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By Dulce Bell-Bulley MA CHT
March 29, 2020

This column is dedicated to Dale McClanahan.

Hello friends,

The June 2012 issue of Time magazine was dedicated to end of the world scenarios in a volume titled How To Die. It was 2012 after all and we were on the brink of existential oblivion thanks to the ending of the Mayan calendar. Of the top ten ways to go, pandemic was one of them. So here we are, in a pandemic. 

So, what’s going on up there? With the planets?

The Wanderers have a vision much broader than ours, but remember, WE, all of us TOGETHER are creating this reality. Breathe deeply, as much as you can. Fill up your toes and your back body. Love as much as you can — build the strength and field of your heart chakra. We’re confronting what we created earlier, letting it go onto the compost heap, out of which we are tending the tiny shoots of our brilliant future. The power is the present. As you read this article and go through this time, remember we are interconnected. We are the one body. Align yourself to something higher, truer, and Divine, whatever that is for you. At times of endings we fear great loss but our open hearts, aligned spirits and our collective awareness will see us safely through. 

The current major cosmic dance is a conjunction of slow-moving Pluto, he of the Underworld (an orbit around the Sun of 250 years), and Saturn, Father time and the planet in charge of reality as we know it (30-year orbit). Pluto’s modus operandi is to destroy, and Saturn’s is to maintain. This combo stresses existing structures and looking back in history we can see what that looks and feels like.

Alas, this cycle has taken us to dark places before – let’s start with WW1. Soldiers were confined to the trenches, when Saturn and Pluto met in Cancer (they’re in the opposite sign of Capricorn now). Think of our confinement now and their confinement in the trenches. How terrible that was for them. 

Pluto and Saturn connected again, in September 1939, the beginning of WW2 when Hitler invaded Poland, and France and England declared war on Germany. The two planets squared each other then. And on 9/11/2001 they opposed each other across a major axis of the USA chart.

You get the picture. And here we are again. Perhaps we can say that the symbol for this time might be the Notre Dame fire April 15, 2019 when Saturn and Pluto conjunct at south node. It was the first “episode”. 

If you’re feeling anxious, be kind to yourself. You are not alone. Saturn and Pluto together are associated with heaviness and loss. A tension. There’s an all-pervasive feeling of sadness. A lack of joy. What Carl Jung would call “the reality principle” and Nietzsche “the spirit of gravity.” An intense inner journey is at work. This is terrifying because it involves entering our shadow realm. Pluto is the guardian of the underworld after all. Think about the subterranean underbelly of the world – corruption, deceit, filth, yet also hidden gold, seeds of the future, and an enormous appetite for power and control, for rebirth. Pluto takes us on our death and birth journey. This journey into the depths takes us to our inner wealth, that which cannot be corrupted nor destroyed. With Saturn also present, we’re responsible for that journey. No one can save us but us. 

Added to the recipe of stress is abundant Jupiter (12- year orbit) and Mars (2-year orbit) joining Saturn and Pluto at the south node. These add oomph, and up the ante. If this rare alignment wasn’t enough, we have three significant eclipses to deal with this year and something ominously called the Great Mutation.  A bit more about that in a moment. Here are a few key words about the challenges Pluto offers:

Deconstruction and destruction

Fear of the hidden

The hidden coming up

Transpersonal/global forces

Sorrow – the world dying, species disappearing. 

Loss

Birth and death.

Life force

Power and control – (in Capricorn the power and control over the collective via government)

Surrender

Dictatorship – martial law. Taking charge. Putin having absolute rule for example. 

Flaws in structure/ government/leadership are revealed. Think Brexit. 

Secrets. Power behind the scenes.

(Keep breathing, nice and deep!)

Pluto also governs shadow, things we don’t know about, that we’ve buried in the subterranean depths of our psyche. PROJECTION – where we throw our nonsense onto someone else because we don’t want to look at it; where we blame someone else for what we’re doing covertly but won’t face up to. Pluto is also excrement (yep, shit). Fear of what’s coming out of us. “The great scythe swinging through the world cutting down” excess. 

And there’s Capricorn to consider — the sign Pluto and Saturn are traveling together in. Capricorn is associated with restrictions, government, rules and regs, protocol, authority, business, parents, tradition, commitment, duty. And cycles of development over time.

Finally, let’s take a peek at some of the key concepts for Saturn. It’s basically the same as Capricorn because Saturn rules Capricorn. These are: Scaffolding. Structure. Things to hold onto or the form and shape of society. Time. Limitation – lovers unable to get to each other; families separated. Obligations. Confinement – Think of people holed up together during this time; with both the negatives and the silver lining it provides should we choose to take it. 

Let’s talk conspiracy for a moment. Pluto’s presence suggests the possibility that some power, somewhere, let loose this beast in an effort to control the world in order to mine it for their own wealth and ego. That this power wants to have absolute control over the populace, via martial law and the virus is getting that in place. Let me debunk this conspiracy – Jupiter is present in this whole thing. Jupiter is a planet representing ethics and advanced learning. In Capricorn, as it is during this entire year until winter solstice when it enters Aquarius, Jupiter in Capricorn is overly cautious. Prudent and careful to the point of extreme fussiness. This has proved to be very helpful and led to quarantine and stay at home orders. So, if there were some kind of Plutonian/Uranian conspiracy, Jupiter brought it back to Earth and is keeping us as safe as possible given the circumstances. 

This global experience is teaching the lesson of Earth, where everything is right now. We understand RESOURCES in a different way. It’s the birth of pragmatism and renewal. Saving things, recycling. Making things last. Stop throwing things away. Stop buying cheap plastic throwaway s**t because we realize that nothing is actually cheap. There’s a cost to everything either measured in the quality of human experience and/or to the natural world, the environment. And the cost is breaking our hearts.

We become aware of true RESOURCES – Spiritual awareness. An inner radical responsibility for the health and magnificence of our own souls. 

