Week of 4.11.16

Feel The Buzz!
We start the week with some good vibrations, a harbinger of what appears to be a pretty nice week. (Except for Wednesday. Again. But more on that below.) And with the Moon waxing in strength, supported by several positive aspects, this is the time to initiate whatever schemes and dreams you've been cooking up these past few months, before the upcoming Mars and Mercury Retrogrades slow things down.

On Monday, the Moon will be in the ever bright and chipper sign of Gemini, which is sure to put a spring in your step. This lively Moon, syncing up with inventive Uranus, will spark fresh ideas, and is terrific for writing, networking, brainstorming and all forms of communication. Plus, if you can tap into Gemini’s dual-track capacity, you’ll be able to work faster and smarter, and get twice as much done. By the time the Moon goes Void (2:57p), you should be able to kick back and congratulate yourself for having a very productive day.

Passions Piqued
The Moon will be in tender-hearted Cancer Tuesday and Wednesday, a great time to connect with whomever, and whatever, is nearest and dearest to your heart. Tuesday, especially so, as it features love planets, Venus and Mars, in a fiery, hot embrace. Because this passionate combo is so ideally romantic, I nominate Tuesday for best date night this week. The coupling of Venus and Mars not only stimulates relationships, but creativity. So whether you're looking to make love or art, count on this dynamic duo to provide the spark.

And then, there’s Wednesday. For the past month, we’ve suffered through some pretty crappy transits on Wednesdays, and this week is no exception. A tense aspect between the Moon, an incendiary Pluto and a volatile Uranus is a combustible combo at any time. But when the Moon happens to be in the overly sensitive, thin-skinned sign of Cancer, we could find ourselves caught up in any number of emotional meltdowns and upheavals. Take extra care to protect yourself and stay away from any known provocateurs. This caution holds especially true for sensitive watery types. I’m talking to you, Cancer/ Scorpio/Pisces.

Lights! Camera! Action!
What a difference a day makes! Thursday’s bright, sunshiny Leo Moon is sure to dispel any residual doom and gloom from Wednesday. What makes this day especially good is that witty Mercury will be palling around with glad-handing Jupiter urging you to go out and toot you own horn. Not that you'll need much encouragement. That crazy creative, look-at-me Leo energy will have you all jazzed up to express yourself. Don't be shy. (You won't.) Take center stage and strut your stuff. This good vibe continues on Friday with an added boost from ambitious Saturn to help you solidify your achievements.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Mostly sunny, turning brisk. That cheery Leo Moon continues thru early Saturday afternoon. Finish up any shopping excursion before the Void Moon period (1:48p–7:22pm), especially if you’re looking to purchase a big-ticket item. Void Moons have a way of causing buyer’s remorse. Playtime is over Sunday when the no-nonsense Virgo Moon takes charge and the upcoming work week's to-do's take over. The big news for Sunday, and the next few months, is that Mars is going Retrograde. 

Energy Shortage: Mars Goes Retrograde (April 10–June 29)
Mars is the planet of motivation, initiative and chutzpah. It's the fuel we use to get things moving. With that energy in short supply the next few months, it will feel like your get up and go has got up and gone. Everything is an effort. Obstacles seem insurmountable. Frustrations rise. Tempers flare. You'll sorely feel the lack of the "oomph factor," that extra burst of energy you count on to push you over the finish line. But forcing the issue, always aggressive Mars’s fallback, will not work. Neither will going it alone. The best way to operate when Mars is out of gas is to catch a ride with Venus. Tapping into the Venusion arts of charm, cooperation and tact is the best lane open to us.

As with any Retrograde, we need to focus on words that start with "re:" refuel, refocus, repair, reflect, reinvigorate. And remember: s-l-o-w d-o-w-n. No one is going anywhere fast during this cosmic traffic jam.

Week of 4.4.16

Imagine That!
We drift into the week with a Pisces Moon imbuing Monday with a dreamy, some might say, spaced out, quality. Creativity and imagination soar under the Pisces spell, but it can be hard to muster the drive, focus and follow through needed to manifest your vision. Do make an effort, because with three full-day Void Moons this week, you’ll want to accomplish as much as you can on the non-Void ones.

Tuesday is the first of the all-day Voids. Fortunately, the Sun will be teaming up with can-do Saturn so it can be a productive day, if you stick to routine tasks and stay flexible. Check out all the dos and don’ts of the Void Moon period here. The bigger news for Tuesday is that two planets will be changing signs:

Venus in Aries: Love Is a Battlefield
Say so-long to the Venusion arts of cooperation and collaboration. It’s everyone for themselves, when the planet of peace and diplomacy is hijacked by the sign of war and aggression. To put it another way, when “we-first” Venus enters “me-first” Aries, we all become more Scarlett than Melanie and, frankly, my dear, don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks. All those compromisin’, sweet talkin’, people pleasin’ ways will be gone with the wind—well, at least while Venus occupies this combative sign (until 4/29).  But, if you’ve been ignoring your own needs in a relationship, Venus in Aries gives you the courage to stand your ground and restore balance to the situation. When Aries shakes Venus out of her torpor, it ratchets up the passion and just might put the spark back in your love life. 

Mercury in Taurus: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
When quick-witted Mercury enters slo-mo Taurus, all communications become more methodical and deliberate.  Depending on your temperament, you’ll either welcome the unhurried, systematic pace or you’ll be tearing your hair out in frustration. But we’re all going to have to get used to this somewhat dawdling tempo. Because Mercury will go Retrograde on April 28, it will spend three times as long in Taurus (through June 12) as it usually does!

Beware the Energy Vampires!
On Wednesday, the mood turns feisty as a fiery Aries Moon goes “mano a mano” with Voldemort-like Pluto. This could be a challenging day, as scheming Pluto can exacerbate tensions and suspicions among colleagues and friends alike. But Pluto also has a purgative quality, making this an opportune time to rid yourself of any parasitic Draculas who try to suck you dry and drain your life force. Looking at the bright side of this dark energy, you might even use Pluto's transformative powers to exorcise any unhealthy behaviors/patterns that have been holding you back or threatening to pull you into a sink hole.

New Moon in Aries: Gonna Be Startin’ Somethin’
Every New Moon is pregnant with possibilities and perfect for fresh starts, but the pioneering Aries New Moon, on Thursday, is especially so. Because we have another all-day Void Moon to contend with (after 10:46a Thursday), wait until Friday, when the Moon will be in the ever-green, ever-fertile sign of Taurus, before launching any long-term projects/goals/partnerships. Speaking of partnerships, with a sensuous Taurus Moon putting the moves on good-time Jupiter, Friday night is my pick for the best date night this week!

WEEKEND FORECAST
Changeable. Expect the unexpected on Saturday, which features the last of this week’s all-day Void Moons and a connection between the Sun and the always erratic, unpredictable Uranus. The Moon moves into lively and capricious Gemini on Sunday, a great time for getting out and getting together with friends. Just plan the fun for earlier in the day, as a strong, testy wind blowing in toward late afternoon could spoil your party.  

Week of 3.28.16

Reach for the Stars!
The week begins with the Moon rocketing through adventurous Sagittarius. This expansive, outgoing and upbeat Moon not only sets the tone for Monday, but it’s the harbinger for what’s shaping up to be a pretty inspired week.

