Category Archives: About astrology

Latest News & Saturn in Libra Video

Since Saturn in Libra is currently squaring Mercury, newly direct in Capricorn, as well as Pluto in Capricorn, this video I made shortly after Saturn entered Libra at the end of October 2009 is still apropos.

Between Mercury being a virtual standstill and hedged in by Saturn, don’t be surprised if everyone is on the terse side today. By this time next week, we are all going to start feeling like our communications have been freed up once again and returning to whatever passes for normal for each of us.

Pat and I would also like to encourage our readers to submit their questions including their location as well as complete birth data (date, time and place). Check back next Friday!

Today is also the day to write abundance checks and since this New Moon was not only in practical Capricorn but was a major solar eclipse, it is a perfect opportunity to do this. Go here for instructions.

We also want to give everyone a “head’s up” about some possible weirdness on this site as we shift to a new WordPress theme. Bear with us and enjoy our fresh new look once the dust settles.

posted by Diane . . .

Weekly Forecast January 11: Solar Eclipse in Capricorn, Mercury Direct

Janus, the Roman god of gates, doors, beginnings, and endings for whom our first month of January is named. We're not only in a new year, but a new decade and a new energy pattern. Expect lots of endings and beginnings now.

This is a landmark week, with enough activity in the sky for a Hollywood thriller.

Not only do we have a solar eclipse, but Saturn turns retrograde, Mercury returns direct, and Jupiter enters Pisces. Whew! Each of these events is significant in itself, but together, they make for some powerful new beginnings with a willingness to experiment.

Taking events in order, Monday the Sun conjoins Venus. Normally this happy combination would translate to fun-filled social gatherings and easy expressions of love and affection. However, both Sun and Venus are still at an irritating inconjunct with Mars, so don’t be surprised if your date or lunch with a friend is marred by a misunderstanding or some other kind of disruption. If that happens, my advice is to try to let it go for now, or you’ll only get yourself deeper in the hole.

Saturn turns retrograde on Wednesday. Many of us noticed a decided change in atmosphere when Saturn entered Libra in late October. Relationships came more in focus, with an emphasis on fairness and equity rather than the perfection demanded by Saturn in Virgo. Alas, we return to that fastidiousness briefly when Saturn returns to Virgo from April 7 to July 21.

In the meantime, we can use Saturn’s retrograde energy to identify relationship issues that may need work over time. And some problems do require constant work and vigilance.

Friday is the eclipse (Thursday on the West Coast of the United States), the second in a pair of New Year eclipses in Capricorn and Cancer. This series began six months ago and feeds heavily into the shift to cardinal energy. Diane wrote a very fine post on New Year’s Day on this trend and will have a full report on Tuesday on the upcoming eclipse, so check back.

In short, the shift to cardinal energy means more action, and that means change. Whereas the fixed signs take their time in deliberating — often to the point of inertia — cardinal signs are quick to react, but this also can mean change just for the sake of change that isn’t well thought-out and doesn’t take the needs of the collective into account. Although we all think we want change, I do caution you to take care what you wish for. There is no doubt that we are in for some big changes, but I don’t see them as entirely positive.

In the short-term, though, Friday’s eclipse should produce some positive changes, some of which might be surprisingly so, as this eclipse not only is conjunct Venus but positively angled to Uranus. Even though it rules a fixed sign, Uranus is associated with innovation and change.

The big wild card in this eclipse is Saturn retrograde. Because Saturn rules this eclipse and turned retrograde just a day before, it could act as a giant braking system. In my fixed-sign mind, that would be a good thing!

Shortly after the eclipse, Mercury returns direct. Keep in mind that when Mercury stations, communications, traffic, and other Mercury ruled activities tend to come to a complete standstill. It would be best to wait a couple more days to sign contracts or make major purchases. That includes exchanging big-ticket holiday gifts. Make Sunday your day to go shopping. By then, the January sales will be in full swing, so you’ll probably get a better deal, too!

Sunday also is the day when Jupiter enters Pisces. With the Moon also entering the sign of the Fishes, we’ll have a lovely Moon-Jupiter conjunction to start off the week —or, if you’re on the West Coast of the United States, to end it. Let’s hope that the seed of this highly spiritual combination will be planted in the collective mind so that all may experience the oneness of all being, even if it’s only in our dreams.

Wishing you all much love and courage in these changing times,

Pat

Saturday Extra! 2010: The Year of Living Spiritually

For years, astrologers have been writing about what a big year 2010 is going to be. Well, now it’s here. So what are we going to do about it?

