January 2014

by Mac McLaughlin | Dec 31, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

The much-dreaded Saturn – natural ruler of Capricorn and Aquarius – holds cosmic court over the next two months. Saturn rules the New Moon on January 1 and we best get a handle on what this stern, paternal/maternal guide is all about. Saturn is feared because he is associated with death, discipline, restriction, poverty and disease. Look back to a time in your life when you went through some type of hardship or loss and, guaranteed, Saturn will be in the play. Although we tend to vilify him, he is very much part of the karmic planetary scheme. As Shakespeare so aptly put it, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”

The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto are in the mix with this new Moon energy and it has caused me to raise an eyebrow as to what the significance of this starry mix is all about. Will it mean trouble? No doubt it will. Should we be worried? Yes, if we are predisposed to worrying. Worrying won’t make our problems go away though. Here’s a scenario that may help us have clearer insight into what this planet is all about: When a Mom approaches the crosswalk with her kids, she emphatically warns them of the dangers involved in crossing the street. She might even yell at them in order to convey her seriousness less they dart out into the traffic. The kids may not like it, but they’ll remember it always.

Government, education and justice systems are ruled by Saturn. We are in troubling times and obviously there are myriad complex problems to work through. Yet today’s worries will be replaced with another set of concerns as time marches on. Unrest, wars, revolutions, corruption, pollution, poverty and all the other things we drone on about are on the cosmic menu.

Let’s take Saturn’s symbolism to a deeper level. Saturn carries a sickle so we can cut away from those things that bring us pain and disease. Although Saturn is not a pleasant character to deal with, once you pass his stringent laws and restrictions, you will experience freedom, health and peace. He is Father Time and when we disobey his stringent laws, we pay in the form of disease and suffering. Like Saturday’s child, we must work hard and within the laws of nature. Once we do, we are set free. Although his energy is quite sobering, the lessons we garner through Saturn will carve a deep and sagacious wisdom into our souls.

The trail-blazing pathway you carve out will be trod by many souls in the future. If you’re not sure which way to go, or how to go, just be true to yourself, live honourably and follow your instincts. Your past life experiences will kick in and you will be well on your way.

Although you may get what you want by your sheer will and persistence, will it be enough and will it truly make you happy? My bet is that it won’t. You may be appeased for a while, but not wholly satisfied. Seek, search, pray and meditate for God’s love, which is non-perishable and eternal.

One thousand books read, countless academic degrees attained and still no peace of mind. You are sharp, witty and connected to all kinds of people, yet still no peace. I have found there is a deep well of spirituality in the Gemini soul and it must be nurtured and fed and peace will come.

A great planetary focus is taking place. You must do your best in order to capitalize on it. Material acquisition won’t cut it; neither will any other form of ego aggrandizement. Only God’s love will do. Seek it, yearn for it, pray for it and while you’re at it, what’s meant to be yours will manifest.

Oh, spiritual warrior, where art thou? Hopefully, you’re not counting your dollars and dimes, nor pondering your past attainments. You have a much higher calling. Move forward brave heart and commence your search for the divine. Show us and lead us with your golden ray of the Sun. Strike while the iron is hot.

At some point in your life, you must lay down the question and answer format. The intellect can only get you so far and no farther. A divine time has arrived in which faith and devotion will bring you to new heights, beyond your wildest imagination. Purify and perfect your inner self.

Make war, not peace. Mars, which is totally antithetical to Libra, spends the next several months in your sign. By war, I’m not talking violence. It’s about the internal struggle for freedom, balance and spiritual harmony. Take up your lance and shield, slay the ego and attachment to worldly desires and peace will come.

Read the introduction regarding Saturn for he is the main planetary energy affecting you throughout 2014. You can only sweep the dirt under the carpet for so long until eventually you stumble over it. You have the power, grit, wisdom and determination to put it all together and now is the time to do so.

Have you had enough yet? Life got you down a bit. Maybe another vacation will do, probably not. You cannot escape yourself, no matter where you go. The only way to go is up. You’ve attained the heights before; otherwise you couldn’t be a Sagittarius. Let go, let God and you will find the way.

A most powerful and profound time has arrived and you must capitalize on it. That’s what you are most capable of, isn’t it? Climb the internal mountain, which is the most worthy effort and the great boon of your human birth. Otherwise, you have wasted your time and must come around again.

We don’t hear this very often, but Aquarius is a very mystical sign. You have a most precious jewel between and behind the two eyebrows and so far you have ignored its pristine beauty and value. Start now and don’t look back. Pray for guidance and as surely as the Sun rises, it will come.

