones to watch out for, “sweet” Venus represents possessions, resources and income, and she will travel through assertive Aries from April 20th through May 15th.  Also associated with art and exalted forms of beauty, one of Venus's most enduring images is in fact that of Botticelli's voluptuous goddess serenely standing on a shell.  But make no mistake, Venus, the planet, is equally all about luxury, fertility and comfort, a.k.a. money.  Even in Botticelli's loving portrait, the graceful goddess hardly looks famished.  In Aries, Venus will ignite our material desires along with our aggressive tendencies toward attaining wealth and its associated power.  Cautionary tales of the dark side of the lust for gold abound.  They include everything from the deceit, treachery and loss encountered by mythological Jason in his pursuit of the Golden Fleece, to the modern day hubris of Jeffrey Skilling, Jack Abramoff and Bernie Madoff.

    Wielding his trident like an ancient super weapon, Neptune, the enduring god of the Greeks, stands at the ageless sea of consciousness.  Through time itself he warns us of the excesses of such greed.  Corporations, nations and civilizations rise and fall, like the coming and going of the timeless tides over which he prevails.  In 2011 he has taken up residence in his home sign of spiritual Pisces, for a 14-year odyssey.  Pisces promotes integration, assimilation and a holistic approach to life.  In the company of healing asteroid Chiron, one of Neptune's old fraternity buddies, concepts like “capitalism with a conscience” emerge.  In compassionate Pisces, Neptune will work to dissolve the boundaries between "us" and "them" while Chiron devotes its energy to global healing.  So where does that leave our cantankerous, lustful bull this year?

    Taurus's motives are stability, security and physical pleasure.  Those needs can produce the sign's notorious stubbornness and its penchant for hoarding. The antidote of course lies in its opposite sign, destructive and transformative Scorpio, the Pluto-ruled sign that insists on change.  On May 17th the moon will be full in intense, truthful Scorpio. This is an ideal time to reflect on what we value and what we are prepared to release and to birth in order to possess it. The Aries courage, Neptunian insight and bull’s strength and stamina on tap this cycle offer us the power to build it.

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Sun into Aries 2011: Perilous Problems and Inspired Solutions

On Sunday, March 20th at 4:21P.M. PST the Sun rolls into spirited, action oriented Aries where it will find Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus already transiting the sign of the Warrior. Fearless, agitating upstart Mars will arrive in enlivening Aries on April 1st and a new Aries moon on April 3rd will bring the planetary total in this Cardinal fire sign to an impressive six. Stern Saturn will sit opposite of Aries in Libra and reforming Pluto at a hard right angle to Aries in Capricorn, and the T-square formed by these planets will be highly energized during this solar transit. We will have a Mercury retrograde from March 30th to April 23rd, and Neptune will return home to watery Pisces on April 4th where it will merge with healing Chiron. Lately much attention has been given to the term Spiritual Warrior. The forthcoming mixture of Arian courage and leadership and Piscean insight and compassion offer this archetype sustenance.

When Uranus reentered Aries on March 11th one of the more volatile forces in the cosmos reconnected with one of the more explosive sources of energy. Uranus’s new location also added kindling to an existing Cardinal sign T-square. Uranus is associated with disruption and chaos as well as innovation and radical breakthroughs. A T-square is an alignment under which planets oppose and square one another, and in astrology oppositions and squares represent tensions between the forces involved. This T-square is considered an especially potent one because two of the planets forming it, Uranus and Pluto, are outer planets and all of the planets involved are in the Cardinal signs of the zodiac. Outer planets express generational and collective experiences and the Cardinal signs initiate the four seasons and thus reflect times of great change. Uranus is in Aries until 2018, Libra is in Saturn until October 2012 and Pluto is in Capricorn until 2023, So as of March 11th we entered a powerful 19-month-long T-square. During the Aries solar cycle immediately ahead, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, the Sun and new moon of April 3rd will be adding energy to the impulsive Aries component of the T-square. Mars and Mercury will continue to fuel it on into May and Jupiter through early June.

