Sun into Virgo - Back to School at 12Academy.com

When last we met, our boisterous flamboyant friend Leo the Lion was giving a commanding performance from center stage and contemplating the purchase of luxurious new lair. On August 22nd at 4:39P.M. PST, the spotlight fades, Leo takes his final bow and the clear-thinking, grounding energies of the sign of Service emerge. The observant and practical eyes of Virgo carefully read every line, including the fine print, of all loan documents, have a heart to heart with the calculator and bank statements, and then endeavor to make the final determination based on the financial substance of the matter and Virgo's other bff, fiscal responsibility.

Bookshelf neatly alphabetically arranged by subject, then author, then title? Check.
Foodstuffs meticulously organized in the pantry with packaging uniformly aligned and clearly displayed? Check.
Checkbook balanced to the penny? Check.
Toilet paper and paper towels, dish and laundry soap, sandwich and trash bags purchased in economy-sized, cost-conscious bulk packs? Check.
Vacation bags packed with lysol, aromatherapy oils, detailed itinerary, bed linen from home, and at least three bottles of hand sanitizer? Check.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Virgo. To the rest of the zodiac, Virgo's hyper-organized and extra-tidy way of life seem overly rigid and positively exhausting. But in earthy Virgo's territory, these labors yield that sweetest and most treasured of states, Order. This year's solar journey through Virgo however, with the next Saturn opposition to Uranus, a solar opposition to Uranus and a Mercury retrograde, will insist that Virgo tap into its mutable qualities. High degrees of detachment and flexibility will be necessary to successfully navigate the conflicting skies ahead. Then again, Virgo loves to plan.

According to renegade astrologer Antero Alli, to understand a sign, or style as he describes them, we must know its opposite sign, for the two are polarities expressing a totality. The 2009 Virgo cycle offers a superb laboratory in which to test this theory. On September 4th the full Pisces moon will oppose the Sun, on the 15th Saturn which is also in the sign of Virgo will oppose Uranus, now in Pisces, and on the 17th the Sun will oppose Uranus. On the Virgo-Pisces axis, order must be reconciled with chaos, logic with intuition and form with essence.



Since Saturn, the planet of lessons and discipline, entered mindful Virgo in September 2007, the scales have been decidedly tipped in favor of the tangible, rational side of this equation. Saturn's stay in Virgo has brought quite the comeuppance to Ponzi-scheme based financial markets and the world economy. Between Virgo's exactly analysis and Saturn's uncompromising vigilance, the unsound business practices of the banking, real estate and insurance industries and Wall Street have been brought to light, and many a mere mortal has had some form or other of a financial reckoning under this influence. This is all serving a Higher Order of truth telling on our material plane and is helping us purge our systems of ill-gotten goods, or "earnings" that never really existed in the first place. Pluto, the ultimate planetary force of Truth, picked up the torch late last November when it settled into Capricorn for a 15 year tenure.

To bring balance to the mix, beginning on Election Day 2008, mighty Saturn entered into a series of oppositions with the planet voted must likely to consternate him, unpredictable, rule-breaking, provocative Uranus, placed in that most unfathomable and illogical of places, Pisces. The stability Saturn in like-minded Virgo craves began meeting the innovation imposed by Uranus in Pisces. For example, last November 4th, the date of the first Saturn Uranus opposition in this series, conservatives couldn't conceive of a Barak Obama presidency, yet the Uranian winds of change prevailed.

This time the two sides meet on the battlefield of healthcare reform. Uranian proponents with Piscean compassion for the sick, argue for a radical overhaul of the entire system. At the other end of the spectrum, Saturn hard-liners with a keen Virgo eye on the cost of such colossal reform resist. One only need view a town hall meeting to see how the acrimonious workings of a Uranus Saturn opposition play out in the human drama. What President Obama may have working against him this time out is that Pluto shift from fanciful, optimistic Sagittarius into sober, pragmatic Capricorn. In 1775, during Pluto's last sojourn into Capricorn, the slogan "Don't Tread on Me" emerged and ingrained itself deeply into the self-reliant, hard-working and ruggedly individualist psyche of the birthing American nation. In 2009 "Don't Tread on My Taxes or Medical Decisions" may be the new battle cry.

