September 2013

by Mac McLaughlin | Sep 2, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes chapter 3.)

Astrology is God’s handwriting through the stars. The movement of the planets decrees when certain events are destined to manifest in our lives according to the karma indicated in the birth chart itself. The astrologer’s work is within deciphering what the stars are indicating and presenting that information in a positive and constructive manner. In traditional Western astrology, Saturn is known as a malefic energy bringing grief and suffering, while Jupiter brings joy and abundance. Mars represents anger and aggression, while Venus represents love and affection. Obviously, it would be nice to have Venus and Jupiter prominent in our birth charts. Moving along the same line of reasoning, it would seemingly be beneficial that Mars and Saturn had back seats and small parts to play in the unfolding of karmic energy designed by our past life thoughts and actions.

In Vedic Eastern astrology we find that, according to the positions and condition of the planets at our birth, Venus or Jupiter can become malefic energies, bringing their own form of grief and suffering. Saturn and Mars can become benefic forces that bring very dynamic and profound results when their time to shine arrives. To everything there is a season and a reason as to why we are compelled throughout our cosmic, karmic journey through time.

Timing is everything. As an example, Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s birth chart is indicating a most difficult and potentially dangerous time. The full moon on September 19 will bring it all to light. The possibility of attacks is strong and his enemies will come out now. Keep in mind he is a man, a father and a husband and just as vulnerable as the rest of us. Changes in his personal life and relationships are indicated and health may be a concern. The above commentary is based on the birth time of 3:00AM. Even without the birth time, the prime minister will face a very trying time for the next two years, in which his popularity and leadership will be tested strongly. September is a busy and demanding month.

Change is the only constant while Uranus transits Aries. You can’t beat it so you might as well get with it. “Get with what,” you might ask? Get with the universal plan that is unfolding at an astonishing rate of speed. September offers up all kinds of creative opportunities for love and happiness to manifest.

The Virgo new Moon on September 5 energizes your solar fifth house, which rules over topics such as love, romance, children and enterprise. The fifth house is a good karma house. It brings good returns when activated. This September is a time of striving and possibly struggling with conditions that are changing in dynamic fashion.

Family and home activities are featured. Land and real estate deals may come into play. Health is the key ingredient to happiness and success in the future. Now is the time to find the balance in all things. Resources increase, as do opportunities to expand in some way. Time with friends and family is indicated.

Step up, step forward and have no shame in your game. Beneficent Lord Jupiter casts his fine blessings your way throughout the year. You can gain significantly or lose majorly, in the sense of wasting your time and energy on frivolous pursuits. Do your best and the universe will respond in kind. Travel opportunities come up.

Mars, fiery brother of the Sun, makes his way through Leo until mid October. He brings energy and strength your way. Anger, accidents and fires are some of the typical Mars-type energies that come up when he’s around. September could be intense, as Mars and Saturn square off affecting your Leo planets.

The Virgo new Moon on September 5 signals a fresh start as you experience your solar and lunar high of the year. The stars are lending excellent support and you can move easily towards your goals and objectives. Hard work and effort pay off and the sense of satisfaction that things are coming together brings contentment.

The new Moon on September 5 takes place in your solar twelfth house. You may be in a compassionate mood, reaching out to those that need your love and support. A busy September flies by in a blink of the eye. Seek a healthy lifestyle and find the balance in all things.

The full Moon on September 19 will have special significance for you. At the time of the full Moon, Venus, Saturn and Rahu (one of the navagrahas – nine planets – in Vedic astrology) conjoin in your sign. It is a time in which certain aspects of your life come to an end. You must weigh up what is real, what is true and what is of true value.

Let’s see if we can get a handle on the types of energy you might experience in September. Topics such as inheritances and shared monies come into play. Career, education and travel sectors are hot and strongly activated. Home and career activities dominate throughout the month. A longing for something deeper manifests.

