FEBRUARY 26 – March 4, 2009

“The stars incline, they don’t compel” is an age old adage passed around freely in astrological circles. But I must protest, for my experience of nearly forty years of studying astrology has taught me otherwise. The stars compel big time and all of the time. There is never a point when we are not being compelled, moved, affected, attracted, hindered and blessed by the stars, or should I say, by the handwriting of God.

Another take on this material is that whatever comes our way throughout our lives, positive or negative, was created not by the handwriting of God, but penned indeed by the one and only you. No doubt we have spun the web on which we live with our own hands. What appears to be a blow against us may very well be something that saves our lives. We wince and moan under the heavy hand of Saturn when losses and difficulties come up, and we rejoice with the abundance that Jupiter can bring under brighter skies and times. We can react heatedly and sometimes violently when Mars pushes our buttons, and other times we can become the hero as we overcome our fears and limitations. Venus brings elegance, beauty and love our way and when afflicted, may spell the end of a relationship or other similar losses.

A fellow that had just served several years in prison said that it was the best thing that had ever happened to him because it saved his life. Before he was incarcerated he was drinking a half gallon of vodka a day and what appeared to be an unfortunate Saturnian incident turned out to be the blessing that saved his life.

Mac is available for personal consultations. Call 604-731-1109 to make an appointment or click here to request a consultation online.


Aries
Venus slows down as she prepares to retrograde in Aries on March 6. A planet’s influence becomes very strong during this time when its movement slows, then appears to stop and reverse direction in the night sky. Venus traditionally is the planet associated with love, affection, creativity, beauty and abundance. Now while she retrogrades until mid April you have an opportunity to re-evaluate many aspects of your life. Take some time and weigh up what is most important to you. Then you can start moving in the direction that will bring you peace and happiness.



Taurus
You might want to keep your horns tucked in a bit as you may be tempted to use them on March 1 and 2. Confusing issues come up and it may take some time to sort out what is real and what is not. Confusion has its cause and costs, all the more reason to take your time. Fireworks of the vocal kind manifest in the workplace. Now is a time for an overhaul as Venus backtracks through your solar 12th house until mid April.



Gemini
Laughter and tears are both distortions of serenity. You may wear both masks, one with a smile and the other with a frown. Life is like that these days. In true Gemini fashion you have a dual concern on your hands. Although the pull of spiritual life is strong and very compelling, you may be just as inclined towards the earthly world and all of its attractions. Finding the balance and making room for both may be the remedy, for one without the other is neither worthy nor balanced. Too much work and too many distractions can lead to the sense of painting yourself into the proverbial corner. In many ways it may be an outstanding time in which many great changes take place.



Cancer
It looks like you are on a powerful learning curve these days. Everything is in-depth and comes with a great impact. Nothing light and easy, but all that does come to pass will be memorable and profound and will have the effect of truly strengthening your character. It is time to be on the move as you seek your destiny and pleasure. A legacy comes your way and it may or may not be of the material kind. The stars are right for you to meet your Guru if you have evolved to that point in your journey. Career changes are percolating as opportunities present themselves.



Leo
Relationship energies heat up, both on the positive and negative side. Fiery clashes could be the case amidst a cacophony of confusion, misdirection and downright lies throughout the first week of March. Superman had to be a Leo and no doubt Wonder Woman was his twin sister. You may have to don your cape and in superhero fashion, sort out the concerns of the day. Ethics and morality come into play. A truly exciting time has arrived and you can put your own spin on it, but it is time to be the hero and help us out!



Virgo
Saturn continues his journey through your sign. He is not one of the light planetary deities and often we feel quite saddled with our burdens and responsibilities when he is in the neighborhood. Recently I told a client that is experiencing Saturn in a strong way, of a time when Saturn was passing through my Sun sign Aries. I told her that I don’t remember if I cried more or meditated more in that time period. She wrote back and said the comment gave her a good laugh because she was going through the same thing and realized that she was not alone at all. Often our burdens turn into blessings. On the upside, yes there is an upside, often Virgo people are naturally inclined towards a disciplined life and Saturn’s pinch is not felt as much. If it is, then Virgos just bear down a little more and get the job done.



Libra
Your ruling planet Venus presently is backtracking through your opposite sign Aries until March 6. Even then she is moving very slow and will take weeks to get up to speed. It means that you are involved in a time in which a deep inner perusal takes place, or situations happen that cause you to do some deep reflecting on your values and what is truly important in your life. Of course Libra is the sign of justice, fairness and equality. Cooperation and getting to the win-win is what it is all about. Romantic and creative energies are high and may be the reasons behind the introspection.



