BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS BY BEING ATTUNED TO THE "LIGHT" AND WHAT IS TRYING TO ILLUMINATE OUR LIVES !!!

The SUN begins its patient, responsible transit through the steady, MOST FABULOUS, WONDERFUL, HONORABLE, CHERISHED, HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE, EFFICIENT, IN OTHER WORDS - NUMERO UNO BABY - SIGN OF THE ZODIAC - CAPRICORN, today, December 21st, at 10:03 AM EST!!! ... OK, so this happens to be my birth sign, BUT ... once again, WHO'S doing the blogging here - un-huh ??? ... I believe that allows me to embellish ever so slightly and I think my fellow Cappies would most heartily agree even though we can often be quite reserved !!! ... Old man winter has come to call, however for those in the Southern hemisphere Summer has begun and the heat is on ... the light-hearted, fun loving fiery energy of Sagittarius is now replaced with the slower earth bound energy dedicated to manifesting ones ambition into reality !!! ... we now turn our attention to focus on practical matters and attempt to go into the New Year with a firm resolution ready to be productive and successful and to manifest what it is that we truly want in our lives !!

Capricorn is the 10th sign of the natural zodiac and represents the beginning of the Winter season - at least in the Northern hemisphere ... it's the shortest day of the year and now the days begin to get longer as the "light" returns !!! ... with the Sun in Capricorn we need to 'shine' through responsibility, in a traditional manner, in seeking attention through authority or authorities, and in our public image and/or careers !!!

Capricorns glyph is the Sea Goat - the ancient symbol used to represent the sign ... the glyph shows the V-shaped beard of the Goat and the curved tail of the Fish ... the glyph is two straight lines that meet and are connected to a circle and a crescent ... this represents the melding of authority and responsibility that is made stronger through energy and passion ... the Goat's steps are slow and sure as they take their time to make sure they get where they are going ... the hooves representing the fact that they attain their goal through using surefooted solid steps !!!

Capricorns quality is cardinal - meaning beginnings ... its element is earth making it a sign a little slower to move ... its energy is feminine - nurturing and passive ... its key phrase is 'I Use' and keyword is 'Ambition' ... anatomically Capricorn rules the bones, joints and knees - but, also due to its association with Saturn, rules the skin, the skeletal system (including teeth), left ear and auditory organs !!!

The planetary ruler of Capricorn is Saturn - the teacher, the taskmaster, the disciplinarian ... Saturn rules form, responsibility, organization, ambition, capacity for a career, limitations and delays ... Saturn also governs theories and scientific law, older persons, depth, patience, timing, tradition, conventionality, orthodoxy, and productive use of time ... it represents the principles of truth, of contraction, or solidification of wisdom and of aging ... Saturn's action is slow and lasting ... if you have had a natal chart done and know in which house Saturn is located, then you know where you best focus and assume responsibility, or where you may feel least secure and tend to overcompensate !!!

Capricorn is the natural ruler of the 10th house of the zodiac ... this is a house of substance whose keyword is 'Honor'... this house shows your profession, your reputation, and your standing in the community ... it indicates your ego, status, fame, promotion, ambition, business and social activities, your employer, the government or any other authority over you ... it shows your achievements, how the world sees and evaluates you, and the influence you may exert in your own circle ... here we see the Church as an organization, and the opposite parent represented by your natal 4th house ... the parent who becomes the wage earner or authoritarian moves into this 10th house when you are able to distinguish between the two and no longer view them as one unit ... a footnote - if you are raised in a single parent home, then that parent is represented by both the 4th and the 10th houses !!!

The energy we experience with the Sun in Capricorn is teaching us to learn how to live through what we build upon ... it is concerned with making a success of life ... one is satisfied here through a sense of purpose and responsibility ... as this surefooted progression gets one to their intended goal, sometimes the foothold can be on someone else's feet or head!!! ... this is a very complex sign and often its energy is perceived as melancholy and stern - but anyone who cares enough to penetrate through the shell of reserve will be greatly rewarded as Capricorns affections and loyalty run deep, and it cherishes and protects loved ones ... it is here for the long haul !!!

