DEEP-REACHING TRANSFORMATION !!!

PLUTO - whose cosmic energy has the potential to bring about empowerment, destiny, awareness of obsessions, penetration to divulge hidden causes, to produce profound levels of consciousness, can bring about death - not necessarily of the physical body - rebirth, regeneration or destruction, transformation, harming or healing, depth and insight, and  has the energy to enable us with self-renewal begins its retrograde journey for 2015 today, 4/16, at 11:51 PM EDT at 15 DEGREES 33 MINUTES CAPRICORN ... as Pluto has been slowing down, astrologically speaking, and vibrating sending out its intense energy of transformation and change - much of which we either hadn't expected or in many cases really wanted - the last several weeks, it has probably produced a lot of intensity and restless tension in many peoples lives somewhere ... if you've had a natal chart done and know where 15 degrees 33 minutes Capricorn falls, then you might understand where in your life this impending shift was preparing to take place ... check to see if you have any natal planets at 15 degrees of any sign to determine whether or not Pluto is making a stressful or favorable aspect influencing your life ...

While Pluto is in Capricorn, we can expect deep-reaching transformation of the social order and laws, corporate structures and in the areas of personal responsibility, fulfillment of duties, and general awakening as to personal destiny ... we might also expect some changes in the geographical structure of the earth as well - noticed the increased frequency of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions since Pluto entered Capricorn in January of 2008 ???

Pluto is an outer planet and its energy is directed towards not only personal but generational transformation, so it makes this a time for everyone to step back and review how each one of us is contributing to the future and evolution of mankind and the Earth, or perhaps how we are working towards destroying it ... it’s important to become more conscious of how we individually and collectively impact the Earth and our fellow human beings ... and how willing are you to take an honest look deep within yourself and be open minded and have faith enough to face your inner truth in order to determine where change must take place ???

Scorpio and Capricorn born could be especially sensitive to this shift and what it produces, as well as Cancer born as Capricorn is the sign in opposition to your natal sun placement ... but we will all feel this energy somewhere in our lives both individually and collectively ... keep in mind the tearing down and change is needed in order to promote further personal and spiritual growth ... in some cases it may be very drastic and challenging while in others it may not have quite the forceful impact ...

Scorpio born individuals, this is your yearly period of review and reflection of what is transpiring in your life, and especially what has transpired in your life since September 22nd of last year, that is urging you to release, allow transformation, regeneration and healing to take place in some aspect of your life - in other words, where MUST change take place due to a "cracked" or severely weakened foundation that will not support personal and spiritual growth ??? ... and that goes for all of us as well !!! ... if you have a Scorpio Moon or Ascendant you may be more sensitive to the retrograde period as well - Moon people through emotional issues and Ascendant people through issues of how you project yourself out into the world ... also if you know which house in your natal chart Pluto is currently transiting through, that "stage" where life plays out will produce some interesting and possibly challenging energy ... I have also read many times that when an outer planet - Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - shifts directions, a slightly increased number of "souls" tend to leave the  planet ... particularly those who are elderly ... something to watch especially at the very beginning of the retrograde period and at the end ...

Pluto naturally rules the elimination and reproduction systems of the body so there could be issues there ... maybe, maybe not ... Pluto is also the natural ruler of the 8th house - which includes the support you receive from other people including financial, moral, spiritual and physical ... it addresses legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters and lets not forget "secrets", sex, spiritual and physical regeneration, psychological rebirth and degeneration and death - not necessarily actual physical though .... also occult matters, sleep, deep research, investigation, hidden assets - including the assets of partners and alimony, and finally, surgery - any of these areas are fair game during the Pluto retrograde ...

Pluto remains retrograde until September 24th/25th depending on which time zone in which you live ... as the harbinger of powerful upheaval, transformation, destruction, "death", rebirth and deep healing, Pluto stationing retrograde certainly has the potential to and will shake things up ... and one thing is absolutely for sure where Pluto is involved whether in forward or retrograde motion - THERE WILL BE CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION !!!

ACQUIRING A TRUE DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE !!!

