September 2016

by Mac McLaughlin | Sep 2, 2016 | Weekly Forecasts

We’ll be riding out a couple of eclipses this month. In olden times, an eclipse would strike fear into the hearts of those for whom the eclipse was visible. I don’t think we have much to fear, though. The September eclipses are not visible in our region. What is of importance is that the Sun and Moon are in hard aspect with Mars and Saturn at the time of the solar eclipse on September 1. Saturn has a tendency to slow things down and bind things up while Mars stirs things up. Interpreted, it indicates a possible slow-down with the economy and business in general. As we head into the Labour Day weekend, we may experience all kinds of traffic snarls along with accidents and incidents. The remedy: keep your cool and don’t get sucked into hot-headed, knee-jerk reactions, as they could prove costly. Patience and more patience – minus alcohol and drugs – will help the situation.

On the bright side, the best thing to do is relax and ride out the planetary storms, so to speak. We’re getting ready for the fall season and everyone is jockeying for position. Start early, leave early and take your time. Things will heat up and intensify at the time of the lunar eclipse on September 16. Again, fiery Mars has his finger in the pie and when he’s around tempers seem to flare and egos become bloated. All in all, September promises to be hot and possibly heavy as the war of words and nerves continues on with the US presidential elections looming on the horizon. “The Donald” will no doubt create more controversy as he lets fly with a barrage of maligned comments that will send people into a frenzy. No doubt, the haters and warmongers will be carrying on with their distorted agenda of hate for all things and people not of their liking. Nothing new here.

Something we can do, though, is to give more love, more consideration and more help to those around us. It’s what we really need and will always need. Love is the only commodity that increases when given out; all other forms of fgiving lead to depletion. The September skies invoke the spirit of Virgo, which is the sign of service, healing and caring. The September 16 full Moon is the harvest Moon, in which we gather in the crops, put them up and prepare for the colder days of fall and winter. It’s time to plan and organize.

The two benefic planets, Venus and Jupiter, will be casting fine energy into your sign throughout September. They bring the promise of good times, love and lucky breaks your way. Even the two heavies, Mars and Saturn, cast good energy into Aries helping to steady and stabilize many aspects of your life. Get moving.

Money and health will be on your mind. It seems we can’t do much without either of them. Joint monies, shared and inherited monies and legalities may dominate the scene. Your instinct is to put it all together – and you should. Work on your health, namely, for without it money won’t matter much.

September may prove intense in all kinds of ways. The eclipse cycles, along with Mars and Saturn, will be a handful to handle. Kindness, compassion and patience are the remedies for September’s maladies. There are plenty of opportunities to use this energy to clear the air and get things straightened out. Use your time wisely.

Health, family, home, land and real estate dominate the scene for Cancer this month. It’s a whirlwind time and you won’t have much time for daydreaming or lazing around. Hubba hubba. Take advantage of this opportunity to get a whole lot done. Scholastics, sales, applications and publications are at the forefront. You can do this.

The planetary energy in September goes like this. You can admire a brand new car or you can get in it and drive it away. All you have to do is turn the key. Interpreted, it means you can be successful, but you must make a dynamic effort in order to make it all happen.

It’s your time to shine. September is not so much about results, but very much about what it is you would truly like to accomplish. Two eclipses in Virgo this month indicate a most powerful time has arrived, in which your life may shift or change significantly. Diligence and hard work are required.

Venus visits Libra until September 23, casting its lovely energy your way. Venus enhances life, bringing love, creativity, beauty and resources. Her presence certainly brightens the picture. Jupiter visits Libra for one year starting September 9. Travel, expansion and good fortune are his general attributes. It’s your time. Make the best use of it.

The past we cannot change and the future will never come, but we can do so much in the present to shape the future. It’s that kind of time now for Scorpio – hard work, burning the midnight oil while others party and play. When success comes your way, everyone marvels and wonders how you did it.

You’re going to have to bite the bullet, tighten your belt and basically trim off the fat or any type of excessiveness. No, it’s not a pleasant task, but it’s a must-must scenario. Legalities, limitations and frustrations keep you somewhat corralled this month. The clouds part and the bright, warm Sun shines again.

