Your Milky Way Horoscope June 1-7, 2014

By Milky Way Maid

Dear Readers-- Please visit the website of the National Blood Clot Alliance at StopTheClot.org to learn more about blood clots and when you might need to see a doctor about it.

Venus at 7 degrees Taurus sextiles Neptune in Pisces at 9:16 am Wednesday. All the Venus-Neptune aspects tend to be negative because they allow us to fool ourselves into thinking everything is so gosh-darn hunky-dory, everything is fine, couldn't be better and so forth. However, if you are just daydreaming, or on vacation, this is FINE!!! Also your creative imagination can kick in, so take your camera or your easel with you on a drive to a scenic area. 

 

The Sun at 15 degrees Gemini sextiles Uranus in Aries at 7:20 am Friday. On a mundane level this may merely help us make our friends laugh. You are also mentally active: curious, alert, able to grasp concepts quickly and make leaps in applying these concepts to unusual situations or needs. Pick up a copy of Mechanics Illustrated or some computer mag, look into new software on CNET reviews, that sort of thing. 

 

Mercury goes retrograde at 7:57 am Saturday; it is at 3 degrees 10' Cancer. (Mercury will go direct the morning of July 1.) Ah yes, everyone's favorite times of the year are when Mercury goes retrograde; yes, I am making a joke here. Really, this period can be good for some things. Like a vacation. Why? Because you know you will always wind up back home. Good for doing things over, if indeed they need to be redone, and with the benefit of hindsight you can now do it the way it should have been done the first time.

Please look to the right-hand column on Blogger if you would like these articles translated into Spanish, French, German, Japanese or any other language. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/

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LATE DEGREES – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

POPE FRANCIS – I finally posted a little article on the new Pope Francis and also a kind of book review on a book that accidentally talks about ancient astronomy. The article on Pope Francis is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/a-look-at-the-new-pope-franciss-astro-charts/ And the article on the best book that both is and is not about ancient astronomy is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-best-book-about-ancient-astronomy-that-isnt-about-astrology-per-se/

COOL WEBSITES – In no particular order of importance: Check out Astrology.com -- free lessons online. Watch astronomic animations at http://shadowandsubstance.com/. Go to http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ for a view of our solar system and nearby stars. This guy called the correct winner of the 2012 election, and he puts out a monthly column: http://www.howardbeckmanvedicastrologer.com/wordpress/

This guy writes a cool weekly astrology newsletter and sells astro books: Dave at www.astroamerica.com.

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Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. NOTE: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES - March 20-April 19 – The Moon is void Tuesday after mid-morning and virtually all day Friday so stick to routine matters. You may feel like shopping for a car Thursday night or Friday, or look into some computer software classes. Cardinal signs are up early and raring to go on Saturday, possibly for a day trip, but in any case make sure you have your map and some clear directions. Mercury stations Saturday morning in your solar fourth house; you may have to put up with temporary inconveniences in the home while repairs are done.

TAURUS - April 20-May 20 – Take advantage of a Grand Trine in earth signs Thursday by starting a building project; this project can be anything from a house or garage to a company or event or even just planting the garden. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar third house on Saturday, so you might find yourself making extra errands or wanting to take a day trip; check your to-do list a second time before leaving the house.

GEMINI - May 21-June 20 - The Moon is void Tuesday after mid-morning and virtually all day Friday so stick to routine matters. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar second house on Saturday; check your bank balance before writing another check or charging something. Saturday night is good for working off any stress with physical activity or sports. You may break off a romantic attachment to allow the other person some time to deal with personal problems or duties; keep busy with volunteer activities.

CANCER - June 21-July 22 – The Moon is in Cancer most of the day Sunday, but since the Moon is void of course it is best for Moon Children to stick to routine matters. Cardinal signs are up early and raring to go on Saturday, possibly for a day trip but in any case make sure you have your map and some clear directions. Mercury goes retrograde at 3 degrees of your sign on Saturday, so you might find yourself tripping over your words or your feet until the change of direction sorts itself out.

LEO - July 23-Aug. 22 – The Moon is in Leo from 9:43 pm Sunday till Wednesday morning. The Moon in Leo makes no aspects Sunday but you might get some creative inspiration early Monday morning, something to make you want to write a country song. Monday night favors working off some physical energy with a project, possibly with a friend's help. Tuesday favors expressing your uniqueness. You're not feeling the warm fuzzies mid-morning tho. Thursday presents you with an opportunity to grow a financial nest egg, possibly thru your own savvy investments.

VIRGO - Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – The Moon is in Virgo from 10:20 am Wednesday till Friday night. Make some time Wednesday afternoon with a friend to talk over your or his/her feelings. Any time morning or midday on Thursday favors starting a building project, due to the Grand Trine in earth signs. There may be some interpersonal friction in the afternoon, tho. The Moon is void most of Friday again, so stick to routine matters. Mercury stations Saturday morning in your solar eleventh house; messages from friends may be garbled, lost or misplaced.

LIBRA - Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – The Moon is void Tuesday after mid-morning and virtually all day Friday so stick to routine matters. The Moon is in Libra from 10 pm Friday through the weekend. Cardinal signs are up early and raring to go on Saturday, possibly for a day trip but in any case make sure you have your map and some clear directions. Don't bother opening new discussions on Saturday night, but do work off tensions with some physical activity. Vesta and Ceres are just about in lockstep in your sign as the month begins; Vesta in Libra needs to remember to honor her own needs, while Ceres values fairness and equality above all.

SCORPIO - Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – The Moon is void Tuesday after mid-morning and virtually all day Friday so stick to routine matters. Mercury makes a retrograde station Saturday in your solar ninth house of long trips and higher education, so you might want to revisit a place you already visited, or inquire about finishing that degree. Mercury stations Saturday morning in your solar ninth house; manuscripts or research papers may need heavy revision, as well as any long trips you take during this retrograde phase.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 22-Dec. 21 – Early Tuesday finds you striking out on your motorcycle for new horizons. The Moon is void Tuesday after mid-morning and virtually all day Friday so stick to routine matters. Mercury stations Saturday morning in your solar eighth house; check all the p's and q's of your insurance submissions before sending them in. Ceres and Vesta in your solar eleventh house may make you give in to your friends' demands all too easily, just out of an unbalanced sense of fairness.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22-Jan. 19 - Take advantage of a Grand Trine in earth signs Thursday by starting a building project; this project can be anything from a house or garage to a company or event or even just planting the garden. Cardinal signs are up early and raring to go on Saturday, possibly for a day trip but in any case make sure you have your map and some clear directions. Mercury stations Saturday morning in your solar seventh house; communications with your spouse or the public may need clarification.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – The Moon is void Tuesday after mid-morning and virtually all day Friday so stick to routine matters. Thursday presents an opportunity to grow a financial nest egg, possibly thru a mutual fund or a spouse. Mercury stations Saturday morning in your solar sixth house; medical tests may have to be repeated, or you revisit old health issues. You may shoot yourself in the foot regarding settlement of a legal matter; you need to stand up for your own rights and avoid caving in to other's demands.