“Do about it?” you might ask. “What’s to do? It’s not as though we can do anything about planetary transits.”

True enough. But there is plenty we can do, and time’s a-wasting.

If you’ve kept up here and on other astrology blogs, you know that the defining quality of 2010 is the cardinal T-square, which briefly becomes a cardinal grand cross mid-year. The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. These are the initiators of change. In short, it needs action. No sitting around talking about it or researching it to death. As the Nike ad says, “Just Do It!”

Diane had a great post on New Year’s Day on the meaning for each of us personally. As a cardinal sign living with a heavily cardinal partner, she is well-versed in this type of energy!

As 2010 begins, we have two outer planets in cardinal signs, Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn. The Sun, Venus, and Mercury also are in Capricorn, along with the lunar North Node, which determines the signs and timing of eclipses. As it so happened, we had a lunar eclipse in Cancer on New Year’s Eve. That means we experienced a very brief cardinal T-square, a taste of things to come.

Saturn will go back into Virgo in April, but he returns to Libra on July 21. In the meantime, both Jupiter and Uranus enter Aries, and the Sun enters Cancer at the solstice, with a lunar eclipse in early Capricorn on June 26 and a solar eclipse in Cancer on July 11. It’s a veritable windmill of change.

Exactly what those changes will be, who knows? Who could have predicted 9/11 and the far-reaching consequences? In the next few years, we are likely to witness mass upheaval that could be political, social, ecological, geological, or inter-planetary — maybe all of the above. It’s just as likely that we could experience major breakthroughs in consciousness and spirituality, perhaps as a result of global crises.

Now, back to the question of what you can do …

I believe that the biggest change any of us can make as individuals is to start living more spiritually. By that, I don’t mean sitting in a lotus position for 20 minutes a day or joining a drumming circle. My definition of “spiritual” is learning to recognize and work with the invisible energies that are constantly flowing through the material realm.

Astrology is one of the best tools we have to identify these energies. In my forecast every week, I tell you what the planets are doing and interpret how these celestial indicators can manifest in our daily lives. I also give you information on how to work with them, especially the more difficult transits such as we’re experiencing right now with Mercury and Mars both retrograde.

For example, when Mercury is retrograde, we know that there’s a higher risk of miscommunications. Yet, knowing this isn’t enough. It’s up to you to adjust your behavior and expectations accordingly.

Once you begin to work with these unseen energies, your manner of interacting with the world and everyone in it will begin to change. We can repeat over and over that we’re all connected, but it’s another matter to feel it deeply in your soul. If you don’t, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or a failure. You just need to learn, and that takes practice. I often liken it to learning to ride a bike.

I also would encourage you to simplify your life to the extent possible. Much of what comes will be outside our control, but we’ll be better able to respond if we’re more flexible. It’s a personal belief of mine that we are better able to tap into the realm of the unmanifest if we lighten our material load. But that’s another topic for another day.

In the meantime, I wish you a New Year filled with wonder and love.
Pat

P.S. I’ve been working on this video for two days, no thanks to Mercury Rx. That whirring noise is the dysfunctional fan in my laptop. There’s nothing I can do about it for now, but I’m investigating some potential fixes.

Ask Real Astrologers: What’s Happening with My New Job?

This week’s question comes from Christina in Greece:

I’ve been unemployed for ten months, and now I am given an opportunity to work for sales for a medical department of a big company. I am going to persuade people be our members. But I have some doubts about the progress of this step. I totally have no other income and I feel very unsecure.

Diane’s response:

Christina, for the past year or so, Saturn has conjoined your Midheaven, Pluto, Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus, so if you feel apprehensive where your work is concerned it is not at all surprising. This is not an easy transit by any means but most of us survive it just fine.

At this time, Saturn in Libra is preparing to station and turn retrograde on January 13 and will be moving back over your Uranus and Mars between now and the end of March. Yes, it is likely you will be working very hard for what seems to be few rewards. Saturn is known for making us work for every gain but we seldom have to repeat those lessons.

Mars is very important in your chart, with both your Sun and Ascendant in Scorpio, because Mars rules Scorpio along with Pluto. With your Mars in Libra conjoined Uranus, Jupiter and Pluto in your tenth house, I am guessing you have a strong presence, especially out in public, perhaps more than you realize.