Travel to distant places in indicated. Spirituality figures strongly. One way or the other, you’re in the midst of a huge transformative process. Career opportunities loom on the horizon. Be clean and let your works be seen; it’s the best way to roll. Negotiations come up and it is important you don’t sell short.

Soul plus mind equals man. Soul minus mind equals God. It’s time for you to go deep and break through with an understanding of these deep, spiritual truths. Money, name and fame will not get you through to the light. A time of research and discovery is at hand. A high probability of travel comes up.

The solar and lunar eclipses in Virgo this month might have a profound effect on your sign as well. Illumination is indicated. It’s time to take stock of what is real and important and to truly make an effort to make changes in your life. The results of your efforts are peace, love and tranquillity.

July – August 2016

by Mac McLaughlin | Jul 11, 2016 | Weekly Forecasts

The planetary deities are in constant dialogue. Astrology is one part science, and another part art. When a student truly learns the basic science of astrology, he or she sets off on the path of learning the art of interpretation. This journey can take decades, and tons of experience to hone one’s skills. The only way of accomplishing this task is to dive right in to the deep end of the cosmic pool. If the astrologer has done their homework and paid their dues with diligent study over the years they can deliver seemingly magical and exceptionally helpful information and knowledge to their clients.

Each planet has it’s basic meaning and quality. This quality may be altered by the planet’s association and aspects with other planets. As an example, Venus represents love, beauty, kindness, caring and all things of a refined nature. Now if Venus has hard aspects from planets like Saturn, Mars or Pluto, that refinement will be marred or distorted in some way. It wouldn’t be much of a stretch if the astrologer mentioned that marriage could be delayed, or divorce or abuse could be experienced when Venus is afflicted. In the client’s mind they’re wondering how the astrologer knew that they had just been through a serious breakup.

If a person has a very prominent Jupiter in their chart it will be highly likely that they will be considered very lucky, likeable, affable, funny, well educated etc. A while ago, a lucky Jupiter type came in for her reading. Yes she had just been through an amicable divorce, in which she got to keep several houses and the Maserati! I don’t think she has worked a day in her life and is exceptionally fortunate. On another day a person with a very afflicted Saturn comes through the door, and the tale of woe, loss and sacrifice is heavy and often times sad. The horoscope is a cosmic road map that helps us to see and confirm just what the stars decree. The astrologer’s task is to help people to understand the script that they wrote for themselves through the previous incarnations. Sometimes we’ll come across a Saturnian person that has a very excellent life of purity, peace and harmony. We may also come across a Jupiter type that is a total mess steeped in greed and excess. The stars incline and compel, and we have 75% fate karma and 25% free will to forge our future and stabilize our present status. Shakespeare’s “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings”, says it nicely.

We’re making a few changes here at CG and the July and August columns will be rolled into one column. December and January columns will be amalgamated as well. The dominant planetary feature in August will the conjunction of Mars and Saturn. They are both considered to be malefic planets and we may very well see some fiery dramas unfold throughout the month in the form of fires, accidents, gang activity, terrorism and other forms of chaos. Mars and Saturn will be in square aspect with Neptune indicating disasters at sea or other concerns of a water borne nature. It’s unfortunate that the security forces here and in other countries don’t value astrology. A week before the 2010 Vancouver riot I was telling people that it was highly likely that a riot would take place at that time. Even an amateur astrologer would have seen the great potential for danger if presented with the birth chart of the man that killed all those dear souls in Orlando. Mars was moving very slowly, nearly stationary and passing over the Sun in Omar Mateen’s birth horoscope. Mars is the planet ruling war, violence, weapons, aggression and anger, and when moving slowly a planet becomes very powerful for good or ill. If given one hundred birth charts with the identities hidden, an astrologer would probably have picked out his chart knowing that the energy was red hot and if he was a terrorist he would be on the move and very active. Lives could have been saved, and so much suffering avoided if our people in charge only had the wisdom to use the stars properly. It’s a known fact that astrologers have been employed in helping their countries during times of war, as recently as World War II.

In mythology, Aries the Ram had supernatural powers. You might be quite interested in developing your own supernatural qualities. You are a diamond in the rough, and with a little bit of practice you may do wonders. The past figures prominently now. While other signs struggle through August you may sail through the month easily.