March 11th was also the day of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the beginning of a nuclear crisis. By March 16th the literal forces of uranium and plutonium had forged to pose the threat of a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-ich facility. While the planets of astrology do not cause things to happen, they are symbolic reflections our reality. In this case, the erratic energies of Uranus in provocative, irrepressible Aries began forming a rough square to the planet of destruction and renewal, Pluto, in Capricorn, the sign ruling governments, business and institutions. Severe Saturn, the planet representing both lessons and limitations, was and continues squaring Pluto and opposing the planets in Aries from Libra, the sign of balance, diplomacy and the collective good.

That in the wake of the unfolding Japanese nuclear event, we see a global review of nuclear safety underway is not surprising. However, Aries is infamous for getting all fired up and instigating change, but then lacking the resolve to see it through. It will be interesting to see if the initial reaction to Fukushima will be sustained long enough to institute meaningful or permanent reform in energy policy. On the bright side, original and progressive Uranus in trailblazing Aries offers great potential for technological breakthroughs and advances, and this transit will last for seven years.

Mercury is associated with quick thinking and Aries with rapid action, and together the two can prove rash and reckless. Helping us slow down enough to review conditions on the ground and the possible consequences of our actions will be a Mercury retrograde from March 30th through April 23rd. Since Mercury entered Aries on March 8th you may have noticed that people are doing a lot more talking than listening, with little to no editorial exercise. The forthcoming Mercury retrograde will give us a chance to pause between sentences, collect our thoughts and consider our options before acting. Given the array of planets in impatient Aries, Mercury’s retrograde and slowing influence should prove beneficial. But don’t expect boredom to set in any time soon.

The planet of drive, power and passion, Mars, brings its audacious brand of excitement home to fiery Aries on April 1st where it will be until May 11th. Fierce and fearless, Mars represents raw force. Often through anger, it puts us in touch with our needs and desires. It also inspires bold and decisive action. Where and how we direct its power is up to us. Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn will be poised to combat Martian aggression. But the planet of War, in step with five fellow Aries travelers, will fight unjust restriction and authority in his push for independence. Even during times of conflict, the Spiritual Warrior remains aware of his motives. He then consciously directs his actions to a greater purpose.

To assist us with tapping into a deeper source of awareness, as well as vast stores of serenity, compassion and creativity, oceanic Neptune will return home to holistic Pisces on April 4th. Named for the Greek god of the sea, Neptune is another one of those influential outer planets. An immeasurable source of guidance, it represents our dreams, psychic abilities and connection to the collective psyche. Being the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces promotes understanding, unity and wholeness. Healing asteroid Chiron moved into its curative waters back in February. Together Neptune and Chiron will remind us of the human dimension of any challenges we face. Moreover, and oddly enough, this combination of Neptune and Chiron in intuitive and inventive Pisces and quirky, ingenious Uranus in Aries may prove to be the perfect elixir for our Spiritual Warrior. Empathy, insight and imagination blended with original leadership may be just the concoction She needs for the tenuous days ahead.

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Sun into Libra: Truth, Justice, Peace & Love

Autumn Equinox takes place on Monday, September 22nd at 8:44 A.M.. On September 9th Pluto turned direct and pulled up a lot of old residual emotional energy for people. That and the full Pisces moon on September 15th gave us an opportunity to do some deep heart clearing in preparation for this very important change of season. This autumn will take us through the Sun cycles of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius, will include 2008’s final Mercury retrograde, and will see Neptune and Uranus turning direct and Pluto entering Capricorn, a cycle it has not transited since 1762-1778.   

This year’s Libra cycle will host the last of 2008’s Mercury retrogrades (September 24th - October 15th).  Mercury greatly influences communication and information, and its retrograde cycles are ideal for reviews and revisions.  Have you noticed that this year all of the Mercury retrogrades have taken place during the Sun’s passage through air signs while Mercury has also been in air signs?  Libra, symbolized by the scales, strengthens the mind’s ability to weigh all of the facts. Ruled by Venus’s loving energy, Libra deeply desires balance and above all, harmony, so invites us to stand in the other person’s shoes and to consider all points of view. And look what just happens to be taking place at during this Libra Mercury retrograde cycle.

