LOVESMACKED & STARSTRUCK

Your Aquarius Can't Bear the Weight of Your Water

2012-01-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

Aquarian relationships have been rather predominant in the press lately, haven't they? With recent celebrity divorce bombshells such as Seal (Aquarius/Pisces cusp) & Heidi Klum, Ashton Kutcher (Aquarius) & Demi Moore, and Kris Humphries (Aquarius) & Kim Kardashian, and engagements/new affairs such as Justin Timberlake (Aquarius) & Jessica Biel and Jennifer Aniston (Aquarius) & Justin Theroux, our fellow water bearers are shaking things up in the romance department.

Whether shaken or stirred, Aquarians are no stranger to crazy love lives: be it short-lived marriages, long-term affairs, or mid-life crises and obsessions, it's very rare to find an Aquarius who follows the typical relationship equation of:

boy meets girl + boy dates girl = boy marries girl = happily ever after

Somewhere in between, we should factor in an affair (pre or during marriage), a possible gay interlude or coming-out, and/or a divorce. Why? Aquarians are always re-identifying and re-creating themselves. While they tend to stick to their guns (and yes, their religion) once they believe in something, their never-ending conquest for shaping the world into the image they have in their head controls every single thought and action that they commit. If that vision for the future requires a change of philosophy, then so be it. But this is unlikely--typically, your Aquarius knows how he/she thinks the world should be run by the time they are, oh, say four years old. They like to break free from conventional wisdom and march to their own drum--and to hell with the consequences and naysayers. As Frank Sinatra would say, "I did it my way."

As with Darth Vader, this conquest can be made for good (think: Oprah, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan--depending on your politics, Ayn Rand--depending on your philosophies, and Ellen DeGeneres) or for bad (think: well, let me digress from painting some of these people as "bad" and just ask my readers to defer to the images of "Famous Aquarians" posted above and determine for yourself which characters are less savory than others).

Regardless of their intention, forewarned is forearmed: either follow this sign as they dash across the water, or be left behind eating their dust (or just dying of thirst).

Once it's over, it's over (disclaimer: Aquarian women, however, can hold on extraordinarily long to a man she is "in love" with out of sheer self-masochism, especially if the man is a Gemini or a Libra). If I were you, I would pass GO! and collect $200 on your way out--or, in Kim K.'s case, $17.9 million--and never look back. You may need that money for therapy sessions, after all. Aquarians don't hold back once they know they have nothing to lose. Be prepared to end things on a bad note, unless you are capable of biting your tongue and simply walking away. Hard to do, that, when your reality TV show requires your personal life to be so public...

He's Making His List & Checking It Twice

2011-12-22T12:00:00.006-05:00

Ho, Ho, Ho...

Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Happy Kwanzaa
Happy New Year

As we wrap up 2011--and the last dreadful bout of Mercury retro (yeah, this one was a bitch, huh?)--we should all take time to reflect on how naughty, or nice, we were this year.

While we would all like to think of ourselves as little angels of love and light, Santa knows better. And he says:

Capricorn: you have done pretty well for yourself in 2011. Spreading the love and cheer has left you feeling positive and successful as the year comes to an end. Continue to focus on the positive while simultaneously avoiding the negative chatter in the background. Yes, it's true, your bright yellow shoes do NOT go with your black dress. You look like a damn bumble bee. But who cares? Those shoes look FABULOUS on you. Santa's Verdict: NICE.

Aquarius: honestly, you've been a pain in most people's ass this year. One part demanding, and two parts hypocritical, has left you suffering a bit in 2011 as you repair some of the damage you have done. Have no fear: your birthday is rolling around soon enough and people are obligated to like you again. And if they don't, well, you never have had a problem telling people to f**k off! Santa's Verdict: NAUGHTY.

Pisces: a few bumps in the road this year with your beloved has left you feeling a bit more introspective than usual, dear Pisces. And while the drug industry should make a pill for your depressive and dream-like moods (spoiler: they would make a killing in the market), you will survive just fine on your own as long as you stay away from the bottle or the street drugs. Focus on the positives and just chill out. It's not always as big a deal as you think it is. Santa's Verdict: NICE-ish.

Aries: anger management classes are on the rise. You should sign up. Really. This has been a whammy of a year for you with one drama after another. Whether you were left bothered and bewildered by friends, lovers, family, or coworkers, you definitely felt the bitter sting of rejection and/or disappointment. And now, you are ready for payback (if you haven't started it already). Just remember what Confucius said: "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." Santa's Verdict: NAUGHTY.

Taurus: well, hello there, smooth operator. Marvin Gaye AND Al Green are rocking your background music as you walk down the street. What a year it's been! Engaged, married, or finally in a committed relationship, 2011 has been stellar. If none of the above applied to your 2011, then at the very least, you made some significant decisions in your home base or professional path. Whatever you did, or are doing, things are working out quite nicely. And, as a bonus, YOU have been much nicer, too. Santa's Verdict: NICE.

Gemini: slow your roll, dear Gemini, you can only take so much success at one time. You have been in the spotlight this year with one accolade after another and the buzz on your personal (and professional) life has been non-stop. Whether you are loved or loathed pretty much depends on whom you're talking to. Your friends will always love you, and your enemies will always have their jealousy issues. Ignore the commentary you don't like, grab your twin by the hand, and continue to move forward with your goals. Santa's Verdict: NAUGHTY and NICE (one for each twin).

Cancer: OK, so here's the thing. You are a sensitive soul and crawl too often into that hard, protective shell of yours when you can't deal with the criticism or drama. We get that. The problem is, when you come OUT of your shell, you can be a real asshole. Sometimes, you gotta quit while you are ahead. Verbal diarrhea should be left to the Air signs in your life, not you. Make your point, then put a period at the end of it, and walk away. Don't start another paragraph, don't send another text, don't hit "reply" to that e-mail. Less is more. You KNOW that. Santa's Verdict: NAUGHTY.

Leo: damn, 2011 has been a rough ride, especially the second half of the year. Just when you thought you couldn't handle another crisis (health, work, family, lover, child, etc), WHAM, you got another one. You put on a brave face to the world, and then cried about it at night behind closed doors. You really do deserve a medal of honor for surviving it all. Your friends are proud of your inner strength. Santa's Verdict: TOO NICE.

Virgo: Santa and all his elves don't even know what to do with you. One moment you are nice and the next you are naughty. You struggle in deciding whether you want to play the role of Rudolph or the Grinch. It is messing with our minds. Pick a role: hero or villain. We won't judge you. We'll just be glad to finally figure you out, you fool. Santa's Verdict: CRAZY.

Libra: those scales of balance keep tipping away from your favor lately, and your moods are more volatile than the stock market. If you were a ship, you might feel as if you should be called the TITANIC...slowly sinking, but desperately looking for a life preserver. Deep breaths...release...repeat. Meditation would be good for you. Inner happiness can only be found, and achieved, with a firm foundation of self worth and esteem. Work on making yourself happy first and then you can continue with your critique of others. Santa's Verdict: 50% NAUGHTY and 50% NICE.

Scorpio: security is a wonderful feeling, even if everything feels a bit "up in the air." 2011 was a year of change and transformation for you, and you ended up on top every time. While you did have to whip out your stinger a few times to check people's 'tudes, you more or less kept it real and to yourself. As Heidi Klum would say, "Either you are in, or you are out." This mantra worked quite well for you in 2011. Carry on. Santa's Verdict: NICE.

Sagittarius: hello, wild child. I hope you started a blog for yourself this year. You had more than enough crazy stories to share with the world. Some of them made you look good. Others? Notsomuch. Who cares. Any press is good press, in your case. Making decisions in your best interest worked well for you, even if some of the people in your life thought you were a selfish ass. You can plead the fifth, this time. Santa can revisit his verdict of you in 2012. And for now? Santa's Verdict: WAIT-LISTED for NICE.

Throw Me a Bone. Or Should I Just Chew On It?

2011-11-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

Call your local congressman or woman, post flyers around your city or town, or tell it to the mountain. Our cities our dirty. As in, Xtina dirty.

Typically, trash on the street doesn't bother me. In fact, I can easily find it charming. How else would I enjoy NYC, DC, or even Paris, if there wasn't a little bit of trash to smell it up?

But I'll tell you who really LOVES the lack of waste control.

Our dogs.

There's nothing quite like owning a four-legged friend to force you to look down while you walk on the streets. If I had a dollar every time I heard an exasperated owner yell "LEAVE IT!" while their dog chewed on something foul from the corner of the block, well, I could probably afford to clean up the city myself.

But here's the odd thing. I get that there are papers & napkins, the occasional half eaten pizza that you ordered at 4am after boozin' it up the night before, the bread crumbs thrown courtesy of the crazy bird lady, or the old cigarette butt you discarded when you were reminded that smoking gives you lung cancer. What I fail to understand is how CHICKEN BONES make their way to the street. Did the chicken get hit, plucked, cooked, and eaten while crossing the road?

I am sure all the dog owners reading this blog right now are nodding in disgust. You know what I mean. And dogs go for them faster than you can say "SQUIRREL." What's worse is trying to remove that damn bone from their mouth. Who can blame them? I am sure they taste better than packaged dry food.

So, with Thanksgiving fastly approaching, I wonder: how many more bones will my dog find? And how much anti-bacterial lotion should I bring with me on my dog walks after I wrest the discarded bone from my dog's mouth?

And, more importantly, what the hell? I mean, it's random, but it's rampant. From Philly, to NY, to DC, and even Boston, all my fellow dog friends know my plight. As we all talked about what we do when chicken bone meets Fido, my overactive astro mind started wondering:

What would your sign do?

Clearly, a Capricorn would see this as an investment opportunity. For XX amount of dollars a week, they would start a service to either dump more chicken bones for our dogs (like a weekly Easter egg hunt, if you will), or, conversely, start a service to clean them up (I vote for the latter, clearly) and have the dog owners pay a nominal collection fee. Point is, this would become a profitable operation under a Capricorn.

Your typical Aquarius would start ranting about the inefficiencies of our local government and start campaigning agianst the chicken bones and the damage that pollution does to our society and our dog's well-being.

Pisces would probably philosophize about how the bone even came to be and would deduce that the dog has some sort of psychological disorder that can be cured with a new toy or a cooked chicken dinner.

I am not sure what Aries would do. Probably fight the bone? Fight the dog FOR the bone? Would an Aries even SEE the bone? After all, it's hard to stoop to the pavement when your ego is in the clouds.

Taurus would probably do some kind of artistic drawing of this whole scenario, or research real estate areas that have the lowest rates of reported chicken bones per block and move there. After all, there is always an opportunity lurking as an investment for the future.

Gemini would probably hop around in frightened disgust about the whole ordeal (thus getting the dog even more excited) and turn it into a game of 'who gets the bone first.' And then, they would blog about it.

Cancer would start thinking about how long it has been since they last ate a chicken seeing as their worth-for-sh*t digestive system doesn't allow them to eat anything other than hot water with lemon and stir fried tofu.

Leo wouldn't probably even walk their dog--they have a nanny or dog walker for that. Also, most Leos have cats (stay tuned for my upcoming blog about why all Leo men prefer...well, you know).

Virgo wouldn't dare touch the bone. They may be neat freaks, but they won't get their hands dirty. If they do manage to grab the bone, they would probably spend the rest of the day disinfecting themselves or going to the hospital for some kind of rabies shot or screening.

Libra? Libra would be too busy flirting with that cute man or woman on the street to even notice the bone in their dog's mouth.

Scorpio wouldn't give a damn...after all, history has always shown dogs with a bone in their mouth, so who really cares? Until that dog's mysterious death is turned into an episode of CSI: Dog Unit, or the dog's ghost haunts them at night, this is an insignificant matter.

And Sagittarius? Ha. Sag would probably take this as a sign to belly up to the nearest bar and order chicken wings and watch the game on TV with a cold beer--you know, to sober up from the night before. On the plus side, they probably know which bars allow dogs, so Fido will at least be able to join in on the fun.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

(PS, Mercury goes retro from November 24-December 14.)

Don't Hate the Sign, Hate the Player

2011-11-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

It's hard to let go of a grudge (reference: Team Jolie vs Team Aniston). So when you combine a grudge with an ex, and throw in a dash of a sign, you have a recipe for a disease that I like to call "Irritable Sign Syndrome."

This past week, I spent a lot of time catching up with my favorite girlfriends over drinks. And the topic that never fails to bring itself to the table is that of ex boyfriends, or the ones we wish we got a chance to date. It turns out that most women have a Mr. Big. And it also turns out that, spoiler alert, most of us don't end up with ours a la Carrie Bradshaw. Mr. Big Sexy--after years of disappointment and lack of follow-through--suddenly becomes Mr. Big Loser (whom, I should add, we still kinda sorta want to be with). He wasn't worth our heart, and I'm not quite sure he is worth that 3rd round of cocktails we ordered on our tab, but maybe we'll get back together again after all--when we are a bit more sober.

But the most interesting part? (Well, for me at least.) Women mourn the ex and sorta want him back, but they hold Mr. Big Loser's astro sign hostage for all future men. So in the midst of the standard lingo "he just always f**ked it up" or "he never failed to disappoint me" or "he rejected me, so why do I still want him?", every.single.time. I ask "so what was his sign?" I get:

(Eye roll)
(Sigh)
(Look of utter disgust and contempt)

"He was a __________." (Insert sign of Mr. Big Loser here.)

Huh. Interesting. I got the appropriate negative response out of asking his sign, but if I ask "So, how do you feel about him now?" I get:

(Eye roll)
(Sigh)
(Look of utter disgust and contempt mingled with sadness, lust, and romantic pining)

"I don't know. I think about him all the time, and I keep wanting to contact him. He is going through a bad time, his work has been busy, and he just went through a bad break-up. He's got a lot on his plate, so maybe I need to be more understanding."

HUH?

So let me get this straight: the sign of your Mr. Big Loser is NOT off the hook? But Mr. Big himself is...Prince Tortured Charming?

Fact is fact, and that is this: if your Prince Tortured Charming is a Scorpio, then maybe you just have a thing for Scorpio men. Dark and twisty works for a lot of people, you know. And maybe, just maybe, the next Scorpio guy you meet in a bar will be The One?

At this moment, my readers may be giving me:

(Eye roll)
(Sigh)
(Snort)

"Get real. Only in your programmed Disney meets Sex and the Astro City mind. I am NEVER dating a Scorpio again. Hey, wasn't Charles Manson a Scorpio? Yeah, that sign is messed up. Shoulda known better. More drinks, please!"

But just like the urban myth, I can attest this is true. So, for your next round of cocktails with your girls (or boys), when the subject of "The One Who Got Away" inevitably comes up, you can tell them that you heard from a friend of a friend that her friend once spent years dating the wrong man. He was a Libra. They went through every possible rollercoaster, and even stepped up to the engagement plate a few times. Needless to say, they punted or fouled every time they took a swing. It was on, then it was off, then girl moved away, then guy tried to follow her. Long story short (<--too late?): they broke up. She bemused that perhaps her Gemini self wasn't meant to be with a Libra, even though all the astro books she read said differently. Well, and you probably see where this is going, a year later, she met her real Prince. And guess what? He is a Libra. And after 4 months of dating, he proposed and she said yes.

Good thing she didn't remove that Libra tattoo after all.

And they lived Happily Ever After.

All I Wanna Do, Is Have Some Fun...

2011-06-24T14:30:00.002-04:00

Since the sun is plenty up on the Santa Monica Boulevard, we are all in the mood for hitting the beach, pressing the DONE button at work (as if you are doing any, anyways), and having a little bit of romantic fun along the way.

Dating seriously? Well, what better way to get more serious than taking a long, or short, weekend trip together? Whether your poison is beach or mountains, a few days with the one you love is a great way to take one step forward, or realize you should be taking two steps back.

Dating un-seriously? Nothing wrong with keeping your options open, especially with your busy summer plans getting in the way of keeping any long standing commitments. Play the field, rub some suntan lotion on the one you lust, and see where the summer wind takes you.

Dating only in your dreams? What the hell are you waiting for? Get online, go outside for a walk/run/bike ride and enjoy the weather, invite yourself to as many BBQs as possible, enjoy outdoor happy hour patios, etc. This is the time to meet someone new and enjoy how fabulous they look in a tan with their toned body. Because, let's be honest, when fall/winter arrives, people go pasty white and don't frequent the gym or stick to their diet as much as they do during summer.

So, how do you go about snagging the sign, I mean, person, you want? Here are a few quick suggestions on how to snag a:

Capricorn: tell them how you won a free trip to an island, all expenses paid, at an exclusive resort with half naked cabana boys (or girls). They love the adventure of travelling somewhere new, tropical, and "luxurious", but more importantly, they love the fact it is free.

Aquarius: tell them you just volunteered at a local animal shelter to walk dogs in the park and play with them, which fits in nicely with your schedule as a freelance musician. Invite them to listen to your next concert, where you plan on singing a special song written for them...and the dog you just rescued.

Pisces: tell them that your bucket list includes a worldwide spiritual tour, starting with hiking around Joshua Tree, then hitting up Machu Picchu before landing in Hong Kong to visit Tian Tan Buddha, hopping over to India to stay at an ashram, and ending with a visit to the Vatican in Rome. Conclude that you plan on probably being high the entire time, and most likely slightly drunk.

Aries: tell them you plan on sleeping with them before the night is through ONLY if they are on their best behavior. This is not only guaranteed to bring about a lot of witty sexual banter and laughter, but it will be fun to see what they think "best behavior" actually means. And if you want to keep them around for longer, here's a hint: don't sleep with them that first night. Tell them their behavior is still subject to review and consideration.

Taurus: tell them that you often fantasize about rolling around in dark chocolate mud, floating in a tub of champagne, or giving massages with edible oils. Don't forget to mention you are a certified massage therapist and received your license in China...

Gemini: tell them that the one who runs the fastest to the bed is not going to be the biggest loser and then challenge them to a game of dirty Apples to Apples or Monopoly. When you find out that their house is actually ON Park Avenue, mention that they can pass go and collect...you.

Cancer: tell them you know a really great romantic spot on the beach, secluded from the public view, where you can have crazy sex all night long under the moonlight. Yeah, it's corny, and your Cancer will know it, too, but hell, they want to get laid.

Leo: tell them you think foreplay is NOT overrated and proceed to explain to them why. Spoiler alert: no need to prepare a formal presentation or speech for this. Actions always speak louder than words.

Virgo: tell them that you don't understand why it is that you come off so pure, and yet, are into crazy, freaky sex behind closed doors. Grab their hand, pull them to the exit, and be sure to wear clean, matching underwear. When you finally get them to your bedroom, be sure to point out your 450-thread count duvet and recently polished wood floors and vacuumed carpets. Ohh, baby...

Libra: tell them that you are learning everything there is to know about the romance languages, the art of romance, and the pursuit of it. Mention you also took a course in erotica and it inspired you to start taking pole dancing classes. If they want to learn more about working the pole, you just so happen to have one installed in your bedroom.

Scorpio: tell them that you just watched the E! True Hollywood Story on Sting and Trudy and are inspired by their tantric sex rituals and wonder if it really does work? Then casually mention you have the next 24 hours free to find out...

Sagittarius: tell them you just won an entire case of wine from a renowned vineyard and don't have the foggiest idea how to drink it all. Invite them over for a wine tasting and put on CNN in the background for political coverage. Once you start fighting about politics over alcohol, your Sag will be so turned on that Anderson Cooper's 360 will have a whole new meaning.

Forward-Thinking Planets

2011-04-20T11:00:00.010-04:00

At the near-halfway point of 2011, we are now able to start planning for what we want the rest of the year to look like in both our personal and professional lives. 2011 certainly has NOT been a piece of cake. For one, it is a 4-year in Numerology (2+0+1+1 = 4), and a 4-year is notorious for slow change, slow progress, and built up stress and frustration. One only has to look at the events in the news today, political or otherwise, to see how the vibrations of this 4-year are affecting us.

But what else is at play? Two major factors:

1) Our favorite planet, Mercury, has been retrograde since the end of March and is finally about to start moving forward as of Saturday, April 23. Since we just got out of Mercury retro at the very end of December 2010, it feels like Mercury has been messing up our lives a lot in the past 6 months! The good news is that we have until August 3 before we get to experience Mercury's prankster-ways yet again. Be sure to plan wisely when it comes to summer vacation. If you are thinking about booking travel now, it would be wise to hold off until next week (or 2 weeks, to be honest) if you want to ensure avoiding delays or cancellations. If you plan to go somewhere this summer, circle the calendar month of August with a notice to yourself "Proceed with Caution!" This is not to say that you shouldn't enjoy a vacation in August, but I AM saying to be careful when traveling in the beginning of the month, and around August 19-25.

2) Our least favorite planet, Saturn, aka "the Grim Reaper" or "You owe me karmic debt, with interest" is back in Libra since July 2010. And sad news folks, it will be in Libra until October 2012. This means that your relationships--personal and professional--will be evaluated, challenged, and strengthened (maybe) ad nauseam. Even though it is challenging to go through this period of influx in all your life relationships, it is a necessary, therapeutic process. The fact is that Saturn eliminates the bullshit from your life. Relationships that are no longer right for you, or that are meant to strengthen your own personal resolve, need to be faced head-on. If you play your cards (and planets) correctly, you will emerge from this period stronger and wiser, and surrounded with relationships that are most beneficial to you. Saturn doesn't want you to play it safe, or stay with people who are destructive to you. Let Saturn do his magic, even if it seems tough at first! The good news is that Saturn won't return in Libra for another 30 years, so use this time wisely. If you are in the age range of 27-32, plus or minus 2 years on both ends, Saturn will affect you the most. If you are in the age range of 28-30, it will affect you the greatest as Saturn was in Libra when you were first born, meaning that you are now paying up your first round of karmic debt to your parental Saturn figure.

Luckily, Saturn won't wreck havoc on your summer vacation plans like Mercury will, but it may affect who you spend that vacation with!

Speaking of vacations, with everything that is happening in the world today, and with the tense vibrations of a 4-year on us, it would be wise to take some much-needed time off. Here are some suggestions:

Capricorn: time to visit an exotic land that you have never been to before. That way, you can experience new foods and culture, while also exercising your artistic photography skills AND utilize your love for walking/exercise.

Aquarius: nerves a little frayed (usual), you would do well to consider a more relaxing vacation, like a small beach town (think the Cape) or an island where you can relax, but also take in some soulful views (think the Virgin Islands).

Pisces: it's time to do something a little wacky. You love the water, so why not hit up a beach or island where you can take up some jet ski lessons, scuba diving, hang gliding, or sailing? The key is to mix in some kind of physical activity with the water. You need a tan and some fresh salt air to rebalance yourself.

Aries: routine is really beginning to take its toll on you. You need a change of scenery (permanently, more likely), but if you can't move residences or change your job just yet, consider taking a well-planned road trip throughout the country, maybe mixing in your hot spots with concerts you have been wanting to go to, restaurants you have read about, or designer discount outlets that you can hit up.

Taurus: nothing says rejuvenation (and "Happy Birthday!") like a retreat spa where you can be coddled, pampered, and loved. Think of soft breezes in the morning while having a luxurious massage, spending the afternoon playing golf or meditating or vineyard hopping, and the evenings eating delicious (and healthy) food. Let your hair down and take your shoes off! Go skinny dipping in the lake--you know that is on your bucket list.

Gemini: many of you have been experiencing some great moments this year, from pregnancy to new love to professional accolades for all your work. While you may be busy, you are damn happy with how things are going. Since you always need to be learning something new, take a vacation where you need to challenge yourself in some way. Never been hiking or kayaking? Do it! Never just sat on the beach and relaxed for several days? Do it! Never been sailing? Do it! The point is, do something different, somewhere different, and keep on pushing out all the positive energy and momentum you have created so far!

Cancer: it's time to take a mental cooling off period. Too much work and not enough play is taking its toll on you, dear Crab! Force yourself to take time off work and just chill out near the ocean or lakes (anywhere with water). But unlike your fellow Pisces, don't engage in any strenuous activity. Just be calm and still. Go to a spiritual retreat, meditate, detox your body with healthier food regimes, get massages, and just breathe deeply. You can't make good decisions with a polluted mind and spirit.

Leo: it's been a helluva year for you. Stress is not your best friend, despite your current thinking that it has become one. Physically run down, emotionally overwhelmed, and mentally stressed, you need a release. I would say go to a sex retreat, but you probably have already thought of that. Fact is, you are unsatisfied right now and you feel professionally stuck. It may help to go spend time with your family (which may be a point of stress, too) to feel grounded or resolve some turmoil in your life. Once you can clear out some of your issues, you will be better able to plan a fun vacation. Anything that involves sun and good food should make you happy. Even if it is just a simple trip to Florida, do it.

Virgo: you may be winning the award for "not happy right now AT ALL" and you deserve it. A string of bad luck has been pulling you in all various directions and you don't like it one bit. Stop over-analyzing things and write down a list of what's bothering you. One by one, start coming up with solutions to your issues. There IS a solution to every one of them, even if it is a tough solution. You like cleaning out the clutter in your life (which is why you tend to invite drama--it gives you a new challenge to fix). Once this list has been made, and plans implemented, give yourself a well-earned week off of work. Even if you just stay at home and read a good book, or go to a spot a few hours away from home, it would be wise to do it on your own and get some much needed "me" therapy.

Libra: time for new beginnings! Go visit a foreign country, go to New York City and check out the new fashions, book a cruise. You need something fun, airy, with no strings attached. Some of you are entering a more structured routine/phase towards the 2nd half of the year, so use this current free time to really enjoy yourself. Only allow yourself experiences where a lot of laughter, dancing, and wine (beer or champagne) are involved.

Scorpio: you are exiting a period of intense work and are already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Start thinking of where that tunnel leads you...a new home? a mountain vista? a beach getaway? Wherever it is, go with the person you love and engage in some sensual tantric sex. Scorpios need to rejuvenate and release their stress before it gets buried in deep and self destructs. Take advantage of early discounts on beach villas, mountain cabins, or European airfare.

Sagittarius: when are you NOT thinking of your next adventure? As a lover of foreign lands, it is time to look into something new, different...and possibly a bit "dangerous." Don't be afraid (as if!) to consider an African safari, a tour of the Egyptian pyramids, or an Asian adventure. Sitting on a beach, or on a patio overlooking the mountains, is NOT going to cut it for you. What would James Bond do? That's your answer.

Reincarnating the Astro Wheel

2011-03-22T13:50:00.003-04:00

Reincarnation:
1a: the action of reincarnating: the state of being reincarnated
1b: rebirth in new bodies or forms of life; especially: a rebirth of a soul in a new human body
2: a fresh embodiment

(Definition provided by Merriam Webster)

Reincarnation occurs when the soul or spirit comes back to life in a newborn body after death. The belief of this spiritual cycle of life and death is not exclusive to any one religion or geographical location, but it is a focal point within a majority of Eastern spiritual faiths--such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism--and regions. It was also a fundamental concept to some Greek philosophers and other non-Eastern religions, including Spiritism and Eckankar.

Where it does not [commonly] exist is within the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Certain groups within those religions do refer to it, however, such as the followers of Kabbalah.

Lately, the belief in reincarnation has become "popular" in Western culture, as evidenced by movies in mainstream Hollywood such as "Heaven Can Wait", "What Dreams May Come", "Defending Your Life", "Birth", etc., as well as books, songs, and even art.

In a recent book I read by Ann Brashares, "My Name is Memory", the main character, Daniel, is a character whose soul is reincarnated since 500 B.C. He retains the memories of all his lifetimes, and his soul remains the same as it shifts from body to body after death and before his next life. At one point in the book, Daniel speculates--briefly--on the lack of plausibility in astrology as his soul and character never changed in each lifetime, despite birthdays in different signs. Proof, he believed, that astrology wasn't accurate.

But is that true? Granted, Daniel is a character created by an author whose own views may come into play here. As we all know, astrology is definitely controversial in that people either believe it, or find it completely ridiculous. After all, how can astrology be accurate when the Cosmo astrology section never predicts my love life correctly?

I have spent time on this blog debunking the claim that astrology is false simply because newspapers or magazines print generic daily/weekly/monthly horoscopes. So let's move on...

The true question is:

If reincarnation really exists, then how can we explain astrology?

The commonly held theory regarding reincarnation is that the soul is supposed to learn and evolve in each lifetime, learning how to be a better person and, essentially, "grow up." In Hinduism, reincarnation is the method by which karma comes into play--where we go up or down a metaphysical ladder of spiritual evolution based on our previous life(s). The goal is to reach the top of this ladder and be one with the Supreme (God, Buddha, etc.).

If your soul is like a block of swiss cheese, with holes throughout that it needs to fill in before it can become a citizen of the Universe, then would your soul ever be affected by astrology assuming that it fundamentally stays the same in structure while it continues to "complete" itself into a whole?

Here are my thoughts.

The astrological wheel, or the Zodiac, is also an evolutionary concept. It is symbolized as a wheel to show the ongoing nature of life and spirituality. As the wheel keeps turning, we keep growing and evolving. The wheel starts at Aries (representing the infancy stage of mortal life in which we are pioneers of a new cycle) and ends with Pisces (representing full spiritual enlightenment and immortality). As we progress through the Zodiac, we learn new traits and skills, while still (hopefully) building on the ones we gained in the sign before.

While it is only my theory, I think astrology and reincarnation go hand-in-hand. If the point of reincarnation is to spiritually evolve to supreme enlightenment, as is the point of the Zodiac wheel, then aren't these concepts complementary to one another?

If in this lifetime, you are an Aries, it would suggest that in the next lifetime, you would be a Taurus--building on the strengths of Aries from the life before, and gaining the strength of the Taurus in the present. Now, I know some may chuckle and say they know plenty of un-evolved Pisces, or that they are more mature or soulful in this life as a Leo than certain Virgos that they know. But I would ask you to consider that all things in life and in faith aren't clean cut. Just like the Wheel of Fortune in the tarot deck, or in playing roulette in Vegas, just because the wheel spins in a circle, doesn't mean you land on the next spot.

Perhaps you have been reincarnated many times and are "choosing" the astrological sign you want to be in this lifetime. Regardless of our prejudices towards certain signs, the fact is there is something we can learn from all of them. If in your next life, you want to live a life of service, perhaps Virgo would be the best sign for you. If you want to learn to communicate better or bridge relationships between things, perhaps being a Gemini would be most helpful. If you want to be a pioneer of new thought or innovation, or bring about new art or culture, being an Aries would be ideal.

Each sign teaches you something new. And, maybe, you chose this sign specifically for the lessons it can teach you in this life to take into the next. In other words, the sign you are currently experiencing in this lifetime will help fill in those swiss cheese holes of your soul in order to help it become more complete.

The beauty of all these concepts are just that--they are concepts. Maybe reincarnation doesn't exist...but isn't it infinitely more "fun" to consider the possibility that it does?

And, if it does exist, which sign would you want to be in your next lifetime?

Back in the Middle with You

2011-02-22T17:20:00.000-05:00

Martin Luther King Day? Check.
Valentine's Day? Check.
President's Day? Check.

We are now in that serious long stretch of calendar time before we hit another paid-for 3-day holiday weekend (Easter and Passover aside). In fact, *gulp*, the next one we get is...May 30. Memorial Day Weekend. As of the date of this post, that is 3 months and 8 days until we have a national holiday. That sucks.

Now is the time when I start thinking back to high school and college and that blissfully "innocent" time otherwise known as "Spring Break." Seems like a childish delusion to get 1-2 weeks off from school to enjoy the beach!

But the real point of this post (right? there is a point?) is that we have 3 months and 8 days of uninterrupted bonding with the people we spend the most time with in our lives...our boss(es) and coworker(s).

Here's hoping that your office water cooler is replenished frequently!

Regardless of when you have your reviews and compensation discussions, this 1st-2nd quarter of work productivity is pretty important for your career. After all, when summertime hits, even though you aren't in college or high school anymore, you can't fight off the summer/vacation fever of wanting to be outdoors, skipping out on work, and having FUN.

What's the best way to ensure you will have fun? Start getting along realllllly well with your boss and coworkers so that 1) your boss will approve your time off, 2) your coworkers won't resent you for taking time off and picking up your assignments, and 3) your work will have enough progress in it that you can actually TAKE the time off.

If your relationships with your boss and coworkers are great, then you have nothing to worry about. But if one or all of those relationships needs working on, then do some digging around. Specifically, check out their birthday roster. I know, some may call it "stalking", but it isn't really stalking if the information is up on your company's Intranet or calendar, is it?

Besides, how else to know what (or whom) you are dealing with than by finding out their sign? See what signs your boss and coworkers are, and then see which signs (i.e., people) are your "problem" relationships, and which are your "happy" ones. Maybe you can find a theme in your issues? Like, all your Sagittarian bosses are un-pleasing assholes, your Virgo bosses are boring perfectionists, and your Pisces ones are never there because they are taking a long drive to the beach. Or, that you tend to have conflict with all your Cancers in the office, but seem to get along marvelously well with all your Libras.

The whole point of astrology is to learn a different facet to relationships--strengths, weaknesses, common traits, worst habits, etc. Make astrology work for you. If you are an emotional, sensitive person, you probably shouldn't go and cry to your Capricorn boss (well, I would argue never to cry to your boss, but you get my point, I hope). If you don't like to talk, or brainstorm, you probably won't get along with your Gemini coworker; and, if you happen to be a Palin fan and wear a "Palin 2012" t-shirt, you probably won't get much love from your fellow Aquarians. Stuff like that.

So, sure, you may be busy in the next few months, but I ask you, what else can you do for "fun" in the office now that you don't have an upcoming 3-day weekend to plan? Go ahead...open the Staff Birthdays shared file, or wherever this information is stored (note: LoveSmacked & StarStruck is NOT endorsing breaking into private employee human resource files), and do a little sleuthing.

Hint: in the next few months, Pisces, Aries, Taurus and Gemini will be having birthdays. And, they all enjoy gifts!

I'm Not a Cancer...ROAR!

2011-01-24T14:17:00.010-05:00

2011 has started with quite a flurry of activity between unmentionable tragedies in Tucson to the shifting political climate in Washington, D.C. to the never ending news of Hollywood pregnancies. Conversations and changes are coming at us with rapid speed, but one seemed to jump out, or rather, jump in my Inbox at an alarming rate.

Have our astrological Sun signs...gulp...changed?!?!

If you are late to the game on this new development, I am referring to the new Zodiac, which goes a little something like this:

Capricorn: January 20 – February 16
Aquarius: February 16 – March 11
Pisces: March 11 – April 18
Aries: April 18 – May 13
Taurus: May 13 – June 21
Gemini: June 21 – July 20
Cancer: July 20 – August 10
Leo: August 10 – September 16
Virgo: September 16 – October 30
Libra: October 30 – November 23
Scorpio: November 23 – November 29
Ophiuchus: November 29 – December 17
Sagittarius: December 17 – January 20

How did these new signs get calculated? Basically, astronomers have restored the original Babylonian zodiac by recalculating the dates that correspond with each sign to account for centuries of shifts in the Earth's axis. In plain English, as time has progressed since Ancient Babylonia, so have the constellations with slight shifts forward, thereby bumping each Sun sign up in date ranges.

Interestingly, all my Leo friends were the first to write back and say something to the very similar of effect of "I am NOT a Cancer." Although, I should point out, that most of my beloved lions happened to insert a few choice words in between.

Second runner up for the "Hell NO!" award? All my fiery Aries downright refused to consider being a Pisces. I won't go any further into the comments that came from those rams.

So, what did I learn here? Fire signs refuse to be watered down! And, I have a lot of Fire signs in my life.

I also learned that most people seem to consider Virgo the worst astrological sign around. A collective relief of "Whew, at least I am not an anal retentive Virgo" was heard 'round the astro world. As columnist Maureen O'Connor wrote on Gawker, "I was born a Virgo, and because that's the shittiest sign in the zodiac, I have long refused to believe in astrology and forbid my loved ones from believing in it, either. (My anal retentive need to destroy an entire worldview because I do not like my role in it is, I am told, part of my Virgo nature.)." (Read full article here.)

And then, of course, was the introduction of the infamously new sign, Ophiuchus. What kind of name is THAT? I did have a dear Sag friend of mine write to complain that she can't be a sign she can't pronounce, especially when said sign is represented by...snakes. As if being a centaur wasn't tough enough! Ophiuchus, formerly known as Sagittarius phases I&II, and now referred to as the serpent bearer, is apparently highly intuitive with vivid interpretive dreams. Yet another reason for Cancers and Sags to compete with one another! Sorry to say, dear crab, that Ophiuchus seems to have a stellar reputation with authority and parental figures. So, yet again, you may be SOL when competing against your Sag centaur/Ophiuchus serpent. To read more about Ophiuchus, check out the recent article in Time magazine by clicking here.

I guess Ophiuchus should have intuited their demise by the Babylonians, who threw out this sign because they didn't want 13 in their Zodiac.

But, this doesn't really matter. It turns out that our Sun signs haven't changed at all. As Susan Miller, famous psychic to stars and hired by the likes of Dior and Henri Bendel, puts it, this "new Zodiac" is in a word..."Ridiculous."

Susan Miller further adds: "Personalities are determined by where the planets are when you were born, not by the constellations, which astrologers have always known have moved from their original positions. In other words, constellations are the tape measure that astrologers used, not what they measure. We've known about this for years--one push of a button on the computer corrects for this. You are your sign." (Excerpt taken from The New York Observer, click here.)

And if you don't believe in Susan Miller, believe in CNN, the most trusted source for news. Click here to read "No, Your Zodiac Sign Hasn't Changed."

What I Want, What I Really, Really Want

2010-12-22T09:30:00.002-05:00

World Peace.
An unlimited supply of wine and champagne.
An unlimited supply of food (particular emphasis on cheese).
For Saturn to no longer return.
Round-trip tickets around the world.
To win the lottery.
For Mercury to stop going retrograde...ever again.

...

Alas, I am fairly sure that none of the above will ever happen (though on the bright side, Mercury goes retro only 3 times in 2011, as opposed to the 4 times it "tripped" this year). So I am going to attempt for smaller things, like, say, trying to get to places on time as opposed to my usual 5-10 minutes late, or to slow down my hectic life and enjoy the beauty of crashing on my sofa more often. Basically, something I can actually achieve in 2011...maybe. Hopefully. Errr...

2010 was a tough year for most signs as we all had a lot of changes to make and important decisions to face. But that's OK, because hopefully we are in a stronger position to live out a successful 2011.

That said, it is time to check-off the following to-do list, astro followers:

1) Check out your Numerology for 2011. Remember that your numerology year changes as of January 1, NOT as of your birthday.

My favorite site is: www.creativenumerology.com.

2) Confirm 2011 Mercury Retrograde dates--and promptly circle them in bright red markers with danger signs! Note: Mercury goes retro in Fire signs next year on the following dates:

March 30 - April 23
August 3 - August 26
November 24 - December 14

My favorite site is: www.alphalifetrends.com/mercuryretrograde.html.

3) Read up on what 2011 means for your Sun sign just for fun!

My favorite site is: http://cafeastrology.com/2011_yearly_horoscopes_overview.html.

4) Check out your 2011 Chinese astrology, the Year of the Rabbit.

My favorite site is: www.astroyogi.com/chineseastrology/. This site is also great for western astrology, Vedic astrology, and more!

5) Make resolutions for 2011--and stick to them! Sort through your goals and aspirations for 2011 and come up with a killer resolutions list.

Yes, I even have a favorite site for this! Click here.

Last, but not least, write down a list of all that you are grateful for, and save it. You may want to refer to it throughout the year when times are tough, or when times are good and you want to add to it.

As another year ends, it wouldn't seem right to close without doing the annual year-in-review to do a final "Ciao!" to 2010.

Capricorn: 2010 was a year of birth for most Capricorns. If not a physical birth (baby), then a new project, business, or home was developed. Caps saw major changes this year--and for the better! You are feeling successful and inspired, and it shows. Keep up the good work in 2011, and remember to maintain balance in your home and professional life.