Throwing the Devil straight into the details, and the fray, of this monumental debate will be Mercury in retrograde orbit. The thinking planet will go retrograde from September 7th through 29th, crossing both deliberating Libra and discerning Virgo terrain on its quest. No stone will go unturned in this one. Piscean dreams of utopia with a free liver transplant for every alcoholic and a government funded triple bypass for every overeater will be brought right down to earth by the Pluto-Saturn-Mercury formation. The president will have to explain how such sweeping reform will be paid for. In Obama's favor will be the visionary voice of the Jupiter (benevolence)-Neptune (spirituality)-Chiron (healing) alliance in Aquarius calling us to a higher consciousness about the collective. Some reform, on things such as unscrupulous insurance company practices are practically assured. But to make it work across the aisle, creative ideas such as a pay-it-forward fast food or junk food tax could also emerge as ways to fund the single payer system Obama envisions. Even arch conservatives have been known to support so-called "sin" taxes. Either way, you can count on a heated debate from September 15th through 17th when Saturn and the Sun will directly oppose Uranus. Fortunately the Virgo cycle winds down with some sweet aspects. Loving Venus enters Virgo on the 20th and Mercury conjuncts the Sun on the 20th and Saturn on the 22nd, when the Sun enters peace-making Libra.

Internally and externally these Uranus Saturn oppositions are asking us to come to terms with life as we wish it to be and the reality of where it is, and the Universe is offering up some new tools to help us bridge the chasm between the two. Synthesis of the ideal and the practical is precisely what the this Pisces-Virgo axis is all about. For the past two years Saturn's influence has been giving us an unflinching dose of reality with the loving and most earnest intention of reshaping our lives for the better as it has asked us what we are prepared to do to bring ourselves closer to our visions of perfection. Perfection is after all Virgo's ultimate aim. Uranus has come onto the scene to generate new ways to problem-solve.

The Sun's journey into Virgo also marks the beginning of the school year. In keeping with the cosmic design and annual pull to learn something new, the 12Family of websites proudly launches its newest member, 12Academy.com. 12Academy.com is an online University of Metaphysics of sorts, offering an array of classes on everything from Animal Communication, to Angel studies, to tarot and A Course in Miracles. With the integrity and renown of the 12House brand, this loving endeavor promises to take self-empowerment to a new level by teaching students the fundamentals of various spiritual disciplines, as well as offering courses for advanced practitioners. As Saturn leaves Virgo it begins a ten-month long square with Pluto, while 2012 and a 2013 exact Uranus square to Pluto build in the background. This online resource of Spirituality, dedicated to self-development and Light could not be in better alignment with the needs of our time and the days ahead. Hats off to founder Mark Husson whose vision for the metaphysical community continuously amazes me. You make me proud to be part of your world. Happy Sun into Virgo 2009!

Sun into Leo - The Show Must Go On

    
     The Sun moves into Leo on July 22nd, and being the Leo birthday girl that I am, I would like to announce the release of my new CD single at iTunes and at Amazon's new MP3 store.  I am so elated and excited about this that I can hardly sit still.  "In A Moment" is the title track and its recording was my absolute happiest musical experience in Los Angeles.  Not only did I get to work with amazing musicians such as Peas (whose credits include work with Kitaro, the "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" soundtrack, and scores of major TV shows), Rachel Leslie (a J-Lo backup singer) and Kathleen Keane (who has worked with Martin Hayes and other Celtic music luminaries), but we had a great time in the studio.  This song was written in honor of the wedding (about time!) of my lifelong friend Diane Ray who is the Producer of Hay House Radio.  Congratulations to her and her new hubby Barry.  I hope you feel the love in this track and won't mind dropping $5 to buy a copy of this 5-track CD. 


                               


   
     To hear the music and to find out more about my Celtic music project, Awakening Queen Maebh, just visit the Musician Page of my website. Now to this month's feature article.



Special thanks to astrologer C.A. Brooks for her emergency assistance with Chiron’s activity. You demonstrate the generosity of heart for which the Leo season we are ushering in is famed. Hats off to you!