Your solar house of travel is strongly activated throughout September. Matters related to the higher mind, law, philosophy, education, publishing, religion and politics may be prominent. Jupiter casts his glance your way bringing opportunities for growth and advancement. There are opportunities for big mistakes to take place as well so be careful in your choices.

A career change could be in the works, as you grow increasingly frustrated with how things have been going. On another level, some Aquarians will reach a peak in their career status and will be honoured for their work and service. Do your best and leave the rest; it’s the right mantra for the times.

The full Moon on September 19 takes place in your sign. Revelations and realizations come flooding in and you see the way to go. Concerns that you have been worried about come to a head. It’s time to map out a new plan and the stars are lending a hand.

August 2013

by Mac McLaughlin | Aug 5, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

Tick tock, tick tock. Time marches on and “time and tide wait for no man.” We might want to stop for a moment and consider where we’re at, personally, spiritually and collectively. The stars are positioned in such a way that we have an opportunity to weigh-up what is real and what is false, what is valuable and what is unworthy. We are at a crossroad and it is imperative we choose the right pathway for the future. According to the true mystics, we have been around for a very long time and cultures and societies have come and gone long beyond the memory of man. All along the way we have accumulated karma – storehouses full of the stuff. It’s all tucked away in the cosmic computer called the akashic records, in which all thoughts and actions are recorded.

Now, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto are the notable planets worthy of discussion in the sense that they have formed a Cardinal T-Square that will be in effect for the next 10 months. Mars joins in with them beginning this December, bringing up some very dynamic energy that will manifest in the winter to spring of 2014. In essence, we have opportunities to alleviate some very old, stale karma that trails us like our shadow. When Jupiter makes a hard aspect to Uranus, it brings up revolutions and all kinds of social upheaval. Throw Pluto into the mix and you have a very volatile cocktail that can be used beneficially or destructively. It’s up to us how we will act or react to the energies coming on board.

Canada is in the midst of a huge transformation. We are experiencing a Pluto transit and it is bringing many secret and hidden factors into the light. Politicians are falling left and right and many more are destined to follow. Changes are in the wind and we have a chance to get it right or make much more karma that must be paid for in the future. Jupiter represents ideologies and all forms of religious beliefs. Uranus constantly seeks to overcome the restrictive and repressive ways of the past. As the great spiritual master Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj once said, “You cannot wash away blood with blood, but only with the waters of forgiveness.” You might want to ask yourself if you are happy and content with your lot. If not, why not? We wrote the script long ago and our present day status is designed to evolve us into beings of light, beyond the cloak of our human existence.

August starts off with a bang as your ruling planet Mars squares off with volatile Uranus. Accidents and incidents manifest rapidly under this combination. “Measure twice, cut once” is the mantra of the times. High adventure and high times are indicated as well. Enjoy the days, but don’t lose your head along the way.

Home, health and family considerations come up now. Family reunions take place and all kinds of internal politics get settled, or not. The art of the compromise would serve you well as maintaining a rigid position can only cause more resentment and resistance. Will any of it matter 10 years from now? Forgive and forget.

It’s your time to fly. Mercury is on the move and so shall you be. Your solar money house is strongly activated. You can increase and expand. Social functions take place and you will be in your element as you work the crowd winking, nodding and sharing all kinds of tidbits of news and information.

The two fiery brothers, Mars and Jupiter, continue their visit in your sign. It’s your time to shine. Jupiter brings good luck and good fortune and he does well in Cancer. Mars can be problematic, though, as he stirs up some heated emotions that can lead to accidents and incidents if you are not careful. Play safe.

The Leo new moon on August 6 signals a new start. Making changes is not an easy thing for Leo, but you might very well be in the mood to make some important changes and the stars are backing it up. The full moon on August 20 will help clarify what it’s all about.

Venus spends the first half of August in your sign. Venus is associated with love, beauty and harmony. It’s time for that makeover, new duds or whatever. The Sun enters Virgo on August 22 bringing you into your solar high of the year. A busy time is indicated. Make the best use of it.