PISCES - Feb. 18-March 19 - The Moon is void Tuesday after mid-morning and virtually all day Friday so stick to routine matters. Take a day trip Wednesday with camera or easel at the ready, all the better to re-inspire yourself with beautiful scenery. Mercury stations Saturday morning in your solar fifth house; hold off on decisions regarding the kids until your info is confirmed. You try to arrive at a creative solution to a difficult situation with fairness and equality.

Your Milky Way Horoscope Feb. 2-8, 2014

By Milky Way Maid

Dear Readers-- I continue to recover from an episode of blood clots on the lungs. Thanks for your good thoughts and get-well wishes. Please visit the website of the National Blood Clot Alliance at StopTheClot.org to learn more about blood clots and when you might need to see a doctor about it.

Mercury goes Stationary Retrograde at 4:43 pm Thursday at 3 degrees 18' of Pisces. It will cross back into Aquarius on Feb. 12 or 13, and go Direct on Feb. 28 at 18 degrees 10' of Aquarius. Mercury will not cross 3 degrees Pisces again until about March 20, so make a note of any projects or issues that are stalled by the retrograde because they might not really move forward again until March 20. This all depends on whether transiting Mercury contacts (or aspects) any natal planets, too.

More on Mercury Retrograde in Pisces and Aquarius: Some have noted people get pretty slack about keeping up with real-world demands when Mercury retrogrades in Pisces; procrastination can take over and then really snarl your schedule. Psychic or paranormal experiences may enter your mind field. People often feel more stressed, and seek a quiet place to spend a few hours. This retrograding Mercury will actually spend more time in Aquarius, where it makes people more fixed in their views and opinions, causing serious friction both at home and at work. The worst part is that both sides might be wrong. Those who analyze medical astrological data state that they see more nerve and muscle disorders during Mercury retrograde in Aquarius.

Please look to the right-hand column on Blogger if you would like these articles translated into Spanish, French, German, Japanese or any other language. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/

----------------------------------------------------

LATE DEGREES – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

POPE FRANCIS – I finally posted a little article on the new Pope Francis and also a kind of book review on a book that accidentally talks about ancient astronomy. The article on Pope Francis is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/a-look-at-the-new-pope-franciss-astro-charts/ And the article on the best book that both is and is not about ancient astronomy is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-best-book-about-ancient-astronomy-that-isnt-about-astrology-per-se/

COOL WEBSITES – In no particular order of importance: Check out Astrology.com -- free lessons online. Watch astronomic animations at http://shadowandsubstance.com/. Go to http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ for a view of our solar system and nearby stars. This guy called the correct winner of the 2012 election, and he puts out a monthly column: http://www.howardbeckmanvedicastrologer.com/wordpress/

This guy writes a cool weekly astrology newsletter and sells astro books: Dave at www.AstroAmerica.com.

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Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. NOTE: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES - March 20-April 19 – The Moon is in Aries from 11:55 pm Sunday till Wednesday morning. Try to avoid getting obsessed with an idea or a person Monday night; best to walk away and cool off. You may still be rather defensive the next day. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar twelfth to eleventh houses on Thursday; try to avoid pitched battles with friends and bosom buddies over viewpoints that may not be so important in the long run.

TAURUS - April 20-May 20 – The Moon is in Taurus from 4:46 am Wednesday till midday Friday. Tuesday night you may be way too defensive when talking about negative health habits that are doing yourself no favors. Wednesday should be a pleasant day with much touching bases with friends and relatives. Relax with a movie late that night. Thursday continues on a productive phase, even with Mercury going retrograde that afternoon. Try to get as much done as possible Thursday morning rather than afternoon.

GEMINI - May 21-June 20 – The Moon is in Gemini from 1:44 pm Friday thru the weekend. You can get a lot done Friday evening due to excellent focus on the task. However, you might be prone to worries later that night; try to distract yourself with family game night or other group activities. You enjoy comedy and expressing yourself freely on Saturday morn – a la Born to Be Wild. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar tenth to ninth houses on Thursday; you could get drawn into battles over agendas, or the boss may overhear something you'd rather he hadn't.

CANCER - June 21-July 22 – You may be emotionally over the top Monday night; put the brakes on and look at things objectively. Tuesday night you may be way too defensive when dealing with criticism of how you juggle work and career demands. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar ninth to eighth houses on Thursday; try not to be so adamant about your convictions this month.

LEO - July 23-Aug. 22 - Tuesday night you may be way too defensive when someone questions what you know or how you know it. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar eighth to seventh houses on Thursday; you could get into pitched battles with your partners (personal or business partners) possibly over joint finances or other pooled monies.

VIRGO - Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – Tuesday night you may be way too defensive when dealing with money issues, your own or joint accounts. Thursday morning may be the best period for asking for favors; in fact you may get even more than you hope for. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar seventh to sixth houses on Thursday; you and a health provider may have strong opinions on what your medical problem is, re problems affecting nerves and muscles.

LIBRA - Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – Monday night may be the most stressful period of the week; remember to express your caring and restrain yourself from saying things you don't mean. Tuesday night you may be way too defensive when dealing with your mate. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar sixth to fifth houses on Thursday; a child's health may be a concern for the month. There may be a great deal of confusion regarding health or legal matters Friday night.

SCORPIO - Oct. 23-Nov. 21 -Sunday's Moon-Saturn trine may see you lay a guilt trip on the kids, in the guise of having a meaningful chat. Tuesday night you may be way too defensive when talking about negative health habits that are doing yourself no favors. Worries may bog you down late Thursday but that is a short-term transit. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar fifth to fourth houses on Thursday; disputes over family members, especially children, may mar the month.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 22-Dec. 21 - Tuesday night you may be way too defensive when dealing with friends and their opinion of your creative efforts, or of your latest love interest. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar fourth to third houses on Thursday; family trips may be the topic of heated discussions. Be sensitive to a partner's worries or confusion Friday night. Saturday morning is best for enjoying life and laughs.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – Sunday's Moon-Saturn trine may see you laying a guilt trip on a child of yours regarding how much you pay for their phone or internet access. Monday's squares to the Moon may propel some heated family arguments; everyone may need a timeout! Thursday morning may be the best period for asking favors. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar third to second houses on Thursday; be especially careful driving to avoid costly accidents.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20-Feb. 17 - Tuesday night you may be way too defensive when someone questions what you know or how you know it. Mercury goes retrograde in your solar second to first houses on Thursday; you may shoot yourself in the foot during this retrograde, mis-speaking in such a way that hurts your image. Be sensitive to a child's worries or confusion Friday night. Children's laughter can be most healing when you share some quality time Saturday morning.

