I hope this week’s blog entry finds you well! I have to start right out of the gate talking about the 13th Sign and how there was a news story last week stating that everyone’s astrological sign changed. I just want to go on record as saying it is NOT true! Western Astrologers use the Tropical Zodiac (which is the most common type of astrology that people use in the US) which is based on the cycles of the Sun and seasons. Western astrologers don’t use constellations; therefore our system would not be affected. The only astrological system that may be affected is a type of Hindu Astrology called sidereal. It is interesting because this “new” information is actually 2000 years old but because of the viral nature of the internet, the story got way more publicity than expected (and deserved). I spent all last week texting, emailing, and taking calls from clients and friends that had questions. I am actually very excited that this many people are talking Astrology right now. Also that this has inspired some towards self-reflection (for instance: am I more like Gemini or Cancer?). For your convenience I included a link for you to check out: http://www.tarot.com/articles/astrology/wrong-sign-and-ophiuchus-the-13th-zodiac-sign?code=fb-tarot There is space at the bottom of this blog to post a comment & create dialogue. I would be happy to answer questions. So, if you were an Aries last week, the good news is that you still are an Aries!
From now until the first two weeks of February, I will be featured on a local public TV show being interviewed by Gwendolyn Evans about astrology. 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 areas (and just was added to Colchester). 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 12/21-1/18/11, Aquarius 1/20-
Moon: Changes signs (approximately) every 2 ½ days.
Mercury: Capricorn 1/13-2/3
Venus: Sagittarius 1/7-2/3
Mars: Aquarius 1/15-2/22
Jupiter: Pisces 9/9-1/22/11, Aries 1/22-6/4
Saturn: Libra 7/21/10-10/6/12
Uranus: Pisces 8/13/10-3/11/11
Neptune: Aquarius until 4/4/11
Pluto: Capricorn until 1/20/24
Chiron: Aquarius until 2/8/11
Current Retrograde Planets:
Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went Retrograde for an explanation.
NO Retrograde planets right now!!!
Coming up: Saturn turns Retrograde in Libra 1/26/11
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 1/16/11)- Overnight, the Moon in Gemini forms its monthly opposition to Venus in Sagittarius (exact at 1:08am 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.
In the afternoon, the Moon in Gemini will make a flowing trine to Saturn in Libra (exact at 3:46pm EST). This is a great time for organization, house cleaning, filing, recycling, and being disciplined. This is also beneficial for starting a diet or health regimen (like quitting smoking). Sometimes others will ask for help around this transit, but it won’t be burdensome, we will be happy to assist!
(Monday 1/17/11)- Martin Luther King Day “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.
The beginning of the week starts with a bang! There will be 6 Lunar transits; 2 out of the 6 transits will be positive. Keep in mind that Lunar transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits. The Sun will form a positive sextile with the Uranus (today)/Jupiter (Wed) conjunction. What inspires you? Where do you get your inspiration? This will be especially good for businesses.
In the morning, the Moon in Gemini will form an annoying quincunx with the Sun in Capricorn (exact at 9:27am 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). Then, the Moon in Gemini will form a flowing trine to Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 9:41am EST) causing our imagination/creativity to soar. This transit is also beneficial for daydreaming, idealism, intuition, romance, music, poetry, abstract ideas, mysticism, etc. It is possible to be more charming (or to meet charming people) around this transit. (I wouldn’t make a big decision around this time). If you are sleeping while this event occurs, it may be possible to have prophetic or “visitation” dreams around this time. Just after, the Moon in Gemini uncomfortably squares Uranus in Pisces (exact at 9:59am 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. It is possible to experience issues with technology or mechanical issues. Next, the Moon in Gemini will form a flowing trine with (the “Wounded Healer”) Chiron in Aquarius (exact at 11:59am EST). You may be presented with an opportunity to heal or to be healed. Holistic and alternative medicine is especially favored. Serendipitous moments abound!