First presidential debate:
Friday, September 26
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Vice presidential debate:
Thursday, October 2
Washington University in St. Louis, MO
Second presidential debate:
Tuesday, October 7
Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Third presidential debate:
Wednesday, October 15
Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Libra’s unrelenting quest for truth, justice and ultimately peace will permeate the air and psyche of the American voter.  Under these intellectually alert astrological conditions, 2008’s debates will give the candidates the chance to define and articulate their positions more clearly and voters the opportunity to scrutinize these statements most keenly. And with Mercury’s penchant for bringing information from the past to light, who knows what stories from a candidate’s past might surface sometime between September 24th and October 15th?  

In terms of what has become this year’s most important political issue, the economy, we will continue to be forced to face the cold, hard facts.  Jupiter went direct in staunch pragmatic Capricorn on September 7th and Saturn is still making his uncompromising way through detailed Virgo.  Add the previously mentioned Mercury retrograde to the mix, and more information about the mismanagement of our financial system and institutions is highly likely to emerge.  In the end, Libra’s judicious approach to the “fuzzy math” will tee us up perfectly for the life-and-death energies of the Scorpio cycle and Election Day. 



So, as seismic shifts take place around us and the campaign for the White House intensifies, remember that astrology is a tool of empowerment.  It reassures us that everything runs in cycles and is ever-changing.  If some of the headlines are hitting a little too close to home, you can take comfort in the ancient and wise adage that “this too shall pass.”  Astrology vividly describes the conditions influencing our lives and shaping our world and explains the options available to us at any given time.  Enlightened with this knowledge, we are in a better position to calculate, consider and decide.

In part two of this three part-series I’ll take a close look at the astrology of Election Day 2008, relish in all things intense and Scorpion and add more planetary perspective on the activities of the large outer planets.  They are the ones doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, subtly and slowly reshaping our reality.  Some of these revolutionary changes begin this Autumn. And did I mention that a certain pair of websites are having birthdays in November and that a very special new website is being created for me (and you)? In other Autumn news, we're hosting an in-person psychic fair in Denver which I'll be attending on September 27th, a dear friend is having her first book published in October, I’m heading back into the recording studio to record a new song in November, work mates are launching their own radio shows and my producer Peas is going to release a beautiful holiday CD called “A Christmas Chill.” It’s a collection yuletide favorites done up in hip downtempo style and it’s gorgeous. I’ll let you more about all of this in the coming weeks.

And I can't close this post without thanking everyone who has said a prayer for my cat Boris. Having him purring away in my lap as I sat on my patio enjoying my morning cup of coffee today, our routine, made me so grateful again to have him with me as we go into another season together. So often this Spring it was uncertain as to whether or not he would indeed still be here by now. He's such a precious and loving soul and words cannot convey the depth of my appreciation for his recovered health and the love and support so many friends, clients and colleagues have so generously extended to us over these long months. Thank you so much. Happy and Loving Equinox to you!

Psychic Fair in Denver/Update on Boris

Ok, so I'm very excited about this. I'm heading to Denver where I'll be meeting a lot of the Light Workers and cleints I've been working with online for the past 18 months at 12Listen.com. And our site's founder Mark Husson is having a Fair for us to do in-person readings on both Saturday and Sunday. I'm only working on Saturday, b/c, after all, it is a vacation. And I can't wait to have a little time off to see the Rocky Mountains. If you'll be in the Denver area on the weekend of the 27th, you can call 303.777.1112 to book a reading.

In other good news, and I've been meaning to post about this for weeks, Boris is doing very well. He's my 13-year-old cat who was diagnosed with IBD this past spring. It was rough on both of us and his twin brother Nicholas. But, being the little trooper that he is, he's pulled through it. We (finally!!!) found the right diet - thank you to the people in the world who make clean, healthy pet food these days. It saved his life.



I want to thank Mavis, idara, Chris, Mark, Keith and everyone from work who kept this sweet little guy in their prayers. Your loving energies really helped the both of us. And I could not be happier to see him back to normal, except for maybe sleeping a little more than he used to. But with a cat, how exactly do you really know? Is it 20 hours of sleep a day or 21? Anyway, I'm just extremely grateful that he's doing so well and is out of the woods.



With love and extreme gratitude,
Elizabeth

Happy New Year, Happy New Moon!