For most of Monday, the Moon will be aligned with motivational Mars, spurring you on to broaden your horizons, expand your network and extend your reach. If there’s a downside to all this vivacity, it’s that it will be hard to sit still. And, of course, it would be a shame to squander this joie de vivre stuck behind a desk. If you can, play hooky or leave work early, or at least take a long lunch and get outside. Any work you don't get done (or blow off), can be made up on Tuesday when taskmaster Saturn intervenes to harness this effusive energy.

Expect the unexpected early Tuesday evening, when that Sadge Moon connects with unpredictable Uranus. As this is a favorable aspect, it’s safe to assume that if something does pop up from out of the blue, it will be a welcome change in plans.

Defense Against the Dark Arts?
The Moon will be Void until 1:45p Wednesday, so stick with routine tasks during that time. (You can read up on the dos and don’ts of Void Moons here). Once the Moon enters industrious Capricorn, at 1:46p, you’ll find you’re able to achieve a great deal. The only thing to be aware of, make that wary of, is a tricky aspect between conniving Mercury and scheming Pluto. Try not to get waylaid by obsessive or negative thinking and stay away from any practitioners of the dark arts. You know, those toxic personalities who foment jealousies, malicious gossip and engage in emotional blackmail.  

Eureka!
On Thursday, a galvanizing aspect between quick-witted Mercury and ingenious Uranus produces some high-voltage brain power. If you’ve previously hit a dead end on a problem/project/script, this aspect, stoking your genius, could inspire breakthroughs, eureka-type discoveries, and quantum leaps. Go on! Grab those lightning bolts of invention with both hands. You won't get electrocuted; the Moon will stay in grounded Capricorn through 12:39p Friday. Hopefully, you’ll have already accomplished so much this week, that by the time the Moon goes Void at 12:40p, you can just kick back and coast right into the weekend.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Friendly. In that somewhat impersonal but always intriguing Aquarius way. If you’ve been looking for a good time to get the gang together, this is the weekend. With the Moon in outgoing, eccentric Aquarius, you may feel like stepping outside of your comfort zone, venturing into different neighborhoods, checking out that new band/show/restaurant and trying something unique. Uni anyone? 

Week of 3.21.16

Taking Care of Business
The Moon will be in scrupulous and diligent Virgo on Monday. Under its influence, you're inspired to streamline activities and devise more efficient ways of doing things. But as the Moon will be out of sorts with both Venus and Saturn, delays and interruptions could interfere with your progress. It’s likely to be one of those days when you’re doing all the things you have to, not the things you want to. That said, Virgo is still an extremely productive energy, and you’ll want to try to accomplish as much as you can on Monday, because the Moon will be Void the entire day on Tuesday.

All-Day Void Moon Alert!
If you’ve been reading the AstroCast for awhile, you know the Void Moon drill: Routine tasks, brainstorming and daydreaming are okay; Scheduling important appointments, purchasing big-ticket items, signing contracts, not so much. When the Moon is Void for the whole day, we can expect delays, late starts, rescheduling and all-around mayhem, which, depending on your outlook, you could find exasperating, nerve-wracking or surprisingly enjoyable! Remember, while Void Moon periods are unpredictable, they can offer inspiration and a chance to think outside the box. Check out the dos and don’ts of the Void Moon here.

The Big Reveal?
Wednesday’s Lunar Eclipse is the bookend to the Solar Eclipse we had two weeks ago. If a Solar Eclipse is a New Moon on steroids, a Lunar Eclipse is a turbo-charged Full Moon, a time of illuminations and realizations. As this Eclipse is in Libra, relationships will come under close scrutiny. Lunar Eclipses shine a spotlight on all the stuff we’ve been trying to hide, or at the very least the issues we’ve been ignoring in our partnerships. But the bright side is that the revelations you glean at this time, just might help you recognize unhealthy patterns that have kept you from getting the most out of your relationships. Libra is always seeking fairness and a marriage of equals. Your mission now is to make like a Libra and strike a balance, making sure both your needs and you partner’s are being met. As the energy in the days surrounding an Eclipse tends to be unstable, wait about a week before making any life-altering decisions, like say, eloping.

Think Sharp!
The Moon continues in Libra through Thursday afternoon, giving us a chance to find our equilibrium and let the dust settle. There’s also a terrific aspect between brainy Mercury and ballsy Mars. This combo can be mentally invigorating, as it provides laser-like focus and sharpens our minds. Just be aware it could also sharpen our tongues, so think twice before talking smack, sending that nasty-gram or letting fly that stinging critique. But if you’ve been procrastinating or having a hard time with a report/ proposal/creative project, this bright and bold power blend could be just the impetus you need to take that mad-inspired strategy to a new level or in a daring new direction.

The Moon will be Void again from Thursday at 4:55p through Friday at 2:09p, when it enters Scorpio. Usually, I slap a skull and crossbones label on those days when the Moon is in Scorpio. But we’ve been lucking out these past few months with Scorpio Moons making nice with the other planets. So Friday night looks opportune for close encounters and bonding with that special someone.

WEEKEND FORECAST
I’m happy to report that our luck with Scorpio continues to hold through Saturday, when we’re sure to see the bright side of this often dark energy. That makes Saturday a great time for sharing deep and meaningful experiences with loved ones. The Moon will be Void all day Easter Sunday, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will rain on your parade or put a damper on that Easter egg hunt. Just in case, have a Plan B ready and, as always, when the Moon is Void, stay flexible. Happy Hunting! 

Week of 3.14.16

Monday, Monday
With the Moon in dualistic Gemini, you get to double down on that special project on Monday. Usually, this lively sign is perfect for communicating and circulating ideas. But with harsh Saturn creating static, you’ll be better off working alone and keeping your ideas close to the vest. The good news is that Saturn will lend structure and focus, which can be helpful if you're trying to work through a problem or bring a task to completion. But if you're looking for feedback or a pat on the back, you need to know that Saturn can be negative and overcritical. You wouldn't want to show your boss or colleagues that brilliant idea only to have them shoot it down prematurely. That scenario is doubly likely, as there’s also a frictional aspect between Venus and Mars stoking tempers and resentments in all relationships. Best to keep a low profile at work—and at home—on Monday. The Moon continues in Gemini until 1:03p Tuesday, at which time it will be Void through 8:56p. Be sure to check out all the dos and don'ts of this unpredictable Void Moon here.

VOID MOON TIP
Take care of routine and/or menial tasks (e.g., expense reports, organizing files, updating address books, laundry) during a Void Moon period.  Then, when opportunity knocks, you’ll be ready at the door, not stuck at the laundromat.

Rise and Shine!
Can we really shine when the Moon is in moody Cancer? The answer this week is a resounding yes, as the Cancer Moon will be making auspicious aspects both Wednesday and Thursday. Creativity and intuition soar, when the Cancer Moon collaborates with artsy Venus and visionary Neptune. But it’s not only artistic projects that benefit from these stellar aspects. You’ll find anything you’re doing, from preparing a budget to planning a wedding, will profit from a more inventive approach. (Okay, maybe we can draw the line at creative bookkeeping?)

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This
But speaking of profit, there’s another terrific aspect midweek, between fortuitous Jupiter and that powerful change-agent Pluto, that green-lights any financial and/or work-related ventures. Seeds planted under this promising aspect, could pay off handsomely in late June when this power duo reconnects.

