March 2016

by Mac McLaughlin | Mar 1, 2016 | Weekly Forecasts

In western tropical astrology, the single most important date in which we can gage the prevailing energy of the year is the spring equinox. This year, it takes place on March 19, at 9:31 PM. The position and condition of the planets at that time offer us a look at how the year will play out. Traditionally, January 1 is heralded as the beginning of the new year, but astrologically, it has always been the spring equinox. So Happy New Year to one and all.

Now, let’s get down to the bones of this equinox chart and see what the stars decree.

The predominant feature is a square aspect between Jupiter and Saturn. (Ninety degree square aspects are known to cause tension and stress.) Both planets are not in their best signs by any means. Jupiter sits in Virgo. Imagine a very expansive, broad stroke of this brush-like planet situated in a sign of minute detail and great modesty. It’s sort of like a blustery, swaggering, self-centred biker showing up at a symphony orchestra. The two just don’t gel together at all. Twhen we have Saturn, known as a very conservative tightly wrapped planetary energy, in the free flowing, let it all hang out sign of Sagittarius. Again, the energies don’t and won’t gel easily. Jupiter’s energy is expansive while Saturn is contractive.

Locally, we have an out of control housing market with no end in sight. Could greed be the villain? Take a look at the legal system with its “Club Fed” ideology, in which the criminals go into hysterics just thinking about it. Imagine we can rob, kill and plunder and end up in the pen for a few years where we can go horseback riding, fish and play golf. Yes, I’m being ludicrous, but the wheel is squeaking loudly and surely needs attention and repair. Symbolically, Saturn represents coal and when we compress coal for millions of years, it becomes a diamond, which is symbolized by Jupiter. In essence, the prevailing times indicate a tightening of the belt and a readjustment economically, all the way around. I just picked out a couple of scenarios involving housing and legal concerns, but this planetary energy can be applied to all situations that make up the fabric of our society. The remedy is finding the middle road, sprinkled with patience, tolerance and hopefully some ability to look down the road and play the long game. We will be here and so will our children and grandchildren so let’s build a future for all of them.

The dominant planetary energy affecting your sign is revolutionary Uranus and he is on-board until March 2019. Ready or not, he brings what is new, of which we had no clue, and right out of the blue. In essence, changes come into our lives at a rapid pace. Become what you aspire towards and stay original.

Jupiter and Pluto cast fine energy into your sign, bringing on a time in which you can put your life together, just the way you want it to be. It’s not all roses and lollipops by any means; there might even be a few tears shed along the way and some goodbyes as well.

Read the intro regarding Jupiter and Saturn for they are having a major effect on your sign. It’s about finding the balance in all things. Cut back and throw away anything that is not worthy. Your house may seem empty for a while, but you will have your sanity, health and happiness intact.

You are morphing into something new and while the process is unfolding, you may feel like you are dying. It’s the old ego that is dying and sometimes that is painful, but necessary. The outcome, though, is joyous and beautiful. You have a special purpose in this life and soon you will connect with it.

Saturn and Uranus are casting their respective energies into your sign. Saturn, although sobering, helps us with the work of cleaning up our old karmic debts and scrubs us clean. Uranus pushes us into the future with brand new skills and all kinds of new adventures to seek out and discover. Onwards and upwards.

Virgo Rocky Marciano, who never lost a fight, had true grit and he just never gave up. That’s my advice for you, as two powerful forces – namely Jupiter and Rahu – move through your sign. Both energies are plenty capable of making you into something quite fantastic, if you wish, and if you have true grit.

A lunar eclipse takes place in your sign on March 23, illuminating what it is that must be done in order to bring the scales to balance. As the Sun moves through your opposite sign, Aries, opportunities will arise in which you can make important changes to your lifestyle. Communication is key to the whole process.

There’s a strong focus on health matters and your health matters more than any other thing. Not just your body, but your spirit as well. It all has to work together and now the universe is offering up a time in which you can make some truly important changes, dietary-wise and lifestyle-wise.