Venus spends the last half of August in your sign bringing good times with family and friends. Career opportunities are strong and you may be restless and seeking change. Changes may come anyway regardless of how we feel about them. Big energies are unfolding and the cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are most affected.

The new moon on August 6 lights up your solar tenth house related to career activities and professional status. Mars and Jupiter cast positive energy as a counter balance to the restrictions and limitations that have shown up with Saturn moving through Scorpio. Hard work, dedication and devotion get you through. A dawning spirituality awakens thee.

Most Sagittarians I have met would travel anywhere in a heartbeat. The love of discovery, high adventure and unique cultures attract them like bees to honey. A time has now arrived with more opportunities to set sail. Matters connected to wills and shared monies may become of interest now.

You have entered this time in which constant change, challenge and unrest take place. It may not be a negative thing, but the stars are indicating quite the dynamic ride over the next couple of years. The next 10 months will reveal what it’s all about. A great transition or rebirth takes place.

The new moon on August 6 takes place in your opposite sign Leo. It signals a time to rest and recoup. Relationship considerations come up now. People that support you or oppose you show up. The full moon on August 20 in your sign signals a lively time and heightened emotions. Awareness keeps you up late.

The moon will be very bright as she passes through Pisces August 21 and 22. A busy time is indicated and you may be in the mood to brighten up your home or purchase something of beauty. Mars and Jupiter cast good energy all month bringing energy and enthusiasm your way. Enjoy the days.

July 2013

by Mac McLaughlin | Jul 1, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

At a 30-year reunion of a group of old friends, one of them remarked, “Mac thinks he learned astrology through the books.” Well of course I have studied deeply was my defense. But my dear friend reminded me and the group of the many times that I had known someone’s birth sign and sometimes the date and year of a person’s birth, long before I got to the books. He was right. That is how astrology came into play in my life.

Astrologers are a rare breed, and must be wired right in order to decipher God’s handwriting through the stars. You can learn astrology through the books and if you are intuitively gifted then you will have some very powerful tools that can be used to help all those that are destined to come your way. Here’s an example of how it works for me. I’m on a ferry coming from Seattle to Victoria years ago. I find a seat across from a middle aged couple and an elderly gent on my right. After a round of introductions and some light chit chat, the woman across from me asked what type of work was I doing? When I mentioned astrology, the three of them got busy reading their books. I was relieved because now I could at least enjoy my book as well. But of course, I couldn’t help myself. When a pickpocket meets someone, all they see is their pockets. When an astrologer meets someone they see their planets and signs through their mannerisms, body form and personalities etc. I was pretty sure that the lady across from me was a Pisces or a Scorpio. I wrote down two dates that might be her birthday. I put the piece of paper in my pocket. When the conversation resumed, I asked her if she was a Pisces. “No, I’m an Aquarius, I guess you will have to go back to your studies” she said teasingly. The old guy next to me said, “Hold on a minute, I’m a Pisces”. At that point I had a good idea of what had happened. I asked them to please not say anything for a moment. I asked her husband what his date of birth was. He replied November 5. I asked the Pisces for his date and he said March 6. I showed them the dates that I had written down. They were shocked and surprised to see their correct birthdays. Well so much for the peaceful, quite ride home. We had a great and animated conversation about the magic of the stars. The stars don’t lie.

Big changes are in the wind. You may not be clear as to the direction that you want to travel in. Ride with this feeling for a while. You’re in the midst of some deep and profound changes in your search for freedom, love and understanding. The higher powers will guide you towards your destiny.

There are a lot of considerations to mull over this month. Finance and romance top the list. You may have to take a deep look at both topics. The last ten days of July are important and will reveal what stays and what goes, and what must be done in order to achieve harmony.

New friendships are forming and you may find yourself amidst a very unique circle of people. Your solar second house is strongly activated and matters related to money, family and health take precedence throughout the month. It may prove to be a very busy and demanding time, which you may not mind. Pace yourself accordingly.

