Astrology of the Soul – Golden Rose Psychic Radio podcast

Astrology Overview for 2015  Golden Rose Psychic Radio podcast

Astrological Aspects Defined

Auto Astrology –  Finding your perfect car in the stars

Autumn Equinox  2014

Autumn Equinox 2013

Cosmic Week! And My Upcoming Events

Dreamweavers – Dream Interpretation Information

Golden Rose Psychic Radio Podcast:  Dream a Little Dream of Me – Dream Analysis part 2

Golden Rose Psychic Radio Interview  Podcast: Dream Analysis Part 1

Golden Rose Psychic Radio Interview  Podcast  Spiritual Astrology: Those Heavenly Messages

Jupiter in Virgo August 11, 2015 through September 9, 2016

Jupiter Enters Leo July 16, 2014

Mercury Retrograde

Merry Solstice Orbs

Neptune in Pisces – 19th and 21st Century Transits

Saturn in Scorpio

Solar Eclipse, Solar Flares, Spring Equinox March 20, 2015

Spring Equinox 2014

Summer Solstice 2015

Summer Solstice 2014

Summer Solstice 2013

Venus Retrograde 2015

Venus Transits of the 19th Century

Winter Solstice 2014

Winter Solstice 2013

Year of the Black Water Snake

Jupiter the largest planet in our solar system leaves fiery Leo to enter earthy Virgo on August 11, 2015 to stay until September 9, 2016. When the largest planet in the solar system makes a move, we all feel the shift!  Jupiter stays in a sign for around a year but only returns to a particular sign every 12 years. Jupiter indicates large robust energy, and represents faith, hope, optimism and the opportunity principle in general. The last time Jupiter was in this smart and classy earth sign ruled by communicator Mercury was 12 years ago from August 27, 2003 through September 25, 2004. Look back to that time to see similar themes that can replay.

As the largest planet (all the other planets in the solar system can fit into Jupiter !) Jupiter has a big astrological impact as well.

Jupiter, named after the mighty Olympian King of Gods, affects states of optimism, enthusiasm, opportunity – many of the most positive feelings we can access. Jupiter’s function is to “expand” and of course Jupiter would prefer to expand those positive states. However, as with all planetary influences Jupiter is essentially neutral, leaving it up to us how we use his massive energy. We can choose to expand the good stuff, or just as easily choose to expand more dysfunction and misery.

Virgo is a grounded practical earth sign ruled by mental Mercury whose symbol is the Virgin but I prefer the Harvest Goddess, like the one pictured here.  Virgo is smart, refined, classy and all about mastering the details. Virgo acts with discernment, analysis and focuses on the pieces rather than the whole. Virgo is the thinker who relies on rational abilities and the five physical senses. Virgo tends to mistrust the irrational, the mystical, the magical. “Prove it to me first! Then I’ll believe.” says Virgo. So when Jupiter travels in Virgo what expands in a positive sense is ability to figure things out; methods to discern true facts; healthy work ethics, excellent problem solving and practicality in general. Virgos are the original scientists of the zodiac, the researches who rely on empirical evidence to prove their theories.

Virgo hates slackers and disdains the ego-thumpers who waste time arguing about who is right and wrong. Virgo believes if we just pull up our sleeves, and stop whining, the job will get done quicker and better! So look for people to begin to relate to these ideals more readily. It will be harder for the powers that be to pull the wool over the public’s eyes when they have more ability to see the details through the wool’s threads. People will begin to realize they must help themselves first, before expecting a handout which may never come.

As the master of details Virgo are excellent craftspeople with an eye for perfection. Creative pursuits like pottery, jewelry making, master woodworking, weaving, glass blowing become more featured, and all the crafty past-times like knitting, sewing, crochet, scrap-booking etc. get a boost. It becomes more fun to use your hands.

Writing is a skill natural to Virgo. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Guy de Maupassant, William Faulkner, D.H.Lawrence, Sylvia Plath, Willie Nelson (his lyrics!) were all born with Jupiter in Virgo. So if you have a novel, script or song lyrics in the wings it’s time to let them fly! Journaling is a Virgo love too. Virgo needs to process their thoughts more than most signs so putting thoughts down on paper in a nice journal which can be accompanied with artwork, cards, Virgo adores pressed flowers, and other personal ephemera, which appeals more to hands-on Virgo than tapping on a lap-top, becomes more popular with Jupiter in Virgo.

Physical health is also part of the Virgo repertoire. Look for more emphasis on modalities that produce practical results, with less reliance on fancy expensive designer drugs and invasive, dangerous medical practices. Practitioners of alternative modalities will find more clients at their doors. Virgo is also a sign noted for humility. Virgo walks their talk, versus flapping their lips, which will certainly be a relief after Leo ego battles!

Jupiter can expand the downside of Virgo too. Virgo is a sign that’s so smart and logical that it outsmarts itself with failure to consider other outside the box options and can get trapped in linear thinking. Virgo can also be very fear based in thought patterns to the point of being obsessive compulsive and can suffer from nervous anxiety. Virgo sees all the tiny detailed flaws which can cause constant complaining and being overly judgmental of everything! Become aware if any of these traits live inside you, so you de-emphasize them and expand the positive!

In the most positive sense Jupiter in Virgo expresses classic style and is the master of their craft. Here are some people we all know who were born with Jupiter in Virgo to give you the idea: Alexander the Great, Thomas Jefferson, Gen. George Patton, Gustav Klimt, Harry Houdini, Bob Marley, Susan Sontag, Eric Clapton, Nina Simone, Helen Mirren, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Hugh Jackman, Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, Daniel Day-Lewis, Venus Williams. (For you Chinese zodiac fans, they all are born in the year of the Rooster too, due to the 12 year Jupiter cycle.)

