Firstly, I decided after 11 years to leave the field of Real Estate to embrace Astrology as a full-time career! This was a big decision for me, and those of you who know me personally know that I was struggling with that for some time. My practical side (Mars in Capricorn) made me very hesitant to make such a bold move. However, my passion (clearly) is with Astrology, Coaching, Hypnosis, Reiki and most importantly…helping people! In the weeks to come, I will also be working on developing a website and various other marketing tools. 
Secondly, as you know, I share an office two days a week and that office has moved. The new office is going to be called Vermont Acupuncture & Wellness. We are now located at 161 North Street in Burlington. I will still have the same hours there 2-7pm Wed & Fri, so please give me a call to schedule an appointment. It is a two-story white house and there is ample parking in the back. The office is working together to host an Open House in celebration of the Chinese New Year. It will be on February 3rd from 5-8pm. There are a multitude of holistic practitioners (other than myself) including an acupuncturist, massage therapists, Naturopath doctor, and a midwife. I will post more as this event comes closer. Very exciting indeed!!
December-January I will be featured on a local public TV show being interviewed by Gwendolyn Evans about Astrology. Featured in December there will be a Year of Review in Astrology, then all of January a new show will be airing about 2012! It will be airing: Wednesdays 11AM, Thursdays 9PM & Saturdays 8:30 AM. This show airs on the Comcast Cable network, Chanel 15, in the Greater Burlington-Vergennes and Colchester-St Albans areas. Gwendolyn Evans does Spiritual Counseling, Intuitive Readings & Reiki Healing and you can check her out at website: www.lovingself.net or her Blog: www.gwendolynscauldron.wordpress.com
Current Planetary Positions:
Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went into that sign for an explanation.
Sun: Capricorn 12/22-1/20/12
Moon: Changes signs (approximately) every 2 ½ days.
Mercury: Capricorn 1/9-1/27
Venus: Aquarius 12/20-1/13/12, Pisces 1/13-2/7
Mars: Virgo 11/10-7/4/12
Jupiter: Taurus 6/4/11-6/12/12
Saturn: Libra 7/21/10-10/6/12
Uranus: Aries 3/11/11-5/16/2018
Neptune: Aquarius 8/4/11-2/3/12
Pluto: Capricorn until 1/20/24
Chiron: Pisces 2/8/11-4/18/2018
Current Retrograde Planets:
Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went Retrograde for an explanation.
There are currently NO Retrograde planets between 12/25/11-1/23/12!!
I wanted to add a footnote to my entries. I include the time that a transit will be exact so that you can see when it waxes and then when it starts to wane. However, the effects are often felt sometimes even as long as a day or two. The energy is usually felt more strongly during the time leading up to the height and then it slowly starts to dissipate after. Keep in mind that Moon transits tend to last a shorter period of time than planetary transits.
(Sunday 1/8/12)- Today will be a very active day for the planet Mercury. This will be highlighting travel and communication, remember that Mercury is the “Winged Messenger”! It starts when Mercury (the ruler of mental processes, learning, communication, and travel) will transition into Capricorn (exact at 1:34am EST). Words and phrases to describe Capricorn are: “I Use”, Cardinal/Earth, ambition, self-discipline, hard work, motivated, coldness, condescending, frugal (sometimes cheapness), responsible, slave-driver, public ambition and tradition. It is associated with the skeleton, knees, teeth and falls. Its metal is lead and stones are: Amber, Black Onyx, Ruby, Agate, and Garnet. We will be moving away from expansive thinking and ideas (Mercury in Sagittarius) into a period of time where will want to plan and make steady progress (Capricorn). Our thought processes will become much more serious (possibly even stern). This is a good time for organization, budgeting, financial planning, and long-term goal setting. Just remember that it’s not just about the destination; but to also relax and enjoy the journey. Capricorns tend to be very ambitious, which for all intents and purposes, is a good thing. However, the downside to this ambition can include walking over others to benefit themselves. Obviously it's best to try to come up with a win-win resolution that benefits all parties whenever possible. This is a very work-oriented sign. During this cycle, it's a great idea to set up your calendars, and other organizational tools to help you throughout the year. Just remember, that there is more to life than a paycheck! Mercury will move through Capricorn and transition into Aquarius on 1/27/12.
In the morning, the Moon in Cancer will form its monthly opposition to Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 6:23am EST). This can signify a (short) period of intensity. Someone could challenge you in an area where you are sensitive. Another possibility is that you may spend too much time analyzing instead of acting. Avoid underhanded tactics because someone will be more apt to notice.
