April 2013

by Mac McLaughlin | Apr 1, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

All of life’s activities are synchronized with the movement of the Moon and planets. Each month, we experience a new and full Moon. The new Moon signals the start of any new activity. It’s sort of like a seedling bursting forth from its shell, reaching towards its potential. The full Moon indicates a time of great activity, excitement, fulfilment and completion. Any planet connected to the new or full Moon will show its effects throughout the month and especially at the new and full Moon times. Interestingly, Mars sits close to the new Moon on April 10. This is an indicator of vigorous spring activity. Mars represents effort, action and aggression. This dynamic new Moon takes place in the fourth house, which represents land and real estate and where we live. The fourth house also has to do with family life, homes, parents, education and according to the Vedic scriptures, vehicles as well. Maybe it’s time to purchase that new car or home.

My bet is that we’re going to be very busy with our spring tasks and I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a strong spike in the real estate markets. We can expect a fair amount of jousting and fighting when the competition heats up as the power types seek their destiny. Fires, incidents and accidents are on the menu, as Mars has the propensity to stir things up. On the positive side of the coin, Mars invigorates, inspires and fuels us with passion, energy and strength. Venus is very close to Mars at the time of the new Moon and is another indicator that we will be full into whatever captures our attention and interests.

Love is in the air and life here in La-La land hums on nicely. It’s especially nice in the sense that Venus and Mars are the traditional planets of love, romance and passion. The full Moon lunar eclipse on April 25 also has Mars strongly in the picture, Saturn too. It’s not pretty when Mars and Saturn are involved with a lunar eclipse. We’re faced with limitations and frustrations and the pickings are not easy. Heads will roll and some of the power types will step aside as controversy and conflict hit the front pages throughout the month. The last 10 days of April are especially fraught with great tension and concern. But while somewhat painful, the process is necessary. Mid-May, when the dust settles and the air clears, we will see who is still standing. It’s time to roll up our collective sleeves and get to work.

You are intuitive and instinctive and now you must use those gifts in order to get where you’re going. The Aries new Moon on April 10 signals a new start and fresh opportunities. Action and attraction and love and romance, along with some high adventure, are on the cosmic menu. Destiny is heading your way.

By the light of the silvery moon on April 25, many realities coalesce. Your inner psyche becomes illuminated and you see the pathway ahead. Powerful and profound lessons are on-board and you gain great wisdom. Gains and losses are in the play. It’s time to let go of what is no longer worthy or useful.

The new Moon on April 10 takes place in your solar eleventh house, which is the house of friendships, groups and societies. A whirlwind of events, gatherings and other social commitments keep you hopping throughout the month. Jupiter continues to pour on the abundance, bringing precious gifts into your life. Embrace it all.

You can expect a busy and demanding time throughout April. You may not mind and might actually enjoy it. The pace mellows after the Sun enters Taurus on April 19. The last half of the month is more to your liking and good times are indicated. Mix and mingle, wheel and deal, as opportunities for advancement come up.

When we put the boat in the water at high tide, the task is easy. At low tide, we struggle, strain, cuss and wrestle with the task. The first half of April is your high tide time while in the second half of the month, it will be tougher to get things done.

Life becomes more meaningful and its mysteries deepen. You may be in wonderment about it all and the urge to seek understanding, knowledge and wisdom will be very strong. Go with it; go into it. Seek and you shall discover. Your solar career sector is hot and you should apply yourself accordingly. Your timing is good.

The Aries new Moon on April 10 has Venus and Mars involved and they cast their energies your way. Love and adventure, action, excitement and attraction are on the cosmic menu. Set a pace that you can handle, as the demands on your time will be amped to the max. Clashes may occur.

The full Moon lunar eclipse on April 25 takes place in your sign. It is an important time. The two heavyweights, Mars and Saturn, are involved, indicating an intense turn of events that will need your full attention. Your inner psyche is illuminated and you see the reality of your situation. Late April tells the tale.