Following the dark moon solar eclipse at Cancer’s conclusion, on July 22nd audacious, royal Leo struts right onto center stage. Instantaneously kicking lingering Cancerian worries to the curb, Leo boldly reflects our own abilities to shine, to live fearlessly and to thrive. In the face of another full moon eclipse on August 5th, squares, oppositions, incessant scenarios of global disaster, oh my, self-assured Leo enthusiastically beckons us all to follow the yellow brick road. Sure, the prophesied year of 2012 approaches, in the blink of an eye Pluto’s quest through uncompromising Capricorn has abolished yet another of our stagnant, once-cherished institutions, and according to the mainstream media anyway, there’s plenty to be afraid of. So what in the world is Leo doing up there, merrily prancing and dancing around as if there’s no tomorrow? And what on earth, in our “perilous times” is Leo up there singing?

“You’ve got to ac-cent’tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-in-ate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative,
and DON’T mess with Mr. In Between.”

And most importantly, how does he/she look so damn good doing it? From July 22nd through August 22nd the answers are obvious, Leo lives life in the present, and Leo lives life in style. Best of all, you are cordially invited to Leo’s extravagant celestial soire.

In order for some of the magnanimous magic to rub off on you however, you’ll need a pair of Leo-tinted glasses. These highly-prized designer shades come with purple-heart bravery and amber-golden optimism colored lenses. Let’s take a peek at the upcoming planetary trends with a pair on.

The Sun moves into Leo on July 22nd on the heels of the second eclipse in an usual series of three. Eclipses can disseminate shocking and intense energies as they bring hidden issues to light. For example, the recent full moon eclipse of July 7th while the moon was in the earth sign of Capricorn brought a bevy of health issues to the surface for many. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, teaches us the limitations of our physical systems, our bodies. Pluto is also now in this stern and serious sign, making the truth about the gravity of these situations pretty much unavoidable. The dark moon eclipse while the Sun and moon are in Cancer on July 21st will likely bring domestic issues to the fore. In either case, the Universe is bringing our attention to matters needing to be addressed. Leo considers what is being presented through the prism of courage. He then looks to the pending full moon eclipse on August 5th at 5:55 P.M. PST, in visionary and unifying Aquarius, where Jupiter, Neptune and Chrion are positioned, and he sees the perfect occasion to heal whatever the preceding eclipses have revealed.

Leo also notices three special groupings of planets around 2009’s exalted trio, Jupiter (gifts, the Lion’s absolute favorite!), Neptune (dreams and spirituality) and Chiron (healing). On July 27th Venus (in Gemini) trines Jupiter and Chrion and on the 28th it trines Neptune, on July 30th Mercury (in Leo) opposes Jupiter and Chiron and on the 31st it opposes Neptune, and on August 14th Leo’s ruler the Sun opposes Jupiter, on the 15th Chiron and on the 17th Neptune. Leo looks at those Venus trines and lunges for his day planner to schedule spa and beauty treatments, and maybe some time to meditate. For that matter Leo reckons, anytime after after July 31st when loving Venus lands in nurturing Cancer is a great time to be pampered, as if an astrological excuse was ever necessary. The oppositions, however, are a little trickier. Leo knows that they represent polarities, but his hopeful outlook sees them as opportunities to bring balance and synthesis to competing agendas and viewpoints, With Chiron’s assistance, he decrees that all will be made well in his kingdom. This solar cycle. like all others, brings the often dreaded squares, Venus to Uranus on July 28th, the foreboding Mars to Saturn on August 10th and Mars to Uranus on the 18th. (Mis)use the words Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Squares in astrology, and you can scare the pants right off of a lot of people. Not Leo. As the coolest of cosmic cats he calmly and clearly recognizes the powers of formidable forces, so he marks those days on his calendar with the words “beware of tension” and “chance for resolution” in big bold letters. And really, even if temporarily panic-stricken by the misguided musings of fearful astrologers and TV anchormen, would Leo ever display his inner terror to the entire world? Not on your life.

If you really want to know where the Leo heart lives, look for the dates he’s circled to apply for that historically low mortgage rate, after clever, clear-thinking Mercury has moved into grounded and discerning Virgo on August 2nd perhaps? Maybe he’s set his gigantic heart on August 17th, when Mercury conjuncts Saturn, because he knows that Saturn’s sober influence under sensible Virgo will guarantee him of a very realistic evaluation. His ruler also sextiles Mars that day, giving his audacious move a heavenly green light. Leo doesn’t care if there’s an entire Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing “The sky is falling, the sky is falling.” He wants to live in the plushest of lairs and is poised to pounce on that $15.000.00 first time buyer’s credit. Why he’s already working on the guest list for his star-studded housewarming party.

