October 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Oct 4, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

Let’s take a look at the stars of the three wise men – oops, I mean the three politicians competing for Canada’s top spot. The three wise men were astrologer/astronomer kings that knew the star of Bethlehem was a portent of the birth of a great spiritual master. Now, our three wise men seek to become king and hopefully lead and guide us along a thorny and complicated pathway for the next four years.

Let’s start with the prime minister, Stephen Harper, born on April 30, 1959. He’s a Taurus, slow and steady, unchangeable, habitual and very much in control. Some say he’s a control freak and has everything locked down and under his thumb. Nothing moves without his nod and approval. Sounds very much like a Taurus to me. Good with numbers and knows the value of anything and everything. Like the Bull that rules Taurus, he can be pleasant and easygoing until riled, prodded or opposed. We have heard about the people that have gone against Harper only to meet their demise. Mr. Harper has the Moon in Aquarius and an Aquarius rising as well. It means he can be humanitarian and caring on the positive side, however, on the negative side, Aquarius gone wrong can evoke the harshest dictators, devoid of any care for what others may think or feel. “My way or the highway” is the hidden mantra for dear, old Taurus.

Thomas Mulcair was born on the first day of Scorpio on October 24, 1954, with the Sun conjunct with Saturn at birth. This indicates his rough and tough childhood that has no doubt shaped and instilled some very powerful values of responsibility and accountability into his soul. Like Taurus, Scorpio is a fixed sign and does not change readily or easily. Although Scorpio has true grit, great resilience and determination, they are not all that forthcoming with what is truly going on. We may be kept in the dark, as we cannot expect secretive Scorpio to spill the beans too much about what is going on. Mulcair has Mercury conjunct Saturn, another harbinger of one who may be a deep thinker and great planner, although not gushing over with a lot of information for his subjects. He has a Libra Moon, which is really great for fairness, smarts, justice and balance. Jupiter and Uranus were conjunct at his birth, a great marker of someone who may very well be willing to truly make profound changes on a humanitarian level. Many of the great revolutions in history had Jupiter and Uranus conjunctions in play.

Justin Trudeau has the Sun in Capricorn and although young in years, he may very well have a deep wisdom, something that Capricorn is known for. They are born rulers and come under the rulership of Saturn, which confers great responsibility and accountability. They take their job very seriously. Trudeau has Jupiter in Sagittarius, which bestows great vision and sometimes prophecy. He may very well see the future. His Aries Moon opposes Uranus in his birth chart indicating a willingness to go along with the will of the people. He will not be afraid to make changes when they are truly needed. Lord Saturn sits high in his chart and is another indicator he could rule for a long time. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry carry the same signatures in their birth horoscopes.

If we re-elect Harper, we know what we’re in for, which is more of the same – same old same old. If we elect Mulcair, he may lead with a steady hand and an old-school style in which papa knows best. If Trudeau is at the helm, we may see some truly progressive changes and possibly a wild ride for a while. What do you want, Canada? Slow and steady, no changes Harper? Slow and steady with some changes and a firm hand at the helm Mulcair? Big changes and somewhat maverick and very progressive Trudeau? See you at the polls.

The probability of changes is fairly strong around Thanksgiving Day. It’s decision time and the events that come to pass may help you make some moves and changes in your life that are overdue.

It’s that time of the year again when those late October blues set in. This year may be a bit different, though, especially at the time of the full Moon on October 27. Expect revelations to come.

Take the first two weeks of the month to figure out what you’re going to do. No doubt, the answers will come and you will figure it out, but only after some deep soul searching.

Circle October 4, 5 and 19 on your calendar as special days in which high energy takes place. You’re in the midst of making long-range plans and changes. Everything’s up in the air now.

Although intrepid and rarely hesitant, it is not always easy for Leo types to make overall changes. Now, the stars are in good position for you to do so. Time with friends and associates and sweethearts figures into the play.

It really is your time to shine. Don’t spend too much time trying to figure it out. Just go for it and see what the stars decree. Timing and opportunity, along with bravery, bring rewards.

