Libran Edition of 'Stellar News'...

... in PDF format.  Click here to have a look!

Saturn enters Libra...

today in Kilmore at 4.09am.

Some will be breathing a huge sigh of relief while I know some of you will be sitting there thinking.... arrrggghhh!!! Saturn is going to be making my life hell!!

Those of you breathing a sigh of relief and that have found the last couple of years tough may think differently in another six to twelve months as you begin to reap the rewards of the changes that came into your life while Saturn was travellling through Virgo... although I have to say that all of us have had Saturn affecting us in one way or another while travelling through this sign (by at least house position and the symbolism within it). 

As this planet shifts its' focus, we now have to do the same.  The first aspect Saturn in Libra hits is the square to Pluto... a pretty intense and energetic introduction to a change in signs!  I get the feeling that we are all in for a baptism of fire! lol... anyway, this aspect suggests that what needs to change and what we need to focus on will become clear pretty quickly.

My personal experience of Saturn... especially when travelliing through Cancer (I have Mercury, Mars and Sun in this sign) was pretty tough but I really achieved a lot during that time and also learnt a lot that will hold me in good stead for the rest of my life.  I really appreciate that period of time in my life.

Anyway, as usual look to your own birth chart to get a feel for what to work on while Saturn travels through Libra.  Look to see which house has Libra on or in it, and also which houses have Capricorn or Aquarius on or in it to get a feel for what to work on... also any planets that you have in Libra will be strongly influenced by this transit as well as any planets in the other cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer and Capricorn).

Mercury enters Scorpio...

today in Kilmore at 9.09pm.

Mercury moving in the passionate, emotional and fixed sign of Scorpio suggests that the mental tone around us will display these qualities.  Mercury is about how we connect with the world around us and share communication, so there is likely to be more to what meets the eyes (or ears!), while this planet travels through Scorpio. 

We will all probably need to peel back a few onion layers in order to get the 'truth' during this time!  This applies particularly to the areas and relationships affected by the transit of Mercury through Scorpio in your own birth chart.

Look to see where Mercury is travelling and which houses are ruled by it (Gemini and Virgo) in order to get a feel for what or who may be difficult to change, or that may need deeper investigation in order to understand.

Venus Trine Jupiter...

enters on October 28 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on October 29 at 1.02pm in Kilmore, leaves on October 30.  Venus at 17 degrees and 35 minutes of Libra, Jupiter at 17 degrees and 35 minutes of Aquarius.

Venus represents our ability to be diplomatic and to get along with others and is sitting pretty comfortably in the sign of Libra, the sign of balance and compromise.  The trine to Jupiter suggests a flowing and easy connection between these two planets that usually represent luck and ease: barriers to happiness that were problems in the past are now temporarily removed as these two energies connect.

Look to see which houses this trine happens in and also which houses are ruled by Venus (Taurus and Libra), and Jupiter (Sagittarius and Pisces) to see what or who may flow particularly smoothly for you!

Sun Square Mars...

starts on October 27 using a 1 degree orb, exact on October 28 at 6.56pm in Kilmore, and leaves on October 31.  Sun at 6 degrees and 2 minutes of Scorpio and Mars at 6 degrees and 2 minutes of Leo.

This should be an 'interesting' period of time!  Both of these fiery planets are in fixed signs suggesting a clash (square) of wills (fixed signs).  The Sun is in the intense sign of Scorpio suggesting that there is a deeper emotional element than usual in focus somewhere in our lives, depending on which houses are involved in your personal birth chart, and also perhaps an issue of pride or 'what will people think' (Leo)!

The waning square is often about needing a change in attitude, so by looking at which houses this square falls in and which houses are ruled by the Sun (the one/s with Leo on the cusp), and Mars (the ones with Aries and Scorpio on the cusp) we can get an idea of what and/or who may be digging their heels in or getting their nose out of joint!  Or where we are being stubborn!

Updated forecast for Libra...

The 2009/2010 forecast for Libra has finally been completed (yippee!!) - you can view it here.  I hope you enjoy reading it!

Mercury Trine Retrograde Neptune...

starts on October 24, is exact on October 25 at 3.55am, leaves on October 25.  Mercury at 23 degrees and 43 minutes of Libra, retrograde Neptune at 23 degrees and 43 minutes of Aquarius.

Mercury can represent the way we connect to the world around us and exchange information: Neptune is an emotional and spiritual energy that also has some affinity with other realms, including artistic ones.

The trine between these two planets suggests the energies between them should flow smoothly, allowing previous blockages to temporarily be removed and progress to be made in the relationships and situations represented by your birth chart.