Another factor we are all dealing with at this time is having both Mars and Mercury retrograde, interfering with effective communications and generally slowing life down for everyone. Thankfully, Mercury will turn direct on January 15 on the New Moon in Capricorn, and by the end of the month we all will start feeling like we can get something accomplished once more.

Take plenty of time to review all the information about your new position, Christina, and ask lots of questions. It is far better to spend extra time preparing for your new responsibilities with Saturn transiting your tenth saying doing it step by step. Your natal Mars-Uranus conjunction in Libra urges you to rush ahead – not a good idea at this time.

Best of luck and remember it is often easier to be doing something rather than just thinking about it!

Pat’s response:

First of all Christina, I agree with Diane’s assessment of Mercury retrograde being a contributing factor in your job search. Mercury currently is in Capricorn, which places him in your second house of earned income. Communications can be slow and difficult during this transit. Even if you wanted to hop right onboard, the company’s hiring process may be bogged down for some reason unbeknownst to you.

The good news is that the period when Mercury is in your second house is usually a great time for negotiating salary and contract terms. Just don’t actually sign anything until he returns direct next week. You’ve also got Venus and the Sun in your second house, which are advantageous when you’re seeking employment.

You mention that you haven’t had any appreciable income for about ten months. I see that Pluto recently entered your second house, and so it’s pretty much a no-brainer that your means of earning a living are going through a transformation. With the cardinal T-square coming up in the next two years, the entire world is going to experience sweeping changes, but this will be true for us individually as well. For you, it appears that the changes will be most apparent in your job and salary, as well as your living situation. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that you have to move in the next few years to take a new job.

It’s so hard living with uncertainty, and I do understand the quiet fear that comes with having no visible means of support. Sometimes we try to compromise by getting a job that really doesn’t suit us just to have money coming in. But with Pluto in your second house, I don’t think this is going to work for you, at least not in the long run. Indeed, I’m wondering if this is part of your uncertainty in asking this question.

Finally, I suspect you will do very well at selling memberships. With Jupiter currently in your third house of communications, you’ll be very effective. You just need to wait until Mercury returns direct and communications are flowing normally again.

I wish you a New Year of abundance and prosperity!

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. You must use this form to contact us, or we don’t get your question. Be sure to fill out all the fields, and please spell out the month of your birthday. If you don’t know your time of birth, indicate “time unknown.” Thanks!

Real Astrologers Poll: New Year’s Resolutions

After a month of eating too much, foregoing visits to the gym in favor of shopping ’til we drop, and ringing in 2010 with overflowing bubbly, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions.

I’ve put on a whopping 12 pounds since Thanksgiving. Granted, there were some extenuating circumstances, but the fact remains that I now have 22 pounds to lose instead of 10, and that looks a whole lot more intimidating. So, my New Year’s resolution will be the unoriginal, age-old commitment to cutting out the carbs and going to the gym every day, rain or shine.

Fortunately, the lunar eclipse on New Year’s Eve was in my sixth house, a perfect setup for losing weight and getting rid of unhealthy habits. Saturn in Libra might have been some help, too, but he’s about to go retrograde, so I’ll have to summon up the discipline myself if I want to get back into my Perfectly Slimming Levis.

Who’s going to join me for a diet of lean protein and veggies?

Online Surveys & Market Research

Pat

Weekly Forecast January 4: Sun, Mercury, and Venus Conjunct in Capricorn

This week we’re in the tumultuous zone between eclipses. It’s a fitting way to start a new year of radical shifts leading into a decade of upheaval.

If you feel like you’re beating your head against a brick wall to communicate with someone, you’ve got lots of company. Difficult communications are among the major themes this week, and at times it could be heartbreaking. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to get through. What the heck is up with that?

In terms of specific planetary aspects, there’s not a whole lot going on this week, other than a close conjunction of the Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Capricorn. But that isn’t unusual, as these three are never far apart from each other.

More importantly, Mars is tightly inconjunct all three. The inconjunct (more accurately called a quincunx) between Mercury and Mars was exact on New Year’s Eve, but it remains active throughout this week. The Sun forms this irritating aspect with Mars on Thursday, with Venus following on Friday. The friction is especially bad in romantic relationships.

Saturn’s impending station adds to the frustration. We’re really going to feel next week’s retrograde, as Saturn is a powerful influence in the sky right now. Not only is he in the sign of his exaltation, but he’s receiving energy from four planets in Capricorn, the sign Saturn rules. The lunar North Node also is in Capricorn.