PISCES - Feb. 18-March 19 – The Moon is in Pisces on Sunday, but goes void-of-course about midday. This means try to stick to routine matters in the afternoon or evening. An early luncheon with older in-laws or with a mentor looks favorable. Tuesday night you may be way too defensive when dealing with money issues, your own or joint accounts. Be sensitive to a family member's worries or confusion Friday night.

Your Milky Way Horoscope Oct. 20-26, 2013

By Milky Way Maid

Mercury goes retrograde Monday, Oct. 21 at 6:29 am, on 18 degrees 24' of Scorpio. Also you may wish to make a note of this-- Mercury will go direct on Nov. 11 at 2 degrees Scorpio. Mercury retrograde can be a barrel of laughs, really, once things settle down again. But in Scorpio, things can be more serious than mix-ups of schedule – errors can involve making wrong assumptions about guilt or innocence, about fidelity or adultery, about loyalty or betrayal. Mercury will be in my natal first house, so this should be a bit more interesting for me than usual, ha!

The Sun enters Scorpio at 2:10 am Wednesday, sneaking in during the wee hours, and on tiptoe so as not to wake up the wife upstairs. Sun in Scorpio is not one to hang back when it comes to finding out the details of other people's wishes, needs or desires. They generally will figure out some way of finding out what they wish to know, either by direct or indirect means. Emotions can leak out of Scorpio's tough hide in a way that can make others uncomfortable or even feel goaded. However, a more mature Scorpio soul can use his intuitive understanding of human nature to uplift, to encourage, and to lend emotional support. 

 

People with Sun in Scorpio can have great personal magnetism, an attraction that has nothing to do with looks. Scorpios are said to be of two or three main types – the scorpion, the snake or serpent, and the soaring eagle for the most spiritually-developed type. Eagles are dedicated laborers for the common good. Scorpios can be quite intelligent plus have the physical stamina to achieve their goals. Famous people with Sun in Scorpio include: soprano Joan Sutherland, artist Pablo Picasso, authors Robert Louis Stevenson and Eugene Ionesco, Marie Curie, Marie Antoinette, Martin Luther, Bobby Kennedy, Richard Burton, Billy Graham, Jonas Salk, Leon Trotsky, and Felix Frankfurter. 

 

The Sun at 2 degrees Scorpio soon trines Neptune in Pisces at 6:41 pm Friday. Spiritual tendencies are stronger under this transit, and favor quiet meditation or walks in natural settings (especially by a body of water or a waterfall). You may even have an ESP experience or something mystical – tuning in to another's thoughts or feelings, having a peak experience, having a prophetic or powerful dream, etc. Neptune is also strongly idealistic, which can make you vulnerable to being suckered in by a scammer. I get a feeling of buoyancy when thinking of this Sun-Neptune aspect – like a beach ball floating in a pool. Let's hope that your spirits are buoyed by this transit just like that beach ball!

Please look to the right-hand column on Blogger if you would like these articles translated into Spanish, French, German, Japanese or any other language. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/

----------------------------------------------------

LATE DEGREES – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

POPE FRANCIS – I finally posted a little article on the new Pope Francis and also a kind of book review on a book that accidentally talks about ancient astronomy. The article on Pope Francis is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/a-look-at-the-new-pope-franciss-astro-charts/ And the article on the best book that both is and is not about ancient astronomy is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-best-book-about-ancient-astronomy-that-isnt-about-astrology-per-se/

GREAT WEBSITES – In no particular order of importance: Check out Astrology.com -- free lessons online. Watch astronomic animations at http://shadowandsubstance.com/. Go to http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ for a view of our solar system and nearby stars. This guy called the correct winner of the 2012 election, and he puts out a monthly column: http://www.howardbeckmanvedicastrologer.com/wordpress/

This guy writes a cool weekly astrology newsletter and sells astro books: Dave at www.astroamerica.com.

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Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. NOTE: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES - March 20-April 19 – Sunday favors having the extended family over for dinner. Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar eighth house, on Monday; don't make assumptions about insurance or wills. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine. Your independent attitude may annoy others Thursday night, but you can't help it, you gotta be you. You could feel like taking personal days Thursday and Friday, just to have a holiday.

TAURUS - April 20-May 20 – The Moon is in Taurus from Sunday till midday Monday. Sunday favors having relatives over for dinner, who bring lots of happy chatter into the house. Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar seventh house, on Monday; misunderstandings easily occur between you and your partner, so don't make assumptions. Monday night brings tensions from a T-square; maybe you want to work it off with yoga.

GEMINI - May 21-June 20 – The Moon is in Gemini from 12:14 pm Monday till late Wednesday. Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar sixth house, on Monday; appointments may be changed at the last minute this month, or lab work gets lost. Also Monday pm is rather stressful for all mutable signs, since your energy mysteriously vanishes, leaving you unable to carry out your tasks. Tuesday morn brings a laugh from a friend. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine.

CANCER - June 21-July 22 – Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar fifth house, on Monday; a movie suffers technical problems and so your ticket is refunded. The Moon is home in Cancer from 11:36 pm Wednesday till midday Saturday. Thursday and Friday may find your spirits buoyed up by the Moon-Sun-Neptune grand trine. Mid-morning Thursday finds you energetically doing errands or pinning people down for appointments. Friday morning favors reaching people by phone or email, or paying a personal call. A bit of wine will be nice with Friday's dinner, just watch out lest you overdo.

LEO - July 23-Aug. 22 – Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar fourth house, on Monday; the plans of family members may have last-minute changes or mix-ups so be flexible. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine. Family members may daydream of the inheritance they expect to get, over Friday dinner, but that may be an elusive prize. The Moon is in Leo from 12:12 pm Saturday thru the weekend. A Saturday night pillow fights is on the agenda.

VIRGO - Aug. 23-Sept. 22 - Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar third house, on Monday; double-check all papers and emails that go out the rest of the month. Also Monday pm is rather stressful for all mutable signs, since your energy mysteriously vanishes, leaving you unable to carry out your tasks. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine. Try not to let anyone ruffle your feathers Thursday evening.