Vein, bossy, arrogant and childish the nay sayers project on the regal spirit of Leo. They miss his point entirely. It takes guts, first-class showmanship and sometimes a little exaggerated self-confidence to play the role of leader. Who better than the hard-working, loyal Lion with his heart of pure gold to help cheerlead us out of times of doubt and Depression? When he wins, he lavishes the gifts and goodies on everyone holding court, inviting all to dream big and to know it is entirely possible to succeed. And if he doesn’t, instead of sitting around sulking - that would make his eyes puffy - his improvisational gifts go right to work on the next big adventure.

So with those fab-u-lous new spectacles Leo has graced you with this year, watch the proud gorgeous spirit of this fixed and feisty fire sign toss his commanding, luxurious mane, along with fear and caution, to the wind. Leo asserts to one and all that life is just marvelous, and if it is not, we possess the ability to make it so again.

Sun into Cancer 2009 Domestic and Emotional Tranquility

With news of North Korean threats to launch its most advanced ballistic missile at Hawaii as one of its naval vessels sets sail in that direction, House Democrats outlining healthcare reform with a $1.6 Trillion price tag in an era of historic deficit spending, 7,000 Marines dispatched to Helmand province along with increasing numbers of N.A.T.O troops to begin staging what is likely to be the decisive battle with the Taliban in the nearly 8-year-old war in Afghanistan, the World Health Organization elevating the Swine Flu/H1N1 virus to pandemic status, the mental activity of Gemini gives way to the intuitive, calming, introspective energies of Cancer, and not a moment too soon. If there are two things Cancer, America’s birth sign, craves, they are domestic stability and emotional security.

To achieve its end, Cancer walks a fine line of vulnerability and self-protection while practicing some of the Cosmos’ most immense nurturing and care-taking of others. With its favorably-aspected eclipses and annual cluster of retrograde outer planets, 2009’s Solar journey through the sign of the crab offers a chance for cooler heads, and hearts, to prevail. After the nerve-racking Gemini journey, nationally and privately, we could probably all use a collective chill pill. But Cancer is not asking us to retreat into our shells. It asks us to be of this world, to accept its complexities and atrocities, and to trust and love enough to overcome our challenges until peace is restored.

Intoning an appropriately more enigmatic resonance than usual, 2009’s Summer Solstice/Sun into Cancer movement occurs during the dark moon (Cancer’s ruler) on the 20th at 10:46pm PST. A new Cancer moon arrives on Monday the 22nd at 12:36pm PST, marking the beginning of our journey toward 2009’s next lunar eclipse which will take place on July 7th. On July 3rd the rapid-fire intellectual energies of Mercury move from Gemini into contemplative Cancer. Mercury in Cancer is much more likely to convince us to get in touch with how we feel about what is going on around us rather than what we think about it. The intellect’s natural tendency is to dissect, label and divide, so it can make rational sense of its world. By contrast, Cancer is all about creating compassion, understanding and appropriate protection by feeling its way through life, as it reaches toward tranquility.

That full Capricorn moon eclipse on the 7th, is in Cancer’s 7th house of partnerships, and features a trine with Saturn. Eclipses can bring sudden and unexpected changes as well as powerful insights. Surprises are not Cancer’s strong suit, but intuition is. With Saturn’s disciplined influence, a sensible resolution to whatever may rear its turbulent head at this time is very possible, and relationships will play a key role.

Echoing the universal chorus to choose hope, wisdom and good will over fear and over-reaction (Cancer can be a little paranoid) is friendly and benevolent Jupiter floating through Cancer’s 8th house of intimacy and transformation. “It is safe to love” is its quiet mantra. As if to hammer the message that old thinking will not solve new problems home, innovative Uranus trines the dark Cancer moon right before the solar eclipse on July 21st.