You’re in your solar high of the year. It brings energy, hope and enthusiasm. It’s also time to rethink the plan or make a plan and follow through with it. Correct whatever needs correcting now.

Your solar high begins on October 24. You can come out of your dark cave now, open up and begin to socialize again. New scenarios are developing along with new circles of friends and connections.

Some of you will be chafing at the bit and casting about for some changes. Career objectives figure prominently and off you go on another journey of discovery. It’s time to eliminate what is not worthy.

October 19 and 20 are the best days this month for you to see your way and to make way for the future. It’s a time of churning and changing, cleansing and clearing.

Travel plans may be in the wind and you may be pining for matters of the higher mind. Visits from afar may take place and it may be time for you to research, learn and study.

Relationships figure prominently now. Personal, professional, marital and social relations are highlighted. You may feel emboldened, ready to reach out and truly make some changes in your life. Ego clashes may occur as well.

September 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Sep 9, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

A true phenomenon is upon us. The Golden Age has begun! It dawned on me the other day that something very unique has taken place. In the thirteenth century, Kabir and Guru Nanak came along – both proponents of Sant Mat or the Path of the Masters. It is not known how many they initiated or how many souls were connected to the godly way within the succession of gurus since that time. But we do know things began to change in the 20th century, especially when Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj came along and initiated 100,000 souls into the mysteries of the beyond. His successor Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj initiated 89,000 souls, Sant Darshan Singh Ji Mahraj initiated 86,000 and the present day living Master Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj has initiated 740,000 souls so far. That is close to one million initiates these Godmen have put on the way.

These one million souls are not Masters, but they could potentially become Masters in the future. As my beloved brother Arran Stephens says, “In order to become a Master, one has to become a perfect disciple first.” Imagine one million people living in a godly, loving way, loving one another and revering all of life. Like a sweet perfume, it radiates outward and affects everyone.

It has been said that, at the beginning of a new age, there is calamity and upset throughout the land. Well, we certainly have that. What we need is a change of heart among all nations and all people. We need a spirit of cooperation and compassion rather than a sense of dread and paranoia. In the Sant Mat literature, there is a term called Sadachar. It translates as living in a godly way in thought, word and deed. Feel the love, become part of it and contribute however you can each day and bye the bye, things will change for the better. Love is the only commodity that increases when given out; all other forms of giving lead to depletion. All those initiated souls I mentioned have the potential to come back to Earth and each one of them may very well help humanity in finding its goal of living in the Golden Age. It starts with you, right now. Star Wise, we have Neptune moving through Pisces, while lord of Pisces, Jupiter, casts his glance from across the zodiac into Pisces bringing great opportunities for enlightenment and advancement. Lay down your fear and your sword and give some love.

You are the first born of the zodiac and while the Sun moves through Virgo, you have the opportunity to serve and help humanity however you can. Aries is the initial spark that ignites the fire and illuminates the pathway ahead. It truly is a pioneering time in which you can blaze a new pathway.

Home, family and real estate are major features now. Creative energy is high. Romance is in the picture too. The aforementioned topics are earthly considerations; it’s time to nurture your spirit. Earthly possessions cannot accompany you into the beyond. You will have to leave them behind someday. What does accompany you is spiritual devotion.

While lord Mercury moves through Libra all month, you can expect a plethora of ideas to flood your consciousness. Creativity reaches a peak and the name of the game is to not get too lost in the whirlwind of ideas and possibilities. You may be in the mood to make some very big changes.

A word we don’t usually associate with Cancer is intrepid, which means fearless. I’ve known many Cancer types that have displayed this intrepid quality. Be brave and make some moves towards your goals and objectives. Creative/artist energy is very high now. Ask and you shall be given; seek and you shall find.

Venus and Mars – the planets of love and desire – hold hands as they move through the middle of Leo. A Leo lady recently proclaimed she went to a wedding and everybody loved her and wanted to be near her. Acts of bravery and heroism could occur and cupid’s arrow may find its target.

