June Horoscope 2014

As June is the sixth month, we are now entering the second part of the year! So much was going on in the first part of the year, most of which was happening below the surface due to so many retrogrades. Just about every planet went retrograde, asking us to look inward, soul search, and realign.  Slowly all the planets moved forward with Mars, making the final forward motion on May 19th. Mars is the action planet, so during the retrograde we may have felt that we were getting nowhere or that we had a lot of nervous energy. As the week progressed, you may have felt the gas hit the accelerator but thought to yourself, “I need a little more horse power here!” Things are really starting to move in June, but before they really get moving, we have one more retrograde (which actually happens 3-4 times a year) with Mercury going retrograde on June 7th.

The first week of June is all about our connections. Strategy meets love when Venus and Pallas trine at the beginning of the month. We are starting to see new patterns in how we network and connect with others. Venus is also about money, so our connections will influence our money-making ability. I recently read a post on google+ in which a google expert explained why he does not use business card any more.  He just simply tells people to google him and swears that this creates better, higher quality business connections.  A financial coach also talked about ditching business cards during lean financial times and said that she hadn’t used cards in two years.  I wasn’t sure what to think, but this energy at the beginning of the month will give us all a new perspective on our connections and how we make them. Venus is sextile spiritual planet Neptune on June 4th, so we may crave more of a spiritual connection – connection just for connection sake won’t work.  On the 6th, the Sun is sextile Uranus, so we might be able to come up with some inventive ways of expressing ourselves and putting ourselves out there.  Venus will then trine Pluto on June 8th connecting us with deep and transformative type people.

Mercury goes retrograde on June 7th. Everything you’ve been preparing during the beginning of the year will hit a two and a half week period where you might realize that you’ve overlooked something. It may also manifest as hiccups in something you’ve just launched. Just trust that any hiccups are there for a reason and will give you some solid information to realign and sync. Recently I was masterminding with my power group of awesome entrepreneurs when a brilliant insight came through: one of my fellow business sisters had put a lot of work into transferring her business onto a new web domain and felt huge frustration when she saw no change to all of the work she had put out.  After hours on the help desk and countless redoes she suddenly had an insight… maybe I need to clear my cache.  This is exactly what we might experience as Mercury will start its retrograde in Cancer. Communication mess ups may be of an emotional nature at the start of it, but it then slips back in to Gemini, the sign that Mercury rules, so you can expect some straight up communication (text message, email, computer, etc.) mess ups. It could even be your car giving your trouble. My advice during the Mercury retrograde from June 7th to July 1st is if nothing seems to be working out, take a deep breath, calm your emotions and clear your personal cache.  The Sun trines Ceres, the planet of nurturing, on June 9th which ensures that we have at least a day of nurture our inner child during this process.

The full moon on June 13th will be in Sagittarius,  culminating in something that has been churning around in our belief systems. Just before the full moon on the 12th, Neptune is opposite Pallas. Something in our perceptions or belief system may be dissolving. This might be the final dissolution of a false belief or a negative limiting belief that we’ve been fighting for a while. The full moon the next day will bring to consciousness in a concrete way what exactly has changed. Mercury`s retrograde motion still in Cancer will also make us a bit nostalgic and we might feel like calling up an old friend – or an old friend may reach out to us. It’s possible that this person may also be a love interest from the past.  Maybe it was unrequited love, a love relationship for which you never felt full closure or one that never got off the ground. Venus, the planet of love sextile Chiron the wounded healer will bring an opportunity to heal old wounds and also align us with the right relationships: those that are good and healthy for us though it may not happen immediately. Saturn tests all that stands the test of time and will oppose love planet venus on the same day challenging us to a serious and thorough relationship assessment/reassessment. Saturn is also the god of karma, so this might just be some karmic debt through which we are working.

The next day Mars squares Pluto on June 14th. Mars is now direct so all of that tension that was boiling inwardly at the Grand Cross when they last met up in April of this year may come bubbling to the surface as these two start rumbling. If everything gets a little messy, the planets have our back. The Sun will trine the north node a couple of days later allowing us to find just the right support. The north node always connects us to the people, places, and things that help us along the way. It’s like a guide that pulls us in the right direction.