Mars and Saturn are journeying through Sagittarius. Mars brings energy and Saturn holds it back. So life may be that way for a while. Move ahead, fall back and the dance continues. Read the intro regarding Jupiter’s square with Saturn, as it is important for your sign. Find the balance in all things.

Karma runs the show. Now, one of the biggest karmic agents in the heavens is paying close attention: namely Pluto. The important thing is that Pluto can bring great riches, fame and power or it can lead one to total destruction. It is of utmost importance that you have your priorities right and straight.

Co-rulers Saturn and Uranus cast very good energy into your sign. Saturn helps to stabilize and harmonize all of life’s concerns, while Uranus brings on the elements of innovation and creativity. You can just cruise along and enjoy the scenery or you can strive to truly make something of yourself. Make hay while the Sun shines.

Venus and Neptune continue their visit to Pisces offering up love and creative energy. It’s time to decide what is most important and worthy for yourself. Curb all excesses and eliminate that which is not worthy, productive or healthy. Legal concerns could materialize so be wise and stay on the straight and narrow path.

February 2016

by Mac McLaughlin | Feb 3, 2016 | Weekly Forecasts

It’s not about what the stars are doing to you, but what you are doing to the stars. Think about it. The planetary positions at your birth hail and herald exactly who you are, along with which forms of karma you bring with you into this life, in accordance with the positive and negative qualities you created in previous incarnations. Following this line of thinking, we are creating our future horoscope by our thoughts and actions in this lifetime. Our bad actions create chains of iron, while our good thoughts and deeds create chains of gold. Point being that whatever we do here in our Earthly sojourn creates chains and, as we know, chains are meant to bind and hold us in slavery to our minds and senses.

According to the Sat Guru, we left our true home – high above the starry firmament in Sach Khand – approximately four billion years ago. Imagine that! We have been away from our true abode and have taken form as rock, tree, insect, bird, animal and human as we work our way through the cosmic phenomena called Awagawan, the coming and going of the soul in its myriad forms, in accordance to karmic law. We constantly and continuously spin the web of destiny by our actions as we reap what we have sown in the past and prepare our future with what we are sowing now. Although seemingly nearly overwhelmingly frightful, it is a plan the creator put together to teach the souls about love – and only love. The saints teach us that God is love and love is God and that the way back to God is through love. It’s all too true.

Wearing the astrologer’s hat for over four decades has taught me that no one is happy. When the soul becomes tired and weary and has had enough and cries out to the Lord for help is when things truly begin to change. That is when the Lord sends his emissaries to scoop up the souls that have cried out for relief and want to journey back home to the true abode of permanent love, light and bliss. We came from the regions of bliss and we must return there one day or another. That bliss and consciousness is in all life forms – in the birds and animals to lesser degrees; nonetheless, they seek the same love and bliss. It’s the reason we should love all creatures and treat them all with the greatest respect for they are our brothers and sisters in light and life. Only love will do.

Let the wild flower grow in the dark and when it’s ready it can show its beauty to the world. You’re the wild flower now and it’s time for you to create as never before. Be who you are and stay original and the answers will come of their own accord. Career potential is great.

Travel and career interests dominate the scene. Intense times are indicated. Don’t lead with your horns and allow others to have their say. Deep spiritual questions come up and it’s high time to contemplate and consider what is real and of true value. Dollars and trinkets won’t do. Dig deep and get to the truth.

Gemini is known as the sign of youth and many Geminis retain their youthful appearance into their later years. Regardless of your chronological age, you may feel old and a tad weary these days. Not to worry, as this too shall pass. It’s time to seek and discover. Journeys are probable and spiritual enlightenment possible.

Crabs love to dig and now the time has come for you to dig deep in your quest for discovery, truth and true understanding of the nature of things. People come and people go and you may say goodbye to someone now. Lasting legacies are made and cherished for many years to come.

As the Sun moves through Aquarius, it heralds your solar low of the year. It may be wise to lay low and make yourself a small target. Bluff and bluster won’t really wash right now and you would get called on your game. Compassion, patience and honesty comprise the recipe for smooth sailing. Re-invent yourself now.

