Lunar Eclipse - Gemini - December 21

The Total Lunar Eclipse less than a day before the Winter Solstice will likely have a dramatic impact on everyone.  Individuals born in the late degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces will notice the affects the most.

This Lunar Eclipse in Gemini is the lead-in to the Capricorn Solar Eclipse in January, giving us a heads up about issues we need to address.  Yet many will feel too confused by the message to know what to do with it.  As Rose Lineman explains in "Eclipse Interpretation Manual," the Solar Eclipse in Capricorn, after a Lunar Eclipse in Gemini can be difficult because of the sense of practicality the Capricorn New Moon encourages us to focus on. We tend to be emotionally frivolous when the Lunar Eclipse is in Gemini, and the Solar Eclipse in Capricorn is likely to shake us with "reality shockwaves" if we have been too silly with our decisions during the Lunar Eclipse influence. The Anaretic Degree of the Full Moon in Gemini acting as a singleton in the northern hemisphere, the T-square with Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces, along with the Moon and Mars transits Out of Bounds (OOB) are all stressful aspects during this eclipse. The Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius certainly is not helping us, either. At Lunar Living (http://www.lunarliving.org/) the December 21 Lunar Eclipse article helps explain some of the ways to deal with the energies so that the New Year should feel less demanding and more fulfilling.

Sagittarius New Moon - December 5, 2010

The Sagittarius New Moon is the precursor to the Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse December 21, 2010. The New Moon should have a calming quality, for the most part. Of course, with Mars and Mercury still transiting Out of Bounds, and now the Moon will also be OOB for a few days, we could easily get caught off guard. Yet, that seems to be the nature of the Out of Bounds transits.  We can minimize some of that by being prepared. Additionally, Mercury's retrograde motion starting on December 10 will likely make a fine smear of a mess on the Christmas holiday. Those individuals who do their shopping, preparation and travel arrangements early in the month, will be the least impacted. But for many, that early preparation takes all the fun and adventure out of the event. Be that as it may, this holiday season is likely to be a lot like the 2003 Christmas Mercury Retrograde. If you remember that one, you will want to plan your events to NOT have a repeat of that. Read more about this New Moon's aspects at http://www.lunarliving.org/

Taurus Full Moon - November 21, 2010

The Taurus Full Moon will have a confusing intensity due to the event occurring on the last degree of the sign, aka Anaretic Degree.  The all or nothing degree can be scary and/or exhilarating. Finding the right balance of energies may be the solution, but keeping the balance throughout the day will be tough. The Mars and Mercury Out of Bounds transits are scattering our stamina. It truly feels like a moment by moment situation with more than enough dips and dives to navigate. There are plenty of great influences from Venus and Jupiter to give us momentum and pluck. Find this Full Moon article at lunarliving.org on the articles page for more information.

New Moon in Scorpio Alert

Faith - in loving memory

Despite the New Moon in Scorpio being known for it's intensity, we should actually have a fairly relaxed time of it this year.  We can still use the deep thinking process while having some fun. Some of the concerns are with the Venus retrograde preparing to move back into Libra, Mercury preparing to transit out of bounds (extreme declination) as well as Mars also preparing to transit out of bounds for the better part of November. These "on the edge" transits can take their toll if we try to force ourselves to make everything right. Find the right perspective to balance the activities with the potential outcomes. Be honest with ourselves about our abilities and our desires. Remember the adage, "the truth will set you free." Then take it moment by moment and day by day and let the rest of life drift as it will.

New Moon in Virgo Alert - September 8, 2010

The New Moon in Virgo on September 8 while Mercury is retrograde in Virgo is giving us a healthy perspective on our environment. We certainly can find new releases on our energies with this New Moon. Where we are still faltering is under the weight of the Cardinal t-square that continues to challenge all of us. Thankfully, as the days go by, little by little, planets are moving out of the square, and releasing us with a new sense of confidence.  Venus will ingress Scorpio for a mutual reception to Mars in Libra on September 8. Jupiter will "re-gress" back into Pisces on September 9. Then Mercury will station direct on the 12th and Pluto will station direct on the 14th. There's likely to be some confusion in the air, but for now, we can certainly utilize this crisp New Moon's energies for an invigorating outlook.