Scorpio
Stay keen and aware on March 1 and 2 as the dynamics for a misunderstanding are strong. Actually the first two weeks of March hold the same energy. Your body could be unusually sensitive to any form of drug and caution is indicated with all substances. The Sun moves through your solar fifth house bringing a raft of ideas and innovations. Romantic energies may come up as well, and again it may be advised to go slow until you know.



Sagittarius
The past looms into the picture and you may harken back to the days of whatever. Normally Sagittarius has their eye on the future. Possibly they will both play a roll these days. If you have a writing gene in your body now is the time to call upon it. Children, young people and all kinds of entertaining events take up the days. Romantic energies are strong as well. Philosophic debates rage on in your head which seems to be a Sagittarius pass time. It is high entertainment and exceptionally funny when you get on a roll regarding all the crazy things that you have experienced in your life. We need your levity now.



Capricorn
Lord Saturn holds court as he sits on his throne and casts his judgments from Virgo, which is a sign not too unlike Capricorn in the spirit of things. Lord Saturn says we have been wasteful and greedy in our ways and not careful with guarding the sacred temple of the body, mind and soul. Now a correction has to take place. You are an emissary of Lord Saturn and your work is to help out in the cleansing and clearing processes that are destined to come our way. A great mantle of responsibility is upon you and the work must be done in order to bring peace and harmony into our world.



Aquarius
It is a tremendous time for your sign in which everything takes place, from the wild, weird and whacky to the sublime and divine. Reality takes many forms and you may wonder which way to go. Let your spirit be your guide. It may be wise to stay away from the spirits as well, especially the kind in a bottle or pipe. Actually your body could be very sensitive to any form of drug throughout the first two weeks of March so use caution and keep it clean.



Pisces
Behind the scene work carries on. A retreat of some kind would be worthy throughout the month. Life is taking on new dimensions as old realities fade away and new horizons appear not too far off. The next two weeks will tell quite the tale in which all kinds of changes take place. Take the days as they come and ride it out. Exciting and unusual developments propel you into the future.

FEBRUARY 19 – 25, 2009

There are all kinds of astrologers out there covering all areas of life. We have natal astrologers, astrological financial advisers, medical and psychological astrologers, spiritual, intuitive, mundane, Vedic and Western, Siderialists and Uranian astrologers just to name a few. The one thing that all of the above stargazers must possess is the ability to interpret what the stars are saying. Without this gift you’re in the wrong profession. In essence, the astrologer creates a dialog between the planets, or at least I do. We study the nature of each planet and how it behaves in different situations. Harmoniously placed beneficial planets obviously will behave in a cordial manner bringing good times and pleasantries. The more difficult or troublesome planets will certainly make their presence known when they are ill placed.

At a biker bar you most likely will run into all kinds of Mars and Pluto types but down the road at the symphony you would likely see Venusian and lunarian types rubbing shoulders. It is unlikely that you will find a sensitive Venus or Mercury type hanging out with the Mars and Pluto testosterone brutes.

Saturnine people who often shape and form our governments and society usually will not be found socializing with loosey goosey loud and aggressive types. Jupitarians generally shine on in their awesome way and we are attracted to their great warmth, generosity and jocularity. You won’t find Jupiterians near the Saturnians as they are at opposite ends of the scale. Jupiter types find the Saturnians a tad oppressive whist the Saturnians find the Jupitarians a little on the goofy or unhinged edge of things. In every family and in every workplace and relationship you will discover the dynamics of why we like some people, totally distrust another, wholly love one person and can hardly tolerate his brother. Yes it’s in the stars.

Aries and Scorpio are Mars and Pluto types. Libra and Taurus are ruled by Venus, while Capricorn and Aquarius are ruled by Saturn. Gemini and Virgo are Mercury ruled while Sagittarius and Pisces are governed by Jupiter. The Sun rules Leo and the Moon rules Cancer.

