Astrology of the Day – Sun and Venus sextile Jupiter - Monday 8th January 2018

Sand and Venus sextile Jupiter - Gifts from the Planets

The Moon is in the sign of equality and balance, Libra for the whole of the day and our motivation is to get fairness for ourselves, whatever it takes to get it. We also want to relate and find out what other people are thinking, so this is a day of listening and also asking the questions we need to ask, to get the answers we require.

This is quite an unusual day as the Moon doesn't make any aspects until late on, and the main energy that we initially experience are two sextiles from the Sun and Venus to Jupiter. These are optimistic aspects of good humour and generosity. These aspects help us to grow in confidence, and give us a great vibe and a good start to the day. There is luck here too, lots of it as Venus and Jupiter are the greater and lesser fortune in a positive aspect. You can take a chance today and all being well things should work out for you. Take into account that Jupiter is still connected to Mars from yesterday, and the Sun and Venus are closing in on Pluto and there is passion and intensity here too in abundance. Take advantage of the gifts on offer from the planets here. They don't often give presents, and when they do we have to grab them with both hands.

The Moon late on forms a triple square to Sun, Venus and Pluto and we feel a little on edge and at cross purposes to how we would like to be. There is a bit of tension in the air as the day draws to a close, and the fairness that we want and desire from a partner may be missing. We may sense that we are being controlled or subtly manipulated, and as a result we may have to compromise our values or what we would like to do, to fit in with what your partner wants. Remember that the Moon in Libra ultimately want to keep the peace, and we'd rather play along than cause a scene.

Finally, Mars makes a conjunction to the star Zuben Eschamali today and tomorrow, the more fortunate Northern scale star in the constellation of Libra today. This is a good influence for us and our actions today, so if you start something or act in a positive manner then there is a fair chance that your aims will be successfully carried out, and that you will get a good outcome. This is a socially orientated star where you can benefit from helping others out, and in the process either your reputation will rise, or you may be rewarded for your efforts.

Michael Wolff – Writing words of fire and fury

Michael Wolff - The writer of "Fire and Fury"

The current storm around Donald Trump has been caused by the release of the book “Fire and Fury” penned by author and journalist Michael Wolff, who shadowed the President Trump and his team in the first few months of the administration's term of office. Wolff rushed out the book after lawyers tried to restrict it's release, due to the criticisms aimed at the Administration and President Trump. Excerpts from the book call Trump “like a child”, the running of the administration “chaotic” and it mentions a meeting at Trump Tower between the President's son Donald Jnr and some Russians as potentially “treasonous”.

Astrology of the Day – Moon in Libra - Sunday 7th January 2018

Venus conjunct Rukbat - Keeping Relationships Strong

The Moon starts in the last few degrees of Virgo, and it's like everything comes together in the first few hours of this day. Immediately we have the Mars Jupiter conjunction now exact as we cross over into Sunday, truly a conjunction of fire and fury, and Mercury also makes an exact trine to Uranus at the same time. You can feel the crackle of messages and news, excitement and gossip, action and unexpected events circulating around the world far and wide.

There is a true feeling of networking and the need to communicate in the first few hours of this day with the Moon joining into to this picture as it makes a square to Mercury, an inconjunct aspect to Uranus and an opposition to Chiron, therefore words sent or messages delivered may be ones that bring about a curt responses, changes of plans and hurtful replies. There is scepticism in the air, an interest in past events and wounds are opening up because of information that is being made publicly available.

All this occurs before the Moon moves over into the sign of Libra, and we try and return sense of balance and equilibrium to our lives. The Moon in Libra wants to relate and see the other side of the story, to try and work out the motivations of others. We also want justice and fairness, now and in the next couple of days. The Moon immediately runs into another difficult aspect, a square to Saturn. We may be challenged by someone of seniority now, or be faced with responsibilities that we have to take on our shoulders. There is a serious feeling to the end of the day as our emotions are held back, and relations that we have with others are put under some stresses and strains.

There are two star connections today that we should also be aware of. Firstly Venus starts to come into contact with the star Rukbat in the constellation of Sagittarius. This star of stability and strength (Rukbat literally means knee) locks us in place, and allows us to a solid base to carry out all of our tasks and plans. With Venus the planet of values, love and relationships conjunct to this star, we can find some strong stable love now, and both our personal values and our relationships can be strengthened. Mercury is starting the enter the stars of the sting of Scorpio, a place of attacks, and these will be of the verbal kind, stinging criticism and words aimed at hurting others. This is a interesting combination and it suggests that no matter what nasty criticisms are thrown our direction, we can actually grow stronger and closer to the ones we love despite any negativity in the air.

Astrology of the Day – Sun and Venus conjunct Vega – Saturday 6th January 2017

Sun and Venus conjunct Vega - Playing the Lyre

The Moon is in the disciplined and workaholic sign of Virgo today and we are focused on getting things right and doing things properly. There is a hard grafting and modest air about us today, unwilling to shout about or boast about what we have done or achieved, simply because it's only what we should have done in the first place.