Your solar fifth house is lit up like a Christmas tree. Topics that rule the fifth house are children, romance, business, enterprise, gambling and entertainment. Lord Jupiter casts his benevolent glance your way as well, indicating that your timing is good. Partnership potential is strong, romantic or business-wise. Watch for overstating the facts, though.

It’s time for some work around the house and some in-house work as well. The instinct to put it all together is strong. It is also a time for some deep inner reflection and re-evaluation of your values. Keep an open-hand policy and don’t be afraid to let things go, if they must go.

You may be at an impasse, a crossroad or a fork in the road; serious decisions must be made in order for you to release the burdens you have been carrying in that urn on your shoulder for many years now. The April stars are aligned in a way that will help you to see the way.

April starts off with a bang. Possibly, you bang heads with someone and unkind works are exchanged. The first half of the month has its challenges. Late April is more to your liking. Finances may be on your mind. Home, family and real estate activities are indicated. Diet and health considerations come up.

March 2013

by Mac McLaughlin | Feb 28, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

The spring equinox takes place on March 20. The position of the planets at the equinox is believed to hold the keys as to how the whole year will go; many ancient cultures held this belief. I compared the planetary positions in the equinox chart to Canada and Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s birth charts and it tells quite the tale. Strap on your seat belts and make ready for a wild ride through time. Pluto holds a prominent position throughout the year indicating a time of transformation and regeneration. It is time for a makeover and a rebirthing of our values and our country’s principles. There may be a great rift and division among the people and strife, conflict and resistance will be evident. This is how we go and this is how we grow; we voice our opinions and we put up the vote and abide by the will of the people.

Mars and Uranus are conjunct at the time of the equinox and in square with our Moon. It is another indicator we will experience some choppy waters, unrest and all kinds of movement and protestations. No sense hiding under your bed, but it does make sense to throw in your two cents and contribute to helping solve the concerns on-board at this time. We will get nowhere by avoidance and we must help sort out the concerns of the day. Saturn is in very good aspect to the Sun and Moon this year and it is a very good harbinger that we are on the right track. We will sort through what must be done in order to find the balance.

Jupiter is waiting in the wings and in the midst of our labour he comes along and rewards us in a most plentiful way, as he transits over our Sun, Moon and Uranus in July and August this year and in the first four months of 2014. He is King of the Gods, bringing abundance, wealth, success and happiness. We are heading into a most exciting time. Rejoice and contribute however you can.

I wouldn’t want to be in Stephen Harper’s shoes, as the stars are indicating that a battle is brewing; 2013 could prove to be the most challenging and controversial time for his administration. Some loss is indicated and he will have to fight to keep his ship intact. He seems plenty capable and although we may not like his astringency measures, they may be necessary in order to trim the fat and cut back on waste and expenditures.

The mystics teach us that we have 25% free will and 75% karmic indebtedness. The karma flows in its own way at the appropriate times in our lives. It’s time to use that allotment of 25% free will. 2013 is the year that it all changes. Seek the truth, as it will set you free.

You may be feeling a little tired and it may be time to let up and relax for a while. The March planets offer up a time in which you can be flexible and possibly take a bit of time off. Then again you can resist and persist at your own risk. Enjoy the days.

It’s your time to fly high and kiss the sky as Jupiter continues his visit until the end of June. Make good use of this energy. Join up with a group or society that reflects your values and interests. New friends come into the picture. Travel looms big and big things happen while travelling.

It’s time to prepare for the future. The March planets indicate possible travel and dealing with education and publishing. Keep your foot on the gas and use that big pincer to hold on to your convictions and beliefs. Life gets notched up in the summer time. Opportunity knocks and doors fly open that were previously shut tight.

Your long-held beliefs might be evaporating. No worries. They will be replaced by astonishing, new revelations. Some Leo types are deeply mystical and if you are one of them, you have reached a time in which a deep understanding and awareness prevails.

You will have to be extra vigilant throughout the month of March, as the likelihood of misunderstandings and confusion is strong. You may need to take your time and set a pace you can live with. Read the fine print before signing on the dotted line. Measure twice, cut once, sounds about right. Avoid sloppy thinking and taking too many shortcuts. Work smart.