Mercury, steadily and with a precise logical progression, begins its highly concentrated transit through the sign of Taurus today, 4/14, at 6:52 PM EDT ... our mode of thinking and communicating will now shift from the rapid fire energy of Aries into the slower and more methodical energy of Taurus ... the keyword for this energy is "factual" ... here the mind and tongue work deliberately and steadily with the tendency to sometimes get stuck in mental ruts ... this energy can be highly practical and grounded ... business skills or any activity that incorporates the use of common sense usually accompanies this energy ... often there can be learning through  tactile contact or actual physical manipulation of the world ... perceptions can often be limited due to a desire to learn slowly and carefully ... there is a desire to bring ideas down to earth, and there are usually interests in money, sensuality and physical comfort ...

Mercury in Taurus loves to read - ANYTHING !!! ... time is taken in order to arrive at all decisions ... this Mercury also likes to "sleep on it" and needs solid, tangible, physical proof in order to really believe in anything ... the thought pattern is developed in terms of worth thus making "value" the ultimate selling point ... there is usually an excellent memory bestowed by this mercurial energy and it makes one a good observer but ironically one is apt to listen inattentively as their mind is almost always already made up and will rarely be changed !!! ... even though there is a love of reading, it is ultimately realized that experience teaches one the most valuable lessons in life ...

Mercury in Taurus teaches us to think through stabilization ... it's all about the concrete mind - SEEING IS BELIEVING !!! ... the mind here likes to chew things over and over in order to acquire a true depth of knowledge ... there is more of a taste for the traditional rather than the abstract and the avant-garde, and one finds it is steady working habits that produce thorough and solid results ... ultimately there is a gift given here to see how any plan will work out in physical terms ... the energy of Mercury in Taurus can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: sound mind, thorough, patient, cautious, shrewd, resourceful, sensible, realistic, good concentration, mentally sure, deliberating, practical thinker, sense of form, steady mind, enduring, mentally laid-back, docile, undemanding

NEGATIVE: slow minded, plodding, tardy, guarded, mean-minded, money-grubbing, boneheaded, one-track-minded, overburdened, limited thinker, stubborn mind, lazy-minded, dumb, misses the point, couch potato

Mercury joins Mars already in Taurus with the Sun to join the party in 6 days ... Mercury remains in the sign of Taurus until April 30th  ... this is the last complete sign transit Mercury makes before it begins its second RETROGRADE journey for 2015 on May 18th ... when Mercury enters Gemini on April 30th it will get no further than 13 degrees 9 minutes Gemini which is the point where it begins the retrograde period ... it will retrograde from 13 degrees 9 minutes Gemini back to 4 degrees 34 minutes Gemini when it ends the retrograde period on June 11th ... Mercury will enter its next shadow point on May 4th when it reaches 4 degrees 34 minutes Gemini  ... and given that Gemini naturally rules the 3rd house which involves all kinds of communications as well as all forms of transportation, this could prove to be an extremely challenging Mercury retrograde - more so than usual !!!

Taurus born individuals, are you beginning to feel the tempo picking up in your thinking and communicating somewhat ??? ... now is your chance - along with the rest of us - to get a lot accomplished and get our minds anchored to a firmer foundation of rational and practical thinking with this earth energy ... and that's no "BULL" !!!

THE "LANGUAGE" OF LOVE !!!

VENUS  - the planet representing love, affection, attraction, beauty, happiness, value and values, indulgence, superficiality, social and artistic expression, and harmony - began its transit through the charming and versatile sign of Gemini today, 4/11, at 11:29 AM EDT ... being an air sign, Gemini encourages Venus to move about and here variety is indeed the spice of life which includes objects, foods, experiences, and PEOPLE !!! ... Venus was last in Gemini from June 23rd through July 18th, 2014 ...

This Venus is both lighthearted and emotionally objective ... Venus in Gemini really likes intellectual stimulation as much as romance ... there is a tendency towards a lack of commitment as Gemini makes Venus way too lighthearted to remain in one place for too long and can cause it to be very flirty ... often there is literary talent along with a love of language as well as sociability ... it enjoys mental stimulation as well as learning ... there is a pronounced casual air in relating to people ... this Venus just loves good ideas ... affection is expressed playfully, youthfully, verbally and lightheartedly ... the handling of money and possessions is usually objective and logical ... this Venus wants good communications and intellectual give-and-take in love relationships ... flirting and engaging in superficial relationships could occur due to the desire for a lot of variety and new stimulation as well as a desire to keep things cool and steer clear of too much emotional intensity ... intelligence and quick wit is highly attractive here ... this Venus enjoys being amused and entertained, otherwise there will be the tendency to look over ones shoulder at whoever is passing by ... Venus in Gemini is frequently drawn towards younger partners ...