The Moon stars off forming and opposition to Neptune and and we are confronted by compassion and maybe someone or something that needs our love and support. The question we have to answer ourselves is if this is genuine, or a ploy to get to our hearts through subtle manipulation and deception. Remember, Neptune plays games with our minds, binding us to its real intentions, and this aspect can be an indication of the whole day.

After this difficult and testing start to the day, the energy gets much easier and the picture is quite remarkable. The Moon then enters into a mini grand trine of quite epic proportions. In quite quick succession it will make three trines to Venus, Sun and Pluto and sextiles to Jupiter and Mars who by the end of the day will be in an exact conjunction. All this energy is easy moving energy seeing the chance to move a relationship and your values (Venus) onwards and to change the very substance of it (Pluto) through optimism, applying your actions, opening yourself out to all possibilities and by taking a chance (Mars/Jupiter). All this is carried out with a sense of balance between your emotions (Moon) and and the energy that you exert (Sun). There is the chance to move a situation on a long way under this most positive set of connections.

Now today both the Sun and Venus make a conjunction on the brilliant star Vega. This star in the constellation of Lyra, the harp, played by the Greek God Orpheus the poet and prophet of the heavens, is linked to creative talents and the making of music that could charm the birds and beasts. This can be a very deceptive star but also one of beauty and imagination, and in our relationships and also linked to our values we can strike a clever deal today or use our talents to create magic and beautiful situations for others to appreciate. The question is, are we creating a vision to truly believe in, or one to deceive? That depends on how perceptive and switched on we are, and what we want to see. Much of what goes on today will be genuine, but a lot also will be fake, and our ability to discriminate between the two will be key to how successful our day will be...

Astrology of the Day – Moon in Virgo - Friday 5th January 2018

Moon in Virgo - One of the Ordinary People

The Moon starts this day in the last degrees of the sign of Leo moving void of course through the dark early hours of Friday. All the pride we showed yesterday has nowhere to go now, the crowd has drifted away, and we are left an actor on an empty stage. It's time to pack up and get back to the day job and this will happen as the Sun rises and the Moon shifts into practical, earthy Virgo.

Now we are no longer the star, we are one of the ordinary people, trudging to work, stuck in a traffic jam, trying to find a seat on an overcrowded train. We don't mind though, as being the ordinary person is exactly what the Moon in in Virgo wants to be, it doesn't want us to stand out. This is a practical position and we will want to be of service, attend to the details and do the dirty, but ever so necessary work.

The Moon makes just one aspect today, and it fits in beautifully with the working theme, as it forms a trine to administrative Saturn. These two planets are on good terms today, they are speaking each other's language. We get on with our day in an organised and regimental fashion, building on the progress that we made at the start of the year. This is a day of hard graft and making sure that the foundations of our life are fully secure, and to this end we should succeed, if we attend properly to the responsibilities that we have.

Finally there is one last connection that is important, and this sees Mercury reconnecting with the star in the constellation of Ophiuchus, Ras Alhague. Last time this connection was made on 12th December, I mentioned that matter of health, social services and welfare of all would be prevalent issues for us to contend with, and you may find that these will be that will raise their head above the parapet once again...

Astrology of the Day – Moon in Leo – Thursday 4th January 2018

Moon in Leo - A 24 hour drama

My this is a busy day. The Moon begins in dramatic Leo and we have a need to be the star of the show, to be treated like a a hero, a king or a queen. This is dramatic energy, proud energy and emotion on display and we will be like an actor, out front and centre. This will also be a day when our pride will be everything, and we will be willing to defend it.

Lots happening today, so lets get cracking. The Moon makes three inconjunct aspects to begin the day, to Neptune, to Venus and the Sun. We are off balance, maybe a little perplexed and confused, relationships may be strained and we will be adjusting to new situations that unsettled us linked to to a partnership or friendship. We may need to sacrifice ourselves, we may be suffering in some manner or our values may be tested and we might have to adjust them.

The Moon then makes contact to the North Node, and for a brief moment, we are drawn to think about our destiny, our role in the future, what direction are we travelling in and is it the right one? Square to the Nodes are Mars and Jupiter and the Moon in squaring these planets too gives us impetus to act on our desires and to take a chance. As I said in my other post today on Facebook, this is a combination of intense adventure and the desire to move forward. Here is the action hero called in to play a leading role.

The Moon forms an inconjunct to Pluto next, and a we think about changes we must make or maybe we are forced change tack through someone who is more powerful or influential than we are. There are still three more aspects to go, as the Moon makes a trine to Mercury and another to Uranus. These are connections of communicating, networking, innovating, being sceptical, progressive and quick witted. Our brains are alive now, with ideas and thoughts, clever solutions perhaps? Finally the Moon makes an inconjunct aspect to Chiron, and we have to learn a lesson, suffer a disappointment or take a difficult situation on the chin. This my friends is a very fast moving day and one because of the Leo Moon that may be as akin to a TV drama. The script is set, and it's time to perform…

Astrology of the Day – Venus sextile Neptune – Wednesday 3rd January 2018

Neptune sextile Venus - Ballooning over Cappadocia, Turkey

As is the pattern of the planets in the skies right now, one very busy day is followed by a very mundane and quiet one and so the pattern continues on this Wednesday. The Moon begins in Cancer for the first few hours not making any aspects and therefore we should be emotionally a little empty. Maybe we want to show some love and attention, but for some reason you can't? Maybe there is no-one special in your life at the moment, or your partner or family members are unresponsive?