Strangely, Virgo possesses similar qualities assigned to Leo. Both signs have a love of the grand and will go all-out in creating something wonderful or beautiful. Leo needs the attention and acknowledgement, whereas Virgo is more comfortable out of the spotlight. Well, Virgo, the cosmic spotlight is on you now and you can truly fly high.

You’re known for you scintillating intellect, brilliance and ability to bring people together in unity and harmony. Now a time has arrived in which you can display some of that brainpower and magic that you possess. Mid-month, it’s probable you will be re-evaluating your overall plans.

Finally, to your relief, on September 17 the grim taskmaster Saturn leaves your sign. Lessons learned, wisdom gained and now you can move forward once again. New doors are opening and opportunities developing, especially in the career sector. Your confidence increases as will your circle of friends and connections. Gird your loins and head out.

Travel and career sectors are hot, which is music to Sagittarius ears. It may not be all sweet music, though, as you may be casting about and seeking to better your situation. You may feel tired or bored with the status quo. Clashes with the higher-ups could be the case. Changes are in the wind.

Dealing with publishers and editors, along with considerations regarding law, could be the case this month and onwards. Joint monies, inheritances and all that those topics entail may dominate your thoughts this month. In many ways, it is a transitional time for Capricorn and you may be in the midst of some personal changes now.

Bells are ringing. It may be time now to partner-up or join-up. Joint monies and investments loom strong on the horizon. Inheritances may also figure into the picture. Long distance communications and all kinds of negotiations may be experienced. Because of the situation, you may have to rethink the plan again and again.

Do what you do best now, which is to reach into the cosmos and intuit or dream up a plan regarding how you want to go. You are in a special window of opportunity and you should pay attention to what your inner voice is saying now. It is speaking rather loudly and clearly.

August 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Aug 3, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

The dog days are upon us. It’s hot and dry with not much relief in sight. Saturn, known as a dry planet, rules the deserts and desert-like conditions and he has been moving through Scorpio for the last two years. Over the next several years, Saturn visits Sagittarius, Capricorn then Aquarius, which are dry signs as well. Saturn’s entrance into Pisces in 2023 may bring relief and wetter conditions. As we head into August, Jupiter and Saturn form a square aspect. In astrological terms, a square behaves somewhat like Saturn’s energy.

Saturn always asks us to live with less and do away with anything wasteful or superfluous. It is time to tighten the cosmic belt a few notches and get used to the idea that less is better all the way around. If we ignore the message of the stars, we will have to pay the price, which basically equates to rising food prices, scarcity and many other problems associated with the waste and misuse of our precious resources. We have become complacent and we have lived off of the fat for many, many years. It’s time to give back and take care of our dear mother Earth. Everyone and everything matters and we must all do our part, no matter how small and seemingly inconsequential. “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down” may very well be the mantra of the future.

On a lighter note, you just have to love those Leos. They do take up a lot of space and suck up all the air in the room with their dynamic presence and grand, dramatic entrances. Many years ago, my Gemini client complained she suspected her Leo husband was cheating on her and cruising the chicks. I happened to know him personally and knew that he really was not that way. He was a total car buff. I told her he was not cruising the chicks, but cruising by them fantasizing about how good he looked in his flashy ride. We howled with laughter knowing we had just nailed the truth of the situation. A while back, a lady called regarding booking an appointment for a reading. After a few minutes of conversation, I was ready to get her birth information. I asked what date in August she was born. Somewhat surprised, she asked how I knew she was born in August. I answered, “Outside of saying hello, you have conducted the whole conversation, including when you would be available and what time you would arrive.”

It’s summertime and the living is easy – made all the more easier as five planets move through Leo at various times throughout August casting triangles to the Aries planets. Triangular aspects are very positive. The Leo new Moon on August 14 carries special energy and you would be wise to make hay while the Sun shines.