LIBRA - Sept. 23-Oct. 22 - Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar second house, on Monday; count your change, and make sure to lock up valuables. Your ruler Venus feels estranged and unloved on Tuesday. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine. If you have expectations that a second income may appear Friday, your hope may be illusory. Try not to let your mate ruffle your feathers Thursday evening.

SCORPIO - Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – Mercury goes retrograde in your sign on Monday; you may trip over your own tongue, or make wrong assumptions. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine – once that day is past, the Sun's entry into your sign makes you feel more alive in the brisk fall air. Friday evening favors a romantic dinner near water, possibly with quiet music playing. Don't let a coworker, or a person in uniform, ruffle your feathers Thursday evening.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 22-Dec. 21 - Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar twelfth house, on Monday; you can easily be your own worst enemy and say the wrong things. Also Monday pm is rather stressful for all mutable signs, since your energy mysteriously vanishes, leaving you unable to carry out your tasks. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine. Don't let one of the kids upset you Thursday night, just because they are in a rebellious mood.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22-Jan. 19 - Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar eleventh house, on Monday; friends may be out of reach, or misunderstandings occur which should be cleared up asap. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine. A family member's rebellious mood may ruffle your feathers Thursday night, but let it run off your back. You try to maintain scientific thinking Friday, but some data or assumptions are a little off.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar tenth house, on Monday; be careful what you say where the boss might overhear. Your ruler Uranus is in a quirky, humorous mood Tuesday morning. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine. Your sense of humor may not be appreciated by a relative Thursday night. You and your Friday dinner companion have fun dreaming about what you'd do if you won the lottery.

PISCES - Feb. 18-March 19 - Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio, your solar ninth house, on Monday; legal matters may be delayed due to paperwork errors, or contracts may have mistakes in them. Also Monday pm is rather stressful for all mutable signs, since your energy mysteriously vanishes, leaving you unable to carry out your tasks. The Moon is void all day Wednesday so stick to routine. You and your Friday dinner companion may dream of long trips together.

Mercury Retrograde Struck Again! Trip to Nowhere for Would-Be Conference Attendee

by Milky Way Maid

Mercury retrograde created a true nightmarish Trip to Nowhere for a young would-be attendee of a three-day conference. He arrived at BWI airport on June 27, in time for a departing flight which was delayed two hours. He then arrived in time for a connecting flight in Dallas-Ft. Worth, only to learn that it was cancelled! June 27 was the day after Mercury made its retrograde station.

No flight is scheduled that day but he is given a flight the following day for Atlanta; he spends the night thanks to a hotel voucher. This flight is again delayed but takes off. The bad news is that he misses his connection to Portland and again spends the night in a hotel.

This means he would arrive just as the weekend convention closes. Ha ha, Mercury laughs up his sleeve at the unfortunate traveler. He never made it to Portland, having truly experienced the worst of airline travel. On top of everything else, an airline initially refused him any refund because they said he was a “No Show” (for a flight that had been cancelled)!!!

For all the details on this nightmarish trip, you may go to http://www.hearingloss.org/sites/default/files/docs/TheRoundTripToNoWhere.pdf

Russians launch rocket during Mercury Retrograde – astrologers do a facepalm!

By Milky Way Maid

What were they thinking, anyway? Those Russians launched a 17-story rocket with a $200 million-dollar payload, and it goes kablooey within seconds of liftoff. Sorry but I have no chart for this accident due to the lack of an exact time that it occurred.


“The Russian rocket that exploded during lift-off on Tuesday morning has already cost the country's government more than $200 million — the estimated value of the three GLONASS satellites that the Proton-M was carrying. But the crash might also be accompanied by significant ecological tolls and human health problems due to the toxic nature of the outdated fuel combination the rocket relies on.”

Your Milky Way Horoscope June 23-29, 2013

By Milky Way Maid

We have a Full Moon at 2 degrees Capricorn at 7:32 am Sunday. The Moon is conjunct Pluto, and sextiles Saturn and Neptune. This seems to be a very somber and serious lunation, although let's hope that it does not trigger anything tragic in the headlines. I don't really specialize in New Moon or Full Moon commentary, but if you like, you can right click on this link and bring up an article from Isis Moon Tarot on this lunation: http://isismoontarot.com/index.php/capricorn-full-moon-2013/ She calls the Saturn-Neptune trine, “The Hanged Man.”

Jupiter enters Cancer the Crab at 9:40 pm Tuesday. Jupiter last entered Cancer in July of 2001; the ensuing weight gain was counteracted by the entrance of Saturn in June 2003. But Cancerians will not have a following Saturn to help them lose any weight gained this time around. What does that mean for you, on a practical level? It means you will have to learn a new route home, one that does not take you past that wonderful French or Italian or Greek bakery. It means you will have to watch your calories and salt intake like a hawk. It means you will have to find a more positive expression of Jupiter, using its power to open up new horizons and higher levels of understanding.

Jupiter in Cancer is able to make others feel like they belong in any given social situation, because you understand the longing to belong feeling. You can create a feeling of family in the home or at work. You could host exchange students or other visitors and make them feel comfortable and accepted. Jupiter here is optimistic and good-humored, and often gifted with good fortune, which is sometimes a result of your great intuition. Business luck often comes through associating with liquids (water, milk, beer, wine, etc), with the hospitality or restaurant trade, or with nursing or the home.

Famous people with Jupiter in Cancer include: baseball player Willie Mays, former president Harry Truman, ballerina Margot Fonteyn, Billy Graham, authors J D Salinger and James Thurber, playwright William Shakespeare, actors John Wayne and Leslie Caron, humorist Mark Twain, and singer Andy Williams.

Ooh, a Grand Trine in Water looms on Wednesday! The Sun at 4 and 5 degrees Cancer trines first Saturn in Scorpio (at 5:13 am) then Neptune in Pisces (1:48 pm). Now I should warn you there are some astrologers who feel that grand trines just make people so lazy that nothing ever comes of them. But if one is alert and patient and prepared, one can find opportunities virtually dumped in one's lap. Because of inertia or mental blocks or whatever, sometimes we reject offers without even thinking about how it might be doable. Don't let that happen to you! Also pay attention to feelings and intuition and dreams; you may latch onto hidden truths that way.

