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Astrology provides a great tool to help us understand why and how good things and bad happen to us as individuals and as a collective. Enjoy my free astrology column, and feel free to contact me to purchase your own personalized chart and reading. Or visit my site at http://www.lesliehale-astrology.com/

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Wikileaks, the US and the World, the New Moon, and Retrograde Mercury/Pluto

Week’s end brings a New Moon in Sagittarius on December 5, ruled by the planet Jupiter. Jupiter rules governments and it is playing out on the world stage with the latest Wikileaks release of hundreds of leaked diplomatic cables. Information, previously unknown will continue to become known to the public, shining a harsh light on US and other countries diplomatic efforts around the world, and well as heads of countries.

From a planetary standpoint the revelations are just starting due to the fact Mercury, the planet of communication is in it’s ‘shadow period,’ the actual beginning of the retrograde that will occur on December 10. Mercury retrograde is often a time when previously unknown facts reveal themselves. Pluto/Mercury transits ferret out the facts and get to, ‘the bottom of the matter.’ It is the transit of the investigative journalist, and no stone will be left unturned.

Mercury enters Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac on December 2. Capricorn is the natural ruler of the tenth house of business, banking, priorities and Capricorn rules the earth itself. It conjuncts Pluto at 4 degrees the first time on December 6-7, again December 14-15, and a third time on January 17, 2011. During these periods, and even while Mercury is within a few degrees of Pluto the focus will be on the media, and these times will bring further revelations to public light.

In the US Natal chart this incident is directly opposing Jupiter and Venus in the US seventh house of partners. This could damage or change relations with foreign partners and countries and Tuesday morning November 29, The Washington Post is stating officials around the world predict it will undercut their ability to deal with the US on sensitive issues.

Pluto will oppose Venus and Jupiter in the US chart throughout 2011. Pluto is known as ‘the Lord of Hell,’ ‘The God of the Underworld,’ and ‘The Planet of Transformation,’ to coin a few of his names. It rules power, gangs, sex, darkness, oil, and those in control. Ultimately, when Pluto transits a planet it brings change, not always bad at the end of the day. Venus and Pluto lie in the US chart house of partners. The two planets also rule money and values, as well as popularity, and no doubt will bring further news about the financial meltdown in Europe.

Pluto rules the media, and the founder of Wiki Leaks, Julian Assange is coming under scrutiny, and may face criminal charges. The US is a reactionary country and the possibility exists for a media crackdown, which would stifle the media’s ability to report facts accurately. The media has played a role in uncovering corruption in many instances, going back to Watergate, and before. Take away the media’s right to report the facts and you take away the public’s ability to know what is going on inside their government. It is difficult enough for American’s to know the truth as it exists with Neptune conjunct the moon of the US chart. Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion. This transit makes it difficult to understand and know understand the truth, and it is a transit of lies and deception.

All of this is occurring as the US enters its Saturn return.http://lesliehale.blogspot.com/2010/11/november-2010-saturn-return-change.html America’s Saturn return is exact at 14 degrees of Libra, and we will be in this planetary cycle throughout 2011. Saturn conjunct Saturn, known as a Saturn return is a cyclical transit that occurs every 29.5 years as Saturn passes through each of the twelve signs. Saturn returns are usually associated with major changes in the life cycle that include hardships and difficult to solve problems. It marks a transition period where an individual or entity must take responsibility for their actions and work hard to move forward to the future. It is usually associated with frustration, unhappiness, difficult problems, delays, restrictions, anger and sadness.

The New Moon falls at 13 degrees of Sagittarius on December 5, and is conjunct the US ascendant, putting a focus on the US. Between now and then we can expect more unexpected news as the New Moon opposes Uranus/Mars in the US chart, and transit representing, “unexpected events,” creating anger and frustration among allies and other countries.

Events will continue to unfold as the planet of communication retrogrades throughout December. On December 21, the final eclipse of the year will occur at 29 degrees of Gemini. Author/Astrologer Celeste Teal calls this eclipse, “Intellectual Values,’ and states in part, “eclipse in last degree of sign; resolving old issues, foreign agreements, religious, or educational matters,][erratic pace of incoming information,][The eclipse is of emphasis for Afghanistan, Japan, North Korea, Palestine, Vatican City, Phoenix, Australia, Cuba, Israel, Manhattan, and NYC.]