Venus in Gemini teaches us to learn to love through communicating ... it can be a sparkling personality ... there is a strong desire here to prevent stagnation and maintain fluidity so if you fall in love under this energy blindly expecting security and predictability you could be in for great disappointment ... Venus in Gemini is a budding love rather than love in full bloom so it has to be allowed to develop ... loving through communicating means letting the one you love know it rather than sitting on your feelings ... this Venus likes to get around - it is said that sexual or family ties are your "heart", but it is the diversity of social relationships that are the "lungs" which breathe life into your very being ... being a sign of duality, Gemini will cause Venus to be more aware of what it wants than what it thinks it wants ... it is most likely that under this energy one will only attract what they truly desire ... the energy of Venus in Gemini can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: amusing and friendly, coolly affectionate, light-hearted, emotionally objective, socially at ease, emotionally buoyant, stimulating company, lively conversationalist, ear to the ground, good-humored, expressive, agile and witty, socially adaptable, emotionally flexible, well-connected, charming, courteous, tactful, co-operative

NEGATIVE: overly flirtatious, flippant and flighty, makes light of others feelings, emotionally distant, social butterfly, superficial values, lack of commitment, meaningless banter, shallow gossip, empty gestures, verbose, restless and fickle, double standards, inconsistent partner, social opportunist, insincere, easy come - easy go

Gemini born individuals, this is your time to "glow" and become more "attractive" - the "love light" is shining on YOU ... as always, you should seek out and ask for what you want - you just might get it !!!

Just a reminder, there are only 2 more complete sign transits after this one, that being Cancer and Leo, before Venus begins its retrograde journey for 2015 on July 25th ... however, Venus will have just entered Virgo when it goes retrograde at 0 degrees 46 minutes Virgo, so this Venus retrograde will be predominantly in the sign of Leo which rules the 5th house of romance, creativity and pleasure ... do I hear a few groans out there ??? ... Venus will enter its shadow point, the point where it will complete its retrograde journey on September 6th, when it reaches 14 degrees 23 minutes Leo on June 21st ...

Venus, the only planet currently transiting through the sign of Gemini, remains in the sign of Gemini until  May 7th ... for the next 27 days, we all should try to tap into our natural wit and appeal ... try listening to your heart and not your own and other peoples voices ... others will appreciate you if you truly appreciate them ... expressing your feelings verbally, without being overbearing, will open new doors both socially and emotionally ... time to get out there and experience the reality of variety truly being the spice of life ... and while you're at it, you just might become proficient at speaking the "language of LOVE"!!!

OPTIMISTIC VOICES !!!

JUPITER  - planet representing growth, the laws, belief and ethics, expansion, opportunity, wealth, faith, higher education, travel especially long distance, religion, philosophy, joy, goodwill, as well as excess and extravagance - completed its retrograde journey today, 4/8, at 12:58 PM EST at 12 DEGREES 35 MINUTES LEO ... while Jupiter has been retrograde since December 8th, 2014, we have all been rethinking and reviewing our growth and expansion and determining whether or not it may have gone too far too fast and needed some adjustment ... during this period we have all hopefully experienced some kind of internal growth and have been preparing for opportunities that may now become available as Jupiter has stationed back into direct motion ... now is the time to finally determine whether or not what is being offered is something that you truly want and whether or not it will positively promote personal and spiritual growth, or is something that is merely stroking your ego ... 

This Jupiter retrograde period occurred from 22 DEGREES 38 MINUTES LEO back to 12 DEGREES 35 MINUTES LEO ... if you've had a natal chart done you know where these degrees fall, and the areas of life ruled by the house our houses involved are most likely where situations had gone too far in an effort to produce growth and expansion, and had to be addressed and adjustments made  ... 

Sagittarius born individuals, it is time for you to come out of your "hibernation period" and begin moving forward once again ... where did you receive illumination and enlightenment and what have you been busy reviewing and rethinking in your lives since December 8th??? ... what is it that you really want, and what is it that is simply excessive and unnecessary for personal and spiritual growth and expansion ... and we all should have been doing that on some level of our lives ...