If we conducted a study of top-notch chefs, Taurus would be at the top of the list. Family gatherings, picnics and parties are featured. Action and attraction and possible friction are strong probabilities this month. Mercury, Venus and Jupiter cast fine energy your way throughout August, making it a fine month indeed.

Honesty is the best policy. The path ahead could become distorted or confusing. It might be time to let go of things that are no longer worthy, wholesome or healthy. The reward for letting go is freedom, harmony and happiness. Home,land and real estate feature prominently throughout August. Family gatherings are featured.

The New Moon on July 4 indicates a fresh start. You’re in your solar high of the year. Don’t be afraid to make changes, because changes are in the wind, and it is time to do it. Positive planetary energy is onboard, far outweighing any negative influences. Communications and health considerations are on the cosmic menu throughout August.

The pace picks up mid month, and your social calendar fills up as well. It’s never easy for Leo to make changes, but now through August the stars are offering up a time in which you can make changes readily and easily. Mars and Saturn bring energy, courage and sustained effort throughout August.

Here’s a heads up. Take the month of July and seriously contemplate what it is that you would truly love to do. Then implement those plans in August and September. You might even have to readjust your goals along the way, but that’s okay, because you will be on your way to attaining your overall target.

A fruitful time fast approaches. Now it’s summertime and a time to play and enjoy the days. All that changes in September as we take a more serious approach to life’s tasks. August is the time to work behind the scenes, making your plan for Fall. It may be a very good year overall.

Your ruling planet Mars stays in Scorpio until the end of the month. Use this energy to catapult yourself into the future. Move forward fearlessly. Be assured that if you don’t promote yourself, nobody else will do it for you. August is a time to seriously align with the people that you truly resonate with in order to solidify your future.

You might find yourself delving into some pretty deep stuff as Saturn brings on some stark realities. Things get lighter in the second half of the month. Mars joins up with Saturn in August bringing a stronger sense of commitment and determination as you exert your willpower to battle the forces lined up against you.

Some things will go, and some things will stay, but it is a time of letting go, and growing in a new way. The Full Moon on July 19 illuminates the situation. You can gain a lot of yardage in August with Mercury, Venus and Jupiter casting good energy your way. Strike while the iron is hot.

It’s time for a tune up physically and spiritually. You may feel that you’re running on empty, and it would be wise to refuel and refurbish. Conflicting and contrasting energies dominate till the end of the month. Mysteries come up, and secrets are exposed in the month of August. It’s a time of research.

You may be restless, and desiring change. A career shift is likely. Interestingly, you could meet your significant other through your work. Someone that has a good light in them and understands what your all about could be close now. A very active month unfolds throughout August. Read the fine print and listen carefully regarding business deals.

June 2016

by Mac McLaughlin | Jun 3, 2016 | Weekly Forecasts

The month starts off with a mutable Grand Cross. Hmm, sounds important and impressive. Let’s dig into it and see what it’s all about. A Grand Cross takes place when four or more planets form 90-degree angles along the ecliptic. On June 4, the Gemini new Moon squares off with Jupiter and Neptune while opposing Saturn. The new Moon gives us strong hints of the planetary energy that will be on board for the next 30 days. The lights (Sun and Moon) in square with Jupiter bring hints of excessiveness and waste, and the square with Neptune indicates confusion and deception. The opposition of the new Moon with Saturn exposes the mess and tallies the costs and concerns that must be dealt with, corrected and amended.

Now the fun part – how do we decipher what the stars are telling us? Well, let’s back the truck up a bit. The biggest news last month was the monstrous fire in Fort McMurray. Thousands of people lost their homes and all their possessions and Canadians rallied and gave generously. Certainly, this has been a great setback and although painful, costly and unbelievable, we will wake up from this horrible dream and build and restore the community once again.

The present planetary configuration tells the story in star language that the astrologers can decipher in helping us understand the energy unfolding at any given time. Retrograde Mars rises at new Moon time telling us that more fires are highly probable and it may be true that a fire bug or a group with a hateful agenda lurks in the shadows causing untold grief. The full Moon and summer solstice on June 20 will be another harbinger of very dynamic news, as the stars are indicating some type of controversy. Mercury, lord of the full Moon, rises at full Moon time and forms a series of challenging aspects that indicate possible delays with transportation, information and communication. As dramatic as it sounds, it may not be that way. It is more likely we will have our collective sleeves rolled up as we move forward in our effort to solve whatever concerns come our way. Truly, it’s no new news, just life coming down the pike, possibly a little faster than we would like it to be.