Mercury is backing into your Uranus! Doesn’t sound very comfortable does it? Let me rephrase that. Mercury and Uranus are in square aspect throughout the month and you can expect to be super busy. It’s your time to shine. Do your best as Jupiter casts very favourable energy your way bringing success and good fortune.

The Sun enters Leo on July 22 two hours before a full Moon. You start your solar high of the year with a bang as all kinds of exciting scenarios unfold. July 27 is an intense day and you will have to wend your way carefully. It is time to clear up old business.

Although you may be busier than you want to be, you may enjoy the times and the challenges that come up this month. Mercury, Lord of Virgo and ruler of communications, negotiations, trade and business is in square with Uranus indicating a time of intense output and high energy. Throw yourself in and enjoy the swim.

Your solar career sector is hot. Although there may be challenges and tensions throughout the month, you stand a good chance of doing well. Maybe you won’t get everything that you wish or work for, but you are making headway. July is intense for all signs, but more so for Libra, Capricorn, Cancer and Aries.

Saturn is practically standing still in your sign throughout the month. He brings you into deep contemplation and consideration of your limitations and fears. He helps us come to decisions of what must be done in order to obtain your objectives. It’s a time of letting go of what is no longer useful or worthy.

Life’s mysteries deepen and although you must deal with the mundane, your spirit may long for a deeper and more meaningful existence. Travel opportunities come up. Love is in the works as well. Hmmm, love and travel, maybe both. Someone from the past and from afar shows up on your radar. High times are indicated.

Keep those cloven hooves sharpened as many a slippery slope is to be encountered in July. Astrologers can see the energy of the planets, and from what I’m seeing, July and August will be challenging and dynamic months. Do the Capricorn thing and take your time and do one thing at a time.

The Aquarius full Moon on July 22 will bring forth some pretty strong revelations and realizations of what is what in your world. July promises to be hot for all signs and I don’t mean weather wise. July 27 is another significant day in which important events and considerations take place. Health concerns are foremost.

Your solar fifth house is strongly activated bringing opportunities for increased social activities. The fifth house represents children, entertainment, business and romance. Venus also casts her glance from across the skies in late July and early August. It is another harbinger of good times spent with loved ones. Enjoy the last, hazy days of summer.

June 2013

by Mac McLaughlin | Jun 6, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

Every once in a while it would be nice to catch a break and have a good run. My clients squirm in their seats when I bring up Saturn and his grinding and binding effects. But they begin to relax and become much more hopeful when Jupiter’s very favourable influences are discussed. Now, a time of abundance has come for Canada as Jupiter casts his special energies our way over the next 12 months. We have individual karma and collective karma. Our national karma can be read and explained by the position and condition of the planets on the day we became a nation. Jupiter figured strongly in the birth chart of Canada. Jupiter is king of the gods and he represents the higher and broader range of our intellect and understanding. Topics such as law, philosophy, medicine, education and politics are just a few of the subjects that come under his domain. Jupiter and Saturn represent the good cop-bad cop phenomenon, in which the bad cop roughs you up a bit and scares the heck out of you. Then the good cop comes in and soothes you and makes you feel way better.

Saturn represents the letter of the law while Jupiter rules the spirit of the law. Jupiter holds a prominent position in the birth chart of Canada. He was in Pisces, which is his own sign. Jupiter is a benevolent and uplifting energy and Pisces is the most compassionate sign of the zodiac. It means that we as a people will be kind and benevolent in our ways and carry a great dignity among the nations. Our laws are known to be fair, possible way too fair, but it is unmistakable that the silent majority and the overall Canadian identity carries this humane dignity and peaceful demeanour. It cannot be taught and it cannot be bought, but it can be caught in the Canadian spirit of the people that inhabit this most blessed country.