Jupiter has now resumed forward motion to complete its transit through the sign of Leo ... Jupiter was last in Leo from August 1st, 2002 - August 27th, 2003 - what was going on in your life back then ??? ... below is a reminder of what this highly optimistic energy is all about :

Jupiter in Leo yields expansive, optimistic and highly self-confident qualities ... it brings an abundance of energy and usually creates a strong constitution ... growth and expansion are linked to ones self-expression ... creativity abounds and the more one taps into it, the more creative one has the potential to become ... inspiration is rarely absent with this energy ... it yields an enthusiastic zest for life with the desire that it be enjoyed in a BIG WAY ... the keyword for Jupiter in Leo is EXUBERANCE !!!

Jupiter in Leo is helpful and highly ambitious normally acting while others merely dream ... it yields a dramatic and often very colorful personality ... here we have a natural entertainer ... it can also bestow leadership ability, dignity, and an incredible ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in others ... it is generous and benevolent but almost always with the expectation of personal admiration and appreciation in return being attached ... being steadfast, reliable and honest are also potential benefits of this energy ... honor and prestige that is well deserved can be conferred by this Jupiter ... here we find an openhearted person who enjoys including others in their lives ... things are usually done  on a lavish, dramatic grand scale especially parties and social occasions with budgets not being given much consideration !!! ... one might desire to become involved with business involving the entertainment industry, artistic endeavors, sports and education ...  this position often brings great success and as a result, there is a particular affinity for gambling and speculation, but one must guard against overindulgence to the point of bringing about financial ruin ... 

Jupiter in Leo can also produce a love of children and interest in their growth - especially their moral development ... here we have the potential for the ability of making excellent teachers, Sunday school leaders and spiritual counselors to the young ... 

The challenges of Jupiter in Leo include conceit because the principle of expansion combined with one of the major downfalls of Leo, egotism, can produce vanity and glory ... one must learn that greatness will eventually come from service to mankind along with cooperation, and not through self-importance ... there is also the possibility of losses in love and romance due to an over inflated ego and excessive pride  ... becoming arrogant, shallow and overbearing resulting in over doing everything is another trap one may fall into ... blowups yielding highly unrestrained displays much like huge, overblown childlike tantrums can occur if one is not careful ... the tendency to get so wrapped up in oneself that one ignores the rest of life is quite possible ...

Leo naturally rules the 5th house which is considered a "house of life", therefore Jupiter transiting through Leo could potentially bring about expansion and growth in regards to children, artistic expressions, love affairs, romance, pleasures, amusements, holidays, vacations, games, speculations, hobbies, your emotional attitude and the love you give, sports, originality, creative outlets - dramatic, literary or artistic ability, the fine arts, social affairs, and any groups to which you belong which relate to having fun ... in regards to health, there could be issues regarding the back, spine and the heart all being parts of the body ruled by Leo ... 

To reiterate, Jupiter in Leo likes gambling, speculation, pageantry, ceremony, drama and grandeur, children, generosity and lavishness ... it does not like anything dull and ordinary, not taking risks, having no dependents, penny-pinching and being mean hearted ... the energy of Jupiter in Leo can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: big hearted, benevolent, inspirational, prestigious, honorable, noble, self-confident, radiating warmth, energetic, strong stamina, self-assured, generous, an entrepreneur, a big thinker


NEGATIVE: big-headed, pretentious, self-serving, misleading, not keeping promises, hollow, egomaniac, ostentatious, overbearing, intolerant, over-confident, spendthrift, overblown, unrealistic

As always, if you know what house or houses thirty degrees of Leo fall in your natal chart, then you will be able to get a good idea of what area of your life this exuberant energy for expansion and growth will most likely occur !!!

Jupiter remains in direct motion until January 7th/8th, 2016 depending on the time zone in which you live ... Jupiter remains in Leo until August 11th, 2015 and will not return for approximately 12 years ... one should be trying to live life to the fullest with a steady, quiet self-confidence which is ultimately what this energy is all about !!! ... to that end, optimistic voices will hopefully encourage us as we all begin to "exuberantly" seek to expand our lives on some level, perhaps we will be blessed by "lady luck" and find ourselves saying, hopefully quite often, whether quietly to ourselves or out loud at the top of our lungs -  JACKPOT !!!