Yes, we have our problems, concerns, collusions, collisions and every other type of phenomena to work out, and we will. And we will be better people and a stronger nation when the proverbial smoke clears and we come face to face with the stark realities that life offers up.

You’re busy. Lots to do, places to go, things to think about, plus there’s a burning desire to accomplish something or attain something that seems out of reach. Set your sights on the highest goals attainable and don’t give up – never give up and one day you will have it in hand.

You’re not dead yet, far from it, but you may feel that something has died deep within you. It’s just life changing and often we cannot see the changes until we actually go through them. One act on the stage of life has finished and another is about to commence. Get yourself ready now.

Well, what are you waiting for? Stomp on the gas pedal and go for it. The stars are ripe and many things are about to come to fruition. The fates are highly active and your sign is highly featured. There’s no shame in (Gemini) Donald Trump’s game. Win or lose, it’s your time to shine.

By early July, you will be flying high. The full Moon and summer solstice on June 20 sets a rapid pace. The stars are swaying in your favour. It may not seem that way as your pathway is fraught with some danger and powerful changes, but in the end it will be to your good.

Sometimes, it’s who you know that gets you to the places you want to go. It’s your time to glad-hand, communicate and connect to the people intrinsic to your game plan. Turn on that lucky Leo charm; mix and mingle, and, of course, let others get a sense of who you are.

A very dynamic Grand Cross takes shape and Virgo is involved. In essence, it’s how you play the game of life. Keep your integrity and honour intact; resist being seduced at all costs. You could lose initially, but you’ll gain greatly in the long run. What’s meant to be yours will come your way anyway.

Venus, ruler of Libra, accompanies the new Moon on June 4 and is involved with the Grand Cross taking shape at that time. Although a tad complicated to decipher – and complications may come – you stand a great chance of doing very well indeed. Spirituality, career and travel are highlighted topics. Maintaining the balance is necessary.

Lord Mars is retrograding and moving very slowly through Scorpio. Mars represents fire and we know fire can be a great friend or a very bad enemy. The best use of this dynamic power is to harness, direct and focus it on your deepest desires and objectives. Anger, frustration and being impatient won’t work.

Generally, Sagittarius is very good at seeing the overall game and its outcome. Now you may be in a state of mind in which you may not know how to go. Everything is in a state of flux and change and some sacrifices will have to be made in order to bring peace of mind.

When the mountain goat prepares to make his leap to the next ledge, he can barely afford any miscalculations. He’s serious, focused and deliberate in his movements. Now, life is that way for you and it would be wise to play the long game. Life is destined to become very interesting in the next few years.

Now, you must deliberate and contemplate what is most important and valuable to you. Nobody likes the taste of castor oil, but its healing effects are well known. Now is the time to let go of what is not worthy or wise. Spiritual, social and legal battles are on board now.

We are here for spiritual emancipation, liberation and freedom from the drudgery of our earthly existence. Name, fame and wealth will not bring peace of mind or inner tranquillity. Everything is in a state of change and you must find your way through the quagmire. Love is the way and love is the answer.

May 2016

by Mac McLaughlin | May 7, 2016 | Weekly Forecasts

The new Moon takes place on May 6, in the middle of Taurus. Spring has sprung and everything is beautiful in its own way. The grass is green and the birds and the bees are doing their thing – and so are we. Just as all of nature is compelled to move along the lines of its genetic make up, we are also compelled to move along in accordance to what the planetary deities dream up and dish out. We have collective and personal karma to work out in every moment of our lives.

On one level, the Taurus new Moon indicates a lovely and stabilizing springtime in which everything is fine – and it is. The Sun and the Moon form triangles with Jupiter and Pluto and you can’t beat that. It indicates a time of growth and harmonious collective effort to make it all work, as we strive to sort out the myriad complex problems and concerns we face. When we weigh up all of our social, medical, educational, legal and political concerns, we have to admit we still live in the fairest land on the planet. We have freedom, opulence, wealth, education and compassion, for which we must give thanks. And we must give and give some more to the less fortunate among us, as this type of action is the adhesive that makes us a great society.