Full Moon in Pisces Alert - August 24, 2010

The Sun is barely in Virgo and this Full Moon event on August 24 so early in the opposing sign of Pisces, we know that there is a whole lot of sump'in going on. A lot of planetary transition at the zero declination over the equator is one reason for the tense feelings.

The Mercury Retrograde in Virgo is one more reason. The remainder of the Cardinal T-square configuration is another. The Grand Square of August 6/7 continues to reverberate its messages each time the Moon transits over the Cardinal Point. The next Cardinal Point transit by the Moon will be on August 26/27.  Thankfully, we have lots of work and activities to keep us distracted. One key to navigating through this Full Moon will be staying alert. We need to focus on our own work load and clearing that up first. Keep the gossip to a minimum or it could bite us in the buttocks.

New Moon in Leo Alert - August 9/10, 2010

The New Moon article is available online at Lunar Living Astrology on the "articles" page. Tomorrow's New Moon in Leo stands alone in one corner while the Cardinal T-square continues to confront our idea of fun and pleasure.  The August 6 Grand Cardinal Square was formed while the Moon transited into Cancer. It demonstrated the powerful pull that the Square has on our lives. We should feel somewhat relieved as the Moon joins up with the Sun; we get a little reprieve from all the seriousness.  Read Lunar Living's New Moon article to discover how to take advantage of this opportunity to re-focus on the Leo energies. On August 12/13, the Moon moves into Libra, joining the Venus, Mars and Saturn post of the T-square.  On August 19/20, the Moon joins the Pluto post in Capricorn. And again, on August 26/27, the Moon joins the Jupiter post in Aries. By this time, Uranus will have ingressed back into Pisces and the Venus/Mars conjunction in Libra will have moved beyond the square. Finally, on September 3, when the Moon moves back into the Cardinal Grand Square post in Cancer, the only remaining planets in the Cardinal T-square will be Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. It's enough to make another important statement, but not quite as powerful as the August 6 Grand Square.

Grand Cross Reverberations

Cardinal Signs

Although the aspects of the Cardinal Grand Cross from the Moon's interaction is mostly over, the T-square of the other planets continues. As the Moon transits over those points, we will continue to feel the reverberations of the Great Squared energies. The Moon will transit over the T-square placements on August 12, August 19 and August 27. Another, less potent Grand Cross will occur on September 3/4 with the Moon, Saturn, Pluto and Jupiter retrograde. By this time, Uranus will have moved into Pisces (although it will still be conjunct to Jupiter) and the Venus/Mars conjunction will be in the later degrees of Libra. This should round up any messages that we are receiving from the Grand Cross. Read more about the Cardinal Grand Cross (aka Grand Square) influence at JAstrology.com

Careful how you cross the Grand Square!

There will be a powerful Grand Cross for us all contend with early in August, 2010.  The majority of the planets will be in Cardinal qualities that we will feel the urge to react quickly to any situation. There are several planet alignments that might push us to act with controlling choices leaving others to  feel victimized. Or, we may be the victims with devastating consequences. Each of us should use preventive measures, safety precautions and stay attentive to our environments as we move through this Grand Square (Cross) influence on August 5, 6 and 7th. Read more by clicking on the title above.

August Forecasts

The horoscopes for the entire month of August are available for reading now. There are some tough aspects that we will all need to work around. Jupiter's square to Pluto on August 3 might cause us to rethink our interactive strategies with others. Jupiter's opposition with Saturn on the 16th is likely to force us to be more accountable for our behaviors and Saturn's square to Pluto on August 21 is a tug of war between power, control, manipulation, blackmailing and coercion.  Watch out!

Aquarius Full Moon Alert

The newsletter mail list has been installed and, based on active users of the letters, 66% of the email addresses have been moved onto the list as of today.  The older newsletters on the old mail list will be maintained on the server until October.  If you had an active mail list subscription between April and July 2010, then you will still have access to those newsletters (UNLESS you deleted your newsletter account).  

Lunar Living is currently having a sale on the Saturn in Libra Transit report. Now is the time to get that great report while the price is discounted.

To read the current article, Click on the Title link above to get most of the way there. :)

Be well and take care,

It's a sad thing...