THE "SLOW BOILER OF THE ZODIAC" !!!

Mars began its plodding transit through the methodical, persistent sign of Taurus yesterday, March 31st, at 12:27 PM EDT ... Mars energy is challenged here as now being in the sign Taurus, which is ruled by Venus which rules Libra, and Libra is the sign  directly opposite to the sign Aries which is ruled by Mars ... Mars is therefore said to be in "detriment" in Taurus thus not operating at its full power, and it appears to take on more of the sign's rather than the planets coloration ... it is said that if a planet is in detriment, it is visiting where it MUST conform to rules and regulations ... and what happens when a fiery planet transits through an earth sign ??? ... there can often be "burning" and "scorching" involved !!! ... Mars was last in Taurus from April 20th through May 31st 2013 ...

The energy of Mars in Taurus is likely to be naturally sensual and it appreciates the physical gratifications of life ... determination and endurance are often quite strong ... one can assert themselves steadily and stubbornly ... being grounded is very important ... results MUST be tangible ... the energy moves towards consolidation or physical beauty ... one is happiest when they can control a situation and achieve material success through ones own particular personal method ... identity is tied to pleasure, possessions and comfort - too much material focus here will lead to possessiveness and/or overdrive ... sexual drive and physical energy can be very enduring - after all Mars is passing through the sign represented by the Bull !!! - and it can be influenced by a deep appreciation and savoring of the physical senses ... this energy is also frequently referred to as the "slow boiler of the zodiac" as it puts up and up with a situation until you think there will be no anger expressed, and then all of the sudden you see one who is ready to charge at something or someone and meet the situation head on !!! ..  there is good earning power here but one is usually very particular about how one spends their money ... even though one may judge others harshly under this energy, one will usually fight injustice to the bitter end !!!

Mars in Taurus teaches us all about getting what we want or need through stabilizing ... here one is able to progress easily and steadily in the material sphere of life ... however, sometimes one can get stuck dogmatically moving in the same direction unable to change direction ending up spending ones energy in a meaningless and frustrating manner ... the key here is the ability to establish what actually constitutes stability rather than blindly conforming to an overly materialistic society ... the decidedly sensuous nature may also find appealing the idea that ploughing back into the Earth what one has gained from it - in the form of possessions, pleasures or experiences - will naturally produce newer, fresher "fruits of labor" ... this energy likes wealth and comfort, concrete results, being dominated or dominant, taking its time and planning and foresight ... it dislikes wishy-washy relationships, being pushed and changes that are brought about suddenly ... the energy of Mars in Taurus can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: capacity for work, earning power, productive/industrious, methodical, practical, persistent, patient, close to nature, crafts person, mechanically skilled and able, dependable, sexually attractive, sensuous, passionate, executive ability, formidable, powerful reserves of strength

NEGATIVE: materialistic, greedy, wealth for wealth's sake, plodding, boring, slow to change, slow to act, brutish, mechanical and thick-headed, jealous and possessive, smouldering, carnal, intense, vindictive, bullying, violent when pushed

Mars in Taurus needs to identify its "beast" and re-channel its energy and transform its nature ... Taurus born individuals, enjoy this period of that extra burst of energy and use it for something constructive and productive ... just be careful not to "charge" at and knock down others with your boosted personal power ...

Mars now joins Venus currently transiting through Taurus ... Mars remains in the sign of Taurus until May 11th ... focus on how your material awareness and/or position could end up being of benefit to others ...  oh yes, and be aware you just might end up running into a lot of horny people or finding yourself in the same frame of mind during the next six weeks - "Ole" !!!

"FOOT - IN - MOUTH" DISEASE ???