In the afternoon, the Moon in Gemini will form an uncomfortable square with Jupiter in Pisces (exact at 12:57pm 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. This will begin a short 1+ hour void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into domestic Cancer. 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. The Moon transitions into domestic Cancer (exact at 2:29pm EST). Good Cancer Moon activities are: anything to do with home and family (just in time for Thanksgiving), cooking, maternal/mothering, being emotional, crafts, sensitivity, empathy, finances, savings, and care-taking. Things to avoid are: holding grudges, feeling slighted (possibly with little or no cause), over sensitivity, emotional eating, stubbornness, and being grumpy. Then, the Sun in Capricorn will form a positive sextile with Uranus in Pisces (exact at 4:56pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Ready for some inspiration, excitement, or change? This could be a time that you will discover a new way to do something or break from old habits. You could meet someone that is creative (or unique) and could serve as your muse. Try to get out and enjoy nature, especially water. A good time to go with the flow…..you never know, something wonderful could happen!? Just after, the Moon in Cancer makes an annoying quincunx to Mars in Aquarius (exact at 5:10pm EST). Did you ever meet someone that says something that is completely different than how they actually act? For instance: you went out on a date, the person says that they had a fantastic time, and then they never called you? This type of disconnect (coming from yourself or coming from others) may be more pronounced around this time.
(Tuesday 1/18/11)- I will be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today between 2-5pm (I take my last reading at 5pm). 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.
Talk about intensity? Just after midnight, Mercury and Pluto will form a conjunction and at the same time the Moon will oppose both of them! Watch what you say! This could bring up lots of deep physiological issues and topics. Things will be building in intensity as the Moon approaches a Full Moon in Cancer. With this much Mercurial energy, it would be a good idea to work on grounding and trying to remain balanced. Meditation or yoga would be a good idea.
Then, the moon highlights the Mercury/Pluto conjunction when the Moon in Cancer makes its monthly opposition with Mercury in Capricorn (exact at 12:45am EST). You may find that you are not able to express yourself as easily or someone may cut you off from saying something. It will be hard to put your thoughts into words. This is a time where someone may oppose your thoughts or feelings. The key is to integrate the two (thoughts & emotions), although it may not be easy. Simultaneously, the Moon in Cancer will form its monthly opposition to Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 12:45am EST). This can signify a 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. Just after, Mercury in Capricorn will form a conjunction with Pluto both in Capricorn (exact at 12:50am 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. Later in the morning, the Moon in Cancer will form an annoying quincunx with Venus in Sagittarius (exact at 10:29am 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.
Lastly, the Moon in Cancer will form an uncomfortable square with Saturn in Libra (exact at 7:53pm 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.
(Wednesday 1/19/11)- Then, the Moon in Cancer forms an annoying quincunx with Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 12:50am 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 you are sleeping while this event occurs, it may be possible to have prophetic or “visitation” dreams around this time.
In the afternoon, the Full Moon in Cancer will form a flowing trine with Uranus in Pisces (exact at 1:08pm 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. The Full Moon in Cancer forms an annoying quincunx with Chiron in Aquarius (exact at 3:07pm 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.
The height of the Full Moon in Cancer (exact at 4:21pm EST). The Full Moon that takes place in January is called the Full Wolf Moon, the Old Moon or the Moon After Yule. The interesting thing about this Full Moon is that it takes place in the last degree of Caner (29 degrees) which is associated with completion of a cycle. In fact the first three Full Moon in 2011 will occur at 29 degrees. It will also activate the energies of the New Moon/Solar Eclipse that occurred on Jan 4th(when both the Moon & Sun were in Capricorn). 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 or 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 makes a flowing trine with Jupiter in Pisces (exact at 4:26pm 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. This will begin a short void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into proud Leo (exact 5:16pm 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. Then, the Sun in Capricorn forms a positive sextile to Jupiter in Pisces (exact at 5:39pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This is a “success” transit. Sextiles often present opportunity, but you will need to work at it to see it come to fruition. Now this would be a good time to make a presentation to your boss! This would also be beneficial if you were having issues with legal problems and/or contracts. You may meet with a teacher or guide that will help you (possibly someone older). This transit tends to give us confidence and optimism. The only caveat is being too overly confident (you know, too much of a good thing?). Travel, higher learning/education, religion/spirituality, law, horses, publishing, and advertising will be highlighted. Lastly, the Moon in Cancer will form its monthly opposition to Mars in Capricorn (exact at 12:22am EST). Someone could irritate you during this transit. It’s possible to enjoy a debate with someone (or at worst, an argument). As with all Mars transits, I recommend exercise or doing something physical. Mar’s energy will want to get out one way or another; it might as well be constructive!