The upper half of the Sea Goat represents the earthy and persistent climber ... but when the climber stumbles or falls, or simply realizes there is more to life than can be physically sensed, one begins to acquaint itself with the lower half being the tail representing the world of the fish - the mystical, irrational and unconscious inner realm ... when Capricorn gets spiritual it does so with the same practical efficiency that it deals with the material world ... and ultimately one comes to the realization how useful an awareness of the reality of invisible forces ( thoughts, feelings, the imagination) is, and that the roots and foundations - on which everything is actually built - are usually out of ones sight !!!

Capricorn is old when it is young and gets younger as it ages ... this is due to Saturn's ruler ship of this sign which places great burden and "weight" on young Capricorns shoulders continually driving one to work, and even when a goal has been reached Saturn still says one can do even better!!! ... as a child of Saturn, Capricorn always needs something to improve and perfect !!! ... the energy of the Sun in Capricorn can potentially be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: materially aware, responsible, efficient, orderly, ambitious, an organizer, industrious, takes the reins, reserved at times, patient, thoughtful, deep understanding, resourceful, canny, persevering, disciplined, earthy, senses others' needs, employs others solid

NEGATIVE: status slave, unscrupulous, ingratiating, wet blanket, cold, calculating, slave to self, dictatorial, inhibited, intolerant, worrisome, inscrutable, tight, suspicious, rigid, austere, opportunist, uses others, hard

It has always seemed ironic to me that the Sun would enter the focused, serious sign of Capricorn only days before what is considered to be the merriest and most joyful holiday of the year ... however, we are constantly reminded by the Universe that there is a time for everything and anything in excess is usually not good ... it is actually helpful to be under this energy as the year comes to a close so that we can seriously reflect on and review where we have been and what we have done this past year, and then start making plans as to what direction we need to be moving in next year to assure personal and spiritual growth continues ... there is prolific potential to begin some major growth in our lives if we put our shoulder to the grindstone, so to speak, and positively use this determined, hardworking energy !!!

The Sun is now in transit through Capricorn with Mars and Venus to join the festivities on the 24th ... with all of this "heavy duty" energy, we have the potential to bring about great change, transformation and deep healing in our lives as well as others and also make sure we are building on very sturdy foundations ... or we can bring great ruin and devastation if we are not attuned to the "light" and what it is trying to "illuminate" in our lives !!!

The Sun remains in Capricorn until January 19th, 2026 !!!

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN CAPRICORN BORN - IT'S OUR TIME OF YEAR TO TRULY SHINE !!! ... oh yes, and should you happen to cross the path of a wonderful, fabulous Capricorn individual, be sure to give them a GREAT BIG HUG AND A SMILE - you know we Capricorns need all the hugs and smiles we can get with Saturn often weighing down our souls rather heavily at times !!!

THE MOST EFFICIENT, PRACTICAL USE OF ORGANIZATION AND DISCIPLINE CAPABLE OF YIELDING DECISIVE ACTION !!!

MARS began its transit through the responsible, hardworking sign of Capricorn on Monday, December 15th at 2:24 AM EST ... this Mars energy is absolutely all about getting the job done and doing so very thoroughly !!! ... Mars was last in Capricorn from January 4th through February 13th, 2024 ... Mars is back now ready to teach Capricorn born yet another lesson as well as the rest of us ... but also the other cardinal signs - Aries, Cancer and Libra - have the potential to feel the effects of this energy more strongly as well !!!

In astrological terms, Mars is said to be "exalted" in the sign of Capricorn ... every planet has one particular sign, apart from the one it rules, where it expresses itself most harmoniously ... complementary forces are increased and the virtues are magnified ... for Mars it is Capricorn because the organization and discipline of Saturn - the planet which rules Capricorn - makes for the most efficient, practical use of the Mars energy ... here people are more capable of decisive action ... not as much energy may be expended, but the energy that one expends is usually more effective ... there is also a high degree of self-control and discipline, and orders can be taken from those in power and implemented producing positive results ... therefore, it should come as no surprise that many who pursue military careers are born with Mars in Capricorn !!!

Great energy is channeled into professional ambition here ... it is extremely materialistic ... desire for recognition and high status is very intense ... actions are usually well organized and very carefully calculated to achieve concrete results in terms of money and professional advancement ... as a result, many business executives are born with Mars in Capricorn or have Mars in the 10th house - the house of career and public image !!!