MERCURY began its blazing transit through the spontaneous, impulsive sign of Aries yesterday, 3/30, at 9:44 PM EDT ... it has now initiated another spin through the natural zodiac ... Mercury takes approximately 1 year to go through the 12 signs of the Zodiac ... it spends anywhere from 15 days to roughly two months in each sign - the longer amount of time being the roughly 20 to 24 days during each of its usual three retrograde periods per year ... that being said, while Mercury transits the sign of Aries, and with it being a Fire sign, energy and action will be expressed either in an inspiring, creative, independent, or impulsive/aggressive manner ... in Aries, Mercury is now in a dynamic relationship with Mars - the ruler of Aries - and the Mercurial energy is being pushed into overdrive ... but just how far into overdrive it is pushed remains the question ... nevertheless the mind will be frequently on overload as well as our actions too ... we may find ourselves moving too quickly and causing mishaps or accidents - especially behind the wheel where we will no doubt be using even more hand gestures than usual !!! ... we will most likely come up with what we determine to be "scathingly brilliant" ideas but not all will be driven to fruition after they lose their initial novelty ... a lot of us will constantly be the victim of "foot-in-mouth" disease as we will have the tendency to speak before we think since the mind is processing so much so fast ... we may also experience sleepless nights or have difficulty going to sleep as we find that when our head hits the pillow the mind is still racing .... we will certainly have to be on guard about starting arguments and trying to stir up controversy simply because we feel like our words are the ultimate authority ...

With the mind and the tongue working rather quickly here, there is definitely a talent for debate and/or using words that are biting, ironic, and sarcastic ... communication will be made directly, forcefully and with confidence ... new ideas are always being sought here as it becomes necessary to be active in order to learn - even if the lessons end up being harder than we anticipated ... under this energy one is usually interested in courage, self-reliance, freedom and self-expression ...

Mercury in Aries teaches us to learn to think through doing ... this energy truly expresses the well known phrase that actions speak louder than words !!! ... just as fresh new ideas and experiences are sought out, there is the tendency at times to dwell on old grievances as well as on outworn interests ... failing to sustain enough mental input or assertion of ones intellectual outlook, there is the risk of nervous and/or physical restlessness that can develop into more serious mental or emotional conditions accompanied by matching circumstances ... slow down to clarify your objectives and then have the faith that you'll rise to the occasion ... make sure your force has a worthy cause attached to it ... realize that the tongue is indeed a sensitive muscle - so learn to "hold it", by learning to "bite" it gracefully, and appreciate what it is attached to !!! ... the energy of Mercury in Aries can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: quick-thinking, spontaneous, quick-acting, decisive, mentally forceful, stimulating, fighting spirit, fiery, frank, witty, to the point, observant, initiates ideas, thinks on ones feet, mentally active and agile, eloquent, verbally assertive, intellectually confident

NEGATIVE: impatient, irritable, quick-tempered, premature, headstrong, quarrelsome, spitting, thoughtless, sarcastic, terse, precocious, snap opinionated, snap decisions, verbally/mentally restless, one-sided viewpoint, intellectually arrogant


Mercury now joins the Sun and Uranus already in Aries - looks like a good combination for potentially explosive verbal fireworks and actions !!!  ... Mercury remains in Aries until April 14th ... Aries born individuals may become infused with an overabundance of ideas and plans in addition to speaking out more so than usual - yikes ... but indeed we all may do so even if we aren't Aries born !!! ...

HEADS UP - this is the next to the last full sign transit of Mercury before it begins its second retrograde journey on May 18th which will be completely in the sign of Gemini going from 13 degrees 9 minutes Gemini back down to 4 degrees 34 minutes Gemini ... Mercury will enter its shadow point on May 4th when it reaches 4 degrees 34 minutes Gemini the degree at which it will resume direct motion on June 11th ...

One might be well advised to keep a lot of ice cream or something cool and soothing on hand as we are sure to have a sore tongue from having to bite it so often to keep from allowing our hasty words to cause too much uproar, misunderstandings and unnecessary verbal confrontations !!!

OPENING TO CHANGE AND NEW EXPERIENCES !!!

The Sun will blaze its way into the sign of Aries today, March 20th, at 6:45 PM EDT ... being the first sign of the natural zodiac, you will find many astrologers who will joyfully say - HAPPY ASTROLOGICAL NEW YEAR !!! ... also known as the Vernal Equinox, equal days/equal nights, but more readily known as the beginning of Spring - something we are all bound to put a little more of in our step for now !!! ... however, if you are in the Southern Hemisphere it's the first day of Fall !!! ... the astrological alarm clock has rung and we are awakened from the dream like state the Sun transiting through Pisces may have put us in ... we now emerge from those deep emotional waters of Pisces, no doubt made more turbulent by the recent cosmic activity, and "dry out" as we proceed to move forward and make new starts somewhere in our lives ... with the Sun in Aries, one needs to shine in the following ways: through valor and bravery; shine assertively; shine by being first; seek recognition energetically and impetuously; and shine in ones total self-expression ... Since Aries is a fire sign, the Sun is very comfortable here and maybe works a little more efficiently ... we are energized with a desire to start getting things done and begin new projects ...