Make ready for a very exciting springtime. Romance and adventure may be the case. Activities heat up towards the end of the month as the Libra full Moon on March 27 illuminates your inner psyche. Be aware with all that you do, as there is a danger of mishaps or accidents taking place.

You may be working harder than ever, but the results may be slow coming in. You may find the power types are not receptive to your plans presently. Keep perfecting and polishing your skills, eliminating what you know is not worthy or useful. Health is the first consideration and all else stems from there.

Home and family are the main features now. Land and real estate may figure in somehow. You may be ambiguous and possibly conflicted as to what to do or how to go regarding your present circumstances. You may have more direction towards the end of the month and things may go in your favour.

Keep an eye out for potential accidents and mishaps around the home. There’s nothing to fear, except the stars are indicating potential concerns in that area. Projects regarding land and real estate could come up. Those born at the end of December and early January are in the midst of a great transformative process throughout 2013.

Some of you are going to reach your peak professionally this year or the next. Others of you may leave a long-time profession or experience a fall from grace. It may not be the case; much depends on how you got to the top in the first place. Honourable actions are applauded while misdeeds come to light.

March is your month and it should prove to be an exciting time. Love, romance, creativity and all kinds of activity keep you on the move. There may be some doubt and confusion, as misunderstandings are likely. Travel could be delayed and it is important to keep your documents together.

February 2013

by Mac McLaughlin | Feb 4, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

February is supposed to be the coldest month of the winter season, but my bet is it’s going to be hot. The Aquarius new Moon on February 9 carries the seedlings of what will spring forth from Pandora’s box over the next lunation cycle. Saturn plays a strong part in what takes place throughout the month, as he is the traditional lord of Aquarius. He rises in the east at new Moon time, with a strong status, sort of like visiting dignitaries from other lands. The main objective with Saturn is within our efforts to bring order, harmony, fairness, justice, health and wholesomeness to the land and people. The spirit of Aquarius manifests through acts of humanitarian love. Imagine the day when we finally figure out we are one people on one planet and that each one of us is most precious and deserving of love and forgiveness. Sorry, got a little carried away for a moment.

Groups and gatherings, marches and protestations are in the works and oh boy; there will be some fireworks! Saturn is moving through Scorpio, which is a sign very connected to the environment and its health. Start counting the heads involved in any serious movement that has to do with the protection of the environment and my bet is that dear old Scorpio will come to the top of the list. At the time of the new Moon, Venus squares off with Saturn prompting us to do some soul searching in order to find what will bring contentment and peace of mind. Mercury, Mars and Jupiter make a strong connection and the combination is going to cause or allow people to vent, argue, contest and protest, with the dirt ending up on the front pages of our local papers. It’s not as bad as it seems. Actually, we may be in the mood to move forward and digest the hard-earned and hard-learned lessons we have been dining on over the last several years.

The full Moon on February 25 brings life’s activities to a peak. Jupiter forms a square with the full Moon while Mercury and Mars are conjunct. This is quite the planetary mix and we can expect some very stormy weather, inside and outside of the house. “Slow down” is the mantra I would choose in order to accommodate the intense energy on-board at this time. Mercury and Mars stay in close proximity to one another throughout February and early March. What it all means is that we’re going to be on about the important issues of the day. Choose your favourite hobby horse, be it the environment, the government, the police, well, you name it – oh, and of course, the politicians and their machinations near and far. The battle to save the environment is on. Not that I want to drone on about the negative, but this full Moon and the last several days of February indicate some type of unstable weather phenomena, such as big winds and probable calamities on the high seas or in the mountains. According to the Vedic Chart, at the time of the new Moon on February 9, our collective mindset will be in a cautionary mode and our collective jaw may be set and determined to truly strive to adhere to the most stringent measures possible to safeguard the land and seas. There might be a move on in higher places to winnow the Neanderthals and get up to speed with taking care of business.

You’re on the verge of some important discoveries that will come your way throughout the spring. In the meantime, you can expand your social contacts by joining with groups and societies that have similar interests. This is a good time to mix and mingle.