Two signs are most affected by Jupiter’s shift, Sagittarius and of course Virgo. Sagittarius, because Jupiter is your ruling planet and is also headed into your important career sector. Your worldly position can expand in good ways, new career and professional opportunities begin to open up and the goals you’ve been working on over the years are finally ready to manifest. Moving to a new location for a better life is highlighted too. At the same time detail oriented Virgo energy can trip up you enthusiastic, galloping Centaurs. Pay attention to the fine print before you ride into any new venture. For the other fire signs of Aries and Leo Virgo helps you put your grand ideas and plans into practical form.

For you folks who have Sun in Virgo or are Virgo Rising, this is a huge event! Jupiter in Virgo means YOU are the opportunity everyone sees. Your problem solving skills, your ability to pull all the pieces together, the smart guidance you provide, and the general class and style you bring to everything you do will be in demand now. Look to your life 12 years ago for hints. The idea is to look back to see where you grabbed opportunities which you are glad you took advantage of, and conversely where you missed opportunities you wish you had pursued. Also, consider paths you took, but now wish you had not. Of course over 12 years, you’ve grown, matured and changed, but similar patterns may emerge.

For the other earth signs, Taurus and Capricorn, Jupiter in compatible Virgo gives you ample energy to make big creative shifts in your life. The water signs, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces will feel the benefits of earthy Virgo as well helping with mental discipline and forming better relationships. For the air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, Virgo is a bit grounded for your taste but you can use Jupiter/Virgo energy to smooth rough edges and refine your style. For all signs look to what house Virgo rules in your birth chart for a clearer picture and if you’re not sure about that, it’s high time to make an appointment with your astrologer!

Here are some other good articles about Jupiter in Virgo I liked: Jupiter enters Virgo: Eithical and Moral Values by Astroainslie, Earth Goddess, Jupiter and the Virgin by Tara Green Jupiter Enters Virgo – Health and Wellness Matter by Melanie’s Astro News

I hope Jupiter in Virgo energy helps refine all the rough edges of your life to become the classiest version of you . Capture this big Virgo energy to become healthier in all ways!

Venus only goes retrograde around 18 – 20 months less often than all other planets except Mars which goes retrograde every 2 years. Currently Venus goes retrograde on 7/25/15 and direct again on 9/6/15. The last time Venus reversed was 12/21/13 through 1/31/14. Think back to that time period and you may sense these retro effects.

Venus has a combo-sign retrograde phase. She enters practical earth sign Virgo on 7/18 and goes retrograde on 7/25 at 0° Virgo, then re-enters Leo on 7/31 and goes direct on 9/6 at 14° Leo and stays in Leo until 10/8 when she renters Virgo. This means both Virgo and Leo get longer doses of Venus being in your sign. Virgo has Venus for a total of 6 weeks versus the usual 4 weeks, while Leo gets her for a grand total of 16 weeks – 4 times longer than usual! With all her positive qualities, even retrograde, having Venus kiss your sign this long is a good thing.

Planet Venus is named after the goddess of love and harmony. In astrology Venus also represents the attracting/ magnetic principle and indicates social values in general and rules relationships and all heart-related affairs. She also governs cultural affairs, things which add grace and beauty to life – the arts, music, dance, theater, etc. In general Venus stands for peace, love, beauty, harmony and governs issues of concern to women. Venus is the ruler of both Taurus and Libra so these signs tend to be more affected by Venus retro.

In Taurus, Venus reflects high values, a peaceful tolerant, kind nature, and is also connected to resources like finances. In her Libra garb Venus rules all relationships, specifically love and marriage, along with fair play for all and cultural refinement.

Venus represents the most classically feminine energy in the heavens, alluring and magnetic she attracts what she needs by calling it to her and allowing it to come. In your personal birth chart Venus reveals your own day-to-day value system, and how you give and receive love. Wherever Venus resides in your chart, she tends to sweeten things and make that part of your life easier and more delightful. Retrograde planets in the birth chart generally indicate an internalization of that planet’s mode, and also timing factors in life.

People born with Venus retrograde in their birth chart can be late bloomers when it come to love and are sometimes confused about issues around sexuality and relationships in general. Parents may have held them back with rigid rules or their own self-worth issues got in the way. Perhaps they had other goals in life and simply put matters of the heart on the back-burner. Whatever the cause they usually figure it out at just the right time, and can have beautiful relationships when their Venus nature finally blooms in full.

Venus, as the ruler of earthy  Taurus is connected to Nature so when Venus retrogrades there might be less emphasis or setbacks in ecological initiatives and on the environment in general. Taurus rules the earth’s resources and is connected to banking and financial systems. (The symbol of Taurus is the Bull, so it is no accident that the bull is a Wall St. symbol too!) Generally when Venus goes retro we might expect a slow down in money markets, or some sort of fluctuation though it does not necessarily mean long term negative affects.  At the personal level, during a Venus retrograde period it makes sense to handle your own finances with prudence. You may want to redecorate your house, or spend for that lavish vacation, but think twice. Be smart enough to look at your overall budget and if necessary, be willing to hold back and wait for your financial fountain to flow again, holding faith that it will happen at the ideal time.