Another thing we understand is that our care and love for one another is what we’re confined to and what we miss right now. Ask yourself, what is meaningful to you? Here’s what is meaningful to me: My physical and spiritual health; my family, friends, clients and animals; silence; my work and creative life; my garden, good food, my neighborhood, the library, community radio stations, wilderness, rivers, camping, music (lots of it) and really good beer and wine. 

We are face-to-face with what we love and yearn for. We’re confined (Saturn) my friends (Aquarius), cut off from certain things and those we cherish. Use Pluto positively by opening up the closed places – the heart, the soul, and the mind. The earth is healing right now! The earth starts to heal when we stop hurting it. Look at the pics of Whutan and the canals of Venice. Sky and water are clear. Birds and animals returning.

What an opportunity to let what needs to die, die and to let go. Birth what is healthy. What is that for you?

Regarding a primary love we all share – the health and wonder of wilderness. There’s been deregulation (Plutonian method) of all things that protect our environment also known as the ESSENTIALS – fresh water, air and healthy soil. I’m grateful for all those who bring food, oil and gas to me but not at the cost of wilderness and the loss of species, nor at the cost of our health because we’re already been there and done that. Enough already!

Okay, how about Trump and the USA chart? Trump and the USA have six planets that fit hand over glove. They are related to karma and basic needs, fears about safety, money and resources. Mars, the God of war and action, is particularly featured in both his chart and the USA chart. There’s a lot more here to discuss but I’ll save it for another time. The time we’re in transcends the individuals involved though they are players in the drama. (Remember, you are the creator, not the story).

When will there be reprieve? 

Soon. Let’s get through the Mars/Uranus square on April 7^th, that’s kind of impulsive and could be dangerous. April 26^th is a tentative green for go. Pluto turns retrograde April 26^th around the same time the Sun connects with change agent Uranus. This is a huge sigh of relief. It’s a time of recovery. But it’s slow. Continue to be patient and practice safe socializing. There’s a dramatic shift for better with a little madness, or innovation, thrown in, thanks to Uranus.  

The month of May looks like our best bet to go back to what we were doing before Covid 19 showed up. 

Three planets turn retrograde in May and things settle down. Saturn retrograde May 12, Venus retrograde May 14, Jupiter retrograde May 15.

We’re going to go back to what we were doing. It’ll be like old home week and then … 

A tricky period in June, a critical eclipse July 5^th and then Saturn and Pluto within days of one another will turn direct in October. They’ll be conjunct with Jupiter so the virus, or something related to it will return at that time. The rest of the year reveals continued caution. The eclipses ahead reveal market changes and periodic outbreaks of the virus. 

In a nutshell – Go slow. May is good, summer a bit tricky, October trouble returns. End of year an epoch shift. 

Let me expand on this timeline a little more:

I urge caution from the Full Moon lunar eclipse June 5^th through to June 19^th – especially the 19^th. Mars in Pisces conjuncts Neptune and the moon shows up. This is a cosmic recipe for poor immune systems. On the positive side it may also indicate the discovery of a vaccine. 

The Full Moon lunar eclipse at 15° Sadge on June 5^th has Venus both conjunct the Sun and retrograde. This speaks to financial matters and a possible resurge of old values.  

The solstices feature prominently this year. On June 21^st, for a new moon eclipse at 0° Cancer solstice point and again at winter solstice (in the northern hemisphere Dec 21, 2020) when the “Great Mutation” occurs. That’s the meeting of Saturn and Jupiter at 0° Aquarius, square Uranus. Both Saturn and Uranus rule Aquarius and they don’t get along. Uranus was Saturn’s dad and he ate him! This is a big game changer folks. 

The full moon lunar eclipse July 5^th at 13° Capricorn is an important eclipse and it has a lot to do with what we’re experiencing now. This eclipse features a tight Jupiter, Pluto conjunction and Saturn is nearby. This is what we’re experiencing as I write this in March 2020. These points activate planets in the USA chart, it’s personal for us. This could be the reignition of the virus or something closely associated with it. Thank God the planets are all retrograde! This diminishes their influence indicating that our old fears may surface but perhaps with no substance. There may be something we don’t know about covertly occurring behind the scenes. 

Caution!  August 13^th and October 9^th when Pluto and Mars square off.

Another full moon lunar eclipse on November 30^th at 8° Gemini contains the same conjunctions (energy) as the last eclipse. This one holds the potentials for market shifts. And finally, December 14^th at 23° Sagittarius. The same lineup – in other words we’re dealing with whatever comes up. The virus may well be back, or again, issues associated with it. Let’s not rule out possible government intervention. 

Caution! – December 23^rd when Mars and Pluto square off.

And then … the Great Mutation. Freaky term but it refers to a once in around 800-year cycle. It’s been +- 800 years since Jupiter and Saturn last met in Air signs. They meet once every 20 years anyway, and spend 10 cycles in one element, then move to another element. In this case from Earth to Air. This is a zeitgeist shift. It’s a very old cycle!

So, my bottom line, this will pass. The Saturn/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn followed by the Great Mutation heralds a shift of enormous magnitude. I stand by what I wrote in October 2016: invest locally, plant a garden, take up a hobby, and be patient. Life goes on this year. There are better times than others. I’ve listed here the ones to be aware of. Stay healthy. Keep your expenses down. Develop close bonds of love and care with others. Support the things that mean something to you.

What’s the antidote: 

Apart from medicine and healers the world over? LOVE.  Love is the antidote. Always has been, always will be. Love is the thing that unfreezes the hatred of projection and keeps your spirit well. Corvid 19 affects the lungs. Chinese medicine tells us grief lives in the lungs. We’ve been grieving a long time my friends. Maybe we still have the trenches of WW1 in our collective memory and its bubbling up now for healing. This time of confinement is for our benefit. We get to feel and when we feel, we heal.

I think you’ve got the picture of what’s going on right now with the planets. If you’ve got it in you, let’s turn our attention back to the Great Mutation. A happening event this winter solstice – December 21, 2020.