Get ready to strut your stuff on Friday when the Moon will be in outgoing Leo, the perfect time for showcasing those brilliant ideas you were so busy perfecting on Monday.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Mixed. With a playful Leo Moon hanging out with wild card Uranus on Saturday, you’ll be in the perfect mood to try something new. Kite surfing, anyone? Just do it before the Moon goes Void, which will be from 4:43p Saturday through 1:39p Sunday. During the Void Moon period, you’ll want to double check any dinner/brunch reservations you’ve made and stay open to changes in your plans that may turn out better than your original scheme. Playtime’s probably over once the Moon moves into no-nonsense Virgo Sunday afternoon. The Virgo Moon has a way of reminding (nagging?) us about all the tedious stuff we need to do to prepare for the work week (sigh!) The good News on Sunday, is that it happens to be the Spring Equinox, the time when the Sun moves into dashing Aries for its month-long stay. 

It's Aries Time. Go Bold or Go Home!
Being the first sign of the Zodiac, fiery Aries prods, needles and cajoles us to blaze new trails and go where wise ones never dare. It takes an abundance of energy and arrogance, not to mention naiveté, to brave such daunting tasks. Fortunately, the sign of the ram has been well endowed with all those traits. It’s not a coincidence that Spring begins when the Sun moves into this exuberant sign. So during Aries time, be bold, be brave, be pioneering. You have the next four weeks to take the initiative and sow seeds of change in your life. Go on, get moving! Did I mention that Aries is notoriously impatient?

Week of 3.7.16

Take a Walk on the Dark Side
We meander into Monday with a Void Moon (from 3:46a to 2:08p) followed by an ethereal Pisces Moon. While a Pisces Moon is not the best for moving ahead with practical goals and plans, it is perfect for the introspection required for this particular day, which happens to fall under the transitional phase known as the Dark of the Moon. During this period, which occurs right before every New Moon, we’re drawn more toward reflection than action. Our inner vision is keen and we’re highly intuitive, enabling us to clearly visualize our goals and dreams. Under a New Moon, we germinate fresh ideas and plans; Under the Dark of the Moon we conjure the seed.

Shake It Up!
The big news of the week is Tuesday's Solar Eclipse in Pisces. Solar Eclipses are New Moons on steroids. While the New Moon every month presents an opportunity to plant seeds of change, Eclipses shove change in your face. They’re kind of like earthquakes in that they release pressures that have been mounting for some time. During an Eclipse, whatever’s been brewing beneath the surface, surfaces—it’s often something you can no longer deny, ignore or shove under the proverbial carpet. Eclipses call your bluff and kick you out of your comfort zone. They’re usually eventful, and memorable, but the magnitude of your experience will be determined by where this particular Eclipse falls in your personal chart. Some people will only feel tremors, other will experience rumblings and still others will undergo something akin to a 6.0 on the Richter scale. Whatever is unearthed by an Eclipse is sure to be a game changer and, sometimes, just the impetus we need to jolt us into action. Ideally, you want the effects of an Eclipse to leave you stirred, not shaken. Just wait a week or two before making any major decisions.

Spring Ahead!
The Moon will be Void Wednesday through 2:39p, giving us all a chance to chill and let the dust settle from the Eclipse. But right after that, the Moon springs into fiery, impulsive Aries (through Friday at 1:23p). And as much as this spirited energy will goad you to charge ahead, you’d be wise to wait until later in the week, when the Moon is in stabilizing Taurus, before taking any bold actions.

Thursday should be very productive, as that go-getter Aries Moon will be riding shotgun with focused Saturn, for the better part of the working day. With Saturn to harness and discipline the Aries drive, you could move mountains. Just try to finish up before 4:36p, because after that, the Aries Moon rams smack into wildcard Uranus and destructive Pluto. This volatile energy could throw a monkey wrench into your project, erupting in a clash of egos. Should you, or your project, get derailed, Friday offers a chance to mend fences and get back on track, as the Moon gets chummy with diplomatic Venus, inspiring a more collaborative approach. Then, after a brief Void Moon (1:24p–2:43p) the Moon enters stolid, dependable Taurus and we can all take a deep breath and relax. Whew!

WEEKEND FORECAST
Passionate. At least on Saturday. A sensual Taurus Moon will be feeling the love from no less than five other planets. But, wait, there’s more! Fervent Venus has just slipped out of cool and aloof Aquarius into emotional and impassioned Pisces. The hedonism of earthy Taurus combined with an exalted Venus in Pisces is the stuff romance novels are made of.  But the outlook for Sunday, sorry to say, is not so hot.

So when you’re all wrapped up in Saturday’s after-glow, and feel like extending the honeymoon through Sunday, don’t. Not only because the Moon will be Void (546a–5:03p) most of the day, but because once the Moon enters Gemini, it will be squaring off with love planets Venus and Mars—a surefire recipe for a lover’s quarrel. If you don’t want those flames of passion to go up in smoke, quit while you’re ahead. 

Week of 2.29.16

Leaps…

Monday is Leap Day and, as our “bonus” day, it looks to be a pretty good one. The first part (until 2:55p) can be extremely productive, as the resourceful Scorpio Moon teams up with motivational Mars. This intense and inspired energy is ideal for delving into a project or tackling a thorny problem. Just make sure you’re applying it to advance a venture that’s already underway. We’re in the last-quarter phase of the Moon this week, a time best used for following through on tasks, not initiating anything new. The Moon will be Void from 2:55p to 6:56p, so try not to schedule any important meetings, decisions or calls for, or during, that time.

… and Bounds

Once the Moon bounds into outgoing and adventurous Sagittarius (from 6:56p Monday through Wednesday 9:54p), we’ll all get a lift. When the Moon is in this high-spirited sign, it’s hard to sit behind a desk. It may be especially difficult on Tuesday, as the Moon will be squaring off with day-dreamy Neptune until 1:49p. Staying focused on that monthly report when you’re hearing the call of the wild can be distracting, at best. If your schedule permits, you might heed that call and play hooky during the day, then catch up on your work in the evening, when the Moon teams up with a very disciplined and industrious Saturn.

Head Out
Ideas and conversation flow freely on Wednesday when the Moon connects with communicative Mercury. This is a good time for a “heart-to-heart,” as we tend to be more articulate about our feelings under this aspect. Wednesday evening features an affable meet-up between a convivial Venus and a zany Uranus. The fortune cookie for this aspect might read:  “You receive a call from out of the blue to paint the town red.” Whether or not you get that call, it’s a great time to try something new or different. Skip happy hour at the local pub and catch a gallery opening or go bowling. While Uranus is always unpredictable, it’s safe to say that if you’re willing to step outside your bailiwick, you won’t be bored.

Heads Down
Save any heavy lifting this week, like preparing budgets or presentations, for Thursday and Friday when the Moon will be in serious, hard-working Capricorn. Friday could prove to be a difficult day, as the Moon collides with a subversive Pluto and volatile Uranus. Avoid hot-button issues and hot-headed individuals and err on the side of caution in all your dealings, until 2:58p.m. Things brighten up considerably after that, as the Moon meets up with jolly Jupiter. That’s when ditching work and getting an early start to the weekend will seem like a very viable idea.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Unpredictable. The Moon continues in Capricorn Saturday morning and, after a very brief Void Moon, moves into capricious Aquarius at 11:22a, where it will stay through Sunday. Not the most romantic, or predictable, Moon sign, Aquarius is, however, great for getting together with friends and/or trying new things. The problem is that killjoy Saturn will be squaring off with the Sun, so it’s likely that prior responsibilities or obligations (like that family dinner you forgot you promised to go to) could interfere with your plans. Although it doesn’t look like the most fun weekend, Aquarius is unpredictable, so you never know.  I prefer to stay optimistic.