Venus as the ruler of airy  Libra, governs affairs of the heart. When Venus does her backward dance relationship issues come up for review. Old loves drift back into your thoughts, or even into your living arms! Relationships you felt totally secure about might start to unravel or reveal another side. Relationships where you’re sitting safely on the sidelines, suddenly pull you down into the midst of the hot and sweaty game! If you have been taking your mate for granted, things might suddenly be in your face. Venus will not be denied when she’s in this mode! If you ignore Venus’ urgings she will seductively find ways to fling issues of the heart in your face! This can and does include family relations, relationships on the job, and with friends as well. It is much more advantageous to warmly embrace Venus during this time. Honor her by paying heed to your own heart’s song, and by creating more love and beauty in your life. Love yourself and others well during her extended visit and she will reward you beautifully!

Summer Solstice arrives this year arrives on June 21st at 12:38p ET, 9:38a PT and 4:38p UT (which is the Winter Solstice for those in the Southern Hemisphere). This is the moment each year when the Sun enters Cancer and is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Time and Date always has good info on the Solstices, so does EarthSky and this from Belle and Candle has some wonderful Folklore for the Summer Solstice which came to me via Grandtrines astrology.

Stonehenge is one of the oldest prehistoric monuments in existence and one of the functions for this ancient stone circle was to mark the annual solstices. Celebrations are still held here on the solstice dates.

This is why I cast the Solstice Chart  for Avebury, England just 2 miles from Stonehenge. This year’s Solstice chart has a mixture of Water and Fire, along with a draft of air but with very little earth to ground it. It also has a dash (or more!) of frustration with energies hidden in the deep that might devour you! This cosmic blend  is why I chose the featured image, by illustrator Helen Jacobs. The girl is not a mermaid (looks like she has feet to me), so what is she doing underwater? Our underwater girl is looking at a flying fish with a bit of a frustration as if to say, “Why am I not able to fly up the air too. Do I really belong here in the water?” And in the murky background a sea serpent of some sort with nasty intentions is swimming her way, so she had better perk up and notice before the danger is upon her!

Fire is the most active element in the Solstice chart with Venus, Jupiter, asteroid Juno and the Moon all in Leo which reach out to Uranus in Aries, asteroid Vesta and the South Node are in Aries too and asteroid Pallas/Athena is in the 3rd fire sign of Sagittarius. The airy element comes from Mercury in Gemini with a bigger draft from Mars still in Gemini but about to waft away into Cancer, along with asteroid Ceres in Aquariusa and the North Node in Libra. Sun in Cancer, Neptune and Chiron in Pisces and Saturn in Scorpio provide the watery blend, while Pluto stands alone upon the rocky mountain earth of Capricorn.

One of the most telling indicators of the trends for the season is a perfect 90* angle between the Moon at 29* Leo to Saturn retro at 29* Scorpio. In this kind of chart the Moon = public emotions and Saturn = worldly structures and Saturn just returned to Scorpio on 6/14 with a vengeance!  An exact square like this in the tight fixed signs of Leo and Scorpio represents the ancient challenge between the desire of people to be happy and enjoy their lives pitted against dark (hidden) powers who have other intentions! Evidence the mass shooting deaths in Charleston, SC which happened only 3 days after Saturn re-entered Scorpio. After sitting with the congregation at Emanuel church (the historical oldest AME church in the US South) during a prayer service, yet another young angry male with all too easily available fire-power suddenly jumped up and blasted away 9 precious lives . Yes, events like this can put a damper on folks hoping to live and enjoy their normal lives.

As always the Solstice Sun is at 0* Cancer a loving and healing sign, but this year it is shining alone on the waters with pale rays not quite able to shine through upon what lies below. Healer Chiron in mystical Pisces could help out by soothing Saturn’s turbulent Scorpio froth, but is a bit too far away from Saturn to have a strong enough impact. Seems like outer forces are not coming to our rescue and it’s up to us to do our own personal healing work as Saturn returns to Scorpio with his demand that we keep shedding our false yet comforting layers. (Ouch!) Neptune could lend a hand as well, but  is not paying much attention while retrograding in misty Pisces. On top of that Mercury in Gemini forms another very close square to Neptune. So instead of the instant clarity Mercury/Gemini can provide, wavelengths get skewed and wavy and the weirdness continues. Motivational Mars is flying high in Gemini too, usually an excellent orator who gets the point acorss. But since Mars is just off a similar square to Chiron, it only adds to helter-skelter energies until you’re not sure which direction you’ve come from much less which one to go.

At the same time, love and light Venus in Leo is close to optimistic Jupiter/Leo and both send a 120* angle ray over to cell tower Uranus beaming brightly in Aries. This aspect creates a pathway of good fortune for those who raise their vibration above the fearful fray, but for those of lower vibe, it can trigger more egotistical “I am the High and Mighty, bow down to me” grandstanding.

Pluto is the only planet in a solid earth sign, but he is retrograding in Capricorn as if to say, “You guys need to figure out how to transform your world to a better place by yourselves. I’m getting tired of this thankless job.” Pluto does make a rather obscure aspect called quincunx  or inconjunct to Venus but this is a rather irritating connection, like an oyster who has to layer enamel over the itchy piece of sand to feel better again. Could this ultimately be helpful? Perhaps if we can layer quickly enough to create a beautiful pearl……doubtful.

So all in all, this summer season is a bit of a muddle. As I said in June’s Heavenly Messages issue, it’s 2 steps forward one leap back!

