Category Today’s Cosmic Weather

Dec 12 2011
Aside

The energies for the day focus on the Moon, Mars and Venus… think passion, acting from the heart, erotically charged energy with a desire for security in combination with opportunities for courageous encounters, harmony, beauty and loads of charm mixed in. 

Marilyn Monroe: Beauty, charm, eroticism, passion & insecurity - a perfect example of today's combination of Moon, Venus & Mars.

Moon in Cancer and Mars in Virgo are in a sextile combination – a sixty degree angle between them. That creates a fantastic time to act on your passions and to create some beautiful harmony and beautiful opportunities. But this is short lived so act now! It’s a perfect time to act courageously for a cause you really believe in – to be a champion for something worthwhile – particularly women and children.

Moon and Venus are moving into an opposition as the day progresses… if you balance these two energies well you get love, beauty, charm, and a lovely social environment. There can be a dreamy quality within. You may feel inspired by art – either creating or appreciating it. If these two energies are out of balance for you then you may feel a real longing for love and perhaps a need for security. You may feel that you have to choose between love/desire and security. This energy is strongest late night and into early morning Eastern Time. 

“Falling in love” is a phrase that comes to mind when I think of today’s energies. I don’t mean with a person per se, though that of course is possible. But falling in love with anything beautiful and worthy of your passion – a cause, art, a film, a child, an organization that champions something you believe in… let your heart go in this direction and see what you find yourself in front of.

When I think of the Moon, Venus and Mars combined, I can’t help but think of Marilyn Monroe. She was feisty and passionate like Moon/Mars, sexy and erotic like Mars/Venus, and always craving security, protection and love like the Moon in Cancer (today’s Moon placement and it’s natural  home).

Marilyn said:

I always felt insecure and in the way, but most of all I felt scared. I guess I wanted love more than anything else in the world.  (moon in cancer/venus)

Dreaming about being an actress, is more exciting then being one.  (moon/venus)

I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best. (moon/mars/venus)

I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it. (mars/venus)

There’s huge potential for bold action, pleasure and love today. Use these energies wisely and you may create wonderful opportunities!

Today – Love, Beauty, Charm, Passion & Marilyn Monroe

Dec 11 2011

How Does the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Impact You?

If you have questions about how yesterday’s Lunar Eclipse impacts you and your birth chart – what areas of your life are most profoundly affected and how you can best utilize the energies at hand – please contact me at astrology@michellegregg.com for your choice of a Mini-Session (phone or Skype) or a full Individual Consultation (phone, Skype or in-person). We’ll go over where both recent Eclipses occurred in your chart, what that means to you, and how best to navigate. A Mini-Session is 20 minutes/$30 and a full Individual Consultation is regularly $150, but offered now at the Holiday Rate of $95.

Talk with you soon! And Happy Holidays!

Dec 10 2011

Total Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Gemini – Dec. 10, 2011

There’s a Total Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Gemini tomorrow – today really – Dec. 10, 2011. Those of you who have Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo or Pisces strongly represented in your charts will probably feel this event more strongly than others. Don’t just think of your Sun sign in this case – your Sun sign is a small part of the entirety of you as symbolized by your birth chart. Look at your Moon sign, your Ascendant, stelliums, planets on the angles, etc. to see what you have in these 4 signs. (If you don’t know your chart, send me your birth info.) 

Some of you, like me, may still be reeling from the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius on Nov. 25, 2011. This one will solidify, or layer what happened then. Eclipses bring endings and transformations. You may feel pushed forward into something that makes you feel anxious – but really look at the events and opportunities that are happening in your life. Understand that there’s a reason for the (eclipse) season!

This Lunar Eclipse will illuminate something to do with duality, logic, reason, mental workings, curiosity, information, knowledge – all things related to Gemini. And as all things occur on a continuum – in unbreakable relationship to what is opposite – Sagittarius meanings will be in play as well: seeking meaning, expansion, morality, judgment, education, enthusiasm, religion. Uranus, the planet of independence and revolution, goes direct at about the same time, so there’s likely to be a feeling of expectation and antsy pants… a need for something new. And Mars is squaring this lunation – so tempers may flare. At the least there will be lots of energy.