Aquarius: 2010 was a bit difficult, and stressful, for most Aquarians. Their focus was primarily on relationships (not necessarily amorous). In fact, 2010 was a critical year for most Aquarians to assess their role with their family, co-workers, friends, and lovers. They broke ties with situations that no longer worked for them, and they created new ones...but the process is still on-going. Aquarians should try to soften their approach in 2011 and think before they leap. Sometimes "new" isn't always better.

Pisces: 2010 was a year of love for most Pisces. Many found new love, or committed to their current lover. Overall, the Piscean heart was filled to the brim this year with love (the amorous kind), romance, sex, and friends/family. Some are expanding their family, or trying to, while others have finally made the ultimate commitment of marriage (or are planning it). 2011 promises to reap the rewards of their loving nature.

Aries: 2010 was a difficult year for most Aries. Changes in jobs, or problems on the work front, brought many challenges. Success didn't come as easily, and financial sacrifices were made. Love has been a bit more turbulent as their focus has been external rather than internal. Time for Aries to make 2011 a year about THEM and figure out where their happiness lies, and not merely where they think it should.

Taurus: 2010 was a decision-making, future-forward year for most Taureans. Many got engaged, or married, and put down roots. The drama settled a lot this year and the focus was on partnership, marriage, family, children, and home. Stability was their motto, and stability they got. Single Taureans really hit their stride this year and learned how to choose new partners in a more discriminate manner. Taurus should expect to enjoy their newfound positive environment in 2011 and keep opening their heart up for more love.

Gemini: 2010 was neither here nor there for most Geminis. The year was about figuring themselves out, what worked and didn't work for them, and how to make changes in their best interest, rather than in the interests (selfish or otherwise) of those around them. This relates primarily to work, but also to lovers and friends. Most Geminis severed important, yet necessary, ties in 2010. This will give them the freedom to better enjoy their life in 2011 the way they want to, rather than the way others think they should.

Cancer: 2010 was particularly turbulent for most Cancers in the first half of the year. Many suffered serious setbacks in their health, or endings in their primary relationships. They really had to struggle to not stay locked up in their shell, and to face the world at-large. Luckily, this helped them greatly in the 2nd half of the year, and many renewed amorous ties (and several even got engaged!), or learned when to say "enough is enough" and keep on walking. This strength will serve them well in 2011, now that they are surrounded with more friends than foes.

Leo: 2010 was a roller coaster for most Leos. They all took on too much work and invited in too much drama. While most lions saw an ending to some of their work (quitting a full or part-time job, graduating, getting laid off, etc.), they saw an overwhelming increase in their responsibilities overall. Trying to be everything to everyone really drained them in 2010. Use 2011 to learn to better manage your time--and temper--and try to cut back on some of your obligations, dear Leo.

Virgo: 2010 was a year of love, drama, and more love for the typical Virgo. This was a year that most of them felt confused or conflicted over love (and this time, I am solely speaking of the amorous type). While some Virgos did indeed get married, solidify their current relationship, or start a new one--all notably in the 2nd half of 2010--the majority faced separation, infidelity, divorce, or worse. Living too much in their head, and too little in their heart, caused their love life to go a little helter-skelter. Use 2011 to merge your heart AND mind and see what positive results can transpire.

Libra: 2010 did not end on a good note for most Libras. While the first half of the year breezed along a bit easier (new job, new home, new baby, etc.), the 2nd half of the year brought them to a grinding hault. Losing a job, choosing a wrong "new" job, facing health difficulties or complications, or going through a serious bout of self-doubt, has left most Libras a little less than balanced as 2010 comes to an end. And we all know Libras don't do well without their infamous balance. Take some time to meditate and decompress in order to regain your balance, dear Libra, as 2011 requires you to re-focus on your immediate goals.

Scorpio: 2010 found most Scorpios coming into their own, figuring out where they fit in the world, where they saw themselves going, and with whom they want to be with. This was, in other words, a defining year for most Scorpios. They learned a lot about themselves in the process and are more comfortable in their own skin. While some are still struggling to define every nook and cranny of their mind/heart/soul, rest assured that they are on the right path for 2011.

Sagittarius: 2010 was a year of change for most Sagittarians, somewhat like the law of opposites in "Alice in Wonderland." What started up in the first half of 2010, went down in the 2nd half, and vice versa. Many/most took on a new job, made a new move, or started/ended a relationship. This was not a status quo year for the typical Sag! They marched to their own drum, and while some people decided they no longer wanted to dance to their beat any longer, most Sag's are quite happy where 2010 has left them. Let the good times roll in 2011!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2010-10-21T22:00:00.000-04:00

OK, not really, not yet. I think that we have another week (or until at least post-Halloween) before the major department stores start putting up decorations and playing holiday music.

But you SHOULD start to think of Christmas for one very, very important reason. Mercury goes retrograde for almost the entire month of December!! Santa's sleigh won't be moving forward this December, it will actually be going backwards! The Grinch may really steal Christmas (or Hanukkah) for us this year.

Mercury will begin its final retro trip of 2010 starting on December 10 (7:04 a.m. EST) and will end its journey on December 30 (2:21 a.m. EST). As you hopefully remember by now, Mercury's retro phase tends to affect us most the 3-4 days before/during/after the beginning and end of its phase. This means that we will all feel the effects of this retro journey as soon as December 5 and as late as January 3.

With the entire holiday season at the mercy of Mercury, we HAVE to plan ahead. We know that buying major gifts, especially technology-related gifts, are a MAJOR no-no during a Mercury retrograde phase. Delays, accidents, and mishaps happen all the time during Mercury's retro trip, and I really don't think any of us want to be more delayed than we already are while standing in line for the register during the holiday season. If you are thinking "AHA! I will just order online and avoid all the problems", THINK AGAIN. Mercury affects technology and communications...so it is a pretty safe bet to assume that buying something online, and dealing with Internet connections, secure sites, shipping and handling, etc., will NOT go well.

I know, I know, I sound scary, and not just because it is almost Halloween. I am trying to warn you, devoted reader, that you can't procrastinate your Santa's check list this year. Consider it my gift to you for this holiday season.

And, to further enhance my sincerity, here are some gift suggestions for each sign (I know, it's like I am Santa AND Rudolph all at the same time!).

Capricorn: nothing warms the heart of a Capricorn more than great shoes, or the latest in electronics. Buy your Capricorn the newest iPhone, iPad, or iPod. They may already have all of the above, so consider broadening your horizons to a GPS, a premium espresso machine, a DVR, or a new flat screen TV.

Aquarius: what's the one thing all Aquarians want? A change of scenery. Buy your Aquarius two tickets to somewhere they have always wanted to go, and throw in an outfit, or sports gear, that will be apropos for the weather or location. If this means tickets to court side seats, or a box at the stadium, then so be it.

Pisces: sex is a spiritual experience, as most Pisces will tell you, so why not start the foreplay this holiday season by booking side by side massages at a spa? In fact, make a day of it. You can spend the evening at home, ordering in from your favorite restaurant, or actually going there for a soft candlelit dinner, before ending the evening in the bedroom. You can enhance the experience by throwing in sexy lingerie (or other treats and toys).

Aries: it's hard to get everything done when your schedule is as busy as an Aries. Your Aries would love a housekeeping package for several months (if not a whole year) so that they don't have to worry about keeping their home spotless. They could use that free time to go shopping and find a new wardrobe. If your Aries already has a housekeeper, why not get their car detailed?

Taurus: holidays are only as good as the booze served at the party. Treat your Taurus to a wine or beer membership club so they can enjoy new labels for months (if not the year) to come. Throw in a good label of hard liquor, and some nice glass tumblers, for good measure to get the party started.

Gemini: girls and guys just wanna have fun, and Gemini's could use a little bit of that right now. Work is getting a bit strained, and they need to feel free again. Go away for new year's eve to a remote location that they love--or want to love--and plan some fun activities (sports, wine tastings, games, what have you). Remind Gemini's that they are ALWAYS a little kid at heart.

Cancer: our little Cancers have been so stressed this year that their health has taken quite a hit. Treating them to a series of rehabilitative packages (massages, reflexology, acupuncture, etc.) would be not only therapeutic for them, but also mood-lifting. A drive to the beach, with a picnic packed, would do wonders for their soul, too.

Leo: the lion has roared a lot in 2010, and their voice has gotten quite hoarse. With a lack of feeling loved this year, your Leo is in serious need of coddling. A beautiful piece of jewelry would do the trick, or a new set of golf clubs, but so would a new car. The latter may be too expensive, but you get the drift. Buy big, or go home.

Virgo: you can never go wrong with giving a Virgo what they want most--order! A housekeeping package would make their hearts AND minds soar, but the reality is they probably already have one (either because they are neurotic, or because they don't want to get their hands dirty cleaning, or their work hours are too long to find time to clean). Still, I am throwing it out there, just in case. Otherwise, opt for buying season tickets to their favorite sports game, or buying them the newest Blackberry or iPhone on the market. They can't live without their phone, as you already know!

Libra: always spending a little too much money, your Libra would really just love for someone to pay off their credit card debt. If you can afford to take the hit, do it. But it isn't that romantic, is it? Buy your Libra tickets to go see a play or opera this holiday season and make an evening of it. Get dressed up, go to the theater, and then go to a delicious dinner at a 4-star restaurant before spending the evening at a nice hotel (with champagne service). Let an evening of romance ensue! An added bonus would be to have fresh flower arrangements delivered to your Libra bimonthly for the next several months. They would love the fresh flowers in their home on a regular basis!

Scorpio: winter is a cold, cold time, and your Scorpio finds it hard to appreciate the colder climate, and even harder to motivate to leave their home. But you can motivate them to attend the latest museum exhibit or a series of lectures on something they are interested in if you bought them a yearly membership to a nearby museum, or looked up the calendar of events in your area for guest speakers and conferences. Give them tickets to something that will engage their mind and/or soul--they won't know how to thank you enough (spoiler: but they will try).

Sagittarius: it's time to think BIG. As in, international. Your Sag needs a trip out of the country to somewhere new and exotic. This doesn't mean Paris or Rome, but if that is what they want, then go for it. I was thinking more along the lines of Turkey, Hong Kong, Morocco, India, or Egypt. Think culturally diverse.

When Your S.O. Needs to Send an S.O.S.

2010-09-23T12:00:00.005-04:00

We talk a lot about the pro's and con's of each of the astrological signs in our Zodiac on this blog--which career is best, what style suits us most, how do we handle conflict, etc. But really, we mostly care about astrology for how it translates into our love lives. Are we compatible? Are we doomed to complete and utter misery? Will the sex be good? Can we carry a meaningful conversation? Will my partner truly understand me? And most importantly, will my partner accept me for who I am, flaws and all?

While there are many components to your personality aside from just your Sun sign, the fact is that unless you have some pretty strong influences in your chart, or in your life, there are certain base handicaps that each sign has to deal with when they are in a relationship.

There is no one sign that is better than the other. We just have "different" angles to work with. What one person can handle is not the same as what another person can deal with.

Whether you are single or attached, take a moment to think "What are my deal breakers?" I am not talking about physical ones, but rather, emotional ones. We are all complex personalities searching to find someone who will understand, and take the time to understand, all the intricacies involved in loving us.

Here is a rough idea of what to expect from each sign.

Capricorn: you have a mistress, and she is called "work." You treat relationships like a boardroom meeting and your romance reads like a check-off "to-do" list. Your S.O. is NOT your employee. Consider them more like a joint partnership in a limited liability corporation where benefits should be equal.

Aquarius: you can't admit fault and you find it hard to empathize with your partner. Being self centered is somewhat convenient as you tend to love yourself the most. Listen to the needs of your partner. It's not always about you. Note: if you are female, stop being boy crazy! (as if you will listen). If you are male, stop cheating!

Pisces: hot one moment, and colder than a wet fish the next, your emotional climate is more volatile than that of a New England summer day. Consistency is damn right impossible for you, except when it comes to being clingy. You could learn to stop that.

Aries: your temper and need for control can be as stifling as the Devil in hell. Cool your jets, slow your roll, take a deep breath, and work it out (literally). Aries do well by going to the gym to release stress. Also, even though you like to always look like the prettier one in the relationship (and typically, you are), try not to let that ego grow too much before your partner wants to quit you.

Taurus: your partner has enough baggage without having to push you along, kicking and screaming, to do something. Damn, you are slow to move. Whether it is about marriage, children, moving homes, or making plans, you have a hard time making decisions in a timely manner. Maybe you smoke too much, or drink too much, or are just enjoying the scenery too much, to want to motivate. But you know what happens to bulls in the ring if they aren't quick enough.......

Gemini: it's hard for your S.O. to criticize you when one of your personalities is innocent, and the other is guiltier than O.J. Simpson (well, at least the 2nd time around, confirmed). Your survival instinct is to bounce between one personality to the next, much like transferring your credit card debt from card to card to get the best possible APR. Choose a personality, stick with it, and take responsibility for whatever crazy actions you just pulled. Or, in your case, for whatever anniversary dinner you didn't show up to because you were focused on your next adventure, Peter Pan.

Cancer: still waters run deep, and your partner knows this better than most. You are a wealth of emotions, just bubbling below that seemingly cold surface of yours. You hate to show vulnerability, even though you can be one of the most vulnerable signs in the Zodiac. A hug feels good, but you are afraid to admit you need one, sometimes. Worse, you tend to fall for people who can be emotionally unavailable, unpredictable, or irresponsible. In other words, you cling to the wrong people. When you find "the One", let them know it, and treat them with the love you are oh-so-capable-of.

Leo: drama, drama, drama, it's all about me, me, me. Do you know how your partner is feeling today? Did you let them talk for more than 5 minutes? And, if you did let them talk, did you LISTEN? Yes, you have a hair out of place, you may have gained 5 lbs, and your shirt needs to be ironed. But, put those things aside for a few moments to give your partner the love and attention they lust after from you. At least you aren't all about me, me, me in the bedroom. Sharing is a GOOD thing, even if you have to force yourself to do it. Oh, and don't forget, fighting isn't about winning, it's about compromising...

Virgo: your partner fell in love with you because of your active mind--you are so intelligent and witty! This is a blessing for you because your mind is your most prized possession and asset, and if your partner doesn't love the way you think, then they don't love you at all. However, you rarely, if ever, let anyone truly "in." While it is "fun" to keep guessing at the hidden corners of your mental processes, it is exhausting, too. Your partner isn't a mind reader (which is probably a life saver for you), but maybe you could provide them a handy "The Virgo Mind for Dummies Known as Your Partner" manual to help them out??

Libra: you flutter around more than a butterfly, never staying too long in one place to finish a conversation that you started. With such strong social needs, and intense flirting skills, your partner often feels like a dime a dozen in your life. Did you really mean what you said? You love the idea of love, and you love being serenaded and romanced, but can you handle the daily nitty gritty of routine? Will you still love your partner if they have their favorite old, ugly sweater on, or if their hair is a bit greasy, or their skin a bit splotchy? Beauty is often found in imperfections.

Scorpio: you are like a hurricane of emotions that could easily drown an entire city if you let yourself go. Your partner keeps reading the radar to see how strong your hurricane force winds are, knowing that when you start turning, things can get quite intense. Or, you can just as easily downgrade to a mere rainstorm. Which is it? You feel profoundly, and while that translates to some intensely sexual and spiritual experiences with your beloved, the downside of that is when you aren't in that lovin' feeling and allow yourself to plunge into some dark waters.

Sagittarius: your arrow is always pointing in the direction of a specific target or goal, dear Archer. Life is always better, the grass is always greener, on the other side. You want so dearly to accomplish all your goals, both personal and professional, that you need a partner who is willing to support you every step of the way, and typically, make your dream their own. Your jealousies can be quite intense, whether they stem from not having what you want, or not trusting the partner you are with. Resentments run strong, and actions are not easily forgiven or forgotten. Soften yourself up a bit--you get more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Ten Things I Really Hate (Not Really) About You

2010-08-25T09:45:00.000-04:00

Every astrological sign has a weird quirk, tick, or style. Some hide it better than others, but the wolf can only remain hidden in sheep's clothing for so long before the truth comes out.

Ironically, it is the weird quirk, tick, or style that makes signs easy for me to spot in a crowd. I may not know your name, but I can guess your sign (or element) as if it were a flashing neon sign on your forehead.

But don't get me wrong--I wouldn't dare suggest you change your habits, mannerisms, style, or what have you. It helps give the world a bit of logic and order when things appear as they should, unlike how they do in the rear view or side mirror of a car.

In fact, I love and fully embrace these tell tale signs. It gives power to the argument that Astrology isn't all bunk, and that the cosmos have a wicked sense of humor (which, thank goodness for that given the somewhat sad state of affairs of the world that we live in today!).

So, let's uncover a few of these "wolves" by huffing and puffing and blowing THEIR houses down:

Capricorn: tends to have a crooked smile or grin and a boyish physique or personality. The men love wearing quality suits or trendy designer labels, and the women are obsessed with crazy prints and high heels. More often than not, a Capricorn has a loud voice and a tendency to have many lines/wrinkles around the eyes and mouth as they grow older (hopefully from laughing, but sometimes from being too serious). Think of: Matt Lauer, Katie Couric

Aquarius: tends to have a lot of nervous energy and an annoyed look on their face (like someone just said something stupid, or dropped a stink bomb nearby). Typically, that annoyed look on their face is coupled with a shit grin that either A) makes you wonder what on earth they will say next for shock value, or B) makes you wonder what drugs they are on today to make them seem so happy. Easily the first one out to dance on the dance floor, or sing karaoke, this sign tends to love being a bit ridiculous for the sake of a good time. Expect crazy, current fashion statements and quirky jewelry to adorn their fidgety body. Think of: Sarah Palin, Bill Maher

Pisces: always looks a little lost or glazed over in the eyes. It could be the drugs (prescription or illegal, it doesn't matter), or the endorphins from the gym, but they seem to always be in a place far, far away from reality. They can charm and dazzle, and suddenly fixate their glare on you in an unnerving, soul searching manner. Bastards! Typically surrounded by animals or children, they also have a soft heart for "weaker" beings (weaker in terms of age or capability, both physically and mentally). AKA, they root for the underdog and are also obsessed with dogs. Expect to see them splattered with paint or food, or writing in their journal or music sheets, with a look of profound wisdom (real or imaginary) settling on their face. Think of: Drew Barrymore, Javier Bardem

Aries: looks pissed most of the time, frustrated and bemused the other half. A lack of tolerance for stupidity or slow moving people can get this sign flustered quite easily. Charming and engaging, they are typically telling a joke (something raunchy and inappropriate if they can help it) or discussing gossip. They roll their eyes quite frequently when they don't agree with something or someone or the world at large. You can find them in designer apparel and dressed to impress (or to make a statement--not always the same thing, mind you) if they aren't wearing their gym outfit (which can also be very fashionable). Brooding eyes, thin lips, and a snap opinion tend to be their signature style. Think of: Sarah Jessica Parker, Joe Scarborough

Taurus: looks like they just smoked a joint or drank a few too many glasses of wine. Maybe that is why they move slow, or act drunk most the time. They come off light hearted and as if nothing bothers them--as if Mother Nature is cuddling them. What's fun to see is when a Taurus is pissed. You can literally SEE the steam rolling out of their ears. In general, they have a slow walk, a larger build, and a serene smile on their face (again, must be the drogas). If there is music playing, they certainly will start moving with the beat--they won't pass up an opportunity to make something sexual or a little more risque. Despite all the above, they also look grounded, even if/when they aren't. Think of: Jay Leno, Cate Blanchett

Gemini: will be talking quickly and using their hands frequently and probably has cuts on their fingers from breaking too many glasses with all the arm flailing they have going on. Loud and chatty, they don't stay quiet for long, unless you find that rare breed of Gemini that is quiet (and watch out--those are the ones that tend to exhibit the infamous Gemini dual personality by masking who they really are). Gemini's tend to have long faces and be quite slender, which is a good thing as they always hang around the food. Their personality and demeanor may change from minute to minute, and their eyes are constantly flashing a new emotion or opinion. You can be quite entertained watching a Gemini light up about something they love--it's like a child with a Christmas present. Think of: Heidi Klum, Donald Trump

Cancer: will be carefully and deliberately evaluating everything going on around them. Quiet and observant, they are summing up their surroundings as if they are the prey and everyone else is a predator. Once they feel safe (or have had one too many drinks in them), they start chatting and dominating a conversation with their opinions, surprising those around them of how intensely they feel about something, or how perceptive they were about someone, when all they seemed to be doing was minding their own business. This sign tends to be a bit heavy in the stomach area and have a heart shaped face. They remind you of Mom, even though they definitely don't want you to call them that. Think of: George W. Bush, Meryl Streep

Leo: will be wearing something borderline risque and proudly flaunt it. Sexual and charismatic, they will be flirting with everyone and have no fear of body contact. There is a regal air about them (if you look closely, you can actually SEE the crown on their head) that makes you feel very important to be around them. Also typically telling a joke, or enjoying delicious food and wine, this is a sign that really enjoys experiences and is engaged in whatever it is that they are doing. Think of: Jennifer Lopez, Bill Clinton

Virgo: will look as quiet and unassuming as possible, and typically will be standing in the corner. They won't have a flick of lint on them, and their hair will be in place. Though their bag may be a mess on the inside, and their underwear may not be matching that day, EXTERNALLY, they look put together in a very simple way. No frills for this sign, unless they are looking to impress you in the bedroom with their latest toy. They appear to be humble, even if they have their chin up (note that they won't look you in the eye when they walk for fear that you can spot their insecurity), and if you look closely at THIS sign, you will literally see the weight of the world on their shoulders. Think of: Colin Firth, Blake Lively

Libra: laughing, talking and talking, this sign will be socializing with everyone in the office, restaurant, or party. The men are charmers and smooth talkers, the women are laughing about something they just heard, and with their predisposition to wearing a lot of color, they always seem so light hearted and foot loose and fancy free. Very feminine and graceful, both the men AND women of this sign remind you of the word 'balance' when you meet them. Think of: Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas

Scorpio: what you wouldn't give to know what's going on in this sign's head! Trust, it is scandalous and entirely opposite of what they are saying. There is a mysterious, dark, and intense nature behind that dazzling smile and laugh that all Scorpio's have been blessed with. They laugh, tell jokes, smile often, and keep things light-hearted until BAM! they turn out the lights. They don't see attention, but they do command it when they want it. They can sum up their feelings on someone or something in a very simple statement that is quite effective--no need for you to second guess their true feelings on a subject once they have told you where they stand. Scorpio's tend to have a lovely laugh and a big/wide set mouth that helps them have a terrific smile. Think of: Julia Roberts, Matthew McConaughey

Sagittarius: forceful, determined, opinionated, and ready to debate, this sign always looks like it has something to say on the tip of their tongue. They will be leading the group discussion and telling a very long joke or story, which doesn't seem to be a problem because they are very entertaining story tellers. A potty mouth or controversial opinion is never too far behind. They watch with an amusing smile as they look someone up and down and form an opinion. If they don't like you, they hold their jaw tight and their eyes start to get smaller and smaller, their fists will often clench and their face will get red (note: they get into fights often, especially when drunk, so best to stay away from them in an alley near a bar if they start looking like the aforementioned description). Think of: Jon Stewart, Ann Coulter

Are You An Astro-Addict? Ten Simple Ways To Tell

2010-07-27T16:08:00.005-04:00

There are millions of web sites on the Internet, and the list keeps growing exponentially on a daily basis. You can research anything from pre-historic remains to the latest study on genetic engineering, or just opt for your run-of-the-mill YouTube clip. The Internet can be your best friend, and your worst enemy, all in one. How many times have you delayed turning in a project, or stayed up late at night, because you can't stop searching for new information or posting something utterly UNimportant on Facebook, like what you ate for dinner?

Some would say that there is no such thing as too much information, but what if your focus is only on ONE thing? What if your day or life revolves around one concept or idea? While I am not here to promote that everyone dash to the theater to watch Inception, the question is palpable: when is an idea a parasite, and when is an interest an addiction?

Perhaps I am blaspheming my only child here by turning the tables (or flipping them) on my darling astro baby blog, but this is a site all about astrology, so why not sacrifice my own creation for the sake of discussion?

Astrology is a funny science. Some people roll their eyes at the mere mention of it, and some deny they know anything about it ("My sign? I don't know what you are talking about...is 'sign' the plural form of sinuses? Because my allergies are awful this season!"). Fact is, you would be remiss to find a person who truly didn't know their sign. Funny aside: I consider it a jackpot if someone knows their Rising Sign or Moon Sign (I like the odds diminishing in my favor of figuring someone out sooner than later).

But, conversely, there are those who live by Astrology and make important decisions based on their sign, the planetary motions, their birth chart reports, or their daily horoscope. When does "normal" turn into "you crazy, bitch"?

Here are ten simple signs that may indicate you are an Astro-Addict and your Moon should back away from Uranus:

10. You have a pet named Cosmo, Astro, Karma, or they are named after a major planet like Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, or Mars (bonus: if you named your animal after a planetary motion, like "Retrograde")

9. Your home is decorated in all various forms of astrological art, such as moons, stars, natal charts, and symbols (bonus: your bed duvet or blanket is of the Zodiac)

8. Madame Cleo, or some other toll free psychic hotline, is on your speed dial (bonus: the number is in your top 10 or top 5)

7. You have a tattoo of your sign somewhere on your body (bonus: it is larger than your thumb print and/or visible to the public)

6. When you meet someone new, one of the first things you ask them is "What's your sign?" (bonus: that IS the first thing you ask them)

5. A person's sign will definitively determine whether or not you get involved in a friendship, business arrangement, or amorous relationship with them (bonus: you don't make it a secret that your decision was based on astrology and you react with horror when they tell you their "offending" sign)

4. Your Internet bookmarks are filled with astrology web sites (bonus: they are ONLY filled with astrology web sites)

3. You know the astrological sign of every famous person, dead or alive (bonus: you know their exact birthday, too)

2. You won't leave your house in the morning until you have read your daily horoscope (bonus: you decide NOT to leave your house if it looks like it's gonna be a bad day)

1. You WRITE the daily horoscopes (bonus: you also contribute to a monthly review)

Of course, having only one or a few of these checked off doesn't mean you are an addict, it just means you have a healthy hobby (well, if you know the exact birthdays of famous people who are dead or alive, it may not be all that healthy...but I digress). But if more than 50% of these ring true, if not 100%, well then, welcome to my version of "AA" - Astroholic Anonymous!

Though, at the end of the day, who really cares? The only person who may suffer from your astro addiction is your cat, Karma, whom you adopted because her Moon was in your house, and her daily horoscope that morning told you that she was going to have a rough day...

My Moon Made Me Do It!

2010-05-26T11:30:00.002-04:00

With all this talk about the summer sun and all the fun we will have on the beach in our polka dot bikinis, I thought it only fair to strike a balance in the Universe of this blog site by talking about the darker side of things. Or, as Pink Floyd coined it, “the dark side of the Moon.”

Gemini’s may get a bad rap for having multiple personalities, and Scorpio’s may win for having more faces than Eve, but the truth is, we ALL have an inner self that is much different than the outer one we portray on a day-to-day basis at work, with friends, at a social event, in a relationship, etc.

Have you ever felt that people never understand the real you? That everyone thinks you are so sociable and outgoing, yet you are truly deep down an introvert who prefers peace and quiet? Or, perhaps, you are the opposite—someone who comes off shy at first, but then is a total chatterbox/star of the group once you warm up?

How is it that the person everyone else sees is different than how you see yourself?

Simply put, it is the yin and yang of your Sun and your Moon that is causing this external and internal dichotomy. While I often say that a person’s Sun sign is not enough to judge their astrological character when there are 11 other planets and a gazillion other factors involved (the position of those planets, your Houses, your Nodes, how you were raised, etc.), if you want to pair it down to the bare essentials, the relationship between your Sun and your Moon is fairly indicative of your personality. The Moon is the foundation and the Sun is the roof of your own astrological house, if you will.

As with Mother Nature, the Sun is the "you" that everyone sees. It is the face you put out to the world and use to protect your inner self—your Moon. Your Moon is the real interpretation of yourself, your innermost thoughts, desires, and perceptions. Your Moon is what you aspire to be and who you already think you are. Ironically, some people may perceive your Moon sign rather than your Sun sign when they first meet you. If someone is a true soul reader, they most likely will be able to guess your Moon sign because they can see right through to the core of who you are and get past the bright lights of those Sun rays you are shining off.

Does this mean I am saying that your true self is dark and miserable? No, not at all. But your Moon is as mysterious as the real one itself. And, if your Sun and your Moon are entirely different signs/elements, you may find yourself dealing with some pretty interesting dilemmas in your lifetime.

For example, you may be an introverted and introspective Virgo Sun with an outgoing and sexual Aries Moon. How do you strike a balance between such differing personalities? Who is the real you? The one who wants to live free and experience passion and life and fight or debate for what you feel is right in order to honor your Aries Moon? Or the one who wants to play it safe, keep to yourself, and avoid strong gusts of emotion to honor your Virgo Sun? How do you reconcile a balance? Do you show passion in work and indifference in your personal relationships?

What if you are an outgoing Gemini Sun who can’t stop talking, but your Moon is in introverted, stable, and controlling Capricorn? Can you learn to let go and enjoy life the way a Gemini should/would, or do you play it safe and save your money in a 401k because your Capricorn Moon will freak out otherwise?

More importantly, what happens if you don’t acknowledge this dichotomy in you? Your Moon makes you do more things than you realize. It can hold you back or push you forward past your boundaries depending on how much control you give it, and, ironically, how much control you let go of.

Sometimes people aren’t even aware of how much they allow their Moon to affect them. When people say they don’t feel like a true version of their Sun sign, I always ask them what their Moon is, and whether they find it to be a more accurate definition of who they are. It turns out that, if you don’t identify with your Sun, you are 99.9% likely to identify with your Moon.

Figure out which planet dominates you. How does it hold you back? How does it help you move forward? What are the good traits it gives you? The bad?

You don’t need to check into a therapist’s office to find out if you have bipolar personality disorder or schizophrenia (note: this is not formal medical advice, if you really are crazy, go see a psychiatrist)—check out your birth chart first!

My favorite online—and free!—birth chart sites can be found on the left hand side of this blog. Once you know your Sun and Moon sign combo, visit Astrology-Numerology’s site (click here) to view a direct report on how the two signs play off of one another.

Find the time to figure yourself out. Be a little narcissistic in the middle of the work day. Your boss won’t mind. In fact, your boss never needs to know. Trust.

Summer Lovin', Had Me Some Fun...

2010-04-21T14:20:00.001-04:00

April showers bring May flowers, and March came in like a lion and out like a lamb, so here's a toast to fields of flowers (with low pollen counts for you allergy sufferers out there) and plenty of sun in the upcoming months when Spring slowly turns into Summer.

Here are some things to be excited about:

1) Mercury will be out of retrograde as of May 11. It started on April 18, and it has been killer so far, as evidenced from the many e-mails I have received asking "Is Mercury in retro or something? My life has been f$%$%$^%$ this past week." Why, yes, yes it is in retro. Forewarned is forearmed!

2) The days are getting longer, which means leaving work when the sun is still shining.

3) SUMMER VACATION!!!

Now, for all you Virgo's out there thinking, "I never take a vacation", how about finally taking a "risk" and doing something fun? Seriously, it is life changing to actually ENJOY life. Why not spend time with your favorite Cancer, who is giddy about digging their crabby little claws into the sand and enjoying the smell of the ocean air, and plan a sweet little vacation?

In fact, why doesn't everyone start planning their Summer vacations right now? Airline industries may be suffering thanks to freak volcanic eruptions in Iceland, but that doesn't mean your travel plans should suffer any longer (unless the airlines decide to hike up ticket costs to cover their own expenses, in which case, ACT FAST!).

Here are some helpful tips and suggestions for where to go on your next vacation and enjoy what Summer has to offer you.

Capricorn: lots of life changes this year, and many of you are having a baby, or starting a new company (which is like a baby), so you need to make sure your energy levels are being replenished regularly to avoid over-stressing your already workaholic system. Consider a mountain/lakeside retreat that provides on site massage services and a fine dining restaurant to indulge your taste buds.

Aquarius: too many projects, too little time. You have been burning both ends with frequent travel and/or projects, and have barely spent time in your own home. Since a staycation may give you hives, try something calming like a weekend in the countryside, visiting vineyards or enjoying some picnics. You need to recharge. And hey, if the French countryside sounds like a good spot to sit down and have some brie and a baguette, then so be it.

Pisces: you have been putting more time into your career and long term goals than ever before, and while most of you are watching your savings accounts, it wouldn't hurt to be a little generous right now with yourself and your loved one and do something special. You could piggy back a volunteer opportunity with a vacation destination, perhaps joining a fundraising campaign or local church event to raise money. Better yet, go lend a hand in another country, or even here in the U.S. (New Orleans?), and enjoy immersing yourself in a new culture, while also doing something to help mankind.

Aries: you have to watch your health with all this stress and frustration building up inside you. Take a time out. In your case, a staycation might be the ticket, but so would going to a nice hotel/resort somewhere exciting and upbeat(Miami, New York, Los Angeles, etc) where you can dance all night or go seek out fun new events, such as art exhibits, music concerts, and fashion trunk shows.

Taurus: working more hours than normal has made you feel a bit off-balanced. Go visit a friend in another state and enjoy his/her company, and city (or town), for a week. Chill on the beach, at a vineyard, or in the woods, and catch up on your reading, meditate, and re-engage yourself in your hobbies. Napa Valley would be a great destination spot, but if that is too far from where you are, look up local vineyards in your state. If there is an estate, book a reservation for a room and a nice dinner (and maybe throw in a massage while you are at it).

Gemini: hello, run down busy-bee! Slow down and take some deep breathes. Go sit out in the park and take a nap, catch up on gossip magazines or that book next to your nightstand, and fill your mind with fun and entertaining things rather then staying immersed in so much seriousness. Get tickets to your favorite sporting event, or to a new exhibit (preferably out of town and in a nearby city), and treat yourself. Stop off at the beach on your way home. You could use a little sun.

Cancer: time for an adventure, little crab. Since you come alive during the warm, summer months, show the world what you are made of and strut your stuff. Plan a trip somewhere new and fun and enjoy learning about new cultures, foods, and histories. You are ready to be stimulated--in more ways than one! Try India, Asia, Africa, or South America. DO IT!

Leo: you are approaching serious red-level danger codes if you don't take a step back and evaluate before moving forward. Stop focusing on everyone else, and look inward. Take a trip somewhere relaxing, but also where you can go out at night and slut yourself up for some naughty fun. Cheap flights to Mexico or South America may do the trick. Find a resort package and book it!

Virgo: yes, yes, we know, you don't take vacations. Bla bla bla. It is boring to hear. Even if you have to go by yourself, just treat yourself with something that will engage your mind. Perhaps there is a convention somewhere that focuses on your favorite hobby? Book tickets to attend whatever conference/convention that interests you (please try and make it NON work-related), and if it is in a not-so-fun location, check out nearby spots for daytime or overnight trips.

Libra: time to take a trip with your best friends and totally stir things up. While it may sound cliche, you just need to go to the beach and experience some good old "Spring Break" type of fun. If your Spring Break locations are as cool as Ibiza or somewhere on the Mediterranean, then by all means, go. If it is only as thrilling as the Jersey Shore, who cares? The important part is who you go with (hint: someone fun who may make you do something scandalous!).

Scorpio: explore and learn! It is time you uncover the hidden truths of a foreign land, maybe tie it into something spiritual. Try Stonehedge or Macchu Picchu--absorb all that you can about the myths and the spiritual symbolism of these revered places and let that inspire you for whatever is missing in your life right now. If you can't go international, try a local historic town to get your occult juices flowing.

Sagittarius: your travel clock is ticking. You need an adventure!! Find a last minute deal online and just go somewhere outrageous for no other reason than it would be a great story to tell. Don't plan an itinerary. Just go. Try something fun like a safari in Africa, whale watching in Vancouver British Columbia, dancing in Buenos Aires, or surfing in Australia. You get the picture: WILD, RANDOM, FUN!

And if you don't know where to begin, just go to your preferred Internet search engine, type in some key words, and see where Fate directs you.

Happy Travels!

Keeping Your Heart Healthy

2010-03-23T14:55:00.001-04:00

It is pretty hard these days to turn on the television, flip open a magazine, or engage in a conversation with someone at the water cooler without the inevitable topic of dieting coming up.

How do you stay so thin?
Why can't I lose any weight?
I lose weight and then gain it all back!
I exercise all the time and I don't see any improvement!
I change diets all the time and can't stick to one!
I honestly don't have the time or motivation to lose weight...

And on, and on, and on.

We have heard them all, ranging from those lucky ones who seem to eat whatever they want, whenever they want it, without barely going to the gym, to those who struggle their entire life with weight issues. Even Oprah can't will the gods to help her lose weight--and keep it off. Kirstie Alley now has a new show coming out--Big Life--to publicize her diet and weight problems after infamously losing all her weight via Jenny Craig. All this proves that money can't necessarily buy a fast metabolism or a slender body, but it can help you get on the right track (or land a reality TV show).

But what about us "everyday people" who struggle and have tried it all and can't seem to make anything stick? And by "everyday", I mean those of us who aren't make $15 million per episode or don't have a famous personal trainer making house calls. How can we lose weight, and more importantly, why can't we stop gaining it? Well, the weight gain struggle leads itself to the obvious factors of genetics, health problems, thyroid complications that affect metabolism, lack of time to hit the gym, or lack of money to buy healthier food; but at the end of the day, if we aren't happy with the way we look when we check ourselves out in the mirror, doesn't everything else in our life look lackluster, depressing, or downright annoying?

Why do we wait so long before we make a positive change about something that is as important to us as our image?

Perhaps this post should have been written in January to motivate everyone to research their best weight loss plan in time for their New Year's Resolution, but, eh, deal with it. Better late than never, right? Which is what I say to everyone who is trying to figure it out: better late than never.

So where to begin? How to choose which diet, or types of food, you should eat when there are so many options of each? You probably see where this is going, right? Let's allow the Universe to make the decision up for us! Yes, I am talking about astrology. Eating right for your Sun sign. It may not work, but wouldn't it be worth a shot? Mercury isn't in retrograde until April 18, so you have time to plan and start a new regime before you experience any problems or delays. So get to it!

Your Personal Astrological Diet Plan

FIRE SIGNS (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius):

Fire signs tend to fight off illness easily as they have strong constitutions. Fire burns off toxins, bacteria and viruses, and due to their high levels of physical activity (in and out of the bedroom), they burn off weight faster than most signs. They love their carbs because they need them for energy to run their marathons, fight a battle, or absorb excess alcohol from their night out. HOWEVER, high stress levels, easily flared tempers, and over-working themselves makes them easy targets for heart conditions (such as hypertension), ulcers, and inflammations.

Fire signs also tend to lack patience, so a drawn-out diet that requires too much time or commitment, or shows results slowly, simply won't work. Fire signs need to see immediate progress, and need to feel as if they aren't eliminating anything from their diet in order to succeed at sticking to a plan.

Foods to Eat: grains, vegetables, seafood, pasta, lean meat and proteins, yogurt
Foods to Avoid: spicy foods, red meat, dairy

Suggested Diet Plans: Atkins, South Beach, Sonoma Diet, detox regimes (only to be used to flush their body of excess toxins, sodium, or water weight, not suggested for long-term diets)

EARTH SIGNS (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo):

Earth signs have slow metabolisms and weak digestive systems, mostly due to over-eating or a diet of heavy foods. As such, Earth signs struggle with weight problems, tumor growth or glandular disorder. They often feel sluggish or tired, and can be found complaining about their fluctuating weight or inability to lose it. Working long hours in their office also makes it harder for them to eat sensible, well-balanced meals in favor of fast food, multiple snacking breaks, or rich fatty foods to keep their energy up (or to compensate for lost meals during the day). They need to find healthier sources of energy and sugar, and help their bodies flush out harmful toxins that they can't naturally break down on their own.