If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know I am an eternal optimist. In the midst of this kind of funky energy it may seem difficult to keep your chin up, but there is always a way. Remember the author’s phrase, “The situation is desperate, as usual.”? This season’s cosmic energies play out this theme as worldly forces continue to thrash around in their illusion of being in charge (or even real at all!) The best advice for your own personal world is to let it be. I alluded to it earlier when I discussed Saturn and Pluto.  It’s up to each one of us to do our own personal healing work and begin transforming to a higher vibrational level where no matter what is happening “out there” you are creating a loving and happy life for yourself, those you love and even people you interact with on a daily basis. The choice to do this has always been at hand, but first you must become aware of your own personal responsibility to choose it. This year’s Solstice energies can help you realize this.

I hope you have magical Solstice plans to help capture the best at this most powerful moment of the year.

My best to you always!

~Melissa

Link to hear Astrology of The Soul on Golden Rose Psychic Radio aired on June 17, 2015

In this show I discuss how your birth chart reveals soul based contracts, past life issues and other karmic indicators, along with prenatal eclipse patterns and 13th Harmonic charts.

I always enjoy  being  on Golden Rose Psychic Radio with Dr. Lauren Cielo (See sidebar and hit the Golden Rose button to learn more about Dr. Lauren’s psychic training classes.)

March 20, 2015 is a powerhouse cosmic day! At 5:36a EDT – 9:36a UT the New Moon and the Sun are both at 29* Pisces creating a Total Solar eclipse. Then the Spring Equinox arrives later in the day at 6:45p EDT – 10:45a UT. Even a mainstream news source like USA Today dubbed it Freaky Friday!

In March’s Heavenly Messages I wrote about the eclipse saying: “ Eclipse periods in general create out of the ordinary effects which are more pronounced during total ones. You feel spacy and often so distracted it becomes difficult to maintain normal routines. Dreams are more insistent and seem to spill into your waking life as if the veils between heaven and earth get thinner… It takes effort to maintain a grounded state… Since the solar eclipse on 3/20 is at the very last degree of Pisces, which is also the very last degree of the entire zodiac wheel, what might we expect? First realize the last degree of the zodiac wheel has the energy of the entire 359 other degrees and everything they represent, crashing upon it like a huge tsunami. The degree 29 Pisces essentially sums up all human behavior and ‘holds’ these paradigms at an ideal level, before releasing and reemerging into a new form.”

The effects of eclipses, especially total ones, can be felt weeks ahead and after. Adding to this “release and reemerge” energetic patten is the recent massive solar flare on 3/11 the first of 2015. A big coronal mass  reached Earth on 3/15 creating geomagnetic storms (and stunning Auroras!). Mariella Moon has an article on it The Big Picture: 2015’s first extra intense X-class solar flare.

You might have felt some of the very physical effects of this yourself. I know I did! On Sunday 3/15 I could barely get out of bed and had weird aches and nerve pain. I thought I was coming down with the flu. By Monday morning I felt fine, so I knew it must be something energetic. I’ve talked to a lot of people since then, who all said they had weird physical stuff too, especially digestion issues during this same time. Here are some articles about these types of solar flare effects. This one from the Carlini Institute How Solar Flares are Affecting Us has interesting  information on how the flares affect your thoughts, emotions and body. Here is one from Spirit Library by Dana Mrkich Solar Flares Injecting Bonus Energy . They describe effects very similar to eclipse effect, so we’re in a compounded phase now!

These current energies create a huge PUSH to release old pain, anger, resentment and all those old limiting paradigms which have been holding us back our entire lives, and have been stunting humanity as a whole. So when you feel this old ‘stuff’ come up, don’t rehash it or even identify with it as ‘you’ anymore –  simply recognize it has come up for you to release it in preparation for a new higher vibrational you.

Spring Equinox 2015 arrives at 6:45p EDT – 10:45a UT. The Spring Equinox (Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere) is the reset button for the Zodiac wheel. It is the moment when the Sun enters Aries the first sign of the zodiac, a fierce fire sign ruled by the planet of war Mars. The symbol for Aries is the Ram with sturdy, tough horns ready to butt through any barrier in its way.  Aries is the pioneer running ahead of the pack with raw emotional power and instinct. A fitting sign for the energies of Spring as new seeds aggressively push their way through the soil to greet the waiting Sun.

The chart for the Equinox reveals the pattern for this new season. There is a large consentration of Aries energy in this chart! Along with the Sun, the Moon, Uranus, Mars and the karmic South Node are all in Aries. Moon = emotions and in Aries is feisty and demanding. Chaotic Change Agent Uranus is now half way through his 7 year Aries journey and is definitely demanding more action for change!  Mars = action and rules Aries so is a powerful influence for the season. The South Node indicates energies which must be positively integrated before evolution can occur. South Node has been in Aries since Feb.19, 2014 and will remain in this war-like sign until Nov. 9, 2015. On the opposite end is the North Node – the compass pointing toward the more evolved pattern. North Node is in Libra indicating the evolutionary direction to follow now is one of peace and  justice with respect for all people and points of view.

Communicator Mercury is in watery Pisces just moving away from a meeting with Satellite Dish Neptune and eager to spread the word about a new spiritual wavelength spreading across the globe. Centaur Chiron also maintains his Pisces journey, helping turn a key to different dimensions – if – we are willing to turn it. Magnetic Venus is in earthy Taurus, one of the signs she rules, exuding even more magnetism and charm. The 2 largest planets Jupiter and Saturn are both in active fire signs but moving retrograde at the Equinox, Jupiter in Leo and Saturn in Sagittarius. Saturn reaches out to the Sun and Moon with advice on how to move into larger, more expansive structures, but the messages may not be heard or acted on until later in the year. Transformer Pluto is half way through his long journey in worldly Capricorn and on the Equinox is in the last grip of a potent square to Uranus, the last gasp of the years long Cardinal Cross (may it rest in peace!) For more on this read AstroAnslie’s Uranus Square Pluto: the Final Swing .