As we reach the morning and the Sun rises, the Moon enters the confident sign of Leo. Now we will desire more attention given to us; Leo is ever the showman, and whatever we do we will look for an audience for approval. There is enthusiasm now in abundance and optimism too. If we have any achievements we will be filled with pride and a “told you so” attitude. Of course anything that goes up must eventually come down, and that Leonine pride may be punctured by the only aspect the Moon receives today, a decidedly tricky inconjunct to severe Saturn. “No, no, you haven't achieved anything yet” will be the reply you get when you face your boss or your friend or anyone you are trying to impress. “That's not the most efficient course of action” will be the next retort, and of course Saturn is always right. The Moon in Leo can be overblown and pompous, and this aspect will knock us back to size.

The saving grace today though is the feature aspect of the day, as Venus the planet of love and beauty connects with Neptune, the planet of imagination and compassion in a lovely easy sextile. I mentioned about things going up in the air and this aspect reminds me of the most amazing ballooning experience that I had a couple of years ago. When you rise up into the clouds it is truly stunning; quiet, contemplative and you can forget all your troubles for an hour of being at peace and at one with the world. In this oasis of calm and love, we have the planet of love connected to the planet of higher love, we can create, imagine, seek ideals and truly show caring. You can rise above the petty squabbles and exist on a higher plain than those around you if you so wish. Seek out perfection and go with it, and this day can be one of beauty and amazing insight...

Astrology of the Day – Full Moon in Cancer - Tuesday 2nd January 2018

Setting a New Course at the Full Moon and Uranus direct

The Moon is in the warm homespun sign of Cancer today, and we are drawn to things we know, our family, our roots, our heritage and our nation. This is a sign of the home and whether it's entertaining friends at home, cleaning up after the New Year's celebrations, spending time at home with loved ones on the sofa watching a good movie, or cooking a meal (Cancer loves food), we will want that love of familiarity around us.

This is a most remarkable day. We begin the day moving straight into a Full Moon in Cancer. I have already looked at this from many angles in my post a few days ago, but just to paraphrase, it highlights our home life as against what we do in public and our work life and our personal security as opposed to our responsibilities, and makes us think how we can make best use of the situations that we are in. As I explained there is a risk taking attitude linked to this Full Moon, one of adventure and setting off on a journey, but one associated with pitfalls if you haven't done your homework on where you are planning to go, and packed the right things accordingly.

After the Full Moon culminates, it goes on to make three consecutive trine aspects, firstly to Mars, then to Neptune then to Jupiter. Here comes the adventure bit. The Moon trine to Mars is a signal to go, go, go!! This is a lovely energetic, enthusiastic connection, wanting to make progress, there's a will to win, ambition and high hopes. There is deep desire to do well with Mars in Scorpio, and a can do attitude from the Moon in cardinal Cancer. Next up is the trine to Neptune. This is spiritual, emotionally healing energy. There is a flood of emotion here, as if you are bursting into tears at the prospect of leaving ones we love behind, as we set off on this adventure. We may be making a sacrifice now, but it is a necessary one to make.

Finally in this string of aspects completing a grand water trine is the link to Jupiter. Here is a need to learn, to travel long distance, to experience new ideas and culture. The need to stretch yourself to the limit (Jupiter in Scorpio) or go deeper into your reserves than ever before. We desire challenging experiences now, ones that will push and test us.

Following on from this triple trine, the Moon makes an opposition to Pluto. Here is a need for transformation, to control of our own destiny, the need to survive. We have to survive!! Pluto is in Capricorn and so is Saturn now too, so we need to adjust the way we organise things, administrate our lives and others, the way we work, change our ambitions, our attitudes to authority or to senior people. We have to transform our attitude to responsibility too, and to simplify our lives. Things have got too complicated and they need to be paired down. This opposition comes minutes before the most important event of this remarkable day, as Uranus stations direct.

At this moment 14.42 GMT all the planets will be moving direct. Uranus turning gives us a signal that we must move forward, change direction, seek a new path. All the energy is travelling forwards and I urge you to do the same by seizing the moment. Whatever is blocking you, remove it. Either go a different direction, bypass the problem, eliminate it, do whatever you can to get moving forwards. Trust me you will not regret it. The planets are now all direct for over two moths, and I cannot remember a longer period when they were doing this.

After Uranus turns, the Moon makes an inconjunct aspect to Mercury and we may have to adjust our thoughts and our ideas. What you say or communicate may not get the response you were expecting from others. The theme of doing things for yourself and in a different manner continues as late in the day the Moon makes the first aspect to the newly direct Uranus, a square. Think logically and innovate. If you don't do it, someone else may encourage you to do so. Unusual things can happen now, tensions may be on edge a bit, as the unexpected behaviour from someone else, or an unforeseen situation, causes disruption for you. At the same time, the Moon forms it's last aspect to Chiron. A lot of healing will have gone on today. Maybe through being forced to consider new options or through encouragement. Either way we can start to put the problems of the past behind us. Be a maverick, calculate the best way to get your life on track, and go for it!! In your heart you know that it's now, or never...