Foods to Eat: fruits, vegetables, juices, teas, salads, soups, spices, seafood, lean meat
Foods to Avoid: butter, sugar, processed foods (crackers, potato chips, popcorn, cookies), potatoes, excess carbs, fried foods, rich foods (fatty meats, cured meats, desserts, creamy cheeses)

Suggested Diet Plans: Glycemic Index, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Grapefruit Diet(used only for a short detox, not as a full time diet plan), Vegetarian or Vegan diet

WATER SIGNS (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio):

Water signs suffer more than the other elements from digestive issues, such as weak stomachs, poor metabolism, or intestinal problems. Since their health is directly related to their emotional state, they tend to get sick easily, especially if they are in a negative environment, or surrounded by negative people. By remaining in stagnant, emotional, murky waters, these signs suffer from recurring health issues and excess weight. Other notable problems that occur are health problems with excess mucus, cysts, tumors and swellings, as well as systemic candida.

For these signs, patience is less of a problem, and the real solution will come with a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes a proper diet and frequent exercise, not a crash diet plan.

Foods to Eat: steamed vegetables, fresh seafood, beans and legumes, fruit, soups, salads, herbs, teas, hot water with lemon
Foods to Avoid: fried foods, meat, dairy, breads, salt, excess carbs, sodas, coffee or other high caffeine substances

Suggested Diet Plan: Vegetarian or Vegan, Bob Greene's Diet: The Best Life (focuses on the tie-in between emotions and eating habits), Sonoma Diet, Jenny Craig, Glycemic Index

AIR SIGNS (Gemini, Aquarius, Libra):

Air signs are the luckiest of the elements when it comes to losing weight, or never having to worry about weight to begin with (for the most part; Aquarius Oprah would take issue with me on this!). Their high nervous energy tends to direct them in fast-paced lifestyles, social activities, and high metabolisms (something that anxiety and high stress is good for--your own anxiety burns your calories!). However, too much stimulation of the nervous system can lead to other issues, including memory loss, poor diet (i.e., not getting enough nutrients, vitamins, and minerals when eating solely at the appetizer table at a party), poor circulation, or exhaustion.

Air signs also lack patience (and commitment) to do intense long-term dieting. They don't like to be told what not to eat, or eliminate foods from their diet--it is too restrictive. For them, it is all about balance and moderation. Eat what you want, when you want it, but in healthy doses.

Foods to Eat: nuts, dairy, meat, seafood, yogurt, soothing herbs and teas, vegetables, salads, whole grains, multivitamin supplements
Foods to Avoid: refined sugars and carbs, rich cream sauces and dips, excess fruit

Suggested Diet Plan: The Zone, Daily Food Pyramid, Mediterranean Diet, European Diet (i.e., "French Women Don't Get Fat"), Weight Watchers

No matter which sign you are, you should always listen to your body and eat foods that you enjoy. If the foods you enjoy happen to be "bad" for you, consider eating them as treats or rewards, not as part of your daily or routine diet plan. Give yourself something to look forward to! As always, drink plenty of water, get a good night's rest, exercise frequently, take your daily multivitamin, and laugh. Laughter is a great source of mental, emotional, and physical stability and strength.

Web sites for recommended diet plans:

Atkins
Weight Watchers
South Beach
The Zone
Bob Greene's Diet Plan: The Best Life
Daily Food Pyramind
Jenny Craig
Glycemic Index
Nutrisystem
Sonoma Diet
Mediterranean Diet
French Women Don't Get Fat
Grapefruit Diet
Vegetarian or Vegan Diet

While I did not mention it in this post, if you are anti-astrology for your diet plan, consider the popular Eat Right For Your Blood Type diet by Dr. D'Adamo. This diet plan uses your blood type to determine your ideal diet, and has famous stars following it!

Special Note: none of the above recommendations should replace physician-approved or supervised diet plans, and are not intended to diagnose or prescribe an individual's diet. This blog is for informational and educational purposes only.

Next Up: Summer Lovin', Had Me Some Fun...

Love is in the Air, Amongst Other Things

2010-02-19T15:30:00.007-05:00

Happy Belated Valentine's Day to all my readers! I hope Cupid's arrow hit you -- in a good way -- and that your beloved showered you with flowers, chocolates, and kisses to celebrate Hallmark's favorite holiday.

Moving along -- momentarily, for we shall return to Valentine's Day per the title of this post -- I also want to bring to everyone's attention the exciting fact that we are now officially in the Chinese New Year, Year of the Tiger. While this blog doesn't focus much on Eastern astrology, I did find a great site that compared Western vs Eastern astrology, and also combined them for a more relevant horoscope for the year ahead, and in general terms for the rest of your life (!!). For example, if you are a Gemini Cock or a Leo Monkey, you can read all about what that means to you by clicking here.

OK, now let's get back on track to the topic of this post. We should all be in a better mood right now because we just had a romantic holiday, Chinese New Year has begun (and the Tiger is a lucky year!), Mercury is NOT in retrograde (next up is April 18-May 11), and Spring starts in exactly one month on March 20th. All good things, right?

Well, almost all -- if you had a lonely Valentine's Day and found yourself spending it alone in your apartment with your pet cat, dog, fish, or rat, then maybe this hasn't been a stellar year for you as of yet. And maybe, upon further consideration, it hasn't been a stellar year for you in a long time. Valentine's Day is overrated after all, right? Who needs a teddy bear holding a heart, or a box of fattening chocolates, or an expensive dinner at a crowded restaurant, right? Right?

But, still, it would be nice to have a Valentine. You may be wondering "Why are you writing a blog about a holiday that has already passed?" Well, the reason is simple. If you are the typical single person who is desperately-seeking-love (some of us more desperate than others), Valentine's is not just a DAY of torture, it is more like a lesson in torture on repeat (like Groundhog's Day). There is the pre-Valentine's Day recognition that you don't have anyone special in your life, and this makes you bitter when you look around and see all the Valentine's Day promotions, happy couples kissing and talking about their special plans, and people buying clothes in the color red; then there is the actual Valentine's Day, where we dread the fact that no one is sending us flowers to the office or kissing us goodnight; and then there is the post-Valentine's Day acknowledgment that you just spent another Valentine's Day all alone and you don't want to be alone anymore and you REFUSE to be single for next year's Valentine's Day. This last acknowledgment can linger anywhere from one day (if you are super evolved and enjoy being single), to one week (if you are super social and meet someone within said week), to one month (if you are super annoyed with the dating scene), to one season (if you are super frustrated with the dating scene), to one year or more (if you are super fed up with dating -- period).

What is NOT super is not doing anything about it! I know it is hard to meet someone, but, unless you are living a personal version of The Truman Show, whereby your life is scripted by a Hollywood director, and we are now at the part that says "Cue: Enter perfect soul mate into scene...and ACTION!" our perfect someone isn't going to just appear out of nowhere. Unless, of course, you have some really "super" drugs that give you some interesting hallucinations...

That being said, I thought that in the spirit of positive thinking, this would be the perfect time to list all of the currently popular online dating sites, AND, give you a little food for thought on where to go to meet someone that is astrologically compatible to you.

Earth Signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo):

These signs are the workaholics and the foodies. If you want to meet one, either start trolling the halls of your office (late at night), hit up a restaurant that is popular with the locals (Earth signs prefer traditional spots rather than the appeal of the 'latest and greatest'), or wander a bit longer in the aisles of the grocery store. I particularly love the last one because then you can eliminate people with food aversions (like, if you are a vegetarian, perhaps not best to pick someone up at the butcher's counter?). If neither works, go to the gym. Earth signs are always there burning off excess stress.

Air Signs (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra):

These signs are always throwing back a cocktail at a bar or restaurant, involved in some sort of event or social function, or shopping. Basically, you can find your Air sign if you are out and about and happen to come upon someone who can't stop talking and who is animatedly discussing some piece of gossip, or recent news development (i.e., Tiger Woods, the Tea Party Coalition, Iran's nuclear weapons, or Heidi Montag's recent surgeries). They are the easy ones to find because they don't sit at their desks for too long and are often in a sales or marketing function that allows them to constantly be meeting new people. So, in short, they want to meet YOU. What are you waiting for?

Water Signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio):

These signs are always researching, learning, or studying something new, whether it is for personal or professional reasons, or they are too busy beating an opponent on the field or in the office. Go to a library, a coffee shop, a bookstore, a sports center, an animal shelter, a yoga or Pilate's class, or a political campaign headquarter. They will be there. If you live in DC, this is a bonus for you because all you really need to do is go to the Hill or Eastern Market, that way you can find those Water signs that pride themselves on being artistic and creative (Eastern Market) while at the same time being a political brainiac (Capitol Hill). If you don't live in DC, go hit up a bike trail or join a running club. If you don't "do" exercise, just go to a furniture store (like Pottery Barn) and seek out the people buying candles or pillows. Yep, they are probably a Water sign. Of course, you could just go for the obvious and go to the beach or any large body of water...

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius):

These signs are always in the middle of everything -- a bar, a restaurant, a fight, a liquor store, a gym, a sports club, a kitchen, a department store, a beauty counter, a police station, and so on. They are easy to spot: loud, slightly obnoxious, but ever so fun and entertaining! You can always find a Fire sign because they never really do the "stay at home" routine. So, as long as you have something compelling, blunt, sassy, and witty to say, you are pretty much guaranteed to find your typical Fire sign. If you need a little more direction (what, North, South, East, West doesn't cut it?), I suggest joining a foreign language class (Fire signs love languages), going to the latest restaurant or bar opening (unlike Earth signs, the Fire signs love trying new places), or joining some sort of sports club or group exercise class at your local gym. Fire signs need to burn off all the calories from their partying!

And, if you still feel a little lost, here are links to the top dating sites right now:

OkCupid
Match.com
eHarmony
Chemistry.com
JDate
Plenty of Fish
Craigs List
SugarDaddie
Washington Post's Date Lab

Good luck to your heart!

Next Up: Keeping Your Heart Healthy

A Healthy Point of View

2010-01-21T13:55:00.002-05:00

Now that 2010 has officially begun, I am sure many of you have written down your new year resolutions, right? Surely your "to-do" list will include the typical following goals: lose weight, eat healthier, budget better, date more (or less), and take a vacation. I bet you can't wait to cross any/all of those items off your list once you are done with them!

I bet you signed up for a new gym membership, threw out the junk food in your kitchen, bought organic/healthier foods last week at the grocery store, cleaned your home, decided to cut out extravagances and spend more time at home, and signed up on eHarmony or some other dating site all in an effort to start this new calendar year on the right foot. Of course, some of you may use the excuse that Mercury was in retrograde until only last Friday (and boy, was it a bitch of a retro!!!), so you haven't had time to write a list when your computer broken down or caught on fire, your phone kirked out, your boss fired you, or your plane got diverted and you were stuck at the airport for hours. Mercury definitely put a damper on our progress at the start of this month, that's for sure! But that's behind us now.

So, moving on...

I would find it hard to believe that there is a perfect person out there who doesn't have anything to work on or improve this year, but let's play the game of "what if" and think about it. What if things were perfect? What if you accomplished all of your goals in 2009 and this is a year of smooth sailing for you? (Note: I would like to talk with you if you are reading this and saying "That's me! That's me!") What would you do to already capitalize on perfection? Would you invest all your time in working? Playing? Traveling?

More and more, I keep hearing people who are dissatisfied with their lives, who don't know what they want to do, or, they do know what they want to do, but they are too afraid to pursue it. Fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of the loss of security, fear of being laughed at, or just plain fear of failure hinders our progress. So much FEAR stunts us from living our lives. If we believe the Mayan theory that the world will end in 2012, then we better just go ahead and do whatever we want--two years isn't too long to live in regret if things turn sour! And if you succeed, hey, it was great to go out with a bang! (No pun intended to the Mayans, there.)

But I am a firm believer that the Mayans weren't referring to the end of the world physically, I think they meant the end of the world at its current level of spiritual and emotional understanding. We see evidence in the news, in our politics, and in our daily routines that we are tired of the way our systems are working, we are evolving past the idea of religious beliefs and into the concept of "spiritual beliefs", we are inspired by people who promote peace and change (His Holiness the Dalai Lama, for example), and we are quickly disappointed with agents of war, terror, and failure, which is how we have operated in the past.

And yet, we still cling to the old way of doing things.

In 2009, we historically voted in the first black president because he promised change in Washington. At exactly one year after his Inauguration, we find ourselves criticizing his policies and denying the change that Washington is creating (or trying to create). His approval ratings continue to dip, and each new election is showing a trend that the American people are turning their back on Obama and his party in favor of a more conservative/no change approach.

So what do we REALLY want? Do we really want change? Or do we really want security, even if security is not the healthiest choice for us? As the saying goes--"The devil that you know is better than the devil that you don't know." Regardless of political orientation, our country is in the midst of a significant moral, spiritual, ethical, and physical debate about where we go from here. And this is what, I believe, the Mayans were referring to when they said the world would end in 2012. We can't sustain the current status quo. The past decade of war, terror, violence, debt, and fear have proven that our old methods aren't sustainable for much longer.

We can't say we want one thing, and then act in another contrary manner. It is time we open our eyes, hearts, and minds, and honestly evaluate ourselves. What are our true goals? Priorities? Needs? Do we talk the talk, but fear walking the walk?

Consider these thoughts when thinking about 2010 and beyond. What resolutions can you include to make this world a better place? To be on the positive side of change? Ghandi said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." How do you see yourself in that statement?

Perhaps this post is perfect timing, as it is not only a new year, but also the beginning of Aquarius, a sign that is motivated by improvements in society, debating current policies and politics, and forging bold ideas to make the world a better place. Think outside of the box, even if that box is comfortable, or people don't agree with your views. Voice them and see who listens. Some of the most influential/notorious people in this country have been/are Aquarians--Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Oprah Winfrey, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Charles Darwin, Ayn Rand, Jimmy Hoffa, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Bill Maher, and so on. Bold new ideas, a drive to improve humanity, a unique way to empower man are common threads in this famous group of Aquarians, regardless of whether you agree with their opinions or political bias.

By all means, put down the typical new year resolutions (and stick to them past March!), but also take a page from the book of Aquarius and jot down some new ideas that are far "bigger in picture" and more selfless. Consider volunteering, donating money to Haiti or another relief fund, voting more often or campaigning for a candidate you believe in, organizing a community program, etc. Consider taking a risk and following your dreams, rather than make up excuses as to why you can't change.

See what happens if you create something bigger than yourself this year.

Next Up: Love is in the Air, Amongst Other Things

Updates: Lovesmacked & Starstruck was recently picked up and promoted on a fabulous blog site by an incredible interior designer in the Washington, DC area. Be sure to see L&S featured on her blog, and check out her amazing designs at http://luxeandlucid.typepad.com/. Proof positive that astrology can be used in every facet of our lives--especially in our interior decor!

The Planetary Wrap-Up: 2009 Annual Review and a 2010 Sneak Peek

2009-12-22T10:52:00.007-05:00

And so another year comes to a close. News reports are already polling people throughout the country as to what they think of the 2000s, and whether they have positive, negative, or neutral feelings about Y2K's infancy years. According to the Wall Street Journal, 58% of Americans polled said that the first decade of the 2000s was "awful" or "not so good", and 29% said it was "fair", with only a slim 12% saying it was "good" or "great". Click here to read the article and polling in its entirety.

So, based on those numbers, we have a lot of positive thinking to do! With the first decade behind us, we are now progressing from our baby, toddler, and early years of 2000, to our teenage years. Yikes!

When looking back on 2009 (or the entire decade, if you wish), ask yourself what went wrong, what went right, and how you could have made it better. I think it is also important to take stock of how you did it exactly right. What are you grateful for? What happened that made you a stronger, wiser, happier, and better person? What did you specifically do to change your destiny for the better? If we focus too much on the negative, isn't that an ominous start to 2010?

2009 was a 2-year in numerology (2+0+0+9=11=1+1=2), or, an 11-year if you prefer to use the master number (remember, numerology has 3 master numbers: 11, 22, and 33). The 11 master number (or 2) is about spirituality, connecting to the Universe, inspiring progress and change, and building relationships with others. Typically, the energy of the year begins a couple of months prior to the close of the previous year. With Obama's election in November 2008, we definitely saw the wheels of the 11-year master number gearing up for its arrival in 2009. Watching how the world communicated and built relationships in 2009 (for better or worse), or how our own Washington political parties coordinated to work on new bills and initiatives, tested the power and strength of this 11-year. Everyone realized they had to work together, and those that wanted to fight that energy found themselves in some deep trouble.

2010 will be a 3-year in numerology (2+0+1+0=12=1+2=3). A 3-year can be one of great success, where things tend to move a lot more smoothly, laughter tends to come along more easily, and balance is quickly attainable -- as long as you don't delude your perception of reality vs fiction. In a 3-year, we must learn to decipher what is real from what is fake, what is honest from what is not, and apply the lessons we learned in our 2-year to make our 3-year blessed. Our 3-year has great potential for success, as long as we are realistic and optimistic about how we get there.

And what is YOUR own numerology number for 2010? My favorite site for numerology is Christine DeLorey's Creative Numerology (See www.creativenumerology.com). Check out her yearly life cycle page by clicking here, and read all about what 2010 will have in store for you. After all, how can you draft your new year's resolutions without any insight as to what to expect?

Be sure to also check into when your ruling planet goes retrograde next year, so you can plan in advance for your red circle calendar days/weeks/months. Click here for a listing and brief summary, or here for a quick overview.

But, let's be fair to 2009. After all, we still have 9 days left! Did you feel you moved with the flow, or did you go against the current? How did your year compare to those of your astrological peers?

Capricorn: 2009 shifted your work schedules and priorities. Many of you were financially strained from either a reduction in work hours, or just a reduction in force. You may have been laid off, or you may have quit or reduced your own hours voluntarily. Either way, 2009 brought changes for you on the work front. Since Capricorns don't enjoy change (they say they do, but they don't) and find it hard to leave security/comfort, this may have caused a lot of anxiety for most of you, which translated into some health issues. Make sure that in 2010 you take better care of your body, and also focus on how your career can make you happier.

Aquarius: you worked very, very hard in 2009. Many of you received new jobs or promotions, and they definitely were for the best! After all, Jupiter (the planet of luck and good fortune) was in your sign this year (and will remain so until January 17, 2010). But with new responsibilities came a lot of pressure, demands, and sacrifices. You know it was all worth it, but damn, you need a break! Aquarians tend to be workaholics, notably because they work on issues that they strongly believe in, so they don't know when to quit, or HOW to quit. No need to think of quitting, but maybe just a short vacation to clear out the mental clutter is necessary.

Pisces: while you are always an emotional roller coaster, this year was a fast and furious ride for most of you. Again, many new changes (new job, new home, new zip code, new boyfriend/girlfriend, new engagement/marriage, new baby, etc) came your way, and you had to adapt. Most of you experienced setbacks before success came along, and even though those setbacks were heart-breaking, you are now looking around with a small smile on your face thinking that things didn't turn out so badly after all. And the even better news is that this good luck should continue to stay with you, because Jupiter will be moving into your sign on January 18, 2010, and bringing his bag of treats for YOU in the year to come.

Aries: drama drama drama. You were really pissed off this year with work, co-workers, bosses, and regulations. People got on your very last nerve, and if you didn't outright have a breakdown or quit, you came darn close to it. Most of you sucked it up and kept quiet until you couldn't take it anymore, but were pleasantly surprised to have found out that when you DID speak your mind, you got results. Great! The sad thing is that people really disappointed you this year, including your romantic partners. You started seeing life in a whole new picture--one that isn't discolored with rose-tinted designer sunglasses. Work out your anger in 2010 and channel it into more positive energy.

Taurus: you are feeling like one cool cat right now. You got your man/woman, you got your attitude in check, and you got your business running. Things aren't that bad right now. Some of you made some significant moves in your career or homes (or both), but you haven't been this happy and self-assured of your decisions in a long time. For those that aren't entirely happy yet, you are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 2010 should be promising if you keep up that positive attitude, and continue to let go of the addictions you held onto in the past.

Gemini: it could be better, it could be worse. Many of you found inspiration in your current career and really started getting into your passions and goals. You really buckled down this year and thought about what would make you happy. A lot of you started a new romantic relationship, or strengthened your current one, and things are going pretty well with your SO! Perhaps 2010 will bring an engagement, or a more solid commitment. Your goal for 2010 will be to follow through on the commitments you made to yourself and others in 2009, and, if 2009 wasn't entirely what you wanted it to be, put in the hard work in 2010 to make things right.

Cancer: those emotional waters run deep, strong, and mighty with you, and 2009 was no exception. With all the changes happening in the Universe, you were keenly aware of all the shifts occurring around you. Shifts in everything from people's moods, to the economic climate, to the political status of the world. You worried a lot more than normal, and felt frustrated more than usual. Deep breathes. Stress isn't good for your health, and isn't going to get you anywhere fast (other than a doctor's office). You have felt frustrated that things haven't gone your way, or that you didn't have the power to change things you didn't like, but patience, dear little Crab. After all, you always get what you want, one way or another!

Leo: there is a saying that says "if you are going through Hell, keep on going." You Leos out there are smiling (however bitterly or ironic as it may be) reading that line because you know where I am heading with this. Leos had a tough time in 2009. A lot of work, a lot of stress, and a lot of setbacks (emotional, physical, mental) really wrecked havoc with your sense of stability and security. Most of you were continually beaten with bad news, especially regarding your loved one. Many of you broke up with your SO, or nearly got there, and felt frustrated with your love lives. Your finances were tight, and you just felt very overwhelmed by things. But you are a fighter, and you will persevere. You are great at making yourself #1, so go ahead and do just that in 2010 and see what great results you may reap.

Virgo: it's not a hidden secret that Virgos are complex and hard to understand. Your mind is an intricate labyrinth of ideas and emotions that not even you know how to clearly navigate. One moment you feel one way, the next moment you feel entirely different. This year found you working hard (as usual), focusing less on family and friendships, and more on your romantic relationships. Most Virgos settled down this year, or wanted to settle down badly. They found themselves in new relationships or engagements, and if they didn't, they dated a lot of frogs to get their reward. 2009 was all about finding an SO for the majority of Virgos out there. And the good news is that it worked. Many Virgos have ended 2009 in a stable (or what they consider to be stable) relationship. Finally. Try not to over-analyze it and just ENJOY love in 2010. For the few Virgos out there that didn't find love in 2010, then it is probably because your work was your mistress. So, try to balance the scales in 2010 and shift gears towards love. You really don't do well when you are single or alone, despite what you may think.

Libra: 2009 was an interesting year when it came to family for most Libras out there. They felt unsatisfied with their current partner, and if single, they started wondering if they really even wanted a partner in their life. Libras did a lot of soul searching in general. They started asking themselves some serious questions: have a child, or not? get married, or not? stay single, or not? change jobs, or not? It's been interesting to say the least. I think the key issue is that Libras have felt the need for change, and they can't quite decide yet what they want that change to be. All they know is that there is a glimmer of discontent underneath that smile of theirs, and they are struggling to figure out where it comes from and how to change it. Use 2010 to the best of your advantage!

Scorpio: yours is a sign of transformation, and in 2009, you sure as hell lived up to your potential. Many of you focused on new beginnings and moved to a new town, traveled extensively, or decided to embark on a different sort of journey--the spiritual kind. Either way, whether it was mental, spiritual, or physical, all Scorpios took some sort of journey this year to figure out their lives and what would make them happier. And many of you are slowly but surely getting there. You aren't quite fulfilled yet, you still have some kinks to work through, but like the tortoise in the fairy tale...slow and steady wins the race.

Sagittarius: most Sag's had a lot of things going on for them this year. The majority went through a potent break-up in the first half of the year, and then found themselves in a new one by the 2nd half. This new relationship has brought them more happiness than they could have dreamed, but not necessarily the type they ever thought of having. You are in what is considered to be an unconventional relationship at this point in your life, but it is working for you for now. The fact is, the majority of you Sag's out there are evenly split down the middle as to whether your work, or your personal life, need to be #1. Both need some significant work to be done, but you just can't decide which should come first. You are all pretty much ready to quit your job and move on to the next best thing, and you should start putting your feelers out there. You aren't being challenged anymore, you are just feeling abused and annoyed by your coworkers or staff. And quite frankly, you are bored and tired and frustrated with everything. You feel ready for your next adventure...but where to? 2010 will give you 365 new calendar days to plan it.

Next Up: A Healthy Point of View

Buy a Shooting Star and Put It In Your Stocking.

2009-11-23T15:22:00.006-05:00

And so, the countdown begins. While your immediate thoughts may be on your Thanksgiving plans or calorie counts, the truth is that you probably are more concerned about the holidays and what gifts to give your loved ones IN THIS ECONOMY.

It's true, we have to be a little bit more creative this year. Santa doesn't care if you have been naughty or nice...Santa is broke!

While the best gifts are those that come from the heart, or with a little more thought, they don't necessarily have to be store bought (I sound like a Christmas jingle). So, in an effort to DE-stress some of you (I am looking at YOU, Sagittarius), I thought it would be beneficial to give you my little stocking stuffer of a gift with what has now become the annual Christmas giving guide for your favorite signs. But, unlike previous years, I will try my best to come up with a comprehensive holiday shopping stimulus plan that won't bankrupt you, or your financial system, for the next few years to come.

She's making a list, and checking it twice...

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19): Our poor little Cap's have worked really hard this year and re-arranged a lot of their priorities. While their work schedule probably became a lot more flexible (some Cap's quit their job, or went part time, or reduced their hours in an effort to avoid breakdown, divorce, or being fired), their stress levels haven't been so healthy. Cook your Cap a gourmet dinner, light some candles, and get some hot oil massage out for that after dinner treat. Splurge option: buy them a great pair of shoes to wear for this dinner, or treat them to a full one-hour professional spa massage beforehand.

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Lots and lots of work hours have kept this sign on the move this year, but let's be honest, you've probably never seen your Aquarian so happy! This was their year (Jupiter, the planet of good luck and fortune, was in their sign for all of 2009), so they called the shots and really focused on making this year all about them and what makes them happy. Why not celebrate THEM and throw them a holiday cocktail party at your home, with their favorite music and drinks/food on tap, so they can relax for a few hours and REALLY enjoy the spirit of the season? Splurge option: buy them a great piece of jewelry to wear for their party, or, if your Aquarius is a man, buy him a great sweater or bottle of cologne. Anything to make them feel even sexier and more adored by their crowd.

Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20): It's not been a bad year for your Pisces. They had a few bumps here and there, but overall, they are ending 2009 on a positive note (perhaps they are sensing that 2010 will be their year as Jupiter will be transiting from Aquarius to Pisces). Your Pisces is probably getting into a holiday mode (they love the whole joyful season thing) and looking forward to decorating the house with you. Help them out by planning out a day (or weekend) of decorating, put on some holiday music, open a bottle of wine, and get into the spirit with them. Bonus points if you actually get the decorations out of storage and don't get them involved in the details of getting everything together. Splurge option: buy them tickets to their favorite winter sports game, or theater/arts production (The Nutcracker?), so that AFTER the decorating, they can sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Aries (March 21 - April 19): This fire sign has certainly been on the war path this year. Stress, stress, and more stress. They need to DE-compress. Work has weighed heavily on this sign's mind this year, and they are tired of dealing with home issues on top of it. A great way to help your Aries out is cleaning up the house for them and doing other basic errands (laundry, grocery shopping, dry-cleaning, car-tuning, etc) so that they can take some more time for themselves at the end of the day to watch their favorite TV show, go to the gym, or have fabulous sex...with YOU! Splurge option: hire a maid/cleaning service for 1-2 times a month for the next couple of months for your Aries so that they can look forward to a few months of being treated like the royalty that they know they are! If your Aries is particular about the way their house is cleaned, you can never fail by buying your Aries a gift card to their favorite designer store...surely, they have their eye on something that they want.

Taurus (April 20 - May 21): Lots of good changes came around the 2nd half of this year for most Taurus people out there. While the first half of 2009 was touch-and-go, the second half proved to be delightful. Let them hold onto their good mood by continuing to shower them with affection, love, and sex (that's all they really want anyways), and show them how important they are to you. Compile a photo album of their year, and insert poems or love notes throughout the album. They'll love the sentimentality, and the emotional journey of looking at what 2009 brought them. Bonus points if you can sing or write them a song, too! Splurge option: Taurus loves to enjoy the finer things in life, so buy them a membership to a monthly wine club that delivers a few bottles of wine to their doorstep each month for the next 3 months. That way, they don't have to leave their bedroom during the cold winter months (lucky you), and can have the party in their own cozy home.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21): AGITA! Lots and lots of things are on this Gem's mind: move or don't move? quit or don't quit? love or hate? stay or go? up or down? There's more mental exercising going on in this sign's mind than there is in the neighborhood gym (zing!). Take your Gemini on a road trip somewhere (countryside, preferably, as there won't be a lot of nervous city energy) to get them away from the daily hustle and bustle of life. Ideal spots would include the beach, mountains, or even a vineyard. Even if it is a day trip, your Gem will love the change of scenery. Find a spot to share a picnic (bring some wine, cheese, fruit, and cured meats, and this sign will be set!) and enjoy the day together. Splurge option: take your Gemini to another country or state for a whole weekend and treat them to new sites, restaurants, museums, and cultures. Nothing cures a Gemini like travel!

Cancer (June 22 - July 21): worrrrry, why do you make yourself worrrry? Cancer's are a little sensitive and down right now. They just aren't feeling the love or light, but they aren't downright depressed, either. They just need a little hope that every little thing is gonna be alright. A night in with a bunch of their favorite movies will make them incredibly happy, especially if you clean up the living room and light some of their favorite candles, pop in their favorite dessert in the oven, and pour them a really nice (aka special) glass of wine (or whatever they prefer to drink, even if it is a shot of cold milk). Give them a warm blanket to cuddle into, join them on the sofa, and start your movie marathon together (with a box of tissues close by). Splurge option: get them a yearly subscription to Netflix so that they can have a movie marathon whenever they want, and it wouldn't hurt to get them a subscription to their favorite magazine, either. If you really want to gain points, give them a gift card to get a spa massage or reflexology treatment to calm their pretty little heads.

Leo (July 22 - Aug 23): damn, it's been a busy year! Everything all around our dear Leo's has been full of stress, complications, or ongoing issues. They haven't had much time to sit back and relax. Your king/queen needs to feel pampered again. Take them on a drive to check out the holiday decorations people have out, go ice skating with them, and help them put up decorations on their own front yard. This sign loves the spirit of the season, and wants everything to look special and just right. By BEING there, you show them how much you care. Give them all the hugs and kisses they ask for...they need it right now. Splurge option: let's not kid ourselves, this sign loves a little money thrown their way. If you can, splurge and buy them a really nice pair of earrings, or a classic ring or bracelet...something that sparkles more than the Christmas lights in Macy's. Since their car is probably dirty as hell, get it detailed and washed, too. It will make for a more pleasant holiday joy ride around town.

Virgo (Aug 24 - Sept 22): for a sign that enjoys their home, and their bedtime, 2009 hasn't been so kind to Virgo in that respect. Lots of work hours and family/social plans have kept this sign on the move (with early AM wake-up calls!). Let your Virgo chill for a weekend and run the errands yourself. While they sleep in, you can make sure all the groceries, laundry, and dry-cleaning have been done. Bonus points if you water the plants and cook dinner, too. Just let them relax and read, or watch TV. They need a moment to re-group. If you buy them their favorite TV show/series, they will be eternally grateful. Splurge option: take them away for the weekend to the beach or mountains so that they can be around nature and NOT hear noise. Walks on the beach will be extremely gratifying. So would a cute bed & breakfast. Since this sign is always obsessed with their weight, buying them a membership to the gym would be awesome (provided that you make sure that they understand that you aren't doing it because you think they are fat, but rather, because you know it makes them happy to go and you don't want them to spend their money on that when they could invest it or save it in their bank account).

Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22): this is an exciting time for a Libra -- all the holiday events and plans they will have! Oh my! They are so excited for all the festivities and get togethers, that they can barely speak coherently. Go with them to all their parties and work the room with them, Libra's love to socialize and flirt (as you already know) and will enjoy not having to worry about you moping around. Buy them some pretty decorations to put around the house so that they have something new to admire in the home. Splurge option: take them out shopping so they can buy a few new holiday outfits to host or attend parties with. Pay for their next haircut appointment, too. They'll appreciate how much you care about their beautiful head. Speaking of heads, it wouldn't hurt to buy them a facial, either. Their skin should glow as much as their personalities. If they don't already own a digital camera, buy them one. They will love taking it with them to parties to remember the memories.

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21): Fall is the favorite season for most Scorpios -- the air is crisp, the colors of the trees are stunning shades of orange, brown, and burnt red (their favorite colors), and its time for monsters and goblins to come out! Alas, now it is cold outside and winter is sinking in. No bother, though. Your Scorpio enjoys the home life, and won't mind this weather if it gives them a chance to work on plans for their new home decorations/remodeling, or for working on a pet project of theirs (writing a novel, researching for a thesis, composing music, drawing/painting). Buy them a journal, an art canvas and paint supplies, or a feng shui book so that they can work on a creative endeavor while it is cold and nasty out. Giving them some silence is literally golden. Splurge option: pay for them to go take a course in something they are interested in (like a language class, art course, or cinematography series) so that they can flex their mind outside of their standard work environment. If venturing out into the cold isn't their cup of tea, sign them up for a book club where they can order books to be delivered to their home (and you pick up the tab for the next couple of months!).

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Sag's could/should be happier -- it is their birthday month, after all! Some Sag's get the short end of the stick, however, with their birthday's being wrapped up with the holidays (HELLO, they get AT LEAST 2 gifts!). Make sure you remind them how special they are, and don't turn their birthday into a holiday event. Go all out. Take them to their favorite local bar to watch whatever sports game they love on TV, get them tickets to the new museum exhibit that they want to go to, buy them tickets to go watch their favorite game IN PERSON, or tickets to the opera or theater. Splurge option: do all of the aforementioned ideas (after all, it IS their birthday, too!), and plan a trip in the winter to go skiing or doing some sort of adventure-related sport that they can enjoy. They want to get away and do something FUN! Since our Sag's love their booze, go ahead and buy them the most expensive wine or liquor bottle you can find and put a bow on it. They'll appreciate that gift for at least a few nights. And, by the way, their favorite show or sport is best watched on a super sexy and large flat screen TV. Hint, hint.

Next Up: The Planetary Wrap-Up: 2009 Annual Review

A Fixed Loan and a Mutable Rate, All Brought to You by Cardinal Mortgage

2009-10-23T12:00:00.001-04:00

IN THIS ECONOMY, it never hurts to think about the housing market when discussing astrology (or vice versa).

But I am not really well versed in the mortgage industry to discuss rates and loans and price indices, so no worries that I am going rogue on you and switching up the topic of this blog. What I am well versed in is to discuss yet another fascinating facet of astrology -- your Quality.

In the new 4-1-1, I mention your "Quality", and list one of three: Cardinal, Fixed, or Mutable. But what does it MEAN?

You probably think that your Quality is no big deal, because let's be honest, how many major magazines or horoscope sections even mention it? Truth be told, your Quality is pretty darn important -- it is second only to your Element (Water, Earth, Air, or Fire).

A Sign's Quality defines its nature, its attitudes in life, and the way it approaches goals, projects, or long term objectives. Signs that are of the same Quality do not blend well together, ironically because they are too similar to one another. Tension and unease surfaces when two fixed qualities, or two mutable qualities meet, for example. Signs that are 90 degrees apart or opposite each other -- 180 degrees, also known as Signs in Polarity -- have the same Quality. Those in polarity complement each other, even though tension sometimes exists between them. But that can be a topic for another post on another day!

So, let's get right to it. The three Qualities that exist are: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable.

The Cardinal Signs are Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, and Libra. If you are a Cardinal Sign, you typically display initiative, strength, and motivation, and are always in action/"GO" mode. Cardinals are great with big concepts, entrepreneurial ideas, and at getting the ball rolling. Where they fail is in the details, completing a project, or following up on plans. Basically, they are a big bang, and then struggle not to go bust. In your astrological chart, the Cardinal Houses are the First, Fourth, Seventh, and Tenth. If your chart has many planets in any/each of those Houses, then you would be classified as someone with a predominant Cardinal energy (even if your Sun Sign isn't one of the Cardinal Signs). Astrology is complicated and an equal-opportunist like that -- you always get another chance to redeem yourself!

The Fixed Signs are Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio. Unlike the Cardinal Signs who like to get a project started and think up the "big ideas", the Fixed Signs are great at the second part of the project where the Cardinals often fail -- the execution and completion. Fixed Signs are determined, reliable, persistent, and stable. While they can see a project through to completion, they have to be wary about being inflexible and stubborn in how they get it accomplished. They can ride their team members, friends, or family quite hard when things aren't done their way. The Fixed Houses are in the Second, Fifth, Eighth, and Eleventh in your chart. As mentioned above in the Cardinal Sign section, you can be heavily influenced by the energy of Fixed Signs if you have many planets in those Houses.

Last, but certainly not least, are the Mutable Signs. By process of elimination, you can probably guess which they are: Pisces, Gemini, Virgo, and Sagittarius. These four Signs are the flexible members of the Zodiac -- they are able to rearrange, reprioritize, and renew the energy of any project or goal. Change and adaptability define them, and can be super flexible and versatile when dealing with any assignment. Change isn't necessarily a bad thing for them. Their downfall, unlike those of the Cardinal Signs or Fixed Signs, are that they aren't necessarily consistent in their planning or organization. The Mutable Houses are Third, Sixth, Ninth, and Twelfth in your chart.

It's very clear to see how advantageous it would be to have a team that is equally distributed amongst the 3 Qualities. If you have a Cardinal Sign to come up with a concept and get the ball rolling, a Fixed Sign to follow through on the details and get them implemented and completed, and a Mutable Sign to happily pitch in where needed and adapt to change or crises (and more often than not, a Mutable is what keeps the peace amongst the strong and stubborn wills of the Cardinal and Fixed Signs), then there really wouldn't ever be such a thing as failure!

Next Up: Buy a Shooting Star and Put It In Your Stocking.

Forward-Thinking Planetary Action

2009-09-22T17:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Fall! Oh, um, not so happy? What's the sad face for? Ohhh, wait. Let me guess, did any of the following happen to you in the past couple weeks?:

- car accident
- computer crash or failure
- appliance breakdown
- communication mishaps
- travel delays
- financial issues
- authority issues
- personal injury
- housing problems (refinancing, construction, sales)

You know well enough that all of the above can only mean one thing: Mercury is retrograde again. It started on September 7 and won't stop in its tracks until September 29, but since it doesn't start moving forward until October 3, we are S-O-L until then. The best rule of thumb during this awkward phase is to lay low and make no major changes or commitments in your life. They will surely be broken or altered during a retro phase.

For the past two years, Mercury has been going retro in Air signs, which is highly detrimental as Mercury rules Gemini, which is the element Air. And this particular retro phase was tough because Mercury tripped backwards in Virgo, which is also ruled by Mercury.

Actually, if we want to take it one step further, this entire month has been a planetary shit show.

Uranus is in retrograde (starting July 2 and lasting until December 1), which means this is not a time to try something new or different. Stick with tried and true concepts and methods. You should reconsider previous break-ups, breaks (from society or friends or work), and concepts (inventions, theories) that may have failed before. Life has become a one-way looking glass and you find yourself more emotionally detached and devoid of sentiment in the day-to-day scheme of things.

Jupiter is in retrograde (starting June 15 and lasting until October 12), which means this is a time to engage in philanthropic work, such as volunteering your time to a certain cause. Reevaluate previous beliefs, legal matters, and management policies - do not trust anything blindly. Jupiter retro phases tend to challenge faith in government, law, and "expert opinions." Sorry Obama - yes, YOU think you can, but Jupiter doesn't.