Week of 2.22.16

The Virgo Full Moon: Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness
That’s literally speaking. Pragmatic Virgo has no time for metaphors. Remember that Zen proverb “before enlightenment chop wood, carry water; after enlightenment chop, wood carry water?” Virgo firmly believes you could have an epiphany while scrubbing the tub.

Monday’s Full Moon in this meticulous sign brings out the anal compulsive side in all of us, intensifying an urge to purge, disinfect and clean up our acts, particularly in the areas of health and work. Trust this highly discriminating, “au natural” Full Moon to illuminate what you need to eliminate. On the fitness front, that might mean ditching the toxins, like sugar and caffeine, or switching the pharmaceuticals for holistic alternatives. On the work front, Virgo encourages steering clear of toxic personalities, draining situations and long hours.

The Virgo Moon continues on Tuesday, making this another busy and productive day. If you’ve been struggling with a project or task, take advantage of Virgo’s analytical acumen and troubleshooting abilities. You might just uncover a crucial detail that could resolve the problem and bring the project to a successful conclusion.

For those of us in the Eastern Time zone, the Moon will be Void most of the work day Wednesday. Avoid making important calls/meetings/purchases during this time. This would be a good day to just coast, stick with routine tasks and tie up loose ends.

Charm Offensive?
Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? But with a convivial Libra Moon, fraternizing with sociable Venus and enterprising Saturn, Thursday is ideal for mixing business with pleasure and using charm to your strategic advantage.  Collaborate with colleagues; take a client to lunch; attend a conference or business-related meet-and-greet. This genial vibe affords you a chance to do some serious networking and leave a long-lasting, favorable impression.

The amiable mood extends into Thursday evening, making it the best night this week night for getting-together with close friends and/or having a night on the town. Stay out late! Enjoy yourself! The Moon will be Void the whole day Friday, making it unlikely that anything of great importance will get done. If, however, you have business to take care of on Friday that can’t wait, make sure to check out the dos and don’ts of the Void Moon here.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Looking for the perfect time to bond with that special someone? This is the weekend you’ve been waiting for, as we get two full days of the Moon in sexy, passionate Scorpio. Usually, Scorpio Moons come with warning labels. But this one, making nice with both the hot Sun and dreamy Neptune, gives a green light for love and romance. Just perfect for a close encounter of the most intense kind!

Week of 2.15.16

Feel the Buzz!
The Moon moves into kinetic Gemini at 9:35a Monday, amping up the activity level for the next couple of days. Ruled by Chief Communications Officer Mercury, the Gemini Moon is not only a great time to write/study/sell,but to work your connections and expand your influence. I’m not saying you should make like a politician and start shaking hands and kissing babies, but you get the idea. On Tuesday morning, that Gemini Moon faces off with demanding Saturn until 12:10p.Don’t get waylaid by negative thinking or being overcritical of yourself—or others. Instead, make use of Saturn’s productive side to structure, critique and polish your game plan with the extra focus and follow through Saturn provides. You can keep that bustling Gemini buzz going right up until the Wednesday at 11:37a, that’s when the Moon goes Void (until 2:23p).During the Void period, reconfirm any plans/appointments you may have made, and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going.

Moody Blues?
The Cosmic Climate changes from breezy to cranky once the Moon moves into Cancer, at 2:24p Wednesday, where it will stay through 9:36a Friday. Not every Cancer Moon makes us prickly and thin skinned, but this one is exacerbated by irritating aspects from both Venus and Mercury, which could put a damper on the rest of the day. It will be hard to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings, especially in relationships. Unfortunately, Thursday offers little relief. In fact, it has all the makings of a pretty crappy day. First, this overly sensitive Moon tangles with killjoy Saturn, then it squares off with manipulative Pluto and chaotic Uranus. Steer clear of family dramas, coworkers with axes to grind, or anyone likely to engage you in petty jealousies, or worse, emotional blackmail. And if it all gets to be too much, you could do what the Crab does when faced with adversity, crawl into your shell, and hide until it’s all over. It’s nice to have options. Friday’s nearly all-day Void Moon (9:36a--9:16p)could feel like a relief after this. As Voids go, this one seems rather benign and just perfect for taking care of routine tasks. For more info about the do’s and don’ts of this unpredictable time, click Void Moon.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Sunny. Even if it rains. That’s because we get two full days of the Moon basking in sunshiny, fun-loving Leo. This regal sign knows a thing or two about how to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. So don’t hold back. Give yourself the royal treatment this weekend. You deserve it!

It's Pisces Time. Dream On!
Feb 19, 12:34a – March 20,12:30a
Early Friday, the Sun leaves the cool, rarified air of intellectual Aquarius to wander into the misty, emotional realm of Pisces. Under the influence of this intoxicating and quixotic sign, we experience the sublime tension between reality and fantasy aka the agony and the ecstasy. One way to release that tension is through creativity. That’s what the Piscean genius Michelangelo did. As anyone born under this sign will tell you, it’s not easy being Pisces. Possessing the vision of a god but the hands of a mortal, Pisces are forever glimpsing a paradise that is always slightly out of reach. Yet, this multifaceted artist spent his life struggling to wrest divinity from his creations. In a sonnet he sent to a lover, he wrote: “I burn, I consume myself, I cry.” So much marble, so little time. During the time of Pisces, don’t be afraid to let your reach exceed your grasp.

Week of 2.8.16

Happy Chinese New Year!

Welcome to the Year of the Fire Monkey. In Western Astrology, this translates to a Gemini/Aries tone for the year. The Monkey is as curious, clever and mischievous as any Gemini and, like rash and impatient Aries, a big risk taker. These energies are being aided and abetted by the Fire element, which inflames the Monkey’s recklessness and intolerance of the static quo. Originality, a dash of unpredictability and a willingness to overthrow convention and try new things characterizes this coming year. It should be interesting to see how this radical mood, which seems to favor political outliers, plays out in the electorate. Stay tuned…

Break the Mold!

Monday's New Moon is in Aquarius, the sign of innovation, uniqueness, and ingenuity. Look for ways to liberate your inner genius over the next few weeks. You can start on Monday, by taking a fresh look at some of those projects/plans that may have been waylaid during the Retrograde. Don’t be surprised if you come up with a more inventive take on them now. Just keep in mind that the Moon will be Void most of the day (from 9:39a on). Brainstorming and experimenting are highly encouraged, but wait until Thursday, when the Moon will be in daring Aries, before applying for your patent.

Feast and Famine?
The Moon will be in rhapsodic Pisces for both Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. How apropos! The polarities of this sign of extremes are perfectly mirrored in the profligacy of Mardi Gras and the piety of Lent. There’s a “party now, pay later” mentality at work here, for both days,  whether you’re an adherent of these rituals or not. The more ecstatic of the two days is Tuesday, when the Moon will be tangoing with dreamy Neptune (doubling down on the decadence), and luscious Venus will be two-stepping with party boy Jupiter. These two couplings, as romantic as they are, are just the warm-up act for what appears to be a very passionate Valentine’s day. More on that below. In the meantime, you might let this double dose of Pisces energy stimulate more than your love life. Creativity soars under a this imaginative, artistic and visionary sign. Let the muse be with you!

Be Brazen, Brash and Bold
If not now, when? The Moon in high-spirited Aries, at a time when it is also waxing in strength, makes Thursday opportune for initiating fresh starts, launching new platforms and/or inaugurating original approaches/ideas/projects. Seize that bold and fiery Aries energy and go where angels fear to tread. Although the Moon continues in Aries on Friday, the energy is hardly as productive, as the Moon comes to blows with an incendiary Mars, a vengeful Pluto, and an erratic Uranus.  If you’re someone who enjoys clashing with Titans, sharpen your sword. If, however, you’re like this cautious Capricorn and you prefer to stay out of trouble, keep a low profile and stay out of the way. Or, better yet, just stay home.