Venus sextile Jupiter on June 18th  might bring you together with a lover or friend (or a lover and a friend) for a nice enjoyable time. However Mercury retrograde conjuncts the Sun on June 19th can be a day of emotional and confused communications. Here`s how it might go: on the 18th, you were hanging out with your friend, you guys were having a great time, but you didn`t realize how much complaining you were doing or how much you complain in general, so he decides (out of love) to record the conversation which he then shares with you. At first you’re annoyed and think he`s a complete jerk, but then you hear yourself and realize, horror of horror, exactly how you sound. The whole situation might throw you off kilter and your first reaction might be to not know what to say or how to say it anymore. That`s okay, you have the rest of Mercury retrograde to think through how you want to come across now.

The Sun moves into Cancer on June 21st putting us in the mood for family and BBQ’s for the next month, and Venus will move into Gemini on June 23rd making us curious and wanting to explore ideas or just text message a lot. We may also feel like dating but not getting too serious… it`s the summer after all! This is a great time to hit as many BBQ’s as you can. Jupiter squares the north node on June 23rd might put us in the right place at the right time to make some interesting connections or meet new friends.

Mars will oppose Uranus on June 25th. Mars is still in Libra and has been for quite some time. Libra is the sign of relationships and some surprising information or actions regarding relationships might come to the surface at this time.

The new moon in June is on June 27th at 5 degrees of Cancer.  On the same day Mercury will trine the north node. If you connected with some cool people during the beginning of the month, this new moon might be a good time to reach out and deepen those relationships. The Cancer new moon will make us kind and trusting – plus with a trine to selfless and imaginative Neptune, we feel even more giving. This new moon energy is great for allowing our artistic creations to spring forth so spend a day helping those in need or creating longer term intentions to do those things.

Close to the new moon, Venus will square Neptune and Juno which are conjunct in Gemini. Venus conjuncts Juno in Gemini are chatty together with constant loving words (“I love you… I love you more.”) gets ping-ponged back and forth all day long.  This is definitely a time where we feel incredibly inspired, loving and, with that square to Neptune, impressionable.  We might find ourselves over committing or failing to see an important detail.

What’s happening this month with each sign:

ARIES: Mars moving forward in your 7th house of partnerships and you may witness things getting heated. Saturn might have you dividing assets at this time or working through an inheritance, which will bring up some unconscious stuff at the beginning of the month. Mercury retrogrades in your 4th house of real estate/family and then back in to the 3rd house. Communication mess ups can happen at home. This is not a good time for property transactions.

TAURUS: You might want to stay away from large internet banking transactions while Mercury retrogrades in your third and then back into your second house of money.  Mars moves forward in your 6th house of work, possibly bringing some surprises to light with coworkers. Also, you’re doing a serious assessment of your relationships… maybe it’s about the wedding and what to say to those friends you’re not inviting so as not to hurt them.

GEMINI: Mars is moving forward in your fifth house, causing battles with your children. You are better off throwing that energy into a sports activity rather than taking it out on them. Mercury retrogrades in your 2nd house making you forget where you put that $20 dollar bill and then into your first house where your personal communication may suffer.  You might be working out a serious relationship issue at work during this month as well. Chances are if you do it right, it will bring healing to you reputation.

CANCER: Mercury retrogrades in your first house, throwing off yourself expression and then moves into your 12th house where communication gets foggy.  It is better for you to take extra time to think through what you really feel before you speak. Also, this month is a great month to start the exercises in the Artist Way by Julia Cameron. It will heal your beliefs and relationship you have related to your creativity.

LEO: Mars is direct in your third house, making words and communication bubble to the surface. The problem is that Mercury retrograde is affecting your communication. This is happening in your 12th house so you might not be making any sense until you connect with your deep unconscious. It then moves into your 11th house throwing communications off with your friends.  Your energy can best be spent working out a relationship with one of your parents – they might even spot you some cash and the gesture touches you so deeply that the rift might be healed.

VIRGO: Things might blow up in the cash department, with Mars direct in your second house of finances.  Mercury retrogrades in your eleventh house of friends and then into your tenth house of honors. Perhaps something you say affects your reputation. The trick is to stop while you’re ahead.  You’re doing a serious assessment of your communication in relationship which will challenge you beliefs around relating.  Do it right and you can expect healing in your relationship.

LIBRA: You’re doing a serious assessment of your relationship to money and shared resources. It’s causing you to start to see the relationship between being of service and the flow of money.  Mercury retrogrades in your tenth house of fame and then back into your ninth house of teaching, higher learning, and publishing. If you are planning to hand in a thesis or publish your latest eBook, I urge you to wait until July.  You will save yourself a lot of grief. Mars is direct in your first house, making you unusually insensitive. You’ve likely been holding a lot in. Don’t worry, you’re only trying to balance your scales.