It is with great pleasure and Love that I welcome you to 2008 and wish you a new year filled with all that your heart desires. To that end, let’s get to this all important first new moon. Its influences are potent for turning aspirations into manifestations, for the Sun, Jupiter, Mercury and it will be in industrious Capricorn on Tuesday, January 8th at 3:37A.M. PST. In this earthy alignment, we have a rare opportunity to set Abundance intentions, and the right aspects to attain them. Though especially good for improving your finances/career, Capricorn’s deliberate and determined energy can be harnessed and applied to any area of your life. I can’t think of a better set of conditions for setting New Year and New Moon intentions under. And remember that Saturn is in fellow earth sign Virgo, which will only amplify Capricorn goals’ staying power. For those intending to have more money, I want to share a ritual someone sent to me. Please write to me if you try this!

8th January, New Moon Check Ritual

1. Within 24 hours after a New Moon, take a check from your checkbook. Where it says "Pay to," write your name.
2. In the little box on the same line where you would fill in a dollar amount write "Paid in full."
3. On the line underneath your name, where you would write out a dollar amount in figures, write "Paid in full."
4. Sign the check: "The Law of Abundance."

Do not put a date on the check. Do not write a specific amount in the check. Put it in a safe place and forget about it. The Universe will take it from there.

Abundance checks are a tool we can use to create more abundance in our lives. They are written within 24 hours after a New Moon. Surprisingly, you don't need to believe that the check will work when you write it. Apparently, you will be amazed at the results, as you will see increased abundance in your life, in some life area. It is not always financial, but certainly in an area that you need.

There is a traditional manner, which has been handed down, that must be followed. If you do not have a bank account you can draw a check on a piece of paper and fill it out the same way - the results will be the same, more abundance for you.

It is said that many people are skeptical about trying this until they do it. After the first time they realize the power of these checks and do them routinely every month! Try it yourself and see!

Btw, I'm very pleased to announce that I'll be hosting the Angel Prayer Board that auspicious day! See the previous blog for details about that.

If this goes well, I have a ritual for the next new moon for increasing the Love in our lives. That moon will fall on the year’s first eclipse (February 6th) and will of course influence our Valentine’s Day experience. Speaking of which, if your love life needs a check up, please consider checking in with any of the talented Light Workers at 12Listen.com. My friend Shane can give you Shamanistic insights (which animal totem is shaping your love life?), Angela, Radleigh and Valerie work with the Angelic Realm (which Angel can help you find that special someone or heal the relationship you are in?) and astrologers like my pal Julia can tell you all about this year’s planetary influences on your life. We have a great staff there and at our new site, 12Angel.com, hosted by my esteemed colleague Audra Garcia. Congratulations to her and my friend coach, teacher and soon to be author Besty Jordan for launching their new sities last month. Through these portals a lot of Light is going to support people and that’s our Purpose.

In other astrological moves this month, the Sun enters Aquarius on the 20th, the moon is full in Leo on the 22nd, Pluto enters Capricorn on the 25th, Mercury goes retrograde on the 28th, and Mars goes direct on the 30th. Imbolc (point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox) occurs on February 2nd. Pay attention to the dreams you receive on this very special night for you may be given a key to your future. In the meantime, what we have before us is the opportunity to put the hardest working sign of the zodiac to work for us. Some people will see results quickly, and for others it may take a while. One thing you can rely on is Capricorn’s patient diligence. He’ll get to you in Divine Time. Just keep working and moving toward your dreams.

Editor’s Note: While my four planets in Virgo have tried to coordinate with the general calendar and get things out on the first of the month, it feels way too unnatural. That date is rarely in sync with the energies and rhythms myself and my clients are working through. On January 1st for example, Mars and Pluto were making cosmic mischief and we were in a waning moon, hardly the energy for that fresh start feeling that a New Year is “supposed” to have.

So for now I’m intending to send out my newsletters/post blogs with the moon cycles. I’ll still give you all of the upcoming dates and info of importance so that you can make the most out of the time ahead. Working with the lunar call to receptivity is my charge for 2008, so I’m going with the flow.

Happy Birthday Capricorn!

With love,
Elizabeth

Ps: On January 2nd, the BBC did a story on that video for peace I made with the students from N. Ireland! That was too damn cool! Thanks to NICIE, the teachers and students and all of you who have been so loving and supportive.