Weekend Forecast
Hot and steamy. Is it serendipitous that the Moon will be in sensuous Taurus this Valentine’s Day? Who cares! Just enjoy it. In fact, don’t wait for Sunday to celebrate. The Moon will be in this delicious sign on Saturday too. Take the whole weekend! 

Week of 2.1.16

Break On Through
Say good riddance to January and get ready to move forward. Yes, you read that right. Forward. Mercury’s back up to speed and the New Year can finally begin! So take advantage of the intense, laser-like focus provided by the Scorpio Moon, teaming up with analytical Mercury and wise Jupiter, on Monday —it may be the impetus you need to cut through the clutter, advance your agenda and, just maybe, experience that breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

Let’s Dance!
Why not? With two full days of the Moon in happy-go-lucky Sagittarius (Tuesday 10:50a through Thursday 5:04a), those of us who have been waiting to exhale can, at long last, let it all out, relax and have a good time. But it’s not just your body that’ll be ready to rock and roll. This Sadge Moon is palling around with the always ingenious Aquarius Sun, so your mind too will be crackling with excitement and innovation. Don’t edit yourself. You might be able to take that mad-inspired idea/strategy you’ve been working on to a whole new level.

We’ve got a prime-time Void Moon Thursday (5:04a-7:44p). But as Void's go, this one doesn’t seem too problematic so you ought to be able to prolong the high-minded vibe of the last two days. Just be sure to check out all the do’s and don’ts of the Void Moon here. PS I’m going to play old-timey fortune teller here and say: A call from out of the blue leads to an unexpectedly good time. 

Rebel, Rebel
The Moon will be in purposeful Capricorn on Friday, which is a great time to help you solidify any ideas you came up with earlier in the week. If you can keep your cool, that is. There'll be a mutinous quality to this day because brazen Mars will be provoking a rebellious Uranus. Even mild-mannered bean counters could find themselves bristling, or worse, at anyone who dares tell them how to do what they do.  If, however, you are one of those people who tell other people what to do, do watch a tendency to be overly draconian and resist a desire to crack the whip.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Wet and wild. On Friday, naughty Venus gets polymorphously perverse with an impassioned Pluto. Will this duo pique powerful passions or jealous rages? On Saturday, fickle Venus ditches Pluto to tango with erratic, always unpredictable, don’t-fence-me-in Uranus. Will you be making up on Friday and breaking up on Saturday? Or vice versa? Sunday continues to confound, as the Moon will be in the always unpredictable sign of Aquarius. All I can say is that love is likely to be a roller coaster ride all weekend and not for the faint of heart.

Week of 1.25.16

Wei Wu Wei: Do Nothing Do
Monday features an all-day Void Moon (until 10:46p) and a stalled-out Mercury.  If ever there was a day to practice the Tao principal of “wei wu” (the art of non-doing), Monday is it. Surrender expectations, embrace instinct and intuition, and spare yourself the illusion that you can fight this tide—if you want to save yourself a whole lot of frustration, that is.

Speed Limit?
At 4:50p on Monday, Mercury’s Retrograde will be officially over. But before we start the Hallelujah chorus, you should know that although Mercury will be going forward, it will be moving at a snail’s pace. In my observation, it's Mercury speed, or rather, lack of speed that causes us the most difficulty. We're trying to go 60mph, but Mercury’s doing 5mph. It’s like driving with the brakes on. But Mercury will pick up a little more momentum each day, and by Feb 2, things will be back to normal (whatever that is) and this Retrograde will be a distant memory!

Do To-Dos
Tuesday and Wednesday the Moon will be in bustling Virgo, which should compensate a bit for Mercury’s dawdling. These two days will be perfect for tackling detail-oriented, small-picture type tasks. Virgo loves the structure of a to-do list. Write one up now and, come Tuesday, you can start whipping through it and tidying up any messes left by the Retrograde.

Don't Over Do
The Moon will be in sociable Libra Thursday and Friday, which is a great time for relationship building. Be aware though that there’s a disagreeable aspect between the Moon and the usually convivial Venus on Thursday. It may just manifest as a broken date/appointment or a garden-variety grumpy mood. But when Venus is reigned in, she tends to act out. So watch out for overindulgence (chocoholics take heed!) or an urge to splurge. We all know some people who use extravagant expenditures to make themselves feel better. Present company excepted, of course.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Changeable. The Moon will be Void almost all of Saturday (until 10:49p), so if you’re planning a weekend get-together, Sunday is the more reliable day. Stay flexible on Saturday and don’t let fluctuations in schedules, plans and moods, get in the way of having a good time. On Sunday, the Moon will be in the very non-changeable (inflexible?) sign of Scorpio. Scorpio Moons can be turbulent, but this one, making nice with social butterfly Venus and idealistic Neptune, lends a dreamy, romantic quality to the day that should be savored and enjoyed. So, enjoy!

BULLETIN from the “BETTER LATE THAN NEVER” DEPARTMENT
Venus Is in Capricorn Jan 23, 3:31p - Feb 16, 11:16p
Get Real. Or Get Thee to a Nunnery?
If love under Venus in Sagittarius was all “flying too high with some guy in the sky,” Venus in Capricorn is the crash landing. When romantic Venus tours Capricorn’s Spartan domain, we take a cold, hard look at that warm, fuzzy subject called love. Capricorn is invested in long-term commitments, and its “no-nonsense” policy puts all relationships on notice. Flings will get flung! And when more serious liaisons come under this intense scrutiny, next steps will be taken. Will they be out the door? Down the aisle? Decisions will be made. Psst! If you’re single and have been looking for love in all the wrong faces, Venus in Capricorn lends 20/20 vision. 

Week of 1.18.16

Feet on Ground; Head in Clouds
The week begins with the Moon in grounded Taurus.  With feet solidly planted on terra firma, Monday is a good time to get centered. But it also features a live-wire Mars sparking an insightful and intuitive Neptune. This combo is creating a closed-circuit connection to your higher wisdom, inspiration and creativity. Your inner vision will be 20/20 now. Use it!

The pace quickens Tuesday and Wednesday with the Moon in manic, multi-tasking Gemini. We might all begin to feel that same sense of pressure we did right before Mercury started backsliding two weeks ago. Suddenly, all the stuff that got left on the back burner is now on fire and it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done. The sense of immediacy that Gemini creates will be in direct contrast to Mercury’s slow-motion crawl mid-week, as it prepares to reverse course and go direct next Monday. Interestingly, Gemini is the sign that rules the lungs, and it seems like breathing is the very thing we forget to do when its manic-panic energy takes over. Don’t forget to inhale.

Shock Factor?
Expect an electrical surge of energy (Wednesday through Friday) caused by a three-way between chatterbox Mercury, unpredictable Uranus and covert and vengeful Pluto. Captain Obvious here, says Chatterbox + unpredictable + covert and vengeful = deep, dark secrets suddenly exposed. This tricky trio of orbs is known for revealing a trickier trio of hidden agendas, scandals and leaks. And the bulk of this energy is occurring in the overly emotional, thin-skinned sign of Cancer. Ouch! Stay tuned; more will be revealed. Hopefully, the only skeletons that come popping out this week will be on the campaign trail, not out of your closet!