Since Saturn entered Libra, I’ve seen a greater awareness of equal partnerships and compromising within relationships. However, wherever Saturn exerts an influence, we often find fear and insecurity. Issues that we may have ignored before as trivial and not worth making a fuss over are now a source of major disagreement. Dissecting every conversation and action gets tiring, and yet we find ourselves doing it over and over.

Of course, this effect is aggravated by Mercury retrograde, to the point that it’s crazy making.

The Moon enters Libra on Tuesday and conjoins Saturn on Wednesday, which may help reduce the noise level long enough for us to hear what the other is saying. Then, what you hear might be depressing. Try to keep the faith. As serious as this all feels, it really is going to pass.

On Thursday, the Moon reaches the halfway point between the lunar eclipse on New Year’s Eve and the upcoming solar eclipse on January 14. We’re sailing through rough seas emotionally.

My advice is to take extra time to try to understand why you feel as you do. If you’re upset with someone, did he or she really do anything to merit your anger, and was it intentional? Difficult as it is to talk things through this week, it’s all we can do.

Once we’ve come through these turbulent aspects, you may find that your relationships not only survived but became stronger. If you’re not in a relationship but struggling with issues of fairness and balance in your own life, you may discover that serious imbalances get your attention to the point that you make a commitment to positive change.

Much love and courage to all,
Pat

Image: Sunset on the lagoon. A friend took this photo recently on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It’s a perfect reflection of the dictum, “As above, so below,” which is good to remember in these tumultuous times. Photo by James A. Weythman, all rights reserved.

Welcome to 2010 – A Cardinal Year

When Saturn moved into the cardinal sign of Libra last fall, joining Pluto in cardinal Capricorn, it signaled the beginning of the shift to cardinal dominance of the outer planets. By mid-year 2010, both Jupiter and Uranus will spend some time in the most cardinal sign of all, Aries, before moving back into Pisces one last time.

What does this mean? For one thing, taking action will be the preferred mode of response as opposed to the endless discussions of the years when both Saturn and Pluto were in the mutable signs, Virgo and Sagittarius, along with Uranus in Pisces. My very Aries spouse will always chose to do something, even if it’s wrong, over sitting around talking about it. I happen to go along with this, because both my Sun and Moon are in Libra, and one of my pet peeves is listening to people moan about what’s wrong with their lives but refusing to take one step in any direction to change their situation.

All of you with your Sun in Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn will understand the need for prompt action. Even if your chart has plenty in fixed and mutable signs, in your heart of hearts, you understand why doing something is better than doing nothing. Gemini folk likely will be happy, too, because anything new and different is OK in their book. The same could be said of Sagittarius, as they are generally open to new experiences.

It’s the fixed signs who could be thrown the most by this shift – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius – because they are not crazy about changes of any sort unless they have direct control over it. Don’t be surprised if you hear grumbling from that contingent.

The other two mutable signs, Virgo and Pisces, may wish everyone would have given more time to discussion, especially meticulous, earthy Virgo, but they tend to be adaptable and, like their mutable Gemini cousins, enjoy watching change unfold. Another factor is that all the mutable people got hit pretty hard during the years Saturn was in Virgo opposing Uranus in Pisces, and having the focus shift away from them may be a relief. (Note: There is one final opposition on April 26, 2010, between Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces at 28°.)

The number of planets in cardinal signs will ebb and flow over the course of 2010, but we may as well get accustomed to this energy, because 2011 will bring Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, Saturn in Libra, and Pluto in Capricorn. My take is that where we saw grumbling in dissatisfaction before, we will see people taking direct action from here forward. We all need to sharpen our listening skills and be prepared to respond quickly or suffer the consequences!

Good fortune and bon voyage!

posted by Neith . . .

Image: Transition zone. Pat shot this photo recently on a rainy day at Ocean Shores, WA. There is something very special about the transition zone where the ocean meets the land — one of my favorite places to walk ever. This image also is a reminder that change is random and uncontrollable, yet it is constant and the one thing we can count on. Photo by Pat Paquette, all rights reserved.

Weekly Forecast December 28: Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Cancer

Have we turned a corner? I think so. It’s hard for me to know for sure, with my sensory apparatus globbed up by so much sweet and rich food, not to mention the wine and chocolate.

Despite the unnerving astrological influences currently in play, I’ve been sleeping very well the past week, after months of tossing and turning. And I know I wasn’t the only one. Everywhere I went, people talked about not being able to sleep. If your sleep patterns have changed in the past week, please leave a comment and let me know.