Something big is in the wind. Jupiter rules all sporting events and any type of competition. In the fall of 2013 and spring of 2014, Jupiter will be at its peak influence in our lives. This would be the right time astrologically to rewrite the laws of the land to bring them in line with present-day realities. It is our time to step up to the plate and continue to make our nation the showcase nation that she is. It is time to take pride and give thanks for the privilege and opportunity to exist in this wonderful land we call Canada.

The Sun, Mars and Jupiter cast good energy your way throughout the month. The three fiery brothers bring confidence, strength and energy that you can use to your advantage. You may be heading into uncharted waters as the planet Uranus continues to bring surprises and changes that come out of the blue. Enjoy the times.

It’s all about resources or the lack of them; that’s what will determine how the month will go. There’s quite a list of things that need to be accomplished or acquired in order to make it all work. A time of correcting and adjusting to the realities that are presenting themselves at this time is needed.

It’s your solar high of the year as the Sun continues his journey through your sign. He’s accompanied by Mars and Jupiter, his two fiery brothers. The trio may make you feel like one of the three musketeers. Set about to make things right and put up the good fight and your timing is right.

Your ship is either coming in or heading out with you on board. A very promising time approaches as the Sun enters Cancer on June 20 placing you in your solar high of the year, followed by benevolent Jupiter on June 25. He brings opportunities for growth and expansion over the next 12 months.

Your solar eleventh house is very active throughout the month. It is time to meet and greet and enjoy the social activities that come up now. You can hold court as you expound on your favourite topics. You may be longing for the good old days and you might return to your roots this year.

TYour solar career sector is hot and you should make good use of it. You may find yourself connected to some very influential people that like your style and manner. It is time to bring people closer and enjoy the camaraderie that true friendships can bring. The heat is on and so is the competition.

The June planets favour you strongly. Opportunities for travel present themselves. Publishing, education, promotional activities and spiritual matters are just a few of the topics you may be keen on presently. Embrace it all and feed that hungry mind and soul. Career potential is very strong and it is time to reach for the brass ring.

Saturn is moving through Scorpio and generally he’s not too much fun. He is about hard work and responsibility. However, if we’re living a balanced life with a healthy diet and good work scene, we don’t need or feel his disciplining measures as keenly as those that are out of balance and needing correction.

It’s time to take it easy and let off the gas pedal a bit. Then again Mars and Jupiter, along with the Sun, are casting energy into your sign throughout the month. It is more likely you will have the pedal to the metal as you move through a very demanding time. Go easy.

You may want to wend your way carefully throughout the month as there is the likelihood of conflict and resistance. And don’t promise more than you can deliver because the potential for misreading or not understanding a situation is strong. Truth, honour and valour get you through; you might be the victor or hero.

Love and marriage, baby and carriage could be the case for many Aquarians as your solar fifth house of past life karma is lit up. The fifth house rules love, attraction and children. For those mortified by the idea of marriage and babies, the stars are offering opportunities to enjoy the things that you love.

Family, home, land and real estate are the feature topics for Pisces throughout June. Romantic energies may manifest and a promising summer unfolds. Certainly, it is time to enjoy life to its fullest. It might be time for a family reunion or gathering of old friends. Misunderstandings can come up suddenly so go slow.

May 2013

by Mac McLaughlin | May 2, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

The karma gods are up to their antics and we can expect to witness some very dramatic events coming to pass in the month of May. We have a classic battle brewing as Scorpio Christy Clark and Taurus Adrian Dix square off for the leadership of British Columbia. They are exact opposites. Taurus and Scorpio are fixed signs and they are often coined as immovable and resistant to change. Soon, we will have a complete Taurus line of leadership, from Queen Elizabeth to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Adrian Dix, if he wins. We know that Stephen Harper runs a very tightly controlled ship. He is a Taurus that brooks no interference at all. We can probably expect the same of Dix, if he gets his hands on the helm of BC. But it might not be a bad thing to have an earthy, solid and steady type of leadership rather than a rudderless ship.