Neptune is in retrograde (starting May 28 and lasting until November 3), which means that this is a good time to renew or disover your spirituality and moral compass, and focus less on judging others. Develop your creativity and express yourself in healthy outlets.

And if all of this isn't enough, from September 15-23, many major planets clashed with one another (Saturn & Uranus, Uranus & the Sun, Mercury & Uranus, Pluto vs. all of the above, and a New Moon in the middle of it all). A planetary clusterf**k if I ever saw one!

The good news is that it is almost over. Surely the past few weeks have been tense, but the end of the year will see these planets out of retro and moving forward again.

And finally, after 2 years, Mercury will stop tripping backwards in Air signs and start moving into Fire and Earth (just to switch up the routine a bit). The bad news is that this trend starts this year, which means one more phase of mercury retro left in 2009.

Below are the dates to circle on your calendar and label as "F%^$ me, I am screwed":

December 26, 2009 - January 15, 2010
April 18, 2010 - May 11, 2010
August 20, 2010 - September 12, 2010
December 10, 2010 - December 30

To learn more about Mercury Retrograde 2010, click here.

On that happy note, welcome to Fall and pray that Winter finds you happier and more relaxed than you are now!

I Think We're Alone Now...

2009-08-25T12:00:00.001-04:00

Relationships are tough. Being alone is even tougher. Some of us fear loneliness more than we fear death, and yet others fear neither. Those people are the precious and rare few.

Carrie Bradshaw's character on Sex and the City once famously said, "Some people are settling down, some people are settling, and some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies."

So. True. Isn't it?

Settling down, or settling, or refusing to settle, all stem from our personal fear of how far we can go - alone - without needing someone.

Sadly, loneliness may not be something we get to determine. If we want the latest pair of shoes, the newest car model, or a brand new apartment, we can just buy it. If we can't afford it, we can request a loan or put it on our credit card. In today's modern age, "wanting" has become nearly null and void. We can get whatever we want, regardless of price, when we want it. If you are lucky, you can get free shipping or overnight delivery, just to speed things up. It has created this generation, this world, really, of people who don't know how to handle disappointment, or loss, because they never really have to face it.

Dating websites are our modern day solution to finding love. As with any product we want, why can't we just "order" our perfect mate?

The irony is, of course, that what we want most - love and life - are not things that can be bought. Sure, with a good health insurance, or lucky genes, or a big bank account, we can afford the best that medicine can offer to help prolong our lives. But ultimately, death becomes us. And before we die, we all hope that we find that person to love and to share our lives with. Someone who completes us, someone who we can raise a family with, or build a life with, even if everything or everyone around us leaves us. There is a security in a partnership, and that is a security that can not be paid for or ordered in a catalogue or online.

Some signs handle loneliness effectively. Some signs actually pursue loneliness. But ultimately, we are all human beings and need to feel loved and wanted.

Your Venus determines how you love, and how you need love, and your Moon determines your inner self and the solitude you seek. As it would be too customized to be able to discuss these planets, let's just focus on your Sun sign. Your predominant guide to see how you handle loneliness, at least on the surface.

Capricorn: on a whole, you are one of the better signs equipped for this. While you crave family and security, and in general are the "marrying type", you are also the "all about me" type who enjoys not being tied down to a person/family so that you can pursue your professional and personal goals, first. Your career can entirely consume you, and travelling to visit friends or family can fill up your social calendar. Loneliness isn't so bad, after all, you earn enough money to be able to go out and see the people you love, or to justify how many hours you put in at work.

Aquarius: while you love your independence, you can't do "all by myself" all too well. You need, and thrive, on social outlets and stimulation. After all, you can't debate with yourself, or the wall, all the time (though, you have done that). You may not enjoy sharing your own personal space, and you may need to slam the door on the outside world so you can calm your fraught nerves and lower your stress/anxiety levels, but ultimately, you can't live without attention or conversation.

Pisces: like Capricorn, loneliness can be quite attractive on you. In your solitude, you are at your best. You create, inspire, and evolve. Art, music, writing, reading, or meditation are all things you best enjoy when you are alone with your own thoughts and the harmony you have created within your four walls. Outside noises or interruptions can often distress you; you prefer the quiet. When you do finally meet someone you honestly love, they can enter that private world of yours as well. In fact, you can very much enjoy the simple art of silence with your partner, as long as your partner realizes that you aren't being withdrawn or cold, you are just in a state of calm.

Aries: yeah, um, no. You don't do loneliness. It is scary, stifling, and filled with anxiety. You need to banter, you need to comment (or criticize), you need to entertain or be entertained. If there is no one there to enjoy the new car, the new home, or the new whatever-you-just-bought, what's the fun in buying it?! You can't show off your latest purchase to...your mirror! While you obviously don't appreciate ugly, annoying, or dumb company, you don't hang out with those kind of people anyways.

Taurus: yes, you need your own quiet time. You need to think. You need to work. You need your own space. Besides, you can't sleep for 10 hours ++ if someone is constantly nagging you to get out of bed. Your sex drive is strong, however, so loneliness will only get you so far before you need to satisfy your desires. Plus, you love the attention. Admit it. People's approval of you is SO important to your ego. No one is going to laugh at your jokes if you aren't around to tell them.

Gemini: don't even think about it. Now, let's be honest - Gemini's do have two personalities. While one is the Chatty Cathy, the other is the Silent Sally. Silent Sally needs her own "me time", and she is best friends with Gemini's other ego - Independent Izzy. Izzy can't be tied down to someone or something for too long before she gets bored and needs further stimulation elsewhere. Izzy is also ADD and needs to be absorbed in a project or idea ALL the time. So Izzy doesn't like having to put her "to-do list" on pause for anyone. That's why she and Sally are friends. They can be independent and anti-social all at once. But, the problem is that Gemini is ruled by Mercury, who rules communication. A Gemini will start feeling VERY anxious if they don't have someone to talk to or socialize with. That is their way to calm down. Chatty Cathy is like Baby in Dirty Dancing. You can't put her in the corner for too long.

Cancer: being alone is probably the Cancer's favorite part of the day. No one to interrupt, no one to dirty the home or the kitchen, no one to have to listen to whine, no one making demands. Cancer's protect themselves through their loneliness. It is a safe world they create in their little shell. Your Cancer may go through weeks or months on end without nearly a word or peep. It's not that they hate you, or are angry at you. They just need a breather to recharge and regroup. When they are ready, they'll come back out and play with you. And then they will dominate the situation and talk non-stop. They've got months of stories to catch you up on!

Leo: this sign, simply put, can't be alone. Sure, when times are rough, they don't necessarily like to share and they prefer their own dark moments of licking their paws in the corner to heal from an attack or from danger. But loneliness - true absence of love or attention - is suicidal for this sign. They get their esteem and their confidence from being loved, from receiving attention, from being needed. They need to be coddled and adored. They need to feel approval. They also need sex. Frequently. A Leo who is single for too long will go insane. But this is a rare occurrence, anyways. They refuse to be alone, and therefore, they aren't.

Virgo: the hermit, the bachelor, the lone virgin maiden wandering in the forest by herself. Virgo's do solitude well. They don't like to clutter their mind with too much outside noise - it is like static on a phone for them. But, Virgo's are slightly unique. The men can easily be alone. They tend to be the bachelor, and they tend to marry much later in life. Their work is their mistress. The women, however, can't stand to be alone. Even if they are just constantly dating, or have a "friends with benefits", they must have someone in their life. As stated in the Astro Birthday Spotlight above for Virgo - they will let a relationship drag to the very last moment before they cut it off. The fear of being alone is just too much for them to bear. If someone doesn't need them, then is their life worthwhile?

Libra: as with their Air sign counterparts, Aquarius and Gemini, this sign is too social and communicative to be alone. A Libra who requests "some time alone" is depressed and probably in need of medication. While Aquarius needs to vent to themselves, and Gemini has that split personality that requires silence and independence, the Libra has no recourse. Love is like air to them. They need to flirt, they need to charm, they need to talk. Cutting off any social outlet is like taking them off of life support.

Scorpio: ah. Loneliness. It's so dark and gloomy - just the perfect environment for a Scorpio. Indeed, Scorpio does loneliness all too well. And yet, they don't feel lonely at all. They have their books, they have their thoughts, they have their own inner turmoil to sort through. They tend to not like many people and be quite selective of their friends and lovers. Loneliness, to them, is like second nature. They welcome it and are sometimes scared to admit how much they enjoy it.

Sagittarius: quite the complicated one, here. While a Sag thrives on an audience to share its' stories with, a Sag ultimately likes to go at it alone. A Sag vs. the World, so to speak. Sag likes to experience, travel, and seek on their own terms. If they can find someone to keep up with them, great. But if not, that's great, too. They tend not to be alone for too long seeing as they always are meeting new people and are apt to try anything out - at least once! Multiple lovers and affairs keep this sign constantly "recharged."

Next Up: Reader Invitation. Send me your requests for a topic you would like discussed and I will make sure all topics are eventually posted. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself...

2009-07-23T16:20:00.001-04:00

During the summertime, people tend to focus primarily on vacation, relaxation, sun, and fun. But something we tend to think of more, but talk about less, is our focus on finding a better job when the Fall comes. Think about it: how often do people change jobs in the Summer? Right -- it's rare. Why bother finding or taking on a new job now, when you can stay in your current, comfortable job (with earned PTO available for vacation)? Even if your current job isn't all that comfortable, you know what they say -- "The devil that you know is better than the devil that you don't [know]."

But the devil is also in the details. And since Summer tends to be slow for most people, workload-wise, it is an ideal time to start writing up a list of "must-have's" in your next dream job, along with a list of potential great places to work. Do all the leg-work NOW so that when Fall comes around, and companies are hiring, and people are quitting, you are able to jump into the applicant pool, feet first.

Now, of course, I know that professions are not determined by your astrological sign. There is no such thing as an exclusive job for a sign, but there IS such a thing as an ideal job for a sign.

Even if you aren't looking to make a job switch, aren't you slightly curious to know whether or not your profession is on your sign's "top ten list"? And if you don't believe me, believe the famous people who followed their astrologically pre-destined path.

Capricorn: your quest for the truth and for power, fame, and recognition, make you an ideal attorney, reporter, or senior level executive. Politics may also appeal to you as you like to problem-solve and dominate others. You tend to do quite well in positions that allow you to manage, control, and budget money and forecasts. While you are conservative in nature, you also know when it is smart to take risks -- calculated risks. You like it when things work, and you also like it when you can figure out solutions to intricate problems. Eccentric in your style, and obsessed with jewelry, shoes, and accessories, you are often drawn to the world of fashion, setting a strong name for yourself in originality and class. Famous Capricorn: Meredith Viera, Matt Lauer, Katie Couric, J. Edgar Hoover, Woodrow Wilson, Richard Nixon, Benjamin Franklin, Andy Rooney, Barry Goldwater, J D Salinger, Mao Zedong, Robert E Lee, Walter F Mondale, Carolina Herrera

Aquarius: your passionate beliefs that all men are created equal, and that humans are meant to help and serve one another, end up putting you more often than not in humanitarian positions that focus on social injustices, equal rights, and helping out the underdog. Your often radical views on society are best expressed in written format. You would easily make a great writer, social worker, politician, pro bono lawyer, or director of a non-profit organization. Indeed, more U.S. Presidents were Aquarians than any other sign. While you like to dwell in theory, you use it mostly to help you determine or uncover the hard facts. Scientific research is therefore something you are naturally drawn to. On a "materialistic" note, you would be great as a designer or personal shopper since you like to spot trends and take fashion risks. This may also help you in artistic endeavors, such as painting or sculpting. Famous Aquarius: Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Norman Rockwell, Christian Dior, Thomas Edison, Galileo, Charles Darwin, Oprah Winfrey, Ayn Rand, Dan Quayle, Bill Maher, Charles Dickens, Dick Cheney, Gertrude Stein, Sarah Palin

Pisces: you struggle to make sense of a world that is violent, temperamental, and unfair. Thinking, writing, or day-dreaming about theories, concepts, ideologies, and religious beliefs tend to motivate you. Your belief in the supernatural and new age world draws you towards unconventional wisdoms and beliefs. Many Pisces are very intuitive and psychic. Your emotions run strong and can control you entirely. You may turn to music or art to fully express yourself when words alone are not enough. Acting is also a great outlet for you -- you can "be" someone else to fully understand human emotions better. As your temper can run hot and cold, you would best be placed in a position where you felt you were serving a greater good -- something greater than yourself. Your challenge will be to let go of your lust for more money, materialistic wealth, and drugs (for the escape). Ideal careers would be a religious servant (priest, nun, preacher, etc), psychic, teacher, yoga/Pilates instructor, school counselor, psychologist, writer, musician, actor, or artist. Famous Pisces: Michelangelo, Dr. Seuss, Handel, Albert Einstein, Ansel Adams, B F Skinner, George Washington, Henrik Ibsen, James Taylor, John Steinbeck, Johnny Cash, Kurt Cobain, Nat King Cole, Ralph Nader, Victor Hugo, Andrew Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Glenn Close

Aries: a flare for bold ideas, concepts, and designs, you thrive in creative settings where you can explore and push past the limits of what is considered conventional. You love fashion and design -- not just in the clothes industry, but also in architecture, landscaping, music, and art. When it comes to music, you are fascinated with learning how to play instruments, or applying sound theory to song sheets. Your persuasive and charming personality also make you terrific salespeople and politicians; however, when it comes to politics, Aries push the envelope against the "establishment." They go for bold reform and focus on "big concepts" rather than small details. Money motivates you because it allows you to buy the finer things in life. Working for other people is tough; you prefer to lead rather than to be led. Roles that allow you to be the director are ideal because you can lead, and apply creative undertakings to reach your goals. Thinking inside the box, or sitting at a desk in front of a computer cranking out repetitive tasks, is NOT for you. If arts is not your thing (rare), you apply your creativity in the world of science and invention. Ideal careers would be film director, museum director, artist, designer, politician, musician/singer, policy director, or salesperson. Famous Aries: Barbara Kingsolver, Billie Holiday, Celine Dion, Colin Powell, Al Gore, David Letterman, Diana Ross, Elton John, Francis Ford Coppola, Adolf Hitler, Hugh Hefner, Jackie Chan, Kofi Annan, Leonardo Da Vinci, Maya Angelou, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Frost, Thomas Jefferson

Taurus: creative and sensual in nature, you love artistic endeavors and working in any career that allows you to work with your hands. You are fascinated with the concept of touch and healing and are drawn to alternative medicines. Words inspire you and interest you -- you love editing and playing with words to achieve maximum impact. This skill allows you to be an extremely prolific writer, poet, or musician. Many of you also study English literature, or are drawn to the field of grammar and language. Money motivates you because you crave financial security and independence. You enjoy the finer things in life, but you also know what your financial limits are. In the corporate world, you do well as you see how budgets should work and why they often fail. You are good with predicting markets (after all, you are the Bull of the Zodiac!) and spotting financial trends. Homes are the very essence of security, so many of you end up in real estate to combine your financial talents along with your artistic pursuits. Ideal careers would be massage therapist, English teacher, speechwriter, editor, writer, artist, musician, athlete, financial analyst, real estate agent, stock market analyst, trader. Famous Taurus: Barbra Streisand, Benjamin Spock, Billy Joel, Bono, Catherine the Great, Charlotte Bronte, Cher, Dante Alighieri, David Beckham, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Enya, Halston, J Robert Oppenheimer, James Beard, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Karl Marx, Madeleine Albright, Malcolm X, Michael Moore, Robert Browning, Salvador Dali, Sigmund Freud, Shirley Mclaine, Tony Blair, William Shakespeare, Reggie Jackson, Tony Hawk, Harper Lee, Brooks Robinson, Andre Agassi

Gemini: quick-witted and an expert in communications, you tend to succeed immensely in the fields of media, writing, and speech. Writing is your primary strength, whether it be for speeches, magazines, books, poems, articles, songs, or scripts. Able to experience and feel such a wide range of emotions, many of you find yourselves drawn to the world of acting as a way to express all the emotions you have inside you, but aren't always able to tap into. Known for your two personalities, it is easy to "switch" into a role or character at whim. Persuasive and charming, you are also a natural salesperson or politician -- you read people well and understand how to "reach through" to someone to get what you want. Ideal careers are actor, writer, entertainer (comedian), songwriter, politician, salesperson, psychologist. Famous Gemini: Angelina Jolie, Anne Frank, Annette Bening, Barbara Bush, Billy Wilder, Bop Hope, Boy George, Clint Eastwood, Brooke Shields, Che Guavara, Dean Martin, Donald Trump, Federico Garcia Lorca, Frank Lloyd Wright, George Bush, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Heidi Klum, Ian McEwan, Joan Collins, John Edwards, John F Kennedy, Johnny Depp, Josephine Baker, Judy Garland, Laurence Olivier, Lenny Kravitz, Liam Neeson, Lillian Hellman, Marilyn Monroe, Michael J Fox, Mike Myers, Miles Davis, Nicole Kidman, Patti LaBelle, Paula Abdul, Paul McCartney, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Robert Ludlum, Thomas Hardy, Thomas Fuller, Thomas Mann, Walt Whitman, Alanis Morissette

Cancer: drawn to power, structure, and military strength, many of you are drawn to fields in the military or government. You are interested in the improvement of social structure and political welfare. Indeed, most Cancer's are drawn to politics for the pursuit of change and enactment of policies. Many of you, however, shy away from war and politics and opt for a more spiritual path. This path leads you to holistic healing, new age concepts, psychology, counseling, and childcare. You are a healer and are drawn to helping victims, or rooting for the underdog. Many of you work with homeless people, women's shelters, hospitals, animal clinics, nursery schools, etc. Science and medicine fascinates the typical Cancer, who is always intrigued to find a "cure" for an illness, whether that cure comes from conventional or non-conventional methods. Writing, poetry, and plays in specific, is an outlet for you to grieve and release your strong emotions. Ideal careers are government official, officer, political activist, politician, doctor, nurse, therapist, poet, playwright, counselor, spiritual counselor, veterinarian, teacher, massage therapist, director of a non-profit, psychic. Famous Cancer: Alfred Kinsey, Bill Cosby, Bob Dole, Calvin Coolidge, Cecil Rhodes, Dalai Lama, Donald Rumsfeld, Ernest Hemingway, Estee Lauder, Franz Kafka, George Orwell, George W Bush, Helen Keller, Henry David Thoreau, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Jessica Simpson, John Calvin, John D Rockefeller, John Quincy Adams, Marcel Proust, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Nelson Mandela, Pablo Neruda, Richard Branson, Ross Perot, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Tom Stoppard, W B Yeats, Angela Merkel, Princess Diana

Leo: strong, charismatic, and opinionated, you search for a career that allows you to lead in one form or another. Whether leadership happens in the private or public sector, it doesn't matter. You are just as comfortable in a corporate office as you are in a government body, as long as you have the power to steer the ship and enforce actions. Drawn to power and wealth, you are unstoppable once you form a mission or plan. Willing to take risks, many of you are entrepreneurs, especially since you are not good as employees who say "yes, sir" or "yes, ma'm" in a structured organization. Also fascinated with beauty and style, you tend to be highly creative and exotic in nature, drawn to fashion and beauty. Thrilled to be in the center of attention, acting is also a comfortable world for you to live in as you tend to crave adoration. Ideal careers are politician, president, senior executive management, fashion designer, entrepreneur, jewelry designer, actor, creative writer, film director. Famous Leo: Andy Warhol, Barack Obama, Benito Mussolini, Benjamin Harrison, Bill Clinton, Coco Chanel, Emiliano Zapata, Emily Bronte, Fidel Castro, George Bernard Shaw, Henry Ford, Herbert Hoover, JK Rowling, Jennifer Lopez, John Howard, Madonna, Napoleon Bonaparte, Peter Jennings, Roman Polanski, Stanley Kubrick, Stanley Baldwin, Alfred Hitchcock, Martha Stewart

Virgo: organization, logic, and structure are very important for the scientific workings of your mind. Many of you find yourselves in lab rooms, hospitals, or research centers trying to uncover medical mysteries or find cures. Drawn by this "martyrdom" personality of needing to help others at any cost, you are also apt to be a doctor, nurse, or therapist. If not involved in the physical aspect of healing, then you will wander over to the mental side of healthcare and work as a counselor or spiritual guide. On an academic level, many of you study philosophy, religion, or policy in an attempt to understand the psychology of the world at large. Injustices of any kind are intolerable to the Virgo mind, and if need be, you will fight for what you believe to be right. This fight may occur on the battlefield, in the courtroom, on the pages of your next novel or collection of poems, or as an actor in a film. Wherever you see fit to get your message across. On a materialistic plane, you are obsessed with order, symmetry, and classic styles. Many of you are involved in fashion design or layout. Drawn to physical activity, many Virgo's are also famous athletes. Ideal careers are athlete, doctor, nurse, therapist, philosopher, policy expert, attorney, paralegal, writer, fashion designer, scientist, event planner. Famous Virgo: Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Cameron Diaz, Charlie Parker, Colin Firth, Faith Hill, Fiona Apple, Guy Ritchie, Henry Ford, Hugh Grant, Ivan Pavlov, Jane Addams, John Locke, Lance Armstrong, Leo Tolstoy, Michael Jackson, Mother Teresa, Queen Elizabeth I, Van Morrison, William Howard Taft, Warren Buffet, Ted Williams, Roger Maris, Jesse Owens, Arnold Palmer, Andy Roddick, Tom Ford

Libra: harmony, beauty, and style motivate the typical Libra, whose appeal to art and class is unparallel to any other sign. Fashion and design compel you; you hate not looking your best. Beauty and cosmetics are a hobby for you -- transforming ugly ducklings into beautiful swans motivates you more than money would. Also in the "creative world", you love food and cooking. Anything that allows you to explore creating new things or preparing a feast for the senses. Able to see both sides of an argument, and feel compassion for both teams, you do well as a judge or mediator. Interested in positive human work conditions, the world of human resources also fascinates you -- how can you provide better resources, premium healthcare, and quality of life to your staff? Ideal careers are judge, mediator, fashion designer, interior designer, chef, nutritionist, wardrobe consultant, human resources, manager. Famous Libra: Ralph Lauren, Anita Roddick, Avril Lavigne, Benita Valente, Catherine Zeta Jones, Donna Karan, F Scott Fitzgerald, Nietzsche, Guiseppe Verdi, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jim Henson, Jimmy Carter, John Lennon, Johnny Carson, Julie Andrews, Le Corbusier, Pavarotti, Ghandi, Cervantes, Berlusconi, Suzanne Somers, William Douglas, William Penn, Putin, Truman Capote

Scorpio: drawn to the dark and mysterious side of human nature, especially the concept of death and rebirth, you are naturally inclined to pursue careers in the field of psychology, religious studies, anthropology, and supernatural phenomenon. Strong in character, and knowledgeable about world events and history, you also immerse yourself in the world of politics and foreign affairs. Research is a hobby for you -- you like to find all the nuances and details of any given story or fact. Technical details and advances in technology fascinate you. You like seeing how the pieces make the whole. As you are scared, and yet oddly attracted, to death and its many mysteries, the field of medicine fascinates and terrifies you all at once. Ideal careers are doctor, nurse, historian, scholar, theologian, philosopher, priest, politician, museum curator, scientist, writer, engineer. Famous Scorpio: Barbara Boxer, Bill Gates, Billy Sunday, Calvin Klein, Carl Sagan, Cesare Lombroso, Charles De Gaulle, Charles Manson, Monet, Condoleeza Rice, Erwin Rommel, Ezra Pound, George Eliot, Goldie Hawn, Howard Dean, Howard Thurman, Indira Gandhi, Jack Welsh, John Adams, Hillary Clinton, Julia Roberts, Larry King, Marie Curie, Picasso, Sylvia Plath, Theodore Roosevelt, Voltaire, Albert Camus

Sagittarius: life is an adventure best lived outside of an office. You need constant stimulation and interaction, and thrive on communicating with people from all walks of life. You tend to be prolific in matters of world history, political regimes, and war facts. You have a strong belief in the law and enforcement of it (even if you do like breaking the rules, you know they need to exist). Always thinking outside of the box, you say exactly what is on your mind, often to your own detriment. But you don't care. Truthfully, you like pushing the envelope and forcing people out of their comfort zones. Medicine fascinates you -- you are not adverse to the medical community, nor fear death the way other signs do. When it is your time, it is your time, right? Sports, whether commentating on them or playing them, are one of your biggest passions. You also are a risk taker when it comes to food or travel -- hey, try everything once, right? Ideal careers are politician, historian, professor, police officer, athlete, sports commentator, doctor, nurse, dentist, travel agent, flight attendant, pilot, world traveller, newscaster, political activist, film director. Famous Sagittarius: Ann Coulter, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, Bruce Lee, C S Lewis, Chris Evert, Diane Sawyer, Don King, Emily Dickinson, Francisco Franco, Frank Sinatra, Gail Sheehy, Gianni Versace, Gary Lineker, Jacques Chirac, John Kerry, Jane Austen, Jane Fonda, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Paterno, Jon Stewart, Judi Dench, Larry Bird, Beethoven, Margaret Cho, Noam Chomsky, Phil Donahue, Steven Spielberg, Terrell Owens, Tom Daschle, Walt Disney, William Lloyd Garrison, Winston Churchill, Woody Allen

Happy Job Hunting!!

Next Up: I Think We're Alone Now...

What? We Are Already Halfway Through? My Stars!

2009-06-23T15:25:00.005-04:00

There are a lot of things I love about June. For starters, it marks the beginning of Summer. This means Sun (theoretically), warm weather (preferably), and vacation (ideally). It also means that the days are longer, people take their adorable puppies out for more walks, we get an extra paycheck (if you are on a biweekly payment plan), and the beach is ripe for our pleasure.

Now here is where we get to the glass half full/half empty scenario. On the one hand, we are halfway through the year. On the other hand, we are halfway through the year. So, it's either a "let the good times roll" or a "if you are going through hell, keep going" situation. You could also say there is an Option C, which is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" but I am feeling in a "it's either black or white, and no room for shades of grey" sort of mood today. Deal with it. Just as you are dealing with my onslaught of cliches.

Back to my glass of wine being half empty/half full scenario (you didn't honestly think it was filled with water...did you?).

The good news is that if 2009 has been good to you thus far, then you still have 6 months left to live like a rockstar; and if 2009 has crapped on you thus far, then you still have 6 months left to get up from under the rock that fell on you to ensure that the remainder of the year is memorable in a half glass full [of wine] sort of way.

I also like to do a "This is what I am grateful for thus far" list. I'll start (yippee):

1) I have amazing friends in my life, and some of them love to shamelessly promote my blog wherever I go, which has only added to the number of people on my circulation list. One day, if I am famous, I'll make sure to shamelessly promote them while being interviewed by Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera on The Today Show. SO excited to discuss the freaky fact that they are both Capricorn's AND born on the SAME day. And whether Leo sign Al Roker is really their friend, or their frenemy. I know. Astrology is like crack to me.

2) More people on my circulation list means more hits on this site. Had I started tracking how many visitors I had from Day One (August 23, 2007), the ticker would be significantly higher. But sadly, I found out how to put a tracker on this site in January 2008, so I lost a good 4 months of being able to monitor my astro groupie (AKA: you). But, coulda/shoulda/woulda. The cool thing is that I got 1,000 hits within my first year (January 2008-August 2008) and over 2,000 hits alone in my second year (which still has 2 more months to go), for a total of more than 3,000 hits in under 18 months. AND, since I started out originally with 2 blog postings a month, and am now down to only 1 posting a month, I have just proved that the economic theory of supply and demand works well for blogs. True story.

3) Summer started the other day, and the Sun DID come out, and the weather IS warm, and I AM going on vacation at the end of July. So, I also just proved the Universal principle of "ask and you shall receive."

Now onto the much anticipated Mid-Year Review. I'm not saying that some of you have had it bad, and some of you have had it great, but...nevermind. I AM saying that. Ready, on your mark...

Capricorn: I am proud of you. No, no, I am not mocking you. Come back here and continue reading this. Seriously. Bravo. You have made some life-altering decisions this year to enjoy life a lot more, and focus on work a little less. You have cut your hours, or reworked your schedule, and are enjoying a little more balance in your life. That takes guts! And, coincidentally, didn't you notice that you are doing a little bit better, professionally speaking, by being able to take more breaks? Keep on following this track you have gone down. And if you are one of those rare Cap's who hasn't done this yet, what are you waiting for!?! Your fellow goats are climbing to the top of YOUR mountain faster than YOU are. Just because I said to RELAX doesn't mean I endorse throwing aside that competitive streak of yours. Giddy up. Wait, do goats "giddy"?

Aquarius: Jupiter, the planet of good luck, has been in your sign this year, promising you a year of rewards, personal growth, and happiness. And hasn't he delivered?! You betcha! (hah, Sarah Palin is an Aquarius, after all). You have made a lot of changes this year: new job, new partner, new home, new pet, new friends, and/or all of the above. Sure, you have been stressed a lot, and sure, you have questioned your decisions and whether you made the right choices. But it has been working out pretty well, hasn't it? You took a leap of faith and went after what you wanted -- what you KNEW would make you happy -- and it is working!!! It's really working!!! You haven't been this happy in a long time. And believe me, the rest of us are happy about this. Because when you Aquarians are NOT happy...yowsas...we are ALL unhappy. So you are now living astrological proof that sometimes the tougher decisions are the better ones, and happiness is always within you if you only struggle to reach for it.

Pisces: It's been an interesting year for you fishes trying to swim upstream. I'm not saying you have had it bad, but it's maybe not been as awesome as your fellow Capricorns or Aquarians...yet. I say "yet" because so far, 2009 has been decent to you. Most of you have been working on getting your ducks in a row for the future. Whether you have been working on your 5-year business plan, or your next addition to the family, your focus this year has been entirely on "what's best for ME in the long term AND how do I go about making it happen?" You see a bright future ahead of you now that a lot of the groundwork has been laid out. Let's call the first 6 months of this year a "planning stage" and the next 6 months a "doing stage." That means you have only 1.5 weeks left in June to plan, and then you can start hitting the ground running in July (or August if you are going on vacation) to DO. New beginnings, new chapters, and new experiences are about to open up to you. Let's hope the decisions you made thus far are the right ones to guarantee you much happiness in the near future.

Aries: Ayyyye. It's a hard knocks life, ain't it? 2009 = notsogood. Stress at work AND at home have made you feel as if you are burning both ends of the candle, or more apropos: your head hurts and your ass is on fire. People are pissing you off and you can't seem to get a break. You are tired of the lies, manipulations, and deceptions of the people around you. When did life become so complicated? Oh wait. You know exactly when. Yes, yes do. Go back and pinpoint the date when things all went wrong. Are you there yet? OK. Now start to deconstruct the scenario to figure out how things took a turn for the worse and how you can either solve the problem, or override it. If your romantic relationship sucks, end it. Seriously. Life is too short to be frustrated. You don't always have to love the one you're with. If work is draining your soul (and no denying it: it is), then start applying for new positions. Don't give me "but that's not a smart idea in this economy." Guess what? A new job is always a leap of faith, and employers are more understanding of your taking that leap when the net has been removed for the entire world to fall safely on. There is no time like the present to take that risk. And what if BOTH areas of your life suck? Well, take that half empty glass, shoot back the remainder of it, and drag yourself to the nearest bar and ask for another round. Can't afford it? Use your Aries charm to get a free drink from that handsome stranger sitting to your right.

Taurus: What's there to really say? No, honestly. I want to know. You're crazy busy, yes, but you're also crazy boring. Nothing is really happening in your life. Nothing NEW, that is. It's like you are in a routine: get up, go to work, have a happy hour, go home, eat dinner, watch TV, go to bed, have sex, fall asleep, and repeat. La dee dah. You may actually fall under my "grey area" category I referenced above. And if so, I already stated that I am not in the mood for grey (even though it is one of my favorite colors). I want black or white, dammit. I need you to spice it up these next 6 months so that I have something compelling to write for the 2009 Year End Review. I don't want Taurus to fall under my "waste of astrological writing space" column come December. You have been thinking of making a big change: a new home, a new zipcode, a new lover. DO IT. ONE OF THEM. ALL OF THEM. Please! I am dying of boredom.

Gemini: Hello, my darling little Gem's. Guess what? You are perilously close to getting the same beating as Taurus just did. BUT. You are getting a free pass. Why? Because we just left your sign and are moving into whiny and emotional Cancer, and I know you hate that feeling, so I don't want to hit you when you are down. But here's the thing: Mercury also just got out of retro for the 2nd time this year, and you have several months before his next trip comes up. So, I want you to start cracking NOW. No, not cracking in HALF (har har, nice try), but cracking that whip and moving FORWARD. In fairness, you have done a pretty decent job this year. You have been constantly social, busy, and "booked." You are attempting to stay more calm and are getting good at taking your own, healthy advice. Your bullshit meter has been on target lately, and suddenly you are feeling less constrained by the crap people have been throwing at you. Like your star sign Heidi Klum, your world of friends, family, and colleagues is turning into a well-executed Project Runway -- "either you're in, or you're auwt." Yes, you may move on to the final round, dear Gem. But, you don't have immunity. You are starting to make plans for your future: new job, vacation (a last minute decision that you grabbed on to), and possibly, a new target for your affections. All of the above are possible for you. "Make it work!"

Cancer: The sun will come out...tomorrow! Bet your bottom dollar that, tomorrow, there'll be sun! And since you are the lil' crab of the zodiac, and we just moved into your sun sign, and there really IS sun out today, I can GUARANTEE that tomorrow will be a better day. Because, let's face it, it's been pretty damn stormy for you this year. You are a ball of stress and frustration and you literally can't take it any more. Rhett Butler could be your BFF right now. Storm OUT of that house, job, or relationship. You don't give a damn. I know you are nodding your head now and saying "You're right, you're right, I know you're right." So what's the hold up? The best part of Gone With The Wind is when Rhett finally ditched Scarlett. Aren't you ready for your climax? Aren't you ready for the music to swell up in your life's personal soundtrack? Your audience awaits!!! We are EXCITED for you!!! Cut those cords that have been tying you down for so long (and gee, how convenient, your lil' claws should be able to snip snip away at them quite easily) and break free. Note: if you are in a happy relationship, "breaking free" also means stepping up. There's no time like the present to ask someone to marry you or move in. You know you love them, and you know you want them. So, stop digging your head in the sand. PS, it's summertime. The water on the beach is now warm. Take a swim...naked.

Leo: And the wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round...round and...f%^$. Flat tire. And your AAA membership has been expired for several months now. Yes, I know, you have been so busy that you forgot. And there really was no one else around who was reliable enough to help renew it for you. You've been under a lot of pressure this year. We know. You have vented enough times about it. But, in fairness, damn, it HAS been a tough year. Most of you lost your jobs, lost your lover, lost your financial security, lost your best friend, lost your medical coverage (and consequently, your health), or just plain lost your mind. The good news is that many of you lions quickly recaptured your loss and snared a better job, or salary, and patched things up with that straying lover or found a new one. After all, you ARE irresistible...and your boss and/or lover knows that. So don't be so tough on yourself, dear Leo. We really do love you. But we see that you need some R&R pronto. We also see that you need to take on one less project a day and maybe attempt to give yourself more time to finish your goals. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your empire. All the hard work you have put in this year WILL pay off. Just ease off the gas pedal and allow the rewards to come to you at their own pace, which is currently heading into a brick wall. And that WILL leave a mark.

Virgo: YOU DID IT!!!! You FINALLY broke free of your restrictions and got something you have wanted for so long. DAMN, doesn't success feel AWESOME?!?! Isn't it AMAZING when you do what you want to do, when you want to do it, and everyone just steps aside and let's you do it? Some of you started a new business, others started a new relationship, and many started a new life chapter (marriage, baby, engagement). While things aren't entirely perfect, you are more than accustomed to dealing with the reality that perfection doesn't exist, no matter how hard you search for it (and you Virgo's do search for it ALL the time). At this point, I think you are finally willing to accept that things just don't come wrapped up in a neat and tidy bow. But they CAN come in a designer package or shiny wrapping paper if you are willing to compromise. The first 6 months of this year have brought you probably more stress than you ever imagined (financial and health, notably), but that stress was all for a worthy project or goal. And June should have seen the culmination of whatever it was that you were working on so hard. Now, time to relax a bit, yes? Smile as you reflect on your progress. Be grateful that you are healthy again (too many of you suffered significantly health-wise thus far; your body can only take so much stress or drugs). Let this be a lesson to you for the future. Don't stop believing in all the possibilities that are at your fingertips. Your world is picking up speed right now -- GO with it and don't be afraid. You aren't normally good at holding on to momentum because the speed scares you, so I am urging you to please, please, please hold on tight and STOP over-analyzing it. The ride ahead looks incredibly awesome.

Libra: Inteeeeeresting. Did those rose-colored glasses you were wearing suddenly get a lil' smudge of dirt on them? Luckily for you, your problems only need a little wiping off and then things will go back to A-OK for you. They always do. Yawn. Now here is the part where I would normally say "your life is boring...and perfect...and fun!" But instead, I am going to say it is "working!" Yes. Working. Literally. All of you Libra's right now are deliriously giddy over work. It's crazy, but true. You are pretty much all focused on your careers right now and are loving every minute of it. Success is smelling sweeter than those fresh flowers on your dining room table. Sure, the long hours or extra work assignments have been a bit tough on your loved ones, but who cares about them? YOU are fulfilled right now. A recent promotion or new scope of responsibility is reminding you of why you love your job so much. And for those of you who aren't working, you are immersing yourself in new projects or goals. Even if your goal is only getting to the outlet stores for the latest sale, it doesn't matter. You are going to have a huge grin on your face when you get that killer outfit 70% off normal price!

Scorpio: Change is coming your way. Scary as hell, isn't it? But think of it this way: last year, I told you that you were too stagnant and unimpressed with your own life. You were tired, miserable, and lethargic. Unsure of your direction, you just lacked spark in your life. And now you have it. Sure, it is nerve wracking to go from 5 mph to 55 mph, but damn that wind feels better whipping through your hair with the roof down on your convertible. Doesn't it? BE a Scorpio: reinvent yourself, rejuvenate yourself, and rebalance yourself. You are a master at REdoing everything about yourself whenever you put your mind to it. Last year served you shit on a platter for dinner, with no salt or pepper added. This year, you have upgraded yourself to Grade A filet mignon. Well, almost. The chef is still preparing your meal. But SOON, SOON, you will be able to enjoy your dinner with a lovely glass [full] of swoon-worthy red wine. For those of you who are reeling with the latest developments in life, just keep your eye on the prize: your own personal happiness.

Sagittarius: Sometimes, we shoot a bullseye, and other times, all we get is a load of bullshit. You, my darling Sag, are a little bit of both this year. Dickens once famously wrote "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times", and I do believe he was referring to you in 1H09 (first half 2009, but you already knew that, you-savvy-financier-you). Work has been overwhelming and underwhelming all at once, which seems an impossible scenario, but in your case, is oh-so-true. You are working hard and tired of working at all. It's time for a new job and a new direction, isn't it? Life has become a little too routine for you lately, hasn't it? You aren't feeling that sense of accomplishment or achievement that you need to feel in order to keep going through the day, are you? And your love life. Sigh. Love hurts badly sometimes. All of you have experienced loss this year: loss of a failed marriage, a failed relationship, or a failed affair. And it has been a huge learning curve for your heart. But, there is light flooding through that slightly ajar door in front of you that you thought you slammed shut (or rather, that someone slammed shut for you). A new beginning is taking form right in front of your very eyes. Think of it as a new adventure. Yes, you like those, don't you? Turn the knob and walk through the door. You are too brilliant to wallow in sadness for too long. So if your job bores you to tears, or frustrates you to hell, ask yourself this one important question: why am I doing this? And if the answer is only your paycheck, then that's not good enough. And if your relationship bores you to tears, or frustrates you to hell, ask yourself this one important question: why am I doing this? And if the answer is only to not be alone, then that's not good enough.