SCORPIO: The best way to use Mars’ direct energy in your twelfth house is spend lots of time alone in reflection and to sleep. You can have amazing dreams that really help you access your unconscious at this time.  This month is also a great time to evaluate your relationship to yourself. You can do this with the help of a counselor or coach.  Doing so will help you get in touch with a spark within yourself and bring healing to your sense of fun.  Mercury retrogrades in your ninth house and then back into your eight house; Caution: don’t leave your journal lying around!

SAGITTARIUS: Your relationship with your boss comes into focus this month. Sometimes we act out our family dynamics with our intimate relationships – and sometimes it happens at work. This month brings you an opportunity to unlock a door to your past as a way to move forward.  Mercury is retrograde in your eighth house, causing messed up communications with insurance, taxes, or inheritances. It then moves into your seventh house where you might have some hiccups with your spouse.

CAPRICORN: Mars is moving forward in your tenth house, so things are heating up in your career. You feel ambitious now but you may clash with authority figures.  Also, you’re doing a serious assessment of the groups that you are a part of this month, the outcome of which may be a deeper connection with your community.  Mercury is retrograde in your seventh house moving back into your sixth house: communications with your partner and then your coworkers might suffer.

AQUARIUS: As your status has risen, your self-worth might have suffered. It doesn’t make sense – you should feel more self-confident, but sometimes you feel like a fraud. This is the chance for some healing this month as you work out your relationships with what is lying at your foundations. Is it a false belief? Now you have the chance to heal. Mercury retrogrades in your 6th house, in which a handshake might lead to a constant worry about getting a summer cold. It then moves into your 5th house where a prank might go awry. It seemed funny in the idea stage, but it doesn’t quite translate.

PISCES: Mars is now direct in your eighth house bring about deep transformation.  However, fights about shared resources are likely and, with Mercury retrograde in fifth house, it could be something as small as buying orchestra seats at the theatre when he said balcony seats. Mercury then moves back into your fourth house and the fights might erupt over misunderstanding from the past.  Relationships assessments might highlight how you may have been on your high horse, which is a hard pill to swallow, but this realization will bring healing to how you present yourself in the world.

May Horoscope 2014

Pheeew, it’s May!

The load lightens in May – thank Goddess! April was pretty intense with two eclipses and a cardinal grand cross. I hope you managed to rise above all of the drama but we aren’t out of the woods yet. That Solar eclipse was all about money and it was conjunct Mercury so in the first few days of May, Mercury will sextile Chiron, injecting some healing medicine to our thoughts. It’s likely to affect the manner in which we think about money or materialism. The medicine wears off by the next day when Mercury is in opposition to Saturn in the sign of shared resources. Maybe it dawns on us that we don’t have the financial support we need or, after our moment of healing and enlightenment, we may slip back into our old negative thinking. It happens! This regression might be the reason that we allow ourselves to become a little rash with money when Venus moves into Aries on the same day. The Sun trines Pluto the next day, returning your willpower and allowing for spiritual development in regards to our self worth and financial worth. If you need to take back the purchase you made yesterday because you realize it was a shopaholic crazy moment, do it! You’re worthy just as you are without the Kate spade purse! Maybe you’re consistently wandering around wearing clothes from the 1980s and this case rash Venus transit worked in your favour! Keep your purchases, you’re worth it!

For the first part of the month the Sun is in Taurus. Yes, Taurus loves money and security, but she also likes a beautiful garden. In fact, most of us will discover that we’re the gardener types in one way or another, so buy and plant your first seed ASAP! What Taurus plants can be enduring and steadfast, so when the Sun in Taurus makes sextiles to both Jupiter and Chiron early in the month , opportunities for creative self-expression will be made. In a sexile to Jupiter on the 6th, it’s the opportunity to plant kindness and generosity while injecting optimism into something bigger than you. It’s also great energy for sitting down for coffee with a trusted mentor, maybe about advice or bringing together a group for team-building. On that same day, Mercury is square Pallas, so our self-expression and creative ideas might feel blocked. Connecting with others will help build our confidence. Perhaps we feel embarrassed about our creativity and speaking with our mentor/the team gives us just the boost we need. The next day on the 7th the Sun sextiles Chiron is an opportunity to healing to our self expression. If you’ve been afraid to release that poem you wrote or you’ve hidden that quirky sculpture that you think is just stupid, today is the day for taking the risk and getting your craft out there.  Mercury will move into Gemini on the same day, making a great day to communicate and get the word out.