Aries is a masculine/fire/cardinal (beginnings) sign ... it is active, energetic, excitable, impulsive, optimistic, and open to change and new experiences ... its symbol is the Ram - assertive, sexual and able to climb to great heights ... its glyph represents the horns and long nose of the Ram ... symbolically the glyph is two half Moons joined by a straight line, which indicates idealism tied to authority and leadership ... its key phrase is "I AM" and keyword is "ACTIVITY" ... anatomically Aries rules the head - Aries born people are often prone to headaches, and sometimes subject to minor injuries around the head and face, and they are also susceptible to harm from fire and sharp instruments as well as being prone to accidents involving high speed ... sometimes they have a tendency to get into violent and dangerous situations ... Aries is the sign opposite of Libra ...

Aries is ruled by the planet Mars - the ancient God of war, aggression and conflict ... it indicates courage, passion, and competition ... Mars deals with your animal nature, desire and sexual energies ... it shows assertiveness, force, power, construction, work, strife, and competition ... it also governs surgery and operations, weapons, war, accidents, inflammation, wounds and cuts, burns, scalds, violence, tools, iron, and steel ... the action of Mars is sudden, self-assertive, and sometimes very disruptive ... its energy can be used destructively and angrily, in a fighting manner, or with courage and strength ... if you've had a natal chart done, where you find Mars is usually where you expend the greatest energy ... my natal Mars is in the 4th house - the house of home among other things - and I work out of my home !!!

Aries is the natural ruler of the 1st house of the zodiac ... the 1st house keyword is "IDENTITY" and it is a house of life ... the cusp of the 1st house is known as the Ascendant or Rising sign - a very important point in the natal chart - often said to be the "mask" you wear to the outside world !!! ... it shows what the exact degree and sign was on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth - now you know why birth time is so important in Astrology ... the 1st house mirrors your personality, your natural disposition and tendencies, your individuality and the way you express yourself outwardly ... it shows how people see you - which may be totally different from your natal Sun sign - and the way you want others to see you ... the 1st house represents the way you "package" and "market" yourself ... it represents your physical body, your health and your early childhood years ... it usually characterizes your approach to life, your worldly outlook, your appearance and bearing, and the beginnings of all enterprises ...

The Sun in Aries teaches us how to LIVE THROUGH DOING !!! ... its the pioneer, the champion !!! ... this energy simply wants to get something started as the Will has free reign to express itself in this sign ... challenges that stir one to action are usually met with great enthusiasm ... patience is a lesson to be learned under this energy as the drive is so strong to move and move NOW!!! ... physical, emotional and mental extremes are all desired in Aries which usually make one all the better for experiencing them - but go too far and one can expect to be extremely lonely ... remember what springs from your body or mind is only as good as what dwells in your heart ... the energy of the Sun in Aries can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: assertive, go-getting, crusading, enthusiastic, direct, frank, one-pointed, straightforward, spontaneous, energetic, stimulating, courageous, good starter, warrior caste, leader type, confident, independent, strong-willed, single-minded, original being

NEGATIVE: overly aggressive, unreflective, fanatical, arrogant, blunt, tactless, blind to side-issues, simplistic, impatient, restless, irritating, foolhardy, bad finisher, argumentative, uncooperative, pompous, self-centered, headstrong, thoughtless, intolerant

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN ARIES BORN !!! ... this is your time of year to begin a new astrological cycle as well and - SHINE !!! 

For everyone, it is a time for fresh new beginnings on many levels of ones life ... and even better yet - IT'S TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING !!! ... the Sun now joins Mars and Uranus already transiting Aries - a lot of fiery energy being unleashed - proceed with caution !!! ... the Sun remains in the sign of Aries until April 20th ... and once Spring has sprung - BOING - it's definitely time to OPEN A NEW WINDOW ... OPEN A NEW DOOR ... and as Auntie Mame so vivaciously expressed it - LIVE ... LIVE ... LIVE !!!