You may have to tighten up your game and conserve your resources. Venus, Jupiter and Saturn square off as August begins and you may feel the squeeze financially and emotionally. But this is not the time to bull your way through; it is time for careful and sensitive negotiations regarding matters of the heart.

Home, family, land and real estate topics are on the front burners throughout the month. Any type of creative writing project has the potential to go well. Your confidence gets a boost and the summer promises to be pleasant. In essence, you should push forward, mix and mingle and sell who you are. Enjoy the days.

Health, finances and family harmony are the prominent features of interest throughout August. Health is most important, for without it, not much else matters. Striving for harmony in the family also affects everything else. Partnerships and relationships are in the midst of a big transformation. Forgive and forget, lest resentment fester into serious problems.

You may by doing some deep reflection regarding what is right and what is real and what really matters most of all. You are the knight in shining armour; nay, you are the King or the Queen. Stand tall and take responsibility for your mistakes and you will be loved and respected even more than before.

Your time in the Sun has arrived. Opportunity abounds and it is up to you to do something with it. You’re able to gain the trust and respect of others. Jupiter casts his blessings for the next 12 months. You can party or truly strive to make something of yourself. Strike while the iron is hot.

Social activities intensify. Your entrance is your exit. It means that how you allow people to treat you when you first meet them is how you will be treated when those relationships end. Good times are predicted, but there is a bit of toxic energy around like jealousy and envy. Humility and honesty work best.

Saturn stands still and squares off with Venus and Jupiter in the first half of the month. It means the time has come to make important personal and legal decisions that may very well affect your future. Perhaps it’s time to cut off a relationship or partnership that has become stagnant or non-productive.

Sagittarius is often prophetic. Now is one of those times when your deep intuition has you sniffing the air. You may be sensing that changes are in the wind. Legal, career and personal areas may be affected. Stave off fear and negativity, as any changes that do take place will work to the positive, eventually.

A time of dismantling, unravelling, reworking or retooling your life has arrived. Money, name and fame won’t get you where you need to go, whereas a year or two in an ashram might be what is truly needed. Cappy can always get what they want, but might have a harder time getting what they need.

A mystic deity born under the stars of Aquarius pondered his life direction for a long time. He finally came to the conclusion that God first and world second was the way to go. Now, you may be pondering life-altering decisions regarding what is most important and valuable to you. Love is the answer.

Lord Jupiter casts his glance into Pisces for the next 12 months, helping you in finding your direction. Open up and increase your faith in the divine. It won’t let you down. No sense trying to make a really solid plan, but do know that a cosmic plan is in place and will take place.

July 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Jul 4, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

We can expect a very hot July and I’m not talking about the weather. Actually, it’s the astrological weather that will cause the heat to rise all the way around. Fiery Mars throws his hat into the ring and he always creates a disturbance or ruckus of some sort. The Canada Day full Moon is potent, hopefully for the good. We know that a full Moon carries high energy as we witness people coming unglued; it’s tricky enough to navigate a full Moon without losing our cool, but when Mars gets involved, it acts like a high octane fuel where only a minor spark is needed to set off a bonfire of emotions and knee-jerk reactions.

“What to do?” you ask. Forewarned is forearmed. We always have choices and we can choose to step aside and let the testosterone junkies have their way. We know someday they will pay, but today, just let them go by. If we react to their rudeness, we get sucked into the drama and people’s lives may be at stake. Is it worth it? The whole month has a testy buzz and edge to it and it will take our best behaviour to get through unscathed. The new Moon on July 15 carries its own potency in the sense that Mercury and Mars are opposite to Pluto. The combination tells of aggression, manipulation and control. The creepy crawlers with an agenda to carry out their malignant forms of violence will dominate the headlines. Fires, accidents and incidents will be notable.