Mars in Capricorn bestows pride in doing a job correctly along with a corresponding disrespect for laziness and lack of ambition ... one has to be careful under this energy not to use people for the sake of status and material gain due to a loss of human values in the intensity of ones material ambition ... if Mars in Capricorn is heavily afflicted in ones natal chart with this placement, or the current transiting chart under this energy, there can be a danger of broken bones !!!

Mars in Capricorn signifies force and energy kept under control thanks to Capricorns ruling planet Saturn which helps keep this energy from getting too far out of control ... that is, to be used when it is necessary ... ones strength here lies in the ability to endure ... obstacles in ones path are usually run over roughshod ... there is vigor and dynamic force along with quiet self-reliance ... sexual nature becomes earthy and passionate with the element of self-control governing relationships ... sometimes one is hot-blooded, sexy and romantic, and at other times chilly, withdrawn and disinterested ... sexually, passion is expressed only to someone whom you have allowed yourself to become intimately involved with ... ultimately the lesson here is learning not to just indulge in a body for its own sake without appreciating that it houses a Soul !!!

Mars in Capricorn teaches us to get what we want through building on strong foundations ... here we have the master builder, the chief executive ... one goes about getting what one wants with such a deliberate, pragmatic and sure-footed fashion, that whatever you get usually remains yours !!! ... achievements are based on a very firm foundation, and as a rule, short cuts are not taken as one realizes they often become the longer way around ... the key here is to learn to appreciate that one is getting somewhere by trusting that the "building work" is going on even though at times it may be taking place unconsciously or beneath the surface where most foundations are usually based !!!

Mars in Capricorn can often be an indicator of the self-made person due to the ultimate realization, sooner or later, that it may become necessary to have to go it alone ... the ability to delegate and regulate is an essential quality under this energy ... and this applies to both the personal and professional areas of ones life ... this ability results mainly from having a purpose and a plan along with a sense of timing ... one of the greatest gifts of Mars in Capricorn is in learning to pace yourself and not be pressured by others who do not understand the certainty of ultimate success ... the potential energy of Mars in Capricorn might manifest in your life in the following ways:

POSITIVE: persistent, single-minded, nobodies fool, industrious, works according to plan, earthy and practical, authoritative, respects order, disciplined, commands respect, sexually disciplined, capable of celibacy, strong sex drive, self-reliant, energetic worker, decisive, cuts through red tape, inscrutable

NEGATIVE: pig-headed, disagreeable, dog-eat-dog attitude, workaholic, cold and calculating, insists on material results, uses others, lust for control, disregards others' rights, slave-driving, sexually controlling/controlled, suppresses libido, lacking affection, lonely, restless at work, agonizing, bucks the system, self-mystifying

My fellow Capricorn born individuals, as you are probably aware when Mars transits ones birth sign, one is given an extra boost of energy so no doubt we will be using this energy to place those sure-footed steps in place as we continue our upward climb ... just be careful you don't accidentally "incinerate" or "step" on someones toes with all this extra fiery energy empowering you !!!

Mars remains in Capricorn until January 23rd, 2026 ... Mars is currently transiting through Capricorn all alone but soon to be joined by the Sun on December 21st and then Venus and Mercury to join the party a little bit later !!!

For those of you keeping track and who like to be informed and prepared, Mars will take its next retrograde journey beginning January 10th, 2027 which will be a dual sign retrograde going from Virgo back to Leo ... and yes the first Mercury retrograde of 2027 will be completely embedded in it from February 9th through March 3rd, 2027 ... more on this to come later !!!

As for Mars, now in Capricorn, this is perhaps very good energy to bring in the New Year and plan for successful, productive and rewarding new beginnings during 2026 !!!

MERCURY RETURNS TO SAGITTARIUS !!!

MERCURY returned to the sign of Sagittarius on Thursday, December 11th, after stationing direct back into direct motion on November 29th ... below is a reminder what this energy is all about: 

Mercury began its extended transit through the philosophical, visionary, idealistic, inspirational sign of Sagittarius on Wednesday, October 29th, at 7:02 AM EDT ... Mercury was last in Sagittarius from November 2nd, 2024 through January 8th, 2025 - a longer than normal transit time due to its third and final retrograde period for 2024 ... and that will be the case again this year !!!