Okay, on to the next lesson in astrology 101. Just because you are born in any particular sign does not mean that you will have the ruling planet of that sign as the ruler of your chart. Other planets may dominate by being in strong and exalted signs and rising or culminating. I know we have all experienced a time when someone tried to guess our sign and failed miserably at it. Of course, like a dog spying a bone I cannot help myself when I’m around other people for all I see is their signs and planets manifesting through their appearance and behavior. Although the astrologer may have missed picking up on your Sun sign they may very well have been picking up on a dominant planet that you are displaying. On numerous occasions I have met someone and immediately picked up on their date and year of birth and sometimes time of birth as well. On occasion I have done it on the phone just by listening to a person and how they talk. It is a fascinating study that has not been looked into very deeply. Astrology is the language of the stars written by the hand of God. Okay enough for today.

Mac is available for personal consultations. Call 604-731-1109 to make an appointment or click here to request a consultation online.


Aries
Keep the faith baby. Don’t back down. Hold your ground. A major renovation takes place as Venus continues to cast her blessings your way. Venus and Mars harmonize until the end of the month bringing a rhythmic accord. It is time to beautify, simplify and harmonize your existence. Take stock of everything and weigh up what works and what doesn’t and make the appropriate moves. Soon spring will be upon us, but now is the time of preparation, perspiration and hopefully inspiration that fires you up and gets you on the move and in the groove.


Taurus
On one level tensions ease up a bit as the Sun commences his journey through Pisces on February 18, which is a sign that runs in harmony with Taurus. On another level work place pressures still exist and you may have to be a bit more amenable and cooperative in order to keep the flow going, otherwise you can experience endless delays and frustrations. Others may want to do battle with you just on principal. Win or lose, time is wasted and nothing gets done. It is a good time to seek others that share your interests and passions.


Gemini
You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. Plus of course, we can fool ourselves quite easily at any given time. Now is a time that you must ask yourself if you are happy with what you are doing and with the present state of affairs in your life. If you are happy and fulfilled then you know you have it right. If you are unhappy then this is certainly the time to make the radical changes necessary in order to bring the ship around to its proper course.


Cancer
Basically you are in a time of gathering knowledge and honing your skills. Don’t be in a hurry. Absorb the lessons and let them distill in your mind and heart over time and they will give you wisdom that will serve you well now and in the future. Nothing less than life, death, rebirth and everything in between will be experienced in one form or another in the months and years to come. This is nothing new or different as it is all part of life on dear old Mother Earth. But now it seems that you will grow a deep appreciation for what life brings or takes away. Just like a fine wine it should be savored.


Leo
Here are just a few things that may develop according to your solar chart. There is a possibility of meeting someone very special while traveling in the next few months. Maybe someone from afar shows up and everything heats up. Whatever it is, something is definitely up. Of course we know that you live for the drama be it Madonna or Obama, both regal lions for sure. Your solar seventh house which is associated with relationships is on fire and now all those that are for you or against you will show up and demand a portion of your attention. It won’t take much of a spark to set off some real fireworks or should we say fiery words. Somehow you are faced with the task of amalgamating and fusing the divergent concerns in a way that all can walk away feeling they got a fair deal.


Virgo
Cloaked in a dark hooded robe, old man Saturn stands in a fallow field, sickle in hand, representing scarcity, poverty and death. No, not your death, but the death of the wasteful polluting and despicable ways that we have treated our dear Mother Earth. Saturn is in Virgo, the very sign of wholesome organic healthy living. His message is one of concern for our overall health and well being. He is a stern taskmaster though, and he doles out the castor oil which tastes bad but heals. This is where you come in. It is your time to economize, cleanse and heal all you can. Actually you may already be on the case and will be able to lead the way and show us how to make it happen.


Libra
Follow your intuition as it will put you on the right track. Instinctively you may feel like reorganizing and revamping many aspects of your life. Health considerations are at the top of the list and of course healthy relationships are a dominant theme as well. A lively time is hinted at and your creativity levels are running high. Rather than waiting for something to happen, make it happen by being proactive. Others will respond appropriately.


Scorpio
Bittersweet is an appropriate term to express the energy that is onboard for Scorpio. On one level life may seem to smooth out as doors open and opportunities present themselves in the days and weeks to come. On another level there may be all kinds of tensions and problems that need to be addressed, especially regarding home, family and real estate. Politics, be it public or within the family circle, are what it is all about. Negotiation and communication are the best ways to unravel the knots.


Sagittarius
Moving or renovation may be on your mind these days. Thoughts and memories of early childhood may come looming to the surface. Romantic energies are strong and those that are attracted will make themselves known. Babies and children are other topics of interest for those of the appropriate age. Writing, education and publishing along with legal wrangling take some of your time as well. It looks like you are busy with it all.