Mercury at 23 degrees, 5' of Cancer makes a retrograde station at 9:08 am. Mercury will go direct again on July 20 at 13 degrees Cancer. Since it is in the sign of Cancer, you may find yourself turning more towards family and historical subjects, flipping through photo albums, crying over souvenirs, etc. You may revisit childhood sites like the old school or neighborhood, attend reunions, look up old boyfriends, make those sentimental journeys. Because a great deal of literature is written about childhood experiences but from the distance of many years, you may find yourself writing some kind of reminiscence. So have some writing paper or a journal handy!

That wandering girl, Venus, enters Leo at 1:03 pm Thursday – just a wee bit late for the matinee but all the better to make an entrance. An immature or insecure Venus-in-Leo type can obsessively seek others' approval whether in the spotlight or in social situations. They don't realize the power of their Venus to spread sunshine all around, but first they have to turn it on. Stop trying to predict if your expression will meet with applause or not, and just spread those Venus rays. Your power is such that your warmth can free others from disabling emotional trauma as well as the monotony of the daily rut. This placement of Venus marks a truly generous and humanitarian soul.

On a personal level, this Leo is demonstrative and warm, affectionate with his or her own loved ones, especially their children. Famous people with Venus in Leo include: poet Percy Shelley, author Leo Tolstoy, golfer Arnold Palmer, talk-show host and game-show baron Merv Griffin, actress Greta Garbo, playwright George Bernard Shaw, composer Alan Jay Lerner, author Truman Capote, singers Eddie Fisher and Jimmy Dean, conductor Leonard Bernstein, and architect Eero Saarinen.

Please look to the right-hand column on Blogger if you would like these articles translated into Spanish, French, German, Japanese or any other language. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/

LATE DEGREES – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

POPE FRANCIS – I finally posted a little article on the new Pope Francis and also a kind of book review on a book that accidentally talks about ancient astronomy. The article on Pope Francis is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/a-look-at-the-new-pope-franciss-astro-charts/ And the article on the best book that both is and is not about ancient astronomy is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-best-book-about-ancient-astronomy-that-isnt-about-astrology-per-se/

GREAT WEBSITES – In no particular order of importance: Check out Astrology.com -- free lessons online. Watch astronomic animations at http://shadowandsubstance.com/. Go to http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ for a view of our solar system and nearby stars. This guy called the correct winner of the 2012 election, and he puts out a monthly column: http://www.howardbeckmanvedicastrologer.com/wordpress/

This guy writes a cool weekly astrology newsletter and sells astro books: Dave at www.astroamerica.com.

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. NOTE: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES - March 20-April 19 – Jupiter enters your solar fourth house on Tuesday; latent talents in real estate or other business skills may surface and prove to be in demand. Wednesday morning favors sports, possibly playing tennis with a friend. Venus enters your solar fifth house on Thursday; sure to bring lots of party invites to say yes to, but also brings sweeter creative expression. The Moon is in Aries from 9:06 am Saturday thru the weekend. Saturday afternoon favors time spent in creative pursuits or with your children.

TAURUS - April 20-May 20 – You put some serious thought into career goals Sunday. Jupiter enters your solar third house on Tuesday; the exchange of knowledge, especially with relatives or on the subject of local history, brings opportunities and rewards. Venus enters your solar fourth house on Thursday; you enjoy entertaining in your home more often this month – and be sure to share your recipes. A nice long chat with friends charms you Friday night. You may be in a party mood midday Saturday, as you reign over an open house.

GEMINI - May 21-June 20 – You put some serious thought into joint finances and insurance Sunday. Jupiter enters your solar second house on Tuesday; you act on opportunities to earn money that were never offered before. Venus enters your solar third house on Thursday; you may enjoy doing more crafts, and profit from teaching others any of your many skills. But your thoughts about your career midday Thursday are all fuzzy.

CANCER - June 21-July 22 – Sunday may be a good day to brainstorm where a talented child may find opportunities. Jupiter enters your Sun Sign on Tuesday; watch your diet carefully, but also expect good fortune. Water signs benefit from the Grand Trine on Wednesday, if they pay attention to their intuition. Venus enters your solar second house on Thursday; you may receive generous gifts, tips, or perks this month.

LEO - July 23-Aug. 22 – On Sunday you put some serious thought into what kind of workplace would be ideal for you. Shopping may be your Achilles heel on Monday. Jupiter enters your solar twelfth house on Tuesday; you enrich your life by developing spiritual and psychic awareness, possibly by attending a retreat. Venus enters your sign on Thursday; make a visit to your fave salon for the deluxe package, so you can make a properly regal entrance. Thursday does not favor contracting with or signing any insurance papers, wills, or joint financial arrangements.

VIRGO - Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – You may help a friend shop for great deals Monday. Jupiter enters your solar eleventh house on Tuesday; joining a club related to gourmet cooking, genealogy, local history, or similar interests can prove rewarding. Venus enters your solar twelfth house on Thursday; you dramatize the belief in the need to understand and tolerate all others in a mass raised consciousness. You may idealize your mate a great deal midday Thursday, but that's OK.

LIBRA - Sept. 23-Oct. 22 - Jupiter enters your solar tenth house on Tuesday; management opportunities in family services, catering, or the restaurant or hospitality industries may open up and be rewarding. Venus enters your solar eleventh house on Thursday; you share your personal talents with a group, such as presenting a play as a fund-raiser for a non-profit, or reconciling factions within an organization. But your thoughts about the workplace Thursday may be pretty fuzzy, or perhaps too idealistic.

SCORPIO - Oct. 23-Nov. 21 - Jupiter enters your solar ninth house on Tuesday; areas such as family law, developing one's intuition, or writing about family vacations or sentimental journeys can prove rewarding. Water signs benefit from the Grand Trine on Wednesday, if they pay attention to their intuition. Venus enters your solar tenth house on Thursday; this puts you in a prominent position for your artistic and even theatrical talents, possibly as the face and voice of the company. Artistic Scorpios can really play that piano midday Thursday, or you really get into a music recording.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 22-Dec. 21 - Jupiter enters your solar eighth house on Tuesday; a plum position with a family business may be offered. Venus enters your solar ninth house on Thursday; you benefit from offering your artistic talents to law firms, for example, re decorating or refurbishing services, or putting on a performance as a fund-raiser for a school. Thursday does not, however, favor bringing strangers into the home, or for that matter, a water bed.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – The Moon is in Capricorn from 4:08 am Sunday till early Tuesday. You may call on siblings or friends Sunday for referrals or advice. You're not too keen about your mate's purchases Monday, even tho she probably made some very good deals. Jupiter enters your solar seventh house on Tuesday; your life may be enriched with the addition of a business or life partner. Venus enters your solar eighth house on Thursday; can connect with others in a subtle or unspoken manner, making them feel welcome.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – The Moon is in Aquarius from 3:25 am Tuesday till early Thursday. Forget about asking the boss for a favor Tuesday. Jupiter enters your solar sixth house on Tuesday; service industries may prove profitable, such as running a cleaning service or bed-and-breakfast. The Moon is void most of the day Wednesday, but it kicks off with a nice Moon-Mars trine that will give you the energy to do a jobs. Venus enters your solar seventh house Thursday; you are extra polite in dealing with the public, and may be in the public eye for your artistic talents.