(Thursday 1/20/11)- Later, the Moon in Leo will make an annoying quincunx with powerful Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 3:09am 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). 
Happy Birthday Aquarius! The Sun transitions into the unique sign of Aquarius (exact at 5:19am EST). As with the planet of Mars shifting into this sign last Saturday; the Sun will have us concentrating on humanity and humanitarian efforts over the next ahead. We will be moving away from austerity and formality (Capricorn) and into a time of invention, eccentricity, and uniqueness (Aquarius). Aquarians are often associated with being (at least to some degree) advanced thinkers, inventors, and often have cutting edge ideas. I often site one famous Aquarian that seems to almost perfectly fit the archetype…and that is Oprah Winfrey. You see, they are often into helping the masses and coming up with new ideas on how to help others (like with her famous “Ah Ha!” moments). But there is a small glitch…they tend to be sometimes cool and aloof on a personal level. They are usually very loyal friends, but getting one on one time may be tough. Their romantic partners often say that they hear of all the great things that they do for other people, but sometimes they feel neglected by the “Water-Bearer” because they are out trying to save the world. Like Oprah’s “Favorite Things”, over the next month we may be more drawn to technology, gadgets, or simply finding new ways to (for instance) to run a business. The Moon sign of America (using 7/4/1776 at 5:10pm), and Barack Obama’s Rising sign are both in the sign of Aquarius. Emotions of Americans over the next month may come into play, and we will be more focused on humanitarian efforts. Some famous Aquarians are: Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Thomas Edison, Sarah McLachlan, Jane Fonda, John Belushy, Garth Brooks, Matt Dillion, Heather Graham, Bob Marley, Natalie Cole, Mia Farrow, Lisa Marie Presley, Peter Gabriel, Gregory Hines, Charles M. Schwab, Chris Farley, Christie Brinkley, Fredrico Fellini, Christian Dior, Lord Byron, Edouard Manet, Tom Selleck, Alice Cooper, Virginia Woolf, Wolfgang Mozart, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Chris Rock, Jennifer Aniston, Rene Russo, Charles Lindbergh, Farrah Fawcett, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Charles Dickens, and John Travolta. The Sun will be under the influence of this interesting sign until it transitions into intuitive Pisces on February 18th. Then, the Moon in Leo will form an annoying quincunx to Mercury in Sagittarius (exact at 8:03am 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 forms a flowing trine with Venus in Sagittarius (exact at 4:17pm EST). You could find your thoughts with friends or loved ones. It is possible to receive a compliment on how you look. Love, beauty, art, creativity, and aesthetics will be favored (and because of this reason, shopping too). Pamper yourself! Lastly, the Moon in Leo will form a positive sextile to Saturn in Libra (exact at 9:25pm 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.
(Friday 1/21/11)- Today will consist of all Moon transits. Keep in mind that Lunar transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits. There will be two Lunar oppositions and three quincunxes…ouch! This is not easy planetary energy. Be prepared for blockages, obstacles, or delays.
It starts in the afternoon when, the Moon in Leo will form its monthly opposition with Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 1:57pm 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 4+ hour void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into perfectionist Virgo. Then, the Moon in Leo forms an annoying quincunx with Uranus in Pisces (exact at 2:15pm 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. Next, the Moon in Leo forms a stressful opposition with Chiron in Aquarius (exact at 4:17pm 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! Then, the Moon in Leo will quincunx Jupiter in Pisces (exact at 5:57pm 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! The Moon will transition into detail-oriented Virgo (exact at 6:10pm). 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. Lastly, the Moon in Virgo will form an annoying quincunx with the Sun in Aquarius (exact at 8:53pm 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).