This is the 20-year Jupiter/Saturn conjunction with a twist. This time they meet it’s called the Great Mutation. It’s given this gloomy name because Jupiter and Saturn will finally meet in air signs after 200 years of meeting up in earth signs (though they met in 1980/1981 in Libra, an air sign, it was considered a ‘preview’ – a natural part of the cycle). During their 200-year meeting in earth signs the focus was on materialism. It’s been +- 800 years since Jupiter and Saturn met in Air signs for their 200-year sojourn there.

2020 December 21^st (solstice) begins a whole new 20-year cycle when Jupiter and Saturn meet in Aquarius, the sign of society, of people, rebels and rule makers. The last conjunction was in 2000 and involved Uranus. This cycle involves Uranus as well – Uranus is the great destabilizer. Nothing is certain when this planet shows up. Uranus in Taurus will square the conjunction in Aquarius which it rules. 

This suggests mass protests against governments and rules. It’s a” don’t fence me in” attitude, a time of social unrest. A kind of FU to authority who may be trying to control the populace, maybe for good reasons. Perhaps this is helpful given that we’re in a phase where there’s a global tendency toward dictatorship. Mere mortals want to become Kings and take away freedoms. 

I’m heartened by this next cycle even though it is socially disruptive (though hopefully we’re not looking at mob mentality) because folks believe in personal rights. I endorse the rights of waterways, air, wilderness and animals as well as human rights. This can be a progressive time. Teamwork triumphs. Re-discover your people. Love and take care of them in that special way you have, that only you can do. By the way, the KGB was dismantled last time Saturn was in Aquarius.

Also, the move from Earth (materialism, possessions, ostentatious wealth, agriculture – both local organic and corporate farms) to Air will totally shift our values away from all that and move it toward the arts, literature, ideas, technology and all matters associated with the intellect and internet. It’s likely there will be struggles over controlling the internet and social and intellectual freedoms. If those things are important to you, you’ll naturally keep an eye on them ensuring our collective body will continue to create the ever-evolving world wide web. Since Saturn is in Aquarius now, for a brief while, we’re already feeling the importance of connection via the internet thanks to Zoom, Skype, etc.

Interestingly enough, when Jupiter and Saturn conjunct in Aquarius in 1345 the plague, also known as the Black Death, came into being. Not a happy thought and yet we have come so far and hopefully, learned so much. Can we rely on each other? This time of group consciousness is also a time of personal accountability, isn’t it?  We are aware of ourselves, individually, as One body. We’re aware we are the collective. This is how nature works. It’s how birds fly in a flock, fish in a school, and grasses in the meadow. How beautiful is that?

I’ll be writing about the Aquarius energy headed our way and will share that with you. I also hope to get you an April cosmic play by play. We’ll see, check back often. I want to thank my astrology colleagues the world over who’re examining the same skies and whose research has helped me. Please see a list of resources at the end of this article.  Thanks also to my friend Karen, who mid-wifed this column. Together we pulled out the weeds and planted flowers in their stead.

In the meantime, take care out there. And remember, you matter, we are all connected. Earth is our home and love is our destination.

Your astrologer,

Dulce

P.S.

Message from my space buddies: YOU ARE NOT ALONE PLANET EARTH. DESPITE YOUR THICK HEADS WE STILL CARE FOR YOU. REPEAT – YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 

https://isarastrology.org/raymond-merriman-the-great-mutation-and-the-start-of-a-new-era-jupiter-and-saturn/

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/black-death-is-created-allegedly

https://www.astrologyuniversity.com/saturn-pluto-covid-19/

“Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World View” Richard Tarnas. Viking Press 2006

Greetings Earthlings,

Here we are once again poised at the brink of a new year and the Chinese year of the Rat. Like other times in human history, this year holds potential for struggle and rebirth. In 2020, the stern energy of Saturn faces down the destructive power of transformative Pluto. Remember 9/11 and the Twin Towers? That’s when Saturn and Pluto opposed one another. This month they conjunct. Mark January 6^th through the 12^th on your calendars. Though we may live in separate countries we are one World and the Saturn/Pluto conjunction resonates throughout the Globe. It’s particularly germane to the USA as we’re experiencing a Pluto return. Our Founding Fathers argued, a lot. http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/24/friendship-and-conflict-the-relationship-of-the-us-founding-fathers They framed the Constitution out of their fierce desire for personal and national freedom from Britain. You can see the struggle in the chart of the USA – Mercury (governing ideas and discourse) opposes Pluto (power and control). Our Pluto return will bring up the same struggle that is inherent in our country’s philosophical roots. The impeachment trial of Donald Trump brings these 244-year old arguments, and all the others that have followed it, to the foreground. Ordinary citizens are given the opportunity to fall in love with their Nation, the wisdom of its structure, and many will try to change it. 

On a personal level, 2020 is your opportunity for rebirth also. Great and benevolent Jupiter guides us through this year with practical advice and know-how. You may want to give everything up to run and save the dolphins, but Jupiter suggests that first you cut back on your use of plastic.

2020 opens and closes with Cancer Moons reminding this Cancer country that the quality of our home is not negotiable. And that all beings who live upon, in, under and above this beautiful land have the right to exist in peace in the habitats and migration routes they have used for centuries. Begin the year by honoring your home and by being grateful for the shelter it provides you. Cancer also evokes the feminine and reminds us that love and kindness are high vibration energies. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: I may update this month’s blog as I’m posting this just before the end of 2019. I wanted to squeeze it in. So please check back and refresh your screen every now and then.

New Post 01/07/2020: The USA drone attack on Iran officials seems to be the international event I saw in the astrology. My concern remains, especially for the Cancer Full Moon eclipse (01/10) which takes within 4 degrees of the USA Mercury. However, I think the greatest danger for the USA, or even for Iran (and the globe) is when transiting Mars opposes the USA Uranus between January 14 – 16th. Pray for peace, everyone. Prayer works.

COSMIC PLAY-BY-PLAY

January 1^st – lots of planets in Capricorn as the month opens. It’s a great opportunity to set your highest ideals while staying grounded. Question for the day and the New Year: how do I want to go forward?