In the afternoon, Mercury in Capricorn will form a flowing trine with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 1:05pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This may be a time that you are thinking of traveling or are in contact with people located a long distance away from you. This transit is beneficial for interest and/or dealings with other cultures, philosophy, higher education, continuing education, religion, and law or legal issues. We may be feeling expansive and wish to feed our intellect. This transit is ideal if you have wanted to learn a foreign language or to cook an exotic meal. Go ahead and be adventurous; now is the time!! Next, Mercury in Capricorn will form an uncomfortable square with Uranus in Aries (exact at 6:23pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. These two planets are sort-of the “live wires” of the zodiac. People with ADD, hyper activity, anxiety, nervous conditions, etc., may have difficulty around this time. We may get ideas or sudden insights, but we may be too scattered to stop and think them through. There is a possibility that you may encounter someone that serves as inspiration. Awakening. There could be sudden changes in our plans, travel snafus, and issues surrounding technology..so just remain flexible! Things will be building in intensity in preparation for the Full Moon and overnight in a sign of Cancer….
(Monday 1/9/12)- We start off the day with the height of the Full Moon in Cancer (exact at 2:30am EST). 
The Full Moon that takes place in January is called the Full Wolf Moon, the Old Moon or the Moon After Yule. The height of the Full Moon is always signified by the opposition of the Sun (currently in Capricorn). Do you have trouble separating your home/family and your career? Are you overly-sensitive; sometimes holding onto grudges or the past? Have you resolved mother or maternal issues? If you are a mother yourself; are there times when you place too much emphasis on your husband & children leaving little or no time for yourself? What influence did/does your own mother have in your life and how did she shape you as a person? Is your house a home or simply a place to sleep at night? These are all issues that we may experience during this Full Moon. Full Moons astrologically are considered to be a time of culmination or endings. It depends where Cancer/Moon/Capricorn/Sun falls within your natal chart, to know how it would affect you on a personal level. I personally like to take this time to meditate and send out prayers for family, friends, and humanity. Then, the Full Moon in Cancer will form a positive sextile with Mars in Virgo (exact at 8:48am EST). As with all Mars transits, I recommend doing something physical or exercising around this time (the energy will need a constructive outlet). Sexuality can be enhanced around this transit. Our feelings will be in alignment with how we act. Make sure to put your actions toward positive pursuits!
Next, the Moon in Cancer will form an annoying quincunx with Venus in Aquarius (exact at 1:44pm EST) possibly causing a monkey wrench in the love department. It could be that the object of our affections is somewhat inaccessible around time…. unfortunately the same could be true with our finances too! Double-check your bank account before making a big purchase. Mercury in Capricorn forms a flowing sextile with Chiron (the “Wounded Healer) in Pisces (exact at 4:13pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This is an indication that talking/communication could heal old wounds. Are you wearing your heart on your sleeve? This is beneficial transit if you need to give a speech or to teach something. It will be easier to convey your thoughts & ideas around this time (especially if you speak from the heart). Then, the Moon in Cancer will form an uncomfortable square with Saturn in Libra (exact at 9:25pm EST). Luckily the duration of this event is short. Sometimes this can give us a feeling of loneliness or isolation. We may feel passed over or possibly not getting the recognition that we deserve. It is better to work on organization around this time. This will also be the beginning of a 2+ hour void of course cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into the proud Leo Moon. When the Moon makes no major planetary aspects to another planet, before it switches into the next sign, is call “void of course”. It is best to not do anything new during these times because it has a decreased chance of working or will have delays. Just after, the Moon in Cancer forms an annoying quincunx with Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 10:03pm EST). Neptune’s influence can cause us to be fuzzy and idealistic. It is therefore, not an ideal time to make bold moves and big decisions. It is possible that we may have trouble accessing our intuition around this time. The Moon will transition into Leo (exact at 11:35pm EST). Good activities to do when the Moon is in Leo are: anything to do with performing or theater, seeing a show, dressing up & looking nice, managing, feeling proud, entrepreneurial endeavors, gambling, playing games, routing for the underdog and taking care of children. Things to avoid are being too bossy, acting egotistical, and going over the top. All of these themes will be highlighted over the next 2 ½ days.