Taurus represents our values and, at this time, we must evaluate just how we’re doing and how we can become even better. Truly, we are a ‘showcase nation’ with privileges that most of the people on the planet will never experience. Let’s give thanks and rejoice in the wonderful collective karma we share. We know it’s not all lollipops and roses and we know we have some seriously gritty tasks at hand to clean up the underbelly that needs care and attention as well. The stars are also indicating such work and circumstances. Presently, we are under a Jupiter Saturn square which indicates the stresses regarding the legal and political complexities of the time. Things are intense and will be that way for some time to come. In the big picture, we are in the midst of a revolutionary time. As upsetting as that is, when we see some of the inhumanity to our own kind, one day we will be past it and we will live in peace. Yes, peace on Earth to all of the inhabitants and all of our brethren – the furry and feathered kind as well. Until then, there will be no rest.

The month starts off at a good pace with very good circumstances developing from May 3 to 6. Personal and financial gains are indicated. You should up your game and make your presence known on May 4. Do something new and adventurous. May 30 and 31 are excellent days for you as well.

It’s your time to shine. A new cycle begins on May 6. Life may seem magical and your personal magnetism is very strong. If half of this prediction comes through, you will be doing real fine. Don’t spend too much time preening your feathers though, as you have work to do and serious decisions to make.

You have a tricky course to navigate, especially on May 7 and 8. Diplomacy and kind words are essential in order for you to experience success. The cut from a sword heals in time, but a cut from the tongue may fester for a lifetime. The clouds part in the last week of May.

Circle May 10 on your calendar, as this is probably the best day of the month for Cancer. The day could fly by easily without much notice, but you should make it notable by doing something special and unique. Actually, and generally, the whole month holds very good potential and you should make good use of it.

You’ve got your challenges and hills to climb throughout the month. Much of the work and concern seem to be around career objectives. Take your time and take some time to consider your options. Truth and honour get you through. Goodwill mixed with your will power are the ingredients that spell success.

Special circumstances develop on May 10 that will need your keen attention and timing to capitalize on the opportunities presented. You could just lay back and have a good time, but that would be a waste of time and opportunity. May 15 is a special day in which good times are had. Travel is highlighted.

Investments, inheritances, joint monies, wills and legacies are on the cosmic menu for your consideration. Secrets and mysteries may come up on the screen for your perusal. This is a good time to get everything in order, such as taxes and other such matters. Research and metaphysics could be on your mind as well.

It’s a complex time for your sign. Not so much negative as it is challenging. The challenge is within your ability to be forthright, honest and direct in all that you do. Any deviation from this line of behaviour could have strong consequences in the months to come. Love, humility, compassion and deep caring are the answers.

Intense times are onboard. Multiple challenges and layered tasks must be met and dealt with cleanly. Although the lancing of a cyst is never pleasant, it is a relief once the healing begins. The full Moon on May 21 is power packed and will need special care so that emotions don’t become overheated.

The stars are leaning in your favour, but you have to make the moves to make the best out of the situations that arise. It is an overall transformative time in which big changes are taking place. Go with it and reach for the stars. Weigh up what is of true value or not.

It’s time for some inner work on your basic foundation. Speaking of foundations, home and real estate may be on your mind; possibly, a move is in store. Inheritances may figure in as well. You may be hungry for something deeper or more meaningful these days. May 26 is your best day to make decisions.

It’s time to reset your compass, as you may have been blown off course recently. You can make things worse or much better by the decisions you make throughout this month. Challenges? Yes, but you are more than capable of handling them and may even relish the opportunity to do so. Make things right.

April 2016

by Mac McLaughlin | Apr 1, 2016 | Weekly Forecasts

Wouldn’t you know it? Donald Trump has a most phenomenal birth chart – right off the roadmap powerful. As one astrological writer exclaimed when describing a powerful planetary position, “But powerful for what?” The man, for better or worse, has captured the attention of the whole world. Everybody’s watching this one with rapt attention.

Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York at 10:54 AM. For starters, he was born on the day of a lunar eclipse and at a time that places his Sun and Moon in angular houses of the birth chart. The houses are the fields of activity for the planets and the angular houses have the most power by far. In astrological parlance, he has the Sun in Gemini and Leo rising. The lord of Leo is the Sun and it is placed in his tenth house, which is the most powerful house in the birth chart, especially considering name, fame and career activities. In order to be born on a lunar eclipse, the Sun and Moon must be close to the lunar nodes, aka the dragon’s head and tail.