Taurus instinctively knows the value of any particular thing, be it a loaf of bread or ships bearing oil – pipelines too. Scorpio never does anything halfway; it’s either all the way or no way. They have great passion and devotion. Often, they hold the greatest of ideals for their people and the environment. Shadows of doubt and fear may manifest as the lunar eclipse on April 25 falls across the Sun in both Clark and Dix’s horoscopes. It means all the stops will be pulled out and a full-out battle ensues. The knives are out and they will not spare each other in this gritty fight for the right of power.

This writing is taking place on April 3. While we’re fixated on sorting out who we’re going to ride with for the next few years, our concerns may be overshadowed by major world events, as the threat of war is real and the stars are backing it up. The trouble spots on the globe will heat up and conflict will manifest. We have to hand it to the brave hearts such as Clark and Dix for whoever attains the leadership may find they have the toughest and most difficult road ahead. It is imperative they listen to and abide by the will of the people. We’re approaching a major crossroad as to the direction we must move in. The stakes are high and I wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of those that carry this hefty weight of decisions that will affect our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren.

You were shot out of a cannon and will hit the net in a couple of years. That’s the phrase I use when describing the effects of the planet Uranus as it passes over your Aries planets. Embrace change and dance with the energy and events that manifest now. You are on a great learning curve.

Saturn casts his glance from across the sky as the solar eclipse on May 9 brings home the realities of what must be done in order to attain your goals. A time of great striving has arrived and no doubt you will lower your horns in order to meet the tasks ahead.

You may be inspired and happy as Venus brings her special energy your way from May 9 to June 2. She rules all things beautiful. She brings love, abundance, taste and style. Good to great news arrives. Make your presentation and submit your application, as the last 10 days of May are potent and magical.

Get your motor running. Well, at least get it started. Now is the time of behind-the-scenes activity as you prepare to meet the demands on your time and energy that are sure to manifest starting in June. Get ready now as what you want is just over the horizon, time-wise.

We marvel at the accomplishments of others and wonder how they became successful. The answer, of course, is hard work, blood, sweat, tears, dedication and devotion. This is what is needed now, as it is likely you will be tested strongly this month. You may even relish the challenges and thrive on them.

Travel and work sectors in your solar chart are hot this month. You may be in demand and busy as a bee. You might want to amp things up career-wise as opportunities are there for the picking. Education, publishing, advertising and all promotional activities are highlighted. Tend to matters of the spirit; it needs nurturing too.

Although we’re in the middle of the spring season and you would rather be gardening, you probably will be working on taxes, joint monies, inheritances and other such lovely topics. Travel opportunities are coming up as well. It is time to get your house in order. Get your work done and then go and play.

You may feel limited and somewhat frustrated with the amount of work and obligations on your platter this month. You may have to economize and cut back on expenditures and frivolous spending, etc. Contentious issues must be dealt with. It’s all about streamlining and finding the balance in all things.

Generally, Sagittarius is concerned with the big picture and overview of any situation. Now a time has arrived in which you may have to focus on the details and fine print in order to achieve success. Health, relationships and partnerships become focal points throughout May and June. The lunar eclipse on May 24 will bring important epiphanies.

Imagine that you are successful, rich and famous. Now that you have attained status and wealth, why would you be feeling empty and dissatisfied? Lack of spiritual nourishment would be the answer. You may be in a phase of breaking it all down or building it all up; just don’t forget yourself along the way.

Laughter and tears, joy and fear and pleasure and pain seem to be the steady diet we dine on daily. It will be that way for a while, with more laughter than tears as the month progresses. Life’s pace picks up nicely and some very interesting people start showing up on your radar.

You may be in a very creative phase. Purchasing, moving, renovating and other matters regarding home, family and real estate come up. You may be longing for light, love, peace and divinity. You are changing in ways you might not understand. Your values are shifting and you are morphing into something higher, much higher.