As usual look to see where this aspect is happening in your birth chart as well as which houses are ruled by Mercury (Gemini and Virgo), and Neptune (Pisces).

Sun enters Scorpio...

today in Kilmore at 5.43pm.

The movement of the Sun from the airy Libra into the complex Scorpio suggests that there are certain relationships and areas of our lives that are moving into deeper waters (as represented by the birth chart).

Look to which house the Sun is travelling through and which house/s are ruled by Leo in order to get a feel for what is heading for a more stable period (Scorpio is a fixed sign)... or stubborn, depending how far things go!  Complexity, deep emotions and a better understanding of the people and themes represented by the houses involved are all possibilities while the Sun is travelling through Scorpio.

Mercury Trine Jupiter...

starts early this morning and is exact at 8.49am, leaves tonight.  Mercury at 17 degrees and 15 minutes of Libra, Jupiter at 17 degrees and 15 minutes of Aquarius.

Mercury can represent how our mind is working, and the way we communicate and connect with the world around us.  Travelling through Libra right now suggests a balanced approach (or perhaps we need to achieve balance?), and the preference for not rocking the boat.  Mercury also represents young people, or people who are young at heart.

Jupiter represents expansion, opportunity, growth and in most cases... happiness and good news.  The connection between these two planets, especially through the easygoing trine aspect, suggests a lighter frame of mind and more optimistic outlook and possibly good news about the people and situations represents by Mercury and Jupiter in your birth chart.

Since Mercury is approaching Jupiter, it may even mean that a person represented by Mercury in your chart is the one coming to Jupiter.  For example, if you have Sagittarius Rising, then you automatically have Gemini on your Descendant: therefore Jupiter represents you, and Mercury another person - the Mercury person during this time may come to you with an offer or you could have a meeting scheduled for today that goes really well.

So, look to see where this transit is happening in your birth chart and also to which houses are ruled by Mercury (Gemini and Virgo), and Jupiter (Sagittarius and Pisces).

As usual, look to see

New Moon in Libra...

today in Kilmore at 4.33pm at 24 degrees and 59 minutes of Libra.

The period around a New Moon is usually an excellent time to make a fresh start, especially in the areas represented by the house that the New Moon falls in.  For example, if you have Libra on your 6th House cusp (like me), this is good time to launch a new exercise routine, diet or way of attending to your daily responsibilities and chores.  A new pet would be a nice way to use this energy as well.

This New Moon is involved with a square to the nodal axis, this adds a fated quality to developments around this time and also highlights the importance of the relationships in your life right now... especially family type ones.

As with any new start, it may take at least a few days to begin seeing the significance of what is happening now.

Mars enters Leo...

today in Kilmore at 2.32am.

Mars, the planet of energy and passion, changing signs is always important.  Its' shift from the subtle and emotional Cancer into the fixed, passionate and fiery sign of Leo suggests that our Mars energy is more likely to be expressed in an extroverted way.

Look at which houses are ruled by Mars (those with Aries or Scorpio on them) to get an idea of what or who is likely to be more 'out there' than usual.

This planet normally stays in a sign for about 6 weeks, however, Mars will be doing a bit of shuffle as it goes backwards and forwards a bit over the next few months.  Mars will be travelling through Leo for about 8 months!  This suggests a huge focus and opportunity to clear up whatever or whoever is represented by Mars in your birth chart.

For example, I have Scorpio on my 7th house cusp, so I would expect the people around me to be more stubborn than usual and outgoing, particularly my husband and people I am having difficulties with at the moment (shadow).

Sun Trine Retrograde Neptune...

starts in Kilmore on October 16 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on October 17 at 11.47am and leaves on October 18. Sun at 23 degrees and 47 minutes of Libra, retrograde Neptune at 23 degrees and 47 minutes of Aquarius.

It's so nice to have this soothing energy at work, especially after the trials of the other planetary combinations over the last few weeks!

The Sun acts as a spotlight and also energises whatever it touches in terms of a planet or sensitive point either in the sky or in the birthchart.  Having the Sun connecting with lovely Neptune suggests that our Neptune (as represented in the birth chart by where it is travelling, and which houses it rules) will be more prominent than usual.  However, you will need to keep a keen eye out for the expression of this energy as it is likely to be very subtle. 

I think we can all expect a small period of time where we can all dream a little, and escape from 'reality' in a way that suits us as individuals.  The trine aspect also suggests a subtle expression.