Here’s another take on the astro dance. Venus and Saturn are in square aspect throughout the month and instead of looking out for the bad guys and bad incidents, we could find ourselves simmering away with some form of resentment or discontent with our near and dear. I’m sure the divorce lawyers will be licking their chops after the smoke clears and the summer antics are revealed. Now that I have you totally depressed, we can throw in the very positive and counterbalancing Venus/Jupiter conjunction that will also be in play throughout the month. It’s probable we will work though all sorts of concerns as we unravel the complicated double knots we have tied ourselves with over myriad lifetimes of karmic exchange and indebtedness. Imagine you can work though your difficulties and come out of it closer, tighter and more loving than ever before. As Shakespeare said, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” It’s up to us to make conscious choices.

Read the introduction regarding your ruling planet Mars being involved with the July lunation cycles. When planets are moving through Cancer, they form a square aspect to your Aries planets creating tension and awareness. This may not be a bad thing; if anything, there are all kinds of opportunities for you to resolve ongoing disputes and concerns.

Now is the time to sort out what works or doesn’t work, what stays and what has to go. You have a strong sense of values and now you will be keenly aware of making the difference that brings contentment. Communication and exchange, visits, journeys and an all-round busy time make the month fly by.

Health, home, family and friends are topics that dominate the scene for the twins this month. It’s all about values – what you value and what is most important to you. Some choices will have to be made as you find ways to economize and streamline wherever necessary. It’s a time of hellos and goodbyes.

This month is loaded for bear. Although sounding a tad ominous, it may not be that way, but the potential for high gear activity and movement is strong. Cancer folks are relentless when they want something and will work very hard in order to attain their objectives. Well, gird your loins and get at it.

Venus and Jupiter cast their benevolent and uplifting energies into your sign. Make sure you know what you truly want for you may get it. There is the likelihood of going overboard as well and taking on way too much. Some situations or relationships may end and you may very well walk away.

October’s going to be hot. Wait a minute; the astute Virgo’s dynamic sense of discrimination and observation knows that Mac should be writing about July. Sorry, I got excited when my eye caught a glimpse of the October skies. July looks very good as well although it is time to sort and sift through what makes you happy or not.

Career objectives are the big focus. You might want to get a move on and make a decision as to what you truly want to do. Work your magic and charms as July offers great opportunities to mix and mingle. You can win the trust and admiration of others easily now.

There’s a two-pronged energy prevailing now. It’s a time of laughter and tears, joys and fears, great memories and regrets. My hint is to embrace it all. Give your love and devotion to those that matter and say goodbye to those leaving your inner circle. Travel is highlighted, spirituality as well.

The Scorpio paragraph fits in a way, as this is a time of expansion and contraction. You will move forward and meet some success in some areas and will have to acquiesce and bow out in other areas. Money and abundance may come, but at a price, for as we know, nothing is for free.

Very intense energy is on-board throughout the month and it will take some manoeuvring to sort it all out and get though safely. Keep in mind that a soft reply turns away wrath, while the cut from a sword will heal in time, but a cut from the tongue can fester for a long time.

The sands of time continually shift and we can hardly recognize the landscape of the past. We’re here to sort through what we have created in our past lives and now the opportunities are on-board to do exactly that. Before you dive for cover, know that it may be about love and lots of it.

Your solar fifth house of romance, entertainment and children is lit up like a Christmas tree. There’s nothing like the love we have for our children that melts our hearts. Creative energies are very high and you should make good use of the times. You’re at your best when giving, serving and loving.

June 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Jun 3, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

Let’s talk about Gemini and, of course, Geminis love to talk. They seem to know a little bit about everything and a lot about a few things. They’re jack-of-all-trades and master of three or four. Plus, they know everybody, as it is their game to connect and communicate. Their range is far and wide and it’s quite surprising who they know and where they go. As one astrologer has said, “They are rarely the true cowboys, but they can play the part real well.”
Gemini is a dual sign, ruled by the twins Castor and Pollux – one was very intellectual and the other was a pugilist – and they can talk you into anything and out of anything as well. Ruled by Mercury, they are born with the gift of the gab and they make wonderful sales representatives. Gemini is also known as the sign of the thief. They can shake your hand with one hand while their other hand is in your back pocket. Light on their feet, quick as can be, you will have to get up very early to get one over on these sharpies of the zodiac. It is more likely they will have you in checkmate already.