Luck and fate factors are huge for Virgo right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if a Virgo wins the power ball lottery or some other huge windfall. Of course, the greatest windfall of all is spiritual enlightenment. It’s the only treasure you can take with you when you transcend your body. Make the right call.

Home, family, land and real estate are the big features right now, as are love and creativity. It’s also a time of research and discovery along with discipline and hard work. You may not mind and you may thrive on it all. Someone completely different shakes you up and changes your world.

Lord Mars visits throughout the month providing courage and energy. No one will ever doubt your relentless effort and determination and now’s the time to truly put it in gear and move towards your goals. Keep in mind a soft reply turns away wrath. Make this your mantra, as things may get testy and tense.

A corralled horse champs at the bit longing for the freedom of the open plains. You may feel like that horse these days. Anxiety and little energy are the general complaints when Saturn is around. Saturn’s presence, although not comforting, brings very important lessons and etches wisdom and patience into our soul. Suck it up.

Pluto’s presence brings on a time of great transition and regeneration. To some, he bestows wealth and power; others he takes to a higher plane. It is a time of birthing and dying. Not so much physical dying, but the dying off of what is old and no longer useful.

Saturn and Uranus, co-rulers of Aquarius, are casting good energy your way, providing wisdom and creativity. Now all you have to do is use it. Fixed signs like Aquarius find it difficult to make changes when necessary. Point, counter point scenarios are bound to happen now. Keep your sword sharp and leave it in its scabbard.

Dreamy dreamers, drug dealers, con hustlers, spiritual warriors, renunciates, artists, illusionists, magicians, musicians, spinmeisters and actors can reap the best benefits of Neptune’s passage through Pisces until the beginning of 2026. You can swim in the illusions and attractions that this world offers or opt to go much higher into the realms of true spirituality.

January 2016

by Mac McLaughlin | Jan 4, 2016 | Weekly Forecasts

It might be worth our while to take a deep look at the intrinsic meanings of Capricorn and its ruling planet Saturn. Deeply embedded religious beliefs and laws come under the heading of Saturn/Capricorn. Chronos (Father Time) carried a scythe and was known as the grim reaper, associated with death, poverty, pestilence and disease. Saturn seeks to correct, cleanse and purify. He rules magistrates and lawyers, along with fathers, husbands, bosses and others that seek to lead and rule. Saturn/Capricorn represents the structures we expect to remain the same, unchanged throughout time. Sounds like sour grapes and castor oil mixed into one.

The above commentary is a pretty general description of this dreary planetary energy. No wonder people from the east and west fear Saturn and dread the news of his arrival. He is a wet blanket and can certainly put a damper on our good spirits. No doubt, he has been behind the pain and suffering of every religious or political crusade that has ever manifested on our planet throughout all time. Pray my way or die. Comply, surrender, straighten out and fly right is the message of this heavy-handed, hooded messenger.

Probably got you depressed by now, but lets take another approach to what is behind this seemingly very harsh planetary deity. Saturn is very connected to nature, purity and wholesomeness. What Saturn has always tried to teach us is to live a life of purity and simplicity. The closer to nature we live, the healthier and happier we become. Likened to a loving father, he wants only the best for his children and will go to extreme means to keep them clean and safe. This Capricorn energy is on board and we will be imbibing of this energy for many years to come. Pluto visits Capricorn until November 2024 and this energy alone signals great changes on the planet. Saturn/Capricorn resists changes while Pluto is the planet of inevitable regeneration and transformation. By the spring of 2020, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto are in Capricorn and it might very well spell out a time in which we experience the greatest changes and challenges to our way of life. Uranus will be in Taurus at that time, another harbinger that nothing will remain the same and all is due to change. Mainly, we must do our part and tote our grain of sand to the common pile. “What to do?” you might ask? Simplify, purify, stay close to nature and give love to one and all.

You are very good at promoting, instigating and pioneering ways to move into the future. You accomplish these objectives by staying true to yourself and striving to simplify and disentangle the complicated knots we have tied ourselves with. The next several years will bring myriad opportunities for you create something totally original and exciting.