Astrology of the Day – Moon in Cancer – Monday 1st January 2018

The Crab - The sign of Cancer

The Moon starts this, the first day of 2018, in the sign of Gemini again void of course for a few a hours. As we are in the first few hours of this year, our thoughts will be on connecting with all our friends and wishing them the best for the coming year, and this Moon helps us to do that. It is a Moon determined to chat and communicate and it will keep our minds active until we finally crash out.

In the morning, the scenery changes and the Moon enters it's home sign of Cancer, a sign of family, security and protection. Now our need is to keep those we love close, and to carry out those daily acts of kindness that we know that our nearest and dearest will love. We are very tied to the moods around us now, and we may pick up on emotional signals from others much more readily, thus we could be more prone to fluctuating feelings, from of ones of joy and happiness to moments of irritation and sadness, depending on the environment we find ourselves in.

On entering Cancer, the Moon makes an opposition to Saturn and immediately the responsibilities that we know we must do will fall upon our shoulders. This is an emotionally reserved aspect and we will be determined to do the right thing, to be organised and to administrate our lives in the right way. We may come under some pressure today from someone who is demanding, maybe someone older or wiser than you are.

Saturn and Venus are still in a wide but diverging conjunction as we enter 2018 and the Moon later on makes another opposition this time to Venus. Late on we may be very sensitive to what our partner or friends say and do, and we may find that we disagree with some of their ideas or suggestions. Venus in Capricorn is not very outgoing itself and doesn't want to be shown a lot of attention, and yet the Moon in Cancer is very clingy and touchy feely, and this conflict may play out that you want to show love, but your partner will tend to back away a little. Don't worry as this is just a passing phase.

Mars this day is moving onto the fixed star Zuben Elgenubi, the less fortunate star making up the Southern Scale in Libra. This will tend to frustrate us a bit, as our actions may not find favour with others over the next day or so. It's almost like whatever you do, something will prevent you from really succeeding, you won't quite get the results that you desire. If you are making new year's resolutions, then this may be a signal that you may not quite fulfil your ambitions of giving up smoking, or doing more exercise and sport. This is a star of volunteering and working for the benefit of others without making a profit yourself, so why not give up your time to your community of for those who would appreciate a visit in the new year, like an elderly neighbour who may not have been able to celebrate our passage into 2018? It's a good thing to do, and you'll feel satisfied in yourself that you've made a worthy start to the new year.

Astrology of the Day – Venus conjunct Facies – Sunday 31st December 2017

Big Ben ringing in the New Year 

We come to the last day in the year 2017 and the Moon spends this day in Gemini. Quick witted and quicksilver, this a day of keeping busy. Like a hummingbird scooting about from one flower to the next, we will act the same in switching from one task to another, we will be always on the go, never stopping for a breath. The Moon makes no less than 7 aspects during these 24 hours.

To begin with the Moon forms a square to Neptune, and emotionally we are confused and willing to sacrifice our principles for the sake of someone else. We can also use this aspect to act the victim, so as to gain a favour instead. The Moon goes on very quickly to make an inconjunct to Mars, and the actions we take either may not pay off, or may be thwarted in some manner, leaving us to get somewhat irritated. The Moon also will be making an inconjunct to Jupiter too at the same time, and we may continue to try (maybe too hard) to get things right, or to make amends for mistakes we made, but the more we do so, the more we will be digging a deeper hole for ourselves. Stop! Think!
It'll be time to take a break before you cause a total mess of things.

The Moon now goes on to form an opposition to Mercury, and a verbal disagreement may break out. These two planets are in the houses of the mind (Gemini – the human mind and Sagittarius – the higher mind) and a philosophical division may be emerging. Following on from this the Moon makes another inconjunct aspect to Pluto, and subtle manipulation can change a position. I feel mind games going on in the middle of the day with the Moon linked in at one point to all three planets (Jupiter/Mercury and Pluto) being at the point of a yod, or finger of God formation. Our emotions will be taking the toll of these connections as we are questioned, picked apart and manipulated. Of course, you could be the one dishing out the interrogation.

At the end of the day, just before the clock strikes midnight, the Moon forms two last connections before we move into 2018. They are quite appropriate. The square to Chiron hints at past hurts that we will wish to put behind us, and to do that we have to learn lessons, and take a new course. That's possible, as the Moon also makes a sextile to Uranus, which as you will know is the planet of change and progress, and is standing almost still now ready to turn direct. When it does in 2 days time we can set a new course for the year to come, to wipe away the disappointments we had and to move on with fresh hope. Opportunities are here for us to do this.