Our relationships may feel a little transcendent when Neptune is sextile Juno on May 9. This is a great day for private Japanese rock bathing with your honey. Simply sitting across from one another, eyes gazed could also work.  Take this celestial opportunity to put some assets into the relationship ‘bank.’  In May, hard days will arrive on May 10th and 11th because the Sun opposes Saturn , leading us to feel thwarted and lonely. The next day Mercury squares Neptune – we may think that our inside thoughts have made it to the outside. The manner in which we can communicate might become very confusing. Love planet Venus is opposite sexy and aggressive Mars so we might find conflicts as we try to get our needs fulfilled. I see these two days as having a huge potential for communication breakdown. Take a deep breath, have sex, or transmute that energy into your art, and then wait until tomorrow to talk. Not only will it help you to gain some perspective, you will also have Mercury trine Mars helping you to be honest and direct.

The full moon  in Scorpio on May 14th is also conjunct Saturn, which can bring out our shadows. For example, we were horrified at concrete examples of Ghandi’s sexism and the idea that  the late Steve Jobs fired anyone who attempted to poach his staff, but everyone has a shadow, especially the most highly respected. Saturn and the Moon form a grand trine with Jupiter and Chiron.  This formation will help to bring together all that faith and optimism and healing and creativity from the beginning of the month onward. It could also be a culmination of your efforts over the past 6 months, which could be very inspiring to others – maybe even creating ‘ah ha!’ moments. Not everyone will like these changes though. Jupiter square Vesta will bring out opposing philosophies and beliefs.  Venus, which also represents values, will be square Pluto, creating power struggles. Your biggest opponents might come from those who are clinging to power or old power structures. Perhaps they are trying to act as though they don’t have a shadow, yet they point out yours in order to bring you down.  Venus is within a degree of being conjunct Uranus, so things can be pretty unpredictable in this regard. Mercury is sextile both of them, so it may even be an innocent comment that triggers the entire situation.  It is best to remember that our failings and humanity, if we are honest about them, can work to make us very real and likable on the whole.

Relationships issues pop up again when Mercury is square Chiron on the 17th. At this time we feel like holding onto grievances. Venus is opposite Vesta so the conflict might stem from our independent needs clashing with our partnership needs. The next day Mercury is trine Ceres, enhancing empathetic and nurturing communications.  We’ve all heard that talking to your plants can help them to grow. Nurturing conversations will help not just your plants grow, but also everyone with whom you share it. Don’t have an agenda when you speak. Venus will also be square to Jupiter, so we may expect too much from our partnerships right now. If you don’t see things growing and blossoming immediately, just step back and trust that they are changing. On May 19th, Venus is opposite Ceres. Turn inward and consider whether you’re approach this issue as a girl or as a woman? For a truly equal relationship (not one that looks like and reminds you of your relationship with one of your parents), you need to approach it like a woman. If this is an issue, Venus opposite Ceres will bring it to the forefront.  The good news is that Pluto is trine Juno which leads to transformations in relationships, both on a personal and social level.

Of course, there is the chance that we might ignore the growth potential available. It’s a long weekend (May 2nd-4th/Fete de la Reine for all of my Canadian readers). This time can be days of excess both on the BBQ and in beer AND a day of avoiding your relationship issues. Ceres and Jupiter in difficult aspect to Venus can show up as total and complete excessiveness with food and drink. Don’t miss the opportunity for growth just because of a long weekend!

Mars turns direct on May 19th after being retrograde since March 1st. Since Mars became retrograde, there has been a tonne going on and most of it was directed inwardly. Just because nothing happened at the Grand Cross in April, doesn’t mean that nothing will happen. Watch out for the Monte Python ‘thin mint’ effect over the next two months – over the next couple of months Mars traces back over the same terrain.

Jupiter is trine Saturn and Mercury is trine the North Node on May 25th making it a great day to get out your Desire Map book, a journal, and a planner. Normally we make plans at the beginning of the year or on our birthdays, but this year we have had so many retrogrades within the beginning of the year (Venus, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter)! These retrogrades make us think about and assess every aspect of our lives. Now with all these planets direct and these two wonderful aspects arise on the 25th, we can map out with a great deal of clarity what our next steps are. Venus is also opposite the north node, so we have the chance to really prune away things that we no longer value.