Jupiter is in Capricorn for the first time in 12 years and is grouped with the Sun and south node at the opening of this year. Our country is experiencing a Jupiter opposition. Since Jupiter governs the field of law and Capricorn government, we know we’re entering a year of political struggle and debate.

2^nd – 4^th: The fiery Aries Moon takes us through these two days with courage and flair. It is a new year! We can do things differently. Mercury connects with Jupiter and big talk is possible. These are good days to restructure your plans. 

3^rd: active Mars leaves sultry Scorpio for sunny Sagittarius. This is an athletic and optimistic energy and brings vitality to all fire and air signs. Mars will be in Sadge until mid-February.

4^th: a good day for stable change, yes there is such a thing, as the Taurus Moon connects with Uranus and both trine all that Capricorn.

5^th – 6^th: good earth energy for work and creative projects. Stay focused for maximum results.

6^th – 10^th: Saturn and Pluto meet at 22° Capricorn. Notice where you are struggling to emerge from old rules and karma. What is the nature of your re-birth?

10^th:  full Moon Cancer lunar eclipse around 12:22 PM MST. Full Moons, especially eclipses of those Moons and watery Moons such as this, bring a lot of emotion. Keep yourself calm and carry on. Uranus turns direct today also allowing those inner changes to find expression in the outer world.

11^th – 12^th: drama abounds as the Moon slips into Leo while Mercury, the Sun, Ceres, Saturn and Pluto all meet tightly in Capricorn. It almost looks like the death of an international leader or a gathering of leaders. These are the days to walk your talk and to center in your truth. And it helps a lot to pray. Gratitude lifts your vibration too.

12^th: The pressure is on folks! It’s time to make those changes or, conversely, to root in even deeper than before. Today is a glorious alignment at 22° Capricorn – Sun, Ceres, Pluto, Saturn and little Mercury at 23°. I’m glad Ceres is there. This energy provides for the future and is the guardian of all that has been lost. Let’s hope there are no global disasters at this time. Certainly, there’ll be political shenanigans here in the good ole USA and perhaps a powerful new Renaissance. 

13^th: the fall-out continues. This isn’t going anywhere in a hurry. Venus picks this moment to enter gentle Pisces. Venus in Pisces has no boundaries and you may have difficulty saying no. Forgiveness works great. You don’t need to be a martyr unless the calling is very high.

13^th – 15^th the Virgo Moon helps you bring order into your life and health routine.

16^th: Mercury moves into Aquarius picking up the pace of the conversation. Everyone has an opinion now and rightfully so. This is your chance to share your ideas too. Mercury will be in Aquarius until early February.

17^th – 19^th: the watery Scorpio Moon helps you access your deepest feelings. Remember, gold is buried.

20^th: we leave some of the prudence of Capricorn behind as the Sun enters social Aquarius today. Power to the people! Keep your wits about you and don’t let the bastards get you down (as the Romans used to say). Also, today the Moon and Mars connect bringing vital energy to your endeavors.

21^st – 22^nd: days for optimism and action. Civil action and social connection flow well.

23^rd: The Sun squares Uranus creating a bit of turmoil. Get out and do something different. This is restless break-free energy. The Moon is traveling through the last degrees of Capricorn attuning you to the planet’s vibration. Do get grounded but don’t get heavy. Put your prayers for light and love into the world and remember to create something good with your thoughts.

24^th: a delightful Aquarian New Moon at sunset (MST). Here’s your chance to make new friends and embrace new concepts. There is much more to life than we have previously imagined.

25^th: Happy Chinese New Year! It’s the Year of the Rat, a shrewd business outlook and adaptability are hallmarks of this sneaky little creature because it survives, no matter what! This is another social day.

26^th – 28^th: Venus and Neptune connect in intuitive Pisces. You get inside info and direction now. Write down your dreams. Practice forgiveness. Intuition keeps flowing as the Moon travels through Pisces meeting Venus and Neptune. Tenderness is likely as is low energy when Mars squares Neptune. Rest.

29^th: heal up today and keep listening to your vibes.

30^th – 31^st: The month ends as the Aries Moon squares planets in Capricorn. A little resistance goes a long way to strengthening your muscles. Don’t you ever give up.

Remember, you matter, we are all connected, earth is our home and love is our destination.

Your astrologer,

Dulce

Dear friends,

Happy New Year! Blessings for an incredible time ahead.

Here are the global and personal questions that await us all in 2019: Who’s the boss? Who has the power? What is dying? And, what is being born?

With three eclipses in Capricorn this year the global focus is on government and rules/regulations. In your chart the focus is on your business life, tradition, duty, family, father and profession.

2019 is prelude to and preparation for, the intense experiences awaiting us in 2020 through to the fall of 2023 as our nation goes through the process of a Pluto return (and a Pluto opposition to its Mercury). Humans would have to live 248 to 250 years to live the length of a Pluto cycle, so we never experience it. Yet, our nation will soon be old enough and energy steadily builds starting now. In 2020, transits to the USA chart show a massive focus (Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn conjunct in Capricorn) on two opposing points in the United States chart: Pluto in Capricorn and Mercury in Cancer. Fear is Pluto’s tool. Mercury is the messenger.  

There’s a huge power struggle ahead of us along with an attempt to create barriers and structures against the corruption, breakdown, and lawlessness we’ll see at the Government/structural/authoritarian level. Shadows emerge. We must insure they don’t predominate. Conversely, this energy can also be a return to the power of the people’s voice. Need I remind you, there’s a Presidential election in 2020 and it’s a big one given these transits.

As I write, the Government is on a partial shutdown in an attempt to force political agendas. Is this the way a government should be used? I’m not a politician but it doesn’t take one to see the incredible stresses and re-arranging this country has gone through both domestically and nationally. The most recent energy of deconstruction will continue and magnify over the coming months. 