Venus Square Pluto...

starts on October 15 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on October 16 at 4.21am and leaves on the same day.  Venus at 0 degrees and 58 minutes of Libra, Pluto at 0 degrees and 58 minutes of Capricorn.

This is a bit of a baptism of fire for Venus as she tries to settle into Libra, a sign that she likes.  However, although a stressful day or so, this period of time represents the opportunity to reach a turning point with the relationships and themes represented by Venus and Pluto in your birth chart.  Look to see where this aspect is happening, and also to which houses are ruled by Venus (Taurus and Libra), and Pluto (Scorpio).

The square is a stressful aspect and one that suggests that you are likely to reach a stage where something has to change in regards to the areas represented in your own chart.  This stress gives the incentive for us all to actually do something about whatever is causing the stress.

If you have personal planets and/or points in the early degrees of any of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and/or Capricorn) you are likely to feel this aspect especially strongly.

Venus enters Libra...

today in Kilmore at 9.46am.

Venus is often associated with love, however, there is more to this planet than romance.  This planet does represent love, but also relationships in general and how we relate to others: it also represents what we value (including money).

With this planet now moving from Virgo into Libra, it seems that we are all more likely to want to keep the peace between ourselves and others and that balance will be important to the relationships and themes as represented by your birth chart.  For example, if you have Taurus on your 2nd house cusp, the movement of Venus into Libra could mean that achieving financial stability and balance will be more important than usual, and/or that you are likely to be happier to compromise on something of value to you. 

Venus is happy in Libra, so bodes well for the people and situations represented by this planet also being easier to deal with than usual.  Look to see where Venus is travelling through and which houses are ruled by her (Taurus and Libra).

Librans are likely to find this a period of respite as Lady Luck travels through your sign.

Venus Conjunct Saturn...

starts on October 13 and is exact on the same day at 9.52pm, leaves on October 14. Venus and Saturn at 28 degrees and 09 minutes of Virgo.

Waiting for your knight in shining armour???? With Saturn and Venus together I wouldn't hold my breath!

Venus is about how we relate to others and our values as well as our valuables... Saturn is about hard work, deep connections, but also of being alone: the connection by conjunction suggests that we all need to make a choice about which way we will go in regards to a situation or relationship in our lives as represented by the birth chart. The conjunction suggests something or someone new.

As usual, look to see where this conjunction is happening in your birth chart to see where you have the chance to make a new start in terms of your values, finances, the way you relate, a relationship, etc... also look to the houses ruled by Venus (Taurus and Libra) and Saturn (Capricorn and Aquarius) for more detailed information.

Jupiter goes Direct...

today (October 13... the blog date keeps on mucking up!) in Kilmore at 3.34pm at 17 degrees and 10 minutes of Aquarius.

Yipppeee.... happy days are here again! This is a pretty exciting week with a lot happening in the sky, Jupiter going direct is a positive symbol of the chance to grab hold of the opportunities around us all at the moment.

This planet is about the opportunity to expand your horizons through learning, meeting inspiration people and traveling (usually long distance). It can also represent a teacher/guru figure, or someone involved in the legal, educational and/or foreign fields.

Look to see which house Jupiter is traveling through and which houses are ruled by it (Sagittiarus and Pisces) to see what themes and people may be represented by this planet as it begins to move forward. Remember that it moves really slowly as it begins to move forward again until it gathers a bit of momentum, this will take a few weeks and then it should be moving ahead at its usual good speed!

Mercury re-enters Libra...

today at 2.46pm in Kilmore.

On August 26, Mercury entered this sign, only to turn back and re-enter Virgo... it's a bit like if you were Mercury going into Libra (another room), only to remember that you had forgotten something in the room you had just left and having to re-enter it to retrieve it, and then go back to the room you were headed for in the first place.

So, Mercury is about how we relate to the world around us and gather/pass on data... moving from analytical Virgo into the relationship-oriented Libra suggests that we are more likely to keep the peace rather than nitpick with the people around us on minor issues. Libra is about any type of relationship, not just ones based on romance, so this is a good time to attend to and think about how we communicate with others.

Libra is also about balance and with Mercury travelling through this sign it suggests that we can achieve this balance through communicating with others clearly, and making minor changes to situations in general.

As usual, look to see which houses are ruled by Mercury to get an idea of what or who may represent these energies for you (as well as where Mercury is travelling). With the ruler of your relevant houses travelling the Libra, it seems that whoever or whatever is represented by this planet in your chart will be more balanced than usual, or will need careful balancing. Mercury will change signs again at the end of the month.