In the background, Uranus joins retrograding outer planets Neptune, Jupiter and Pluto, as well as Chiron on July 1st. Those large outer planets may be thought of as good and caring parents who lounge around on rafts in the deep end of a swimming pool while keeping a vigilant eye on their children at play in the shallower waters. It is highly unlikely that they will be called upon to rescue anyone, but their loving presence exerts a great sense of safety and well-being. In that space, their children are free to play and explore their watery paradise. The retrograde patterns of these planets will last until early November when they begin turning direct. Saturn, the only large planet now moving forward, moves into Libra at that time. What that means in practical terms is that the results of what is in play and at stake now may not be fully resolved until late Autumn. We saw this pattern last year with the November 4th U.S. election.

So what can you do right here right now to create a sense of trust when the headlines mirror a world in such distress? Gandhi wisely recommended being the change you want to see in the world. I suggest making your home your sanctuary. Having plenty of whatever makes you “feel” secure at hand, along with gurgling fountains, aromatic candles, color therapy tools, herbal bath salts, and long meditations (12Academy is offering many excellent ones) is a viable way to access Cancer’s maternal gifts. With your sense of tranquility amply restored and your inner Guidance system re-attuned to love and Light, you may emerge from the mother ship fully prepared to brave the outer world.

Magnolia Sun Bathing

It's so gorgeous here today that I just had to share. The sky is clear and blue, the temperature is in the low 80's and the birds have been singing all day. This morning it was so nice that I had my coffee out in the backyard beneath the two magnolia trees who stand there. The tress are so old here in Carolina. You look at them and their trunks stretch up forever into the blue sky. On the way in, I saw this flower on the magnolia tree. The sunlight was lighting her up so perfectly that I just had to take a photo. I can't wait until one is low enough on a branch for me to sniff. In the meantime, enjoy.

With love,
Elizabeth

What's Up Doc?

Now and again I have these exasperating moments when I seriously wonder about the world. I think, “Am I oversensitive or out of touch, or has our culture lost its collective mind?”

The last time I went to the eye doctor’s office in Beverly Hills the Israelis were bombing the Hell out of Lebanon and in their coverage the Fox News team was cheerleading for the Israelis. They simply didn’t cover the human side of Lebanese experience. I couldn’t believe that in a “health profession’s” office anything like this would be on in a waiting room. Remember, in waiting rooms patients are stuck there until their appointments. Patients are there for anything from routine exams, such as my case, to very serious illnesses. Illness or uncertainty about it creates a level of stress to start with. So who in their right mind would subject people with health problems to a military offensive into an urban center? Sure, I know that the Israelis will say that their violence was targeted at terrorists. And I hope it was. But really, the images of large buildings crumbling to the ground (remember that ten-story apartment building?) in an urban center was reminiscent of the Twin Towers on 9/11. But this isn’t about politics and the Middle East.

Today I accompanied my dad, who is having serious tests, to the doctor in a small town in North Carolina. The entrance to the waiting room had a candelabra which gave me false hope about the experience. As soon as we were inside the TV blared at us, rotating the following scenes from a network soap opera. In one a woman was undergoing regression therapy for being gang raped (with flashbacks), in another a man held two women hostage at gunpoint, having already shot one in the arm, and in yet another there was some scenario or other about a murdered baby who may have only really been kidnapped. Not sure on that. The volume level was set so loudly that my dad and I could hardly hear each other talk. Horrible acting aside, we noted how completely disturbing this was for a doctor’s office. He became so agitated that he went outside a few times before he was called in. Luckily, unlike the multi-story facility my old eye doctor was in, this office was on the ground floor so we could walk out to the parking lot. When he was finally called in for his appointment, we said something about the content on the TV to the nurse.

Her response is what floors me. “You’re the first one to ever complain,“ she said. “We just put it on in the morning and people watch whatever is on.”

My local Wal-Mart (it is the only place to shop here for 30 miles) has a wellness section. I found DVDs of nature there just last week and bought one with arial photography of Ireland. The really cool thing I had found the week before at a New Age trade show were DVDs of nature and sacred mandalas by an artist named Robyn Nola. Her work is based on Angels (in a nonreligious way) and is simply exquisite. She photographs nature and works with color to create images that are soothing to watch. She in fact healed herself of kidney disease and strongly believes in nature’s healing properties. I was telling a friend in medical sales last week that I’d love to walk into a doctor’s office and see work like Robyn’s playing. After today, I’d gladly settle for the Wal-Mart DVD of Ireland.