Being born into the last of the spring signs, they often have a very youthful appearance and are connected to all things beautiful. Generally, they are tallish and slim with a quick eye although they come in all shapes and sizes. The evolved Geminis are very idealistic, highly artistic and very creative in all they do. They’re pleasant, light and airy and certainly make loyal friends and partners. The lower type Gemini, however, can be the carny barker and snake oil salesman that will not miss an opportunity to take you for a ride. Often they are amoral; if you don’t catch them at it, they didn’t do it. Hmm, maybe it was the other twin that did it.

Many teachers, writers, editors, journalists – and all other professions having to do with the written word – are Geminis. Many years ago, a few of my friends were bringing a boat up the California coast and they shipwrecked. When they were rescued and taken to a small town by the local police, wouldn’t you know it, to the utter astonishment of the others in the group, the Gemini in the group knew the hotel manager. If you have a Gemini child, fuel them with information, books and more books and stories as they thrive on all things intellectual. Highly imaginative, angelic and artistic, they need lots of stimulation as they can become easily bored.

Seven out of the 10 planets are moving through the air and fire signs throughout most of the month. Aries is a fire sign and the fire and air signs work well together. Interpreted, it means you will have more success than not, less resistance and friction and more freedom to do your thing.

Saturn makes one more dip into your opposite sign Scorpio from June 16 to September 19, providing another opportunity to set things right and sort out what works and doesn’t work. Saturn’s energy is often sobering as he helps us get on track and get back to what is right and real.

Life heats up as the June new Moon and full Moon are accompanied by fiery Mars. Add retrograde Mercury opposite to Saturn and we have a planetary mix that spells out complications, delays, frays and myriad other dynamic scenarios for you to puzzle over. Excitement, action, movement, challenge and changes are in the wind.

Your solar high begins on June 21 as the Sun enters Cancer and we experience the summer solstice. Three days later, Mars enters Cancer enhancing courage and bringing action. You’re likely to be fired up about something. It’s a good time to start a construction project such as building a home or any type of renovation.

Each sign has a special keyword and Leo’s keywords are “I will.” You have the willpower to do what you want, when you want and who would dare get in the Lion’s way? Venus and Jupiter cast their blessings bringing love and creative energy. Make use of this very special time by doing something unique.

Everyone marvelled at the man that walked 1,000 miles. When asked how he did it, he replied, “One step at a time.” Now it’s time for you to build slowly, step by step. What you start in 2015 -16 will come to true fruition in 2030. Then everyone will ask, “How did you do that?”

The air and fire signs are favoured these days. Seven of the 10 planets cast fine energy into your sign most of the month. The chains and shackles of the past few years have fallen away and you can fly high little butterfly, fly high. Reach for the stars; you can almost touch them now.

Be thankful for all that either comes your way or goes away at this time. We’re here to finish up our give and take and make and break indebtedness that we’ve accumulated throughout countless lifetimes. You’re getting out of debtor’s prison soon and you may be thankful you have paid your dues in spades.

Intense and dynamic energy is on board and the air is crackling with excitement. You’re at a crossroad of sorts and may be pondering just what to do. If a job has gone stale and you are feeling restless, it might be time to make some changes. The stars will assist if you don’t resist.

Capricorn is old school and old guard and it is very hard to make changes easily. But change we must, by hook or by crook. Transformation is the key to survival now. Start with your health and work from there. Let the past fall away from your shoulders and welcome the future with open arms.

Cosmic energy is pouring into your sign; in turn, you can ride it and release it in the form of wisdom and knowledge. Follow your instincts, as they are stronger and clearer than ever. It is a time of awakening and a dawning of a new life and a new love, romantic or otherwise.

You are at your best when you are in service to others in any way, shape or form. Now the stars are cooking up a plan in which you can be of service to those less fortunate than yourself. You also can win a battle, overcome your enemies and end up in fine position.