All these factors together paint a picture of vibrant hues and forward moving patterns, with plenty of motivation to create and enough grounded energy to make it real. For creative people this should be a wonderful season! At the same time there are confusing swirls which make no sense to those who cannot look beyond the reality they have have always been told was “true”. So for those who cannot or will not loosen their grip on their tight belief structures, it could be a season of bewilderment, wondering why all their hard work and drive gets them nowhere fast.

On the world scene the stage is set for more face-offs between war mongers agitating to blow the enemy away and diplomats hoping to broker long lasting peace. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent election win in Israel is a case in point. Pre-election polls pointed to his party losing power, but instead they gained even more seats and more control. Pundits point out that Netanyahu achieved this by doing a 180 on past pledges. The New York Times criticized his  “outright rejection of a Palestinian state and his racist rant against Israeli Arab voters”.  Apparently his fear based strategy worked. Here’s an analysis Netanyahu Win Gives Obama a Headache – this headache is not likely to get any relief this Spring.

For us normal folk living our daily lives, the advice on how to use these Equinox chart energies is above all – be creative! Love what you do more, and do more of what you love! Don’t feed the fear beast and do water and nourish the seeds of compassion for self and others, and believe more in magic! It’s around you all the time so open your eyes and tune in. The fairies of the universe are waiting to play with you! Here are some beautiful photos of the recent auroras at Spacewather’s Realtime Aurora Galley to help you see some of the magic.

I hope your life lights up in beautiful ways this Spring too!

Link to hear my Astrology Outlook for 2015

On Golden Rose Psychic Radio show 1/21/15

Hello Friends,

A very active cosmic week is ahead! I wanted to update you about this, and also let you about upcoming events of mine.

On Tuesday 1/20 the Sun enters Aquarius at 4:44a ET (nice numbers) followed by the New Moon also in Aquarius at 8:14a ET. The next day Wednesday 1/21 Mercury, in Aquarius too, turns retrograde at 10:54a ET. That’s a lot of electric blue Aquarius energy!

Mercury is the planet of communication and when Mercury goes retrograde even people not aware of astrology notice the retro trends. Apparently Mercury Retrograde even hit the New York Times! The article is Retrograde Beliefs I found out it about from astrologer Donna Cunningham in her article Mercury Retrograde Makes the New York Times Sunday Magazine which I recommend also for the links on Mercury Retro – especially Enough with the Mercury Retorgrade Hysteria!

The Symbol for Aquarius is the Water Bearer but Aquarius water flows from cosmic realms not earthly. I featured this stunning aurora photo because it perfectly equates to this Aquarius cosmic stream. Here is an excerpt I wrote for my good friend Sarah Borda’s BodyHeart Therapy Center newsletter a while back (Sarah is a myofacial therapist and also a big fan of astrology.)

“ The Power of Aquarius! Think about how you feel on a brilliant, clear winter’s day when you first open the door and icy fresh air fills your lungs calling you to leave your stale, stuffy house. This is the power of Aquarius! Aquarius is the midwinter sign of the zodiac and is known for its penetrating clarity and brilliant intelligence. The Sun travels through the sign of Aquarius each year from Jan. 20 – Feb. 19.

Aquarius is an air sign ruled by the outer planet Uranus, and its symbol is the “Water Bearer”- not earthly water, but water from the cosmic rivers above. Because of this symbol, many people mistakenly think Aquarius is a water sign. It is most certainly not! It is a very electric air sign. The water bearer symbol of Aquarius derives from early Caldean (Arabic) astrologers of around 3000 – 5000 years ago. At that time, February was the monsoon season in the Fertile Crescent region where they lived (this is the Middle Eastern region of Israel, Lebanon and parts of Syria, Jordan,
Iraq and Turkey in the modern world). Hence Aquarius became associated with the rain waters pouring from the heavens during that season, and so the “Water Bearer” symbol was born.

Uranus, Aquarius’ ruling planet, was discovered in 1781 right in-between the American and French Revolutions; a time when humanity was throwing off the yoke of the feudal system rule of kings and lords. “Freedom, Liberty and Equality” the clarion call then, still rings for Aquarians today. Aquarians are ahead of their times and seem to be born with this understanding. They are often fighters for the underdog and the common people, believing everyone deserves their fair share. True Aquarians are the original team-players. They sense it is better to work as a group to accomplish goals so they are often drawn to politics and other community oriented pursuits…”

Fast forward to today and this Aquarius influence is very much evident in the response to the Charlie Hebdo killings . On January 10th Millions of French citizens participated in a rally joined by leaders from around the world to defy terrorism and show their support for freedom of the press and liberty for all. One account I read said there were 3.7 million people marching in the streets on this day. Imagine the effect of this many people demanding Freedom and Liberty! This massive amount of people power ripples across the entire continuum! On 1/10/15  Mercury and Venus also traveled side by side in Aquarius of course! And Mars was in Aquarius too. As above, so below.

Mars has moved on into Pisces, but Venus is still in Aquarius until 1/27 and Mercury stays in Aquarius much longer than usual due to the retro phase and remains in Aquarius through March 12. So my friends we are in the midst of a very Aquarius time!