As you ponder what this eclipse can mean in your life, see if you can remember what was happening in June of this year (the first Total Lunar Eclipse of this Eclipse Cycle) and also try to remember about 19 years ago in December of 1992, the last time there was a Total Lunar Eclipse in Gemini. What was going on then may give you a bit of insight into what this event is all about.

Just remember that all endings make way for new beginnings. Cliche I know – but cliches are true for a reason!

Sep 23 2011

Fall Equinox 2011 – The Power of a Rainbow

Beautiful double rainbow...

Rainbow Story…

This morning on the way back from dropping my son off at school, my mom, who because of progressive dementia is usually not very cognizant of what’s around her, leaned over and said with joy in her voice, “There’s a rainbow!”

Her joy was contagious and as I looked heavenward and found the arching hues, I was astonished. Not just one rainbow – but two, following the same path, one over the other. On a morning that had been the typical rush and push out the door, my equilibrium was immediately restored. I felt my breath deepen, the corners of my mouth lifted into a genuine smile and my eyes were shining with delight. All because of a rainbow – or actually two.

Mom continued to look up and as we moved through neighborhood streets she craned from side to side to keep the gorgeous spectrum of colors in sight. She started talking about the rainbows she had seen as a child and lamented that she never saw them anymore. She asked with wonder what could possibly cause a rainbow? And I described to her the process of light refracting through water droplets in the atmosphere… I could see that she didn’t understand and because her short-term memory is completely gone I was asked how a rainbow is created several times… but it was so nice to be sharing something in real-time with her, both of us steeped in the natural glory of this phenomenon of light and water in the morning sky.

As I drove along with mom at my side, window down to the cool breeze, truly enjoying my new-found happiness, I realized something with a jolt. Today is the Autumn Equinox! A day when light and dark are equal… a day of equilibrium! My pleasure increased yet again. Here we were, rapt by the vision of the reaching colors, feeling connected, feeling joyous and centered – on one of two days in any year that symbolizes balance, equality, mystery and beauty – the balance to be found between dark/light, good/evil. When we stopped at the next traffic light, I took a picture so that I’d have a way to remember my lovely feelings and symbolic realizations.

Fall Equinox 2011 Astrology…

This particular Autumn Equinox occurred at 5:05 AM EDT, Sept. 23, 2011. Considering our feelings during that rainbow drive, it’s not surprising that the astrological alignments today have much to do with balance and beauty.

The Equinox happens annually when the Sun moves out of Virgo and into Libra – and Libra is all about balance, equanimity, grace, and gaining and maintaining equilibrium. Venus, Libra’s ruler, also has everything to do with pleasure, aesthetics and what we value – if you think about it, it is the things we find most pleasing that we tend to value, hence the connection. And not only is the Sun in Libra, but so is Venus herself, as is Saturn.

Venus and the Moon are in a lovely angle to one another today, and when they combine the energies brighten with a desire to socialize with loved ones and create harmony and peace. There is a gentleness to this combination.

And since Venus is also in a very nice combination with Mars, there is an alluring eroticism in the air just waiting to be tapped into by ardent lovers. (Don’t let this one pass you by!)

Saturn touches Venus as well… some may argue that this combination is barren and austere, putting the brakes on our relationships. But the orb is still wide and there is a bright side to these two coming together… Try tapping into these: Simple beauty. Enjoyment of clear forms. Pleasure through structure. The peace of stillness.

There are other prominent energies today… Uranus is opposite the Sun branding us with some volatile energy that revels in the unique, sudden and revolutionary. This coupling also unleashes the quality of the trickster – so be aware that all is not rainbows and unicorns! Still this is an opposition and mirrors the energy of finding balance and equilibrium that Libra portrays.

And of course, we have the long-standing Uranus/Pluto square, which the Equinox is energizing as the Sun is opposite to Uranus and squared to Pluto creating a T-Square, that brings our attention to the combined archetypes of revolution and breaking down the status quo with destruction, re-construction and transformation. But we’ve been mired in that energy for a very long time…

Today, for this beautiful Autumn Equinox, enjoy the more fleeting energies represented by the Sun, Moon, Venus and Mars… go find a little pleasure.

Sep 2 2011

Moon, Venus, Jupiter and the Sun = Lovely Day!