The prevailing energy feels like we’re in the tight spot in an hourglass my husband says. Indeed. The United States of America is going through a birth canal and birth is painful my friends, as you know. Yet birth brings new life. We live in a culture that denies death and yet death is also a big part of the next few years. Pluto is the guardian of the underworld after all. It’s time to face the shadows and recognize they’re not nearly as big as they appear. It’s time to press forward into your new life. It’s not as hard as you think. Birth awaits.

BIG CHANGES IN 2019

This is the year in which to position yourself in the right spot for you, so you can not only ride out the coming storms but prosper and thrive also. I’m holding a Solar Power group to assist those in the metaphorical birth canal come forward into their waiting lives with the support and ingenuity of the collective. 

Jan 5th: Capricorn Solar Eclipse

January 20^th:  Please join me and others on January 20^th in Palisade CO to go through the hot spots and magic of 2019. It’s a fascinating year. Bring a calendar and your chart for general discussion. https://www.astrologybydulce.com/events/

Jan 20 8 – 10 PM: Leo Lunar Eclipse 

February 12: Danger! Mars and Uranus connect in the last degrees of Aries. Rash decision making. Anger. Incidents of road rage or war so please practice peace. Push through on difficult tasks. Stay centered. Keep your cool. Big fire coming on through.

March 7^th: Big changes occur as Uranus re-enters earth-based Taurus on March 7^th and stays there for the next seven years. Earth changes and capricious financial markets are par for the course during the next seven years.  Store water, grow your own food and see if you can diversify your income. Financial markets shift dramatically over this period and currency may change or alter. What to do about that IRA? Dave Ramsey, please weigh in.

July 2: Cancer Solar Eclipse

July 16: Capricorn Lunar Eclipse

November 11^th: Excitement! Drum roll please as little Mercury crosses the face of the Sun on November 11^th. The power of the pen and the Press are restored! The importance of the well-thought out turn of phrase is magnified.

Dec 2: Jupiter enters Capricorn

Dec 26: Capricorn solar eclipse

If you’d like closer attention and deeper planning to your life, or you feel something has to end and another part begin, please consider my up-coming monthly collective based on the transiting solar energy in your chart, and yourself as a fragment of the Sun. Though we’ll use astrological timing, the group will be much more than astrology. I’m very excited about it.

More information here: https://www.astrologybydulce.com/events/

PLAY BY PLAY FOR JANUARY

1^st: Somber beginnings to the New Year as the Sun conjuncts Saturn in Capricorn. News about an authority. Decorum and dignity. Difficulty and disappointment with Government. Seriousness prevails and yet there’s a feeling of optimism as Mars enters Aries bringing fresh energy. Action and commitment are required. Sort through your possibilities and get real about your circumstances. No pie in the sky! Great day for challenging the outdoors and downloading new ideas. 

2^nd – 4^th: the dark Moon encourages hibernation. Let your ideas and plans percolate. Possibilities abound. Think positively. 

5^th: There’s a total solar eclipse Jan 5^th. This is an important precursor to the next two years. The Sun, New Moon and Saturn are opposite the Sun in the United States chart. A new leader emerges. Use this energy personally by being the accountant and manager of your own life. Trim down excesses at this practical New Moon.

6^th: Uranus turns direct on the 6^th waking us up. Be brave. Know what’s important to you. Initiate some kind of change. Fallout from the eclipse lingers as the Moon connects with Pluto. Fear not!

7^th – 8^th:  Energy shift! Lift up your hearts and rejoice. Venus leaves intense Scorpio for optimistic Sagittarius and the Moon travels through social Aquarius, reminding us that it’s all about for the people, by the people. 

9th – 10^th: Dreamy days. Let inspiration guide you as the Moon connects with Neptune on the 10th. A poem waits to be written.

11^th: Action day. Time to face those shadows as the Sun meets Pluto. Bold but tender is the way to go.

11^th – 13^th: Time for sensible decision making as Mercury connects with business-minded Saturn. Family time is important.

13^th: Keep your head screwed on! Is it fact or fantasy? Can you actually achieve the things you’re inspired to do? Maybe, maybe not. (Jupiter square Neptune)

13^th – 14^th: Bold new initiatives and independent thought and action are encouraged as the Moon moves through Aries and connects with Mars and Uranus. Caution – don’t be careless!

15^th – 16^th: Easy does it. Keep making progress as the Moon moves through steady Taurus in harmony with the prevailing Capricorn energy. It is all working to your benefit!

17^th – 18^th: A little schizophrenia is possible. You may feel a little divided and unsure of which alluring path to take, as the quick and waxing Moon dashes through sparkling Gemini and opposite Venus and Jupiter. Have fun and learn something!

18^th: A day for love! Fire and electricity sizzle as the celestial lovers Mars and Venus trine. Bring something new into your marriage. Single folks get lucky. Powerful conversations are possible as Mercury connects with insightful Pluto.

19^th: Energy builds with the coming Super Moon and the Sun prepares to change signs. Do something practical. Family matters weigh in.

20^th: Big shifts and changes! Class with Dulce! The Sun leaves sensible Capricorn for egalitarian Aquarius and the Moon waxes to fullness at a lunar eclipse in Leo. Ideas for a more meaningful, creative and practical existence come through to you over the next few days.

21^st – 22^nd: Get moving though the way may feel tough. Be patient and stay focused as Mars squares Saturn. 

22^nd: Lucky day! Expand your horizons. Think positively. Don’t overspend but do invest in your travels and/or your education. Venus and Jupiter connect.

23^rd – 24^th: Get organized and keep things tidy. These days are excellent for fasting and letting go as the Moon travels through Virgo and opposes Chiron.

24^th: News travels! Mercury enters social, intellectual and stubborn Aquarius. Invest your mental energy in something that will reward you over time. Mercury will stay in Aquarius until February 10^th. 

25^th – 26^th: Flow and tension. Maximize the dynamic energy by doing qi gong or some other energy practice. Let your inner peace settle outer discord.

27^th: Inner tension leads to success in the outer world. Make peace with yourself as the Scorpio Moon squares Aquarian Mercury and Sun.