I do try to follow multiple astrology sites to find and acknowledge different astrological opinions, ideas and interpretations.  What I find unattractive or, or should I say, disgusting, is the distance that some professional astrologers will go to be *disingenuous with their predictions. Some will backdate newly posted articles on their blogs or website, and present the new information as having been there "all along."  Some will post pieces that have blatantly false information on the planetary transits in an effort to support predictions, knowing that many readers don't have the astrological knowledge or skills to see through the deception. To me, that is a sad thing....

I'm not here to "out" anyone who is utilizing these types of deceptions. I just want people to be aware that the practice of cheating is used by some professionals.  While Neptune and Chiron are both retrograde in Aquarius, I feel that it is perhaps time that I share my observations with my guests. Chiron's wounding and healing process can be reviewed more thoroughly while in retrograde motion. There is a form of victimology that Chiron's transit can create. Neptune's illusions (delusions?) cannot be so easily swept under the rug when transiting retrograde. Neptune's transits can be creative and beautiful, but there's usually a nebulous cloud that envelopes everything.  Uranus' retrograde in Aries will be moving back into Pisces soon, and the mutual reception between Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius will provide one last chance of cleaning up this trickery practice. Uranus' transits can have the shock and awe effect. There is usually a surprise outcome when Uranus is involved.

For my part, I truly appreciate it when people call me out on my mistakes.  I want to know that I've made a typo or a miscalculation. I want to hear that I've goofed (or even if I haven't goofed... that my message was confusing.) I recognize that not all astrologers want that type of feedback. I do. I not only want to promote a better world through astrology, I want to be perceived as having the heart and ethics of wanting to be a better astrologer.

Okay, I'll get off my soap box now and get back to reading.

Be well :)

---

* disingenuous: giving a false appearance of simple frankness
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2010.

Merriam-Webster Online. 25 July 2010
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disingenuous

Mail List Updates

I dusted off the updated mailing list script that I have been sitting on for a year with the hopes that I would not need to make any changes. But, alas, it looks like I need to make the upgrade change now. I decided that the eclipsing message about change was inevitable, and, well, now's as good a time as any to put my skills and talents to work. I hit a few glitches. Turns out that I was able to also dust off my PERL scripting skills and put them to good use. Made a few minor changes to get this script to work better for me... So, with that accomplished, the newsletter subscription feature is back online. If you have NOT received some type of notification that the newsletter mailing list has been changed, and you want to continue to receive the newsletters, submit a new request (opt-in) through the website.

Again, thank you everyone for your patience and willingness to let me work through this latest issue with the mailer.

Be well

Lunar Living Newsletter - Eclipsed Again?

Big Sigh. Once again, the newsletter program has taken a big hit. It seems that for each and every fix I make on the program, something else comes along and wipes out the program. The majority of the issues have been occurring around the time of the eclipses. This recent Solar Eclipse landed in Lunar Living's 2nd house of security and vulnerabilities while the Lunar Eclipse landed in Lunar Living's first/7th houses of self and partnerships. Well, there are a variety of things that this could be trying to encourage me to do. I recognize that change is an important piece of the Eclipses.

I need to assess whether I can afford to change, what specifically do I need to change and how to go about making the best change. So I have my work cut out for me to research, review the various options and evaluate my resources.

In the meantime, it appears that the newsletter features are down and out. I don't know if/when I can get them operational. I apologize for any inconvenience that this might cause for you and I thank you for your patience.

Be well,

Lunar Living's Very First Lunar Article

This was the beginning article that blasted Lunar Living online.

Solar Eclipse

in Solar Sign: Cancer 00'
June 21, 2001

This solar eclipse occurs on the longest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere) on the summer solstice. The strength of this eclipse will be noted by its nurturing energy. Emotions and sensitivity are key traits of Cancer. This eclipse will accentuate these traits. The energies of the eclipse will be felt for an extended period time, possibly as long as three to six months, depending on whether this eclipse will be closely interacting with your natal chart.

June 21 is known as the "Day of Worldly Rapture" (1). Individuals born on this day are considered to be success-oriented, brilliant, and/or eccentric. The day of the summer solstice embodies the richness of the cosmos' bounty. The expansive nature of the day personifies the characteristics of Jupiter and all that Jupiter represents. The opportunities presented by Jupiter's placement in Gemini on this day should be felt over the next few months through improved communication. The emphasis will be placed on positive interactions with people and one's environment, as well as exploring all the new ideas that will be brought to light as a result of the eclipse.