There is a fixed star connection that frames this day as Venus the planet of relationships, love and values makes acquaintance with Facies in the constellation of Sagittarius the Archer. Facies is a notorious star, indeed it is actually a nebula which in days of yore was used to test the sight of prospective archers in the military. If the candidate could see this faint nebula, it was thought he had good enough sight to become one of the most feared of opponents in war. Now like the archer who is fixed on a target, this a star of ultra focus and determination. There is a deadly side to this star, is it helps us to eliminate anything in the way of our goals, even to the extent of cruelty. Here is ruthlessness, a very direct and yet rather blunt attitude whenever we are exposed to Facies. In our lives, we may be a little too frank to a partner, and hurtful attitudes can damage a partnership in the next couple of days. The same could be said of our handling of possessions and money, and we may be so focused on the material side of things, that we may forget about the emotional side instead. You may be vengeful at any injustice that faces you, and very cut and dried in your opinions about things. Subtlety will not be our best quality today, and we may be too heavy handed for our own good. Look around the world for social situations that also get out of hand, because of a less than subtle approach.

Finally I would like to wish you all the most amazing New Year's celebrations, and I hope that you'll be following me, and my work, into 2018. I am trying to set new ground in the way that Astrology is written and presented, and it you agree and support my approach. If you do, then please, please help me achieve my ambitions to make a positive impact on the world of Astrology and beyond, by encouraging anyone you know who is interested in this amazing subject to visit my work, and to find out how the planets and stars truly shape our lives.

Iran Protests – Illustrating the effects of Uranus preparing to turn direct.

The city of Yadz in Iran

On my summary of the upcoming New Moon on 1st/2nd January I mentioned that the planet of disruption, protest and revolution Uranus was getting ready to turn direct on the same day that the Full Moon hit, and to expect changes in direction over value systems. Well, right on cue there are protests starting to gather in Iran and yes, Uranus is directly involved.

Astrology of the Day – Moon in Gemini - Saturday 30th December 2017

Moon in Gemini - We need information

The Moon is still in the final degrees of Taurus for the first third of the day and it will move serenely onwards without making any aspects at until it changes signs. As the Moon is void of course, we may feel at the start of the day a little at a loss what exactly to do. We will appreciate the things that we know and love and there is a lovely sentimentality about the Taurean Moon. This Moon doesn't like change, it is a bit stuck in its ways, and we won't stray from the straight and narrow path, for the first part of the day at least.

The Moon then moves just after the Sun rises into the more versatile sign of Gemini. Now our brains click into action and we will be starting to find out what is going on in the world around us. The Gemini Moon craves information and needs to communicate with others, and we will be keen to find out the gossip from the night before. You may spend much more time messaging, calling up friends and finding out what really occurred.

The Moon soon picks up on the first of three inconjunct aspects that the Moon will make through the day. Initially the connection is to Saturn, the great teacher in our cosmos. Saturn tends to take a hard line on us, and we may feel a little emotionally reserved as we are taken to task over something we said, or did. We might have to come to an emotional climb down or assure someone that we will change our ways over an issue. We could find our way blocked or prevented in some regards, or our choices may be more limited than we hoped.

The second inconjunct of the day is to Venus, the planet of relationships. Something may be awry between yourself and a loved one, and one of you may upset the other, or make them less wanted than should be the case. There could be some emotional distance between you both, and the combination of the Moon connecting with both Saturn and Venus may make things less easy than they should be. Love is not so much in the air this afternoon. This could also be the case in a financial sense too, as you may instead be realising that you have less money to play with in the after Christmas sales, than you thought you actually had.

The final connection sees the Moon in an inconjunct aspect to the Sun and there is some unease that we end this day with, as our emotions seem not to gel with the actions that we would like to get on with. In truth, this is not the easiest day to get through and you may have to forego what you originally planned to do, and to adjust your plans according to how your partner's moods, or how the course of the day takes you. Be flexible, and that will make you life much easier...

The Full Moon in Cancer on 2nd January 2018 – Flying high, but affected by the winds of change.

The first major astrological event of the New Year comes up soon as we encounter a Full Moon in Cancer. Anyone who has followed my work over the past few years will know that the Full Moon is a release point, the culmination of all our experiences as the Moon fully reflects the light of the opposing Sun. We have energy opposed to emotion, ying versus yang, light versus dark, man vs female. If you ever wonder why at a Full Moon our emotions are heightened, then you'll realise that in the main, all living organisms need male relationships with females of the species to survive, and when one is pitted against the other, tensions rise. More things happen over a Full Moon because there is a peak amount of opposed energy, causing division between the sexes who naturally see things on a completely different level. This is a Super Moon, the second of three in a row, and therefore potentially the most significant of them all. You'll remember the chaos that surrounded the 3rd December 2017 Super Moon in Gemini square to Neptune and the fall out in your lives from it in the following two weeks? Let me tell you, this Full Moon is no less dramatic.