PISCES - Feb. 18-March 19 – Jupiter enters your solar fifth house on Tuesday; expressing your creative talents, or encouraging the talents of children, can prove rewarding. The Moon is in Pisces from 4:32 am Thursday till Saturday morning. Beware the after-lunch slump on Thursday. Water signs benefit from the Grand Trine on Wednesday, if they pay attention to their intuition. Venus enters your solar sixth house on Thursday; Venus harmonizes work relationships, and you possibly work in support of the arts. You enjoy a long-distance phone call Friday night. 

What Stupid Thing Did I Do During Mercury Retrograde? Shop

by Milky Way Maid

Having written about Mercury retrograde does not keep me from doing stupid stuff while Mercury is in fact moving in retrograde motion.

Witness the fact that I went shopping a bit last Friday, April 15. I knew Mercury was retrograde. I knew that if one goes shopping during a Mercury retrograde, one ought to examine the merchandise pretty carefully for damage and make sure it fits. One cannot count on being able to return the item for a cash refund, you know.
I figure used items fit well into the Mercury retrograde theme, so I go to resale shops. So far, so good, because I find three pairs of shoes at the local Salvation Army store.

And I really needed shoes so I was happy to find anything that fit my wide feet. Maybe I was a bit too happy, because I did not lift the shoes up or flip them over.
Item Number One: One pair looked like it had never been worn. These were the Earth Shoe sandals in a mahogany color. Kind of like huaraches. Very nice, I'll take them.

Item Number Two: Another was a very simple pair of basic loafers. Gotta have some loafers, right? Only $5, worth every penny if they fit. I could get my feet into them at the store, so in the cart they went.

Item Number Three: The third pair was another pair of sandals in split leather or a lookalike, with a little rosette cut out near the toe and a T-strap. They seemed quite roomy in the toes and so I said to myself, hey this is my lucky day, girl. In the cart they went.

Item Number Four: The last item was a leather-look purse or portfolio with a Kathy Lee brand logo. Pretty good shape, a bit dirty but I can clean it up a bit. Will hold a lot and looks very sturdy. At $2.99 this is the steal of the day. And I only found this after about giving up looking for purses in another section of the store. This was hanging with the backpacks and above the luggage.

Now you get three guesses which item or items were the clunkers.

ANSWERS: Over the weekend, I tried to put on the basic loafers and I could not even get my feet into them. What?!? Well, they were obviously unworn so I put them back into a plastic bag and would return them Monday while on some errands. Had to hunt a bit for the receipt, but yes here it is, in the bag it went with the shoes. One of the hallmarks of Mercury retrograde is having to do things over again: go back to the store to make a return, tear out the floor you just did and start over, redo the document that you just lost to the cyber gods, etc.

I stop at the gas station while out on my errands. I am wearing sandals, Item Number Two. I feel kinda funny while standing there pumping gas into the tank, and bend over to examine the sandals. You know what? These are REALLY ventilated. The outer seam where the uppers attach to the base is ripped out from my little toes to the heel section. Wow. When did this happen? Before they were donated to S.A., or when I wore them while doing laundry over the weekend? I will never know. I do not want to make another trip home to put on other shoes, so I could take these back with the loafers.

I decide to tough it out and just take the loafers back for now. I go into the store with the bag and receipt and explain the problem with the loafers to the clerk at the checkout.

She stated that normally they only take clothes as returns, but would take back this pair this time only. I thank her. She asks if I want a store credit or would like to shop a bit today. I tell her I will look around and if I cannot find anything today, I will take the store credit, thanks.

So I wander back to the shoe section and lo and behold, I find a nice pair of white shoes, wide in the toes and properly snug in the heel. These are the kind that are cut low in back and I normally do not look twice at that style. These catch my eye because they look nice and summery and I sure need the toe room. They fit wonderfully well and I gladly take them back to the checkout lady. They are the exact same price as the loafers and so I do not have to cough up more nickels and dimes.

OK, I got an even exchange on the loafers for a nice pair of summer shoes. When I get home, I take off the tan sandals and look at them more closely. I had in mind that maybe these could be reglued by a cobbler or something.

But these are a disaster. Not only have the uppers come apart from the base all along the outer edge, but the soles have deep cracks if you bend them. Both shoes. Made in Spain, if that means anything. The rain in Spain gets your feet wet because the shoes are falling apart.

I decide that well, I did not do too badly. In the end, I got two pairs of shoes and a sturdy purse for a total of about $24. The purse alone was worth that. One pair of shoes in a mall would have cost me at least that much. So I did not cry too much over the lost $6.99 or whatever for the Spanish sandals. Except that I am so broke right now that I cannot easily spare that amount. But mustn't cry over spilt milk. Count myself lucky to find anything at all. Yep, life can be good sometimes. Even under a Mercury retrograde.

Retrogrades and Going Backwards -- Venus and Mars, plus a little Mercury

by Milky Way Maid

Lately I have been getting hints to pay attention to retrogrades. This past weekend I watched a DVD of a 2007 film titled “The Dark Backward”; it was nothing about astrology, of course, just a weird comedy about a guy who grows a third arm on his back and tries to boost his career as a stand-up comic with it. Then there was a chapter in a book, “The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King” (about the biggest poker stakes games in Vegas ever played) called The Last Lesson of Professor Backward. Then I finally pick up my copy of Dell Horoscope, the April issue, and find an article on planet retrogrades.

Aha, I say to myself, this must be what all those hints are about. I knew of course that Mars is currently retrograding. Mars had its retrograde station on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 8:27 am ET, at 19 degrees 42 minutes of proud Leo. This was right after an exciting Venus square Uranus on Saturday, so I imagine there were a lot of nascent romances that failed to get off the ground after an interesting start that Saturday. BUT fear not, things could revive again once Mars is direct and reaches that 19 degree point.

ALSO, romances that DID start while Mars was retrograde can fizzle once Mars goes direct. (This all depends on aspects in effect at first meeting.)