So, with that, I conclude my 2009 Mid-Year Astrology review. Raise your half full (or half empty) glass, make a toast for the 2nd half of 2009 to bring you great(er) things, and remind yourself that there is always a bar around the corner waiting to pour you a refill.

Next Up: I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself...

Literary Characters Ruled by Astrology - A Perfect Summer Read

2009-05-21T17:15:00.010-04:00

Whether you read the Cliff Notes, or sucked it up and read the entire novel, you know who I am talking about when I say Romeo & Juliet, Heathcliff & Catherine, Gatsby & Daisy, Elizabeth Bennett & Mr. Darcy, Edward & Bella (for 21st century literary fans out there), Jane Eyre & Mr. Rochester, Henry Higgins & Eliza Dolittle, and so on and so forth. Right? I mean, you DO remember some of these names from your high school English courses, yes? Well, maybe not Edward & Bella, unless you foresaw the future, or you happen to be a young fan of this blog.

I can also bet that when you think of these famous characters, you can remember the basic plot line, whether or not they ended up together at the end, who the villain in the story was that tried to keep them apart, and whatever symbolism the author used to describe their love affair. Yes, admit it, you remember all of this - Cliff Notes ALWAYS had a section on symbolism or other literary tools; remember metaphors? allegories? similes?

But you probably never thought about whether the authors ever used astrology in their story lines, did you? Were the astrological signs of the characters ever taken into consideration? Most authors tell you that when they create their characters, they feel as if they are real people with real feelings, thoughts, and opinions. They have an entire past that the author may not write about, but they take it into consideration when formulating the plot. J.K. Rowling created trunks filled with notebooks containing the details of every character in her famous Harry Potter series so that every "person" in her fictitious world had their own personal history.

One of the most profound writers in our history, William Shakespeare, is renowned for having used astrology to determine (or pre-determine, in most cases) the fate of his characters. Romeo and Juliet were his infamous "star-crossed" lovers, which people superficially accept as a fanciful romantic description of two lovers who stare at the stars in the sky waiting for one another. In reality, Shakespeare's infamous intro takes on so many deeper meanings, that suddenly "star-crossed" lovers takes on a more ominous tone than originally perceived. The play begins by describing the two opposing households in Verona, where a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life, in the two hours traffic of the stage. Two opposing households. Star-crossed lovers. Two hour traffic. All of these are references to the astrological chart that controls the fate of this novel. In astrology, there are 12 houses, that comprise 24 hours in the day, meaning that each house represents 2 hours. When houses are directly opposite one another, they are said to be "opposing houses", therefore in immediate natural conflict, suggesting impending violence or intense emotions that are about to surface. Shakespeare is saying, within the first few lines of his play, that the two opposing houses of the Montagues and Capulets are already destined for violence and disaster simply by being who they ARE by birthright. While Romeo's age and sun sign are never determined, Juliet is labeled as a Leo by Shakespeare (July 31 in his play, which converts to August 10 in our Gregorian calendar), hence why Romeo refers to her as the "Sun", who rules Leo. Mercutio is aptly named after his ruler Mercury (also ruler of this month's birthday darling, Gemini), who is the god of communications, speed, and cunning deceit. Aren't you suddenly rethinking all the basic concepts of this tragic love affair?

Keep in mind that Shakespeare wrote 36 plays in addition to Romeo & Juliet, and ALL of them contained references to astrology; the signs of the zodiac are actually mentioned in 6 of his plays. His characters suffered or succeeded based on the placement of the planets or stars at their time of birth, or during their fateful storyline climax.

So why did he do this? Well, during the Elizabethan era, astrology was widely popular, so some say he did it to endear his fictional characters to his audience to explain their unavoidable fate. His characters were not always responsible for their demise - it already existed because the planets/stars decreed it so.

Even in today's literature, there are references to astrology. Jokes are made in novels about a character's sign, for example: she is such a controlling Leo bitch; he is such an anal Virgo; she is such a mercurial Gemini. This is all done for one main purpose: to help the reader identify more with the character. We ALL have birthdays, we ALL have an astrological sign, and we ALL know people with different signs. So when we read about a character, and learn their birthday/sign, it just fleshes their personality out and lets us learn a little more about them.

For example, in the Twilight series, the author Stephenie Meyer points out that Bella, her pure/virginal/introverted heroine, is none other than a Virgo, the astrological sign that is depicted by, you guessed it, the Virgin, who seeks truth and purity. Her soulmate, Edward, is a Gemini, who Bella often criticizes for his "mercurial habits" that she can't ever pin down, and indeed, Gemini is ruled by Mercury. If an author took the time to give their fictional character a sun sign, one can only wonder how amused the author is when giving their hero/heroine real life attributes of that particular sign. Does the author do this as an inside joke that only other fellow avid astrology fans will get? Or is this all pure coincidence?

It's also fun to play a game of "guess their sign" when reading a novel. Since Heathcliff was obsessive, brooding, and passionate, does this make him a Scorpio? (Note: Bronte never divulged any information on his birth date). Catherine, on the other hand, was strong-willed, passionate, spiteful, and arrogant, so does that make her a Leo? (Note: Bronte DOES say she was born in the Summer of 1765; making her either a Cancer or Leo, with a small chance of being a Virgo). Cool, right?

Speaking of summertime, as it is quickly approaching, now would be a great time to brush up on these great literary novels of our time and seek out the astrological references - either explicitly or implicitly mentioned - for each character. See if the author used astro signs to develop their characters, or if little thought was given to the significance of their birth dates.

And if you aren't into literature, but are looking for some suggestions, how about:

Capricorns - you need to figure out your finances; they are slipping a bit. Grab a book on success, or Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, for inspiration. NO PYRAMID SCHEMES.

Aquarians - you love your Obama and are all inspired to do good in the world. Grab his autobiographies, or pick up Friedman's The World is Flat. You will wow them all at the next dinner party with your new knowledge.

Pisces - time to get Zen again. Grab a spiritual improvement book, even if it is The Tao of Pooh, and sip on your favorite alcoholic beverage and read.

Aries - you are bored with your closet and need some motivation. Buy Nina Garcia's The Little Black Book of Style (someone needs to) and start writing down your "To Buy" list.

Taurus - running out of fun sexual positions? Grab a kuma sutra book or something kinky for some new ideas.

Gemini - you need to stop thinking. Grab a stupid, light-hearted beach book, or indulge in a series that can help you escape reality, like Harry Potter or Twilight.

Cancer - a good conspiracy theory would get your heart racing, you little crab. Try a political or religious suspense book, like Angels and Demons, to get you all worked up.

Leo - a lusty, happily-ever-after ending is all you want right now - and I am not talking about a book. You want that in your real life! Since that isn't on the table right now, go seek refuge in the world of romantic comedies, like Under the Tuscan Sun.

Virgo - some historical fiction would be really cool right now. Did you watch the John Adams HBO series? Oh right, I am supposed to recommend a book. Screw it. You always are working on some paper or document for work. Watch some TV. Sigh, if not, get Team of Rivals and get all caught up in Abe Lincoln's world, you dork.

Libra - it's summertime and that means BBQs and cocktail parties are in order. We need you to get creative and read some sexy cookbooks and create your next can't-miss party! Just don't go all GOOP on us like your starmate, Gwyneth. We want fat and calories, please!

Scorpio - you love your vampires and mysteries, so go race out and buy the book series from either Anne Rice or Stephenie Meyer, or be like your fellow Virgo and watch some TV, like HBO's True Blood, to get your fix.

Sagittarius - things are getting stale and you need an infusion of inspiration or excitement in your life. Whatever you are passionate about, go and get a book and read all about it, even if that means something as "fascinating" as digging for oil in Alaska.

Next Up: What? We Are Already Halfway Through? My Stars!

Why Bother Caring if the Mayans Say it is All Over in 2012?

2009-04-20T11:54:00.007-04:00

I know you have heard about it. You may have even already read about it, researched it, obsessed over it, or are planning in advance for it.

What is it exactly?

The end of the world. At least, according to the Mayans. They predicted that the world would come to an end in 2012. Specifically, December 21, 2012. Would kinda suck if your birthday fell on, or after, that day...huh?

Or, did they? Yes, the Mayans did see something important happening on 12/21/12. But was it really the end of the world?

Maya civilization was known for its advanced mathematics, writing, and astronomy, and flourished between A.D. 300 and 900. Their Long Count calendar, discontinued after Spanish colonization, extends for more than 5,000 years, after which point, it would reset at year zero.

Ironically, this "doomsday" re-set date falls on December 21, 2012. What is even more interesting about this date is that it falls on the winter solstice when the sun will be aligned perfectly with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in about 26,000 years. This means that whatever energy or connection that flows between the Earth and the center of the Milky Way will be disrupted or altered in some way at exactly 11:11 p.m. on 12/21/12.

Could the Mayans really have figured that out so many thousands of years ago??? And, even if they did (though most scholars don't believe that is possible), did they think that meant the world would end?

Most scholars agree that the answer is no.

For Mayans, the re-setting of the calendar was a cause for great celebration. True, it would be an "ending" of sorts, but not necessarily a PHYSICAL ending. In fact, many believe that it will mark a spiritual evolution. Much like our own astrological calendars mark beginning's and ending's from one sign to the next, or one "Age" to the next (recently, from Pisces to Aquarius), the Mayans saw a similar cyclical pattern with time in our Universe.

So, is this all bunk? Should we even be concerned?

Actually...maybe. Depending on how you look at it, that is.

Mayans were startingly accurate with astrology, even predicting when their civilization would collapse from foreign power; they have predicted every lunar and solar eclipse to date; they knew then about the formation of the planets and the existence of the Milky Way; it is said they even predicted all the world wars. Unfortunately, when the Spanish invaded their civilization, they burned every Mayan scripture or book they could find, leaving only a few behind for scholarly review. So, sadly, whatever the Mayans thought would happen on, or after, this infamous date of 12/21/12...no one knows.

What we DO know is that countless theories and philosophies have been built around this special day.

Cause for relief:

1) Mayans did not believe in endings. They viewed time as something circular, with every "ending" only marking a new "beginning."
2) Mayans believed that the world, including us humans, were connected to the Cosmos. So, when the Sun aligns itself perfectly with the center of the Universe on 12/21/12 at 11:11 p.m., the Cosmos will align, thereby creating peace, happiness, and spiritual connection between all the Cosmos in the world. Nirvana, so to speak. Time will no longer be linear.

Cause for concern:

1) As mentioned before, Mayans divided their calendar into Long Counts clumped into 5 different periods of time. Each period ended in a defined manner before starting again.

Many believe that this ending will be marked in a physical, rather than spiritual, way. The world will come to an end, whether it be through nuclear war, a natural occurence (flood or violent earthquake), or it will be a biblical judgment day.

I suppose you can see this as a glass half full or half empty sort of thing. Would you rather that this "ending" mark a spiritual reawakening, or a physical death? Or will it be another Y2K and nothing will happen?

What is certain is that our collective energy of thinking about this occurence only adds power to it. It's so interesting how, despite our aversion to New Age concepts (well, some of us have an aversion), they seem to rule the world. Whether it is as simple as what our sign is, to how the moon affects our moods and cycles, to how numerology affects our futures, and how ancient calendars can foresee the "end of the world", it certainly seems to weigh on our collective conscious.

So, if you are a conspiracy theorist, I suppose you only have about 3.5 years to enjoy this world as you know it. Quit your boring job, travel around the world, make some bad decisions that feel great, date a completely incompatible astrological sign (talk about living on the edge!), and don't worry about your dwindling investments, unpaid mortgage, or mounting credit card debt. No one will be here to collect on your past due bills...unless the spiritual afterworld takes your APR into consideration when allowing you through those pearly gates.

Next Up: Literary Characters Ruled by Astrology - A Perfect Summer Read

Spring Fling!

2009-03-20T09:50:00.005-04:00

Hoorah! At last...Winter is officially over. No matter where you live, you have to be thankful that cold weather, snow, and arctic air are moving aside for the warmer, happier, and sunnier weather that Spring and Summer promise. As we officially move into the powerhouse sign of Aries today, I encourage everyone to do their own Spring cleaning of their life and use Aries' drive and determination to get their goals and priorities in line for the next several months.

Some things to be mindful of:

1) Venus is in retrograde from March 6-April 17. What does this mean? It means this is a time of personal evaluation and reflection on the relationships in your life (notably personal). Which ones are worthy of continuing and developing? Which should be abandoned? This is a time when differences, problems, or unresolved issues come to light and you finally begin confronting and accepting them for what they are. Do you want this person in your life? Are you happier in this relationship than you would be if you were single? Is this person a good or bad influence on you? Difficulties that exist in your relationship will become strongly highlighted and pronounced when Venus goes retro. Ironically, it is during this phase of awareness that these difficulties can be improved upon (if you decide it is worthwhile to do so). Any relationship that withstands the Venus retro period is one that is important for you and can only come out stronger. IMPORTANT: During this phase, it is best not to make any decisions or actions. Use this time to think, take things slowly, and evaluate. You do not have all the information needed to make the best, most informed decision. Rather, use this retro phase to just evaluate and plan. If the relationship is worth saving, then Venus retrograde will guide you as to what the problems are that need "fixing" so that when Venus goes direct, your relationship has stellar chances of success. If the relationship is heading towards a break-up, then Venus retrograde will make you aware of why it isn't working, why it isn't worth working on, and how to end it.

Also, just because Venus rules love, that does not mean that your love life is the only aspect to consider during this retro phase. Venus controls financial matters as well (isn't it funny how love and money seem to be quite the married couple?). Seeing as this economy is in a downturn, I know it is hard to step back from making important financial decisions...but step back you must. Do NOT start new financial plans or invest in new options. Items during this time tend to be inflated and their value will steadily decrease when Venus goes direct. As with your love life, just assess what is going on in the market, how your balances are looking, what approach is best for your portfolio or bank account, and then proceed from there - after April 17.

Last but not least, be wary of purchasing luxury items. Venus is a lusty planet and will make you buy things you can't afford because you can't help but being enamored with the glitter and shine of something new. Keep your wallet closed. Hold off until April 17 (preferably, even a week later).

For more information on Venus in retrograde, and how to overcome it, a great site is: http://www.lynnkoiner.com/astrology-articles/venus-retrograde-for-2009.

2) Mercury will soon be in retrograde from May 7-30. Ugh. Pfft. Hmph. We all know how I feel about this. Start planning ahead now because once Mercury goes retro, you do not want to be stuck with the burden of purchasing a new car, computer, home, wardrobe, etc. You also do not want to be starting a new job, signing a new contract, or making any travel plans or long term decisions. Anything that you want to do in the future should be planned for NOW so as to avoid Mercury muddling your plans in a couple months.

Some of you have been asking me if Mercury is in retro now because computers, plans, and love affairs are hitting the proverbial fan. The answer is clearly a "no" - Mercury is chillin' right now. But, now you know that Venus in retro is affecting your love life (and possibly your finances), and if you ARE experiencing difficulties or abnormal levels of stress in your life, it could also be because Saturn (planet of karma) is in retrograde until May 17 (it went retro on December 31). Saturn places undue burdens on your physical, mental, and emotional stress levels; it also brings up a lot of thorny issues and conflicts from your past. I suggest you focus on the PRESENT, if not the FUTURE, and don't allow Saturn to suck you in like a drug dealer.

I also recommend that you do a quick check on your planetary transits at this time to see if you have something in your chart that is in conflict. A great site for this is: http://www.astro.com. Go to "Short Report Forecast" and enter your personal data at the top of the page (under "Add a New Person"). This is a great site that will show you important transits for the upcoming year(s) depending on what significant transits are occurring in your chart. You can also order a long term forecast, if you wish.

Oh, I know. This wasn't the most upbeat of posts. But Spring cleaning isn't fun until you are done and can step back and look at your sparkling, anti-germ, clutter-free surroundings.

Next Up: Why bother caring if the Mayans say it is all over in 2012?

If It Is Love, Then Why Bother Paying Attention to the Signs?

2009-02-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

We all fall in love for different reasons...we want marriage, kids, security, money, partnership, and/or stability. Perhaps it is Fate when we meet "The One" or it is nothing more than stumbling into good timing - when 2 people, who are ready to settle down, meet spontaneously one day and the rest is history.

Carl Jung's famous quote - "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed" - reminds us that no matter what our "agenda" is when we meet someone, we know we have met them when we sense a difference in our lives (for better or worse) because they are in it.

Surely, when you meet that certain someone, you probably don't ask them immediately what their sign is. Well, I do, but I am somewhat personally invested in this whole science of astrology; and for that matter, my friends do as well because they know I am going to get mad at them if they swoon over their latest crush and I don't know if they are astrologically compatible and therefore can't give them advice or a take this situation until immediate action, i.e. "Mission: What is Your Sign?", takes place.

But, even if the signs aren't compatible...does that really matter? I mean, would anyone seriously walk away from someone if their signs didn't match up? I admit, I have kinda vetoed certain signs from my life (experiences, life lessons, past mistakes, you name it), and yet, true to form, another man with that sign walks into my life, and I am charmed, and, well, to quote Britney, "Oops, I did it again."

On the bright side, so many positive stories can come from two mismatched people! I mean, I have laughed hysterically over the moody Cancer's with the bold Sag's who can't seem to have a fulfilling sex life and they don't know why (they certainly build up the foreplay with all their angst and frustrations towards one another that one would think the hate sex would be gratifying enough); or the chatty, social Gemini with the reserved, workaholic Capricorn who get along great when they actually see one another (which is once, maybe twice, a month) but then fight because their schedules aren't compatible; or the Virgo who can't end it with their latest amor de jour because they can't stand to be alone and would therefore prefer to be tortured by their lover (whether they be a Fire or Air sign) than be alone (even though Virgo's act as if they DO want to be alone).

It's all a cycle of finding, losing, and holding on to love. Much like a washing machine: rinse, lather, repeat.

But what happens when two people who ARE astrologically compatible don't make it? There is a reason that certain signs "play well" together. I mean, if two people who are incompatible don't make it, the easy out is "oh well, our signs/personalities weren't a good match to begin with...of course it was doomed to fail." And if the match is a good one and it STILL doesn't work out? Whose to blame? I suppose these days we could blame the standard: a sad childhood, dysfunctional parents, being slighted by your first love, married to your job, or unable to get over your last partner. I happen to prefer the excuse of "karma" for when things don't work out. After all, karma is a bitch, and we all know and accept that at face value, no questions asked (would karma even reply?).

I always get asked if I date someone astrologically compatible. And my answer is truthfully, "I never have." Perhaps I should put my beliefs into practice and interview for the position of "Soulmate" based on astrology...but then I would be utterly confused because my chart (like so many other people) is so all over the place that defining astrological compatibility is like defining happiness.

Truth is, I know that someone's sign won't determine future happiness or success. If I could say astrology was full-proof, then I would be lying to you...much like Bush's "Mission Accomplished" several years, and a few trillion dollars less in debt, ago.

But, that doesn't mean you should ignore it all together. Someone's sign is a huge indicator of their personality. I find it actually helps me to remain calm when faced with conflict because I take their sign into question. If they are a Gemini, I have to accept that they will have verbal diarrhea one moment, and have complete silence the next; if they are a Cancer, I have to accept that they are sarcastic and sensitive, so be careful about throwing the sarcasm back at them (they may cry, and then they may retaliate); if they are a Leo, and they are upset, just stroke their already massive ego and tell them they are 'right' but that not everyone can be as perfect as they are, so how about considering other options?; if they are a Sag, accept that commitment and conventional relationships are not their thing and scare the sh*t out of them, so don't try and snag them with traditional tactics or some blunt Sag honesty is coming your way like a soccer ball to the gut.

And so on.

Just for some humor, boredom, whatever, how about we interpret our own signs for love?

STOP: Well this is obvious. Relationship has hit a significant block and needs a full stop before further action is taken. Look in all directions, determine if the coast is clear, and then keep on driving once all other traffic (former lovers, crazy bosses, hateful friends, bad personal hygiene issues, etc) have driven by.

YIELD: Not a full need to halt things...but a slow gradual pause. Where is this relationship going? Do I need to STOP and assess? Or do I keep on going to merge with traffic?

CONSTRUCTION ZONE: A need to work on some things in your relationship is coming up in your imminent future. Don't speed, or the police are after you with a triple fine.

DON'T BLOCK THE BOX: You are wayyyyy too involved with your partner's life and are in the way. Stop being a nuisance, retreat back to your own corner, and let him/her clear up his/her own mess unless you want to be the victim of a hit and run.

MERGE LANES: I am going to use this as a positive sign. You are both two people on parallel lanes in life...do you want to merge together or keep on going for another lane or exit?

EXIT RAMP: Abandon relationship.

My point is there are many signs there, astrological or not. You should always pay attention to them. Even if you plan on speeding and running through that STOP sign, you still see that it is there and acknowledge it's value. Whether or not you choose to regard it seriously, is up to you. For that matter, you can ignore it all together. Just know that there is always a consequence to any action and you can get a ticket or a fine for reckless behavior...or maybe just a broken heart.

Next Up: Spring Fling!

It's Only a Sign of Things to Come...

2009-01-20T15:25:00.001-05:00

Today of all days is a perfect time to write this latest posting. After all, with the Inauguration of the country's first African-American President, surely, this is a sign of things to come. We can of course only hope that this is a sign of positive things to come. All change begins with one small step (or so I believe the famous line goes).

So, we are now almost a month into 2009. A 2-year for this country, and the next numerology life cycle year for you. Things will change - situations will improve or worsen and challenges will dissipate or appear. Mercury will continue its nasty retrograde trips (if you didn't already feel it or know, we are in one now until February 8th) and the planets will continue to clash and play with one another to your own personal delight or detriment. But no matter what, life keeps on truckin'.

The bottom line is: here we are.

How goes it? Have you read about your numerology life cycle for this year? Have you checked your astrological forecast for the year? Are you optimistic for 2009 and what events it will unfold? Are you tired of my always asking you these questions? Am I tired of you always asking what these questions mean? Touche.

If you are an Aquarius, you should start to love 2009. I know 2008 was a tough year for you. OK, it was a doozey for you. But in 2009, Jupiter, the planet of luck, is in your sign (see http://astrology.about.com/od/transitsandaspects/qt/JupiterAq09.htm). This bodes well for all Air signs (Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra) as well as Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius). Since Jupiter was in Earth sign Capricorn for 2008, you Earth and Water signs had your extra help last year! But you may want to check your birth chart to see what sign Jupiter is in. If you are a Cancer with your Jupiter in Libra...then you get to reap the rewards of Jupiter in Aquarius this year! See? Astrology doesn't discriminate ALL the time.

So what can you do to ensure a happy, healthy, and fun year? Some thoughts:

Capricorn: work harder, you lazy fool. We are so tired of you slacking off!
Aquarius: can you speak up? Your lack of opinions make you boring...as do your dull accessories.
Pisces: stop being so rigid. You are more uptight than a Republican watching this Inauguration.
Aries: your clothes are cheap and tacky...go to a mall for once and get something with a designer label.
Taurus: easy-going is not cool and you aren't getting away with it any longer. If you started acting more stubborn, we may appreciate you more.
Gemini: you're dull and boring and unoriginal. Sign up for a class or something and get an education.
Cancer: God, you are insensitive and a party hound. Could you stay home for once and listen to us?
Leo: you are such a coward. Fight for what you want, for once, and show us some balls.
Virgo: we know you hate details, but it would be helpful if you could concentrate on them, just once, for us.
Libra: eek, you are dirty and smelly...go take a shower and put on some clean clothes, you slob!
Scorpio: you are such a beacon of light and inspiration - always positive and uplifting. It gets annoying. Why don't you get serious?
Sagittarius: you are such a routine, predictable, homebody...why don't you get out more?

If you are bewildered by my suggestions...good! You have been paying attention. Clearly, I gave you the exact opposite suggestion to follow for your sign. But perhaps you could take that advice and start to look at yourself from the opposite point of view and see if maybe you could meet yourself somewhere in the middle. Let go a little, but don't give up too much of yourself. Confusing? Maybe. But at least it will make you think for a bit.

I think we can all agree that the world is full of too much stress and drama right now and we could all stand to take a breather from the overwhelming events of everyday life. Laugh and be a bit unpredictable. Wander outside the parameters of your sign - who knows, someone may mistake your Cancer self for a Sagittarius! Imagine!

I'll take a first stab at this. Chinese New Year is rapidly approaching on January 26 - we will be in the Year of the Ox. So if you are tired of reading only about western astrology and numerology, why not take a step towards doing something different and check out what Eastern astrology has to say about you? Here are some fun sites:

http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2009/2009Zodiac.htm
http://www.123chinesenewyear.com/

Happy 2009!

Next Up: If it is Love, then why bother paying attention to the signs?

Sign Up for 2009...and Kick '08 to the Curb

2008-12-21T13:00:00.001-05:00

Wow, wow, wow. How did this year fly by so fast, I ask you? Remember all those resolutions made in January of this year? Did any of those actually get done? Because I feel I was just beginning to dig my heels into my list of "to-do items" otherwise known as "This is your life…dammit."

So I see this as an opportunity to either be inspired to draft the same old list (and actually stick to it!), totally toss it and make a new one (so ambitious!), or dwell in my excuses for not doing anything (hmm...). After all, it is the holidays, I still haven’t wrapped a single gift, and I am semi-numb from all the holiday jingles they play on the radio. Luckily, no visions of Donner or Blitzen have danced in my head. That being said, am I actually at capacity to make such important decisions regarding my entire life in 2009? Or could I hold on this until, say, March?

2008 was a bumpy ride for most people I know — yes, even you annoying Libra’s finally had a few snags towards the end of the year...imagine! In numerology, it was a 1-year, which is a year of new initiatives and change; so we all felt that instinctual desire to get things done and create change. CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE. It’s the word of the year, isn’t it?

Depending on what your personal numerology was this year (your birth month + date + 1), you could have experienced conflict between your personal cycle and the Universe’s 1-year cycle. Perhaps you felt forced to make change you didn’t want to make, or you felt stressed because change wasn’t happening even though you wanted it to. It was as if the Universe kept whispering in your ear "Come on, do it! Go for it! Change!" and your own personal life cycle number whimpered and said "NO! I don’t wanna!"

For those of you whose personal cycle this year was in-sync with the Universe’s high-energy 1-year cycle, you probably zoomed through this year with new developments and rapid changes...the sky was the limit! It was thrilling, exhausting, and inspiring all in one go. Boy, are you pooped.

The good, or the bad, of it is that the vibrations of next year’s cycle are already humming through you and you are beginning to notice a change in both yourself and the world around you. This change is what 2009, and your 2009 life cycle number, are promising in your destiny.

2009 is a 2-year. This will bring about a lot of much needed patience with the change you have created (willingly or otherwise) in your life in 2008. While a 2-year may bring a lot of love, it can also bring a lot of sadness, stress, and frustration as you feel that things aren’t coming at you quickly enough. After a blazing 1-year of one thing after another, the 2-year will be notably less energetic. However, this may be a good thing. Like nap time in pre-school (gosh, I miss those), we all need to take a rest from our busy day. A 2-year is also notable for the connections and relationships it introduces, and strengthens, in both your personal and professional life.

For those numerology freaks out there, here is an added bonus: while 2009 is indeed a 2-year (2009 = 11 = 2), it is actually an 11-year, which is a master number. Though many sites reduce 11 to 2, you and I both know that you shouldn’t do that. Numerology has two master numbers, 11 and 22, that should never be reduced as they are divine numbers. With 11 as a cycle number for 2009, it only heightens the sensitivity and needs of a 2-cycle. With 11 comes the ability to inspire, motivate, and increase not only your own potential, but that of the world. It is an opportunity to enlighten yourself and those around you. For the Universe to be in an 11-year cycle next year is a tremendous opportunity to use intelligence and maturity to handle world crises and developments: peace instead of war; patience instead of anger; diplomacy instead of conflict.

So, in preparation for the year ahead, take time to read about the 2-year (and 11-year) vibration coming up, and take time to read about your own personal life cycle number for 2009. My favorite site is Christine DeLorey’s Creative Numerology. Her link is available on the left hand toolbar of this fabulous blog (see how I self-endorsed there?). To read more about 11, since Christine doesn’t discuss it much, here are some great sites: http://www.decoz.com/Numerology_LifePath_D.htm, http://numerology.findyourfate.com/lifepath-number.htm#11.

Of course, no year is complete without the craptastic Mercury and his retro-trippin’ ways. This year, he was particularly annoying and intrusive as he went retro in all the Air Signs (Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra), which is where he is most comfortable. So, it’s kinda like he sank into a lovely satin 900-thread count bed (and who doesn’t love that?) and decided to throw a fit and not sleep.

In 2009, he has planned his trips in the transition of Earth to Air (remember, he trips backwards). AND, if that weren’t bad enough, in 2009 he has planned FOUR trips for himself rather than the typical THREE. Apparently, this sluggish economy hasn’t held him back from his vacation plans.

That being said, plan ahead your year and be forewarned of the following 2009 periods:

Mercury retro-trippin’ #1: January 11 – February 1
Mercury retro-trippin’ #2: May 7 – May 31
Mercury retro-trippin’ #3: September 7 – September 29
Mercury retro-trippin’ #4: December 26 – January 15, 2010

Remember, Mercury rules communication, travel, and electronics. Try not to make any significant purchases, quit or start jobs, incite fights, or book/take travel during these time frames. Otherwise, be prepared for my "I told you so!" speech later on. On a lighter note, there are some positive developments that occur when Mercury takes his little "trips." In 2009, you can use these aforementioned mercury retrograde periods to focus on your goals, decisions, and dreams. If we use this time wisely to really evaluate what will make us happy, then Mercury’s trip can be quite beneficial to all of us.

A great site to read all about Mercury and his crazy ways is: http://www.alphalifetrends.com/mercuryretrograde.html.

It wouldn’t be a blog without a final word to all you fantastic astro signs out there. Here is my little stocking stuffer for you until I return in January 2009!

Capricorn: It’s OK to not have everything figured out, and it’s OK to not always succeed. Sometimes failure, or admitting to it, is the very definition of success.

Aquarius: The definition of insanity is repeating the same actions and expecting a different result. Ponder that.

Pisces: If you spend all your time thinking, and dreaming, how will you ever get about to actually DOING? Whining is not a form of art, only a form of extreme annoyance.

Aries: Anger and frustration are a result of personal unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the way things are. It doesn’t have to always be a struggle, and life is too short to do something you hate.

Taurus: Stubbornness can get you far, but it will never get you where you truly want to be. Let go of the expectations people have of you and admit to your own shortcomings as well.

Gemini: Thinking and talking too much is only a symptom of a much larger problem – you aren’t facing the truth of the situation. Stop talking AT the problem from a distance. Bring yourself into the present. Once you can talk WITH it, rather than AT it, you can SOLVE it.

Cancer: Running away, placing blame, or denying the reality is only further prolonging your state of unhappiness. While the world is a large and scary place to behold, it’s worth a shot to try it out for a bit. You can always run and dig yourself back in the sand...later.

Leo: Self-protection and defensiveness are tools you work quite well with, but why do you need to use these tools when they’re becoming too heavy to hold? Release a mighty roar, lick your paws, and regain control over your kingdom. A Lion is no one’s victim, so stop acting like one.

Virgo: The mind is a wonderful thing...but so is your heart. Sadly, you don’t learn to use the latter nearly as much as you rely on the former. Let go of your checklist and the obligations others have forced on you because it is "the right thing to do." What will make YOU happy?

Libra: Sometimes, we realize we have everything we want, and nothing that we need. Even though it is easy to coast when things are going easy, always remember that the wheel of fortune turns and you need to face reality when things go tough. Then where do you stand?

Scorpio: Dark and twisty may be as protective as a large blanket covered over you in your nice, warm bed...but what if you are missing the sun shining outside? Life IS the challenges you face, so get out of bed and think about opening your front door.

Sagittarius: Adventures are meant to be savored, not used, for your own personal development. Enjoy the moment for what it truly is, not what you wish it to be. I won’t repeat that famous "denial" quote, but you know what I am getting at...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

Next Up: It's Only a Sign of Things to Come...

The Twelve Astrological Signs of Christmas...Already?! Plan Ahead folks.

2008-11-23T17:20:00.001-05:00

Good grief, it's already Christmas time. OK, technically, it isn't even Thanksgiving yet...but Macy's, Nordstrom, and any other major department store are telling me otherwise. Christmas music is already infiltrating my radio stations and I can't seem to walk anywhere without tinsel brushing up against my jacket or Advent calendars tempting me to justify a piece of chocolate everyday in the name of Jesus, Santa, or whomever you celebrate on December 25.

That being said, I haven't a friggin' clue what to buy anyone for the holidays because I can't wrap my head past the important decision of gravy or no gravy on my hormonally-charged, and hopefully organic, turkey this Thursday.

After the fourth (fifth?) stock market crash in the past 2 months, I called my financial adviser, literally fighting back tears when I looked at how much money I lost, and reminded her that the holidays were here, along with the birthdays of about 80% of all my friends (apparently, I am a sucker for those Scorpio's and Sag's), and that I can't afford anything. "I need to buy gifts!" was my hopeful excuse to be able to withdraw money from my accounts. No dice. Her reply? "Buy them cards, buy them cards."

Bitch.

Must remember to find a stealthy way to ask her which sign she is. I am betting money (see what I did there?) that she is one of those fiscally conservative Capricorns that probably hasn't taken a vacation in 5 years because she "works too hard" and needs to focus on her 401k. Now that hers is surely shrinking (or else I am going to ask why MINE is evaporating more quickly than the glass of wine infront of me), her vacation looks about as likely as my being able to quit my job and retire on an island drinking champagne all day long.

OK, I am diverting from the subject here.

Christmas gifts. What to do? You can't buy something cheap for the person you love, but you also can't afford to buy them the expensive new Blackberry Storm (currently priced anywhere between $199.99 to $249.99 depending on how much you can sweet talk the Verizon rep you are buying from).

So, as per the norm in my life, I am going to divide and conquer this daunting task by making decisions based on astrology and buy gifts according to my friend's signs (which may suck for the aforementioned 80% Scorpio's and Sag's in my life; sometimes being a part of the crowd sucks, huh?).

Great Xmas gift ideas, based on some introspective analysis of 2008, for the 12 Signs of Christmas:

Capricorn: "You're Fired!" (Donald Trump, "The Apprentice")
It's been a dooze of a year for you hard-working goats. Work, work, work, and very little play. We know you are all obsessed with your shoes. Perhaps a nice pair of super high heels (to wear while climbing up those corporate ranks or walking over the corpses of your former competitors) would make you happy? If all else fails, an 80-minute massage at your favorite spa would do the trick. Note: only 80 minutes are acceptable; 50 minutes is bullshit.

Aquarius: "I feel like I am taking crazy pills!" (Will Ferrell, "Zoolander")
Well hello there, mental breakdown! Stress, stress, and more stress was pretty much all that 2008 offered you. You may be sorting through the clutter from the bomb that hit your personal life this year, so perhaps a shovel to help dig you out of the crap that has piled up would help...or a refill on the anti-anxiety meds you need. Since shovels are heavy, and drugs are only available via prescription, I suggest buying your Aquarian a yoga or meditation package at a local Zen center. I know, Aquarians can't mentally simmer down, but simmer down they MUST. All together now..."Ohhhhmmmmmmmmmmm."

Pisces: "Slippery little suckers" (Julia Roberts, "Pretty Woman")
Sigh, life is boring now, huh? You have been, for the most part, swimming with the current quite nicely this year, you adventurous little fish. This has also made you quite aloof and la-dee-da...and oh-so-hard to hold onto. Since you would rather be on a boat or floating tube on the water, why don't you just do that? Grab a towel, and some sunscreen, and leave us alone as we dwell in our own miseries. Buy your Pisces a beach bag and good book to read, and plan ahead for Spring break with them (if you give them 3 months, they will surely eventually stop being lazy enough to actually look into beach rentals with you).

Aries: "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!" (Peter Finch, "Network")
Look out, coming through...take no prisoners! Damn, people have annoyed the hell out of you this year. Bitching, whining, and back-stabbing has run amuck in your life and you just are OVER it. Work is bullshit and you are DONE-ZO with it all. OK, now that the venting has taken place, take a deep breathe. Ahhh. Better. You Aries are ruled by the planet of war, and when you get going, your face gets more red than a Mexican chili pepper. If you are still in your Aries life by the time Xmas roles around, buy him/her a weekend trip to the mountains, or the beach, or wherever they feel happiest, and treat them to breakfast in bed and dinner at night. They desperately need to unwind. If that doesn't work, go hit up your local dealer for some pot. They need the hit.

Taurus: "Love means never having to say you're sorry" (Ali McGraw, Ryan O'Neal, "Love Story")
It's been a year of love, poems, candies, and some delicious sex...you lucky little bull. You've taken charge, eliminated the waste in your life (that includes unworthy friends and former lovers) and are boldly heading in the direction of your dreams - to hell with those who aren't on your list. You have no one to apologize to, or for, and you couldn't be happier. Life is finally heading in a direction that makes you feel quite content and settled. Now that the waves of nausea have passed, I suggest you buy your Taurus a Kuma Sutra book, some candles, massage oils, and a sexy CD (you should make it yourself - perhaps a list of songs with some sort of sentimental value) and plan a romantic evening. I don't need to be involved in this anymore. You can surely figure out the rest.

Gemini: "What we've got here is a failure to communicate" (Paul Newman, "Cool Hand Luke")
Do you ever shut-up? Seriously, stop it. I can't hear myself think! You have so many ideas, plans, projects, and STUFF running through that neurotic, jam-packed mind of yours, that you are spinning yourself around like the tazmanian devil. Deep breathes, one step at a time, and then, choose a topic, and speak. There. NOW you make sense. Whether you have found it difficult to communicate effectively with others, or with YOURSELF, you are in serious need of hitting that "pause" button and taking those few precious moments to figure things out. You could use a hug, and then a full spa day somewhere that doesn't have TV's with CNN or HGTV marathons. However, for shits and giggles, a subscription to your favorite magazine would be awesome so that when you do start feeling overwhelmed (which will be in approx. 5 minutes), you can go absorb yourself with page 6 of US Weekly, otherwise known as "Who Wore It Better?"

Cancer: "There's no place like home." (Judy Garland, "The Wizard of Oz")
Wow, you nutty recluse, you. Where have you been!? I can't decide whether you are plotting the entire demise of all the whack jobs in your office, or the assholes in your life, but you have seriously been MIA. Even though I know you are incapable of prolonged social contact with anyone other than your therapist or anything other than your bed down-comforter, this is drastic...even for you. Yes, it's been a shitty year. Yes, your life sucks and you aren't happy. Yes, you have the lowest approval rating of any President out there. But, for the love of God, "Snap out of it!" You can't hide at home for much longer... OK, still don't want to leave? Fine. Be a hermit. For your Cancer, buy them a bottle of wine, a chenille throw blanket, a nicely scented diffuser for their living room, and a subscription to Netflix so they can stay at home (sighhhhhh) all curled up on their comfy sofa, watching reruns of their favorite tear-jerking movies.

Leo: "Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me. Aren't you?" (Dustin Hoffman, "The Graduate")
You sexy little cat, you. Seducing unassuming victims in and out of the office, you are just working it left and right. Heaven help those stopping in your way - you'll start strutting your stuff and, pretty soon, even your enemies will become your friends. Bravo, darling...bravo. Whether you are taking on a whole new project, business operation, mission, or Presidency (holla, Obama!), you are on everyone's list of "Cool as shit person to know." And that's exactly what you had planned on all along. You don't need sexy lingeries, candles, or kuma sutra...those are for amateurs. Treat your Leo to a lavish evening out: a play, opera, or Cirque du Soliel performance, followed by dinner at a top rated restaurant in town for some delicious food. After all, those lions like to be pampered, and nothing says pampered more than an expensive bottle of vintage wine and 4 Michelin stars.

