May 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | May 1, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

What are we going to do when the big one hits? No, not the earthquake; we know that will happen someday and we have no say in the matter. I’m talking about the big oil spill that is inevitable, foreseeable and preventable. Our mini spill was a true wake-up call and although it was just a drill and not a big spill, we’re able to witness the Tweedledee and Tweedledum effect of our local and federal agencies, ministers and other officials pointing the finger and passing the buck with a whole lot of weak excuses about their unpreparedness. It is sickening, but rather than whine and cry the blues we should be motivated to truly do something about it. The stars are in very good position for this type of action and protestation. The past we cannot change and the future hasn’t come, but the present is in our grasp and it is up to us to make a difference regarding how the future unfolds.

Can we really call ourselves ‘green’ when we have a bunch of steel tanks full of very toxic material sitting very close to our shores and we’re inviting giant tankers to move up and down our coast? It’s just insanity, greed and short-sightedness and one day we will pay the price for it. The planet Uranus is moving through Aries for the next few years and then through Taurus for several more years bringing us up to 2026. Uranus is the planet of invention, revolution, innovation and ingenuity and he is moving through Aries, the sign of new starts, fresh beginnings and pioneering action. I don’t profess to be a scientist at all, but don’t we have the technology to implement solar and wind energy, thermal heating and many more technologies that will protect us from serious environmental hazards?

When Uranus moves through Taurus from 2019 to 2026, it may be harder to make changes and the changes we don’t make consciously will happen suddenly, without warning and probably with disastrous results. We can nip this in the bud if we get a move on and act now. It is a time of awakening and a time of striving for better ways. The planets are offering their help, but will we take heed and pay attention? Or will we just slumber and one day hold our collective head in our hands as we weep at the loss of our very precious resources and pristine natural environment? We are the guardians and we must think and act before it is too late.

It’s time to take stock and an inventory of where you’re at. You were born at a time signifying that the gift for pioneering is in your blood and spirit. Revolutionary Uranus visits Aries until 2019 and won’t return for 84 years. Now’s the time to make your move and do what you were born to do.

Although you might be snug and comfy with all your earthly possessions, it won’t always be that way. A few years from now when Uranus moves through Taurus, it’s likely big changes will take place. It’s not necessarily a negative thing, though, especially if you are willing to accommodate changes when they come your way.

Mercury and Mars visit Gemini bringing all kinds of energy and activity your way. They’re not the best of friends and when they meet up there is always some sort of controversy that needs to be sorted out. Truth and honour, honesty and valour get you through nicely while anger and impatience bring more concerns.

Venus pays a visit for most of the month providing a perfect setting for reunions and gatherings of all sorts. Time spent with loved ones fills the bill nicely or a special love manifesting may be the case. Cancer loves antiquity and antiques and it’s probable you will come into possession of something quite valuable.

Jordan Speith is the 2015 Masters champion. The golf world is agog with this 21-year-old Leo’s dominance of the field. He smashed just about every record out there. He’s one example of how Jupiter can bring his blessings and abundance. Jupiter is all about competition and he’s moving through Leo now. Hint, hint.

Mercury and Mars are moving across the top of your solar chart. It means you should be busy, very busy. So busy that you might overdo it or ignore important details of a job etc., which really isn’t Virgo’s way. Pay attention and go slowly or you may have to redo what you’ve just done.

Journeys might be on your mind. It is likely you will make important decisions regarding relationships. The truth is revealed or exposed offering you an opportunity to set the scales aright once again. A move to a new place of residence or a job change might be in the wind. Go with the flow.

The full Moon on May 3 brings revelations and realizations your way. Jupiter has a hand in the play and it might be wise to say less, otherwise, you may rue the fact you overreacted and said way too much. Then again, you probably will see the true facts and might state them no matter what.

Mercury and Mars travel opposite to your sign and it might be a sign of some type of clash or crash. Possibly, a clashing of ideals will manifest. “A soft answer turns away wrath” is a good mantra to keep at hand. Sagittarius is known for releasing thunderbolts of truth from time to time.