Despite the fact that politically, financially and environmentally things feel like they’re falling apart (the inevitable growing pains of transformation and evolution), and despite the fact that the astrological weather of late has been – well, let’s just say a little intense – today can be a  truly feel good day if you tap into the right energy.

The Moon is in Scorpio – not a light emotional expression to be sure – but it’s in lovely angle to both the Sun and Venus in Virgo. We can find opportunities here for a warm, caring social atmosphere (a neighbor who I see daily just walked by and for the first time smiled and waved at me through my window!) and sincere, deep expressions of caring and service are possible.

Add in a connection between the Moon and Jupiter and you have a recipe for balancing instincts with the intellect… a moment in time when spirits run high and we have fertile ground for pulling together our ethics with our emotions. And anytime the Moon and Jupiter get together we can tap into simple joy – an abundance of noble emotion is there for the asking.

The last feel good ingredient in today’s cosmic soup is a flow of good vibes between the Sun in Virgo and Jupiter in Taurus… at the least we can step forward with gentle confidence (nothing overt as Jupiter is retrograde) and with the assurance of success on some level.

It’s a great day to ponder the meaning of life and your place in it and to share those thoughts with friends and family. Enjoy this moment to catch your breath and relate to those you love!

Jan 15 2010

Today’s Solar Eclipse, New Moon, and Mercury Direct

It’s probably no surprise to any of you that there’s alot going on in the sky at the moment – because there’s alot going on down here. I’m going to try to break it down a bit in astrological terms for you.

This morning, Jan. 15, 2010, at 12:45 AM EST an annular Solar Eclipse began, and at 2:11 AM EST we experienced the New Moon, both events in Capricorn at 25 degrees. This powerful energy, demanding a new course, is filled with the earthy, practicality of Saturn (Saturn rules the sign Capricorn and there are currently 5 planets and the North Node in this sign. That’s alot.) as well as the challenges, boundaries, and restrictions that are also the domain of Saturn.  Known traditionally as the Grim Reaper and harbinger of death, Saturn energy can be  harsh and cruel (Charles Dicken’s Scrooge before his happy transformation is a great example of the shadow personality of Capricorn), and it can also be clear minded, sensible, responsible and will carry through with complete perseverance to the end of whatever is set before it to accomplish. The way I see it, the earthquake in Haiti and the huge response to it is showing us both sides of the Saturn/Capricorn coin pretty clearly.

New Moons always equal New Beginnings and Eclipses require us to change direction or course, and have been known historically to occur simultaneously with huge, life changing events. The ancients believed that an Eclipse was a omen of doom. I don’t cater to that belief as the only possible outcome of an Eclipse, but see them as portals into something new. I believe there can be miracles and evolution – certainly transformation – within every catastrophe, whether personal, local, or global. This New Moon Solar Eclipse has provided us with a very real, very HUGE, portal into evolution and transformation in the very tangible form of this tragic and devastating earthquake. The transformation is certainly occurring for Haiti and Haitians, but also for all of us as our hearts are wrenched, our feelings of helplessness rise, and as we move forward despite hardship to rally forward to help. It is our job to see the miracles that are occurring moment to moment during the rescue and relief missions, and to continue to see them as countries from across the globe pull together to bring relief to this small Caribbean country as it rebuilds, after the shockwaves have dissipated. I am hopeful that somehow the spotlight on this suffering place will open eyes, minds,  hearts and wallets – that it will shift enough people – so that a critical mass occurs and something is done to finally bring Haiti out of such horrific poverty and long-term disease. It IS possible.

If you’ve been reading here, you know that not only is there a Solar Eclipse at hand, but there’s also a Saturn/Pluto square, which is “actual” for about 9 months (Nov. 2009 – Aug. 2010) and”felt” for alot longer. When we combine this energy with the New Moon Solar Eclipse, Mercury going direct, and Saturn going Retrograde, we come up with moment in time and space that is DEFINING. Resources are limited, so we are forced to do more with less, which is a HUGE lesson of our time in our culture.

Mercury going direct means that the channels needed for transporting goods, services, ideas, technology, vehicles etc. are opening up – but slowly. Communication can begin to get back on track. The shadow of the Retrograde continues until the first week of February. It may be that long before the road blocks are cleared and traffic can move effectively, and before we have confirmation of the full extent of the devastation and loss of life in Haiti.