28th: Connect the dots. Insights highly likely as Mercury meets the Sun. Mental overstimulation possible. Talk to someone. Share ideas. Read (or write) a good book.

29^th – 30^th: Mood lifts! Freedom is possible. Get out and enjoy yourself as the Moon travels through gypsy Sadge and connects with abundant Jupiter and lady Venus. 

30^th – 31^st: The month ends on a tender note. Your manifestations want to come to life. Feed your dreams with practical action and commitments. (Saturn sextile Neptune)

That’s it folks, more to come in February. In the meantime, please keep the monthly collective gathering in mind. Uranus is the planet that rules group interactions and with its shift into Taurus a few weeks before the group begins on Saturday night, March 23rd we’re going to be grateful for the power, wisdom and energy of the collective to help shift each of us forward. https://www.astrologybydulce.com/events/

Stay tuned, thanks for reading and remember; you matter, we are all connected, earth is our home and love is our destination.

Your astrologer,

Dulce

P.S. If you like the new format of this cosmic blog thank my outspoken girlfriends Thea and Dawn. And to my soul friend Denise, as always, thanks for the editing. 

Greetings Earthlings,

Welcome to Beltane, the Pagan celebration of spring, and the beautiful month of May. This month is imbued with the earthy blessings of Taurus as the Sun moves through this stubborn and sensual sign. On the 20th the energy shifts to mercurial Gemini so perhaps you might like to move slow before things speed up.

There are some huge changes at work underneath the steady march of the bull. One has already occurred. This is Chiron’s move into Aries which took place April 17th this year. Chiron has a 50-year cycle and this is the beginning of a new phase that takes us deeply into the wounds of the ego and the results of hasty action; or the consequences of ignoring your own inner voice.

Chiron will stay in Aries until September of this year at which time it will retrograde back into Pisces. Chiron has been straddling my Pisces ascendant for months and I know first hand how the presence of the wounded healer can utterly transform one’s world.

Come March 2019, Chiron will re-enter Aries and stay until spring 2027. This is highly significant for Aries and Libra folks who will experience a deep sensitivity, and possible crisis, as they fine tune their lives to Chiron’s higher vibration. Chiron in Aries shows us the consequences of self-absorbtion and the consequences of not caring for the self. 

Another monumental cosmic move is Uranus’ experimental tiptoe into Taurus. Uranus will enter the sign of the Earth itself on May 15th and stay there until early November of this year. At that time, it will retrograde back into Aries until early March 2019. It will then remain in Aries for seven years. What does Uranus in Taurus mean to you?

Well darling, it’s bigger than you. (A little Chiron in Aries ego-rectification moment).

The last time the planet of change, technology, brilliance and chaos was in Taurus was from 1935 to 1942. That’s the Great Depression (and the Dust Bowl) here in the USA and WW2 for everyone else. Hitler began killing Jews. Think the Spanish Civil War and Hemingway. Oh yes, how about airing The War of the Worlds and scaring the population half to death! Einstein was alive and contributing to science. The Helicopter was invented. Mt. Rushmore was carved. Nasty times and amazing times too. Napoleon Hill wrote “Think and Grow Rich” and the science of manifestation was introduced to the world at large. 

Incidentally, Social Security was conceived of in 1935. Let’s hope it stays stable for us!

Folks born between 1935 and 1942 will experience their Uranus return over the next seven years. This is a confirmation of wisdom and reminds us that aging has the benefit of this profound knowing. Folks between the age of 39 and 42 will experience their Uranus opposition – a time of great change leading, hopefully, to a more authentic lifestyle.

So dear Ones, you can see that we need the stability of Taurus to hold us steady for the monumental shifts in front of us. Chiron in Aries is tender and yet allows for a new identity while Uranus in Taurus is the proverbial bull in the china shop showing us where we need to tend to the basics.

Use the first week in May to enjoy the breezy quality of Venus (ruling planet of Taurus) in chatty Gemini. With an opposition to the Sadge Moon on the 2nd you might feel a little overloaded so head off for an adventure if you can. There’s a nice Earth trine between the Taurus Sun and the Moon in Capricorn on the 5th (Cinco de Mayo!) The Moon meets Saturn and Mars – make progress toward your long-term goal. Use the harmony to get things done in the garden or with your business. If all goes well, NASA will launch a lander towards Mars with the InSight project on the 5th.

Communication could be intense on the 7th as Mercury squares Pluto and Venus squares Neptune. Just what is the truth? Save important discussions for another day folks.

Tuesday May 8th the Sun opposes abundant Jupiter. Wahoo! It’s a big day and a good opportunity to go for the gold. As my dad used to say, “it’s better to shoot for the stars and hit an eagle, then shoot for an eagle and hit a rock.” In other words, go for it but don’t set yourself up for failure. The largesse follows you over the next few days and you get a boost on the 11th when the Sun trines Pluto.

Brilliant, crazy insights are possible when Mercury and Uranus connect the 12th and 13th. Think new thoughts but do guard your nervous system. No caffeine needed, the cosmos will amp you up.
Early on the 13th Mercury stabilizes as it enters earthy Taurus. Whew. Take your time folks, there’s no big rush but do keep that ball rolling.

May 15th just hours after the Taurus New Moon Uranus enters Taurus.

Holy smokes. Financial matters, stock markets, money, bonds, banking are all vulnerable to radical changes. Earth changes and climate change are all highlighted now. If you have property hang on to it and take good care of it. Remember, Uranus spends seven years in a sign and this summer is just a little taster for what’s to come between 2019 and 2026.

May 15th is a New Moon and it’s your chance to plant seeds of genuine change and innovation. This is fertile and juicy time even if Uranus in Taurus scares us a little. With strong support from Pluto and Venus in capricious Gemini this New Moon invites you to dig deep and simplify. Ground yourself. Put down those roots and reach for the stars. Grow baby, grow.