Work and relationships are the main focus throughout February. Heart-to-heart talks may help in clearing any resentments or grudges. Conditions change for the better towards the end of the month. The key ingredient is communication.

Travel plans materialize. Opportunities to write, publish and study emerge. Expect a demanding month. Pace yourself and watch you don’t get embroiled in a conflict. The energy is intense and highly charged. Diplomacy, patience and kind words are needed to get you through successfully.

Your interests take a turn towards the deeper and more mysterious subjects like reincarnation and other eastern beliefs. Travel could be in the works. Academia, publishing and matters of the higher mind come into play. A transformative process is in the works.

There may be some tough hurdles to overcome regarding personal or joint monies. Land and real estate may figure in as well. This is your solar low of the year and a time in which you should take it easy.

You might need another body in order to handle all that is on your platter throughout February. The key is to set a pace and try to stay within it. Fights, accidents and misunderstandings could manifest. Kindness and patience will get you through safely.

A busy time unfolds as you focus on organizing yourself. Health considerations are at the forefront. You may weigh up the pros and cons regarding family politics. It’s time for some soul searching in order to find the balance.

Matters regarding the home and family come up. Saturn is having an important influence over Scorpio now. He asks you to live with less and let go of the things that are no longer useful. Economize, cut away and trim back where you can.

Ducking controversy is out of the question. It’s too late for that. Now is the time to make a stand for what you believe in. Oh, there will be fights and possible tears, but the air clears and you are able to move forward again.

Saturn, lord of Capricorn and Aquarius, features strongly throughout the days of February. Of course, you are naturally connected to this planet and what others whine about, you do without complaint. Continue your ascent up the mountain and remain open to change.

The Aquarius new Moon on February 9 signals a new start. In addition, Venus visits all month and her influence inspires us towards higher and refined living conditions. It’s time to apply your super will power to the tasks at hand.

Mercury and Mars visit in February, making it a very busy, exciting and challenging time. Set a pace you can handle and refuse to rush. Arguments and incidents could arise. Otherwise, you can expect some excitement as a series of unique developments occur.

January 2012

by Mac McLaughlin | Jan 7, 2013 | Weekly Forecasts

Happy New Year! Out with the old and in with the new is a mantra we’re all familiar with. Now, we are determined to stick to our New Year’s resolutions, which, of course, are generally totally forgotten by early February. Things may be a little different this year, though. The Sun and Pluto conjoin on December 30, 2012, just on the heels of a full Moon to boot. Your vow of commitment and determination to stick to the plan stands a better chance of becoming a reality if we use this planetary aspect as our fulcrum and pole in order to attain our goals. Our emotions are heightened at full Moon time and it probably isn’t the best time to make a vow or promise that we may not be able to keep.

Neptune will visit Pisces for over a decade. It’s a very interesting combination as Neptune is strongly affiliated with Pisces. Neptune represents our connection to the astral world and if this planet is prominent in our birth charts, we will be inclined to work along Neptunian lines. Neptune and Pisces are all about spirituality, devotion, compassion, illusion, film, music, acting and art. Positive Neptune types are inclined to work with the sick and disadvantaged in the world. When Neptune is weak or challenged in a birth chart, we find our con man, drug addict, fake evangelist and other wolves in sheep’s clothing. The oceans and seas are Neptune / Pisces ruled as are all liquids such as oil. I pray it never happens because just one massive oil spill on the coast will change our lives for decades, if not longer. We live in the wild west and it’s probably going to get a lot wilder before any true or lasting peace comes our way. Let’s make peace wherever and however we can. The planet needs a healing.

It is our individual and collective duty to extend love and help to all souls on our precious planet. We must count our sameness and commonalities and shame on the bunch of us if we don’t. The cosmic intent of this Neptune /Pisces energy is to divert us away from the glitter, glitz and gold and to turn us towards higher aspirations such as service, love and devotion. Those born at this time will exhibit an unusual spiritual or psychic quality. Visionaries are needed and they will manifest at this time. We have two ways to go. We can move further into the tangled web of karmic indebtedness or we can learn to love one another and forgive each other. We are one people on one planet and we must learn to get along together.