With a new set of goals, you’re ready for a rite of passage. At the new moon on May 28th, you might find yourself on a vision quest or find yourself sitting across from a psychic. This new moon is a learning moon in Gemini and will be square Neptune.  Mercury will also be sextile Venus. We’ll see all, but I think it will take quite some time for us to truly understand this new moon and integrate all its teachings.

 

ARIES

Your sharing your homemade secrets with the world this month. Maybe you’ve been creating your own formulas for soaps or healthy and non-estrogenic body creams. You may be heavily relying on your partner’s resources to get your tender, loving products out into the world. Your partner might be feeling a little skeptical. Letting your partner share in all of your secrets can strengthen your partnership at this time and will make your sharing a success.

TAURUS

Your loving communication with your partner this month can help you achieve all of your hopes and dreams. These might be partnership dreams of going deeper with your honey and finding yourself more committed or it may be dreams that you can only achieve with the strength of a committed partnership. The goal lies in working through the difficult emotions between the two of you… you can do it!

GEMINI

Your sweat, tears, and hard work pay off this month.  You’re bringing emotions and healing together into your work – and somehow they are making you money! You might be feeling a little uncomfortable with all that’s out there about yourself. You may even focus on the one criticism rather than the 100 kudos. Just trust that the feeling will pass. You can also investigate how all the celebrities do it!

CANCER

You’re not in hiding anymore, Cancer. You’re putting your talents out there and standing behind them in confidence. Strangely enough, as your work get’s published you feel might start to feel twinges of self doubt. Can I do this again? Yes, you are creating a unique cultural phenomenon but just remember not even Michael Jackson could beat Thriller so no need to put that pressure on yourself. Keeping that connection with your higher self will help you keep churning your art and will keep the existential angst from creeping in.

LEO

Issues with power are being healed with the help of a trusted adviser. You have deep access to all of those deep unconscious memories, possibly ones extending from past lives. Maybe this situation is showing you how much you have ‘put up’ with in life. Your childhood may be playing out in your day-to-day family life and now you get to work it out. The beauty of all of this is that this change comes about in the gentlest of ways. There is nothing harsh or adversarial, which is nice.

VIRGO

You’re pursuing and even achieving something that you have always wanted to do. As you achieve your hopes and dreams, something inside of you becomes satisfied. You are able to shift and bring healing to your relationships. The opportunity exists to communicate more deeply and with deeper consideration of your thoughts. There may be a little bit of a battle between what you think and what you think you should think. Let your thoughts float out of your mouth anyhow. You might be surprised by what others think of it and this will help you release any guilt, which Virgo’s are notorious for.

LIBRA

A little financial austerity is just what the doctor ordered. There is nothing like having to choose how to spend your money to illuminate what you value. Paying attention to the energy in your body will help you become clear on what you need. Listen to your body’s wisdom and make the right choices.  You might also become really good at picking up other people’s energy. As others learn of your skill, it might feel like a bit of a burden, but you are spot-on and you help others.

SCORPIO

On the surface something might be looking very much like a failure – you may even experience some depression about it. Through your failures you learn much about yourself while teaching others – either directly as a teacher or indirectly as they witness what you are going through. Your ego, the child within, gets to take all of this experience and play with it, which churns out something truly alchemic.

SAGITTARIUS

You might experience a conversion this month that puts you deeply in touch with your family heritage. Maybe your family has always been Republican, but suddenly you find yourself converting to the Democratic party. Maybe they were Catholic, but you realize that it’s really the Buddhist faith that resonates with you.  This change can bring up some uncomfortable feelings with your family. Now is the time that you will really let go of what is no longer working for you. You’re getting strong glimpses of your new inner world order.

CAPRICORN

Collaborations might seem like a bit of a burden at this time, but they are actually very healing. If you are not practicing what you preach this might get thrown back in your face right now. Others are reflecting your own “stuff” back at you. Don’t resent or rebel against it. You need them, so consider this a gift: we only sufficiently learn about ourselves and our contribution by others mirroring it back to us.

AQUARIUS

You’re riding high on success right now – but this month it may become apparent just how out of balance your life has become in order to achieve it. Your success brings into focus your true values. If there has been an overemphasis on material things, you’re able to design your work in a way that honours everything you need, not just the material. You have lots of job opportunities coming your way, so you can do it. When deciding what to accept, take all of your needs and values into consideration.