Virgo: "It's not the men in my life that counts - it's the life in my men" (Mae West, "I'm No Angel")
You've dated and played the circuit this year more than a horse has gone around a track during racing season. With a full dating book and a ridiculous load of work on your plate, you really are pushing your limits, dear Virgo. Life is too short to be so overwhelmed all the time. Things aren't perfect. I get it. But nothing ever is. Stop, take a moment, and look around. Expand your options, expand your mind, and watch how suddenly things will start to shift in your favor. Perhaps they already have! Just remember: it's quality, not quantity, that counts when it comes to personal happiness. For your Virgo, buy them a series of counseling sessions with a good therapist. They may need it. If they already are seeking professional help, get them a gift card to a bookstore or a gym membership for the year. Whether they exercise their mind, their soul, or their body, they will be eternally grateful to you for paying the fees since they most likely won't cough up the money themselves.

Libra: "Don't ask for the moon! We have the stars!" (Bette Davis, "Now, Voyager")
Ah, bliss. It's not all entirely perfect, but you really can't complain - you know how lucky you are. It's been a lovely year for you (though, I think you already sense the tide is turning a bit...these past couple months have been a bit bumpy). But who are you to complain? Your house is lovely, your health is good, and your family is united. Awww. But you know, your closet could use some new shoes, dresses, and perhaps a lovely winter coat. And, egads!, you need a mani&pedi! Take your Libra to their favorite store (Neimans, Saks, or Nordies) and treat them to a new item for their wardrobe so they can feel lovely and stylish. Afterward, drop them off at their favorite nail salon (for men, take them to a grooming lounge for a haircut or shave), so that they can look absolutely stunning for your holiday pictures.

Scorpio: "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." (Clark Gable, "Gone With The Wind")
You know, there is an awful lot of bullshit, and bullshitters, in this world and you quite frankly don't have the patience to deal with them any longer (not that you ever did a good job to begin with). Right now, your most important project is yourself, and there isn't anything wrong with that! For your Scorpio, buy them a journal so they can start writing down their thoughts, to-do lists, and goals, and sign them up for a series of conferences or seminars on their favorite topic (perhaps metaphysics, historical or political issues, or religious studies). If their favorite author is in town for a reading session, sign them up for that and buy them a copy of the latest book for the author to sign. If none of these are an option, go ahead and buy them a seasonal pass to their favorite museum so they can spend all day wandering around in the presence of such inspirational objects. AKA: give them something they can do on their OWN. They really don't want you around. Trust.

Sagittarius: "You'll meet someone. Someone very special. Someone who won't press charges." (Raul Julia, "Addams Family Values")
No one can ever accuse you of being a wilting flower...at least, not anymore. Welcome to you taking charge of your life, professionally and personally, and not taking shit from anyone ever again. You are starting fresh with new goals, new career responsibilities, and new qualifications necessary for someone to be in your bed. That's right - someone has to measure up to some pretty high standards in order to meet your minimum requirements for friendship, business, or marriage/sex. You have been a welcome mat for assholes for too long and deserve better. This is the dawn of the new you...the you that you have always wanted to be. So cut out the psychopaths in your life and clean out your closets for your newest purchases. For Christmas, first and foremost, let your Sag know you love them...they need the reassurance. Then give your Sag a collection of sharp knives or lucky Buddhas to ward off the crazies in their life. OK, just kidding. Buy your Sag a wine, beer, or spirits club membership so that they can carry on with their alcoholism every month. In the event they are already in AA, give them money for gas so they can have no excuses to not attend.

Even though I plan on writing another blog before 2008 ends (after all, I have to wish all my fellow Caps a Happy Birthday!) I am hoping that by then you will all have bought your gifts and will enjoy the holidays without too much stress...regardless of what they say about this economy. On that note, how could I not end this blog without another famous quote?

Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it. ~ Richard Lamm

Next Up: Sign up for 2009...and kick '08 to the curb.

Presidential Wars: Virgo vs. Leo. Who will win?

2008-10-22T18:30:00.000-04:00

It has been a long, and do I mean LONG, election cycle up to this point. Twists and turns at every corner, sparring candidates from the SAME party, nasty attack ads, crazy fans at rallies, hilarious SNL skits, and a lot of talk about moose burgers and Russia.

We are finally 2 weeks away from what is probably the most important election of our lifetime, and while the polls show that one candidate seems to have a clear advantage, you never know what will happen in those private voting booths. People may get lazy and not vote that day, or as Obama put it "don't get cocky" -- there could be delays reaching your polling centers, problems with submitting your vote (God we hope not; thankfully Mercury is OUT of retrograde during this election cycle, but hint: it was there during the infamous hanging chads election of 2000), or last minute change of hearts...after all, the deal that you make with the devil is often behind closed doors (or in this case, voting booths).

While Obama has the current edge on the political map, does he have the edge on the astrological charts? Let's see...

Obama is a Leo (August 4, 1961) as are some of our former American Presidents, and even a few notorious dictators and world leaders:

- Castro
- Napoleon
- Mussolini
- Herbert Hoover
- Bill Clinton
- Stanley Baldwin (English Prime Minister in the 1920s and 30s)
- Romano Prodi (President of European Commission)

Obama also has a Gemini Moon, which is what makes him so articulate and gifted in his oratory. Since Gemini rules communication, it is fair to say that Obama's ability to effectively communicate his message is thanks to Mercury's (Gemini's ruling planet) gift of the gab. John F. Kennedy, one of America's most popular and charismatic Presidents, was also a Gemini.

Obama is also currently in his 4 year, numerology-wise, which is the year of overcoming hurdles, challenges, and reaching overwhelming success despite many obstacles. It is a year where one works to start planning on long-term goals using strong will, intellect, and power. It isn't an easy ride, but definitely a necessary one. It is a time where you think "Who Am I?" and "Where Am I Going?" Inevitably this leads into "What Do I Do With My Life?" Certainly, running for President has given Obama a mouthful of what this yearly number tastes like. The incredible fulfillment you can attain from a 4 year sets the path for the rest of your numerological cycle (up through to 9, and then back to 1).

And next year, if he wins the election and is inaugurated President, he will be in his 5 year, which is GREAT for change, new experiences, travel, and learning. It is the second half of your numerological path that sets you on a completely different route than the previous 4. Courage and tough decisions are required, and much hard work lies ahead. This would be a great year, as President, to travel around the world and meet with foreign leaders to discuss policies, strategies, and cultural divides. Ironically, if Obama wins the 2008 election, the end of his first term will be his 8 year, and the beginning of his 2nd term (should he win) or the end of his Presidency (should he lose) would be his 9 year, which is normally marked by loneliness, introspection, and isolation.

Obama's running mate, Joe Biden, is a Scorpio (November 20, 1942). It's an interesting relationship when a Leo and a Scorpio join forces. This is a couple (in the business partnership sense, folks, I am not trying to start gossip) that is united by passion, common goals, and strong compatible convictions of a greater good. Leo likes to control and dominate, Scorpio does this as well in a more underhanded manner, but together, they like to create change, new possibilities, idealized situations, etc. While they may clash on who is in charge, or who steals the limelight, or who comes out on top, they ultimately are driven by a power greater than their own.

By the way, now may be a good time to insert that President Bill Clinton is a Leo, and his wife, Hillary, is a Scorpio.

Biden's Moon is in Taurus, which makes his Sun and Moon in opposing forces, and extremely stubborn. While they may seem to get along, a Leo/Gemini combo like Obama, with a Scorpio/Taurus combo like Biden, is not an easy match...not by a long shot. I could discuss this further, but I don't think you have the patience to read a novel. Check out the sites on the left hand toolbar, such as Cafe Astrology, or Susan Miller, to see why Leo & Scorpio, as well as Gemini & Taurus, can be challenging matches. Notice I said "challenging"...not "impossible."

Numerology-wise, Biden is currently in his 4 year, and in 2009 he will be in his 5 year. The aforementioned traits of your 5 year (see Obama's first year as President) make perfect sense for Biden's 2008...this was definitely a year of surprises, travel, new relationships, and learning curves for the surprising VP pick. In 2009, he will be in his 6 year, which is a year of home, family, balance, and healing. It is a year of reinvention; of not making promises, but rather, of holding on to what you love the most and being happy with your surroundings. It remains unclear, then, if this means that Obama/Biden may lose seeing as Biden's 6 year is not one for work, but rather, family.

OK, let's move on to McCain.

McCain is a Virgo (August 29, 1936), through and throughout. He is conservative, reclusive, stubborn in his views, and intelligent. The sense of loyalty he has, along with his notoriety for surrounding himself with only a few close advisers whom he explicitly trusts, is a very common Virgo trait. They don't have many friends because they take commitments of such a nature seriously...and they don't like to make commitments unless they plan to keep them (even to their own detriment). McCain's Moon is controversial. His mother says he was born around 9:00 a.m. on August 29th, while other reports show he could have been born around 6:25 p.m. If he was born the former time, he would have a Capricorn moon, which is another Earth sign (Virgo is an Earth sign), and would only further cement not only his conservative views, but also his ambition and determination to succeed. If he was born at 6:25 p.m., however, he would have an Aquarius moon, which would give an explanation for his humanitarian, idealistic goals, as well as his devotion to the government and military (as Aquarians are all about social work, aid, and duty). Either way, he is on the cusp of both as the Moon changes that day, which may help explain his dual-nature.

America has only had 2 Virgo Presidents, Johnson and Taft, so it has been a while since this country has felt the influence of that particular Sun sign.

Numerology-wise, McCain is in his 2 year now, and will be in his 3 year for what could be his first year as President in 2009. This bodes really well for him, but not necessarily in terms of winning a Presidency. Your 2 year is one of patience, interpersonal relationships, personal growth, and patience. Oops, did I already say patience? Let me say it again: PATIENCE. It is a year which can be highly frustrating if you push against destiny or try too hard, which we have seen with McCain's campaign blunders of late. Your 3 year, which would be McCain's first term as President, is a path of self-discovery and personal happiness. A year of "What Do I Want?" and facing opposing feelings of success and failure...normally, in the spotlight. Should McCain not win the election, it would make sense that 2009 will bring him much introspection and require him to make decisions that will make him "happy" after losing an important, and what is sure to be close, election.

His running mate, Sarah Palin, is an Aquarius (February 11, 1964) with an Aquarius moon, which makes her a double whammy astrologically speaking. She is a true Aquarius, which is why she creates so much controversy and attracts so much attention in the American media and press. Aquarians are charismatic and gifted with being able to gab about anything on the whim (whether it makes sense or not), as did our former Aquarius President, Ronald Reagan, who was known as "The Communicator." Aquarius is a controversial sign; they are high strung and highly opinionated, making them sometimes hard to work with in a group or team environment. They can be extremely condescending or dominating when they feel attacked, or when people don't agree with them. What "saves" Aquarians is that they truly love, and are passionate, about what they do and believe in, so people often give them a "free pass" on their neuroticism because they realize it comes from good intentions.

Now, with Palin having 2 major planets in Aquarius, we can only pray that McCain's moon is indeed in Aquarius should they win the nomination, as it will help them work together in a more collaborative manner. Otherwise we have a double-Earth President (who at worst is: stubborn, judgmental, philosophical, ambitious) with a double-Air VP (who at worst is: neurotic, unstable, emotionally volatile) running this country who don't agree on major issues and won't back down from their positions. Now, many Earth Signs and Air Signs actually end up together. It's mostly because they provide an interesting balance to one another: Earth needs to be less stubborn and rigid, while Air needs to be more grounded and stable. This pair is always attracted to one another in any type of relationship, be it sexual or professional. Whether they choose to make it work is up to their own ego's and pride.

In numerology, Palin is in her 5 year now, and in her 6 year in 2009, which is interesting because she is a step ahead of Obama, 2 steps ahead of McCain, and on THE EXACT SAME NUMEROLOGY PATH as Biden. Ironically, both Obama and McCain chose a similar running mate. The aforementioned traits of the 5 year make perfect sense for Palin's 2008...this was ALSO definitely a year of surprises, travel, new relationships, and learning curves for the virtually unknown Governor of Alaska who rarely traveled outside of her state prior to her nomination as McCain's VP. In 2009, she will be in her 6 year, which as mentioned before with Biden, is a year of home, family, balance, and healing. If McCain/Palin lose this election, it would make sense that Palin's focus in 2009 would be on family, rather than work.

One interesting thing to note: both Obama and McCain's destiny numbers (the number you have for your entire life, like your Sun sign) is 11. Normally, in numerology, you would reduce that to 2. But 11 is a master number, and there is only one other master number: 22. People whose birth life number (or destiny number) is 11 are marked with the very important duty of being spiritual healers and teachers. They are meant to bring unity to mankind and teach others about the world and how it should be. Ironically, both Obama and McCain share this unique (and it is indeed unique to have an 11 number) quality. While they may approach their "teachings" in different ways, it is no surprise they both use the platform of a Presidency to promote it.

Last but not least, another thing to factor is that the election will be held in Scorpio, on November 4th, and on that date, important aggressive planetary shifts occur between Saturn and Uranus. Many astrologers have been asked to speak on panels, or write to major newspapers, on what they believe will happen on Election Day and the subsequent January 2009 Inauguration Day. While the majority think Obama will win, despite a very difficult election and slim margin win (there is consensus that the winner may not be determined on Election Day itself), one thing most agree with: whoever wins the Election has a very dicey future ahead, notably on Inauguration Day. Tremendous concerns over the safety of the winning candidate, which they predict to be Obama, surrounds Inauguration Day, when violent planetary transitions suggest that the path to the nomination may be ominous and unfulfilled. Hopefully this is not the case, and boy do I hate to end on a scary note, but I am putting it all out there!

So what does all my astrological mumbo jumbo mean?

It means Obama will win. His birth chart and numerology, coupled with Biden's, is much more powerful than John McCain's. While it will not be an easy Presidency, it is his destiny to win it.

Next Up: The Twelve Astrological Signs of Christmas...Already?! Plan Ahead, Folks.

If It Looks Like a Duck...and Quacks Like One...Well???

2008-09-21T23:00:00.001-04:00

You know, sometimes life is unfair. We didn't get the raise we hoped for, the person we lusted after, or the hair color we requested, but hey, it all works out in the long run, right? Sometimes, we get something even BETTER than what we originally asked for. Imagine that...the Universe may have a better plan for us after all.

Yet we seem to always think the grass is greener on the other side, don't we? Or we pretend to be something we are not because we fear showing who we really are. But, the reality is, the grass isn't greener, and we are who we are, despite our attempts to let people think otherwise.

By now you are perhaps asking "What on Earth does this have to do with astrology?"

OK, so here is the point:

For some strange reason, the question I get most often from people is "But, I don't feel like I am a true [insert your sign here]. I read and read all about [insert your sign here] and it just is NOT me!"

Sighhh.

Look, templates are just that: a guideline for the way things should be. They aren't the "be all and end all" of what an end product should be (unless you work for a micro-managing corporation which has absolutely no creative directive or gives no incentive for originality). Since the Universe is definitely NOT a corporation, I think it is fair to say that It gives you flexibility to be the person you are, or want to be, within the parameters that your sun sign has given you. You can think, and act, outside of the box without getting fired. You are not defined by a strict set of descriptions about you.

And we all know what those all-too-common descriptions are:

Capricorn: ambitious, hard-working, goal-oriented
Aquarius: eccentric, humanitarian, on-the-go
Pisces: spiritual, artistic, quiet
Aries: ambitious, charismatic, flirtatious
Taurus: stubborn, sensual, creative
Gemini: communicative, fickle, dual-nature
Cancer: moody, sensitive, headstrong
Leo: sexual, proud, dominating
Virgo: perfectionist, hermit, analytical
Libra: flirtatious, charming, whimsical
Scorpio: intense, depressive, sexual
Sagittarius: adventurous, charismatic, hard worker

I am 110% sure that every single time you read about any one of the above signs, those buzz words are ALWAYS mentioned. Perhaps you are a Virgo who doesn't feel as if you are a perfectionist -- after all, your room is always messy and you just are NOT detail oriented; those books say you are a hermit, but you LOVE going out. Or you are a Cancer who loves to party and socialize; you aren't sensitive and are quite the powerhouse, traitors beware! Or maybe you are a Pisces who is quick to temper and wouldn't write in a diary or go to Church if your life depended on it.

CLEARLY, astrology is all a load of shit because you are just so NOT your sign. Right? Does this sound like you? Bueller?

OK, kids, just because mass-produced books about astrology, something that affects every single person in this world, doesn't speak PERSONALLY to you...so??? Are you THAT egocentric? If the entire world were comprised of the EXACT same person for each sign, multiplied by the billions of people who live in this world, wouldn't that be extremely boring for the Universe? Billions of people that are divided into 12 exactly different personalities?? (math lesson of the day: there are 12 signs, hence, 12 personalities). What would be the point of living if some other [insert your sign here] were JUST LIKE YOU and could easily fill in your shoes? Why, we would all be clones, wouldn't we?

Just because you may not fit the typical "buzz words" of your sign, doesn't mean you aren't a typical [insert your sign here]. You are your own unique variation of what your sign represents. That variation is caused by factors such as the other planets in your chart, the society/community you were raised in, and the astrological signs of those you grew up with (parents, sibling, relatives, etc). Many things can contribute to your being slightly "wayward" from the standard [insert your sign here].

Try to also have some flexibility, if you will, on what each buzz word means. For example, you are a Leo, however, you don't find yourself to be that sexual of a person (as if!). All these books say you are passionate, but you really don't think you are. How can you be possibly be a Leo, you wonder? How about this: passion isn't limited to the bedroom. Could you perhaps be passionate about a cause? Your job? Your family? Do you often fantasize about romance and passion? Or are you depressed because you do NOT have passion in your life? As with our astrological birthday darling, Libra, if your nature is to be passionate (as Libra's is to be harmonious) and you find it LACKING in your life, does that not make you depressed (or in Libra's case, neurotic)? Does it make you feel that life is not as great as it should be? Exactly. The LACK of something that is so inherent in your nature can be what causes you to be so sorrowful and consumed by this loss. As a Leo without passion, your life can suddenly be OBSESSED with finding it. The fact that it BOTHERS you so much that it is missing (whereas it may not bother other signs, like Capricorn, for instance), says just as much as if it were ample in your life.

Let's continue this trend of thinking...

Virgo hates when their house is dirty and messy, but won't bother to clean up because they don't want to get THEMSELVES dirty and messy! This is why you find most Virgo's with a housekeeper. Whereas other signs may not mind the clutter, Virgo will go crazy until their home is spotless, and will just pay someone else to do it. Virgo may then go on to rant and rave, in precise logic and numerical sequence, as to why their life is so unorganized, and why they are NOT a neat-freak, but fails to recognize that they just numbered, or bullet-pointed, their entire argument to you, while wearing a perfectly meticulous outfit that is color-coordinated to the tee. After they vent to you, they go and book their next housekeeping appointment...

Everyone displays their sun sign's particular themes in their own unique, and various, ways. But just because some people are more obvious than others, doesn't make you less of [insert your sign here] than the next person. So if you are a Sagittarius who doesn't like adventure or travel...take a moment and think: do you find alternative ways to "release" that inherent nature of yours? Do you read books that take you to different cultures? Do you like to read about different countries or study their languages, history, or people? Just because you don't like to physically travel, doesn't mean you can't MENTALLY do it. Or if you are a Sagittarius who claims to be shy, why don't you ask your friends if they see you that way? Just because you may feel shy, doesn't mean you come off that way. I am willing to bet your friends all think you are very opinionated, talkative, and hard to shut-up when you get rolling.

So, if you are one of those people who often says "I am not a typical [insert your own sign here]", then take a moment to rethink that. Read those buzz words above and see it from another point of view. OR, see if the LACK of those words in your life is what is precisely causing your sadness/pain. True, Scorpio's may be known for their intensity, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Perhaps lacking that intensity in your life, and lacking a focus or a passion that you can obsess over, is exactly what is creating your own misery, dear Scorpio.

If it looks like a duck...and quacks like one...well?? Don't deny your own nature because you prefer to be a swan. Turns out that wanting to be some other sign, or trying to disown your own, can be extremely debilitating to your true nature.

Oh, and not to sound all gloom and doom by ending on a sour note, but, well: Mercury goes retrograde in Libra from September 24 - October 19. Bottoms up! I know I plan to drink through it...

Next Up: Presidential Wars: Virgo vs. Leo. Who will win?

Signs that never should be together. Really. Honestly. Seriously.

2008-08-25T22:30:00.001-04:00

OK, I know you have heard me say it time and again..."Date outside your Astro Box" or "Don't predetermine a relationship based on their sign" or "Don't turn someone down because of their sign."

As a general rule of thumb, I stick to my guns and affirm all my above statements, ad nauseam.

However, sometimes rules are meant to be broken. Sometimes, life ain't fair, love is a bitch, and Gemini's change their mind. OK, that last comment happens more often than not. But you get my point.

SOMETIMES, you should run, not walk, away from certain signs or pairings, because, well, you know it won't turn out well. You have dated that sign too many times to know it won't work... to know it will only crash and burn and be another story for those "Dear Abby" columns in the national papers. You can believe in Tinkerbell all you want...but if you keep clapping, and she isn't showing up, who turns out to be the fool? While faith has its merits, like, say, Boston Red Sox fans, sometimes you just gotta throw in the towel.

Now I am not one to say who YOU yourself should run away from. You may not like certain signs that are by all means your best matches in astrology land. For example, you could be a Cancer who hates Pisces and Scorpios, even though every book you've read, and every psychic you speak to, tells you that your soulmate is one of those signs. You could be a Gemini who finds Libras neurotic and Aquarians crazy, and therefore couldn't fathom a life with them for longer than, oh say, a coffee break.

But this is not that kind of post. This post is going to be a clear cut instructional guide for signs that shouldn't date...and I got astrology on my side this time. So, yeah, sure, you could throw back at me, "But what about your saying we have tons of other planets going on?" or "What if our Moons or Venus signs are compatible?" I would say "Tough. This is not that kind of post." But I would also follow up with "Thanks for reading and paying attention to all I have said in my other posts! Awesome. You love me. You really do."

OK, on with it. I know.

PLEASE DO NOT EVER EVER EVER FIND YOURSELF IN ANY ONE OF THESE MATCHES BELOW...or may God have mercy on your soul.

* Capricorn & Aries: do you want to just start clawing one another's eyes out? Because that is what will happen. Your Cap finds you to be a selfish ass. You find your Cap to be a self-involved workaholic. You get along about as well as a Goat and a Ram. Oh, wait a second...

* Capricorn & Sagittarius: being blunt is wonderful...but sometimes, too much of a good thing can just be downright cruel for the rest of humanity. You two will end up in more power struggles than the current Democratic and Republican parties. How thrilling...

* Aquarius & Pisces: wishes, hopes, and dreams...oh my! This relationship will be about as solid as quicksand. The Aquarius will never be around, and the Pisces will be too busy "feeling his/her emotions" to even notice. Do us a favor and just stick to being yoga buddies together.

* Aquarius & Cancer: if you want to keep banging your head against a wall, by all means...get involved. Really. Then, when your Cancer gets all moody and emotional, or your Aquarius has as much sympathy for you as the predator has for its prey, you only have yourself to blame.

* Pisces & Gemini: fatal attraction, we know. It's all very erotic at first, you two can play this great game in your minds of what it would be like to be together...and then you just think "to hell with it! let's go for it!" And the sex is just so bland and boring, and the conversation is so...forced...that, the next morning, you start to wonder what the heck you are still doing in bed together.

* Pisces & Sagittarius: oh God. OH GOD. What a mess. A slippery fish meets a centaurean on horseback with an arrow ready to shoot. I know, crazy analogy, huh? Guess what. It's true. The Pisces gets all vulnerable and the Sag is just aiming their arrow for the right hit. Note: getting pierced by an arrow hurts. Avoid this drama and spare us from the horror. Blood is a queasy site.

* Aries & Taurus: sigh. SIGH. Sure the sex is probably great, because you are both crazy horny...but when the sex is gone, do you really get along well? Do you both handle each other's stubborn temper tantrums? Will one of you back down from the fight? Seeing you two together just makes everyone feel awkward. Spare us from the pain, and move on.

* Aries & Cancer: you two manage to find yourselves together often. Now if the woman is a Cancer, this may work, until she wields her psycho Cancer personality on the unassuming Aries, who thinks that charisma and smooth talking will save them from any situation, right? WRONG. SO WRONG. Cancer women are tough bitches. And you Aries are slick talkers. If it goes right, super...but if it goes wrong, hide all weapons from the home. You know, just to be safe.

* Taurus & Leo: in an ideal world, stubbornness and vanity would make a great pairing. In this world, it only creates drama. You both want attention, and you both are so busy fighting for it, that you don't even realize you are getting it in this twisted and perverse way. Enjoy the sex for a while, and then move on. If anything, write a kuma sutra book together for the rest of the masses. Make your time together worthwhile.

* Taurus & Sagittarius: honestly, what a mess. Your Sag will cheat on you, and you will sit there wondering how it all went wrong. You cooked, you wined, you dined...and yet, your Sag wiped the floor clean with you. Sad day.

* Gemini & Cancer: look, it just doesn't work. Ever. Communications between you two are so strained and incompatible, you may as well resort to using Etch A Sketches or miming to one another to get your message across...it will be far more effective than talking it out.

* Cancer & Leo: it's so not a good match that words fail me. Thankfully, there about as many Cancer & Leo pairings out there as there are Nader fans. So really, not much to worry about. But if you did suddenly become the new "in" pairing, I will just say this: if you had a sexy fire going on in the living room, and someone came in and dumped a bucket of ice on that fire, wouldn't you be pissed?

* Cancer & Sagittarius: OK. This is my number one shit list pairing, without a doubt. OK, I lied. There is one more that may be worse (soon to come). Let me see. How do I delicately put it?? YOU TWO DON'T WORK TOGETHER. ACCEPT IT. GET OVER IT. Sooner, than later, please. Or else. This is not a veiled threat. This is serious. Your Cancer is crazy emotional, controlling, and just not that into sex. Your Sag is incapable of emotional awareness and warmth, and just can't live without sex for more than a week. Need I say more?

* Virgo & Aries: pointless. Weird. Random. Perhaps super sex. But all in all, what's the point? You two have nothing in common and don't really support one another's beliefs, goals, or lifestyles. So, enjoy the sex for a bit, keep it light, and just use this as a stepping stone to the next best thing. But please, PLEASE, don't drag it out. You owe it to your friends to just end it. Therapy is expensive, after all.

* Virgo & Sagittarius: THIS may be the worst couple ever...if Cancer doesn't come in and get involved with the Sag to create a whole shitshow out of the pre-existing shitshow. Kinda like an episode of The Hills or something. Look, Virgo and Sagittarius is worse than a hot mess. It is a hot catastrophe. Virgo is so anal, stubborn, and RESERVED. Sagittarius is so adventurous, out-going, and restless. You always seem to want to make this relationship work. It just doesn't. And yet you stay together. For YEARS sometimes. And it just ends in shambles. Shambles. An insurance policy won't even pay for your salvation here.

* Libra & Cancer: I mean...it isn't brutal, because you are both so darn lucky in getting away with murder. So, I guess, you can go ahead and make this mistake. It won't last long, and you probably won't like each other all too much. But it made for some nice memories, and perhaps some arts and crafts projects for those rainy Sundays when you had nothing to do seeing as the sex was so bad you preferred to sort out your sock drawers.

So there you have my top list of completely INcompatible, can't-even-believe-you- would-consider-this-relationship, astrological pairings. You can do with it what you will...but hopefully, for my sanity, and all those who love you, you will seriously take these thoughts into consideration. If you have moments of weakness, print out this blog. Put it on your fridge, on your desktop, on your bulletin board, in your diary...whatever. Just, please, think about it.

Next Up: If It Looks Like a Duck...and Quacks Like One...Well???

Mid-Year Crisis of the Stars

2008-07-22T22:00:00.000-04:00

As if I need to point out the obvious...it is already mid-year 2008. Wow. OK, so I did just point out the obvious. Guess I just needed some word count filler to get my creative juices flowing here.

I don’t know about you, but 2008 has kinda been a ride already. Numerology speaking, it is a 1-year. 1-year’s in numerology are all about production, work, goals, and creating your own future to empower yourself. Whether your project has been work-related (this includes planning or going back to school in addition to your standard 40-hour+ work week), your own internal development (spiritual, emotional, or physical), or public service humanitarian relief (volunteer or charity work), I am willing to bet all of you have experienced significant changes in your life already. Changes that have quite possibly affected your career path, your marital status, or your own spiritual journey. Sure, these changes may not all be tied up in a pretty bow yet, but you are getting there. Let’s say that at this point, you have the paper chosen and are almost done wrapping this little gift to yourself, but still need to put on the tape. This is the critical stage of the wrapping process because the whole "folding corners" of the paper to get the tape on is typically when the paper rips and you have to either start over or get creative as to how to hide the rip.

So normally it is at this stage of the year that we should re-asses our plans and make sure we are on the right track for the rest of the year. After all, 2009 is a 2-year in numerology, which means a year of connections, interpersonal relationships, patience and evaluation, and love. After all that work in our 1-year, we need to calm down and enjoy the work we did! So if we did a less than stellar job (say, we got a C or a D instead of a B+ or an A), we might not enjoy our 2-year as much as we should/could/would have. And who wants to waste a year tapping their fingers waiting for something better to happen? 2-year’s rarely bring about significant change...they are more about accepting the change we have already brought into our lives and embracing them (or already evaluating how to make them better).

Special mid-way reading note of importance for those who care to know: if you are wondering how/why this is a 1-year, it is simple math: 2+0+0+8 = 10, 1+0 = 1. When adding numbers in numerology, you keep reducing until it gets down to a single digit.

If it’s not bad enough that 2008 is a 1-year with particularly crazy events, that awful, awful, asshole Mercury has gone retrograde a couple times in a major bad fashion in Air signs (which Mercury rules). Between going retro in its’ own signs and going retro in this powerful numerology 1-year, it is no wonder these phases have been doozies for us. The next retro trip comes at the end of September (September 24 thru October 15 to be exact) and basically sticks around for almost the entire period of Libra (the final Air sign of 2008). Remember that the days prior to the retro phase, and immediately following, are typically the worst, so things are pretty much on hiatus from September 19 thru October 18. So get a lot of work done now before Mercury starts up his shenanigans again. You don’t want to have to schedule trips, surgeries, or buy significant purchases (home, car, or major electronics) during this phase.

If you haven’t taken time for a vacation, or planned one yet, not only are you a loser, but you are a workaholic as well. Seriously, no one is going to give you a medal for all work and no play. Well, maybe your boss will, but only in the form of "here is more work for you since you don’t take time off nor seem to need it." Um, yeah, "wahoo" for you. If you haven’t pampered yourself in some other form (dining out, spa treatments, random road trips, expensive clothes or jewelry), start working on that too. It’s never to late to have F-U-N!

It goes without saying that if you haven’t figured out your numerology for this year, you have basically wasted nearly 7 months of a valuable resource to yourself. So here is a crash guide of what-you-need-to-know, or how to add up your numerology numbers (these are not complicated trick math questions in algebra class):

• Your master life path number: this is done by adding the dates of your birth, including the year.
Example: you were born March 22, 1980. Your master life path number until the day you die (scary) is: 7 (3+2+2+1+9+8+0 = 25, 2+5 = 7).
•Your personal year number for 2008: this is done by adding your master life path number to 2008’s master number (1).
Example: same birthday as above would be in an 8-year for 2008 (7+2+0+0+8 = 17, 1+7 = 8). To make it easy, your yearly number for 2008 is just adding a "1" to your own master life path number.

Something of particular importance: if your master life path number and your yearly number end up being the same, this is a super master year for you as you are coming to a powerful karmic stage in your life. Take time to read what it means to be your master life path number and re-read it again as it will play a more significant role in your life this year.

A great site for all of this: http://www.numerology.freesoul.com/

On this site, you can read your yearly number, along with your monthly, weekly, and daily forecasts. Christine DeLorey explains how you find each number if my explanation above leaves you scratching your head, or some other body part, trying to figure it out. I am also adding this terrific site to the left-hand side toolbar under "Horoscopes and Numerology" so that you can always access it (better yet, save it as a "Favorites" on your web browser as I am sure it will become one).

Next Up: Signs that never should be together. Really. Honestly. Seriously.

Summer lovin' had me a blast...

2008-06-24T16:50:00.000-04:00

If you are like me, you are currently sitting in your office thinking "Why the heck am I in this hellhole when I could be outside doing...[insert fantasy-of-the-moment HERE]." After all, I am pretty sure we weren’t meant to be sitting in an office staring at a computer for 8 hours (or more) a day to fulfill our destiny and goals. Especially since the following disabilities often arise from the aforementioned office activities: lower back pain, shoulder pain, poor posture, migraines, carpel tunnel syndrome, increasingly poor eye sight from staring at the computer screen, susceptibility to office germs (colds, viruses, etc), and stress-induced problems (heart attacks, blood pressure rising, digestive irregularities, asthma, muscle pains). Wow, that’s a lot of shit we "gain" on top of our annual compensation. They don’t tell you in HR that you may make $75K annually (disclaimer: salary amount is just a wishful thinking shot-in-the-dark meant to appease all parties reading this blog), but the bonus perks are diseases from stress-induced BS you deal with. What an incentive package indeed!

So what’s the good news and where am I going with this? Quite simply, it is now summer as of June 20th. The summer solstice said so. While we may be in for a long month of emotional sun sign Cancer ruling the Zodiac brat pack, we can also be thankful for Mercury finally being out of retrograde. I don’t know about you, but every single person I knew was muttering "f%^& Mercury" by the end of week one, and was pretty much crying "f%$^ Mercury" at the close of its retro trip last Thursday (officially now over as of yesterday, June 23rd). It was a rough ride, as I promised in my blog below. Transportation breakdowns (metro delays and malfunctions), accidents (medical or car), communication issues (either verbal or with your actual phones), technical crises (power and electricity shortages, computer meltdowns, etc), health problems (colds, surgeries, medical issues in general), all surfaced during this last retro trip phase. I am happy to announce that Mercury is surging full speed, in a forward moving direction, until September 24th. This retro phase will last until October 15th (but always remember it takes one week before and after to adjust itself). So we are safe for about 3 months. What to do in the meanwhile??

We need a vacation!!!!!!!!!!!

Why? We deserved it! So plan something...now...and enjoy this summer before cold weather and Mercury come back with a vengeance.

Capricorn: stop working already. You have been non-stop traveling, stressing, and "doing" since your hangover subsided on the afternoon of January 1st. Honestly, there is over-achieving, and then there is just "glutton for punishment." Go to an all day spa and treat yourself to some massages, manicures & pedicures, and facials. It will make you feel refreshed and spare you a visit to the doctor for that blood pressure medication they were about to put you in thanks to all that stress.

Aquarius: since you are about to make another job/career transition, take this time to actually not give a damn about your responsibilities and just enjoy life a bit. You know, extended lunch breaks, trips to the movie theater by yourself, lounging in the park with a good book, singing karaoke in your skivvies at home. Letting lose a bit will help with that stick you have up your butt for stressing and worrying too much about what to do next.

Pisces: make a decision and stick with it. Since you really do suck at that, just go to some sort of meditation retreat or camping…connect with nature, the Universe, or whatever "holistic" thing you like to do, and sort through things you need to get done or handle. Come back and stick to your guns and make your New Year’s resolutions last for at least 3 weeks (we know you can’t handle a longer commitment without changing your mind or being influenced by someone else’s power of suggestion).

Aries: all that partying has your eyes looking a little bloodshot. It’s OK, we know it has been a stressful year for you with a lot of work and BS stuff coming in. You are kinda over it all, so who can blame you for grabbing another drink or one-night stand? Since telling you to stay in is a waste of my time, why don’t you just book a large booth/table at your favorite restaurant or club and invite all your best friends out for some cocktails and food? Flirt it up, meet new people, and basically do what you do best...slut it out! (note: many of you are actually happily committed right now in great relationships, so find inventive ways to get it on with your lover).

Taurus: well, most of you just came back from a vacation or trip...after all, it was your birthday recently! But hey, you are a hedonist at heart, so just go ahead and plan another one. Since many of you went to the beach, or just moved to a new home, try something different and fun…amusement park? Wine tour through the vineyards? Grab your honey and show off that romantic mood you have been in lately.

Gemini: oh GOD when will vacation come? It’s been too much work and little play for you, and this is making your childish twin about ready to throw a temper tantrum. Tell the kiddo to calm down and that Mommy/Daddy is working on making arrangements right now for some brainless R&R. Yes, brainless. Your mind has been in overdrive. Your vacation will require absolutely no mental capacity or thought beyond how much sun screen is necessary to avoid burning on the beach. Or maybe you can contemplate which book to read first on the plane. Whatever.

Cancer: you are in serious need of a Valium. Since it is birthday time, you can either dwell on another year passing, or you can seize this opportunity to demand being romanced and catered to. Hire a housekeeper for the day to clean your place up and then go online and find a cheap last minute deal so you won’t feel guilty about eating up your savings on vacation. We all know you need to be around water to feel happy...so do it. Hop in your car, drive to the nearest beach, and get your cute little bathing suit and sun hat on and just dig into the sand like the crab you are and breathe in the ocean air. Bring a journal too. You need to vent.

Leo: OK, maybe you need the Valium more than Cancer. Rough times, eh? Lots of stress, work, and health issues of late have not made you the happiest or most carefree cat on the block. First off, take deep breaths. It will all be OK. Summer is here and you are like a pug in mud when the sun shines more often than the clouds roll in. Then start assessing your wardrobe and health…it has suffered of late from all this drama and you are NOT living up to your sexy God/Goddess potential. Arrange a shopping trip at your favorite mall or store, hit the gym, get your hair did, and then dress up for a glam night out on the town with your friends. Leave the blackberry at home. And hey, if the glam night out is in a new city for an extended weekend of fun…all the better.

Virgo: you are really boring lately, you know that? Waa Waa Waa. Make some changes that will make you happy. Work always sucks, you are always putting in overtime, and you just want some time off. WE GET IT. Question is, do YOU? All your PTO is accruing at work…when was your last vacation? 5 years ago? Pile up the books and magazines you want to read (maybe throw in some Sudoku puzzles to calm your overactive mind) and go to a quiet retreat...beach, mountain campsite, yacht, whatever. Stop analyzing your options and just go for them.

Libra: hey there social butterfly! Aren’t you tired of flirting all the time and looking great? Why don’t you take a break from it all and stay at home to enjoy that newly renovated kitchen, patio, or living room you just had done? Really, it’s lovely, and you spent a lot on it. Throw a catered dinner party and invite some friends over so you can chat up a storm and show off your newest summer dress (or if you are a guy, your latest piece of art you bought). It will make you feel good and relaxed. You could go on vacation, but really, who cares? Unless vacation means somewhere fun in Europe where you can eat a lot of food and drink a lot of wine. In which case, Ciao Italia!

Scorpio: yep, life is f%^ depressing at times, and you are just so bored with the routine. We know. It’s hard being you…you want to sulk and be down, but you just don’t have time. Luckily, things are on the upswing. We are in Cancer right now and this is your power moment to do something spontaneous...weekend trip to a historical town, sitting on the beach with the latest book on religious mysteries uncovered, or planning a clandestine sexual rendezvous with your partner. Do it. And then don’t tell anyone about it, because that’s the way you roll.

Sagittarius: is that a club/lounge soundtrack following you around everywhere you go? It sure is, you party animal you. Life has been one big adventure since this calendar year started and you are sure as hell enjoying this ride...but let’s be honest, you are a weee bit tired, aren’t you? And, funny, it’s not gonna end anytime soon! You have so many plans, trips, and events coming up that you don’t even have time to rest. That’s fine, you like it like that. It has all been one big vacation to you this year, so just keep on rolling with it...but maybe give that liver some PTO for a few days? It has been working overtime for a while now.

Next Up: Mid-year crisis of the stars.