It might be time to re-evaluate what is important and what is real or not. The stars are aligning in such a way that some people may go away or you may move away from situations that are no longer viable or sustainable. Children and youth in general are topics for consideration.

The earth may shake beneath your feet as the full Moon takes place on May 3. The shaking may not be literal, but more psychological as you come across some realizations of certain realities. While this sounds ominous, it may not be that way at all. Epiphanies come that help you decide how to go.

The month of May has its challenges that must be dealt with. Certain frustrations and limitations hold sway and it will take some hard thinking to sort it all out. Confusion and distortion could be in the play, but once the air is cleared, you may feel some relief. Honesty is the best policy.

April 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Apr 6, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

Western tropical astrology is solar based – in whichever of the 12 signs of the zodiac are featured. Eastern Vedic astrology is lunar based and much of it is derived from the Moon’s monthly motion through the 27 lunar mansions, also called nakshatras. Each nakshatra has a ruling planet and ruling deity and the ancients have been culling a great amount of information, knowledge and wisdom from the nakshatras for several thousand years. The material is very revealing – almost shocking – in its descriptive details regarding some of the personality traits and activities that unfold regarding the nakshatras. We can use the nakshatras to plan auspicious events such as marriages, travel, investments and at the start of a particular activity.

As an example, when we knew that game seven of the Stanley Cup finals was to take place on June 15, 2011, I looked up the positions of the planets and the nakshatra the Moon was travelling through. It was a full Moon, which always brings our emotions to their peak and the Moon was in the nakshatra called Mula. I became very alarmed and told everyone that would listen there would be a riot downtown and it would be wise to stay away from the core of the city on that evening. If you look up the meaning for Mula, you will find the deity is Nirrti, the goddess of destruction, calamity, violence, upheaval, cruelty, ego and anger.

Many of us were scratching our heads and wondering how seemingly good and decent people could stoop to such destructive, mindless acts. It was a potent mix of full Moon, large, angry mobs fuelled by alcohol and Mula’s influence driven by the goddess Nirrti, ruler of destruction and upheaval. Logically, it would be wise to plan all major events according to the auspicious or inauspiciousness of the Moon’s position in the nakshatras and you can bank on it that the ancients used this powerful tool in planning their major events. I’m pretty sure that Vancouver’s retiring Chief Constable Jim Chu would not have been receptive to this loony information from an old hippy astrologer. He probably would have had me carted off to the loony bin. Of course, loony bin and lunatic are derivatives of luna, which is another name for the moon. The gist of this article is not fear mongering, but to help us become aware there is a great amount of knowledge in the stars that we could put to good use in our everyday lives.

(March 21 – April 19)You wrote the script for your present life activities long ago so you need not worry as to what it is you will do; if you don’t know what to do, keep eliminating those things you don’t like to do. This activity will make room for all forms of creative energy to manifest.

(April 20 – May 21)Mars dominates the scene throughout April. You’re fired up about something or a lot of things. He gives a great boost of energy and enthusiasm. It’s a good time to start any type of project especially ones that require a lot of effort. Mars also represents anger and frustration so measure twice and cut once.

(May 22 – June 20)Spring has sprung and in true Gemini fashion you will have much to do and very much to think about. It’s a dual-pronged process in which you will be in a highly creative mode – living, loving and laughing – while, at the same time, some sadness creeps in and some things will have to go.

Home and career activities dominate the calendar. Throw in a surprise or two and we have the recipe for a demanding and very active spring season. Friends feature strongly and health matters as well. Be pro-active, stay original and give your love and support to those that need it most. Love is in the air.

Jupiter brings his blessings to your table. Throughout April, those born from August 3 to 7 will receive the strongest play from this giant among the planets. Jupiter brings lessons of the heart and of the spirit. Any losses are followed by abundant gains. Travel, spirituality, expansion and general good fortune are in the works.