To view Wikileak cables-

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/29/wikileaks-embassy-cables-key-points

Past Posts New Moon-retrograde Mercury
http://lesliehale.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-moon-in-sagittarius-wide-open.html

http://lesliehale.blogspot.com/2010/11/retrograde-mercury-on-its-way-again.html

Sunday, November 28, 2010

New Moon in Sagittarius-Wide Open Spaces!

December’s New Moon falls at 13 degrees of Sagittarius on December 5, 2010, at 12:36 PM, EST. Sagittarius is the natural ruler of the ninth house of governments ‘world thinking,’ philosophy, education, travel, and medicine. You don’t have to take a physical trip on this New Moon to you can go there in your mind. The theme of this moon is, ‘Wide Open Spaces,” whether physically traveling or taking a mind trip and time to expand your thinking. Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter, the harbinger of expansion, optimism, and increase. The New Moon typically represents new beginnings and this will be the case for those born under the sign of the Golden Archer on some level, as this new moon falls in their first house of self and new starts.


There are a couple of transits that occur before and after the New Moon that bear notice, and will influence the New Moon. On December 2-3 Mars squares Uranus at 25-26 degrees of Sagittarius/Pisces. Mars-Uranus is an explosive combination and Uranus is the planet of ‘expect the unexpected.’ Do not be surprised if you feel agitated, edgy, angry and experience some unexpected events, twists and turns, and we will likely see this transit play our on the world stage on our living room wide screens. Mars-Uranus usually refers to police/ military action and threats or violence. Several countries around the world that are known ‘hot spots,’ show the potential for violence and in the US chart the New Moon opposes Uranus, and we may expect the unexpected in terms of news and issues that relate to women.

December 6-7 Mercury is conjunct Pluto at 4 degrees of Capricorn. This is a combination for getting to the bottom of any matter that may concern you, and tends toward obsessive thinking and investigation. Capricorn rules the earth, itself, as well as business and banking and we will likely be focused on these issues or on issues that you on a personal level. Mercury rules automobiles and transportation and I would advise caution while driving. This transit will play out on the world stage in the form of argumentativeness, issues being revealed, accidents, natural disasters, investigations, and Pluto rules the media. Mercury is starting it’s stationary retrograde period and it is likely that we will be retracing our steps and looking at information we have known about before. Mercury is within 2 degrees of Pluto from December 5-15, so this transit will exert it’s influence for an extended period of time.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Retrograde Mercury - On It’s Way Again!

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water… Venus finally went direct, and now..the planet of communication (and mis-communication!) will go backward. Well, it doesn’t actually go backward, that’s just an expression, but at times it may seem to.

The final retrograde Mercury of 2010 will occur December 10-30 of this year. The Winged God will be stationary retrograde at 5 degrees of Capricorn December 9-13, turning retrograde on the 10th. It will retrograde back into Sagittarius at 29 degrees on December 19, and it will turn stationary direct at 19 degrees December 19- January 1, 2011, going direct on December 30.

The planet of communication retrogrades 3 or 4 times each year. During this time equipment breaks down, miscommunication occurs, situations breakdown, delays occur, relationships break up, and people from the past, as well as situations from the past occasionally reappear. It is wise not to make major decisions, buy high ticket items, make commitments, start a job, get married or sign contracts during this time. This theory has been tested many times over—by me!. Act now and you will regret it later, if you can avoid doing so! Occasionally, this can work in your favor, but as a rule it is best to be aware of the ramifications of this energy and act accordingly.

Retrograde Mercury is a time of re-accessing situations, people, jobs, bank accounts and any number of other things. It is a time to reflect on the past, perhaps plan, but it is not yet the time to implement new goals or move forward. That time will come when this important planet moves forward again.

The most important time during retrograde Mercury is the stationary retrograde and stationary direct period. This is when you should be most aware of the powerful energy this planet is beaming down on you. Snafus are most likely to occur, decisions most likely to change, unexpected events come up, and delays occur at the beginning and end of this period.