(Tuesday 1/10/12)- I will be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today between 3-6pm (I take my last reading at 5:30pm). This is a great opportunity to get an introductory reading from me at a discount-$30 ½ hr. They are located at 125 S. Winooski Ave in Burlington, VT (across from the fire station). Walk-ins are welcome or you can call me for a time. The store’s number is 802-660-8060.
After midnight, the Moon in Leo will form an uncomfortable square with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 12:56am EST). Someone could challenge your beliefs at this time. It’s possible that you could find out someone within your group has been acting behind your back or is at odds with the greater good. Dealings with groups of people or legal matters are unfavorable around this time. Next, the Moon in Leo will form a flowing trine with Uranus in Aries (exact at 1:29am EST) helping us to step up to the plate and do the right thing, even though it may be somewhat unconventional. We could get sudden revelations or ideas, so write them down! Technology (like computers), inventing, New Age ideologies, and friendships are favored around this transit. This could cause disturbed dreams and/or sleep (possibly inspirational or vivid dreams). Then, the Moon in Leo forms an annoying quincunx with Chiron in Pisces (exact at 3:52am EST). Past issues may resurface at this time. It may be hard to forgive & forget around this time. Remember that forgiveness gives you peace within yourself and is not necessarily for the other person. Next, the Moon in Leo will form an annoying quincunx to Mercury in Capricorn (exact at 5:15am EST) possibly causing blocks in communication. It may be nearly impossible to express ourselves. You ever had a time that you couldn’t put your thoughts into words?
In the afternoon, the Moon in Leo will make an annoying quincunx with powerful Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 1:22pm EST). Certainly this can bring up jealousy issues, power struggles, hidden fears, and obsessions. It is best to keep things a little superficial. This transit could cause frustrations on blending work and family time (especially if you have children). The remainder of the day will be under the influence of the Leo Moon….
(Wednesday 1/11/12)- Today may have a slow or dragging quality to it. We may find ourselves watching the clock more than usual. There will be one Lunar transit in the afternoon when the Moon in Leo will form an annoying quincunx with the Sun in Capricorn (exact at 12:49pm EST). It may be hard to feel supported around this time. Accomplishments may go unrecognized. It is possible to clash with someone younger than yourself (like a parent child relationship).
(Thursday 1/12/12)- Here we go! Today will be a very busy astrological day. There will be eight Moon transits and one planetary transit. Four out of the eight Lunar transits will be positive. Really, this will be the start of the next three days being astrologically busy. During these times it is best to try to stay grounded and centered. This is a good time to remind you that Lunar transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits.
Just after midnight, the Moon in Leo forms its monthly opposition to Venus in Aquarius (exact at 12:28am EST). It’s not good to shop or decorate during this transit. Someone could offend your sense of good taste! Our feelings could be at odds with love relationships right now. Then, the Moon in Leo will form a positive sextile to Saturn in Libra (exact at 2:49am EST). Time to tap into our inner discipline, goal setting, organization and attention to details. We may want to make long term plans in our close relationships. Next, the Moon in Leo will form its monthly opposition with Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 3:23am EST) causing our imagination/creativity to soar. I wouldn’t make a big decision around this time. Especially since this will also enhance escapism (people with drug or alcohol issues will have trouble around this transit). If you are sleeping while this event occurs, it may be possible to have prophetic or “visitation” dreams around this time. This will start a 1+ hour void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into service-oriented Virgo (exact at 4:44am EST). Good Virgo Moon activities are: organization, being detail-oriented, service to others, health improvement, intellectual pursuits, practicality, research, and really anything that requires precision. Things to avoid are: being overly perfectionistic, excessive worry, analysis paralysis, criticism, and being too caught up in the details that we can’t see the forest through the trees. All of these themes will be prominent in the next 2 1/2 days. Then, the Moon in Virgo makes a flowing trine with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 6:18am EST) helping us to feel optimistic and/or lucky. This is an ideal time to be with friends or to work with groups of people. It is also beneficial for spirituality/religion, higher education, horses, law/legal matters, advertising, sales, and publishing. Just after, the Moon in Virgo forms an annoying quincunx with Uranus in Aries (exact at 6:40am EST). This is a time where someone around you may challenge tradition. You may also want to buck the system. An unexpected event or surprise could catch you off-guard. This could cause disturbed dreams and/or sleep (possibly inspirational or vivid dreams). Then, the Moon in Virgo forms a stressful opposition with Chiron in Pisces (exact at 9:04am EST). Past issues may resurface at this time. It may be possible to run into someone that will tell you how to do something (even if they have never done it themselves)….annoying!