Virgo is all about the fine details of any given thing. Of course, this is the blessing you have to offer. But it might be wise to strive to look at the big picture as your life is about to expand in all kinds of ways. Plan for the long term. Roll up your sleeves and have at it.

The lunar eclipse on April 4 takes place in your sign. Those born from October 6-10 will glean the most from this lunation. You will have to do some fancy dancing and figuring in order to accommodate the new realities that have come into your life recently.

Your ruler, Mars, moves through your opposite sign Taurus all month and indicates the probability of some sort of clash or confrontation. It doesn’t have to be a negative thing at all. It might be you are confronting yourself and pushing yourself to new limits and higher standards. Finding the balance in all things is important, though.

Expansion and contraction are the two keywords to pay attention to now. On one level, there will be all kinds of opportunities to do quite well; on another level, there are areas you will have to cut back on. It doesn’t make sense to me, but it should make sense to you.

What you resist persists and what you assist desists. Life is going to be like that and you might as well get into the groove and go along with the cosmic plan. Cappy loves to keep things stable and steady, but that’s not the game right now. ‘Transplant, regenerate and transform’ is the mantra now.

The stars are leaning in your favour especially in the area of relationships. Partnerships and alliances are featured. You could win a long-standing dispute or court case. ‘Steady-on’ is the advice of the times. A move or renovation could be in the works. Of course, an internal renovation is desired as well.

Personal earning capacity along with probable inheritances might be on your mind. But you have bigger fish to fry. Oops, sorry, I forgot you’re from the fish family. You may feel a bit rudderless these days, but have no fear, you are on a journey to a cosmic destination. Be at peace with it all.

March 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Mar 1, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

The spring equinox takes place on March 20 at 3:45 PM Pacific Daylight Savings Time (PDST). It is an auspicious astrological event and many cultures in ancient times used the spring equinox chart as their cosmic indicator as to how the year would go. I set the chart for Vancouver and the indications are excellent. Maybe “excellent” is a little over the top, but in the language of the stars, the equinox chart is radiating very positive and harmonious qualities. I wouldn’t expect lollipops to be falling out of the sky, but if we lean into the tasks that lie before us, we stand a very good chance of doing rather well.

Just before I lull you into passivity with dreams of sugarplums and mega-dollar projects unfolding, know that life will be hot, dramatic and intense, as it should be when you dwell in a metropolis the size of Vancouver. Thirteen hours before the equinox, a solar eclipse takes place and it will cast its astrological shadow throughout the rest of 2015. Eclipses are associated with karma and in addition to personal karma, we have collective karma as well. On March 21, the Moon eclipses Mars and Uranus and we can expect some type of fireworks to manifest in the form of fires, earthquakes, accidents and violent incidents. It doesn’t necessarily mean these events will take place, but the stars are showing the potential for some type of calamity to manifest. It could come about as gang activity, political turmoil and other sorts of mayhem. No new news here. It’s the same old story.

Let’s get back to the sugarplums. As I was saying, the stars are indicating a fruitful year ­– a year of abundance and growth – and that we need to be a bit more revolutionary and bold in our approach to our concerns. We are truly blessed and live in the land of plenty, with a beautiful culture and geography, peopled by a vast assortment of souls from every corner of the globe. We must strive to join hands and form a giant circle that includes the benefit of all for we are only as strong as the weakest link in the chain. We can be the role model for other cultures to follow, as even with all of our problems and blemishes, Vancouver is still the greatest place on the planet in which to live. She protects and nurtures us; in turn, we need to nurture and protect our sacred land and waters. We must count our blessings, knowing we are the caretakers of this beautiful land.

It’s your time to shine; it’s an epoch time in which many new beginnings are taking root. Find your direction and head off into a most adventurous year. 2015 is your year to pioneer. Don’t know what to do? Start by eliminating what you know is not worthy, real or true and proceed from there.

The past comes into play and it is now time to pay it forward as you clear up old accounts and various forms of indebtedness. The action begins mid-month and continues throughout March and April. All kinds of excitement await thee. Love and adventure, along with other forms of dynamic creativity, manifest now.