In the meantime, we’re gearing up for Thursday’s Full Moon lunar eclipse — and on New Year’s Eve, at that! I suspect that familiar pre-eclipse buzz will return by Monday or Tuesday, and we may have a few sleepless nights. Then, maybe not. We’re heading into uncharted territory, and little is going as expected.

Speaking of expectations, if I were to try to predict events for this eclipse, I would say to look back at what was happening in mid-September and mid-October. As you may recall, we had a powerful New Moon solar eclipse at the last degree of Cancer on July 21, but few people I know experienced any immediate developments at the time. Instead, shifts occurred 60 to 90 days later, toward the New Moon on September 18 and especially at the New Moon in Libra on October 18.

This eclipse will be the culmination of those events, the coming full circle, with possible new beginnings. Diane will have more in her New Moon report early this week, so be sure to check back.

In the meantime, Venus conjoins Pluto and squares Saturn on Monday (Tuesday in the Eastern Hemisphere). Issues of love, sex, and commitment come to the fore. With Mercury and Mars both retrograde, talking through issues to your satisfaction may be tough. You may need to agree to disagree for now, or you may need to accept that there aren’t any immediate answers. Sometimes there is no solution but time, and picking at scabs only irritates wounds and prevents healing.

The Moon enters Cancer on Wednesday in preparation for Thursday’s eclipse. Emotions are closer to the surface, so prepare for a bit of drama. Again, with Mercury and Mars retrograde, you may witness more than a few temper tantrums and meltdowns.

As it so happens, Mercury and Mars form an exact quincunx (inconjunct) on Thursday. You might not even know why you’re angry or upset, let alone what’s motivating anyone else. Try to be patient and kind, with yourself as well as with others, and keep your expectations in check. This is always a good idea, but even more so now, in this period of surprising changes.

There are no major planetary aspects for the rest of the week. The only thing I’d watch out for is the Moon’s conjunction with Mars on Sunday, for all of the reasons I’ve already mentioned.

Do continue to keep journals of unusual dreams, flashes of insight, or events during your day. New patterns are forming, and writing down seemingly random occurrences will help you identify them.

Love and light to all as we head into another new year,
Pat

Image: Return of the light. It’s normally overcast and gray at this time of year here in the Puget Sound region, but on Christmas Day, we were blessed with blinding sunshine, calling us out for a late afternoon walk on the beach.

Saturday Extra! Oh, What a Time for Mercury Retrograde

My HP Pavilion prefers hanging out with lemons, since it is one.

The day after Christmas is the biggest gift return day of the year. With Mercury stationed retrograde, I don’t even want to think about the lines at customer service.

Not even the promise of after-Christmas sales could lure me anywhere near a shopping mall today — especially not with Mercury stationed retrograde. The lines will be long and traffic gnarled beyond the usual stop-and-go. And with Mars now retrograde, you can bet that tempers are going to flare. Already I’ve heard several reports of honking horns, squealing tires, and cutting in line.

Retailers desperate to end the year solidly in the black are offering great deals on their entire stock. I know you’ll be tempted, but remember that Mercury retrograde is not the time to make major purchases. The exception will be if you’re replacing something that’s broken. Even though “return” starts with an “re” — activities normally acceptable during Mercury retrograde — I’d wait until the middle of January to exchange unwanted gifts.

As many of you know, my laptop went belly up a few weeks ago. It wasn’t even three years old. I didn’t have control over the purchase, as a third party helped me purchase and program it for some contract work I was doing at the time. I begged them not to order while Mercury was retrograde, but I was talking to a wall. They thought I was being ridiculous.

Predictably, I’ve had nothing but problems with this machine. It wasn’t delivered on-time. The programming was screwed up. Programs that were supposed to have been installed weren’t, or there were errors. There were connectivity issues. I was tearing my hair out and burst into tears of frustration more than once. (Apparently I wasn’t alone; others who bought the first machines using Vista were similarly upset.)

When I took my computer to the repair shop, the technician rolled his eyes the instant he saw the make and model number. My HP Pavilion evidently is one of a few series made in 2007 that was recalled due to problems with the motherboard. Fortunately, here in the Seattle area, I was able to find a shop with the special equipment required for the delicate repair, but problems apparently remain, and the prognosis isn’t good.

I’ll probably need a new laptop sometime in the next year. If you do succumb to the deep discounts in the next few weeks, at least don’t buy any electronic equipment. If you do, keep all the receipts and opt for the extended warranty. The extra cost will be well worth it.