You will be most affected by this retrograde if you have a personal planet being aspected by 5 degrees of Capricorn during the stationary retrograde phase, or 19 degrees of Sagittarius when it goes direct.

So, what exactly does this mean to YOU? It means get prepared. Try and wrap up important matters, and if you are shopping for gifts you have until December 10, and that late date is pushing your luck! If you shop later in the month, your gift may well turn up in the returned section December 26! Try and wrap up contracts, legal matters, yearend business of greatest importance, and plan to take a break early in the month-at least early in terms of your affairs running smoothly. Ideally, this year, the planets are calling for the last three weeks of the year spent in reflection and reevaluation of what our greatest priorities are, including our business priorities.

From December 9-13 Mercury is stationary retrograde at 5 degrees of Capricorn, and astrologer/Author Carol Rushman writes, “ while the mental process may be slower and more deliberate, good decisions are made due to caution and much soul-searching. There can be a tendency toward negativity and depression at this time. Organization and planning can be done in an effective manner. Thoughts of career and work opportunities can consume you.”

Mercurial energy will change however, on December 19-January 13, 2011, as Mercury enters Sagittarius and goes direct at 19 degrees on the 30th. Author Rushman states, “The mind may turn to spiritual matters. Fervor, idealism and optimism can manifest. Thoughts of travel to far off places may consume you. There may be a strong need to communicate your ideas with Mercury stationing in Sagittarius, and there is also an inclination to exaggerate and elaborate on your ideas.”

Mercury does not return to full steam ahead until it reaches the degree at which it turned retrograde, 5 degrees in Capricorn. We do not get back to this degree until January 18, which is the perfect time to initiate your new business endeavors and matters of priority, and move forward full steam ahead for 2011.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Kate Middleton-The Woman Who Would be Queen

UK’s Prince William announced his intentions to marry longtime companion Kate Middleton in Spring/Summer 2011, and the wedding is expected to be the most celebrated since Princess Di married William’s father, Prince Charles 30 years ago.
Born on January 9, 1982, Kate has a 17 degree Capricorn Sun, with a moon in Cancer. On the outside she may appear practical, sensible and tough, on the inside she is super sensitive to the comments and actions of others. Slight this woman and you may be forgiven on the outside, but the slight will never be forgotten by her. Home, family and a partner are of primary concern to Kate, and it is in these areas she is destined to focus her attention.

With her Cancer moon, Kate probably feels an intuitive rapport with the Prince’s deceased Mother, Diana. In interviews she spoke of having wished she could have met her. Had the two actually met, I have no doubt they would have bonded and loved each other. In death, Princess Diana will likely serve as a role model for Kate, and someone she will often think about.

Kate’s Jupiter is trine her moon and sextile her Sun. This combination gives her an element of luck in marriage, with a generally positive outlook, a planetary combination she shares with her soon to be husband, Prince William. Jupiter in Scorpio is lucky for money and means she is capable of keeping secrets.

Venus and Mercury in Aquarius square her Jupiter meaning Kate has the ability to socialize and communicate with people from all walks of life, and can be very charming when the occasion arises.

Life has not always been a bed of roses for Kate, and she has some more difficult transits in her birth chart, as well. Her Mars, Saturn and Pluto in Libra square her moon. The moon represents the home and early familial conditioning and in some senses it must have been difficult, bleak, and disciplined. An undercurrent of tension and control would have been present, and she must have butted heads with her parents more than average during her growing up years. Through these tense times she would have experienced depression, setbacks and frustration. She is prone to depression, and will always be torn between her heart and her head.

During her childhood Kate learned to control through manipulation, or be controlled. Pluto-Moon individuals can be very intense, controlling and obsessive in achieving their goals. This lady is no wallflower and when married she will make her wants and desires known. When Mars and Pluto are prominent in a chart the individual usually arouses antagonism from those around him/her and usually ends up in some major power struggles. Mars/Moon individuals are easily ‘stirred up,’ and can often have emotional disruptions, quarrels in the home and the home can sometimes become a battleground. Saturn in Libra however will curb these tendencies, and place a great deal of focus on responsibility and duty. Ironically, she shares the same configuration with her husband to be, and the two should have a great deal of understanding toward one another, and toward each other’s moods and mood swings. On some core levels her growing up years were not dissimilar to William’s.