Mercury in Sagittarius is in a sign opposite to one of the signs it naturally rules - that being Gemini - and is therefore said to be in "detriment" ... it is considered less "visible", appearing to not operate at its usual full power, but not less effective though ... it is visiting a sign where it must conform to rules and regulations that it wouldn't normally have to do in certain other signs !!!

This Mercurial energy learns by gaining an overview of the Big Picture ... it wants to know EVERYTHING !!! ... it can use way too many words and use great hand gestures sometimes knocking things over, and talk much too loudly at times !!!

But for all its challenges, this Mercury can be quite funny, bluntly honest, and entertain so well that you might find it appealing ... here we have a sincere energy with a great sense of humor ... sometimes things are blurted out without considering the consequences ... there can be highly intuitive flashes of truth ... there is also such an overabundance of varied interests that one can scatter their mental forces too thinly ... here the mind does not need sharpening, only good direction ... generous, progressive and honest, this Mercury does not like deception on any level !!!

Mercury in Sagittarius can produce great interest in higher education, philosophy and religion ... intellectual status is admired and one could become a non-stop talker ... there is a love of travel of any kind found here - foreign places, cultures and people can inspire ones mindset ... the mental approach is broad and quick ... communication is made enthusiastically, openly and optimistically ... the desire to be direct, truthful, generous and broad-minded aids in connections with other people ... thinking and reasoning are usually influenced by long-term goals rather than specific or short-term desires and needs !!!

Honesty is usually a major focus with this energy ... one is likely to be quite articulate and gregarious ... there can be a tendency to leap to conclusions, overgeneralize and possibly over exaggerate ... one can inspire others through their ideas ... there is a natural inclination to learn and to teach other people what one knows ... there could also be an interest in writing or the law as well !!!

Mercury in Sagittarius teaches us to learn to think and communicate through what it is we are SEEKING ... its the eternal student ... the mindset is broad and active and capable of cultivating itself and being aware of a variety of life's aspects ... there needs to be a focus here otherwise the knowledge and experience can yield a personal philosophy that is merely a scattered collection of ideas and thoughts that are disconnected ... here we have a seeking mind that is looking for the meaning of life and how we are a part of that !!!

One usually speaks their mind yielding a refreshing clearing of the air in order for one to see where they stand with others, and where others stand with you and themselves ... getting things off ones chest is important with this energy - left unsaid it could lead to difficulty with communications and evening with breathing !!! ... here is a mind filled with wonder at all this world has to offer - everything is there for the finding ... mental freedom, a good hot debate, laughing and joking, great thoughts and the promises of life are liked ... not so well liked are an overabundance of ideas, long sad faces, small minded people and those who are wet blankets ... the energy of Mercury in Sagittarius can be expressed in the following ways :

POSITIVE: frank, sincere, open-minded, speaks ones mind, versatile mind, speculative, intuitive, noble-thinking, thinks big, learned, clever, far-sighted, philosophical, fair judge, sees truth, enthusiastic, cultured, eclectic, informed, well-connected

NEGATIVE: indiscreet, irreverent, overly talkative, scattered mind, irrelevant, illogical, poor concentration, overly-grand ideas, too academic, impractical, short-sighted, sermonizing, opinionated, self righteous, trendy, conceited, pompous

Mercury now joins the Sun, Venus and Mars already transiting through Sagittarius ... Mercury will complete its full transit through Sagittarius on January1st, 2026 !!!

Sagittarius born, we anxiously await all of the scathingly brilliant ideas you are going to come up with while Mercury transits your birth sign during this extended period !!! ... however, we all may come up with some as well - and they may have to be reconsidered and revised ... and even abandoned in the end !!! 

During this time, each of us has the potential to enhance our native born intelligence with formal training if we choose ... we should look AND listen ... gear your thoughts to an end that is lasting or even a cause that will inspire and enlighten others, and to what is the ultimate truth one can learn while Mercury transits through Sagittarius !!!

Remember, by opening your mind you will surely come to understand during this extended transit one very important fact of life -

KNOWLEDGE IS TRULY POWER !!!   