In vedic astrology, the nodes are called Rahu and Ketu and when Rahu and Ketu are associated with the lights (Sun and Moon), it brings immense power and magnetism. Rahu carries a very hefty reputation among the planetary deities. He is known to be mean, aggressive, haughty, egotistical and insatiable. He can never get enough no matter what he has; he will always seek more power and wealth. Rahu is known to be devious. It’s all smoke and mirrors. Mars rises in Leo at Trump’s birth giving him a fiery and brash disposition. Never a quitter and always on the go, non-stop, all day long.

From an astrological perspective, it is highly likely he will attain the presidency of the US. He has literally knocked the stuffing out of the competition and he breaks all the rules while doing so. No doubt, the Donald has, and is creating, many powerful enemies that would love to stop him dead in his tracks. According to the astrology on board, he is in great danger and if elected he enters into a time that is even more precarious and very dangerous – especially from January to September 2017. We are witnessing history in action and from a spiritual perspective I wish him and all others peace and love. From what the stars are indicating, the USA is in the midst of a revolution in consciousness and Mr. Trump seems to be the lightning rod for it all.

It’s your time to shine. Fate and destiny run the game of life and now much is being formulated regarding your future. Aries are instinctive and intuitive and now more than ever you need to rely on your instincts. It’s a green light go time and don’t waste time. Love is around; move towards your destiny.

For the first three weeks of April, most of your work and efforts are done behind the scenes. You may be conflicted about all kinds of issues and concerns. The Sun enters Taurus on April 19, giving you a big boost, confidence wise. The full Moon on April 21 brings revelations, epiphanies and other possibilities.

Gemini is known as the chameleon of the zodiac and can blend in easily with whichever environment it finds itself in. This ability may come in handy in the next couple of months, as sparks are sure to fly. It may be wise to remain neutral – or fight really hard if you have to.

The answers you are looking for will probably pop into your psyche within a couple of days either side of the full Moon date on April 21. Cancer is affected by every full Moon and as it lights up the night sky, it lights up your inner sky bringing illumination and understanding in clear detail.

April 14 and 15 are feel-good days, with April 15 probably the best day of the month. Travel and career sectors are heating up with all kinds of potential opportunities manifesting. Play the long game, as things are in a state of flux and will remain that way through to the end of May.

It’s time to dig in deep and get to the bottom of any particular thing. You’re known to be analytical, critical and very hard working and now is the time to put those gifts to good use. Home, family and real estate seem to be the focus now. It’s spring cleaning time, spiritually and materially.

Libra is all about harmony, equanimity and fairness in all things. The new Moon on April 7 is directly opposite to your Libra planets. A series of surprises, changes and challenges throughout the month is highly likely. It’s a whirlwind time, with not much time to rest and you may not mind.

The Scorpio full Moon on April 7 will help you see what needs to be done in order to bring peace into your life. The next couple of months may seem problematic, confusing and a bit challenging. One remedy is that if you don’t know what you truly want, keep eliminating what is no longer useful or worthy.

Concentration, effort and a keen eye on the target are needed now. It is definitely not the time to be careless. Stay off your electronic device while driving. Every successful person puts in hard hours and devotion in order to perfect their skills. It’s your time to do so.

You may sense some rumbling beneath the Earth as changes start to formulate and take place. Fortunately, you are of the cloven foot clan and can make life-saving leaps when necessary. Dramatic as it sounds, it’s just a clarion call that things are in the midst of change and you must accommodate them.

The Aquarius keywords are “I know.” But is what you know the truth? Is it real and will it bring you freedom and peace of mind? There’s a battle going on deep within your psyche regarding all kinds of topics regarding the law, humanity and the present condition of the world. Your contribution is needed.

Co-rulers Jupiter and Neptune are casting glances from across the sky. And, of course, Neptune is in Pisces enlivening your sign dynamically. In my effort to describe its influence, lets say it can open you up to the cosmos. Jupiter and Neptune are spiritual planets and can bring visions and enlightenment.

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.