PISCES

You’re deepening your understanding of life’s mysteries and your own philosophies. In so doing, you’re getting a glimpse of your own paradoxes. Travel helps you gain perspective on yourself and brings deep healing to your self-expression and self-image. This process is important because it will help you to find courage to be yourself with others who embrace your complexities, both  out in the world and within your romantic relationships. Gone are the days of giving them only what they want…. it’s too exhausting!

 

 

April Horoscope 2014

“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” Muhammed Ali

Holly Cow! April 2014 has received some astrological hype as if we were approaching doom’s day prophesy. This month is the astrological equivalent of Dec 31, 1999 (also known as Y2K) or Dec 21, 2012 (aka the end of the Mayan Calendar/end of the world). We could react like those who were part of Heaven’s Gate – they checked out wearing their very stylish Nike running shoes, convinced that Haley’s Comet was the end of the world. Alternatively, we can  stand back with some objectivity and just remember Harold Camping, the man who felt no shame after his original ‘end of the world’ date fell through – he simply revised it!

In any event, I’d like to call April 2014 the astrological equivalent of Rumble in the Jungle.  Yes, there is a lot of hype and build up. Yes, there will be an event (or two) and yes, someone will get the beat down.  Because I don’t have your chart in front of me, I cannot say much about its effects on you personally, but don’t worry –  it’s likely you already know its focus. It’s been building for quite some time. A situation likely felt really intense at the beginning of the year with the New Moon on January 1; this month, we’re finally just jumping into the ring to hash it out.  So, it’s not the end of the world (at least I think)!

If April does knock you out (if you have any planets in Aries, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn, it will be more intense for you)  just remember – even though George Forman got the beatdown in that fight, he still won in life. After all, who doesn’t have a George Forman Grill?  It’s also likely that you could be Muhammad in this scenario. Go ahead, float like a butterfly and sting like a bee but bear in mind Muhammad’s condition after the fight – he sustained too many blows to the head and it altered his life forever.

Since we cannot escape the tension in April, we need a fighting strategy. This plan can range from the famous rope-a-dope strategy (protecting yourself while your opponent wears themselves out), the David and Goliath strategy (think underdogs, misfits, and the art of battling giants) that Malcolm Gladwell so brilliantly turned on its head.  The best strategy, however, may be fighting like a girl (or Goddess)!

Fight Like a Girl!

So here’s what we have this month: a cardinal square, a solar eclipse, and a lunar eclipse… basically a one, two, three punch.

A boxing match is a great metaphor for this energy because there is a major clash between the masculine (Mars and Jupiter) who are transiting in feminine signs (Libra and Cancer, respectively) and the outer planets, Uranus and Pluto, who are working very hard on the transformation of our ego identity and structures.  Uranus, Pluto, Mars, and Jupiter want to pull us into an old fashion fight, but that strategy knocks everyone out.

It all starts on April 1st when Venus and Pallas oppose each other. Something is a little off with our presentation. For example, maybe you put on black leggings only to realize that they’re brown by the time you get to the office so your outfit clashes. The whole experience could throw you for a loop, leaving you with thoughts like “I know this is gonna be a bad day (or month).” The real issue? The Sun is squaring Jupiter and Uranus.  This positioning means that events from the beginning of the year will be triggered again.  On April 1st, you get to decide how your experience will develop – if you tell yourself that you’re going to have a bad day (or month) then you will. Happiness is a choice.

Goddess Strategy #1 – Happiness is a choice

threemonOn the 6th, Venus moves into Pisces making love very dreamy, idealistic, and spiritual. On the 11th, she will meet up with Neptune in a conjunction. I am so glad that this will happen at the beginning of the month just before situations really heat up as it allows us to tap into unconditional love and a connection to the Divine… IF we are open to it. So, the first Goddess strategy (fight like a girl) is to embrace love and hold on to that energy all month long.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 15th is purely a conversation with the feminine. It’s  both in Libra and opposing Juno. Bernadette Brady says the energy with this Eclipse cycle can be filled with sudden inspiration; it can also result in wasted energy, misdirected motivation, and a sense of unfulfillment. During this Eclipse, Juno (the marriage asteroid) stands by her man, the Sun, but opposes Ceres (her children) and the Moon (her emotions). Something has got to give.  Sometimes we get confused about wifehood and motherhood. Woman stay in relationships for the children, confusing the need be a good mother with the need to be a wife. On a social level, energy is wasted as they struggle to maintain these roles. Incidentally, at the Pluto/Uranus conjunct in the 1960’s, Betty Freedman wrote The Feminine Mystic wherein she discusses of “the problem with no name” before naming it. This 1960’s union of Pluto and Uranus while in the sign of service (Virgo)saw those who were forced into “service” or “servant” roles (black, women,etc.) rise up.