You are a dual sign and can handle multiple tasks at the same time. You will need that skill as 2015 unfolds. One part abundance and one part scarcity; one part gathering and one part letting go takes place. Embrace it all and fear not letting go of anything; new energy fills the void.

Your career status is on an upward trajectory and you should assist this energy enthusiastically. Social circles expand as well, probably in proportion to your career activities. Muster your courage, don’t look back and know the energy is right and ready to help you in achieving your objectives. Meet all challenges head on.

You can groove along in a mellow way and do okay or you can roar like a lion and make yourself heard and be loved and respected for the various talents you can bring to the table. In other words, you’re hot, even more so if you believe in yourself and have no shame in your game.

The full Moon on March 5 will illuminate the pathway ahead for you. It will become obvious as to which way you should go and what you should do. It may not be a cakewalk and clarity will be needed to sort through the confusion mid-month. Do one thing at a time.

A time of contrast and controversy has arrived and you will have to use that super bio computer sitting on your shoulders to sort through the myriad complexities that will arise. It’s really not a big deal unless you make it so. No sense turning molehills into mountains. All kinds of exciting challenges manifest.

You may feel a little weathered by the events of the last two years or so and now you just have a bit more to go before you can really rest and let down. You are gifted with great resilience and recuperative powers. Don’t give up or let up, but keep moving towards your goals.

It’s time to weigh up what is real and what is true. Use your archery skills to pinpoint the target and concentrate before you let loose your arrows. There’s great planetary support going on and you have even more luck than usual. Count on that luck to see you through the times when you cannot see clearly.

Play the long game by giving yourself a few years to see the realities coming your way for certainly they’re coming. Life is changing at a rapid pace and it’s hard to know just what to do. Fear not; your karma has you covered. Poverty, wealth or whatever is destined is already written.

Beat the drum a little louder in the first 10 days of March, as you are likely to be heard then. The planets are lending great support and any effort on your part will not go unnoticed. Plus Jupiter the great benefactor is casting his glance your way indicating that your timing is right.

Communications become enhanced this month. It would be to your benefit to first hammer out your words and what you want to say and then say it, portray it and wing it if you have to. Pay attention to your dreams and psychic impressions around March 18. Your psyche speaks rather loudly at that time.

February 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Feb 2, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

“Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight; I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.” If ever there were a star to wish upon, it will rise just after sunset on February 3. In western tropical astrology, the Moon conjoins with Jupiter in Leo just hours after the full Moon on February 3. Full moons are auspicious and Jupiter is known to grant wishes.

It gets even more interesting when we switch over to the sidereal Vedic system of astrology. Instead of the Moon being in Leo, it drops back to Cancer, which is the Moon’s own sign; it is also the sign of Jupiter’s exaltation in which it has much more freedom of expression to wield its power and influence. If I were to make a wish, I would certainly pay attention to this lovely conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Let’s go a little deeper into it. The ancients created the nakshatras or Moon mansions. They are the star groups that the Moon travels through each day. The ancients realized that certain phenomena happened as the Moon visited the 27 different nakshatras. It just so happens the Moon will be visiting the nakshatra called Ashlesha when she joins up with King of the Gods Jupiter, granter of boons, prayers and wishes. The Vedic astrologers teach us that Ashlesha connects us to our dharma, which is the impetus to do good and benefit others. Ashlesha carries mystical and magical powers and there is nothing more powerful than the power of prayer, especially when done sincerely from the heart. If you miss the boat or the opportunity to make your wish, you will have another chance on March 2 – especially at 08:52 PM (PST) when the Moon and Jupiter embrace once again in the southeastern sky.