Astrology of the Day – Moon in Taurus - Friday 29th December 2018

The Moon is in “steady as she goes” Taurus today, and she is calm, unchanging, rather materialistic and tactile. There is a love of the earth and nature in this placement, and you will appreciate the notion of building things from the ground up. Anything strong and stable needs good foundations, and the Moon in Taurus gives us enough the determination and endurance to dig them deep and resilient. There are no flights of fancy here, just a good work ethic that surrounds us, and with the energy around us that unflinching calmness is exactly what we will need.
It's a quick start to this day with the Moon immediately forming a sextile and we may be able to sense an opportunity a mile off without it being mentioned to us. Our intuition is good and our senses are attuned. This is one of the creative sextiles around, especially in a musical sense (Taurus rules the voice), and we may want to relax with some of our favourite tracks, or maybe appreciate art, dance or anything linked to fantasy and fiction.
The Moon then makes three connections in quick succession, an opposition to Mars, an inconjunct to Mercury and another opposition, this time to Jupiter. Starting with the inconjunct to Mercury, a discussion, what you say or is said to you or a letter or message, may cause you some concern and you might have to change tack or retract pretty quickly. You may also have to adjust a journey now, as something gets in your way or blocks your onward path. The oppositions combined are feisty, and any emotional reaction to a situation may blow up into something major. There is the possibility of making a mountain out of a molehill, a drama out what might be a minor crisis, or taking any situation to extremes and dramatising it. The same may go for any task we have now. We may have to emotional need to spend too much, drive too fast, talk and never shut up. There is little or no control right now, and that's great, so long as we do things within our means. Not doing so may get us into hot water.
What we achieve now can effect so change though, as the Moon soon makes a trine to Pluto. This is an aspect of emotional control, and maybe it can steady us through the worst of excesses that we are liable to place on ourselves? I get the sense of living on the edge now, but in a brutally efficient manner, one step the wrong way and we can fall to our doom, and the whole scenario changes. Think of the circus and the tightrope walker, balancing pole in hand, taking a chance to achieve greatness; holding his nerve at all times lest he slips and falls. This the energy of most of today, as we do the walk and balance our way from one side to the other.
The Moon finally forms a pleasing sextile to Chiron as dusk falls, and we can relax and heal the worries and anxieties we had earlier on. We should have achieved our aims and not hurt ourselves in the process, but if we did, this connection provides the medicine or bandages to get us back on our feet again.
The balancing theme is also prevalent with today's star connection as Mercury reconnects with Ras Algethi in the constellation of Hercules, it was at these degrees on 18th December. This star in the kneeling one is linked to us submitting to a higher power, and yet we should never forget who we are, and the fact that we also have priorities too. The balance you must find with your dealings and discussions with others today who have some control over you, is not to let go of your own priorities, and to find yourself subservient to their needs. You must walk the tightrope of keeping them happy, and yet achieve the aim of also keeping yourself content too.

Astrology of the Day – Mars conjunct Alphecca – Thursday 28th December 2018

The Moon begins its journey today still in Aries moving VOC or void of course, therefore we will want to be busy and active, but we may end up being at loose ends in what actually to do. This is, until we approach dawn, when the Moon enters the sign of the Bull, Taurus. This is a much more stable, composed place than Aries is, and the pace we move and work at will slow considerably. Less haste, more speed is our watchword now, get the job done thoroughly and carefully. The Moon in Taurus gives us determination and a need for physical touch and closeness. It now won't be enough to know what we want, we will actually want to sense it in the most physical way possible.

The Moon on entering Taurus makes a triple trine, first to Saturn, then to Venus and lastly the Sun, all still in Capricorn but slowly moving apart. This is a triple aspect of sensitivity, common sense and being at one with ourselves. This lovely triple earth trine builds trust and love between ourselves and others. They will want to believe in you and what you can achieve, and in turn you can make them realise that you aren't going to do a bad job. Relationships formed now if they are personal or professional stand a real chance of longevity, because Saturn conjunct to Venus is stable and loving, built on solid earthy values. There is harmony building today, and you should make best use of it if you can. There is a catch though and you should be a little wary in what you agree to. In Astrology as in real life, nothing is totally straight forward.

I refer to another trine that is perfecting today, this time between Mars and Neptune. Mars is the planet of action and Neptune rules imagination and intuition, and also illusion. Neptune is the planet of no limits and Mars can easily run amok while these two planets are on connection. The best side of Mars trine Neptune can be seen through strength, taking the initiative, a will to win and a healthy sexual appetite. We can use our imaginations to complete what we have to do in an imaginative and astute way. You will find solutions to problems by circumnavigating around any blockages in our path, this is a fast flowing water trine allowing us to ride the rapids in double quick time. However if you are not careful, Mars could make us go over the edge and we may hit the rocks instead. We may use aggressive tactics for nefarious purposes, you may be There could be attracted to achieving aims through breaking the rules, or you may be drawn into situations where something or someone needs saving. There may be weakness hiding behind a façade of something or someone that looks powerful or too good to be true, and once we are caught up having committed ourselves, it will be hard to escape. The bait may be impossible to avoid, and like a fish caught on the hook, and struggle as we might, we may eventually be reeled in by the patient angler.