Kate’s chart is similar to William’s due to their proximity in birth, being born less than six months apart. They both have a Cancer moon, which gives them an intuitive rapport with each other. With William’s moon lying in her seventh house, along with his one degree Cancer Sun, the two were destined to be together. With Saturn squaring both of their moons, they are able to suppress their feelings and focus on duty and responsibility. Sometimes Saturn- Moon combinations mean the relationship is focused too much upon responsibility, and too little on love, or the love feelings will never be fully expressed with one another. But, to a large degree, royal marriages have always been about responsibility. Their chart similarities are both good and bad. In a positive sense they have an emotional connection many people would envy. On the other hand, their moods will fluctuate at the same time and if one is experiencing a difficult time emotionally, the other will be going through a similarly difficult period as well.

Both Kate and Prince William are entering their first Saturn return period. During this time Saturn returns to the place it occupies in the birth chart. This time marks a period of transformation and maturation through hardships and obstacles. It often becomes a period of ‘forced maturity.’ This is the transit that separates those over 30 from those under 30, and is a major turning point in life. The Saturn return period will continue through fall of 2011.

While the two have announced their intensions to marry in spring or summer of 2011, it will not be an easy path to the wedding alter. The two will be under a great deal of pressure. They both are currently experiencing Uranus square Neptune, a transit that creates a lack of focus, lack of clarity and would break up a less committed couple.

By May 2011 the couple will both have Saturn conjunct Mars, a transit that confers determination and the ability to work long and hard to achieve their goals. It is also a transit of disharmony and agitation, and has the potential to create harshness in personal relationships. It is called the accidental transit,’ and can be indicative of mishaps, and often feelings of enmity arise. Saturn-Mars is a combination that can involve police or military. While her time of birth has not been published, it is likely that Saturn is squaring Kate’s moon next spring-summer. This is a transit of depression, loneliness, moodiness and indicative of issues and problems with women and female family members. None of these transits are actually favorable for a marriage.

When Uranus enters Aries in March of 2011 it will square William’s Sun at 0 degrees of Cancer, and by June it is squaring his moon. Individuals under this influence often undergo a change of lifestyle, and can become erratic in their behavior. Uranus represents ‘freedom at any cost,’ and it is not uncommon for a change of objectives to occur. A man undergoing Uranus’ square to his moon will often go through emotional ups and downs and indecisions, and sometimes his wife/fiancĂ©e will do unusual things or be a source of trouble. It is an aspect of disruption in the home and indicative of unexpected events and instability, and difficult situations relating to women and female family members.

Both William and Kate will face many unexpected difficulties and ups and downs as Uranus in Aries will oppose their Mars, Saturn and Pluto over the next seven years. Pluto in Capricorn will square the same planets over the course of the next few years creating frustrating circumstances, many of which will be beyond their control. Hopefully, they will have the determination to see the course through. They will have to work hard to maintain the marriage. 2012 will be an especially harsh period as Pluto squares the Mars of both parties at 10 degrees of Libra. This is a transit of personal power struggles and confrontations, and with Mars in Libra it is likely the struggles will be with each other.

Jupiter enters Aries and Taurus next year. While transiting through Aries it travels through William’s fifth house of children and when it enters Taurus in June it will transit Kate’s fifth house of children. It would not surprise me if another royal announcement was forthcoming next year: the birth of a new Prince or Princess!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

November 2010: Full Moon in Taurus

The energy of the full moon in Taurus will begin to build by mid-week as the Sun squares Neptune at 25 degrees of Scorpio Wed-Saturday, November 17-20, becoming exact Friday, November 19. When a transiting aspect becomes exact, the energy reaches a culmination or a peak, and after it crosses the exact degree, the energy is still prominent, but lessening in its effect as the two planets begin to separate from one another.

Sun square Neptune energy creates a tiring and somewhat debilitating effect, and fact becomes harder to discern from fiction. Often, situations as well as communication become muddled, or outright lies may emerge. It is certainly a time of low energy, frustration, and feeling hopeless or confused. Psychic abilities and creativity could be enhanced, and it could be a time of increased compassion for those less fortunate. Issues with water may become prominent and we will likely see weather related conditions in the news involving some form of H20.