Those among us who are more spiritually inclined might get a strong charge out of this powerful conjunction, as Ashlesha also grants spiritual enlightenment. Venus and Mars, the traditional planets associated with love, attraction and desire, are moving through Pisces and it is another harbinger of affection, attraction and love. Karma drives the wheel and we only get to go with the people with whom we have strong karmic bonds. On a broader level, we might want to pray for world peace and for Lord Jupiter to grant some compassionate love and care for souls that are suffering. Our compassionate father cannot resist our cries for help and like the mother with her baby, must come and soothe and feed her little one.

On Saint Valentine’s Day on February 14, we make our declarations of love. But wait! There are better days to make this display of love. February 20 and 21 are special days as Venus, Mars and the Moon align in Aries creating a cosmic mix of powerful, magical and mystical energy especially designed for lovers.

King Solomon said there was nothing new under the Sun. It’s highly likely the new love that shows up in your life this month is a very old connection from the hoary past. People from the past are destined to come back into your life now, lovers or not. Career and social activities are featured now.

“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread” is probably a good line to start the forecast. Take your time searching for that special partner. He/she is likely to show up now especially while traveling or in the work place. All the more reason to walk, don’t run. An exciting month unfolds its potential.

An inheritance might be in the wind and you might be in the wind as well. Travel is highlighted this month, as is spirituality. An inheritance is what is warranted to come one’s way from past life associations. The time has come this year to move closer or away from someone close to you.

Read the introduction regarding the Leo full Moon on February 3. It’s your time to wish upon a star. It is also your time to truly move towards your goals, dreams and whatever else you aspire towards. Nurture and nature are key ingredients to your success; without them, you cannot go very far.

Van Morrison’s Moondance fits the mood for the February skies as Venus and Mars cast their magical energy into your sign. “Well, it’s a marvelous night for a Moondance with the stars up above in your eyes…” But if romance is not in sight, use this energy to brighten and beautify your life however you can.

The last 10 days of February and early March heat up as Venus, Mars and Uranus move closer together in your opposite sign Aries, promising action, attraction, fire and desire. Changes come quickly, surprises as well, and you might not mind. Creativity is at a peak. You might be restless and excited.

Saturn has stepped away, probably to your relief. He’s moved into Sagittarius and will be back for his final visit in mid-June until mid-September. No doubt, he has brought some powerful lessons regarding discipline and frugalness. He demands we live with less. You can breathe easy now and enjoy some light, laughter and love.

Saturn is not the planet that Sagittarius enjoys all that much. He’s such a party pooper with his stern and stringent ways. You may have to put the party gear away for a while whilst you figure how to go and what to do. Career, health and relationship topics will need some serious attention now.

The Moon visits Capricorn on Saint Valentine’s Day placing you in your lunar high of the month. You might be flying high as the course of events from February 14 to 16 could have you in a spin. You can expect things to not go as planned as the stars are indicating a surprise or two.

The Full Moon on February 3 will illuminate the areas of your life that have needed clarity. Mercury is retrograding in Aquarius until February 12 and will need several more days to get up to speed again. Use this time to reconsider and rethink the plan. Patience and persistence and more patience are needed.

Venus and Mars spice things up nicely until February 20. Venus brings creativity, attraction and love. Mars brings excitement and action. The Pisces New Moon on February18 signals a new start in a new direction. Pay attention to your dreams, as they will be loaded with important symbolism that will help you see the play.

January 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Jan 4, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

We start the month with some pretty stormy weather. Last month, we talked about the Uranus/Pluto square that is in play until 2019. Uranus/Pluto combinations represent upheaval, revolution and major transformation. Here in the homeland, we worry about the terrorists and their far-flung machinations. We’ve got the pipeline blues, addictions, crime and all kinds of protestations going on. In the US, the people are upset with the policing policies around shooting kids with BB guns and choking people whose crime was selling cigarettes on the street corner. Here, we shot a man to death for wielding a two-by-four and hardly a whimper was heard. Robert Dziekanski died because he was frustrated and upset and did not know or understand our language. There must be a more compassionate way to handle people that are in distress or psychosis.