I’ll have more in my weekly forecast. In the meantime, I hope you can enjoy a quiet holiday weekend and find some of the joy and peace of the season.

Pat

Weekly Forecast December 21: Sun Enters Capricorn, Mercury Retrograde

This is a very big week. And not just because of Christmas.

Today, Monday, is arguably the most important day of the year astrologically and one of the most important days of the entire decade. That’s a pretty strong statement, I know, but I say this because I believe a portal will appear on this day. Anyone who wishes to step through can do so.

Portal to what or where, you might ask? To higher awareness and elevated consciousness, to healing and wholeness, to feelings of connectedness with all things, to greater understanding that brings peace.

Perhaps it is a portal to love.

Today is the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, so it also is the return of the light. From now on, the days will begin getting longer again, even though we may not notice much difference for another month or so.

I sensed the opening portal the week before equinox, when the Sun entered Libra. Inexplicably, I woke up very early that morning and was “called” out of bed to the doors opening out onto my deck. Venus was shining brightly on the western horizon. If I had gotten up any later, I’d have missed her, as she began to disappear in the light of dawn.

There was an important message there, and I suspected it had something to do with love and the reunion of the universal male and female energies. I was at the gate but couldn’t step over the threshold, and although I could see something there, it was out of focus. The message was that I would be able to see more when the portal was fully open.

I began looking for upcoming dates that were astrologically significant. None was more compelling than today. Not only is it the Solstice, but Jupiter and Neptune form an exact conjunction, with the Moon conjoining both a few hours later. Venus is sextile Neptune as well. We’re also coming up on another pair of eclipses, with Venus in conjunction.

There is nothing that I can tell you to do, except to open your eyes and mind to whatever may come your way. In most of the United States, the exact moment of conjunction will occur overnight, so perhaps a message will come to you in a dream. Or, it might come before you go to sleep or upon awakening. I often have revelations in the hypnagogic and hypnapompic states.

There could be developments in the days that follow as well. I believe the portal will stay open for most of the week and possibly through the New Moon solar eclipse on January 14. I’ll let you know if I pick up anything. Please leave a comment if you experience any unusual effects.

In classical mythology, Mercury was the Messenger between worlds. With planet Mercury about to turn retrograde later this week, it’s even more likely that we’ll receive news, flashes of insight and understanding, and breakthroughs in consciousness. These insights may come via someone close to you.

The Sun’s conjunction with Pluto on Thursday also feeds into this phenomenon, as Pluto rules the underworld or, as I like to think of it, the “otherworld” — in other words, invisible realms that are all around us but just outside the conscious awareness of most people.

Now, shining light into dark corners can reveal unpleasant truths, so don’t be surprised if something very uncomfortable comes up. Try to keep your nerve and be still.

On Friday, Venus enters Capricorn, and she’ll conjoin Pluto on Sunday. If you have a romantic partner, new levels of passion and intimacy are possible, but you’ll probably have to work through some issues first, unless you’ve gotten them out of the way already. So many things keep us from connecting with each other, and many of the obstacles, we’re not even aware of. We can become aware of them now.

Also on Friday, the Sun squares Saturn. This is an oppressive energy, but we are more likely to grown and learn through challenges than when everything is going smoothly. I’ll be whining right along with you — I’m tired of hard lessons, OK? But ultimately I’ll take notes and try to figure out what I’m supposed to do next.

For those who celebrate Christmas, family get-togethers could be a bit testy. I don’t know many families who don’t have control issues. Hopefully, seeing them in a clear light will help you figure out the best way to respond, but do be aware that with Mars retrograde and Mercury stationed, tempers will be short, with a high risk of misunderstandings.

Mercury turns retrograde on Saturday morning in the United States. If you need to return a gift, check the receipt to see how long you’ve got, take a deep breath, and have another bite of fruitcake. Even a bad one will be preferable to the lines at the mall.

Better still, sit down with a warm cup of spiced cider, a blank journal, and a fast writing pen. Let the material stuff wait. It will still be there when you’re ready to make an exchange. But the portal has limited hours, and we need to get as much information as we can while it’s open.

Wishing you all limitless love and light this holiday season,
Pat

Image: As promised in my Saturday Extra! post, here’s a photo of my 80s party. I let myself get talked into doing karaoke, first time ever. The song was “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” by one of my favorite 80s bands, Eurythmics. In hindsight, I couldn’t have picked a better song for the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction!

RealAstrologers

The astrology of world affairs, human evolution, the future, and the state of the universe.