By Thursday, Mars and Mercury are within 1 degree of being conjunct (together at the exact degree), and Saturday through Monday, November 20-22 the God of War (Mars) is standing next to the Messenger of the Gods (Mercury) at 16, 17 and 18 degrees of Sagittarius, respectively. If you have a personal planet in your birth chart being touched by this transit, it may be a frustrating and irritating few days with the potential for arguments and disagreements.

Mars-Mercury in Sagittarius will be a few days where things can be blown out of proportion, arguments and debates will abound and it is an accident prone combination that can relate to cars and travel. This transit is exact on the Full Moon creating potential for hostility as the moon reaches its peak.

The full moon will peak on November 21 at 29 degrees of Taurus at 12:29 PM EST. Taurus is the natural ruler of the second house of money and earned income, and it is in this area our focus will lie in a general sense. The full moon squares Neptune creating a climate of uncertainty, confusion, lack of clarity and on occasion, lies and deception. Believe only half of what you see or hear until this energy passes over. You may feel tired, lethargic, and unable to make clear decisions. Weather related conditions and situations as well as accidents will be in the news.

Alternatively, it can be a time of enhanced compassion for others, bursts of creativity, increased psychic experiences and feelings and being connected to the earth and sensual pleasures. Taurus is ruled by both Venus and Mars and now is the time to schedule a massage, visit the spa or do things you find pleasurable. These are the best and highest uses of the energy.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

November 2010-The Fate of Relationships Revealed

The two planets most often looked at will both move forward on November 18, making it a bonanza day, in terms of planetary action! This year, both Venus, the ruler of your love life, and Jupiter, the planet of gain, money and finance go direct on the same day creating a powerful effect on our love lives, social lives and to some extent our financial lives.
Venus, the ruler of your day to day love life, has been retrograde since October 8. The Venus retrograde period, occurring every 18 months, is often filled with romantic twists and turns, separations, breakups and changes of heart and direction in matters of the heart. Often during this time, ‘karmic events,’ play out in relationships, showing you the true destiny of your connection with that important person in your life. Sometimes, the connection is not what we hoped for, but if a change occurs as this time that is not what you expected, know that the true path of your connection is being revealed to you now.

Retrograde Venus is probably the most important influence as far as your love life is concerned, as the actions that occur during this six week period or so lay the groundwork for future interaction, and often show us the person we are involved with will not live up to our expectations. At times, sudden and unpredictable events will occur that shake the foundation of the relationships to the core. It is best to let events play out and realize that destiny is at work. Destiny can take some unexpected twists and turns and if it appears your relationship is taking a tour South, let the events play out and let destiny lead you to another person who will be more appropriate in the future. Retrograde Venus is a time of karmic interplay and the planets have a powerful and profound effect at this time.

At no time is Venus more powerful than the period known as the ‘stationary direct,’ period that begins on November 18. Venus goes direct at 27 degrees of Libra, and if ‘the planet of love,’ is making a harsh aspect in your chart you may see a relationship go by the wayside, or through a period of turmoil and change. Alternatively, if Venus is making a positive aspect to a personal planet in your chart, your existing relationship may soar to a new level or you could meet someone very significant during this time. A stationary direct Venus aspecting your personal planets could be one of the most significant times of your life in terms of meeting someone new.

If you are seeing someone you meet during or around the time Venus went retrograde you will start to know the direction the relationship will take as Venus starts her direct motion next week. Relationships begun during a retrograde Venus often end when the planet goes direct. It is often said the love energy is not ever expressed very well in a relationship begun on a retrograde Venus. There could be an exception if you were born with a retrograde Venus, but the other party might not have been.

On the other hand, if your love life has stalled during this time, as Venus resumes direct motion things can start to pick up. A relationship that has a solid base should not be substantially affected, and bad ones may end during this period altogether.