Now, back to the January stormy weather. That Uranus/Pluto square is pretty much exact in January and the full Moon on January 4 is in alignment with it. It’s a very potent mix and it indicates some type of rough astrological weather, be it in the form of rain, wind, snow, sleet or tears, anger, frustration, aggression and other intense concerns. “What to do?” you might ask? No sense shaking in our boots and wringing our hands with great worry. What we can and must do is strive to find ways to help those who are in distress.

Protesting and demonstrating for what you believe in is a good thing and also healthy for society and the ecology of the planet. But if we throw violence into the mix, we have learned nothing and have gotten nowhere except to create more resentment and barriers to be overcome in the future. The Aquarius new Moon on January 20 heralds excellent opportunities to bring people together in a humane way, in which we can work out a plan that brings benefits to all concerned. We are one people on one planet and we have more likeness than differences, regardless of colour, race or creed.

When my beautiful Master Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj visited Vancouver in 1972, he had just cleared customs and when he came out to greet the crowd, many people were crying. A woman approached him and asked, “Why are these people crying”? He responded with one word, “Love.” She burst into tears. Love has that effect on all of us and what we need now is love and only love and by the by, our wounds will heal.

Your solar career house is hot and if you’re restless for change, now is the time to make your move. Actually, you might be moved anyway as the stars are indicating a time of shift, shock, change and rearrangement. Know that you will land exactly where you are supposed to land as fate and destiny lend a hand.

Travel and career sectors are very active throughout the month. Plus Saturn has moved out of your opposite sign Scorpio, easing the pressure you have been experiencing over the last two years. You can rebuild and re-establish yourself once again. The Sun’s a bit brighter and your spark has returned.

Life might be a tad confusing as Saturn and Neptune cast their energies into your sign. Those born between May 21 and 30 will experience the effects of this planetary combination. The gist of the matter is within making ends meet on the monetary level while establishing some type of spiritual discipline as well.

The full moon on January 4 will illuminate the areas of your life that need the most attention. There might be quite a bit of tension and a series of shifts will likely occur. It doesn’t have to be all that ominous, but changes are in the wind and you must accommodate them.

Mars and Jupiter oppose each other in the first 10 days of the month. This is a dynamic event as Jupiter is in Leo and Mars is in the opposite sign Aquarius. The sparks fly and the competition heats up significantly. You might be psyched up and ready to do battle. Watch for overcompensation.

You might be feeling lethargic as the New Year begins. You get over the hump and break the slump by the middle of the month. At that time, you might be feeling agitated, which will prompt you into action and high gear. Jupiter brings his great blessings and abundance from August 2015 to September 2016.

The full Moon on January 4 brings a strong effect to the cardinal signs Libra, Capricorn, Aries and Cancer. It brings some type of dynamic energy to the important areas of our lives such as home, family, career and relationships. Those topics will figure strongly as you head into the New Year. Excitement rules the days.

Matters related to home and family become significant in the last half of the month. Land and real estate figure in as well. You could become obsessed with family politics. Emotional battles are likely if you push things too far. Career potential is very strong and you might be on the move and feeling aggressive.

Saturn is not the best friend to Sagittarius. He puts a damper on your enthusiasm and confidence. He’s going to be around for a while so it’s probably best to find a way to get on with him. He helps us streamline and correct any type of inefficiency. Career and health topics feature prominently.

The full Moon on January 4 brings all types of revelations your way. Just as the king tides bring the water level to the high mark, this full Moon will do the same by bringing important issues to the fore that must be dealt with. Be willing to make changes wherever and whenever.

It’s time for some behind the scenes work to take place as The new Moon on January 20 heralds a new start. Pay attention to the events that come to pass at this time, as there is the likelihood of good to great opportunities possibly manifesting. You might have to rethink the plan and rewrite the script or just plain wait it out until mid-February.

Mid-January might have its frustrations and limitations that you must bear with. Use it as a time to alleviate negative circumstances. February looks much brighter and you might be thankful for what came to pass in January. Let go of the past and the future will take care of itself. Love is in the air.