This leads on to today's star and planet connection very nicely as Mars makes contact with the star Alphecca in the constellation of Corona Borealis, the Crown of Thorns. As I have mentioned before a few weeks ago, this star brings with it a promise of a gift, an opportunity that seems freely available for us to pick up. It may be given to us without conditions, however on acceptance we will later find out that we will have to pay a price after all. Now for the actions we do and make in the next couple of days, there will be ramifications that may come back to haunt us, so accept and act on the offers on your table with a sense of caution and respect, as you will know if you follow the Astrology that behind that juicy worm is a trap set to catch us out...

Astrology of the Day – Mars conjunct Acrux – Wednesday 27th December 2017

The Moon remains in the sign of Aries and we just a little impatient and fiery in our emotional reactions. This a strong willed Moon wanting us to run before we can walk, and we will be eager to take charge of any situation that we come across. There will be a distinct desire to do things by ourselves today, as if others will get in our way if we allow them to intervene in our plans. As a result we may be just a bit selfish and self-important as the day progresses.

The Moon begins this day in a closing trine to Mercury and this heightens our need to communicate and be informed about everything around us. We will be inquisitive, mentally alert and willing to offer our advice and suggestions if anyone asks something of us. You will love nothing better than a good old debate with the ease of communication of Mercury in Sagittarius combined with the spiky, sharp Moon in Aries.

The Moon moves on to form an inconjunct to Jupiter and we might have to go back on what we are doing because of a slightly complacent attitude, or because we took things a little too far. We may have to retrace our steps, or make a swift apology for saying something or doing something out of turn. Following on, it forms a square to Pluto and we may get obsessed by a person, an idea or a concept. This could lead you into manipulating someone or a situation to get to the answers or result that you desire. All rational thought may fly out the window and you may push others out of the way, as you battle for some kind of control.

The last aspect of the day comes as the Moon moves into a conjunction with Uranus. As the day ends we have a desire to do our own thing and to have some originality, to do something new, to innovate and to present a different vision. This is a conjunction of networking with others and wanting to be at one with those who have the same radical take on things as you have, therefore use the opportunity to connect, and to mobilise your friends, colleagues and followers to give you support.

There is a planet star connection building today as Mars reaches the main star Acrux in the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross. This is a materially focused star connected to pursuit wealth and material goods, and there is a link quite naturally to religion too. If you think about it, religion has often been a vehicle for amassing donations from those who believe, and thus the pursuit of faith is very similar to money pledged in devotion to other interests. As a result religious leaders may also go on the offensive today as they look to inspire their followers. Mars is close to expansive Jupiter as it hits this star so this brings a very assertive and risk taking attitude to being top dog and for earning as much as possible, achieving success in whichever way you can for your own material gain, and for holding on to power too. Over the next couple of days while this connection is active, those who have the power and the means will be relentless in making sure they keep what they have, and they will even resort to using threats, force or even the police or the military to back up their claims if they feel threatened.

Peru – Public protests at controversial Presidential pardon.

Hi everyone, I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas. Astrology never stops and I like to think that on my page I cover things that other Astrologers don't because I think they are worthy of comment. This is one of those occasions where the event highlights an important link to the past in Astrology.

Astrology of the Day – Moon in Aries - Tuesday 26th December 2017

The Moon begins this day in the final degree of Pisces, crosses over into Aries, and a brand new cycle begins. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, a sign of new beginnings and it gives us a call to action. The past lunar cycle included a very difficult Mercury retrograde, one of the most disruptive I can remember in a long time, and so this is a perfect moment to emotionally clear the decks, to brush off any cobwebs and to get to get cracking. In the UK where I live, the day after Christmas is traditionally a day of sport, and the Moon in Aries works perfectly for an active and competitive day ahead. There is a will to win, a sense that we will want to take on new challenges, so why not to out and do any activity that will make your heart beat a bit faster?

The Moon as it moves into Aries picks up on a triple square to a close conjunction of Sun, Venus and Saturn. The opening square of a lunar cycle often opens up fissures between our desires and our emotions, therefore conflicts and differences of opinion can be exposed. This Sun Moon square is augmented by Venus, the planet of relationships and values plus Saturn, the planet of limitation, so it is likely that what you want won't quite match what others around you desire. Maybe you will want to get out into the after Christmas sales and your partner has other plans, or you will want to go out whereas your partner wants a quieter day at home? Whatever the situation, I feel that someone limiting your choices may cause emotional friction within a relationship over a difference of values. It's almost like the competitive side will extend into our relationships too. One thing about Aries is that once a disagreement has happened, we hold no grudges and just get on with things, so any disruption will be short-lived. Overall, there will be a serious side to any interactions that we have over the next few days, almost as if the party is over and we must get back the matters in hand.

The only other aspect that the Moon makes is a rather disruptive inconjunct to Mars late on in the evening. This connection may make us act in a slightly out of kilter fashion, as if our emotions are playing against what we are actually doing; in a way our actions may betray our emotions. Our reactions to situations may be quite sharp and brusque too, just when others don't expect it. This is not the easiest energy to deal with during the day and our patience, not the greatest with the Moon in Aries might be tested. Maybe best to keep active then, so that you don't have the energy or inclination to fight with loved ones late on.