Your solar tenth house is strongly activated throughout January amping up your professional status. Move towards your goals. Your world is changing and you are changing as never before. Fate and destiny lead the way. You’re on a learning curve and what you learn these days will serve you well, far into the future. Stay original.

Journeys, short and long, may take place this month. You may stay home and still cover a lot of distance internally. You may be longing for changes on a deep spiritual level. Watch what you’re doing on January 7 and 8, as there is potential for mishaps to take place. Patience and kindness work wonders.

The last half of January will be a big improvement compared with the first half of the month. If you have anything of importance to handle or if there is something special you would like to achieve, make your moves on January 21 and 22 for the best possible results.

The Cancer full Moon on December 28, 2012, had Pluto connected to it and it may have brought important changes in your life. The new Moon on January 11 in your opposite sign Capricorn may prompt you to make certain changes in your relationships. Those that support or oppose show up now. Prepare for a brighter future.

You must set a workable pace, as the tempo is sure to speed up as this month moves along. Mars and Saturn lock horns as they both either square or oppose Leo. Most of this intensity will be experienced on January 7and 8. The whole month will have a certain edge of excitement to it.

Your solar fifth house is strongly activated throughout January. The fifth house topics are children, romance, entertainment, investments and gambling. One or more of these topics should be activated now. Jupiter sits at the top of your solar chart enhancing professional and career interests. Your prospects for advancement are strong. Promotional strategies play out well.

Matters related to home, family and real estate take up your time in the first few weeks of January. It would be a good time to conduct any type of research on the family tree. Heady topics such as law, philosophy, spirituality and politics will be on the menu. Travel plans are in the works.

Saturn slows down in January, becoming retrograde mid-February in your sign. Most people do not like the heavy influences of Saturn while others thrive and even excel under this planet’s guidance. Striving for a degree, studying hard while others are partying and generally sacrificing and living carefully is what this Saturn transit is all about.

Jupiter is a planet associated with abundance and good luck. There’s another side to Jupiter when it is not well situated in a birth chart that can indicate waste and carelessness. Jupiter becomes stationary in your opposite sign Gemini at the end of the month. This is an important time of decisions regarding relationships.

The late December 2012 full Moon may have provided you with a glimpse into the hidden works of a situation. It is not a light, airy-fairy time period. The Capricorn new Moon on January 11 bodes very well and will bring on a new phase of internal transformation, growth and development in your life.

Dynamic and feisty Mars moves through Aquarius this month bringing enthusiasm and action your way. Mars tangles with Saturn as they square off January 6 to 8. Difficult circumstances may develop and tempers could flare as frustrations boil over. My hint is to stay chill and if given lemons, make lemonade.

It’s a blessing in this lifetime to experience Neptune’s visit to Pisces. Magical, mystical, mysterious scenarios come and go like clouds. Dive into the pool of dreams and diversions, adventure and excitement. You may feel strongly motivated to serve, help and heal wherever you can. Artists and musicians will probably receive inspiration from on high.

December 2012

by Mac McLaughlin | Dec 4, 2012 | Weekly Forecasts

We start the month off with a Sun / Jupiter opposition on December 2. The Sun and Jupiter are friends and fiery brothers in the planetary scheme. Jupiter’s influence brings good luck, abundance and good timing into play. The spirit of good will, trust and honour manifests at these times. If you are born within a few days of this date or around June 1, the Sun and Jupiter’s effects will be experienced strongly in the form of opportunities for expansion, growth and development. You are in the right place at the right time. The downside of this planetary exchange is that of waste, overconfidence and over expenditures. Going out on the proverbial limb is a classic description of this planetary aspect. Matters related to law and politics come strongly into play.

I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but a big storm is brewing and it is all about the proposed pipeline and threats to our pristine waters and land. Some of us think it is a done deal while others are thinking no way for any amount of dollars. The line is drawn in the sand and whether pro or con, our futures and the futures of our children and grandchildren are at stake. The Sun / Jupiter opposition is a prime type of planetary aspect that puts these types of questions to all of us and we must soon decide what is best for the future. Mercury the trickster and Neptune the magician square off on December 11. I’m not sure what you might do about it, but I personally would not sign anything important as mistakes and distortions may very well cloud the picture.