I don’t guess that this will be part of the Obama healthcare industry reform we’re hearing so much about. It’s too woo-woo I suppose and he has enough on his hands. But really, the content in waiting rooms should be examined. Democrat or Republican, we all go to the doctor. Subjecting people to violent images cannot be healthy. And isn’t health/healing the whole point of going in the first place? We have to go to the hospital for surgery next week. In case they’re playing the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” I’m bringing my iTouch w Robyn’s DVDs loaded into it.

Sun into Gemini

The Gemini mind runs nonstop. This mutable air sign is ever changing, always on the quest for something new and likes to simultaneously place its attention on as many people, places and things as humanly possible. 2009’s solar trip through this inquisitive, effervescent sign might just satisfy Gemini’s seemingly insatiable appetite for experiences. That’s because this Sun’s trip through the sign of the Twins serves up a bevy of intriguing, thought provoking and rapidly shifting planetary activity.

It all kicks off Wednesday when the Sun enters Gemini at 2:51pm PST. The 20th is also the start of what can be called the main course of this year’s Gemini journey, a very special 21 day alignment of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron at 26 degrees of Aquarius. If you’re up for delving into the Divine, clearing out old vibrations and any other work to enhance your spiritual life, this is a beautiful window. This celestial combination of planets reflecting optimistic growth, the transformation of wounds into wisdom and the soul’s urge to merge with all things dreamlike and spiritual meets in the sign of vision and collective unity. Yum! The 23-27th host some of the strongest aspects of this blissful and delectable alignment. Dig in.

Next up on the 2009 Gemini menu is the new moon in Gemini on the 24th, an excellent time to make nice with your inner journalist, documentarian or writer. May 24th happens to be Gemini’s Bob Dylan birthday, a stellar and stunning example of the communicative gifts lavished upon humankind by this sign. The 27th sees Neptune turn retrograde. Neptune moving backwards is always an interesting dance. By the time the planet of the unknowable goes direct on November 4th many an illusion, or delusion, will be shattered. That’s always a good thing because it brings us closer to our Truth. If we take care when it comes to the dreams and ideas (Neptune in Aquarius) we invest ourselves in all summer, our worlds will arrive at early November in tact. If instead we choose to disregard that nagging little voice that warns us that this or that is indeed a dangerous dance with destruction, our fantasy will likely come crashing down under Scorpio’s dark skies. Either way, we learn something. Giving us the chance to think things through very carefully, for a few days at least, will be Mercury in its retrograde, or review, stance until the 30th when it goes direct (Alleluia!).

May 31st marks Mars’ entrance into earthy Taurus. This dose of energized stamina is an excellent influence for working toward and accomplishing goals. If the Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune lineup gives you some deep Guidance, Mars in Taurus offers the inspiration and the fortitude to put your vision into action. On June 3rd Chiron turns retrograde, offering us perhaps deeper insights into turning the hurting into healing, on the 7th we get a healthy dose of enthusiasm with the full moon in spirited Sagittarius, and on the 15th Jupiter joins the retrograde planets. As you can see, this Gemini season gives us plenty of food for thought.

And for dessert? Astrologer and author Mark Husson will be teacing a series of online classes based on his new best-seller "Lovescopes." This live online companion to the book is the official “Lovescopes” webinar and your opportunity to go beyond the bookt o learn even more about your love life. Dates and details will be announced shortly. And that brings us full circle, to the start of the Gemini season, May 20th.



On that day if you buy a copy of “Lovescopes,” Mark will send you five free minutes for a reading at either 12Listen or 12Angel. He’ll be posting a special email address on both sites that day where you can send your proof of purchase. Whether you want to catch and keep a Capricorn, lose a Leo or seduce a Scorpio, “Lovescopes” has the how-to. This delightful and insightful guide goes through every possible astrological combinations to let you know the weaknesses and strengths of each match. More importantly, Mark explains each sign’s motivation, an invaluable tool for understanding yourself, your partner and your relationship. Free minutes and an indispensable guide to your love life? Those are excellent reasons to come celebrate love with the 12Family on May 20th. Hope to see you there!