Jupiter is currently in close contact with Mercury which generally encourages expanded communication and short distance travels. However, at the moment, Mercury is "realigning" itself with the Sun as it appears to move backwards in the sky. This optical illusion is identified as a retrograde. The retrograde of Mercury tends to stymie effective communication or undo travel plans. However, within a few days, the planet will begin to turn around and get back on track with the world. In no time at all, the ability to express ourselves in an effective manner will be at our fingertips.

Mars, the planet of energy and physical activity, as well as Chiron, the planet known as the wounded healer, are interacting with Mercury and Jupiter as they appear to traverse backwards in retrograde through Sagittarius opposite of Gemini. These two retrograde planets will contribute to a sense of frustration and sadness, especially in relationship to religious and moral ideals. These interactions may be felt as stumbling blocks to many, and will be felt most strongly by those whose solar signs are in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. It would be suggested that you take these obstacles in stride. Consider the setbacks as part and parcel of the learning process. Soon enough, the barriers will be removed and you will be that much wiser about how you should proceed.

Saturn will contribute to restriction and responsibilities as it moves forward on its trek through Gemini. Saturn will be helping to keep the interactions with others on an even keel. Saturn is typically considered to be an enforcer of the rules. As such, the rules of communication will be closely monitored and kept in check by Saturn for the next year and a half. Saturn will be balancing its restrictive tendencies with Pluto. Pluto also appears to be transiting in retrograde in Sagittarius as it opposes Saturn. Pluto is the planet of transformation, death and rejuvenation. So Pluto will be urging a transformation of ineffective views and beliefs.

Pluto also likely to create additional stir as it is forming a quincunx with Venus in Taurus. This interaction will most likely bring some women's issues to the surface. The fact that the sun is just beginning to enter Cancer, this eclipse should highlight the role of women within the family, the home and the work place.

Finally, and not to be left out, Uranus is contributing in a positive way to the key players of this solar eclipse. Uranus, in Aquarius, is forming trines with Mercury, Jupiter, Sun and Moon. Uranus is known for its sense of freedom and individuality. The interaction between Uranus and these four primary planets may stand out as a push towards truth, originality and self-expression.

With all these planets actively contributing to this solar eclipse, we would be wise to reflect on our emotional needs and be sensitive to those needs. Quiet meditation, prayer and reflection of our gentler side would be in order for this year's summer solstice. At the same time, we should celebrate the strengths and creative characteristics of Motherhood; whether the mother that we hold in our hearts is Mother Earth, Mother Theresa, or Dear Ol' Mom.

© J. McCaul, 2001

It's Our Birthday!

Lunar Living Astrology Online is nine years old this year! It's so hard to believe that we've been online all this time. Like all online organizations, we've hit a few bumps in the road, skidded across the pavement at least once (WHA - Web Host Abandonment), and even had a few online squabbles to boot. But, over all, we've had way more fun than ever anticipated, met some wonderful people all across the globe, created fantastic friendships and thoroughly enjoyed the outcomes. There have been a few moments that we were ready to say, 'OK, we're done' but you all have encouraged us to continue on with your upbeat praise and all out kindness. 

A shout out of thanks and appreciation goes out to Webhostingbuzz for hosting our website since 2005 when our prior webhost walked off with our payment and our domain name.... Webhostingbuzz helped us get it all back, up and running again. Namecheap, the best crew to work with when purchasing/maintaining domains. To Sellwide (no longer in business) for their wonderful mailing program that allows us to get our mailings out at least twice a month. To Google (yes Google) who has helped support us financially, helped us organize and continues to provide so many great FREE services for online/internet users everywhere. Signs of Intelligence, Astrologyhome and all my Delphi buddies who have become wonderful online resources and support. Also, a shout out to the Astrology Zone group; you all are (as Paris Hilton would say) 'Hot!' Oh, and yes, let's not forget all the Lunar Living 'wannabees' who have adopted the "Lunar Living" phrase into their various online activities. We actually do take that as a form of praise and reassurance that Lunar Living is fun and worth copying.

Happy Solstice to you all and a merry "be well."