The initial spark of genius that Aries ignites, Taurus sustains and solidifies. In the summer of 2018, Uranus will visit Taurus until 2026. These are the years of your greatest changes and challenges. Your genius may be showing in those years and it may be a highly prolific, creative, artistic and innovative time. Start now.

Death and taxes: two topics that most of us would rather skip over, ignore or hope would go away. But no way – they’re on board and must be dealt with. The present planetary positions are indicating a time in which you might be looking at all kinds of deep topics, including mysticism and spirituality.

A great transformative energy is taking place. Life may be full of complexities, some hidden and some not. Power plays and powerful days unfold in which you get to see who is loyal or not. Births and deaths, wills and legacies, deep loves and profound memories are made. Be clean and let your works be seen.

Sparks could fly in the first week of January. It won’t take much for you or others to lose their cool and it may be wise to follow the axiom, “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” Negotiations regarding business, romance and children come up throughout the month. Travel to exotic locations may be considered as well.

It’s time to rethink the plan and do what Virgo does best, which is to analyze any particular thing down to its very core. While you’re doing all this super brain work, keep in mind it’s also time to consider just where you’re at on the level of spirituality and your relationship to the creator.

January is a highly creative month for Libra. Not so much in the sense of output and production, but in how you shape your world. It might be time to weigh up your relationships and see which ones are worthy and worth continuing. It’s time to go deep within the sanctum of your soul.

Lord Mars visits your sign until early March providing much needed energy, strength and confidence. You may feel as though you have had the stuffing kicked out of you over the last few years, but now you’re on the mend and back to your old self again. Set your gaze on the target and move forward.

Now’s the time for some deep introspection regarding matters of the heart. Sagittarius holds the highest ideals and when they’re not met it can cause a bit of depression. On the other hand, when you have your priorities right you can fly high like no other. Love and career considerations are the dominant topics.

Certain aspects of life are being revealed. Things you may never have considered are coming up and must be handled. Not half way, but all the way. As my beloved guru has taught us, “Don’t waste the capital you have been given.” Money, name and fame won’t do it, but devotion to higher consciousness will.

The full Moon on January 23 and a few days either side of this date will help illuminate what must be done in order for you to feel you have yourself together, balanced and copacetic. Much is happening behind the scenes and soon enough what was hidden will come to light. Give love and forgiveness.

When the cup is full, it cannot receive. Yes, you may have it all and feel empty at the same time. The problem stems from not taking care of your spiritual life. A muscle not used will atrophy and so it is with our soul currents. They need daily exercise, care, devotion, meditation and love.

December 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Dec 1, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

The winter solstice takes place on December 21 at 8:49 PM (PST). For people today, the solstice probably has a lot less significance than for people born in ancient times. A couple of weeks after the solstice, it becomes very apparent the days are lengthening, bringing hope and anticipation of the Sun once again bringing its warmth and new life. I imagine the winter solstice was the original celebration and that it eventually morphed into the Christmas of modern times: Christ Mass, the celebration of light and new life.

If you were to take a look at ancient societies, you’d find they put great emphasis on the solstice and equinox times, as they heralded the beginning of the seasons. Speaking of light and celebrations, this Christmas Day is also a full Moon day, with the Moon being in the sign of Cancer. The Moon rules Cancer and this combination of the Moon being in its own sign is perfect for family gatherings in which we share our love and generosity with our family members. It is also a time of giving our love and care to those in our extended family, including the folks in our community that may be experiencing less fortunate times and to all of God’s children and the creatures that share life on our precious planet.

Mercury, the planet of communications, is in perfect Triangle with Jupiter, the planet of generosity, philosophy and spirituality. It means we have an opportunity to be expansive and generous for, as we know, the gift is within the act of giving, not in receiving. One day, we will be wise enough to perceive that God’s love and light is manifest in all living creatures and thusly they are deserving of our greatest love and respect. There is gold in everyone and every one is golden. All life is precious. In the Golden Age, the souls lived in peace and practised non-violence in thought, word and deed. The last several days of December carry a certain tension to them; we know the holidays can often be filled with tension and for some there can be despair especially when we add alcohol and white powder drugs into the mix. The only way we can cure violence in our society is to strive to live non-violently and to give more and more love. Love is the only commodity that increases when we give it out.