I’ll inform you of the significance of Saturn moving Direct tomorrow.

Jan 6 2010

Yes…it’s Retrograde Season, Saturn and Pluto are squared, but here’s something to inspire you!

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I’ve been thinking about the current Saturn/Pluto square, and all these Retrogrades. And just like that, I came across, for the hundredth time in my life, my favorite quote ever. It’s by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, that wonderful German poet, writer, philosopher, dramatist, playwright, and civil servant. (He was a good Virgo, with a Pisces moon – a man of service and discrimination with a soul connected to the pulse of his world. He was born in 1749 and died in 1832 – like us experiencing the turning from one century to the next. He is known as one of most influential writers of all time.)

The quote I love so much, and that presented itself to me today, is this:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

I do realize of course, that Saturn and Pluto are squared, seemingly wreaking havoc on our very foundation; and that Mercury and Mars are Retrograde – and that in just a few days Saturn will be Retrograde as well. All this Retrograde action translates to a time for mental and physical retreat, and a true internal reality check.  This is not the best moment in time to begin anything new.

HOWEVER – there are words and ideas in the quote above that at this time on our journey, the time of Retrogrades and a Saturn/Pluto square, are of utmost importance. Goethe speaks of commitment, the realm of Saturn. He also speaks of hesitancy, drawing back and ineffectiveness – also the realm of Saturn, but from the lower vibration. He tells us that without commitment we can never be fully engaged in our dream! As long as we hesitate, i.e. as long as we act from a place of commitment phobia, our intentions are not clear to the Powers that Be, and therefore cannot gather force beneath and around us, to rally us forward toward our goals. As long as we are wishy-washy, even a little, Providence cannot help us fulfill our dreams, goals, and aspirations.

So take heed of the Retrogrades and ruminate, stand still instead of running forward just for now, and work with Saturn to get the REAL dream in place so that the Pluto purging of whatever is getting in your way or holding you back can work its mysterious magic that will lead to an incredible transformation in your life as you know it! (Think “work toward transformation”.)

This month and through the next several weeks, during this time of introspection, renewal, rehearsal and not so intrepid and forthright action, go inside and figure out what you WILL COMMIT yourself to. Make lists, meditate, visualize, test and rehearse. Be bold and allow your genius to arise from within – and then, when the time to move forward is ripe (you’ll feel it), the magic will happen – the support will show up, the people of like-mind will appear to help, like the shoemakers elves.

Saturn + Pluto = REAL MAGIC, COMMITMENT TO RELEASING WHAT’S USELESS AND DYING, TRANSFORMATION TAKING FORM, DEEP AWARENESS OF YOUR INNER TRUTH

Read the quote from Goethe several times, only say it in the first person (Until I am committed…etc.) until you can recite it without reading it. Allow it to become a part of you. Internalize it and meditate on it. Feel it. And then…when it’s time to move forward…feel your power, be BOLD and do it! Commit with no concept left of turning back.

See? Retrogrades, Saturn and Pluto really can be your friends!

Oct 1 2009

Mercury Direct! Now the shadow…

Mercury - Roman MythologyTuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 – Happy Mercury Direct everyone! Mercury began its forward motion at 22 degrees of Virgo and will continue into Libra as the days progress. We’re now entering the after-shadow period; the down-time during which Mercury heads back to the same degree it was in when it went Retrograde 3 weeks ago. That means we have until October 15 to assimilate all that we’ve re-structured and received around our communication skills and needs within relationships (Libra), how and where we can truly serve from the heart while engaging our heads and our hands (Virgo). This time also gives us a couple of weeks to re-engage our brains into forward movement and to pull together a mental plan for the next 3 months so that we’re prepared for the next Retrograde that begins the day after Christmas in Capricorn (that should make for some interesting last-minute holiday shopping and party going! Word to the wise – if you’re buying electronics, cars, or anything that includes a contract this year, shop early!)  We can utilize the current shadow time to figure out how we can now take action and move forward on the juicy information that we may have been able to harvest from our psyches during the Retrograde. We can still expect communication glitches and other Mercury antics for the next few days, but if you’re paying attention you can feel the energy shifting. Don’t expect too much too fast; just breathe in the newly forward feeling and focus on what you’ve learned and how you incorporate that new knowledge into your daily experience of life.