Right after the New Moon on the 16th, active Mars leaves capable Capricorn for rebellious Aquarius. Mars will retrograde in this sign from June 28th to August 27th making those months terrible for new ventures. By the way, the last time Mars entered Aquarius was on election day November 8, 2016 when Donald Trump became the USA President. Hmm…. add this to the two eclipses to Trump’s Mars and the picture gets interesting. I looked at Trump’s solar arc chart and saw that his SA Uranus is just months away from conjuncting his Mars. His life is about to change.

Mars is the modern day ruling planet of Uranus and this recent turn of cosmic events creates a complex situation. The 16th through the 19th Mars squares Uranus making this a contrary time with unexpected shifts in cultural mores. Rebellion is likely! There’s plenty of mojo to get things done so use it to your benefit.  This energy is hot and hard to handle so wear gloves. Keep your eyes open. No sleeping at the wheel.

Things stabilize on the 19th when Mercury aspects Saturn and sanity returns. At the same time Venus, ruler of all the Taurus energy, enters gentle Cancer and the wisdom of the Mother takes over. Hallelujah! Mom, it’s okay to pull rank. The world needs you now.

On the 20th the Sun leaves earthy Taurus for light-hearted Gemini and shifts the mood. The 22nd and the 23rd Mercury opposes abundant Jupiter – don’t make promises you can’t keep! It will catch up to you when Venus opposes stern Saturn (the 23rd to the 27th) and you’ll have to live up to them or suffer the consequences. Use those days to focus on what you love rather than regretting what you said.

Luckily, the 24th through the 27th Neptune and Jupiter connect in a water trine softening blows, encouraging forgiveness and enhancing dreams. With Venus opposite Saturn also you can really make good progress toward the project of your heart. Get it done before the Full Moon.

May 29th the Sagittarian Full Moon invites plenty of discussion and reasons to celebrate and collaborate. Have fun, because you got it done. The same day Mercury enters its home sign of Gemini. By month’s end Mercury connects with Mars in intellectual Aquarius. Now’s the time to have those conversations, as long as they’re not too heavy and serious.

The month ends with a Moon/Saturn conjunction in Capricorn. Despite all the hoopla and changes, some things stay the same. Hold the course and reduce your impact upon our Earth Mother. Be sensible in your purchases – don’t buy things in plastic – including those tubs of spinach at the grocery store unless you can repurpose them. I reuse mine for kitchen scraps. According to recent statistics we only recycle 9% of plastic. That’s 91% that gets used once and thrown away into ever creasing piles, some of which end up in our beloved oceans. It’s a simple as not using a straw in a restaurant. Please folks, be mindful.

Good news – I read that this summer there’ll be a massive ocean cleanup – there could be a very good side to Uranus in Taurus. https://www.theoceancleanup.com Hallelujah! Isn’t it wonderful that so many of us care and are awake! Celebrate! But be realistic too. Seriously, Uranus is a chaotic energy. I’ll be teaching a class soon on both Uranus in Taurus and Chiron in Aries. Stay tuned.

I’ll see you back here in June. And remember – you matter. We are all connected. Earth is our home and love is our destination.

Your astrologer,
Dulce

Oh my gosh my golly, eclipses, retrogrades and folly! 

Dear Ones,

Welcome to 2018, the Chinese Year of the Dog, and the magic and wonder of a fresh start.

There are five eclipses this year. These are cosmic doorways and if you have planets within one degree of an eclipse you’re likely to experience its influence. Eclipses occur in both 19-year (Metonic) and 18-year (Saros) cycles, so you can look back 18 and 19 years to 1999 and 2000 and see what was going on for you. The eclipses are January 31, February 15, July 12, July 27 and August 11. The most interesting eclipse for Americans will be the one in February because it activates Donald Trump’s chart. It occurs opposite the eclipse point of August 21, 2017 which was a direct “hit” to his Mars. That’s two “hits” in six months – that’s a lot to overcome. As my perceptive  astrologer friend Nancy says, “His karma will come due.” We shall see! Something will happen that’s for sure. Eclipses are powerful tools for change and in my long experience as an astrologer I have seen the extraordinary relationship between eclipses and significant life effects.

Mercury retrogrades three times this year: 3/22 to 4/15; 7/25 to 8/18; and 11/16 to 12/6. Mark those dates on your calendar. Those are your reflect, redo, relax times when you can catch up with yourself. Don’t buy any big items or electronics during that time. And don’t sign anything noteworthy. I’ve seen the effects of Mercury retrograde deals and they are not pretty. Of course, there are always a few exceptions to this rule. Another astrologer friend, Cassandra, loves to mess with Mercury retrograde periods by traveling during them. I affectionately call her the “contrary astrologer.” 

Change agent Uranus really shakes things up by nipping from Aries into Taurus for the first time in 84 years. Wow. This will really highlight earth changes, climate change, resource availability and so on. There are major value changes ahead of us and I’m glad, though also concerned. Why does it have to get this bad before we wake up?! Keep your eyes and ears open mid-March to early November before Uranus skedaddles back to Aries. Don’t worry, it’ll be back and those issues will be right there in front of us for the next seven years.

Uranus in Taurus reminds me of Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 41). I certainly hope we’ve got enough sense to avoid something that dangerous in this country, though there are many parts of the world where this is already happening. Truly, we are One World, our climate patterns are so huge now, that what happens there, happens here. I’ll be teaching a class on Uranus in Taurus in the near future so we can fully explore what this 84 year/7 year cycle will look like for you. In the meantime watch the History Channel show “Alone” for a keen understanding of our connection to wilderness. Better yet, get yourself out there in it.

Active Mars retrogrades this year also from 6/26 to 8/27. Be mindful of wasted action, or things that need to be redone at this time. Issues associated with the military may arise now too.

The Chinese Year of the Male Brown Earth Dog begins in mid-February. It has a lot to do with matters related to the Earth and natural resources. 

There’s a lot more to the year then just the above highlights and I’ll elaborate on them in my monthly columns as they occur.