Jupiter Transits Aries

The Jupiter ingress into Aries today may be a whole lot of fun or a whole lot of something else. The exact conjunction of Jupiter to Uranus in Aries is on June 8 at 4:28 a.m. PDT (11:28 a.m. GMT) and our experiences are likely to be uniquely different until (and possibly after) Uranus stations retrograde in the first week of July.  When the planets both retrograde, the pressures should ease up.  Take a little extra precaution on the dates that the Moon transits Out of Bounds as we are considerably more sensitive and vulnerable to disasters during those dates. The title above links to Jastrology.com's article.

Important dates in relation to Uranus & Jupiter's transits and Conjunctions in Aries and Pisces:
2010
May 28 (Uranus Ingress Aries)
June 6 (Jupiter Ingress Aries)
June 8 (exact Conjunction Jupiter & Uranus in Aries)
June 11 - 14 (Moon OOB during Jupiter/Uranus Conj.)
June 24 - 27 (Moon OOB during Jupiter/Uranus Conj.)
July 5 (Uranus Stations Retrograde)
July 8 - 11 (Moon OOB during Jupiter/Uranus Conj.)
July 20 - 23 (Moon OOB during Jupiter/Uranus Conj.)
July 23 (Jupiter Stations Retrograde)
August 5 - 8 (Moon OOB during Jupiter/Uranus Conj.)
August 13 (Uranus retrograde Ingress Pisces)
September 8 (Jupiter retrograde Ingress Pisces)
September 19 (Jupiter retrograde Conjunction Uranus retrograde in Pisces)
November 18 (Jupiter Stations Direct)
December 6 (Uranus Stations Direct)
2011
January 4 (exact Conjunction Jupiter & Uranus in Pisces)
January 22 (Jupiter Ingress Aries)
March 12 (Uranus Ingress Aries)

How to Avoid a Bad Astrological Experience

A great blogged piece of compiled resources is available on Donna Cunningham's blog at Skywriter Although the article is directed at the professional astrologer, it is also a great insightful resource for non-astrological individuals who are reaching out for astrological information. Some astrologers (and prognosticators of many types) can become so entrenched in the technique that they lose sight of the individual who is receiving the information. I remember early on when I had a chart reading by a well-known US based vedic astrologer (No, I will not name him) who told me that I was likely to lose many children to deadly circumstances because of a poorly placed Saturn in my chart. While this Might ultimately occur at some point in time, the manner in which the information was relayed was truly disconcerting, at the time. And I think we can all say that there are some professionals in a variety of fields out there who get so wrapped up into the "explanation" of the situation that the humanity of the message gets lost. There are so many situations in which a perspective gets skewed by the professional's past experience and opinion.

The client or customer should also feel as though he/she has the right to ask questions and request clarification of the information received. With the resources that Ms. Cunningham has provided in her article, I believe that the client can come out the other side of a potentially bad interpretation of their chart with a greater understanding of what to avoid and what to look for when researching an individual to interpret their chart.

Ingress - Retrograde Tools

The latest calendar tool available at MoonTracks is a series of charts comprised of ingress and retrograde dates for the majority of the major planets. A table for the moon is not included since the moon moves from sign to sign virtually every other day. A yearly list for the Moon would be quite significant in size! The tables mostly list two - three years per planet. Planets included are the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars as well as the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn & Chiron) and the transpersonal planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto). The tables will work well with the already existing ingress and retrograde calendars on the site. Click on the title above to go directly to the main page of ingress/retrograde dates.

Full Moon Names

The Moon Tracks Calendars are up and fully accessible at moontracks.com. The site also has a new feature listing the upcoming Full Moon dates, Full Moon Names, plus Zodiac Signs. The list is in table format, easy to read and gives a complete year's worth of future dates starting with the current month. Click on the title above for direct access to the new feature.

Be well!

Moon Tracks for Calendars

A new update for the Lunar Living site. The Calendars have become so popular, that the amount of calendar-specific traffic to the site has become too much. We are moving almost all our calendars over to Moon Tracks Astrology Calendar. Click on the title link above to visit the site.

The new layout is easy to navigate, and our calendars will be much easier to find. Check it out. As always, the calendars are free and easy to print out for personal use.

Enjoy and be well,

J