The Sun isn't the only thing Rising...

2008-05-22T12:00:00.001-04:00

Well, the Sun isn’t even rising right now if you live on the Eastern coast, but that’s beside the point of this post. The past few blogs focused on what our Moon signs mean, how cusps are different from other signs, and which political candidate is best poised to win the election in November (challenge: find the topic that doesn’t fit with the rest…feels like a throwback to the SATs, huh?).

So you think you have the astro thing all figured out, right? Well, of course that’s totally wrong. Heck, I don’t even have it all figured out. Do you know there are astrologers out there who make TONS, and I mean TONS, of money doing professional charts and maps for people’s lives? I am not just talking about their personal life birth chart, but even their business ones too. Some companies won’t make major deals, transactions, or decisions without their professional astrologer determining the best dates to take action. We have also had many, many presidents who won’t make any major decisions on wars or laws until they have consulted with their Madame Cleo. These charts and decisions are all made by mapping out the positions of the planets, the changing of the moons, and various other issues, notably planets in retrograde, etc, during specific periods of time based on the "birth" of the situation at hand (for a company, the chart is based on their opening date).

CODE RED ALERT: While we are on the subject of planets in retrograde, this would be a stellar time to mention that our favorite planet, Mercury, is trippin’ again from May 26th - June 19th. Yeah, that’s a monster of a marathon…nearly a whole month! Every professional site I have read has said to lay low between now and June 23rd. What makes this retro trip significant is that Gemini (our astro birthday darling right now) is ruled by Mercury. So Mercury is actually going retro in its OWN SIGN. Bad news bears. So please, attempt to do NONE of the following for the next month:

• Sign major contracts (jobs, homes, cars, etc)
• Buy expensive items (jewelry, cars, home, electronics)
• Speed (tickets come easily, as do crashes, during this time)
• Schedule or have any major surgery or medical procedures
• Book any tickets for travel (and avoid checking in luggage if you travel)

Just lay low and let Mercury pass you by. This retro phase, however, is a super time for the following activities:

• Relaxing and reaping the rewards of all your hard work this past month/year (since January)
• Earning unexpected sums of money in the form of commission, bonus, or promotions (maybe President Bush consulted with HIS astrologer to send out stimulus checks now)
• Earning significant applause or merit for a recent project completed successfully
• Falling in love (yes, this one is true…this retro phase is ideal for meeting your soulmate as it will prolong the courting period and make you take things slow; most signs will find that their potential to find their true love, or enhance their current one, is significantly strong during this period)

So it isn’t all bad!

That being said, let’s move on. There is a lot going on in astrology other than just your Sun sign. You got your Moon (as discussed in the last blog), your Venus (as discussed during Valentine’s Day), and you got your retro phases. Sure there are about 9 other planets to discuss, but I have no motivation to get into that right now. Why? I have bigger fish to fry…notably, your RISING sign.

Your Rising sign is of so much importance to you, that you can’t even begin to know (well, unless you already do). In fact, it is so important, and so unique, to just YOU, that you can’t find it in a random book just based on the fact that you were born on [insert date here]. You actually have to know the EXACT TIME you were born, WHERE you were born, and well, the date (duh). Then a birth chart can be generated. Bla, bla, bla. I have mentioned this many times before...yet oddly, I still meet too many of you who have yet to get your’s done. Really? Are you that busy at work that you can’t procrastinate for a little bit? Didn’t think so.

Anyways, the reason this is important is that you could technically look at your Rising sign as a combo meal with your Sun sign. The two go together, like burgers and fries. The whopper combo would be adding your Moon sign, but let’s save calories for now...it’s bathing suit season!

Your Rising sign is the direct impact of another sign on your Sun sign. So unless you are a Leo with a Leo rising, you ain’t a true Leo. Some other sign is throwing out those Leo fires you have. It helps if your Rising sign is a comparable sign (For example: you are an Earth sign with an Earth rising sign, such as a Capricorn with a Virgo rising). That makes you very "Earth" oriented and balanced seeing as both signs work well together and are part of the same family. To completely exhaust my metaphor of fast food, think of it like ketchup and mustard...those go together, yes? Well, let’s say you were a Taurus with a Leo rising. That would be an Earth sign with a Fire sign rising. Ouch. Your Rising Fire sign is burning out your Earth Sun sign. Much like vinegar and ketchup would turn into an ugly (and possibly nasty and acidic) mess. I mean, it still works out if you balance it out well. Think of the Brits who throw vinegar on their fries and sometimes dip some in their ketchup, err "catsup", just for an extra zing.

The point is your Sun sign and your Rising sign work together as a duo. They blend to make your personality more well rounded so that you aren’t just another Cancer sign, but a Cancer with a Libra kick to you. Whether the blend is more compatible, like bread and butter, or more difficult, like oil and water, is up to whatever the Universe had planned for you at the exact time you were born. So stop blaming your parents for all your issues...it could be the solar system f%^ with you from the get-go, you crazy Gemini with a Scorpio rising.

So, next time you say to someone (or me), "Hey, I don’t feel like a true Virgo", why don’t you go and check your Rising sign online and see what’s going on? And also, keep this in mind: when you read your monthly (or daily horoscopes), you should ALWAYS read the horoscope of your Rising sign as well. Cool stuff, huh? At the very least, it should kill a few more minutes off of your daily work routine.

Next Up: Summer lovin’ had me a blast…

What's up with the Moon?

2008-04-17T12:00:00.001-04:00

Full Moon, New Moon, Moon signs...what’s up with all these Moon references? How do they all affect me? What the heck is the difference between my Moon and my Sun sign? Which is more important? Why do I have so many questions?

Well, I don’t know if I have the master key that opens the door to all these Moon-related questions, but I can tell you a few important things about Moons. Basically, a “what you need to know [for now]” guide. Or, better said, "Moon Guides for Dummies." For those of you just DYING of curiosity to learn more, go to the New Age section of your book store and pour through the entire shelf of books on this. Grab a latte, you will need it for energy.

Let's begin...

Moon cycles

Every month we go through a Full Moon and a New Moon. The New Moon is pretty self-explanatory. A New Moon ushers in a new cycle for the month. This cycle puts into motion a sequence of events, or a particular “theme”, that is basically your guide for what you can expect to happen in the month ahead. The consequences/climactic point of those events happen at the Full Moon and “end” by the following New Moon. So you should be able to mentally picture how this cyclical cycle works. The affects of the New Moon will depend on your astrological Sun sign. Some New Moons can be very beneficial for you if the Moon is in your sign or a compatible sign. Not so stellar if it is in an opposing sign...

The Full Moon will also impact you positively or negatively based on your sign. The difference is that astrologers follow the Full Moon more closely than they do the New Moon as it impacts everyone significantly in some way or another, with a time span of plus or minus four days of that Full Moon. Dramatic changes or events tend to occur under a Full Moon and they typically involve an element of surprise or the unknown. People freak out and act weird, emotions are heightened, situations climax, all that stuff. It’s not for nothing that crime, deaths, and births tend to happen more frequently around the Full Moon. I am sure someone more scientifically inclined than myself will tell me that this has something to do with the gravitational pull of the Full Moon on the planets, water/ecological system, and since we are 75% water, it would naturally follow that we are affected. Well, maybe that is the scientific explanation? Gotta thank my biology teacher in high school.

Either way, you should always check your calendars to see where the Full Moon lands as it will help you get through a situation (good or bad) knowing that it will come to some sort of critical point around that time (much like Wednesday is the “hump day” of the work week that makes you see the light at the end of another tunnel).

Moon signs

This is a biggie. When people ask you “What’s your sign?” they are referring to your Sun sign. All of you should know your Sun sign (aka, what you look up when you read your horoscope in a magazine or on the Internet). Honestly? Your Moon sign is just as important, if not more, than your Sun sign. Your Sun sign is what the world sees. It is how you project yourself on the “surface.” Your Moon sign is your internal self, or what some may call the “real” inner you. This shouldn’t be a head scratcher...just think of it like the Sun being out during the day and the Moon being out at night. What you see during the daylight is different than what you see in the evening. The same goes with people’s personalities.

Ironically, we tend to fall for people with compatible Moon signs more than we do Sun signs. Why? Because their Moon sign self (aka the REAL inner thoughts/motives of that person) are what you are feeling/seeing/picking up on when you meet them. Another common occurrence is that we fall for people with Moon signs that are compatible to our Sun sign...kind of like a “criss-crossing” of our charts.

For example:
An Aquarius girl with a Virgo Moon always falls for Taurus men.

Why? Because her Virgo Moon is attracted to his Taurus Sun. Much like a positive and negative magnet being attracted to one another. Of course, what is even more common, and freaky, is that the Taurus man she falls for happens to have an Air sign (Aquarius, Gemini, or Libra) Moon. Suddenly, these two are perfectly compatible even though most magazines/books they read would say that Aquarius and Taurus are not a good match.

I could get into the whole importance of your Rising or Venus sign, but I think I would be overloading you with information. If nothing else, go and find out what your Moon sign is. You can find birth chart links on the left-hand corner of my blog. You need to know the exact time of birth too; however, this is less important with the Moon because Moon's change into different signs about every 3 days. In other words, unless you were born on a day when the Moon was transitioning, you can look up your Moon sign in a generic Moon chart book for the 3 days plus or minus your birthday and it will be accurate.

The goal of this exercise is to see if it suddenly makes sense that you are a Fire sign (Aries, Leo or Sagittarius) and yet always fall for seemingly incompatible Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn). It could just be your Moon is in an Earth sign. Those “Ah-Hah!” moments should start clicking with more frequency now.

In the meanwhile, heads up kids: the Full Moon is this Sunday, April 20th. Start howling at dusk.

Next Up: The Sun isn’t the only thing Rising…

Spring Fever!

2008-03-30T15:00:00.000-04:00

Spring is in the air! Flowers are blooming! Rain is falling! Pollen is swirling! Well, if you are plagued with allergies, these new developments may inspire more nausea or sinus headaches than a feeling of bliss. But you get my point...seasons are changing and that means new wardrobes, daylight savings, summer vacations to plan, and a whole new chapter in 2008 to look forward to.

Many of us have had a rough start in 2008. Mercury was in retrograde from the end of January to almost the end of February, which caused a breakdown in many communications and plans; Mars is still retrograde until May technically, which has brought conflicts, high spending bills, and a sense of tension around every corner.

Kinda sucks when I write it all down, huh?

Well, I think we need to view Spring as the beginning of great things to come...notably, summer!! So what better way to celebrate the new season than my doing a quick recount of the past Winter and making suggestions on how to have a great Summer?

OK, here goes:

Capricorn: If one were to sum up your first quarter of '08 (I know you relate more when I use financial terms to describe your life), it would be travel travel travel, work work work. You have barely been home!!! And when you are home, you are working 24/7. And when you are traveling, you are working 24/7. Of course, most of you have been quite happy. Deliriously happy, actually. You are really enjoying all the new projects on your desk and this immense feeling of purpose your life has had lately. What's missing, of course, is a sense of contentment in your love life. Sure, your work is your "play", but, honestly...take time to smell the flowers and be with your friends (or that someone special). Jupiter is in your sign this year, so anything you do should make you succeed tremendously. Use that gift wisely. Book a trip for the summer in which you will NOT have your blackberry with you and can not be reached for work purposes. Also, plan a dinner party (or make a reservation at your favorite restaurant) with your friends/partner and celebrate how much money you have been making this year.

Aquarius: you stressed little soul! STOP! Work has been a never ending pile of crap for you lately and you can't see the forest from the trees. You have ironically placed yourself in this situation, after all, when you tell your boss "More, please!" they give you MORE. Aquarians love to always be busy and hopping around from one idea to the next to stay busy, but sometimes enough is enough. It is taking a toll on your mental sanity and you just feel a little exhausted. Drama at work, drama in your personal life just makes you wish you could take a little "me time." So do it. Yes, why not? Plan a trip to go visit a friend in a distant city and explore their hometown. Do NOT go see a tortured friend though. Even Mother Teresa needed a break.

Pisces: life has been moving along quite well...kinda like a nice "hum" to it. Most of you are nesting. Yes, nesting. You are expecting a new addition to the family, or focusing on family/spiritual matters. What makes YOU happy? True, you are always asking yourself this philosophical question, but the reality is that all of you Pisces right now are on the brink of a major life change. Whether it is a new job, new baby, new home, new relationship (or marriage), there is something big coming into your life. Enroll yourself in some yoga/pilates classes to meditate and relax so you can eagerly welcome all these new changes. Since you love being near water, or doing some sort of physical activity (you Pisces love your workouts), why not book a white water rafting trip, or mountain hiking excursion, to do something that will connect you to nature AND allow you to be physically fit?

Aries: there's not much to say right now, huh? Well, except for that quiet discontentment under the surface regarding your career. Thinking of a change? Thinking you aren't being challenged enough? Thinking you need some more spice in your life? There is a lot of routine right now and you want to shake things up a bit. You are becoming too predictable for your own liking! Gasp! At least you are still being sociable and making plans for fun nights out. When you stop doing that, then I would start to worry. So for now, just sit back and enjoy this down time. Use the brewing discontentment to make you think about what would be fun to do next in your career. If you don't feel like thinking about it, just focus on your birthday coming up (or just having passed) and how to make this year a better one for you. A trip to somewhere completely new, different, and slightly exotic may be the ticket.

Taurus: and the drama rolls on. There is a LOT going on in your life...are you in the right career? Are you with the right person? Should you move homes or should you stay? What to do, what to do. Well, for one thing, stop enjoying the drama. It's true...you may wish harmony and peace, but you are kinda enjoying being the topic du jour and mixing around some ideas in your head about what your future will hold. The answer is: just do it. The whole reason this is happening is because your life up until now has been ho hum and boring. This spice is exactly what you needed, so use it to create a new path that is fun and unpredictable. It may do you good to lose control!! But first things first...book a massage or a relaxation day/retreat. You are on overload and could use some pampering. Buy some new clothes with vibrant colors to cheer you up...and get ready for the rollercoaster ride!

Gemini: OK, calm down and stop stressing. Too much work and no play is not fun. It doesn't help that things also seem to be so unsettled lately. Even though Mercury went out of retrograde in mid-February, many of you feel as if you are going through a retro trip now. It's time to loosen up and enjoy life a bit more...and stop trying to control that which you can't. This relates to work AND love life. Don't waste time either...Mercury goes BACK into retrograde (and in Gemini no less!) May 26th through June 19th, but the effects begin May 12th and last through to July 5th. Remember, Mercury warms up for his race well ahead of time, and then takes his sweet ole' time adjusting to running forward again. So that's basically 1.5 months of "pause and reflect." So do things NOW that will make you happy when you are "pausing and reflecting" on what's going on. A good idea? Plan a fun multi-destination trip for the summer. Nothing makes you happier than knowing you have a new adventure or city to explore on the horizon.

Cancer: we don't really know how you are doing because you have been such a damn recluse. Yeah yeah, you are busy and right now things aren't going well. Things seem to be a bit confusing, sad, twisted and unhappy. So you crawled into your shell to figure it all out. All I can say is great. We don't want to see you in your state of misery and you don't want to be dealt the harsh words of criticism either. Take care of your health and focus on making your mind and body feel physically fit and healthy...stress is a bitch on your immune system. Most importantly, take some down time and do breathing exercises. Like Capricorn, your astro-opposite, you need to learn to not over-work yourself. Since you hate spending tons of money, book an all-day retreat to a massage center (like a Korean spa or a student massage institute) and get a lot of TLC for a cheap price. The best of both worlds!

Leo: hey there big spender!! Did you just win the lottery? There's a lot of expenses flowing in and out of your bank account lately...but it is all worth it. Whether you just paid off a huge debt, bought a new home, booked an expensive vacation, or took a long trip (or all of the above), you have certainly been racking up the expenses. You have also been pushing your health by doing too much. Even you can't be Wonderwoman or Superman. Be sure to take your vitamins and go to the gym...it will help you keep your energies up and your body healthy. But with all this action, make sure you find plenty of time to stay in bed and relax! And since you Leo's love doing other fun things in bed, why don't you just plan your day around the bedroom? Hopefully all your spending has included some sexy new clothes for Spring and Summer...flaunt yourself and enjoy all the admiring glances. Who knows, someone could offer to take YOU on a trip.

Virgo: I know you hate your job. Everyone knows you hate your job. But you Virgo's need to take action rather than TALK about taking action. Yes, you work ridiculous hours. Yes, you are always stressed. But newsflash: the sky will not come crashing down if you take a day off. And that includes leaving your blackberry at home. Take a REAL day off. Actually, take a week off. When was the last time you did that?? Make finding a new job your number #1 priority and don't forget to book your summer vacation now...it will give you a better chance of actually taking it. If you procrastinate, you just won't ever do it. Remember: there is NO such thing as perfect timing. You have to create it. Since you have been on overload with work, a relaxing beach environment would be best for you. Sun, ocean and minimal background noise.

Libra: tra la la, and life is still good. You look and feel great and life hasn't felt this good in a long time. You have been a homebody too. What's up with that? You are too sociable to stay at home all the time (and talking on the phone with all your friends does not count). Plan a fun night out with your friends and delight them with your happy-go-lucky self. Since staying home is your new motto, why not find a room to re-decorate and make that your next project? At the very least, it will get you out of the house to run errands to Home Depot. Maybe you could make your new project be your backyard? A new table, grill or landscaping may be just the perfect thing for all those summer BBQ's you want to host.

Scorpio: feeling a bit down and out? A little dark and moody? It's OK...happens to the best of us. Your problem is that you are just tired of the routine of life. You want a new view. France? Italy? Argentina? Hong Kong? Why not?? Start doing some research on a far away and new place...you love researching stuff anyways. Maybe center your trip around something historical (like visiting castles in Ireland or ancient ruins in Greece). You get the idea. At the very least, it will get your mind running over new possibilities and remind you that life has tons of options for you to explore. Hop to it. No need for me to spell out what to do for the summer...I just did! Book your flight now!

Sagittarius: your life is kinda messy and sticky right now, isn't it? What's going on?! Aren't you happy with your choices? Are you feeling confused? Are you secretly loving the fact that you are changing and are just beginning to see all the new possibilities infront of you? A whole new chapter in your life has started. For some of you, it means a new job. For others, it means a new relationship or home. For most, it is all of the above. All of this is making you a bit crazy and feeling slightly dangerous...as if you are on the verge of taking a flying leap into the unknown. Do it. If nothing else, you will have a great story to tell when all is said and done. Taking a risk will help you feel more satisfied in all areas of your life. For this summer, put the warm weather to good use-- take your risks to the outdoors and don't stay at home watching TV reruns.

Next Up: What's up with the Moon?

The Politics of Astrology: Part II

2008-03-03T23:30:00.000-05:00

So tomorrow is fabulous Super Tuesday part deux. Of course, most of the nation is watching with baited breath to see whether Hillary can pull another miracle, or whether Obama will run with the Democratic nomination.

It’s a tough call, that’s for sure. So let’s put a little astrology into this nonsense to figure it out. As I mentioned in the last blog, one sign is different from all the rest and may have an advantage for being “special”…the other sign is an astrological powerhouse, which may sweep the nomination simply for being a force to be reckoned with.

I know. I am such a tease. I keep hinting at it and not dishing. So here’s the scoop:

Barack Hussein Obama was born on August 4, 1961. This makes him a Leo, the only FIRE sign in this entire election. That’s quite an advantage since fire signs are known for their boldness, assertiveness, charisma and power. In fact, they thrive on power. Having it, using it, owning it…and abusing it. It is no coincidence that some of history’s most powerful leaders/dictators/political figures have been Leo’s.

Who, you ask? Let me list a few:

Napoleon
Mussolini
Castro
Jerry Falwell
Bill Clinton
Arnold Schwarzennegger
Yassar Arafat

Special note: Those Leo’s love going by one name, huh? Even Madonna works it to her advantage. It just kinda goes to the heart of a Leo: all about show, drama and stardom. They love the spotlight, they thrive on the attention, and they are pretty darn good at charming the pants off of anyone they know (especially if they want something from you). Natural born leaders, Leo’s inspire courage and confidence to those around them. As you can see from the list above, they are forces to be reckoned with: self-confident, assured and dogmatic.

Now along with all these admirable traits, Leo’s often suffer from infatuation…of their own image. They are obsessed with hearing themselves talk and seeing themselves walk, so to speak. Leo’s strut. Yes, they do. Like the lion they are, they love their power and their image. They are often accused of being over-indulgent, having too much pride (to the extent that it detrimentally affects their thinking/judgment) and of having power-hungry ambition. All of those leaders above have been their own worst enemy of wanting too much power and marching to the beat of their own philosophical/idealistic/self-righteous drum. They have a tendency to feel they are infallible.

Leo’s are definitely an interesting sign. They are well matched in politics…does the suit fit the man, or does the man fit the suit? Hard to tell with these Leo’s. Or with Obama. While people love his charisma, they aren’t afraid to often point out that he is all show and no substance…that he is in love with the sound of his own voice. His struggle will be to act less of a lion, or at the very least, pretend to be a cat.

On a numerology note, Obama is in his 4 year this year. Your 4 year is one of hard work, slow progress and tons of organization. A lot of stress and prioritization is involved, for you feel that you are playing a game of “Mother may I?” with progress. Responsibilities increase and the groundwork is laid for a very hectic 5 year ahead. Obama’s 5 year, which would be his first year in the Presidency, should he win, is a year of personal freedom, expansion and growth. It is a widening of social circles and a new set of routines filled with tons of momentum. Energy is scattered because too much is on your plate. All in all, it would be a great year socially for Obama, as long as he can focus on getting things done rather than networking just to show off that Leo charm.

So what gives on Hillary? For those paying close attention, since we have already marked Obama as the “different astro sign” and McCain and Huckabee as the Virgo clusterf*ck, this basically leaves the astrological powerhouse in Hillary’s hands.

Hillary Rodham Clinton is a Scorpio, born on October 26, 1947. Scorpio’s are represented by the Scorpion (who definitely bears a nasty sting when feeling threatened) and the Phoenix, a mythological fire creature in Greek mythology that rises from its own ashes and is reborn. Scorpio’s always come back and always win…they very rarely lose. Like the Phoenix, or the mystical black cat, they seem to have more lives than we can count. Certainly we have heard, and seen, how Hillary seems to keep bouncing back in these elections. She started out as the clear winner (as most Scorpio’s do) and then, just when the pundits thought she was “done”, she bounced back to win New Hampshire and to take on other major states such as CA, FL, MI and NV. The media is quick to comment on how Hillary just keeps coming back from the dead…just when you think she has been defeated and it is over, she rebounds.

And that’s where the pundits go wrong…over and over again. Never tell a Scorpio it is over. They determine when it is over. Scorpio’s are great at having two faces: the one they show to the public, and the one that they show to only a few (underscore FEW) selective people in their life. They come on strong, invincible, aloof and survivors. Above all else survivors. They are intense, passionate, determined, perceptive, profound and ambitious.

Let’s take a quick look at famous Scorpio leaders:

Ghandi
Prince Charles
Roosevelt
Jawaharlal Nehru
John Adams
Howard Dean
Robert F. Kennedy
Joseph McCarthy

So Hillary is in a good group, astrologically speaking, for political ambitions. Peacemakers and uniters, Scorpio’s have a way of getting what they want and making themselves look good while doing it.

But what about her numerology?

Obama is in his 4 year, going on his 5. McCain is in his 2 year, going on his 3. Both are well suited to win that Oval Office with those numbers going for them. Hillary is currently in her 1 year. What a great year. Your 1 year is a new beginning in your life. You have recently completed an entire 9-year cycle and have taken all those lessons and are ready to start again on a new journey and mission. It is a year of great excitement, challenges and adventures. A time to establish and act on goals, let go of the past and begin anew. You are ready for the world and have boundless energy (a good thing, as it will be used significantly for all these new projects). This leads Hillary into her 2 year as her first year as President, should she win the nomination. Your two year is one of development and cooperation, working with others in a close knit community to make results happen, slowly but surely. There may be delays and frustrations, but interpersonal relationships are strengthened to make things happen.

It is fair to say, then, that all three remaining candidates are well positioned for a terrific two years ahead based on their numerology…all of them having the potential to win this year and succeed in the next. So, really, it is no surprise they are all running and winning. They are in an astro/numerology match that is fairly balanced! Good thing too, seeing as Fox and CNN seem to have lost the art of that word…

That being said, how will they match up against each other? If they are all astrologically and numerologically empowered, who will win?

All of them are worthy opponents. With a Virgo, Scorpio and a Leo running, these things you can be sure of: none are weak, insecure, or lose [easily]. Their own pride (Leo) and stubbornness (Virgo) and power (Scorpio) will keep them in the running for a while to come. I should also note that while none of these signs lose easily, they also don’t lose well. In fact, they don’t lose at all (though Virgo’s don’t fare as well as Leo’s or Scorpio’s in this game…they often get the short end of the karmic stick when it comes to winning…sorry, McCain).

In terms of ganging up on McCain, Scorpio’s and Virgo’s do quite well together. Not so surprising since Hillary and McCain have referenced their mutual admiration and friendship for one another. Should they battle for the Presidential nod, a smoother and more amicable race would develop. Leo’s vs. either the Scorpio or Virgo will turn into a vigorous power match. The process will be much more tense with a Leo involved…they know how to stoke that fire of theirs and use it to their advantage (at the irritation of others).

And just for shits and giggles, there is always Nader-- a Pisces. Guess when fellow Piscean Romney dropped out, Nader felt the need to represent his sign again in this race. Talk about not giving up!

May the best sign win…

Next Up: Spring Fever.

The Politics of Astrology: Part One

2008-02-19T18:00:00.001-05:00

It's a strange and exciting time in U.S. politics today, that's for sure! Different candidates, from different walks of life, and different views on how to handle the issues this country faces, are squaring away for this historical presidential race. Probably the only thing that both sides can agree on is this: whoever wins the Presidential race in November 2008 will have a tough and challenging road ahead of them in the next 4, if not 8, years.

While the views and opinions of all these candidates may differ (some more drastically than others), you may be surprised to discover that they have something in common. Their signs are not all too different, or incompatible, to one another. That's right. Republican or Democrat, the 2008 candidates are all astrologically compatible. One of them stands alone, astrologically speaking, in terms of how they match up against their opponents. They are the "odd man [or woman] out." But there is also someone who is the astrological powerhouse and can use that to their own personal advantage when it comes time for the polls or nomination process. But I will let you read along before divulging. Ah yes, patience is a bitch, huh?

So as they say on TV, "let's get ready to rumble"...

On the Republican side, we have a candidate with a high profile background, prestigious political career, and yet a questionable party loyalty. On top of all of that, John McCain would also be the oldest male ever to be President, should he win the candidacy in November. His opponents? Well, we had one who would have run as the first Mormon ever to hold the Oval Office [Mitt Romney], and we have one who was a former Baptist preacher [Mike Huckabee].

It was certainly no secret that Romney was the odd man out compared to both McCain and Huckabee. He was considered more conservative, more favored by the political talk show radio pundits, and more traditional in terms of his conservative views. Though Romney was finally endorsed by most conservatives as the "lesser of the evils" in this campaign, he also had to battle tough criticism on his religion and his temper. It certainly didn't help that Huckabee and McCain seemed to get along much better, on and off, camera. Often, you would find these three bickering like kids in a sandbox. What's more is that it would end up being a McCain & Huckabee vs. Romney match.

So astrologically speaking, what gives with this triangle? It's actually a great astro clusterf*ck if you ever saw one and makes GREAT astro sense. Both McCain and Huckabee are Virgo's. McCain was born August 29, 1936; Huckabee was born August 24, 1955. Both men are known for their straight-talking, philosophical lifestyle and practical approach to matters. No frills, no bull, stubborn viewpoints, and a lot of discussion about honesty, integrity and personal truths. As Virgo's, they couldn't be a better profile for the astrological sign that focuses on the pursuit of honesty and perfection through critical thinking, over-analyzing and attention to small details (ok, let's be honest and call it a perverse version of OCD). Virgo's are also great with money and budgets. They often are penny-pincher's and great financial planners, which, with our failing economy, may be a GREAT thing.

But what do we have to worry about? Virgo's can be harsh, judgmental and unyielding. If you want people to work with you, you have to compromise. Another challenge? Virgo's can be compulsive. Yes, it's true. They can analyze and re-analyze, and then end up doing exactly the opposite of what they planned by just "going for it." Act now, think [and regret] later. That's not a good trait if you have too much power in your hands. Think wisely before you act (and yes, McCain, this means you may need to stop joking "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran.")

And while Virgo's are also known for being quite conservative [as a negative aspect], we obviously can't list that as such for obvious reasons!

But back to the positive! Virgo's are skilled debaters and thinkers. They are often well-versed in their field of work and considered masters of the game. It is rare to find a Virgo not succeeding in whatever they put their mind to. Huckabee and McCain certainly can enjoy this similarity in each other. Not only have they succeeded quite well in life, despite adversity, they have managed to hold on to their own personal integrity and use it as an effective promotional tool. It's no wonder they both get along!

And since their signs are similar, let's go to the next best thing: numerology. McCain is in his 2 year. Your two year is one of interpersonal relationships, connections, diplomacy and growth; clearly it is a great year to be in personally, especially if you also are running to win the Presidency of the United States. His 3 year would be in 2009. That's not a bad year to start a Presidency, since your 3 year is one of great success, recognition and living life to its' fullest (despite having to pay for the consequences later). Life hums along quite well in your 3 year.

Huckabee is in his 6 year. Your six year is one for focusing on love, family and spiritual matters of what means most to you. It is a year of cooperation and a sense of togetherness, but also one where progress is slow moving and will require some adjustments. This leads into your 7 year (which would be 2009 for Huckabee) which brings a sense of detachment, aloofness, analysis of the past and preparation for a new direction in the future. It is a time of introspection and contemplation: a mental checklist of "what did I do wrong? right? and what should I do next?" Hmmm. Not sure I would want to be President on a 7 year...

Then there is Romney. Sure, he is no longer running, but why did he lose? And why did he have problems connecting with his opponents? Because Romney is a Pisces (born March 12, 1947). Sidenote: since we are now in Pisces' Birthday Month, check out more on my Astro Birthday Spotlight above to read up on Pisces (and Romney). As Pisces is the perfect astrological opposite to Virgo, these three certainly had an intense yin/yang connection. It's a tense opposition, and while it is compatible, most Virgo's do get easily annoyed with their Pisces' inability to either make a decision or be straight forward. As you can see from my Astro spotlight above, Pisces are known for being self-centered, selfish and often have bouts of a strong temper. We saw on the campaign trail how Romney could get quite nasty in fighting back against his opponents, often getting the commentary from the media (and his opponents) that he wasn't playing nice or fair. When they are angry, Pisces could give Scorpio a run for their money in terms of that sharp sting.

Is a Pisces strong enough to be President? Well, we can't ever say "never"...but it's certainly not ideal to put a Pisces in a position of power. They can do quite well in business if they ever make up their mind what it is they want to do; but they struggle with decision making, emotional issues and temper. No one can deny Romney knows how to run a corporation; but many didn't think he had the strength to make decisions to run a country. Numerology speaking, Romney is in his 7 year now, so he is a year ahead of Huckabee. As I mentioned above for Mike, your 7 year isn't a good year to start a Presidency, or any other major endeavor. However, the good news for Romney is that 2009 is his 8 year. Your 8 year is one where you take the introspection (and sadness) of your 7 year and start driving your ambitions again. It is a year of capital wealth, financial gains and success, especially in business or any new endeavors. No one will question your authority or drive. What a great rebound!

Looks like Huckabee and Romney will have a lot to think about this year and the next. While numerology would suggest that Romney will be better suited than Huckabee to handle the disappointments of 2008 in 2009, it would seem that neither men are poised to win the Republican nomination...or Presidency. Since we know Romney has already folded, this may seem like a "no sh*t" comment. But don't count Romney out: with a strong numerology year ahead in 2009, he just may score the Vice Presidency. Even if he doesn't, looks like NOT winning may end up being the best thing for him. Al Gore anyone??

So the Universe has spoken. The Republican campaign is now centered on two Virgo's, and one less Pisces. You can't even say "May the best sign win."

Taking that into consideration, what does this mean for our Democratic candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama? How will each of them fare against the two Virgo's running?

Ah, I'll make you sweat it out and keep you hanging until the next blog. After all, even Hillary and Obama are having to keep up their patience until the March 4th primaries. And so can you!

In the meanwhile, please take time to check out my friend's blog on politics and the media: Not Fooled by the Media. You can find this link on the left-hand side toolbar under the "You've Been Struck" meter or copy and paste from the link below. Enjoy!!!

http://notfooledbythemedia.blogspot.com/

Next Up: The Politics of Astrology: Part Two

Is that Cupid's arrow in the stars???

2008-02-10T16:30:00.000-05:00

So, another Valentine's day is upon us. A time of love, romance, chocolates, flowers and sex. Or, for those pessimists out there, it's just another Hallmark holiday (what are you? A depressing Scorpio or analytical Virgo? enjoy the holiday!).

As a homage to the holiday that actually celebrates one of the bloodiest massacres in Italian history (and here you thought it was a fun story like an actual idiot who dressed like a Cupid and shot an arrow in his lover's butt to get her attention and gain her undying love, because after all, that makes perfect sense...), I thought the best way to pay my respects would be to talk about famous couples through history and list them in terms of their astrological compatibility.

While you will note that there are more astrologically compatible couples who made it than not, I also made a point of listing those couples who made it and are NOT compatible just to prove one of my main points: don't be afraid to date out of your astro box!!!

So incompatible, thank God they didn't kill one another:

Andre Agassi (April 29) & Brooke Shields (May 31)
-Poor Taurus Andre & Gemini Brooke. While they made an honest effort of it for a long time, it just didn't work out in the long run. While Taurus and Gemini are known for their surprising compatibility, these two are a perfect example of how neighboring signs just don't have an easy time of it. However, apparently Mr. Agassi loves his Gemini's. After he and Brooke bit the dust, he moved on to love and happiness with longtime friend, and tennis pro, Steffi Graf, who also happens to be a Gemini (June 14). Looks like Andre has a type...

Tom Cruise (July 3) & Nicole Kidman (June 20)
-Just as neighboring signs Andre and Brooke didn't make it, neither did Cancer Tom and Gemini Nicole. As a rule, Gemini and Cancer never make it. Gemini wants more thrills and mental wit, Cancer wants more pandering and security. Guess neither of them could see eye-to-eye on love...or maybe that's because Nicole was just too tall for poor ole' Tom. Luckily, he seems to have moved on with Sagittarius Katie Holmes (Dec 18). Time will only tell whether this couple, who are even more incompatible astrologically than Tom & Nicole, will make it.

Reese Witherspoon (March 22) & Ryan Phillippe (Sept 10)
-Aries Reese is too ambitious and bold for analytical Virgo Ryan. Her Aries Fire scorched his Earth Virgo self, and these two didn't stand a chance. While Virgo can admire Aries' drive and stamina, ultimately the Virgo doesn't feel needed by such a powerhouse, leaving the Virgo feeling useless. That is never a good place for a Virgo to be.

Donald Trump (June 14) & Ivanka Trump (Oct 30)
-Gemini Donald Trump and Scorpio Ivanka Trump survived for a long time. Sure, Scorpio's intense nature and mysterious qualities probably fascinated the childlike, never-wants-to-grow-up Gemini, but in the long run, we all do grow up...and Gemini's hate growing old. Guess the Donald decided to beat Father Time by going after younger women...and got beautiful and young Taurus Melania. Whether this Taurus/Gemini match survives, only time will tell. Perhaps Andre Agassi could give Donald a few tips.

Justin Timberlake (Jan 31) & Cameron Diaz (Aug 30)
-Aquarius Justin is crazy, wild and full of imagination and life, always wanting to be in the limelight and learning new things. While Virgo Cameron was probably thrilled to be a part of the ride, and has her own quirky Virgo charm which captivated Justin for several years, ultimately, the Aquarius/Virgo differences came through when Cameron wanted marriage and kids and Justin was too busy bringing sexy back with other women.

Britney Spears (Dec 2) & Kevin Federline (March 21)
-What a mess when Sagittarius free-spirited Britney teamed up with cuspy Pisces/Aries K-Fed. While these two had an intense attraction to one another (probably when K-Fed acted more of an Aries than a Pisces), K-Fed's water Pisces self washed out Britney's fire and drove her crazy...literally.

Most incompatible Astro Signs Couples that made it:

Madonna (Aug 16) & Guy Ritchie (Sept 10)
-Madonna is the prototypical Leo, needing attention, drama and passion in her life...but sometimes that made her love life too wild and crazy when all she really wanted was to feel adored by someone special. Who better than reliable, dependable and witty Virgo Guy? Virgo's and Leo's, while incompatible, are two neighboring signs that often find one another AND stay together.

Ronald Reagan (Feb 6) & Nancy Davis (July 6)
-Aquarius Ronald Reagan found love at first sight with Cancer Nancy Davis. One of America's most charming love stories, Ronald was known for writing numerous passionate love letters to his wife Nancy during his years in office. His charming personality and strong communication skills certainly made Nancy feel loved, adored and secure...all that a Cancer ever really wants in life.

Oprah Winfrey (Jan 29) & Stedman Graham (March 6)
-Aquarius Oprah and Pisces Stedman have been together for like, 20 years, and are still going strong. While they were engaged and planning to get married, those plans eventually dissolved, but no matter: they are still together and live like a married couple. Oprah's humanitarian Aquarius self is obviously something that altruistic and peace-minding Stedman loves...after all, he is the evolved and compassionate Pisces man who wants to help mankind by bringing peace and love to us all. Who better than Oprah?

Julia Roberts (Oct 28) & Daniel Moder (Jan 31)
-Scorpio Julia Roberts had to wait a long time before falling in love with Aquarius cameraman Daniel Moder, whom she is now happily married too with several odd-named children. After years of staying with incompatible Sagittarius Benjamin Bratt (Dec 16), Julia moved on to creative and inspiring Danny, who is drawn by Julia's magnetic personality and charm...as only a Scorpio woman can master!

Jennifer Lopez (July 24) & Marc Anthony (Sept 16)
-Diva Leo Queen J-Lo went through many public heartbreaks before ending up with longtime friend and admirer, Virgo Marc Anthony. Perhaps J-Lo took a page from Madonna's book and went for stable Virgo after such a rocky past???

Kevin Bacon (July 8) & Kyra Sedgwick (Aug 19)
-One of Hollywood's most successful couples, Cancer Kevin and Leo Kyra prove that you don't have to be compatible astrologically to make a marriage work. Cancer's and Leo's are a hard match indeed, but it seems that Kevin's emotional homebody self makes Kyra's Leo personality feel needed and wanted just enough to keep their love footloose and fancy free.

Lucille Ball (Aug 6) & Desi Arnaz (March 2)
-No one can deny that Pisces Desi loved his Leo Lucy. This couple was infamous for their passion and hot and cold romance, but obviously the drama between these two kept their love a never-ending series of excitement and fun.

Edith Piaf (Dec 19) & Marcel Cerdan (July 22)
-Sagittarius Edith dubbed Cancer Marcel as "the love of my life." And while this love affair ended tragically with Marcel's airplane crash death en route to see Edith, their love inspired Edith's music and famous love song "La vie en rose."

Awards for most compatible Astro Signs Couples that didn't make it:

Elizabeth Taylor (Feb 27)& Richard Burton (Nov 10)
-Sure, Pisces Liz Taylor and Scorpio Richard Burton are more astrologically compatible than most, after all, a Pisces and a Scorpio go together like bread & butter, but that a marriage did not make (once, twice and three times over). Nonetheless, these two couldn't seem to stay away from one another, marking their passionate love affair of decades as one of Hollywood's best.

Alec Baldwin (April 3) & Kim Basinger (Dec 8)
-We all know how tragic the marriage between firey Aries Alec and Sagittarius Kim turned out to be. While these two are incredibly compatible in astrology, it turns out love, or the intense passion these two shared, wasn't enough. Now that the fires have cooled between these two, all that is left is a scorched affair.