Astrology and Relationships...

I found this interesting article online about synastry... a branch of astrology that deals with relationships. Here are the first paragraphs for you to look at (the full article is here):

Statistical Test Supports Astrological Premise

Study Inspired By Star-Crossed Lovers Burton And Liz Reveals Celestial Pattern That Strengthens Marriage Bond

Chicago, IL - October 7, 2009 -- As star crossed lovers go, Romeo and Juliet had nothing on Burton and Liz, the charismatic motion picture stars who sizzled on the silver screen in Joseph Mankiewicz's Cleopatra, Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew and Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf? before flaming out in a real life romance as spectacularly incendiary as any Tinsel town has seen.

The attraction between them was so strong that two of Elizabeth Taylor's eight marriages were to Richard Burton. And the actors each believed the other to be the love of their lives.

Research astrologer and couples expert Alexandra Mark says a study she conducted years ago with the late Harvard University statistician John P. Gilbert, PhD, linked Burton and Taylor to a celestial pattern that turns up more frequently than expected by chance in married couples with staying power. Couples with this particular planetary combination are in marriages that end in divorce less frequently than couples that don't have it in their compared birth charts (horoscopes).

Sun Trine Retrograde Jupiter...

starts on October 9 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on October 10 at 7.38pm, leaves on October 11. Sun at 17b degrees and 11 minutes of Libra, retrograde Jupiter at 17 degrees and 11 minutes of Aquarius.

"Walking on Sunshine... yeah yeah"... I can't remember who sings this song, but this planetary combination reminds me of it.

The Sun acts as a trigger or if you can imagine a beam of light in the darkness, like a focus. Jupiter is still technically retrograde and is standing very still at the moment, suggesting a concentrated dose of this lucky planet whilst he is sitting still! Jupiter is getting ready to move forwards again in a few days.

So, this beam of Sun (light) is hitting on a person or situation that is likely to be a potent sort of energy and/or opportunity... the trine is traditionally associated with the removal of barriers to the energies working together so this suggests that there should be movement of some sort or at least recognition of the "Jupiter" themes in your own chart.

As usual, look to which houses this transit is travelling through as well as which houses are ruled by the Sun (Leo) and Jupiter (Sagittiarus and Pisces) to get a feel for what type of situations and people may be represented.

Venus Opposing Retrograde Uranus...

starts on October 9 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on October 10 at 9.01am, leaves on October 11. Venus at 23 degrees and 46 minutees of Virgo, retrograde Uranus at 23 degrees and 46 minutes of Pisces.

Venus is often associated with relationships, our values and valuables, whilst Uranus is linked in with the rebel, eccentric people and unexpected situations... basically weird stuff!

The opposition is about reaching a turning point, usually involving another person. The combination of Venus and Uranus suggests an unexpected or unusual twist to this development, or perhaps it will happen suddenly. As usual, look to see which houses are involved by looking at where the transiting planets are travelling, and also to which houses are ruled by Venus (Taurus and Libra), and Uranus (Aquarius).

Another way to get more information is to look at what was happening at the beginning of this Venus/Uranus cycle, when both planets were conjunct. This happened around January 24, 2009 at 20 degrees of Pisces... so have a look at where this point is in your birth chart to get an idea of what to expect now.

Mercury Square Pluto...

starts on October 10 using a 1 degree orb, is exact on October 11 at 5.44am, and leaves on October 11. Mercury at 0 degrees and 53 minutes of Libra, Pluto at 0 degrees and 53 minutes of Capricorn.

This is the third and final square from Mercury to Pluto... the first one happened on August 27 when Pluto was retrograde and the second one was on September 17 when Mercury was retrograde. All three were at 0 degrees of Libra/Capricorn.

Both planets are now moving in the right direction, whereas on August 27 Pluto was retrograde, and on September 17 Mercury was retrograde: the fact that they are now direct suggests that whatever or whoever we were dealing with around those dates should now be able to be resolved.

Although a stressful time, especially if you have planets in the early cardinal degrees (Aries, Cancer, Libra and/or Capricorn), this period of time represents the opportunity to make successful changes to a relationship and/or situation as represented by your birth chart. Look to see where this square is happening and which houses are ruled by Mercury (Gemini and Virgo), and Pluto (Scorpio).

Mercury is how we connect to others, communication and can represent messengers and/or a young person... the square usually represents a tense cross-road being reached/a turning point, while Pluto is usually something or someone that is intensely emotional.