Once again, we find ourselves at the Pluto-Uranus square and our story continues. Uranus is now in Aries. The definition of self is changing which causes tension with Pluto in Capricorn: the structure, the patriarchy, the Institution, etc. Mercury is square to and triggering Pluto’s influence, so we can get locked into negative mental thoughts and communication – it may even sound like an argument pulled straight from Jerry Springer. At this point, Mercury pulls us into our head, causing obsessive thoughts, paranoia, and twisting of the truth. But to combat this, we can turn to Pallas, the goddess of warfare.

image(1)Pallas reminds me of the kind of advice and wisdom my friend’s granny would give. She once said, “Children are a blessing, marriage is a sacrament.” Hmmm… A sacrament is the construct of the church’s “institution” which is facing some change as a result of Pluto in Capricorn… food for thought! Seeking advice from someone like granny will help us sort out the conflict, causing us instead to defer to Pallas’ wise counsel. Pallas will be in a trine to the Sun and a sextile to the Moon. Pallas is at her best in mediation situations like this. She sees the big picture and she can lead you to see it, too. She’ll point out the pros and cons of future action, reminding you of the big picture while helping you to build the best strategy for both parties or parts of yourself.

Goddess Strategy #2 – Seek Wise Counsel

If we go with Mercury, we’ll stray too far into the head. The Pallas warfare strategy brings both the heart and heat together for a positive future.

From April 20-23rd Pluto, Uranus, Mars, and Jupiter will move into a cardinal Grand Cross. The cardinal signs encompass the basic struggle of being a human being. The self and identity is always in opposition to who “we” are when in relationship and career needs are always opposing family needs.  We are struggling to redefine these areas in order to be our best self. On a normal day, we may face these concerns with mild discomfort but when the cardinal cross appears… Well, everyone has needs, everyone has an opinion, so EVERYONE jumps into the ring and all hell breaks loose.

The first opposition lies between Jupiter and Pluto. Muhammad Ali was known for two things: his mind games/“trash talking” and his political stance/passion for human rights. On one hand, he was egotistical and would threaten his opponents by saying, “If you dream of beating me, you better wake up and apologize.” He weakened them by playing mind games – just like Pluto. On the other hand, Ali was heartfelt and political, saying things like “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” This sentiment matches Jupiter.  The second opposition occurs between Mars and Uranus. This energy is startling, volatile and impulsive  .  For example, imagine that you’re planning to fight a good, old fashion duel. You get the dueling pistols, stand back to back, and take your ten steps. Just before you reach the tenth step and start firing, an elephant foot comes out of nowhere and squashes both of you.  Not only do we have those two oppositions going on but they simply don’t get along: Mars ‘bitch slaps’ Pluto, Pluto sticks out his foot to trip Uranus, Uranus blows up in Jupiter’s face, Jupiter pokes Mars in the eye – it goes on and on! This tension represents the squares themselves.  For this reason, the best strategy for dealing with the Grand Cross may be to just to stay out of the ring.

Just before all of this happens on April 17th, Venus trines Jupiter. If you can, stay connected to this energy of following your bliss. After all, Venus makes love, not war! Venus does not attack, she attracts. In fact, she attracts love and money; a trine to Jupiter expands that potential. The other strategy to staying out of the ring lies with Pallas once again. Pallas also does not attack. Juno is now conjunct Mercury and the South Node which combines old thinking with old marriage/partnership patterns. Opposite is Ceres at the North Node, pushing us toward harmony in nurturing.  Again Pallas comes to the rescue. Pallas is in Leo and demonstrates her leadership and prowess by weaving the old thought patterns with a trine to Mercury and Juno to the new ways of nurturing with a sextile to Ceres and the North Node.  Remember, you can make quit a beautiful quilt by weaving together old fabric in a new way.

The month ends with a solar eclipse in Taurus on April 28/29th. This solar eclipse may upset our financial structures. It may not be bad as it’s only an upset but Taurus dislikes change. Its conjunct Mercury (associated with business and commerce) and it features a tense angle to Venus which also rules money. With a trine to Pluto, this positioning could mean financial reforms. The general feeling of this Eclipse cycle is one of both inspiration and exhaustion. With a sextile to Neptune, it may be that we’re doing something good but the exhaustion stems from a lack of boundaries regarding how much we do for others. I suggest reading Arianne Huffington’s new book Thrive – it could really help you find balance during this time.