Sep 16 2009

Saturn and Uranus – What we must balance.

I’m certain you’ve heard of the Age of Aquarius. Some say we’re fully in it, some say it’s only just started, some that it doesn’t start for quite some time, while even others argue that  it started back in the 60’s or even longer ago – it’s a bit of a gray area.  An Astrological Age, such as the Age of Pisces that we’re departing and the Age of Aquarius that we’re entering, are periods of time lasting about 2160 years and are marked by the sun’s movement, at the time of the Spring Equinox, into a new zodiacal constellation. This movement occurs backward through the Zodiac and is due to the wobble of the Earth on its axis. The sign of an Astrological Age defines the characteristics of the time over a 2000 year period, give or take a couple of hundred years. However “an age” can also be defined as “any period identified with some dominant personality or characteristic”. I propose The Little Age of Saturn/Uranus. It’s far more certain in terms of timing and much easier to define than an entire Astrological Age!

This Little Age of Saturn/Uranus began in the Fall of 2008 and will end just before Fall in 2010. So we have a two year moment that is not only acting as a stand alone event; it is also the catalyst ushering in a brand new paradigm. Here’s why.

Every 45 years, Saturn and Uranus find themselves at a stand-off in the sky – a 2-year period when, like duelists meeting at dawn with drawn pistols, they are opposed – literally being 180 degrees apart, and symbolically. Let’s talk about the symbolism. These two planets are rather like those duelists – feet slipping in the morning dew, the mist swirling thick between them, and not nearly enough light to really see the other for a clean shot. They must feel as if they’re moving in slow motion, sticky with apprehension, and that their target – their goal – is not clearly emerged enough from the elements to offer clear vision. The outcome of this precarious adventure is wildly uncertain…the fact that something has to happen – to change – is unalterable.

(Which can perhaps be seen as the death throes of the Age of Pisces as we move faster into the Age of Aquarius.)  since Uranus is the ruler of Aquarius and is occupying the sign of Pisces

At 8:51 EDT on Sept. 15 (yesterday as I write this) Saturn and Uranus made the third of five exact oppositions, the denouement of this Little Age. This exact 180 degree separation, placing Saturn in Virgo on one side and Uranus in Pisces on the other, is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs about every 45 years.

1918 – 1920

End of WWI

Spanish Flu kills 700000 Americans and others worldwide

Russian Civil War

Austria went from an Empirical society to a Democratic one – the Austro-Hungarian empire/monarchy disentegrated.

Leading into the Roaring Twenties

Change in fashion, music – flappers and jazz

Prohibition – 1919 to 1933 the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution banning the production and sale of alcohol.

Suffrage – August 26, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution became law, and women were finally given the legal right to vote in this country.

Sep 8 2009

Classic

writingI’ve been trying to write a post to remind you of this particular energy for two days now. What’s the hold-up? Hmmm. I’d say, at the risk of sounding woo-woo, that it’s Mercury Retrograde. No kidding…I woke up Monday morning, the first morning of Mercury Retrograde, and my phone, internet and TV were all down. There was a problem with Comcast. I made the call to report the outage, and over 3 hours later my service was restored…but only for a little while. I spent the rest of the day trying to work without much luck. Pretty much the same thing happened Tuesday, except the outage came late in the day instead of early. Late afternoon I finally threw in the towel and decided to take my own advice. I stopped pushing…stopped forcing. I decided that a walk with my family was a better idea than watching the “connected” bubble at the bottom of my screen, hoping for a few minutes of work time. I picked up a book that I’ve been wanting to read…and what happened? I became inspired to start reworking a scene of my own book. Not at my computer, not in my office. I was curled up with a notebook and a pen in a comfy chair with my son beside me, my mom happily watching Turner Classics, and my dog at my feet. And all this stuff just started coming up! It was fabulous. I connected with my immediate relationships, relaxed, allowed myself to take a step back and WOW. Inspiration flooded me. So don’t despair my friends. Yes. Mercury is Retrograde…maybe you should be too!