Capricorn
A little girl that I know threw a hissy fit because she didn’t like the popsicle she had been given. After a couple of minutes into this event she realized that in her wailing and tears the popsicle melted and she ended up with nothing which made her even more upset. Life is like that now for Capricorn. Enjoy and treasure what you have because someday it may be gone. It is time to reset your values and remember that all that glitters is not gold.


Aquarius
A big build up of planetary energy is on board as four planets move through Aquarius. It is such a strange time, strained as well. On the one hand high energy and action packed days are here and on the other hand you may be dazed and not quite able to meet the demands of the times. Good news arrives on February 23 in the midst of a series of odd or awkward scenarios. Remember this slogan which seems to fit the times, “Stop making sense.”


Pisces
The new Moon in Pisces takes place on February 24 bringing a new start in a new direction. It is important to be proactive in dealing with whatever changes that are in front of you. It is best to try to accommodate life’s changes rather than to ignore them and hope they will go away. If you don’t make the changes then the universe will make them for you. Basically it’s about you getting in touch with those things in life that bring you peace, contentment and happiness as well. February 25 tells the tale.

FEBRUARY 12 – 18, 2009

Welcome aboard. This is the first issue in a new series of Mac’s Stars. It will appear each Thursday morning. My time with the Georgia Straight has come to an end after one month shy of 11 years as the author of Straight Stars. I want to thank all of the readers that have supported me in this work right from the start. Six hundred and twenty weekly columns without a miss or a glitch. Over the years I received a few negative emails which we have to expect as we cannot please everyone. But on the other hand I again humbly thank one and all that have sent me hundreds of emails and letters and calls in support of the column. I think we did a good thing and I was able to teach some solid astrology for over a decade. Well enough about the past, no whining or sniveling, let’s move on into the future. One love, one planet, one people.

The February skies are dominated by the Saturn / Uranus opposition which has most of us bouncing off the cosmic walls. Saturn restricts and delays, while Uranus will tolerate no interference in what he wants to accomplish. We have wild shootouts in the streets (Uranus) and we have the authorities (Saturn) pulling their hair out as they strive to deal with the burgeoning problems prevalent in our very complex society. Saturn represents the old guard and the tried and true methods of doing things. Saturn also represents antiquity but in today’s world most of his ways are just not cutting it. Outdated laws along with a very soft approach regarding serious criminal activity is causing mayhem.

It all seems a bit shaky and that is what this powerful opposition between these very dynamic planets signifies. It is time to shake everything up and re-address our concerns in the light of present day realities on every level of our society.

We have a buildup of planets moving through Aquarius this month. One of the strong points of this particular sign is its lofty idealism regarding humanitarian caring for all. Aquarius is a fixed sign which is good in the sense of being able to bring things through to completion, although at times Aquarius energy can be expressed in a dogmatic fashion which does not allow for other concepts and realities to co-exist. No doubt if you researched it you would find historical truth regarding Aquarius’ connection to dictatorial and repressive regimes that have oppressed humankind from time to time.

Now we have the fiery brothers Mars and Jupiter conjunct in Aquarius on February 17 which may very well ignite some incendiary scenarios in the hotspots around the planet. Clashes and crashes big and small take place and we will hear all about it soon enough. Rather than cower it may be best to muster our collective courage and face the concerns of the day. We are in the making, never quite perfected, but then again according to the mystics we are living in the fallen universe where it is hard not to fail. My wonderful Aquarius Guru said that dame Nature is quite beautiful until tormented by the hand of man. Love is the answer and hopefully that is what will be pouring out of that Aquarian urn carried on the shoulder of one of the gods.

Mac is available for personal consultations. Call 604-731-1109 to make an appointment or click here to request a consultation online.


AriesVenus pays a visit for nearly four months bringing her love, beauty, abundance and wisdom into your life. She helps you along in many ways but mainly with the task of searching out your true inner values. Charity really does begin at home and now it is time to beautify and balance your existence. The churning restlessness of the past abates and you can settle down and enjoy the days.


TaurusThe last quarter square of the Moon on February 16 occurs in your opposite sign Scorpio. It tells of a time in which tensions rise and touchy problematic topics are dealt with. Be extra nice on Valentine’s Day as there is a chance that some feathers may be ruffled. Career activity is strong now and may be a point of tension. Either not enough or too much work can get under your skin. The Sun enters Pisces on February 18 bringing a much easier time of it generally. Someone from the past may show up now and it would be good to spend some time with those that you love and those that you would like to help in some way.