Jennifer Aniston (Feb 11) & Brad Pitt (Dec 18)
-Aquarius Jennifer and Sagittarius Brad could have had it all: a great looking couple, both independently famous and wealthy. But quirky and neurotic Aquarius Jennifer wasn't enough to dull Sagittarius Brad's wanderlust self, who moved on to an even MORE compatible match for his Sag self...but since it is too good of a match to be included in this list, check out more on the list below why he and Angie are a match made in astro heaven.

Jessica Simpson (July 10) & Nick Lachey (Nov 9)
-Cancer Jessica and Scorpio Nick had it all going for them: hot, famous and young, and as compatible as peanut butter and jelly (or chicken's and sea's). It's hard for a Scorpio and a Cancer to not make it, this combo is just too perfect...but as Scorpio Prince Charles and Cancer Diana Spencer learned, sometimes these things just don't work out, no matter how perfect it seems.

Bruce Willis (March 19) & Demi Moore (Nov 11); Ashton Kutcher (Feb 7)
-Pisces Bruce and Scorpio Demi are yet another failed tragedy a la Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. While Bruce and Demi had a good run: long marriage, happy children, and a lot of love, it didn't last. Scorpio's crave passion and intensity, and often find themselves unhappy with life when things are running too smoothly. So she moved on to Aquarius Ashton. While Aquarius and Scorpio aren't compatible, as you can see from these lists, they often find themselves together. C'est la vie. But, on a happy note, Bruce and Demi's friendship and connection has not died: they are noted in Hollywood as the most successful couple to break-up and still make it work.

Whitney Houston (Aug 9) & Bobby Brown (Feb 5)
-Leo Whitney and Aquarius Bobby's relationship was nothing short of a train wreck, almost as bad (if not worse) than Britney and K-Fed, but the difference is that Whitney and Bobby had astrology on their side. Guess that is what kept Whitney proclaiming "I will always love you" to Bobby.

Woody Allen (Dec 1) & Mia Farrow (Feb 9)
-Sagittarius Woody Allen is famous for having said that his relationship with Aquarius Mia was the stuff dreams were made of...where they could wave to one another from opposite ends of the same park and be perfectly content and in love. Guess all that distance continued to come in between them, as these two didn't make it and wanderlust Woody moved on...to the adopted daughter he raised.

Elizabeth Hurley (June 10) & Hugh Grant (Sept 9)
-It was a tough decision to place Gemini Liz and Virgo Hugh under this category because many astro books will tell you that a Gemini and a Virgo are not an ideal match. I beg to differ. Gemini and Virgo are both ruled by Mercury, who delights in witty banter and mental lust. Obviously this worked quite well for this couple for well over a decade...until Hugh made a bad error in judgment and Liz couldn't forgive him. After all, one of the downsides of such a mentally charged couple is just that: if your heart can't convince your over-active mind to make it work, then it won't.

So Compatible...so in Love:

Brad Pitt (Dec 18) & Angelina Jolie (June 4)
-When a Sagittarius man meets a Gemini woman, it is just inevitable that they end up together. It's like wind and fire meeting and fueling one another to become more powerful. Literally. Fire sign Sagittarius Brad and Air sign Gemini Angie are perfect for one another: mental and physical attraction, same values and goals, and a passion for excitement and adventure, these two have everything it takes to make it work. Their love of travel, different cultures and learning will never leave them bored.

Antonio Banderas (August 10) & Melanie Griffith (August 9)
-Many thought that Antonio and Melanie wouldn't make it...guess they didn't bother to find out they had something very strong in common: they are both Leo's. When two passionate Leo's come together, it is hard for the other to walk away. Both doting, sexual and passionate towards the other, this relationship is sure to last.

Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas (both Sept 25)
-Like Antonio & Melanie, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas know a little something about falling in love with the same sign. Not only are Catherine & Michael both Libra's, they are both born on the same day...September 25th...exactly 25 years apart from one another. While the age gap is certainly considerable, loving and harmonious Libra is a sign that doesn't care about numbers. Libra's fall in love with love and will stop at nothing to make it work. Years of marriage and happiness have made Catherine & Michael a top Hollywood couple.

Marc Antony (Jan 14) & Cleopatra (Jan)
-One of the most famous love affairs in history, Marc Antony and Cleopatra were so passionate for one another that their love story can be found in every history book printed. Like most ambitious (and often obsessive and possessive) Capricorns, Marc stopped at nothing to gain Cleopatra's love. Guess she wasn't scared by Marc's bold Capricorn self...it seems that she was a Capricorn too! While no official birth date is given for her, she was born either at the end of December or beginning of January, making her a solid Cappie counterpart to her famous lover.

Ben Affleck (Aug 15) & Jennifer Gardner (April 17)
-Leo Ben Affleck failed many times in love, notably with fellow fire sign Leo Jennifer Lopez, before finding true love with another fire sign Jennifer...Gardner, who is an Aries. These two were friends for years, even working together on a movie, until they were free and able to get together. And when they did, things moved fast. Now they live in their own perfect astrological world with their cute little daughter, Violet.

John Travolta (Feb 18) & Kelly Preston (Oct 13)
-When Libra Kelly Preston said she first saw Aquarius John Travolta on Grease, she told her friends "I am going to marry that man." And she did; proving that when an Aquarius meets a Libra, nothing works as smoothly and beautifully.

Tom Hanks (July 9) & Rita Wilson (Oct 26)
-Cancer Tom Hanks and Scorpio Rita Wilson are perhaps dubbed the best couple in Hollywood. They are so in love and happy that people don't even remember a time when Tom and Rita weren't together. Tom said when he met Rita it was love at first sight, even though he was still married to someone else! That marriage quickly dissolved, but his and Rita's is still going strong. Proving that Cancer's and Scorpio's are almost always "in it to win it."

Goldie Hawn (Nov 21) & Kurt Russell (March 17)
-Scorpio Goldie Hawn and Pisces Kurt Russell are Hollywood's Power Couple; staying together for decades now and still keeping the passion strong. No small wonder either when you pair a sexual Scorpio and an ethereal Pisces...these two signs are so in-tune with one another that nothing can shake this love, or make them want to jump ship anytime soon.

Prince Charles (Nov 14) & Camilla Parker Bowles (July 17)
-As mentioned above, Cancer's and Scorpio's rarely fail. But as Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey learned that sometimes it can...so did Lady Diana Spencer (July 1) and Prince Charles. While their love affair ended in tragedy, Scorpio Prince Charles WAS in love with a Cancer woman all his life...Camilla Parker Bowles. After years of being separated from the stuff that romance novels are made of, these two finally made it back to one another and defied a monarchy by getting married. Fairytale endings do sometimes come true...

Warren Beatty (March 30) & Annette Bening (May 29)
-Aries playboy Warren Beatty had many passionate love affairs before meeting Gemini Annette Bening on the set of "Bugsy." When a Gemini and an Aries meet, flirtation and passion tends to follow. These two not only made it work, they have made it last: after all these years, they still have a strong and passionate relationship.

Ozzy Osbourne (Dec 3) & Sharon Arden (Oct 9)
-We all watched crazy Sagittarius Ozzy scream for his Libra Sharon on their popular reality TV show. Libra's are so wonderful at bringing balance and harmony to even the most deranged situations, which, as Sharon Osbourne proves, is no small feat.

David Arquette (Sept 8) & Courtney Cox (June 15)
-While Virgo Hugh and Gemini Liz didn't make it, this Virgo/Gemini pairing has. Virgo David Arquette and Gemini Courtney Cox aren't only still married and in love, they are also parents to a cute baby Coco and partners in business. Since Gemini's and Virgo's love mental compatibility, working together makes sure that these two always have something to talk about.

So there you have it. The Love 411 on famous couples who had it, made it, lost it, and others who we thank God for not keeping it. While I encourage "dating out of your astro box", the above lists can't deny one glaring fact...it is much easier to win in the game of love when your signs are compatible.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Next Up: The Politics of Astrology...

Which team do you play for?

2008-01-20T15:06:00.000-05:00

Are you a Capricorn...or an Aquarius? A Taurus...or a Gemini? A Cancer...or a Leo?

Now, if you are into astrology, you are looking at those above either/or scenarios and thinking I have gone crazy. No two signs could be more different than those pairs above. So, you can only imagine how confused those special cusps (ah yes, you remember this slang of mine?) must feel!

I can't tell you how many people ask me "What does it mean to be a cusp sign?" and "How is a cusp so different from the two signs it is stuck between?" and, of course, "Which signs are most compatible with cusps and/or MY cusp?"

All very good questions. And since I am tired of listening to them over and over again, I thought I would take some opportunities to clear this foggy air. Sure, I am only scratching the surface. If you have more questions...go to a library. Check out a book on astrology and cusps. You ask too many questions!!! Just kidding of course...I suggest going to a book store, that way you can BUY the book and keep referring back to it instead of asking me again.

OK, so here goes.

As we discussed in the last blog, a cusp is literally stuck in between two very different signs. Let's do a quick review.

You are stuck in between an Earth and an Air Sign if you are born in any of these date ranges:

January 18-22 (Capricorn and Aquarius)
May 19-23 (Taurus and Gemini)
September 19-24 (Virgo and Libra)

You are stuck between a Fire and an Earth Sign if you are born in any of these date ranges:

April 19-23 (Aries and Taurus)
August 19-24 (Leo and Virgo)
December 19-23 (Sagittarius and Capricorn)

You are stuck between an Air and a Water Sign if you are born in any of these date ranges:

February 18-23 (Aquarius and Pisces)
June 19-23 (Gemini and Cancer)
October 19-23 (Libra and Scorpio)

You are stuck between a Water and a Fire Sign if you are born in any of these date ranges:

March 19-23 (Pisces and Aries)
July 19-23 (Cancer and Leo)
November 19-22 (Scorpio and Sagittarius)

So what does this all mean if your birthday falls in any of those ranges listed above? It means you play for BOTH teams, even though you find yourself enjoying one more than the other. And that's OK. There also may be some of you out there who, albeit on a cusp, don't like flip-flopping and stick with just one side. And that's OK too (note: this is a rare individual). Either way, as I mentioned in my last blog, you are a special sign. You have a blend of two opposing forces, which allows you to expand your horizons, likes/dislikes, and personalities.

It also bodes well in dating. You can pretty much date ANY sign you wish seeing as you have a blend of two opposing elements, thereby attracting all signs to you. And, luckily, most cusps end up together. That's a TON of fun!

But let's get into the nitty gritty, ok? Let's talk personality and specific best matches.

Capricorn/Aquarius(born January 18-22):
This cusp is stuck in between practical, resourceful, money-saving and conservative Capricorn and the quirky, outgoing, out-of-the-box, spending-crazy Aquarius. Tough indeed! People on this cusp love politics, debates and power. They are often in positions where they can voice their opinions freely and not be slandered for sounding harsh or mean. This cusp doesn't care much about what other people think of them because they march to their own beat. They work hard, play hard, and while they may spend a lot of money, they know how to earn it too. Best Matches: Taurus/Gemini Cusp, Virgo/Libra Cusp.

Aquarius/Pisces(born February 18-22):
This cusp is stuck between outgoing, unemotional and loud Aquarius with the softer, more sensitive, emotional and tempermental Pisces. They are often confused about who they are, what they want, and how to be happy. Prone to addictions and to insecurities, this Cusp has to harness their own power and learn not to be so wishy-washy or concerned with what other people think. They also need to make sure that in trying not to be so defensive about their actions (of which they are already questioning and wondering if they did the right thing), they don't come off as harsh and mean (or worse yet, selfish!). The good news? They can be extremely warm and affectionate when they want to be. Best Matches: Gemini/Cancer Cusp, Libra/Scorpio Cusp.

Pisces/Aries(born March 19-23):
This cusp is stuck between idealistic, wishy-washy, introspective Pisces and bold, driven and materialistic Aries. They are often focused on security, power and their struggle between being too bold and too soft. Their cusp is torn between action and inaction, thinking vs. doing, believing vs. seeing. People born during these dates tend to be very focused on their careers and moving up the career/social ladder in life. They hate to fail and internalize all their worries and insecurities. While they come off as quiet, sometimes even demure, don't be fooled- they can be quite the powerhouse! Best Matches: Leo/Virgo Cusp, Scorpio/Sagittarius Cusp.

Aries/Taurus (born April 19-23):
This cusp is stuck between powerful, dominant, bold and materialistic Aries and stubborn, resilient, soulful and attention-hungry Taurus. People born on this cusp are well known for being stubborn, sometimes harsh, and display a true dichotomy between strong and insecure, needy and independent, stubborn and even MORE stubborn. They are quite dogmatic about their beliefs and refuse to back down from their convictions. While this can be a good thing, it can also be their weakest point as compromise may not be in their vocabulary. Best Matches: Sagittarius/Capricorn Cusp, Leo/Virgo Cusp.

Taurus/Gemini (born May 19-23):
This cusp is stuck between stubborn, practical, introspective Taurus and fickle, optimistic and outgoing Gemini. People born on this cusp struggle between their private and personal life conflict, i.e. who they really are versus what they show the world. This Cusp struggles with being indecisive/fickle vs. being stubborn/unyielding, thinking realistically vs. being idealistic. The great news is that when stuck between such a practical sign and such an outgoing/optimistic sign, people born on this Cusp can be completely amusing to watch. Their behaviors may change easily and they are always willing to entertain, philosophize and listen (not to mention TALK). They are blunt in a harmless way and are always on hand with an opinion. Best Matches: Virgo/Libra Cusp, Aquarius/Pisces Cusp, Capricorn/Aquarius Cusp.

Gemini/Cancer (born June 20-23):
This Cusp is stuck between childlike, fickle and extroverted Gemini with emotional, sensitive, and introverted Cancer. People on this cusp are often confused with who they are and can either dread public appearances and lifestyles, or thrive on the attention of others. They can be emotionally unbalanced and insecure because they really are stuck between not caring at all about what other people think (Gemini) and caring so much they could cry if someone looks at them the wrong way (Cancer). They ARE very good at communicating and being expressive; after all, their introspective Cancer self will love being at home writing in their diary while the chatterbox Gemini determines how to make it sound like a best-selling novel. Best Matches: Libra/Scorpio Cusp, Aquarius/Pisces Cusp.

Cancer/Leo (born July 19-23):
This cusp is stuck between sensitive, emotional and introverted Cancer and proud, dominating and sexual Leo. People on this cusp struggle with being introverted and meek with being outgoing and demanding. It is kind of like the lamb versus the lion theory. Which would you rather be? Emotional instabilities and a strong need for attention are predominant characteristics for this Cusp. They love compliments and flattery, but they blush a little too hard when they get it. Same goes for criticism (hint: they don't handle that too well). Best Matches: Scorpio/Sagittarius Cusp, Pisces/Aries Cusp.

Leo/Virgo (born August 19-24):
People born on this cusp struggle between pride, domination, power and charismatic sex appeal versus being introverted, withdrawn, logical and insecure. Coming out of the powerful Leo sign, which is no stranger to sexuality, boldness of thought and character, and into Virgo, which questions, analyzes and thinks too much before ever spurring into action, makes people born on this cusp quite interesting indeed. They are often smart, charismatic and appealing...but sometimes get in trouble for what they say and how they say it (notably because they are torn between their blunt Leo attitude with their critical Virgo self). Those who can harness both sides of their personality can be quite the powerhouse and are often apt to get whatever it is they want. Best Matches: Aries/Taurus Cusp, Sagittarius Capricorn Cusp.

Virgo/Libra (born September 19-24):
This Cusp is torn between the practical, critical, over-analyzing Virgo with the talkative, flirtatious and crazy Libra. The great news is that those on this cusp are empowered by the overwhelming need for aesthetic beauty, harmony, purity and balance that both Virgo AND Libra strive to achieve, maintain or find in their lives. People born on this sign tend to be quite attractive, witty, funny and charismatic. The light attitude of the Libra, who is motivated by love and peace, with the more serious attitude of the Virgo, who is motivated by the pursuit of perfection, can make this Cusp sign incredibly balanced, happy and lucky. Best Matches: Taurus/Gemini Cusp, Capricorn/Aquarius Cusp.

Libra/Scorpio (born October 19-23):
Those born on this Cusp are torn between the need for harmony, balance and happiness in this easy-go-lucky Libra world with the more intense, mysterious and moody Scorpio. They struggle between keeping things "light" and fun versus getting knee-deep in mud and figuring out why people are the way they are, why things work a certain way, and which religious dogma is more accurate than the other. People born on this cusp are drawn to religion, law and justice. They feel passionately and are bent on finding the truth in a situation or getting to the bottom of the story. Best Matches: Gemini/Cancer Cusp, Aquarius/Pisces Cusp.

Scorpio/Sagittarius (born November 19-22):
People born on this Cusp struggle between the powerfully quiet, introspective and mysterious nature of the Scorpio with the outgoing, adventurous, blunt and freedom loving Sagittarius. They tend to struggle between saying what is on their mind and keeping things to themselves. Great at understanding people's personalities right off the bat, this Cusp can wield a lot of power and influence over others. They come off as contained, put together and aloof, but once you get to know them, they are quite opinionated, headstrong and passionate. They hate rules and bosses; being independent and in charge is a natural comfort zone for this cusp. Best Matches: Taurus/Gemini Cusp, Pisces/Aries Cusp, Cancer/Leo Cusp.

Sagittarius/Capricorn (born December 19-23):
Those born on this cusp struggle between the blunt, out-going and adventurous Sagittarius personality with the more conservative, traditional and unemotional Capricorn. Since both signs love their food, love to travel and love money/success, they are apt to be quite concerned with their career and financial status. HOW to become successful is their biggest struggle. They are torn between Sag's need to be entertaining and thrill-seeking and the Cap's need to follow the rules and be socially acceptable and lawful. All they want is to feel as if they fit in...and moe often than not, they feel they don't. This cusp is never at a loss for words or being blunt; nor are they at a loss as to where to find the nearest bar. Since both Sag's and Cap's need to watch out for addictions (notably drugs, alcohol and sex), those born on this cusp need to be mindful of their weaknesses. Best Matches: Aries/Taurus Cusp, Gemini/Cancer Cusp, Leo/Virgo Cusp.

Next Up: Is that Cupid's arrow in the stars?

A New Year of Resolutions...

2008-01-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

Another blank calendar year staring us straight in the face. SCARY! It is no surprise that this is the time of year when people make big life changes/decisions. Looking straight down the barrel of another 364 days ahead, you just can’t bear another moment of your precious time being wasted doing something you hate, going somewhere you loathe, acting in a manner you despise, or simply just repeating the same mistake over and over and OVER again.

Well, as the saying goes…buck up, kiddo.

2008 is now here and important resolutions need to be made (and kept) for this year to be your best yet!

Some important LIFE To-Do items:

1. Think about what UNhappy aspects of your life need to be changed
2. Think about what parts of your life make you happy
3. Think about what is MISSING in your life to make you happy
4. Write a list of all of the above
5. Evaluate your list and place items in order of importance
6. Decide HOW to take action for each item
7. GO! What are you waiting for??

Some important ASTRO To-Do items:

1. Find out what numerology year this is for you (click on link below):
http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-periods.html

2.Find out what the Chinese New Year will bring you (click on link below):
http://www.proastro.com

3. Read your yearly horoscope (click on link below):
http://www.astrology.com/year

4. Read your January horoscope to find out how 2008 will kick off (click on link below):
http://www.susanmiller.com/forecasts

Now, some of you may wonder about my astro-items above and what the hell I am talking about. Let's review. I am a big fan of numerology (item #1 on To-Do List). There are two important numerology numbers to know: your Life Path Number (based on the year of your birth), and your Life Cycle Number (based on the current year). On the date you were born, your birthday added up to a particular number, listed 1-9, in numerology. This number is your Life Path Number and is much like your Astrological Sun Sign in that it identifies you by a certain number (or sign in the case of Astrology) to which you have a certain set of challenges, risks, skills and life missions. This number NEVER changes and is with you for the rest of your life. Then there is your life cycle number. This changes every year (i.e., if 2007 was your 1 year, then 2008 will be your 2 year, and then 2009 your 3 year, and so on). It is important to know your current life cycle number for each year to see what your particular challenges/rewards will be for the next 365 days of that year. So, in summary: your life path number is your general numerology for this lifetime; your life cycle number is your number only for that certain year.

Below are the simple equations used to attain each numerology number. To make it easy, I made an example from one birthday/person.

EXAMPLE: Your birthday is April 27, 1976

Life Path Number = Month + day + year of birth

4+2+7+1+9+7+6= 36
3+6= 9

Your life path number is 9.

Life Cycle Number = Month + day + CURRENT year

4+2+7+2+0+0+8= 23
2+3= 5

Your life cycle number for 2008 is 5.

You can use the link I posted above to see what each life number means. There is ONE exception to the rules above, however. For your Life Path Number ONLY (i.e. the number you have for your entire life based on your year of birth), there are 2 MASTER numbers. These master numbers are 11 and 22. If your birthday and year of birth add up to either 11 or 22, DO NOT reduce the number to 2 or 4, respectively. You are a master life number if you have either above and there are special numerology readings for you lucky people!

OK, math aside, the rest is easy. Chinese New Year (item #2) starts in February. 2008 is the year of the Earth Rat (ew). See what this means for you based on your own Chinese astrology sign. The link I provided can calculate your Chinese astrology sign based on your year and date of birth. Luckily the Chinese don’t care about your exact time of birth, so this doesn’t require calling Mom to find out what time you were born and starting a fight as to why she can’t remember whether you were born at 6am or 10am or, heck, 11pm. It also avoids her having to search through the attic or closet to find your "lost" birth certificate to check for confirmation.

Then there is the standard yearly and monthly horoscopes (items #3 and #4). I take the yearly (and monthly) with a grain of salt…after all, you can’t live your life based on a generalized horoscope for your sign; however, it is always amusing to see what the stars have planned for you and which dates may be ominous for your sign. As you saw from my last blog in 2007, every sign had particular challenges and rewards, so there is always a thread of truth in your sun sign reports! It also doesn’t hurt to know...better safe than sorry, right? I certainly would prefer to avoid buying electronics or signing any contracts when Mercury is in retrograde (which, by the way, happens January 28, 2008 through February 18, 2008 …UGH). For those who remember my November blog about Mercury in retrograde, you know this is NOT a good thing. And for the savvy ones who remember every word of my blog (ha!), you may remember I ended the Mercury retro trippin’ blog with an ominous note about Mars going retro from November 2007 through April 2008 and how wars and political unrest/turmoil occur when Mars, the planet of war, goes backwards. Have you been paying attention to the news recently? Hint: US presidential campaigns, Iran's nuclear weapons, Pakistan's military rule and recent assassination...

Scary!

So, determine to set 2008 on a positive path and work the planets to your advantage. Know the days that are best for love, career and health and let the planets work for you.

On a simple astrological level, why not work on some key issues that you know bother you (or others around you?).

Some simple thoughts:

Capricorn: try to work less. I know this is hard to conceptualize, but you are burning out from all those long hours and work trips. Relax, stay at home, open a bottle of wine and crash on your sofa. You deserve some R&R! Do I see a vacation coming your way soon?? I sure hope so!

Aquarius: try to set a goal. Your emotions are climbing again as you start to freak out about mounting work pressures, obligations, etc, now that the holidays have cooled. You aren’t happy with your profession right now…so take steps to find a new job, or at least a new plan of attack, pronto.

Pisces: try to make a firm decision. Your wishy-washy attitude is getting old. Stop asking other people what you should do and figure out what it is YOU want to do. After all, no one can be as selfish (and good at it) as a Pisces.

Aries: try to save some money. The holidays and NYE have certainly racked up some major bills (shopping, accessories, electronics, entertainment, et al) and you are feeling a bit drained, financially speaking. Work on saving money and scaling back a bit from that larger than life lifestyle you live.

Taurus: try to be less stubborn. It’s time to start being a bit more flexible with your expectations, plans and agendas rather than forcing people to comply to your own. Take a mental break and commit to being a better, more well-rounded, person this year. It doesn't always have to go YOUR way, so stop pouting. You may learn something about the value of consensus or teamwork in the process.

Gemini: try to de-stress a bit. I know it is hard for your over-active mind to “be clear” for a moment, but you need to do it for your own mental sanity. You are not enjoying life right now and are worrying too much. Stop it. Life is meant to be lived, not endured…and you know that better than most. As the children of the zodiac, getting into some mischievous behavior is second nature to you. The world needs a good prank/laugh every now and then. Consider it your duty to mankind.

Cancer: try to be more social and less emotional. You have been hiding out for too long. The world misses you! It’s time to shake your arse and hit a bar, dance club, or restaurant with some friends and catch them up on what has been going on with you. Right now, people are starting to think of you as the mad scientist who has gone crazy in the basement concocting something strange. FYI, that is NOT a pretty picture.

Leo: try to be less proud. Yes, it is a fine line between pride and self-confidence/esteem. We know you have ample amounts of both, but sometimes it becomes too haughty and annoying. Simmer down and play around for a bit...turn into a cat for a day rather than a lion. It may do you good to act as the "little people" for a day (heck, if you can hold out, shoot for 2 days!).

Virgo: try to stop over-analyzing everything. It may be second nature to you, but the world is a lot prettier (and a heck of a lot more fun) when you aren’t always finding what’s WRONG or MISSING in it. Even a Monet is a terrible mess when you look at it up close or analyze every detail. Take in the bigger picture and appreciate the forest from the trees. Tired of my cliches? Thought so.

Libra: try to hold back judgment. You focus so much on balance and harmony that you are sometimes a bit too opinionated when things don’t jive with what you think is right. Let go. Appreciate other peoples’ decisions for what they are and be a supportive friend and smile that winning smile of yours. Heck, throw in a great laugh or hug. It will make everyone, including yourself, feel better! Now THAT is real balance!

Scorpio: try being optimistic. It is easy to brood, mourn, worry and feel depressed…you are all too good at it! This you already know. So how about turning the tide and being positive? Expect the best, and maybe, gasp, it will happen! Throw on a sexy outfit (in your case, try the color RED since it is your power color) and go flaunt that intensely sexy side of yourself. Others won’t be able to resist.

Sagittarius: try to not be so blunt. Sure, you are honest, speak your mind and prefer to be direct rather than passive. We love that about you…most, err, some, of the time. But sometimes it just hurts a bit! While we appreciate your brutal honestly (after we have licked our wounds from the lashing), we may prefer it in a less brutal manner? If you have to rip off the band-aid, at least smile while you are doing it!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

Next Up: Which team do you play for?

A Year End Astrological Review

2007-12-23T15:30:00.000-05:00

Well, you did it. Correction: WE did it. We ended another year, another chain of karmic coincidences, another period of spiritual enlightenment. Even if this year was shitty, depressing, bad, or just down right AWFUL, you still learned a lot and are a stronger and better person for having survived it without landing in jail, a mental ward or at a bar every night until last call being THAT drunk idiot. OK, if any of the above does apply to you, well, maybe this year sucked for you more than others (bright side? 2008 is around the corner!).

The end of another year always makes us reevaluate, analyze and question our decisions. What did we do wrong? What did we do right? What would we do again if given the chance? (This last question applies to both the good AND bad things we may or may not have done).

Have you done your mental checklist? Are you waiting for a post-drunken epiphany on New Year's Day before you begin? How about a head start?

Clearly, I am going to take stock of this year not only in terms of my own personal life, but also in terms of astrological profiling. Listen, I have a BLOG about ASTROLOGY. Obviously I kinda, sorta believe in this stuff. And since I like drawing comparisons/statistics between things and pulling together scientifically based conclusions (translation: I am drinking a glass of wine and thinking of all the weird coincidences of this past year and suddenly thought "WOW, what a GREAT post this would make for my blog."), I thought it would be fun to do a year end review for all the signs out there.

Yep. I am THAT crazy.

OK, so here is how my mental process went. I started thinking of everyone in my life and then divided them by their signs (I actually do this automatically anyways...a scary fact about the way my mind works). Then, I started thinking about their lives this past year. Then I started realizing that they all had...the SAME year. It shocked me when I realized that all my Virgo's had some SERIOUS decisions to make about their career, love lives, property and health (note the emphasis on health). All my Sagittarians worked harder than ever and made more money than ever...but still didn't know what to do. The Cancers all ran into their shells to avoid the world and de-stress from the pressures mounting in their lives. And my dear Geminis...ouch, what a dooze 2007 was, eh? Lots of drama, tears, new changes and beginnings. Some good, some, well, ouch.

I could keep on going, but then I would give everything away!!!

So, take time to read this list. Find your sign. See how well it applies to you. Keep in mind that I also thought of famous celebrities, my own coworkers and extended family/friends while doing this. It doesn't just apply to YOU (I have many Leo friends, and they automatically will assume this is all about them, so I have to put in this advanced disclaimer before I get the third degree from them).

The Year End Astrological Review

Capricorns: you asked for new changes in your work environment for a more flexible schedule…you didn’t think you would get it, but life can surprise you—you DID! Awesome, because you were THIS close to quitting. The hours were just getting too long. New money flowed into your bank account and it pleased you, especially since you found yourself SPENDING more of it this past year. Most Capricorns purchased a new home or new large object (car, wardrobe, furniture, business, etc) and spent time thinking of how to decorate it or improve it. This all ties in to you deciding you were tired of a lot of status quo things in your life. So what better way to combat status quo than to start PLANNING for new things on the horizon? And plan you did! You focused a lot on home improvements or building up a nest-egg for a new home. This year was great exercise in balancing your financially conservative nature with your desire to spend a lot to make things “just right.” Now that your job doesn't feel like the ball and chain it used to be, things are looking pretty darn good for 2008. Especially since Jupiter, the planet of luck, just moved into your sign for an ENTIRE YEAR. That's the equivalent of winning the astrological lottery.

Aquarians: this was a year of a lot of emotional turmoil and stress; planning for the future and that next chapter in your life was harder than you thought, huh? You worked excessively long hours and many of you didn’t think it was worth it. After all, you don’t even LIKE what you do or who you do it for! Huge emotional commitments were made as well: you either stayed in a relationship (forever?) or learned to let the ones that didn’t work go...forever. But that doesn't mean temptation didn't cross your path a few times first. You ended this year on a surprisingly optimistic and more hopeful beat than it started. Those emotional seas of turmoil have calmed down and it is smooth sailing right now. Nice. Enjoy! You certainly deserved it. Your body was buzzing with negativity and stress for way too long. And all those trips and plans (both professional and personal)…what a burn-out! Did you even manage to spend 2 weekends in a row at home this year? Didn’t think so…The good news is that you are now focusing on your career and life purpose. What to do next??...hmmm....seems like 2008 will be a defining year for you and that new project you are about to embark on. If you haven't done it yet, take note: quitting your job is involved in this new chapter.

Pisces: you are feeling more at peace with yourself this year. Life looks good. Many plans, parties and social obligations (that were entirely fun, and often planned by YOU) took up your calendar. Home is a safe haven and you enjoyed the company of your own four walls the best…especially with that certain someone. A few setbacks and disappointments about advancements at work/school popped up…but as the saying goes “Everything happens for a reason.” You focused on responsibility, maturity and life goals this year. WOW. You ARE growing up! Feels good, huh?

Aries: you were the star of your own show this year. Plenty of dazzling events to go to, lots of partying and, let’s be honest, you haven’t been this selfish (and that happy AND good at it) in a long time. It was all about you this year. Awesome. Some of you questioned your commitments and whether you made the right decision to be with that person…and you did. Even if it isn’t the “forever” type, they are who you need to be with right now. And don’t worry that you haven’t found a new job just yet. The truth is, you don’t know what you want to do next. So take a deep breath and figure it out while sipping on some eggnog at the holiday parties coming up. If you DID find a new job...isn't it funny how it was right under your nose the entire time? Lucky lucky you.

Taurus: you can’t be happy until you figure out who you are. And you can’t do that until you stop the soap opera dramas. It’s been a weird year, hasn’t it? Many of you found yourselves having to choose between a past and a present love, only to realize the past love is in the past for a reason…So you focused diligently on work, home (many of you redecorated), and balancing yourself out. Family was a big key for you and you found yourself happier around them than ever before. Like the bull you are, you decided to cement your roots this year, professionally and personally, and decided to be happy with your decision, regardless of the outcome. But, why is it you feel a bit quiet inside lately?? Things need to change. But HOW?

Geminis: it’s not been the best year, has it? You used wit, sarcasm and humor to get (or really, claw) your way through, but it seemed that everyone around you had drama, drama, drama…and since you didn’t want to focus on your own drama, you happily volunteered to be a sounding board. Work pressures (or rather, hours) have mounted, your health has taken a beating (one too many colds from all that stress), and you just need to SLEEP for a while. But it’s hard to do that when you constantly find something else to do, have another drama to solve, or just can’t sit still. Sadly, one too many Gemini’s (aka, all of them) had to deal with grief and mourning of losing loved ones this year and also had to come to terms with their less than stellar love life. Wow. Ouch. Work hasn’t motivated you, your love life needs to be rekindled, and drama is all around you. Congrats for still floating above water. The good news is many of you changed locations to a new home and had fun decorating it. Some of you relocated to a new job. Either way, the change of scenery at least kept you busy! And your wallets empty. Stop spending so much money!!

Cancers: as Frank Sinatra said, “I did it my way”…and boy did you this year. Most of you became extremely reclusive, suddenly realizing that most people around you exhausted you mentally and emotionally. You needed to become a hermit, draw yourself back in, regroup, rethink and reanalyze those next steps. This didn’t stop you from being there for your best friend in need, but you did it at a distance. Many of you asked for promotions and raises…and got them. It’s been a great year for professional advancements and new beginnings, notably summer onwards. The first half of this year kinda sucked. That’s why you decided to focus on YOU for the second half. How is it working for ya? It’s a bit lonely to be alone all the time, isn’t it? At the very least, you realized one important thing: you stress and worry too much about the wrong things and need to worry about you first and foremost. Since your love life proved to be counter-productive this year, maybe this new “balance” will help make for a better year in 2008? Embark on that new career, go after that person you want, and make 2008 more extroverted than 2007 (which isn't that hard to do, you little hermit you!).

Leos: changes, changes and more changes this year. Leo’s certainly had a lot on their plate in 2007. Many of you completely changed your lives, changed jobs, changed homes, and changed your perspectives. You took charge because, let’s face it, you just weren’t happy where you were before. You wanted more challenges, more stability, more money and more love. Challenges, well, you got them. Making so many big life choices all in one year brings a lot of baggage and issues to the surface. New projects and responsibilities seemed overwhelming. Many of you thought “WHAT have I gotten myself into?!” But it is starting to work out, isn’t it? You are starting to regain control and those changes you made…well, they are starting to look pretty good. Does this mean you are happy? Not quite. There are still some major issues nagging at you. Especially in your love life. Is he/she really the right one? Do they make you feel happier? Hmmm. BIG question there. Some of you answered it and ended things; others are still hoping for the best outcome. But you just aren’t sure what that is yet. Thankfully that new job or life altering change (work, home, both) is consuming your mind and allowing you to push other issues (that you quite frankly don’t feel like dealing with) aside. But one thing can’t be pushed aside: your finances. This year has been all about budgets, finances, errors in your bank reports, making more money professionally, investing more money, etc etc. Hey, all those changes have a price tag! And a pretty hefty one in your case.

Virgos: if you don’t see a hospital or a doctor again for the next 5 years, you will have thought you won the lottery. It’s been a dooze of a year health-wise for you. Many of you found yourselves dealing with significant health issues (yours AND those you love) and just wishing you could get a break. Your love life could be best defined as “rocky road ice cream.” Some parts sweet and enjoyable, other parts a bit tougher to chew. Many realized you were with the wrong person—they didn’t complete you, they didn’t understand you and more importantly, they didn’t love you the way you wanted to be loved. Frustrations mounted as you wondered “Do they love me? Where do I stand with them?” and suddenly you thought, “Wait, do I LOVE THEM?” Ah. That’s the million dollar question. You keep tossing the idea in your head "should I or shouldn't I end it?" The truth is, when you can't decide, it's because you know they aren't the right person. You of all people are looking for THE One. Sure, you love them. But you aren't IN love with them. But you hanged in there(maybe you still are) because, well, you wanted it to work out. It sucks being out there and being alone again, doesn’t it? Wouldn’t anyone be better than that certain selfish someone? Find a new job that you love, because the one you are in right now…it sucks. And you know it. You are ready to throw in the towel and start going after what you really want. Problem is, it is hard to let go of routines. Also, were you trying to sell a home or invest in a new one? Property was a huge issue for you in 2007. Why? Because you want to settle down. Finally, the elusive bachelor/bachelorette is ready for commitment. The question is: who will be that lucky person? And, how are you going to get them? Many of you know who you want that person to be, but you are just too damn scared to go after them. It gets pretty easy to be alone all the time and not socialize. You should know. You invented the system. Now you need to learn how to let someone into your private world. Game on.

Libras: it has been a sweet year, hasn’t it? Life seemed to have more purpose this year, more humor, more laughter and more love than ever before. Many of you are looking forward to the sweet things that 2008 have in store for you. It’s not about work, it’s not about responsibilities…it was all about love, family and your home this year. You dreamed of traveling and actually did it. You dreamed of painting your home in the color you wanted those walls to be, and you did it. The kitchen got new granite counters and stainless steel appliances and the new patio looks great. Home is actually more fun this year than ever before! You wanted to feel loved and appreciated…and it happened. People found themselves looking at you and thinking, “What’s your secret? You look…happy.” There is no secret. You just WERE. And it shows. Especially in your waistline…food is all the more tempting when you are footloose and fancy free. Go ahead and enjoy it.

Scorpios: blah blah blah. It’s been a pretty non-eventful year, hasn’t it? Life was calmer than ever before, which is probably a good thing since last year was a dooze. You just needed downtime, and you got it. Your energy has been a bit drained though. Is that because you aren’t entirely happy with life right now? Nothing is wrong, per say, it’s just that things don’t feel entirely right either. It doesn’t make sense! And when you talked to your friends about it, they didn’t understand either. This probably was your biggest source of frustration. Thankfully, you traveled this year and you realized the importance of quality vs. quantity in friends. One thing you know you want to work on: being less judgmental. Maybe your laissez-faire attitude towards most everything this year made you more sensitive to BS. You don’t know why, but you suddenly felt the need to call people out on their crap. The great news is that most people in your life needed that.

Sagittarians: BAM! SLAM! OOH! AHH! What a year! You rock n’ rolled your way through it with tons of stories, events, changes and decisions. Status quo wasn’t going to cut it this year, huh? You changed jobs or focused more on your professional pursuits. It came down to this: what is going to get me the most money possible to fund my lifestyle? Many of you became obsessed with saving enough money for a new home, or for eventually buying a new home. You earned more this year than ever before, but you also found yourself easily spending it. Sticking to regiments became almost a religion to you: restarting your daily exercise routine, beginning a new one, or deciding which one to focus on became a goal. You wanted to know the best way to be healthy, wealthy and wise in 2007. If something wasn’t worth your time, well, you just didn’t do it. Work became overly demanding and you started to think, “Am I getting paid enough to do this?” The answer was “No.” So you decided to do something about it. Meanwhile, people around you started to piss you off this year. Their inability to see life the way you saw it, to be on your bandwagon, or to just LEAVE YOU ALONE really bothered you. The one downside? Many of you stayed with someone because you couldn’t shake them off. Either because they were stalking you or because you just didn’t want to deal with breaking up. The end result is the same: when people ask you about them, you just grunt, roll your eyes, and sigh and say “It is what it is.”

Now, if any of this sounds familiar...well, just know you aren't alone!!! Hopefully, you will take this time to figure out how to make changes that are good for you in 2008. Start thinking of what you would like to read in your December 2008 "Year End Astrological Review" and go about becoming the change you wish to see written in my blog.

Next Up: A New Year of Resolutions...