Misunderstandings and confusion, along with lies and deceit, are on the cosmic menu for a few days surrounding December 11. The Sagittarius new Moon on December 13 indicates a new start and probable new round of negotiations, meetings, judgements and rulings, etc. The spirit of Sagittarius connects us to higher consciousness, competitiveness, fairness, freedom and education for everyone. The Sagittarius new Moon prompts us to look at the big picture and the long view. It is time to weigh up how we’re really doing and truly make the changes that need to be made in order to find the balance. “Charity begins at home” was a favourite expression of my guru. He meant that we must forgive ourselves and extend love, forgiveness, kindness, charity and compassion to all living souls. We’re God’s children and God resides in each and every one of us. Let’s find a common ground and work towards equanimity, peace and harmony.

You are a diamond in the rough, multifaceted, multitalented and just needing polish. Complications, delays and endless details bore you to death. You are basically intuitive and instinctive. Now, you must call upon your natural gifts to get you through the next several years. Fate and destiny play a big hand.

You cannot live off of the fat, all of the time. Now is the time to economize, trim down and rid yourself of any waste. It is also time to take a long look at the relationships in your life. The meaning and value of life deepens as the days pass. It’s a time of marriage or divorce.

Jupiter, king of the Gods, continues his Gemini visit until late June 2013. He offers up an opportunity to expand your awareness. There is an intrinsic spirituality and angelic quality that many Geminis possess. You can reflect on the past and all that has happened in your life. Now, the urge for freedom becomes very strong.

Moon-ruled, you are emotional, sensitive and very attached to your family. You are also very strong minded and tenacious. With Mars and Pluto moving through your opposite sign Capricorn, it may be wise to take it easy and avoid confrontation. A soft reply turns away wrath. It is time to get your house in order.

It’s time to do what you do best, which is to razzle-dazzle, mix and mingle, glad-hand, back-slap and wink and nod, tell a joke or two as you work the crowd. New and old friends come into the mix and it is time for you to play and travel.

Your solar fourth and tenth houses are activated. These houses represent your home and career activities. A busy time is indicated as you work towards expanding your career interests. Land and real estate may come into the play. Partnership potential is very strong. Keep perfecting your skills. Opportunities for advancement and growth are close at hand.

You can never really satiate Libra’s dynamic sense of intellectual curiosity. Now, an opportune time has arrived in which you can satisfy your hunger to learn and explore. December offers up opportunities for travel. Matters related to writing, education and publishing come strongly into play. Social, political and legal topics are on the agenda.

A loving parent’s instinct is to protect and nurture their offspring. When the little one doesn’t want to wash behind his ears, rest assured, mom or dad will do it for him. Saturn is a stern taskmaster. He visits Scorpio for the next two years. His instinct and objective are to keep you safe and clean.

The Sagittarius new Moon on December 13 signals a fresh start. It’s time to review and renew your perspective. Take your time, as the picture may not be clear until late December. Interesting and important news arrives around December 17 and matters of the heart take precedence on December 22. Christmas brings powerful revelations and realizations.

The winter solstice on December 21 heralds your solar high of the year. It may not feel too high as you weather a few dynamic planetary aspects, though. December 25 can be a day of surprises and possible shocks. The full Moon on December 28 may precipitate important decisions and changes in your life.

Knowledge without incorporating wisdom is likened to a donkey with a load of books on his back. They’re not doing him any good. It’s not what you know, but what you do with what you know that is of importance. The old soundtrack has been wiped clean. It’s time to go in a new direction.

Nothing is real and everything is surreal with Neptune visiting Pisces. Neptune connects us to higher consciousness and to realities beyond our intellectual scope. Your desire to help those less fortunate is stronger than ever. Artists, actors, musicians, healers, dreamers and dancers will receive the higher influences of Neptune. The angelic, saintly ones will manifest now.