Aquarius rules astrology so these upcoming events fall right into place.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

My first event is a radio show on where I share my astrology outlook for 2015. It airs on Wednesday 1/21 at 6:30p PT- 9:30p ET on Golden Rose Psychic Radio I always enjoy being on Golden Rose radio, it’s a lot of fun! You can call and join in at 718-766-4194 Find details here Astrology Outlook for 2015

Next I’ll be doing an astrology workshop on Saturday 2/7 from 12:30 – 3:30 i n the Endless Mountains in PA.It’s called Go Beyond your Sun Sign – Astrology workshop at WellSpring House in Tunkhannock, PA.  Sign up for the workshop at WellSpring House on FB or call 570-836-171

Here is some of what we’ll be covering: Many people have the wrong idea about astrology. They think a birth chart locks them into a predestined pattern, and that astrology predicts a fated future over which they have no control. Here is the truth about astrology: Your birth chart is a wonderful tool in self development. It is your own personal map as you explore and unfold in life! It describes who you are at the most essential levels and helps guide you toward becoming the best “you” possible. You are always at choice around how you use the gifts and handle the challenges your birth chart indicates, and in fact, understanding your birth chart helps you realize how to go with your own inner “flow” rather than push against the current! Astrology in general describes the cosmic flow and how this affects us here below. When you understand trends you can work harmoniously with these energies; but again, you are always in control of your own actions. It simply makes good sense to utilize this knowledge which is there for all.

This workshop will help you decode the astrological “heavenly messages” you constantly receive. You’ll learn what a birth chart is, and see for yourself that astrology is more than your Sun sign. For example, you have a Moon sign, representing your emotional nature; you have a Venus sign revealing your romantic nature, as well as many more factors you may not presently know. We’ll discuss each participant’s own astrological influences and look at charts of people in the news to see how astrology affects them and the timing of current events. If you’ve always been interested in ‘the Stars’ this workshop will take you there !

Hope you’ll tune into the radio show this Wednesday and would love to see you on Feb. 7th!

Best,

Melissa

Melissa Stratton
Personal Relations Counselor
Astrology, Tarot, Dream Analysis
melwaz@heavenlymessagesbymelissa.com
heavenlymessagesbymelissa.com

The 2014 Winter Solstice (Summer in the Southern Hemisphere) arrives on December 21st

at 11:03p Universal Time, 6:03p Eastern Time and 3:03p Pacific Time.

In the darkest time of year in the Northern hemisphere when daylight fades in the afternoon hours, the Winter Solstice always arrives in comforting regularity to remind us the light will begin to return –  subtly, slowly but return it shall!

The Farmers Almanac always has interesting Solstice information at Winter Solstice: Facts and Folklore and EarthSky does too at Everything you need to know: December solstice 2014

The chart for the exact moment of the Solstice gives insight into the patterns and trends emerging for this new season.  At every December’s solstice the Sun is stationed at O degrees (*) Capricorn.  Capricorn is the 3rd earth sign,  a solid, stable, mature sign ruled by Saturn. This year   Mercury, Venus and Pluto along with asteroid Vesta are also in Capricorn.  Pluto and Venus are in close communication ( at 12 and 14* Cap) with Vesta and Mercury  nearby. This Capricorn planetary confluence triggers the Cardinal Cross in the heavens (yet again!) forming a tight angle to revolutionary Uranus at 12* Aries, and also to the karmic North/South Nodes at 15* Libra/Aries.  At another turn of the seasonal wheel this familiar cosmic challenge indicates  (violent!) forces of change clash with the Capricorn status quo which wants to maintain control and resists change.

Saturn aka “Lord of the Material World” is the ruler of Capricorn, so it’s always important to note Saturn’s position at the Solstice. This year Saturn is at the very last degree of the most powerful sign in the zodiac – Scorpio.  Saturn actually leaves Scorpio to enter Sagittarius only 2 days later on 12/23/14, but Saturn’s position at this potent degree on this Solstice indicates the poisonous “stinging tail” Scorpion energy maintains, as well as the potential for the deep, profound healing of one of  Scorpio’s other  symbols The Phoenix – dying and rising again triumphantly transformed!

Certainly in the weeks leading up to the Solstice the world has experienced Saturn’s nasty Scorpio-tail  sting. The Torture Report released by the US Senate  is a prime example.  Another example is the Staten Island, NY Grand Jury decision  not to indict the police officer who killed Eric Garner which reignited outrage and demonstrations begun during the earlier Ferguson Grand Jury decision over the killing of Michael Brown. The many terrorist killings from Australia to the seemingly never-ending chaos and brutality in the Middle East are further evidence of Saturn/Scorpio not releasing its sting yet.  There have been absurd examples too like the cyber hacking of Sony Entertainment thought to be done by North Korea against the Sony movie The Interview a comedic parody about an assassination  plot to kill North Korean president Kim Jong-Il.  Private emails by Sony executives, actors etc. were  released to the media revealing embarrassing “stinging” details never meant to be public – ouch!

The healing power of Scorpio is evident in worldly events too. Most notably the Obama administration normalizing relations with Cuba is an amazing example which I thought I would never see in my lifetime! This surprising announcement made on 12/17  had been secretly  in the making for 18 months with consultation with Pope Francis too – wow.   And of course secrecy is a major Scorpio theme!  Here is the NY Times article about this fascinating development US to Restore Full Relations with Cuba

At personal levels I heard from many friends and clients about profound healing events at  physical, emotional and spiritual levels.  Perhaps you did too.  I experienced a powerful healing myself from my friend Vyolet who recently incorporated singing bowl/sound healing into her practice – it was amazing!  The energy for powerful positive change is out there assisting us all now, so take advantage!