THE BONDING OF PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL LOVE - HOW WE LOVE THROUGH WHAT WE ARE SEEKING !!!

VENUS - began its transit through the enthusiastic, broad-minded sign of Sagittarius on Sunday, November 30th, at 3:14 PM EST ... this Venus is all about the adventure and excitement that love can bring, and therefore ends up being a love that doesn't always last especially being in a fire sign where the flames of passion and love can burn out fast especially when something or someone else perceived as better comes along ... but friendships have longevity and they are usually numerous ... Venus was last in Sagittarius from October 17th through November 11th, 2024 ... Venus in Sagittarius produces a much lighter, happier and less intense version of the pursuit of love than Scorpio !!!

Venus in Sagittarius energy enjoys travel, philosophy, education, and anything which will broaden ones horizons and perspective on life ... it is friendly, expansive and philanthropic towards people ... affection is expressed generously, grandly, extravagantly unless one becomes disillusioned when their ideals are denied ... in fact, this Venus can give so much that it forgets it deserves to receive as well ... honesty is valued and one can be quite broad minded in terms of love ... pleasure is found through ideals and ideas !!!

It may be difficult getting settled down into one relationship because there is the enjoyment of exploration and adventure along with the constant seeking of the ideal relationship ... comfort and harmony here requires the freedom to roam, explore, and always be able to look for something better ... NEVER try to tie down or fence this Venus in or it's over in the blink of an eye !!! ... the handling of money and possessions is usually optimistic and often can lead one to getting overextended ... this Venus wants "THE BEST" in its love relationships ... both partners must agree on goals, values and their world view ... philosophical harmony is absolutely essential ... being direct and honest is required ... there is also an increased benefit through foreign travel, people and their cultures ...this Venus energy can be extremely flirtatious !!!

Venus in Sagittarius teaches us how we love through what it is we are seeking ... it's the joy of love - here we find an awareness of the inexhaustible bounty of love ... one understands that there cannot be the good times without the bad, and through thick and thin faith in love and spiritual quests is never lost ... the unbounded and expansive sense of love and pleasure can inspire and warm ones heart ... along with the awareness of the infinite supply of Love, it is important to give something of value to others !!!

Venus in Sagittarius is also concerned with the bonding of physical and spiritual love ... it is important here to learn from actual experience rather than from a book ... ultimately a set of beliefs and principles will dictate that ones manner of loving and relating is essential to ones happiness ... this Venus likes quick emotional responses, honest and upfront relating, playing around and philanthropy ... it dislikes holding back, leaving things unsaid, restraint and inactivity and flattery and phony facades ... the energy of Venus in Sagittarius can be expressed in the following ways :

POSITIVE: romantic imagination, light-hearted, warm and affectionate, generous, guided by particular standards, benevolence and loyalty, idealistic, demonstrative, non-possessive, emotionally frank, honest with ones lover, broad-minded, socially active, vivacious, popular, friendly

NEGATIVE: easily attracted, impressionable, overly flirtatious, broken promises, forces beliefs on ones partner, unable to face emotional truth, hard to please, escapist, scatters emotions, fickle, brutally and offensively tactless, impersonally affectionate, amoral, name-dropper, promiscuous, a "groupie", squanders affections

Sagittarius born, the "love light " is shining on you for the next few weeks ... in fact Sagittarius Rising and Moon born will benefit as well !!! ... you just might get what you "desire" so go for it !!!  

Venus now joins the Sun and Mars already in transit through Sagittarius ... Venus remains in Sagittarius until December 24th !!! 

Just a heads up for those who might be planning a special "occasion" in 2026 ... Venus will be taking its next retrograde journey from October 3rd through November 13th going from 8 degrees 29 minutes Scorpio back to 22 degrees 51 minutes Libra !!! 

For now, as Venus transits Sagittarius it is important to remember to set a higher value on yourself which ultimately may lead to others appreciating you more ... you will be truly loved for expressing how you genuinely feel about yourself ... identify your ideals and needs and seek to express them ... understand that love grows through its own trials !!! ... and due to its nature of being extremely frank and direct in communicating feelings under this expansive energy, it might be best to heed the sage advice to take precaution and remember -

"LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS" !!!