Anyway, Mars goes back to the beginning of Leo and turns direct Wed., March 10 at 12:09 pm ET, at about zero degrees 18 minutes of Leo. It will not reach the retrograde degree until mid-May! BTW the critical degrees of fixed signs are 8 and 22 degrees; Mars contacted that point the first couple days of February (in retrograde motion) and will grind over that point again April 18-21. It will hit 22 Leo on May 22-24. So if you have natal planets at those degrees, keep an eye peeled for what transpires. Leo rules show business, actors, casinos, gamblers, and celebs in general.

This fall Venus will go retrograde for six weeks, from Oct. 8-Nov. 18, going direct the same day that Jupiter goes direct in Pisces. Venus goes retro at 13 degrees Scorpio, a sign she is not really comfortable in, and goes direct in her home sign Libra at 27 degrees. Venus wants to put her relationships on an equal footing, in a loving, positive, and socially-recognized level. It has nothing to do with what others think of her, it has to do with being a grownup and taking responsibility for the health and well-being of the relationship. As a friend recently wrote in a blog, the primary consideration in the relationship has to be the relationship itself, not the well-being of either party. You do whatever is needed to feed and nurture the relationship, and you do it willingly.

The late degree of Libra also strongly suggests that many relationships will turn into marriages or at least committed live-in arrangements. Weddings to desirable 'catches' can occur under these late degrees.

Mercury goes retro for about 9 weeks of the year, for three weeks at a time. Dates when old Merc goes retro are/were: (Dec. 2009) till Jan 15 at 5 degrees Capricorn, April 18 at 12 degrees Taurus till May 11 at 2 degrees Taurus, Aug. 20 at 19 degrees Virgo till Sept. 12 at 5 degrees Virgo, and Dec.10 at almost 6 degrees Capricorn till Dec.19 at 19 degrees Sag.

I see Mercury retrogrades as positive periods when one can catch up and re-examine the data to catch errors. Good for catching errors in bank statements, etc. or spreadsheets at work. It's a lot of extra work to fix the errors but it has to be done. One also stands a good chance of finding out the real story behind the official story, so investigative work is favored, too.

Shoppers like it because prices are discounted, tho they have to look over the goods carefully for flaws or to make sure it will fit. And some of us love to take vacations when Mercury is retrograde because we know we will be coming back home!

Mercury Retrograde through the Houses

by Milky Way Maid

I have had lots of experience with Mercury retrograde. Perhaps because I was born with Mercury retrograde in my chart, I have taken more notice of its effects.

Please do not dread these weeks while Mercury is retrograde. I have tried to note ways that it may be positive in each house, as given below. Mercury retrograde can bring problems to light, so that they can finally be properly fixed. You may find out the truth about a company, person or issue by chance or by checking things out on the internet. You may have made a search before, or asked the same person before, but at last you ask in a way that elicits the desired information.

And lastly, Mercury retrograde can be a fine time to travel memory lane. Pick up the photo album. Talk about the great times you had as a kid. Play that CD or DVD again, or re-read that classic novel and discover new layers of meaning.

Mercury Retrograde in First House: May cause you to misspeak more often, forgetfulness, or make your written communications garbled. Proofread emails and documents before sending, and think how someone will interpret what you say before blurting things out. It can however be a good time to get feedback from others on your thoughts. Some chance of getting lost, taking a wrong turn, falls, stumbles, etc.

Mercury Retrograde in Second House: Affects money and financial accounts, income and sources of income, material possessions. Double-check those bank statements and other financial papers. You may misplace a possession and have to backtrack to find it. You may buy something you never use, or it may not work right.

Mercury Retrograde in Third House: Minor injuries to legs or arms. Hitting hand on doors or furniture. Lost or misplaced mail or email; check the spam folder. Transit difficulties such as getting lost, taking a wrong turn, traffic jams, being given wrong directions. Printers can get overtime or rush orders needed to issue corrected documents and mailings.

Mercury Retrograde in Fourth House: Can mess up communicating with family members, so make sure everyone is clear on who is picking up whom and when, and where. Having errors in home repairs or having to redo home improvements. The repairman doesn't show up or is late.

Mercury Retrograde in Fifth House: Romantic dates go wrong or are canceled. You go out on a double date and wind up switching partners. Changes in schedule or cast for plays and other performances. Actors may forget lines or have to ad-lib when things go wrong. Also sports events may have surprising winners. You gotta roll with the punches with this placement. Also dust off that old game from the attic and re-discover how much fun it is.

Mercury Retrograde in Sixth House: Lab tests or x-rays miss the diagnosis. Surgery may be canceled or delayed due to equipment malfunction. The healthcare provider may be ill. Having to undergo a second surgery to fix what was missed.

Mercury Retrograde in Seventh House: Keep to prepared statements if speaking in public. Try not to laugh too hard at a spouse's errors. Performers may be brought back for an encore appearance.

Mercury Retrograde in Eighth House: Can cause confusion and misunderstandings regarding insurance or what you expect to inherit. Re-read those insurance policies and wills. A corrected claim may submitted successfully this time.

Mercury Retrograde in Ninth House: Can cause snafus in printing your latest book, or lost/misplaced records or homework at college. Keep backup copies of your final papers or book draft. A court case may be rescheduled or dismissed. The lawyer may steal your money. Canceled airline flights or missed connections. Other travel snafus.

Mercury Retrograde in Tenth House: Can cause cutbacks at work, rescheduled meetings or temporary down time due to any cause (but often for computer downtime). And of course the dreaded pink slip or firing. Temporary layoffs. But also work orders and overtime on a rush basis, often to issue corrected versions of company statements or mailings. The boss overhears you say something embarrassing.

Mercury Retrograde in Eleventh House: Can cause canceled or rescheduled get-togethers with friends, or rearranged club meetings where the guest speaker misses a flight. Be prepared with a Plan B; that may mean getting your notes and Powerpoint together if you have to substitute for the original speaker.

Mercury Retrograde in Twelfth House: Possibly the worst place for it, due to shooting yourself in the foot! You blurt things out in interviews when you admit that you did not do much of some key operation. You may also suffer from others' errors, so ask for a review of any decision or fee that goes against you. Gad, maybe you should just shut up and stay home reading a book!

The Obama Inauguration Chart

The day that has seemed inevitable since summer is finally upon us. President-elect Barack Obama will take the oath of office on January 20 as prescribed in the Constitution. Actually the original document set March 4 as the inauguration day, but us modern hurry-up types moved it forward. Looking back, it would be more favorable to have the date in March, as the Sun will trine the election date.