Astrology of the Day - Venus into Capricorn - Monday 25th December 2017

The Moon is in Pisces all day this Christmas Day bringing a peaceful, imaginative yet slightly chaotic vibe that we can tap into. The Moon in Pisces is a pacifist and doesn't wish to enter into conflict, it is selfless and sensitive, tender and romantic, bit it can lead us to suffer too. We will want to be surrounded by music, films, and anything connected to fantasy and fiction. Pisces is rather vague and direction-less, and we will be more likely to thrive in an environment where there is little structure. Just don't make too many plans today, just go with the flow and you'll cope better.

Early on, just around the time Santa is delivering his presents and we are in dreamland Moon forms a sextile to Pluto. For those of us us through the night, there will be a love of the unknown, the dark and slightly sinister side of life. We can use our instincts very well now, and your gut feelings will give you the gist of what is really going on without us being told. We crave intimacy now and have the need to be close to someone else we care about.

As morning arrives Venus moves into the sign of Capricorn instantly making a conjunction with Saturn who moved into Capricorn. Venus moving into Capricorn cools our affections much more than they were in lively and outgoing Sagittarius in the lead up to Christmas Day. We will express love in a much more reserved way now, and we will crave attention and love to be shown to us, although we won't ask for it. This is a very loyal position and we will value tradition and the old fashioned ways of doing things. Venus conjunct to Saturn as I mentioned a couple of days ago will tend to settle down relationships or in more extreme circumstances it will cause disappointments within them, and there could be some upsets over what people value, or a lack of appreciation of your efforts may upset the atmosphere for you.

The Moon has one last connection today before the day it through and that is a conjunction to Chiron, the planet of wounding and healing. We might have the that we are not doing enough for everyone and you'll be finding it a little difficult to let go and fully enjoy the day, or we may be hurt by something said or done and that may unsettle us a bit. Of course that may be mitigated by having a few drinks and letting go that way, but inside there may be some emotional pain that stays with you, a sort of unease that is ever present. The Moon then goes void of course for several hours into the 26th December and we can finally relax in the evening in the knowledge that even if there was some disruption earlier on, it is unlikely to last and a sense of calm will take over as the day finishes, probably what we need after a hectic Christmas celebrations.

The movements of the outer planets and how are they affecting you in 2018?

Ok, I've had a quick look at the movements of the outer planets and the degree zones that they are moving in during 2018, and these equates to birth dates in regards to your Sun. They might be helping you or hindering you and this will affect if you will have a positive year or one where it will be more challenging. I hope this quick handy list will help you prepare for 2018…

Pluto - 19 to 21 degrees Capricorn - The transformer

This equates to 2018 being a year of fundamental change for those with birthdays between 11-13 January, 9-11 April, 12-14 July and 12-14 October.

A year of adjustment and adaptation for those born with birthdays between 10 - 12th June and 12 to 14th August

Year of opportunities and possibilities for those born 12 – 14 November and 10 -12 March

Those with birthdays 10-12 May or 12-14 September will see positive transformations empowering them in 2018

Neptune - 13 to 16 degrees Pisces - The disintegrator

A disorientating year and one of potential struggle awaits those with birthdays  between 4-7th March, 4-7th June, 6-9th September and 5-8th December

A year of sacrifice and disillusionment for those with birthdays between 6 – 9th August and 6 - 9th October

A year of creative opportunities for those with birthdays between 5 – 8th January and 4 – 7th May

A year of imagination and fulfilling dreams awaits those with birthdays 5-8th July and 6-9th November

Uranus - Uranus the disruptor is active in 2018 moving between 24 Aries and 2 degrees Taurus.

A year of sudden change and upsets is the pipeline for those with birthdays between 16 – 23rd January, 14-22nd April, 17 – 25th July and 18-26th October

A year of unexpected adjustments and separations for those born between 16th and 25th September

A year of unforeseen opportunities for those born between 14th and 22nd February and 16th - 24th June

A year of positive unforeseen change and moving ahead quickly is waiting for those with birthdays between 17-25th Leo and 16-24th December

Saturn the great teacher is moving between 0 and 9 degrees Capricorn in 2018

A year of hardship and difficult lessons learned await those with birthdays  from 22 December to 1st January, 21st - 30th March, 21st June to 1st July and 23rd September to 2nd October

A year of difficult adjustments and learning the hard way for those born between 22 – 31th May and 23rd July and 1st August

A year of opportunities to make your life stronger and more stable for those born between 24th October and 2nd November

A year of constructive change and rising reputations is predicted for those with birthdays from 20th -30th April and for 23rd August to 2nd September.

Jupiter is helping all Sun sign Scorpios all year promising a year of growth, optimism and positivity.

If your birthday isn’t mentioned that’s potentially a good thing as you aren’t being impacted by the important outer planets and you can consolidate in 2018, although there are so many other factors that could be affecting you such as eclipses, transits and the like. If you would like to know more, go to my 100% totally free Ascendant horoscopes for 2018, follow the link below…

The Ultimate Ascendant Sign Horoscopes for 2018