WEEKEND FORECAST
Romantic and dramatic! The Moon will be Void Saturday until 2:21p, so double check all plans and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. Then, fasten your seat belts. This weekend’s dramatic Full Moon will be on full display in look-at-me Leo, a sign that knows a little something about theatrics. Exhilarating and volatile, the Full Moon is the peak of every month and raises Leo’s love of drama to a fevered pitch. So pull out all the stops (costumes and props are mandatory) and act out your wildest romantic fantasies.  (I actually have friends who will be attending a masked Venetian Ball this very night. How apropos!) The stage is set for a passion-filled weekend. Remember, when the Moon is full in fun-loving Leo, play’s the thing! Have fun.

It's Aquarius Time. Shake It Up!
On Wednesday, the Sun moves into convention-busting Aquarius for its month-long stay. The cautions and controls imposed by earthy Capricorn slacken as the free-wheeling energy of this super-cool air sign blows in.  When the Sun is in innovative, think-outside-the-box Aquarius, it’s time to let your ingenuity shine! Can you be too original? Take a walk on the wild side and find out! Flashes of brilliance are yours to discover when you dare to explore the outer reaches of your inner mind. In short, the light bulb inside your brain will be turned on.  Speaking of light bulbs, here’s an illuminating quote from that big daddy of innovation, Aquarius Thomas Edison, who once said, all you need to invent is “a good imagination and a pile of junk.” Dumpster diving, anyone?

Week of 1.11.16

Hit Refresh!
The ultra-cool vibe of the do your own thing Aquarius Moon on Monday will feel like a breath of fresh air after last week.  And with Mercury running up to speed, albeit still backwards, we’re starting to acclimate to the pace of the Retrograde.  As long as you focus on projects/plans/relationships already underway, you could get a lot done. You may even be able to make inroads into that huge backlog of work you’ve been dreading to tackle. Might as well. With strict Saturn still chaperoning alluring Venus, it’s not likely there’ll be any tempting diversions to distract you.

Moonstruck?
Ahhh. We glide into a dreamy haze midweek, as the ever vague and wistful Pisces Moon is bookended by two full-day Void Moons.  I see this whole period of time as an opportunity to replenish our spirits and revise our visions. But if even that seems like too much work, put yourself on autopilot and cruise. You’ll have the wind at your front on Wednesday (Get it? Mercury’s Retrograde, so you’re going backwards…uh, never mind) when the Sun and Jupiter team up to help you clarify your long-term goals and evaluate how you’re going to getting there. Remember, the Void Moon periods (Tuesday until 6:53p and Thursday from 11:31a to 9:47p) while unpredictable and not great for making concrete plans, do offer inspiration and a chance to think outside the box.  They also present plenty of opportunities and excuses (in the form of delays, cancellations and general confusion), to escape responsibility — and reality. Should you need to, that is.

Snap Out of it!
Get set to go into overdrive on Friday when the Moon enters action-packed Aries. This could prove to be a very busy day, filled with a great sense of urgency and lots of activity but not a whole lot to show for it. You’ll no sooner start one project, when another more urgent matter crops up. By day’s end, you’ll have lots of starts, few finishes. Frustrating? Probably. But just remember that you have the rest of Mercury Retrograde to tie up all those loose ends.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Spontaneity rules! With the Moon in impulsive, me-first Aries, do whatever YOU feel like doing, whenever YOU feel like doing it. At least on Saturday. Aries loves action, so outdoor sports or a competitive game of indoor racquetball could be just the thing to make the most of all that good Aries energy. The Moon goes Void on 6:26p Saturday, so be flexible and stay open to changes to your evening that just may turn out better than the original plan. The Moon will be in earthy Taurus all day Sunday prodding us to spoil ourselves with sensual indulgences.  The possibilities are endless, but modesty (yours) prevents me from being too explicit here.  All I’ll say is: Enjoy!

Week of 1.4.16

Happy New Year!
It’s 2016 and we’re revved up and rarin’ to go! But we’re barely out of the starting gate, when Mercury goes Retrograde (Tuesday, 8:06a), throwing us all into virtual reverse. When Mercury’s stalled-out, it’s like driving with the brakes on.  Plans get derailed and progress comes to a halt, as Mercury drags us backwards. The key thing to remember is that everyone is stuck in this cosmic traffic jam. If you insist on driving in the fast lane, you’ll only end up spinning your wheels—or worse. Try slowing down and taking the scenic route. You’ll get a lot more mileage and, in some cases, that detour or roadblock you encounter just might lead in a more promising direction.

Midweek Madness?
I hate to say it, but it looks like this would be a tough week even if Mercury wasn’t backpedaling. Monday may actually be the best day of the seven. If you can tap into the Scorpio Moon’s dogged intensity, you might experience a breakthrough that helps you push a project across the finish line. It’s also a good day to tie up any loose ends.

On Tuesday, Mercury goes Retrograde then the Moon goes Void, at 12:47p, clocking out for the rest of the day. The intensity ratchets up when the Sun collides with a tempestuous Pluto late Tuesday; the Moon tangles with a harsh Saturn on Wednesday; and the Sun, still reeling from its encounter with Pluto, rear-ends an explosive and unpredictable Uranus, on Thursday.  These difficult aspects could foment a pressure cooker of conflicts that will be palpable all three days. Postpone difficult conversations and steer clear of potentially volatile circumstances or people. This is not the time to throw down challenges, take risks or make shortcuts through a dark alley. Even though the Moon will be in the usually jolly and extroverted sign of Sagittarius both Wednesday and Thursday, you'd be wise to keep a low profile.

The Moon enters workaholic Capricorn on Friday, a great time to put your nose to the grindstone and take care of business. Might as well, spoilsport Saturn’s putting the kibosh on any fun plans sociable Venus may have had in mind. This is one of those days when you end up doing all the things you have to, not the things you want to.

WEEKEND FORECAST
There’s a New Moon in Capricorn on Saturday, which normally inspires fresh starts—except when Mercury’s backpedaling. Fortunately, Mercury’s Retrograde is great for restarting something already in progress. If you have a venture or relationship you’ve been keeping on a back burner, feel free to turn up the heat. Then be patient. Nothing happens quickly when Mercury’s on hiatus. After a brief Void Moon on Sunday (12:39p-3:23p), the Moon enters friendly Aquarius, making Sunday night a great time to reconnect with old pals. Well, maybe not great, just ok. The Moon is squaring off with a testy and argumentative Mars. If you think you can avoid upsets over petty grievances or picking silly fights, go out and have fun. If not, stay home. Alone.

Disclaimer: We are not responsible for all the crappy transits happening this week.  We just report on them, we don’t create them. Please don’t shoot the messenger!

Week of 12.28.15

KAT'S WEEKLY OVERVIEW FOR DECEMBER 28

The last week of 2015 begins with the Moon basking in self-absorbed Leo, so attention must be paid. Not to details (that comes mid-week when the Moon is in micro-managing Virgo) but to yourself!  No sign is better at naval-gazing than Leo.  And because this Moon will be fraternizing with unique and innovative Uranus, you’ve got a green light to tap into your inner magnificence and shine. On Tuesday, after a brief Void, the Moon will move into bustling Virgo at 1:58p, where it will stay through the wee hours of Friday. That’s a good chunk of time to get out that list of to-dos and start knocking them off. Make the most of the meticulous Virgo vibe to take care of business, but don’t fall into the Virgo trap of getting so distracted by details that you miss the big picture. This might be the last good stretch of time to get things moving before the upcoming Mercury Retrograde next week. Speaking of which, click here if you'd like to receive a MercAlert!