Let up on the gas pedal, especially in the first half of December as there are a few hairy planetary aspects going on that can spell disaster in a heartbeat. December 5, 10, 19 and 20 are tricky days in which anything can happen and probably will. Measure twice, cut once; otherwise, good times are indicated.

The winter solstice on December 21 carries some big magic for Taurus. A series of fine planetary aspects takes place bringing serendipitous events and happy times. Christmas Day looks good. It’s time to bring your loved ones together and celebrate and to give thanks for everything. Interesting news arrives on December 7, regarding family or finances.

You may feel a little lead-footed as you head into December. Gemini relates to the blue sky and rainbows and would rather skip over the tedious and boring details that life offers up at times. It is time to nurture yourself, to go slow and let the gnarly knots work themselves out – and they will.

Christmas Day is highlighted by a full Moon in your sign. As we know, the full Moon brings the high tides and this full Moon may bring a heightened time into your life. It is time to celebrate and give thanks for all we have been given. Take some time to take care of yourself.

You get a cosmic pass in which you can wield your way throughout most of December. It is a good time to sort things out and to plan for the future. Set up a health regime and follow it. If you have any organizing to do, the time is right to set things right.

Lord Mercury and expansive Jupiter create a very nice triangular pattern on Christmas Day. You cannot ask for a better set of astrological circumstances. Mercury is about communications, agreements and negotiations while Jupiter rules trust and timing. Others are impressed with your warmth, love and generosity. Overall, it is a time of abundance and gratitude.

Energy is heightened on December 5 and 6 as the Moon, Mars and Pluto mix things up. You can mess things up if you’re not careful with your reactions to highly charged situations or you can clear things up by using your Venusian wit, charm and wisdom. The Libra Moon highlights New Year’s Eve.

Venus smoothes the way through most of December. She brings, warmth, light and love – or, at least, the opportunity for you to assess what it is you really need in order to bring harmony and accord into your life. December 7 and 8 are special days as the Moon moves through your sign.

A shift takes place on December 10 and 11. Stay open and willing to roll with the changes, whatever they may be. It might just be the end of a situation you have endured for some time. It might also be the start of something new and exciting. Sometimes, letting go is difficult, but necessary.

The Sun’s entrance into Capricorn on December 21 heralds your solar high of the year. A great transformative energy is on board and you must make the best of it. Jupiter and Pluto are casting great energy into your sign bestowing wealth and leadership. Figure out what you want to do and go for it.

Lord Saturn steadies the ship as he casts a fine aspect into your sign. You can set up a plan and work with it. The Sun moves through Capricorn starting December 21 and allows for some behind-the-scenes work to be accomplished. The full Moon on Christmas day will help illuminate your pathway.

Pisces is one of the most magical signs of the zodiac and you may have a sense that magical things are happening. It is a time of spiritual transformation and re-evaluation. Lord Jupiter and co-ruler Neptune are activated strongly indicating that timing and destiny are playing their parts and now you must play yours.

November 2015

by Mac McLaughlin | Nov 1, 2015 | Weekly Forecasts

Astrologers are a bit phobic regarding the defense of their chosen profession and they take strident measures to prove the validity of their sacred science. We just can’t get any respect, especially from the scientific and business communities. I encountered a prominent scientist a few years ago at a garden party and when I told him I was an astrologer, he blinked so rapidly I thought he was going to pass out. I’m sure he thought I was pulling his leg with the outrageous prospect of actually being an astrologer. It was similar to the reaction one would get if they said they had spotted a Sasquatch.