Another significant factor in the Solstice chart is Jupiter moving retrograde at 22* Leo.  Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system with a huge astrological  impact too.  Jupiter in lordly fire sign Leo shines brightly! It is positive, vibrant and extremely creative.  Jupiter/Leo is a major player and even in reverse maintains power – more internalized yes, but like a clay pot in the kiln heating to that perfect moment when it becomes a beautiful piece of ceramic.  Saturn and Jupiter have been in tense squaring aspect over the last several weeks which added more potency to Saturn/Scorpio’s whipping tail! Although this square is waning at the Solstice, it is still in effect indicating stressed energies are likely to remain through the winter months.

The Solstice Moon is in Sagittarius, another vibrant fire sign like Leo. The Moon influences the public’s mood  and in optimistic Sagittarius indicates people are starting to feel more positive about the direction of their lives.  Sagittarius loves to be on the move and the dropping oil/gas  prices make travel a lot more affordable now and puts extra  jingle in people’s pockets. Just yesterday (12/19) the stock market gained 400 points, a leap not seen in many years. Adding to this “yipee-ki-yay” mode, the Sagittarius Moon and Jupiter/Leo create a harmonious trine together and both reach out to Uranus in Aries, bringing more positivity to the Solstice equation.  On top of  this, the  Moon at 28* Sagittarius is stationed near the powerful gateway of the Galactic Center which gives people more ability to reach higher heights than anyone thought possible – so go for it!

Spiritual satellite dish Neptune and Centaur healer Chiron maintain their long term journeys in mystical Pisces .  On the Solstice they  hang out together in their misty cosmic realm relating to each other, but are not much interested in relationships with any other planets.   Mars will catch up with them later in January so we’ll see what gets triggered then, but on the Solstice Mars is stationed at 13* Aquarius.  Motivational Mars in  intelligent air sign Aquarius activates clarity and indicates more ability to reach the 10,000 foot perspective.  Mars works positively with the North Node compass point in peace loving Libra which bodes well for diplomacy.  Mars/Aquarius could aid renewed negotiations with Iran over their nuclear policies and also indicates a more enlightened response to the new Cuba/US policies.

Mars is still the “Warrior” planet so it’s interesting to note that President Obama’s rising sign is 18* Aquarius. This  means  not long after the Solstice, on 12/28,  Mars will enter Obama’s first house for the first time in 2 years.  In plain English this means rammy Mars will be right up in the President’s face!  The Republicans take over both houses of  Congress in January and continue to be steaming mad at the President, some even clamoring to block him from giving the State of the Union address.  This echoes the tense square between Scorpio/Saturn and Leo/Jupiter in the Solstice chart.  We’ll all have a seat on the sidelines to watch how this cosmic show unfolds! Perhaps North Korea will hack Congress next.  (I say with only a slight hint of sarcasm.  Wouldn’t it be fun to know what they say about each other in private? Saturn in Scorpio says, “Watch out or your karma will run over your dogma.”)

I hope only good karma is abundant for you at the Solstice and this new season of returning light brings bright blessings for you and yours!  On this shortest day of the year here’s another thing Saturn in Scorpio might say, through the words of the great Capricorn writer Henry Miller, “ The world dies over and over again, but the skeleton always gets up and walks.”

IMAGE NOTE: This lovely, uplifting painting “Darkest before Dawn”  is by Heni Sandoval my very talented sister.  She first posted the painting at her blog on International Peace day in September, and the moment I saw it I knew it would be perfect for this Solstice issue.  Here’s what Heni says inspired this painting, “It is my feeling that the negativity that we are seeing and that many are experiencing will pass sooner rather than later and that actually many positive things are happening under the radar of the sensational news.”  The Solstice chart for 12/21/14 vibrates to this idea as well.  You can read Heni’s  full blog at Heni’s Happy Paintings and find more of her work at her ETSY site.

Autumn Equinox 2014 in the Northern Hemisphere – Spring in the South arrives on 9/22 at 10:29 PM EDT and on 9/23 at 2:29 AM UT. The Farmer’s Almanac always has fun and interesting facts about each new season and Time and Date has good info too including local Equinox times worldwide.

The chart for the Autumn Equinox reveals trends for this new season.

As always the Sun is at 0 degrees Libra and this year Messenger Mercury and clever asteroid Pallas Athena are also in this airy, balanced sign ruled by Venus.  The North Node also points to Libra indicating the current evolutionary direction is toward the Libra ideal of  harmonious relationships with all beings.

Lovely Venus herself is in earthy Virgo alongside a Virgo Moon having a conversation about how to properly manage all the complex energies of this new season. Huge Jupiter is majestic in Lordly Leo and beams out vibrantly to Cell Tower Uranus retrograde in Aries stationed near the karmic South Node.  Jupiter is optimistic that in spite of tumultuous world events people will ultimately come together for the greater good and is hoping Uranus will wake up and help out. Motivational Mars is in truth speaker Sagittarius and will soon join in this triumvirate of fiery passionate persuasion.

At the same time Jupiter faces a major challenge from Stern Teacher Saturn in Scorpio who reminds Jupiter that power-mongers do not gently let go of their ill got gains. Saturn himself is sandwiched between two goddess asteroids, Mature Mother Ceres and Eternal Flame Vesta who are convincing Saturn to box in some of those powerful players until they yield.  They have help from asteroid Juno in Cancer who is committed to uphold the views of women and families.

Mystical Neptune and Shaman Chiron are both retrograding in spacey Pisces and although they fill in a lovely water trine with Saturn and the asteroid goddesses they are looking elsewhere for…who knows what? As if to say, “Please leave me alone, I am in my own dream time zone.” The Moon and Venus in hard working Virgo are opposite Chiron so it’s up to them to get things done until Chiron returns from his soul retrieval mission.