While Venus official goes direct on November 18, she will not resume normal speed until she reaches the point she turned retrograde, which is 13 degrees of Scorpio on December 21. So, until then we will still be in the ‘shadow period,’ of Venus as she goes stationary direct and resumes normal speed of about a degree per day. Many of us will be retracing our steps. Until then, Venus will continue to weave her magic spells and lovers will react. May it be a positive experience for you!

Jupiter, the planet of money and gain goes direct on the same day as Venus, going us all a boost of positivity and hopefulness. Jupiter went retrograde on July 23, at 3 degrees of Aries. This action created delays in money and financial matters, and there hasn’t been much positive financial news to been had or seen. Jupiter going direct can increase the flow of money and other areas of gain in your life, especially if it is hitting a positive point in your chart at 23 degrees of Pisces. Jupiter will remain in Pisces until January 22, 2011, helping the Water and Air signs. On January 22, it enters Aires at 0 degrees for a four and a half month stay through the sign of the Ram, benefiting that sign as well as the Fire and Air signs, and those with personal planets being touched off by the 0 degree point of Aries.

November 2010- Saturn Return! Change Comes to the US from Within and Without

Three planets were in the intense sign of Scorpio as we started the month of November-the Sun, Mercury and Venus, and we saw a New Moon at 13 degrees of Scorpio on November 6. Scorpio is the natural ruler of the eighth house of sex, money, other people’s money, debt and taxes, and it is within these realms that we have been and will be focused. The eighth house also rules transformation and regeneration, and often a feeling of ‘forced change.’ Scorpio is ruled by both Mars and Pluto and has regenerative qualities. Mars is called the “God of War,” and Pluto is considered the planet of transformation and regeneration, and not without good reason.
Money, debt and taxes and change were definitely on the minds of many as they cast their ballots in the US Mid-term elections November 2, ousting a record number of Democrats and taking control of the US House of Representatives and many state held offices. November 9, President Obama’s bipartisan deficit commission proposed to reduce the annual cost-of-living increases in Social Security, curb the growth of Medicare, and eliminate the primary tax exemption for many American’s—interest on the home mortgage as a tax deduction. Any of these proposals becoming fact would prove debilitating to America’s older citizens, deny access or limit healthcare and cause the housing market to once again come to a standstill as buying or owning a home would cost more, and as a result that many American’s primary tax break would be gone, reducing the incentive to own, and further stress the struggling middle class in America.

Looking at America’s natal chart (July 4, 1776, 5:10 pm LMT, Philadelphia, PA) Saturn in Libra is squaring the Sun of the US at 13 degrees of Cancer, becoming exact November 15-23. At 14 degrees of Libra, Saturn conjuncts America’s Saturn at the same degree. This transit is known as a “Saturn return.”

Countries, like people have birth charts, and as the planets transit through the chart of any particular country/entity the energies the planets create are felt on a collective level. Saturn/Sun transits deal with the ego of an individual or a collective and often the individual/entity is forced to prove his ideas valid. Sun-Saturn transits often represent times of critical developments where situations from the outside create challenges that are not always expected. America will face challenges in the areas of the home/property, the personal foundation of the people, and the values the American people embrace of hold to be true. Saturn in Libra will create challenges where the laws and courts are concerned, along with medicine and education as well as finance, and issues abroad. Thus, this period will be extremely important, but not without danger, frustration, hostility and resistance to change.

Saturn conjunct Saturn, known as a Saturn return is a cyclical transit that occurs every 29.5 years as Saturn passes through each of the twelve signs. Saturn returns are usually associated with major changes in the life cycle that include hardships and difficult to solve problems. It marks a transition period where an individual or entity must take responsibility for their actions and work hard to move forward to the future. It is usually associated with frustration, unhappiness, difficult problems, delays, restrictions, anger and sadness.

Saturn rules time. Saturn returning to its birthplace marks a period of accountability for the past 30 years. If we have failed to create a strong foundation the Saturn return will mark a time of upheaval and limitations to make necessary changes. Saturn squaring the Sun/Saturn return also marks a period where the country is more venerable to attacks both from within and without. Values previously held will be questioned and debated. Saturn will return to this same position latter March into April of 2011, and again for a final pass August of 2011. All Saturn cycles last a year.

Next: The Cycles of 2011-A Year of Change in America and the World