Venus enters Sagittarius. Foreign Affairs?
Keep your passport handy! Early Wednesday, come-hither Venus will be beckoning from the adventurous, hot-to-trot Sagittarius zone, until January 23. When the planet of erotic affairs enters the sign of exotic places, it’s time to bungle in the jungle.  If an opportunity arises to go off to a hot, sticky clime and study a foreign tongue, just say: “Si, si!” Travel not an option? Improvise! An affaire de coeur with a foreigner, illegal alien or, at the very least, a long-distance Skype over Thai take-out will also work.  Venus in Sagittarius opens us up to exploring foreign bodies and lands, so escape on a flight of fancy while you can. You’ll have all the rest of 2016 to be responsible.

Friday January 1, 2016, Happy New Year!
2016 starts out with the Moon in Libra, the sign of peace, love and harmony. Let’s hope that’s a good omen for the New Year. If you’re making your annual resolutions under the influence of this Pollyanna Moon, they’re likely to be very Miss America like, in a “peace on earth, eliminate world hunger” sort of way. And surely, the world could use all the good intentions we can muster.  But do remember that we make our resolutions at this time of the year when the Sun is in realistic Capricorn, so we should try to make our personal goals a bit more pragmatic, and attainable. Still, I suspect the real reason resolutions are made on this particular day is because most people (I won’t mention any names) are lamenting the Dionysian excess of the night before when they resolve to never, ever, ever ___again. From this humble (desperate?) act of contrition comes the New Year’s resolution.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Tempestuous. The Moon will be Void from 11:23a Saturday through 2:35p Sunday. That’s the “calm before the storm” part. After that, the Moon moves into turbulent Scorpio and goes on a collision course with stormy Mars, which has also just entered this tumultuous sign. Such an unsettling convergence of energy is sure to stir the emotional waters. Unhealed wounds may reopen and long-buried secrets can surface from the deep like creatures in a “B” movie. If, however, you’re one of those emotionally evolved sorts who have learned the value of forgiveness and managed to let go of deep, seething resentments, this storm just might blow out to sea. In that case, you’ll be free to channel all that Scorpio intensity into pure adulterated passion. Lucky you!

Week of 12.21.15

KAT'S WEEKLY OVERVIEW FOR DECEMBER 21

Work It!
e ease into this week with the Taurus Moon making a favorable aspect to potent Pluto. If you have any pressing business to deal with, or a project to get started, do it Monday. You might think the laid-back Taurus vibe would be adverse to industry. Au contraire! Taurus is a very hardworking energy— as long as the applied effort pays off. Taurus is too result oriented to waste time on anything that doesn’t. Under this Moon, you can tap into a deep vein of resourcefulness and perseverance. The only thing to be aware of here is the Taurean tendency to procrastinate. It would be a shame to waste this productive, and potentially lucrative, energy by “putting things off till tomorrow,” especially since the Moon will be Void almost the whole day Tuesday.

Double Your Pleasure!
A multitasking Gemini Moon teams up with taskmaster Saturn, making Wednesday another good day for taking care of business, particularly any which involves communications. Speaking of multitasking, there’s hardly a better time to mix business with pleasure. Take a client to lunch. Attend business-related holiday celebrations. Reaching out under such a convivial vibe affords you a chance to do some serious networking and leave a glowing impression. If you’re more interested in the business of love, you’ll be happy to know that that nice and naughty duo, amorous Venus and lusty Jupiter, are back together again. So don’t forget to hang the mistletoe!

FYI: The Moon goes Void Thursday, Christmas Eve, at 3:04p. If you’re traveling after that time, (listen up, Santa!) you’d better watch out. Double check your flight plans, make sure the GPS on your sleigh is working and give yourself plenty of extra time to get where you’re going.

Ghosts of Xmas Past?
here’s a Full Moon in family-friendly Cancer on Christmas Day, which is ideal for this “no place like home for the holidays” holiday. But do be aware that passions run high during a Full Moon and our emotions can run away with us under a Cancer Moon. Try to avoid touchy subjects like politics or ripping band-aids off still healing family wounds. If Cancer’s sentimentality does resurrect “ghosts” from Christmas’s past, you want them summoning fond reminiscences not scaring up old family feuds.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Overcast, then Sunny. The Moon continues in moody Cancer all day Saturday, that's the potentially overcast part. I say potentially, because Jupiter will be giving good vibrations to the Moon most of the day, which might help lighten things up. But avoid being lured into (or starting) silly arguments in the evening, when that touchy Moon meets up with a prattling Mercury and a pugnacious Mars.

The good news is that tensions should let up later that night as the Moon cozies up to sweet-tempered Venus. Sunday’s forecast is sunny, bright and lazy, as the Moon enters Leo. Sounds to me like a good day to relax with the paper and/or having a long, leisurely brunch with friends.  The key word for the day is leisurely. Enjoy!

It’s Capricorn Time!  Get Real.
On Monday, the Winter Solstice marks the advent of the Sun’s month-long visit to Capricorn. After the rollicking high spirits of Sagittarius, we’re expected to reign in the exuberance and get serious. It does seem surprising that the time of Capricorn, a sign known for somberness and restraint, hosts both the jolliest holiday and that mad-cap, champagne-fueled bacchanal known as New Year's Eve. But it might help to know that, throughout the ages, the Winter Solstice marked the birth of the spirit rising from the darkest time of the year, heralding hope, renewal and enlightenment. Now that’s something to celebrate! 

Week of 12.14.15

KAT'S WEEKLY OVERVIEW FOR DECEMBER 14

With a Rebel Yell!
hat's how this week begins. Have you been itching to make a change, a personal statement or to put your unique stamp on a project? Maybe you're fed up with the way things are going and you want to take a stand. The Moon waxing in strength and in freedom-loving, thumb-your-nose-at-convention Aquarius is nothing less than a call to action. So dream big on Monday. That’s when a productive aspect between clever Mercury and imaginative Neptune inspires original thinking and creative solutions. This ingeniousness carries over to Tuesday, when the Moon makes brilliant aspects to innovative Uranus and motivated Mars. Aquarius is not a sign that sits around waiting on the world to change, like some people, (I’m talking to you, John Mayer). This maverick sign incites you to put forth your innovative ideas now.

In Excess?
But do put off important calls/meetings/purchases early Wednesday, as the Void  Moon will last until 12:45p. After that, the Moon moves into Pisces where it will stay until 10:14a Friday. It's very easy to over-imbibe when the Moon is in this permeable sign. Are we more sensitive to intoxicants under this decadent Moon or just more susceptible to overindulging?  Either way, it's a slippery slope so go easy on the libations. Especially at the office holiday party. One minute, you're taking selfies with your team; three gin rickeys later, you're in the supply closet playing tonsil hockey with someone from IT (see sidebar). That scenario is more likely on Wednesday than Thursday, because the Moon will be sidling up to dipsomaniacal Neptune, doubling down on the debauchery.

Thursday's vibe should be a tad more temperate. And with the Moon making lovely aspects to clever Mercury, sexy Pluto and designing Venus it can be very romantic and creative as well. The Moon’s Void most of the work day Friday (10:14a ‑ 4:26p). Happily, it moves into high-spirited Aries in plenty of time to enjoy a festive and fun-filled evening. No party to go to? Throw one! Or crash one! That never-shy Aries energy sparks spontaneity and emboldens us to engage in all sorts of high jinx. Let’s get this party started!