Find out what each sign has in store for you:

ARIES

Over the last couple of years, you may have found yourself chronically single. A part of you really needs and enjoys it, but may also be in conflict with the need to nurture relationships. Perhaps you’re judging yourself based on old ways of thinking in terms of how you define yourself and partnership – you’re placing many unfair restrictions on yourself by saying things like “I should…I shouldn’t..” Tap into your creative muse for answers. Mixing colours and getting out your paintbrush will help you to find the wisdom and guidance you need to help merge the two, seemingly opposing, needs.

TAURUS

Our parents don’t know everything about us and we don’t know everything about our parents.  However, they have a wealth of experience that can help you this month as you dive deep into the nooks and crannies of your unconscious mind. Sit down and have a talk with them. Don’t avoid this process even if it feels way too awkward.  If they have left this world, poke through some of their old stuff: pictures, journals, etc.  Connecting with their wisdom can give you the key to unlock the door.

GEMINI

A brother or sister may surprise you with some much needed wisdom in regards to parenting and nurturing your children. At first you may think they are just being drama queens about the whole thing, but give it some more thought. Their ‘drama’ has a point.  If you don’t have siblings, you might find this in the form of some neighbourhood drama. Remember, wisdom comes in many forms.

CANCER

Creative accounting has always gotten a bad rap because the term is usually associated with fraudulent behavior. But you have to admit, when you hear of their creativity you feel a certain amount of awe. Don’t do anything illegal, but hear them out – they’ll get the juices flowing in your otherwise stuck thinking. Unblocking your mind will help you find a solution that is both ethical and right for you.

LEO

You may feel like you don’t know anything. You may even experience existential angst. Focusing on your art/self expression will help you get out of you head and into your heart. Counterintuitive as this process might sound, it will help you to know again.

VIRGO

Do you connect with a certain mythical God, Goddess, or Archetype? Maybe you know very little about Bodhisattvas, but those are the ones you are drawn to when asked. Now is the time to explore their meaning, story, and history as they will help resolve any feelings related to your self-worth. Maybe your Goddess has a possessive streak – it may help you to understand yours.

LIBRA

I know you’re an adult, but do you have any friendships with children who are not your own? Do  you serve as a big brother or sister to anyone? Are you usually giving them advice? Well get ready – this month, they have some words of wisdom for you. It might be hilarious kid perspective advice on curing world hunger or other humanitarian issues. Their innocence moves you out of your own problems, allowing to see them from a lighthearted perspective.  If you don’t have any such friends, spend some time this month helping children. Don’t just donate money – actually go and spend time with them in some helpful capacity.

SCORPIO

Have you stood back to look at your success lately? What can you be proud of? Where did you go wrong? What are the habits of the highly successful people who you admire? Reading their biographies will serve as chicken soup for the soul this month.  If you find yourself laid up with a cold or worse, don’t worry! You’ll have lots of time to rest, relax, read, and ponder these questions.

SAGITTARIUS

Have you read the Bible cover to cover? If you’re not the religious type, you might also try some philosophers such as Frederick Von Hayek or Lady Mary Sheppard. Anything that takes your mind into the depths of religious or philosophical quandary will move you outside of yourself. It’s Easter this month. Chanting with some monks in an Orthodox church could also do the trick.

CAPRICORN

Have you done your taxes? Don’t avoid doing your taxes or filling that insurance claim that you need to do just because of all the slips of paper and the perceived “tax pain.” By going through this process, you will connect the dots, learning what may have you in a bit of a tizzy this month in regards to your home and career. You might be going over the fine details and something about the whole process helps you sort everything out. Strangely enough, you may also find it fun – as fun as taxes can be!

AQUARIUS

Time for a reform regarding your belief system. You like to be an independent thinker and you can be stubborn about what you think you know. This month you may feel stuck. Surprisingly, you can look to your partner – they’ll help you clear the muddled thinking. Don’t forget to give him lots of kisses, love, affection, and appreciation even if it is not your style…  it may even be a kiss that wakes you up (knight in shining armor style)!

PISCES

Get creative with your work this month. There’s a new work out there –  gigsters on fiverr,  Teachers on Udemy, etc. The share economy has some lessons for you this month. Focus on the new work’s emerging patterns as they will help you find the answer to your financial issues.