So here I sit on Thanksgiving Day (October 12) pondering what to write about for November. I have taken a very long look at Stephen Harper’s horoscope and the charts for Justin Trudeau and Thomas Mulcair. Trudeau is the only one with a valid birth time while Harper shows an exact midnight birth, which is dubious at best. It would be rare to be born right at the top of the hour and a few minutes of time can mean so very much in the accuracy of predicting events. Mulcair’s birth time is not known and getting that information from a Scorpio is like trying to milk a dead cow. By now, the results are in and the world knows who is at the helm of Canada’s top spot. Philosophically, I would like to see Trudeau run the show and shake things up. Interestingly, his chart shows a demarcation in how he runs his life. He is experiencing the Uranus opposition that occurs around 42 to 43 years of age. It indicates a time of revolution and dynamic change. Uranus happens to be passing over his Moon, which is another indicator that his life is in the midst of profound changes. Of course, if he is the new Prime Minister, his life will change dynamically and dramatically and his chart is indicating just that. Offering any type of prediction for Harper and Mulcair would be guessing at best.

On a completely different topic, Venus and Mars spend most of November moving though Libra. This is a great planetary combination for justice, balance, relationships, marriages, romance, love and all forms of creativity. Saturn and Neptune are 90 degrees apart, constituting a square aspect that will extend throughout most of 2016. It indicates a time of probable confusion and distortion – did I mention confusion? It may take us a while to get ourselves together and find our direction as a nation as we ponder our choice of bombs or extended arms.

Venus and Mars cast their glance from across the sky bringing excitement, challenge, change and romance. Wow, sounds like big fun! If you’re already settled in, married or partnered up, this lively combination can spice things up. Aries’ biggest danger is always boredom and restlessness and those two things are not on the cosmic menu.

It’s time for a little soul searching. My bet is there’s a whole lot of things to be soul searching about. Matters like shared monies, death and taxes, inheritances, health, work and career are just some of the topics that need your keen attention. Then again, it just might be time to let down a bit.

The full Moon on November 25 will illuminate your inner horizon in order for you to see what is what and what must be done in order to set the ship on a steady course. Resources may be a bit tight and other problematic areas need attention. Not tension, but redirection, and planning and balance are called for.

The first half of the month runs a little smoother than the second half. Mercury and the Sun cast triangular energies your way providing inspiration. The crab spends a lot of time in the surf dealing with the ever-changing tides. Ride the waves and continue to adapt and adjust to what comes your way.

The skies brighten in late November after a dreary start to the month. You may ponder a major relocation or spiritual direction. Relate, communicate and negotiate are the keys to finding your way into the future. Going over the past regarding family – and especially children – may take up some of your time and energy.

The skies brighten in late November after a dreary start to the month. You may ponder a major relocation or spiritual direction. Relate, communicate and negotiate are the keys to finding your way into the future. Going over the past regarding family – and especially children – may take up some of your time and energy.

Venus and Mars liven up the place as they move through your sign most of the month. Romantic and creative energies are high and it is time for you to do your thing. It may not be all roses and lollipops and there might even be a few bruises – and you may not mind.

The new Moon on November 11 heralds a new start in a new direction. You may be honing your skills and regathering your confidence as you shake off Saturn’s heavy lessons of the last few years. Time heals everything and it just gets better as we move towards year’s end. Your star is shining again.

The full Moon on November 25 is important and significant. It will help you get in touch with many factors of your life. The areas that need the most work will be illuminated strongly, such as career objectives or limitations. It’s not a Sagittarius thing, but you may have to learn to economize, strategize and compromise.

Pluto’s presence may be felt rather strongly. He has a profound effect when he moves through your sign. Pluto will be in Capricorn until 2024. He bestows great power and wealth, but he can bring our ruination if we abuse his powers. Humility and compassion are the right ingredients, while dominance and control ruin everything.

Your career sector gets a boost as the Scorpio new Moon on November 11 unfolds its power across the top of your solar chart. Venus and Mars lend a hand as well as they cast positive triangular energy into your sign most of the month. Saturn also helps in stabilizing the ship.

It might be time for a career change or there may be honours coming your way for work well done. I guess honours can give a boost to your career anyway. Lord Jupiter casts very supportive energy as well, practically ensuring a breakthrough or some sort of fortuitous timing of events. Move forward with confidence.