Mercury Conjunct Saturn...

starts on October 7 (using a 1 degree orb), is exact on October 8 at 5.34pm, leaves on October 9. Mercury and Saturn at 27 degrees and 31 minutes of Virgo.

This is the third and final time Mercury will be connecting with Saturn, suggesting that we can all put a serious matter behind us and make a final, solid, fresh start in a relationship or project that we have been working hard at since Saturn moved into Virgo at the end of 2007.

Mercury is the planet of communication, information, and connection... with others and the world around us. Saturn is about responsibility, long-term situations and karma: the two planets conjunct suggest something or someone new coming into our lives of a serious, or long-term nature. Look to see where this conjunction is happening in your birth chart for an idea of what or who it may be... also look at which houses are ruled by Mercury (Gemini and Virgo) and Saturn (Capricorn and Aquarius).

Being the third time that this aspect is happening suggests that you may have attempted to make this fresh start several times, but something or someone was too unstable to finalise it.

The first time Mercury was conjunct Saturn in this series of conjunctions was on August 18 at 21 degrees and 12 minutes of Virgo. Unfortunately I can't find my post on this first conjunction!

Retrograde Mercury again was conjunct Saturn on September 22 at 25 degrees and 34 minutes of Virgo... my post on this conjuction is here. At least I was able to find that link!

Astrology and the Economy...

I was looking through various web articles and blogs and found this one that I thought might be of interest to some of you. Here is the first paragraph so you can get an idea of the approach the author (Molly Hall, from About.com) takes on the subject:

Since Pluto went into Capricorn, we've seen a series of shocking events that expose deep corruption of our global economic system. We may curse Pluto's ruthless methods, but in the end, we'll be glad that no stone was left unturned. Pluto is the planet of death and rebirth, and in Capricorn, it's rattling the structures of finance, to test its soundness and sustainability.

Full Moon in Aries...

exact today in Kilmore at 5.10pm.

Full Moon's are generally an energetic time when emotions are heightened, in Aries I would expect this trend to be especially strong.

I think this one is also especially strong since it is within orb to activate the already powerful Pluto that has been travelling through the early degrees of Capricorn over the last year. This is likely to be quite an intense period of time, especially if you have planets or points in the early degrees of any of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and/or Capricorn).

The Sun in this lunation is widely trining the Jupiter/Chiron/Neptune conjunction in Aquarius, which I think is very helpful in that there will be support from these people/energies as represented within your own birth chart.

Mercury Opposing Retrograde Uranus...

starts on October 4 (using 1 degree orb), is exact on October 5 at 8.06am, leaves on October 6. Mercury at 23 degrees and 57 minutes of Virgo, retrograde Uranus at 23 degrees and 57 minutes of Pisces.

Third time lucky.... I hope! Mercury opposed Uranus the first time on August 21 at 25 degrees and 40 minutes of the Virgo/Pisces axis. Once it went retrograde they again opposed each other on September 22 at 24 degrees and 23 minutes of the Virgo/Pisces axis.

This final opposition between Mercury and Uranus is again at 23 degrees of Virgo/Pisces - like the last one. This suggests to me a very similar situation or person being prominent again: the difference this time around being that it should be the last time we have to deal with it, or them. We will then be able to reach a turning point in the matter.

As usual, look to see which houses the opposition falls in, as well as which houses are ruled by Mercury (Gemini and Virgo), and Uranus (Aquarius), to get a feel for what and who may be involved. In this case, also cast your mind back to what was happening at the previous oppositions.

Mars Trine Retrograde Uranus...

starts on October 3, is exact on October 5 at 12.37pm, and leaves on October 7. Mars at 23 degrees and 57 minutes of Cancer, retrograde Uranus at 23 degrees and 57 minutes of Pisces.

Don't know what the graphics I've inserted are supposed to be, but I kind of like them anyway.

Mars is about how we go about getting what we want, describes our energy levels and also how we get angry: being in Cancern means we may be a indirect in our approach to reaching for our desires and our energy levels are likely to fluctuate. Sulking is a typical Cancerian way to get angry - lol!

Uranus is sometimes a bit of a rebel and is known for it's association with eccentric behaviour and for being a bit of a maverick. Being retrograde I think just makes this energy even more so!

The trine between Mars and Uranus is an easy relationship, suggesting that there is likely to be a pleasant development and/or unexpected burst of progress with something in our lives. That something is likely to be represented by the various houses in our birth charts where the transit is happening and also that are ruled by Mars (Aries & Scorpio), and Uranus (Aquarius).

If you have personal points/planets in Cancer or Pisces you are likely to particularly benefit from this energy.