Sun into Taurus - Let Love(scopes) Rule

The 2009 Taurus season dawns on Sunday afternoon at 3:44 P.M. with Mars and Venus set to enter Aries during the week. Love is indeed in the air. So is “” Lovescopes ”, Mark’s new book, but we’ll get to that in a minute.

Author John Gray wrote the famous “Men are from Mars and women are from Venus” book series which offers some great insights into relationships between the sexes. In astrological terms we think of Mars as the ruler of our masculine aspects and Venus as the ruler of our feminine. How much sweeter can our love lives be when the two of them travel the Cosmos closely aligned? We’re about to find out over the next several weeks as the planets of desire and love move through instigating Aries side by side. This infatuating combination presents us with the opportunity to start new new relationships and to liven up the love lives we already have. The only day posing a challenge to the bliss-fest these two can conjure up is May 2nd when Venus squares Pluto, asking us to be totally honest about our relationships. The trouble with the truth is that it’s often a very subjective call. Fortunately Mercury will be in Venus-ruled Taurus at that time, to temper our thoughts, and more importantly our tongues. See what I mean about Love ruling?

Speaking of Mercury, 2009’s 2nd Mercury retrograde begins on May 6th and lasts through the 30th. With the Sun also in Taurus, this retrograde presents us with the chance for some “do-overs” in our finances and beauty and physical fitness. If that New Year’s resolution to exercise regularly has fallen by the wayside or that vow to have your taxes organized for next year has already gone by the boards, this Mercury retrograde is your best new friend. You can harness the grounded, determined energies of this patient and loving earth sign to make a new start, one that will give you long lasting results. Venus will guide us to act from a place of self-love, instead of the dreaded "should" space, which will help make reaching those goals a pleasure.

Taurus time is also when many of us plant our Spring gardens. Nature’s regenerative gifts abound in every shade imaginable. And the sheer volume of flowering wonders is a constant reminder of the Abundance and beauty of the Universe. So be good to your Soul by spending some time outdoors, in a garden if at all possible. The full moon during Taurus is also a time of planting, on energetic planes. It will be in Scorpio, bringing depth and intensity to the mix, so mark the 8th on your calendar for any meditations and rituals involving increase and long term objectives.

Adding to the collective Spring forward will be Saturn turning direct on the 16th. This is the one I’ve been talking about for months, at least since December 31st when it went retrograde. The most difficult aspects of the hard times brought by this Saturnian journey through the discerning and discriminating earth sign of service, Virgo, are over at last. On the 16th Saturn stations and prepares for its late October exit from Virgo. News stories have already begun surfacing about slight improvements in the economy and hopeful signs, and some political leaders, including President Obama, have begun expressing cautious optimism that the worst may well be behind us. With this aspect, more encouraging news is very likely to continue trickling into the headlines over the next several months. That doesn’t mean that our challenges go away overnight. Some of these messes were years in the making. Still, we should see and feel a lift. And that will play very favorably into the incredible alignment we’re heading into on May 20th.

On the 20th, the Sun enters Gemini, and Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune begin a 21 day placement at 26 degrees of Aquarius. I’ll be writing much more about this in next month’s column. Suffice it to say that this is a Cosmic glimpse into Nirvana. We get to connect compassionately with the collective consciousness. That’s huge. So get ready to feel some genuine awe and to marvel at the positive actions a few individuals are willing to take to benefit others. It’s going to be inspiring to see how this manifests on the world stage.

In our 12Family community the 20th is the official launch day for “Lovescopes.” On that day we will be running an all-day sale, and everyone who buys the book on the 20th will get some free minutes. Mark will post a special email address on the front page of the site where you can send your proof of purchase. We’re hoping to get “Lovescopes” on the Amazon charts that day. So come join us for the fun and be part of the party.

In the meantime, remember that the 22nd of this month is Earth Day, Friday the 24th is the new moon, and Mark is presenting the first “Lovescopes” seminar on Sunday, May 3rd in San Diego as part of the prestigious Hay House “I Can Do It” event. Several of us from 12Angel and 12Listen will be in attendance, so come out and meet us in person if you’re in town. With so much love and Spring abuzz, a great time will be had by all. Come celebrate with us.

With love,
Elizabeth