Lastly, the Moon in Virgo makes a flowing trine to Mercury in Capricorn (exact at 4:33pm EST). This transit will assist us to express how we feel. It will be much easier to speak with friends and loved ones during this time. We may have an urge to be social around this transit and it is highly beneficial for all kinds of relationships. Then, the Moon in Virgo will form a flowing trine to Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 6:12pm EST). This will greatly assist us in processing our emotions and is beneficial for all types of counseling & cathartic experiences. It will be hard to be superficial around this time. Both Virgo & Capricorn are earth signs, so this is a good time to connect with nature. Lastly, the Sun in Capricorn forms a beautiful flowing trine with Mars in Virgo (exact at 11:46pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This is an excellent time to get things done or start a new project! As with any Mars transit, I always advise doing something physical around this time to positively use up some of that energy. Trine’s usually present opportunity, so make sure you are ready to act! This could be a positive time to be around children or someone younger than you (or someone young at heart). The key to this transit is action! There will be a strong fire element in play so be sure to light candles, your woodstove or fireplace to get you motivated (and wearing the color red wouldn’t hurt either).
(Friday 1/13/12)- Day #2 of busy astrological energies!! Even though yesterday had more transits then today, there will be 3 (strong) planetary transits. The good news is, that for the most part, they will be pleasant. The only caveat to that statement is that with this much planetary energy, things can get complicated. Most of the energy will occur earlier in the day but as you know from reading this blog the effects of the transits will be felt for a few days (especially the conjunctions).
Early in the morning, Venus in Aquarius will form a flowing trine with Saturn in Libra (exact at 4:05am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Discipline and organization are required. This transit will be permeated by seriousness. This probably won’t be a time of busy social activities. But the invites that you do get, will most likely be from your oldest and dearest friends. If you are willing to put in the hard work around this time, you have the will to accomplish a lot! Any delays that are experienced will be for the better (but you might not feel that way at the time). This is an auspicious time for finances, business endeavors, strategizing, etc. This may be a good time to sit down with the boss (or with someone with authority over you) to hammer out long-term goals. They will appreciate your proactive attitude, which may benefit you financially. It is best to acquiesce since folks are prone to digging in their heels. This is a beneficial time to make a deeper commitment in a relationship (love or business relationship). Work on building foundations! Then, Mercury will form a conjunction with Pluto both in Capricorn (exact at 8:03am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. If you have to give a speech or a sales pitch to someone right now…well you couldn’t have picked a better time! Communication skills will be persuasive & powerful. Hot topics right now will be sexuality, transformation, psychology, secrets, and fears. If you are able to face these subjects with openness and honesty; then real healing could occur. It would be a good time to whisper sweet-nothings into your partner’s ear. Use words to arouse passion (the good kind!). Any Pluto transit does have a dark side, so watch for obsessive thinking, honoring boundaries, and jealousies. Next, Venus will form its annual conjunction to Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 10:17am EST) giving us a dreamy and idealistic outlook on the day. Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. When it comes to love, we will have our rose colored glasses on today. Love relationships will take on an ethereal quality. If you are single, and you meet someone under this influence you will have the feeling that you were meant to be together. It’s possible that a friend could become more than a friend. It would feel like you are seeing this person in a new light. This will be a beneficial day for creativity, arts, music, film, etc.
Later in the evening, the Moon will form its monthly conjunction with Mars both in Virgo (exact at 7:36pm EST). As with most Mars transits, I usually will recommend some form of physical exercise (yes, that includes gardening, working on the car, housework, etc.). This can increase physical vitality & health (and passion too). It is important to properly channel the excess energy; otherwise arguments and nitpicking could result. Lastly, the Sun in Capricorn will form a beautiful trine to the Moon in Virgo (exact at 8:58pm EST). This is beneficial for all kinds of relationships (especially with children) and assists in making us feel loved and supported. This is also an ideal time to be close to pets or nature. Very pleasant indeed! This will be the start of a long 12-hour void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until it transitions into the romantic sign of Libra tomorrow….