WEEKEND FORECAST
Testy. We could experience the more irascible side of Aries over the weekend, as the Moon squares off with manic Mercury, manipulative Pluto, volatile Uranus and feisty Mars. Steer clear of known hot heads, pals with hair-trigger tempers and those who enjoy engaging you in petty jealousies, or worse, emotional blackmail. Unless of course, you enjoy this sort of drama! 

Week of 12.7.15

KAT'S WEEKLY OVERVIEW FOR DECEMBER 7

A Hanukkah Present from the Cosmos?
ow else to explain two full days of the Moon in the frequently difficult and emotionally turbulent sign of Scorpio that should prove to be neither. This is one of those happy times when the simmering Scorpio Moon will be operating at its most exalted. On Monday, she’ll cozy up to loving Venus and dreamy Neptune; on Tuesday, she’ll get intimate with sexy Pluto. You don’t need Captain Obvious here to tell you that the Cosmos is tempting you to explore the depths of your passion. You could create a profound connection, heal old wounds, and even move a relationship to the next level. If I were an old-timey fortune teller, I might say something trite, like “there may be an engagement or marriage in the stars.” But I’m not. So I’ll just say make the most of Scorpio’s resourcefulness and resolve and have yourself a merry little break through!

The Moon will be Void during business hours on Wednesday, so set the cruise control, avoid scheduling important meetings or presentations and stick with routine tasks. At 5:25p, the Moon will enter jolly Sagittarius, making Wednesday evening the best time this week for merrymaking.

Mercury Moves into Capricorn
Also on Wednesday, cerebral Mercury will enter enterprising Capricorn through January 1.  If you’ve been looking for a time to tackle a tough project, execute a complex strategy, or take a difficult course, this is it! Diligent Capricorn will not only lend focus and discipline to your thinking processes, it will also provide the follow through needed to see the toughest task through to completion. Or else! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that strict Capricorn won’t cut you any slack. A deadline, is a deadline, is a deadline, as Gertrude Stein might say. So any the-dog-ate-my-wireframe/proposal/thesis-type excuse won’t work on Capricorn’s watch.

Mars vs. Uranus: A “Take This Job and Shove It” Alert
Thursday could be “one of those days.” You know, when you’ve had it up to here with your job/boss/relationship/roommate/(fill in the blank) and you’re ready to explode? With a belligerent Mars agitating an already volatile, unstable Uranus, everyone will be a bit on edge. It won’t be easy, but try to curb any tendency to overreact. Long-held resentments, like your anger over that do-nothing co-worker or take-all-the-credit superior (so-called), could escalate from a minor disagreement into a full-blown conflagration. Suffice to say, this is not the time to engage in risky business, despite strong urges to do so. If someone asks you to go kite surfing or rappelling, just say no! But there's also a silver-plated lining here. If you've been selling yourself short and/or putting up with a bad situation, like a dead end job, this “I gotta be me” energy could be the spark that ignites you to finally do something about it and free yourself from anything, or anyone, that's been holding you back. Including you!

Friday's New Moon in Sagittarius: Hope Springs Eternal!
At least for a month. But I’ll take it. Out of the doom and gloom of the Scorpio period, with so much bad news streaming in from all over, Sagittarius’s bright arrows of optimism and hope encourage us to think beyond quick fixes and knee-jerk prejudices. The Archer, as the Zodiac's seeker of wisdom and truth, rouses us to broaden our outlook and look at the big picture. As Sagittarian Bette Midler once noted, from a distance the world looks blue and green—not at all like the red-hot mess we keep hearing about in the news. New Moons always offer fresh starts and new perspectives; Sagittarius inspires us to realize our noblest aspirations and reminds us that though our problems seem huge, our capacity to solve them is even greater. Imagine that!

WEEKEND FORECAST
Unlike the overly generous, budget-busting Leo Moon of last week, this weekend’s tightfisted Capricorn Moon will make damn sure you stick to that budget. Merchants will have to pry the credit cards out of your stiff, cold hands. It’s called balance. Spendthrift one week, penny-pincher the next.  The toughest aspects of this week all pile-up Sunday morning, when the Moon goes on a collision course with nasty Pluto, unpredictable Uranus and a heated Mars. The good news is that the effects of these transits, which start in the wee hours of Sunday morning, should be waning by noon. My advice is to make those brunch plans for late afternoon, sleep in and steer clear of these tricky transits. What’s the worst that can happen? You have a couple of weird dreams but avoid choking to death on your eggs benedict!  

Week of 11.30.15

KAT'S WEEKLY OVERVIEW FOR NOVEMBER 30

A Mighty Magnanimous Moon
As the week begins, we’re treated to two full days of the Moon in fiery, lionhearted Leo. On Monday, the Leo Moon teams up with productive Saturn and can-do Mars, making it the perfect day to get things done. If you’ve been stuck on a project or putting off a difficult task, there’ll be a mighty wind at your back to help you break through. Leo’s big-hearted magnanimity will also have us feeling especially generous. As wonderful as that is, there are budget-busting implications, especially at this time of the year. The good news is that it’s Cyber Monday so, hopefully, those lavish impulses will be met with some equally generous deals. On Tuesday, the Leo Moon is collaborating with innovative Uranus, communicative Mercury and artistic Venus, amping up your creativity and cleverness. All communications are favored and brainstorming could yield brilliant results.

Woe Is Wednesday?
I don’t know about you, but I, and everyone I came in contact with last week, had a really tough day last Wednesday. I mention this because we’re having a similar transit this Wednesday (thankfully, minus last week’s turbulent Full Moon), with the Virgo Moon in a tense aspect with the Saturn/Neptune square. A chief challenge of the Virgo Moon/Saturn combo is to avoid being overly harsh and critical, of both yourself and others. The difficulty with the Virgo Moon/Neptune connection is that it foments free-floating anxiety and self doubt. The best way to prevent falling into this dual spiral of negativity is by lowering your expectations for the day and focusing on routine, small-picture stuff. Try to keep your head down and steer clear of conflict. But if you don’t think you’ll be able to stay out of trouble, stay home!

Though there may be some lingering effects on Thursday from the Saturn/Neptune vibe, you should be able to take full advantage of that industrious, detail-driven Virgo Moon to have a busy and productive day. The Moon is Void most of Friday, so plan smart: avoid scheduling important meetings and hold off on any holiday shopping until the Moon moves into Libra at 5:34p.

Red Light/Green Light, Venus Gets Down
Also on Friday, an ardent Venus will enter sexy Scorpio, through 12/29.  When this foxy minx penetrates the deep, dark realm of this mysterious sign, she brings out our lustier, shadowy side. She can also stir up suspicions, as she slithers through Scorpio’s serpentine maze of mistrust. That, combined with a wicked tendency to dredge up the past, means you could find yourself entangled in a passionate imbroglio as full of intrigue as any episode of Scandal. What fun! Think of Venus in Scorpio as a heat-seeking missile. Will you find red-hot love or will the green-eyed monster rear its ugly head? Stay tuned.

WEEKEND FORECAST
Fairly sociable and romantic. With the Moon in relationship-oriented Libra all weekend, Friday and Saturday are the best nights for coupling up, socializing with friends and/or a night on the town.  Sunday, however, could turn dark and stormy when an antagonistic Mars squares off with an incendiary Pluto. This is a combustible combo if ever there was one, but especially now that Venus is in jealous Scorpio. I’m not saying you should stay home and hide under the covers, although that’s my plan. But it’s probably best to keep a low profile on Sunday—unless you actually enjoy raging meltdowns and emotional upheavals.