I was not going to write an article on the inauguration, but a fellow astrologer emailed me all aflutter because the chart featured a Mercury retrograde plus a void-of-course Moon. To me, Mercury retrograde signifies trying to undo all the destructive acts and executive orders of the previous occupant of the White House (who shall not be named here). Perhaps we can look forward to this former law professor, Obama, restoring much of the integrity of the original Constitution. As for the Moon being voc, I started one of my better jobs under that aspect, and had to learn to ignore it as one year after another rolled by.

Depending on exactly when Barack Obama takes the actual oath of office Tuesday, the Moon will either be void-of-course in Scorpio or just entering Sagittarius. Even tho Mercury is retrograde, Mercury is strong because it is Cazimi (within 17 minutes of the Sun), both in Aquarius. In the strange reasoning of the ancients, Cazimi is MUCH better than combust (within 8 degrees of the Sun) (combust supposedly weakens the affected planet). Cazimi is a very favorable aspect to have for any enterprise that you want to succeed – assuming of course that there is anything else in the chart to support it. Mercury is also exalted in Aquarius, while unfortunately the Sun is in its detriment in Aquarius. (This is another argument in favor of the March 4 inaugural date.)

The Moon will be sextile the conjunction – if Obama takes the oath at or after 12:30 pm Eastern, the Moon will be Sagittarius, and not void-of-course. (PS – The Moon is in its fall in Scorpio, but unaffected by either detriment, fall, rulership or exaltation in Sagittarius). These planets are applying to aspects to Jupiter at 3 degrees Aquarius, Vesta at 3 degrees Taurus, and Pallas Athena at 4 degrees Gemini.

Pallas Athena in Gemini is a very good placement for her; in Gemini she is very adept and very career-oriented. Placed in the second house of banking, personal finances and income, this would seem to bode well for government management of the nation's fiscal problems.

One major concern, however, is that Venus is at 17 degrees of Pisces (17 degrees 47 minutes, which is rounded up to 18 on the chart graphic) – even tho Venus is exalted in Pisces. Seventeen degrees is a critical degree, which normally very promising for good things to come. But a prominent local astrologer declared that if VENUS hits a critical degree, it means lost money. Venus also happens to represent the dollar itself, so it will be interesting, to say the least, if the US dollar suffers another slide in value on the global exchange rate. Venus is also applying to a conjunction with Uranus, and the two of them oppose Saturn in the fifth house of speculation – and the stock market. Even though historically the stock market has gone up under Democratic presidents (contrary to the “common knowledge”), the Wall Streeters may be bit wary of Obama until they see what he actually proposes to do.

Note that Venus is sextile Mars, which happens to also be in its exaltation in Capricorn.
None of the outer planets are in strong placements for them. Transiting Uranus at 20 Pisces is square the U.S. natal Mars at 20 Gemini. A Mars-Uranus square is never comfortable; Uranus is in the chart's eleventh house of advisors (cabinet?) and Mars in the ninth house of foreign relations and also legal entities, such as possibly the US Supreme Court. Could Obama get in a legal battle with Supreme Court rulings? Could some of his advisors get in legal trouble and have to step down?

Pluto at 2 degrees Capricorn is opposite the US natal Venus at 2 degrees Cancer. Pluto is also in the ninth house, ruling law, publishing, religion and higher education. In the inauguration chart, Pluto is semi-sextile Sun-Mercury, trine Vesta in Taurus, and inconjunct Pallas Athena in Gemini in the second house. I am wondering if Vesta in the twelfth house means folks will go back to hiding their money in mattresses, perhaps to hide it from eighth house taxes.

I have also dug up the chart for George Washington's inauguration: April 30, 1789, 1:04 pm (LMT) in New York City, because some astrologers like to use this chart as a basis for comparison to new presidential charts or to transiting eclipses, etc. The George Washington chart has 2 degrees Virgo on the Ascendant, and 27 Taurus at Midheaven. RE indicators of was in the Washington chart, peaceful Pisces is on the seventh house (house of open enemies, among other things) cusp, a peaceful sign; also both traditional and modern rulers of Pisces (Jupiter and Neptune) are separating from hard aspects to the Ascendant ruler, Mercury.

Obama's inauguration chart has Scorpio on the Descendant. Ruler Mars is sextile Venus, ruler of the Ascendant. Pluto, the modern ruler, is not in any of the classical aspects to Venus. So this is good news for those who voted with the goal of getting someone in who will put an end to the bloodletting in Iraq.

The George Washington inaugural chart sets the tone for all our chief executives. George was sworn in in New York City on April 30, 1789, about 1:04 pm LMT according to a chart published in the 1984 special issue of the NCGR Journal. The chart has 2 degrees Virgo rising and 27 Taurus at the Midheaven. I do not have LMT on my program, so I had to jigger the time to get that ascendant degree.

Comparing the two charts yields these contacts: Obama Sun-Mercury opposes the GW Uranus in Leo. Obama Moon conjuncts the GW North Node in Scorpio. Obama Venus trines the GW Moon in Cancer. Obama Jupiter squares GW Venus in Taurus. Obama Saturn opposes GW Saturn, and Obama Uranus conjuncts GW Saturn. Obama Neptune sextiles GW Mercury. Obama Pluto trines GW Venus in Taurus.

The Moon contacts express the public's hope wish or hope that Obama will move the country forward towards its destiny (North Node) again, and that he will uphold the underlying American values (Venus). I suspect that the Pluto to Venus contact presages some revamping (Pluto) of the the nation's banking or financial system, and that the Jupiter square to Venus merely reflects the serious economic situation we face. Sun-Mercury should denote the inspiration (Uranus) he gives in his speeches and just by his positive demeanor.

It is interesting that the current Saturn-Uranus opposition ties into the GW Saturn; again, this reflects the serious problems we face and possibly a real change in the structures (Saturn) of our government and/or of our society. Mercury-Neptune contacts generally mean fuzzy or confused thinking; this may merely indicate that he will not get into too many specifics in the inaugural address, but stick to expressing ideals (Neptune) in an effort to inspire and soothe (Neptune) the American people.

In addition, Obama's Vesta is conjunct the GW Venus at 2-3 degrees Taurus, and Obama's Ceres at 13 degrees Virgo is inconjunct the GW Mars in Aries. I think that these reinforce his intention to deal with the monetary or fiscal crisis in this country and the matter of winding down the war in Iraq.

One could go on and play around with progressions to the GW or to Obama's birth chart, or add a ring for Obama's natal planets. I have to keep this article to a reasonable length. But I give you the data and charts for the inaugurals so that the more advanced readership can play with them.
Best wishes to all Americans and hoping for better times ahead.