You’ve come a long way in your spiritual journey and now things are destined to become very interesting. Remember that exercise in which you fall back into the arms of your trusting friends? Now you can fall back into the strong arms of the Lord and for sure he will not fail to catch you

December 2013

by Mac McLaughlin | Dec 3, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

The Sagittarius new Moon takes place on December 2. The new Moon is best depicted as a seed bursting forth its power and potential in the waxing phase of the lunar cycle. Let’s take a look at the symbolism connected to this very dynamic sign. The pictograph of a Centaur pointing an arrow heavenward carries the implication of the transition from animal to spirit. Overcoming the downward pull of the senses and redirecting our attention to the higher realms of truth and spirit is what Sagittarius is all about. A deep longing for righteousness and purity manifests through this sign. Jupiter, king of the gods, rules Sagittarius. The souls born under the stars of Sagittarius often attain great heights and become giants in their spheres of influence. The Jupiter / Sagittarius energy spikes us onwards and upwards as we sort out where we’re truly at in the cosmic sphere of things. Perhaps we’re lacking in our efforts to do better. We know how easy it is to become distracted, derailed and put off our game. The archer is pointing his arrow heavenward representing his desire to reach the higher realms.

According to the true mystics, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva created the system of stars and universes and all that they imply. The karma we carry with us throughout the incarnations manifests to us via the planets and how they are situated in our birth charts. When the stars and planets are in right alignment, in accordance to our karmic slate, we are birthed in order to work with what we are bringing into this life. When the great mystic Kabir stepped onto the Earth, he saw that no one was happy with their lot. We may grow restless, discontent and dissatisfied with our Earth life. Those that enjoy the wealth and riches and those that exist in poverty may know that their situations are temporary and transitory. In one life, the guard stands in the snowstorm protecting his King. In another life, he is the King and the former King is the guard standing duty.

Things are not as they seem and we’re here for a short while and in the blink of an eye we’re gone. Now is the time to make amends and to make vows to work towards your true emancipation and freedom. We are love and we are light and we have been given the great boon of human birth. The Sagittarius stars are prompting us to reach for the higher realties. We come from a place high above the stars; one day for sure we will meet there and rejoice.

Aries, you have the power and potential to break through any type of barrier. Great changes have already arrived for those born in the first week of Aries. You must use your ability to adapt and make changes where necessary. Stay true to yourself and allow the universe to set things right –and it will.

A deep, prevailing wisdom has been carved into your soul in the last year or so. Births and deaths, limitations and restrictions have taken place. Duty, diapers and responsibilities dominate your days and you may not mind. There are more opportunities for stability and growth. Chop wood and carry water as the old saying goes.

The full Moon on December 17 takes place in your sign bringing epiphanies. The Sun moves through your opposite sign Sagittarius signalling a time in which you can let down and relax a bit, or at least you should consider doing so. It’s the right time to sort out relationship issues as well.

Sun sign columns are generalized and one shoe doesn’t fit all. Generalized or not, if I were a Cancer and knew what I knew about planetary influences, I would be on the move and very pro-active about getting myself together in every way. Opportunities for growth, expansion, love and happiness are close at hand.

The summer of 2014 to the summer 2015 is where you want to get to. The long view looks good if you play your cards right. Think big and think long-term and get working on your plan to make it all happen. Although driven at times, Leo can be quite lazy, just like my cat.

Man does not live by bread alone. His soul needs nurturing as well. You are pragmatic and grounded in your logic, no doubt. But along comes Neptune in your opposite sign Pisces casting his glance your way for at least the next decade. He opens you up to all kinds of new realties and spiritual possibilities.

‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” Hopefully, that is the way Christmas will pass. A powerful planetary aspect unfolds at Christmas time and it can indicate a lively time or a time of accidents, fires and clashes of wills or egos. Go easy.

Saturn continues to make his way through Scorpio. Generally, Saturn teaches us to live with less. Scorpio deeply appreciates a rhythmic order of things. This powerful transit of Saturn will help you put your life together in a healthy, balanced way. It is a challenging time in which you gain wisdom and experience.

Lord Jupiter moves through your solar eighth house bringing matters of inheritance into play. Plus, the Sagittarius new Moon on December 2 indicates a new start. The full Moon on December 17 will illuminate the pathway ahead. Your desire to get to the deeper truths may have you searching and seeking.

A cardinal grand cross takes shape over the holidays. Your sign is very much a part of it and you can expect great changes to come into play as the New Year begins. The planetary aspects are a bit hairy and it may be wise to stay to the side of caution and safety.

Saturn’s position may keep you in check, as you find ways to work with the powers that be, such as judges, bosses, parents, teachers and others that have some say and sway in your life. Writing and research are featured. Sink your teeth into a hefty topic or two, giving that powerful mind something to do.

Jupiter casts a nice energy into your sign for several months. In general, it would be good to step up your game and move towards your goals. Saturn also casts a good ray your way bringing order and stability. Neptune will work to connect to the higher realities concerning spiritual life, devotion and service to others.