Last but hardly least is Potent Pluto in managerial Capricorn, which after a 5 month retrograde turns direct only 2 hours before the Equinox arrives. Pluto’s position on the Equinox echos the cardinal cross repeating the same tense square to Uranus playing off and on again in the heavens for years.  Fresh Uranus/Aries upstarts are reveling in their warrior’s power as they happily spit in the eye of Capricorn status quo, but relentless Pluto always nails the last move. Pluto in Capricorn says to the upstarts, “You have energy and motivation yes, but my current job is to transform ALL major structures of worldly authority. Until you wise up and create positive structures which benefit more than your own agenda, I will continue to pound you until you are dust in the wind.”

In order to understand what all this means here are some As Above – So Below examples.  Jupiter entered Leo in mid July giving a huge boost to the uplifting concept of “I have the right to be ME.” For us average folk this helps with self esteem and gives creative plans a nice positive uplift!  Jupiter/Leo also brings more fuel to narcissist types who cannot see beyond their own rays and to zealots with their own narrow agendas. The brutality of ISIL in Iraq and the devious chess-moves of Valdimir Putin are prime examples.  In the Equinox chart Jupiter’s connection to revolutionary Uranus feeds the fire even more.

Mars rules war, warriors and all testosterone, adrenaline driven activities like sports. Mars was in the deep waters of Scorpio from 7/25 through 9/13. Scorpio rules sex and power and Mars in Scorpio met up with Saturn/Scorpio in late August just as Football season was starting here in the US. Volatile Mars was the catalyst bringing up hidden muck which Saturn in Scorpio has been stirring over the last 2 years.

A video of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his fiance in February which NFL commissioner Roger Goodell denied having seen, now had to be publicly addressed. Why? Because of pressure from women’s right’s advocates and domestic violence experts and the players themselves (asteroid goddess at work!).  Goodell wrote a letter on Aug. 28 to the league’s owners to announce he had decided to change the league’s personal conduct policy involving domestic violence incidents.

Mars entered exuberant fire sign Sagittarius on 9/13 and will reach out to both Jupiter and Uranus during the first two weeks of October. This boost from Mars in optimistic Sagittarius in general is very positive, helping you feel more energetic and positively motivated…and the nasties out there get their yayas pumped more too.

Here’s another Mars story, and this one is very close to home for me personally. Mars rules police as well as the proverbial “lone gunman” killers, and on 9/12 “anti-law enforcement survivalist” Eric Frein shot and killed one PA state trooper and wounded another. As of today (9/21) Frein is still at large in the Poconos and authorities maintain their search very near where I live. (I’ve heard and seen search helicopters overhead for the last 3 days!) This vicious act made national and even international headlines. You can read about it here Survivalist killer on the run brings life in the Poconos to a standstill

The day of this shooting, 9/12, Mars was at the very last degree of Scorpio, the poisonous stinging Scorpion tail, and only a few hours away from entering energetic “I can live in the woods forever!” Sagittarius. I don’t know Frein’s full birth date but do know he was born in 1983 which was the last time Saturn was in Scorpio. This means he has been experiencing his Saturn return and Mars conjunction with Saturn in August was obviously a major trigger to some very deep demons for this troubled soul.  And now with Mars in Sag’s boundless energy, who knows when he will be captured? (May it be soon to bring some measure of peace to the dead and injured troopers families and to the entire community.)

These are obvious and educational examples of the power of planetary influence, to help you learn how they manifest here below. As always it is up to you to access the most positive elements…or let the energy carry you to negative extremes. There is help in the Equinox chart to avoid the pitfalls and raise your vibration to higher levels. The Sun in Venus kissed Libra always aides in keeping good balance in life and favors peace and love.  Mercury in Libra helps you communicate in more gracious ways, Pallas Athena in Libra aids you to strategize  more diplomatically, and the North Node in Libra leads the way to these worthy goals.

If you have been watching Ken Burns PBS excellent series The Roosevelts, Eleanor Roosevelt is fresh on your mind. Her birth chart reflects many of the currents in this Equinox 2014 chart. Eleanor Roosevelt was born with Sagittarius rising,  Moon in Cancer, has both Sun and Mercury in Libra and even more significantly also has her North Node in Libra, South Node in Aries as they are now. Here is her chart:

If you have not seen The Roosevelts I highly recommend it! Not only because it is a fascinating look at very significant individuals who helped shape US and world history, but also because it resonates to similar dynamics being played out in our very own lives right now.  As an old friend of mine always says, “Times change, people don’t.” I learned another phrase recently which I find very helpful, you may too. It is: “As the one armed aligater wrangler said – You learn as you go.” Libra energy urges us not to judge harshly self or others, but learn as you go with a gracious attitude.

As the wheel of the seasons changes I wish you an elegant and exuberant Autumn (and Spring for my friends in the Southern hemisphere). May you follow the North Node compass direction to peace, harmony and wonderful relationships filled with love!

IMAGE NOTE : This lovely painting Faery Grandmama is a perfect image for the birth of the new Autumn season. My friend Tammie Lee painted it upon the birth of her grandchild and I just fell in love with it on first sight. You can find it at Tammie’s ETSY site Beauty Flows . Tammie is a multitalented artist and photographer too. I’ve bought many of her photo-cards over the years to send to friends and clients who love them. Find these at Spirithelphers and follow her art blog at Beauty Flows