(Saturday 1/14/12)- Day #3 of busy astrological energies!! After midnight, Venus (ruling over love, beauty, romance, & finances) will transition into dreamy Pisces (exact at 12:47am EST). W
ords and phrases to describe Pisces are: “I Believe!”, dreamy, idealistic, caring, sympathetic, creative, artistic, tender, sensitive, drifter, psychic, impressionable, escapism, and charitable. Neptune is the ruling planet and it’s associated with feet, veins, fluids, lymphatic system, & glands. Stones: Jade, Coral, Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Rock Crystal, and Sapphire. As far as love is concerned, we are moving away from a time of being friendship oriented and somewhat impersonal (Aquarius) to a time of being romantic and idealistic (Pisces). If you are single this is a time, you may find yourself drawn to a person that is artistic and romantic, but maybe a little bit of a drifter. If you get an invitation to go to an art gallery show or music event…say yes! If you are in a relationship, try to rekindle the romance and have a date-night! Maybe write your partner a poem or paint them a picture?!? This is certainly a great time to tap into your inner creativity in general. Venus also rules over finances..and well, Pisces’ unfortunately are not known for their financial discipline. Notice I didn’t say that they weren’t good with math? Albert Einstein was a very famous Piscean. He obviously excelled at abstract theories and that is a Piscean gift…. innate understanding of the intangible. They tend to (at least somewhat) live on an ethereal level. So drift, dream, and fantasize while Venus stays in this romantic sign. Lovely Venus will stay in Pisces until 2/8/12 when it moves into Aries.
In the morning, the Moon in Virgo forms an annoying quincunx with Neptune in Pisces (exact at 7:16am EST). Neptune’s influence can cause us to be fuzzy and idealistic. It is therefore, not an ideal time to make bold moves and big decisions. It is possible that we may have trouble accessing our intuition around this time. If sleeping, it would be possible to have prophetic or “visitation” dreams. The Moon will transition into diplomatic Libra (exact at 8:28am EST). Activities that are favorable during a Libra Moon are: fairness, beauty (did I say beauty?), partnerships, joint enterprise, aesthetics, harmony, graciousness, cooperation, justice, peace, and romance. Things to avoid are: indecision, dependence, fickle, and lying (to avoid confrontation). Libras make great judges and counselors because they are often able to see both sides. Its physical associations are: the kidneys, lumbar area of the back, buttocks and adrenal glands. All of these themes will be accentuated during the next 2 ½ days. Then, the Moon in Libra will form an annoying quincunx with Venus in Pisces (exact at 9:12am EST) possibly causing a monkey wrench in the love department. It could be that the object of our affections is somewhat inaccessible around time…. unfortunately the same could be true with our finances too! Double-check your bank account before making a big purchase. Next, the Moon in Libra will quincunx Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 10:14am EST). This is a time where you could feel disconnected from the group. Someone could challenge your beliefs around this time. Our optimism or self-confidence may be a little low. This is not a time to rely on luck. Don’t worry, this will be temporary! Then, the Moon in Libra will make its monthly opposition to Uranus in Aries (exact at 10:28am EST). This is not an ideal time to break from the tried and true. Even with the best of intentions to stick with details & organization, an outside event may steer you in a different direction.
In the afternoon, the Moon in Libra forms an annoying quincunx with Chiron in Pisces (exact at 12:56pm EST). Past issues may resurface at this time. It may be hard to forgive & forget around this time. Remember that forgiveness gives you peace within yourself and is not necessarily for the other person. Then, Venus in Pisces will form a beneficial sextile to Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 9:47pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite transits. This will bring luck/opportunity with both love and finances! This will be beneficial for group gatherings and social events too. If I were a betting woman (which I am), this would be a good time to buy a lottery ticket. (Sorry, but I am not responsible for any losses nor am I condoning gambling-LOL). Venus transits encourage us to get outside and be close to nature, enjoy art, and admire beauty in all its splendid forms. Lastly, the Moon in Libra will square intense Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 9:50pm EST) possibly throwing a speed bump in our path. Someone could know how to push our buttons and really get under our skin. It is important to have good boundaries with others and remember not to overstep yours.
Next week: The Sun will transition into Aquarius next Friday (1/20). Mark your calendars!!
The above transits are often felt collectively but you would need to know where within your chart that they would fall. As always, I am available for a professional astrological reading. I now have a variety of charts to choose from (relationship, life path, time-line, etc). I can do readings in-person, Skype, or over the phone. Or if you’re not into having a reading, I can just supply a chart. Please feel free to contact me for more information! Have a great week! Bye for now……
Peace & Light,
Gretchen A. Hidell, Astrologer
Intuitive Counselor, Reiki Master, Gem/Crystal Work
Master NLP Hypnotherapy Life Coach
Ordained Minister (Non-Denominational) & Certified Spiritual Healer
(802)-999-4677