(Saturday 1/22/11)- Overnight, the Moon in Virgo makes an annoying quincunx to Mars in Aquarius (exact at 2:14am EST). Did you ever meet someone that says something that is completely different than how they actually act? For instance: you went out on a date, the person says that they had a fantastic time, and then they never called you? This type of disconnect (coming from yourself or coming from others) may be more pronounced around this time. Then, the Moon in Virgo will form a flowing trine to Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 4:00am 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 for gardening or connecting with nature.
The big event will occur when the planet Jupiter will return to the self-starting of Aries after being in Pisces since 9/9/10 (exact at 12:11pm EST)! Jupiter (the traditional ruler of Sagittarius) rules over luck, optimism, expansiveness, religion (and spirituality), abundance, reversals in fortune, law, long distance/foreign travel, higher education, books, printing, publishing, marketing, horses, and really anything affecting the masses. Jupiter’s physical associations are: fat, tumors, pancreas, liver, plaque, cholesterol, hips, thighs, and insulin. 
Jupiter is considered to be the most beneficial planet in an astrological chart. However, it is also associated with over-confidence, conceit, mass epidemics, extravagance, and fanaticism. Some words/ phrases to describe Aries are: “I AM!”, Cardinal/Fire, passionate, head strong, adventurous, honest (often blunt), independent, enthusiastic, dynamic, selfish, courageous, energetic, enthusiastic, and easily bored. It rules over the head, face (not the nose), brain, eyes, upper jaw, fevers & inflammation. The metal is Iron and stones are: Amethyst, Diamond, and Bloodstone. During the next 6 months we will be moving away from a time of focusing on passive idealism (Pisces) to forward movement and action (Aries). Aries is a highly motivated and self-starting sign that has no problem stating what is on their minds. We will crave action and adventure with heavy emphasis on the physical (like sports). Watch out “weekend warriors”!! Make sure you invest in a good protective helmet (remember Aries rules the head area). Jupiter in Aries may produce strong public opinions and a call for action. This could really be an exciting time with new ideas/solutions to old problems. Hopefully we will be open minded enough to take advantage of this time. With all of Jupiter’s luck and optimism the down side to it residing in Aries may be bravado or over-confidence in abilities. Like I alluded to earlier, there will be strong opinions at this time (some may border on fanatical). Remember, Jupiter does have a tendency to go over the top. On a personal level, this would be a great time to start a new project, go for that promotion, start an exercise regime, etc. If you are normally shy or reserved, this could give you the boost that you were waiting for. Because Jupiter acts like an amplifier sometimes, we could hear of wild fires, acts of aggression (either coming from or towards) leadership, war, or even possible attacks on US soil. It is important to know where Jupiter/Aries is located in your natal chart in order to know how this will affect you on a personal level. Jupiter will only be in Aries until 6/4/11 when it will then shift into practical Taurus!
Next, the Moon in Virgo makes a flowing trine to Mercury in Capricorn (exact at 1:43pm 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. Later, Mercury in Capricorn forms an uncomfortable semisquare with Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 8:10pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Be careful (especially) with business dealings around this transit. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is! Review all fine print closely and if possible put off signing any contracts. We will want to idealize people/situations around this time. On the positive side: creativity, intuition, and imagination could be increased too. Lastly, the Moon in Virgo will square Venus in Sagittarius (exact at 8:47pm EST). Although we will have a drive to be with others around this time, it would be best to avoid heavy conversations pertaining to love. Sometimes the object of our affections is just out of reach (or otherwise detained) around this transit. The is not a good time to go shopping or work on beautification because what we think looks good now may seem like a bad idea at a later time.
Mark your calendars! Next week Saturn turns Retrograde in Libra on Wed 1/26. Until then, there are no planets Retrograde! This will not happen again until 12/25/11…so make the best use of this time and work on positive manifestation!
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 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
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner) Hypnotherapy Life Coach
(802)-999-4677
DreamHomes@GretchenRealtor.net