GeminiThe present planetary positions are offering ways in which you can make the radical adjustments that are required in order for you to attain harmony and balance. If you are majorly stressed and tread-milling at best then that is when you are most likely to be affected by conditions that seemingly come out of the blue. It is also a very dynamic time for Gemini in which many friends come your way and a great spiritual flowering takes place, which brings peace of mind. Travel and publishing are topics for you now.


CancerYour vivid imagination may be working overtime these days. Your curiosity is piqued and you want to get to the bottom of whatever concerns you. Travel opportunities loom into the picture as the Sun commences to move through your solar ninth house which relates to the higher and broader concepts of life. The trick of the times comes from your ability to work with others and incorporate their concepts with yours. Inheritances, joint and shared monies may come into play.


LeoSeveral planets are moving through your opposite sign Aquarius bringing on dynamic energy and tension. Those that are for or against you will show up now. Of course you will roll up your sleeves and lean into the concerns of the day. The Sun will move into Pisces on February 18 bringing you out of a solar low time of the year. Much depends on your diplomatic ability to win hearts and alliances. If you push too hard others may push back and we know where that gets to. “You catch more bees with honey than vinegar” is the best mantra for these times.


VirgoIt’s time to stretch and grow, although you may sense that not much growth is happening with dear old Saturn dogging you these days. Saturn prompts us to tighten up and economize wherever we can. Most Virgo’s don’t have a problem with working out practical solutions even if they are tedious and slow. Saturn brings deep and powerful lessons that carve wisdom into our souls. Uranus continues to travel through your opposite sign Pisces, providing all kinds of unique if not unusual solutions, innovations and ways to go in the future. February 18 could be a bit bumpy if you allow.


LibraYour solar fifth house related to romance, children, entertainment, speculation and gambling is well lit up throughout February. This tells of a time of enhancement, enchantment and just some plain old fun. Venus visits Aries which is your opposite sign for nearly four months and may very well bring action and attraction your way. It is an exciting time in which you should enjoy the pleasures of life to the fullest.


ScorpioThe Moon visits Scorpio from February 14 to 16 just in time for St.Valentine’s Day. The planetary aspects are a bit intense and it may be wise to go easy as others may be touchy, possibly you too. The Sun enters Pisces on February 18 bringing a bit more rhythmic harmony to the scene. Mars the original and true ruler of Scorpio conjuncts Jupiter on February 17 in your solar tenth house which relates to professions and career aptitudes. This is a good thing and it may provide a lucky break. Use caution with all machinery at this time.


SagittariusThe Moon visits Sagittarius from February 16 to 18 just as a powerful conjunction between your ruling planet Jupiter and his fiery brother Mars takes place on February 17. It will provide opportunities to show your leadership abilities along with your vision of the future. It is time to publish and promote whatever inspires you. Education, the media and business areas may somehow prosper from your ideas. Love may not be a stranger as the spring time moves closer.


CapricornYes the Capricorns are starting to call, inquiring about Pluto’s sixteen year visit to their sign. Pluto is the force of inevitable destruction. When Pluto passes over the Sun, Moon or planets in our birth charts it signals a time of a great transformative process. The shape and form of the transformation is in accordance with what truly needs to be changed in our lives. The effect of Pluto on a person’s Sun will bring a sense of stripping away all and anything that is not truly worthy. Some folks feel as though they are dying. What is dying are the remnants of old ego habits such as pride and vanity etc. The shedding of the old and rebirth of the new is taking place.


AquariusMars and Jupiter meet up in your sign on February 17 bringing excitement and challenge, or at least a great release of energy. Just like fire this aspect has to be handled with respect and care. Watch for oversights and fights, mishaps and such. Mercury enters Aquarius on February 14 and he may be the bearer of some very good news. It’s Valentine’s Day to boot. A resurgence of confidence and strength pushes you onward and upward.


PiscesThe Sun enters Pisces on February 18 bringing you into your solar high of the year. It’s your time to shine. Uranus continues to stir the pot keeping life fresh and original and helping you to constantly adjust to the realities as they present themselves. A lot of work behind the scenes is taking place as you make ready for the future. No doubt it has been a tough go for many Pisces people and it seems like there is still much to be done as Saturn continues to keep a stern gaze from his placement in Virgo. It just means that nothing comes easy and all is earned and learned the hard way which in the end is the best way. In a few years from now you may look back and say, “Oh yeah, that’s what that was all about.”