Yellowstone – Earth, Fire and Water

January brings us the energy of Capricorn – the water goat. Water because Capricorns do struggle with emotions and goat because they want to get to the top no matter what. There is nothing these folks can’t do. Happy birthday to ya! And good luck over the next two and a half years as your ruling planet, Saturn, moves through your sign. You’re going to be able to get a lot done as you focus on your priorities. As Tim Gunn says in Project Runway “Make it work!”

January gets us off to a good start with not one, but two full moons. The first is on New Year’s Day in the sign of Cancer. It’s a super moon (that’s a really big moon that’s closer to the earth than usual). Full of emotions and good intentions this watery lunation encourages us to come from the heart this year and to tend to our foundations. Pluto, the Sun, Venus and Saturn are all in Capricorn – foundation and structure; business and authority; family and duty; career and country. This is a major theme as stern Saturn is now in thrifty Capricorn for the first time in 29 years and we’re all considering what’s the most important thing for us. I’m teaching an experiential workshop January 27^th on this very subject. I so hope you can join me. You’ll understand Saturn as you never have before. https://www.astrologybydulce.com/events/

This Full Moon trines with Neptune and Mars encouraging you to live your dream by putting it into action. This is helped by Uranus’ direct motion the following day on January 2^nd. You can do it! 

If you need a push, use the 5^th through the 8^th when Mars meets with Jupiter. You can move mountains under these skies. It’s heavy lifting time so be careful.

January 9^th the Sun connects with Venus and Pluto exactly. Wow. What a day. It’s a powerful opportunity to transform hate to love, fear to empowerment and the opposite is true too. There could be some kind of governmental decree at this time, possibly related to money or coins.

Mercury hovers at the Galactic Center helping us orient to the truth before it too enters Capricorn on the 11^th. It’s time to get serious and to walk your talk. The Moon connects with Mars and Jupiter now suggesting public response to legislation and/or taxation. Emotions could run high. There’s a sudden change in mood on the 13^th when Venus squares Uranus. 

The 13^th and 14^th could bring heavy news when Mercury connects with stern Saturn. Get busy and keep working. You can accomplish a lot under these skies.

The Capricorn New Moon January 16th at 7:15 PM (MT) is loaded with energy. This New Moon is your best opportunity to get your project started. The Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury, Black Moon Lilith and Saturn are all in Capricorn for this lunation. Remember the key words for Capricorn? Practicality, business, family, duty, tradition, government, work, career, father. There are books on the subject of Capricorn – check ‘em out. But do use this New Moon to your advantage. Use it. That’s what Capricorn teaches us. It shows us how to be useful and how to put things to use. You can kick serious butt by using the last of the Capricorn energy because soon the energy changes.

The energy prepares to shift to social, rebellious Aquarius which it does the very next day on the 17^th when the Moon and then lovely Venus enter this egalitarian sign.  The energy continues to change on the 19^th when the Sun enters friendly Aquarius too. The people have a voice and there’s a sense of rebellion in the air.

Things feel a little tender on the 21^st when the Moon connects with Chiron. Mercury approaches a conjunction with secretive Pluto. It’s best to bite your tongue as words have power, especially on the 24^th when Mercury meets up with Pluto. Pluto has a lot to do with secrets. Are you holding on to toxic secrets? If so, this is the time to let them go, in a safe setting of course.

There’s a profound energy shift on the 26^th, when active Mars leaves intense Scorpio for fun-loving, happy-natured, and sometimes dogmatic, Sagittarius. Let the adventures begin! Pack that bag. You can plan your trip, or even head out to meet friends on the 27^th when the Aquarian Sun and Venus trine the Gemini Moon. You can come to the Saturn in Capricorn class! https://www.astrologybydulce.com/events/

Energy builds, and emotions rise as the Moon in January waxes to fullness at around 6:15 AM MT,  on the 31^st at a total lunar eclipse at 11° Leo/Aquarius. This is a Blue Moon (2^nd Full Moon in a month) and another Super Moon (close to Earth). As such it packs a punch and you may want to make an easy day of it. Just ride those emotions out. This too shall pass. The eclipse will be visible across much of the USA. Check out its path here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2018-january-31

If your birthday is around this time 2018 may be a significant year for you. Think back 19 years and see what was going for you. If something significant happened, then 2018 may be another turning point for you. The last time an eclipse occurred in this spot was Jan 31, 1999. 

The energy of the eclipse continues as little Mercury, not to be outdone, gets in on the act and moves into Aquarius that very next hour.  The message that this eclipse brings is that we are indeed all connected. This is our home. There’s no where else to go and those people are our people. There’s only one of us here, says the Course in Miracles. That knuckle head over there is a part of you. What ya’ gonna’ do? Acceptance and equanimity are keys for this time. How can you reduce the mental stress in your life? What can you relax into and simply accept? 

From the practicality of Capricorn and the development of foundation, we end the month focused on the inter-connected web of society and our place in it, and our contribution to it. 

I look forward to seeing you next month which features a solar eclipse the day after Valentine’s Day.

Many blessings and take care out there!

Your astrologer,

Dulce

Welcome to a new world in a New Year dear friends!

What a year it’s going to be! I’m most excited about the total solar eclipse on August 21st where the Moon’s shadow will fall on the northern part of the USA. This is the first time since the 1970s we’ll have such “access” to an eclipse. I’ve already ordered my special eclipse atlas! Think road trip!

In the meantime 2017 brings us all the usual suspects including four eclipses (Feb 10 and 26; August 7 and 21); Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and the outer planet retrograde periods. (Mercury’s retrograde periods are 12/19/16 – 1/8/16; April 9 – May 3; August 12 – Sept 5; and Dec 2 – Dec 22. Venus retrogrades early March to mid-April). 

This is also the year of the Fire Rooster, according to Chinese astrology. This powerful energy encourages us to break free and overcome obstacles. This is what we will all be doing this year as wild card Uranus moves through fiery, independent Aries in opposition to abundant Jupiter – doing its level best to keep the status quo in balanced Libra. Whew! What a trick! Change or not to change, that is the question. It’s like making changes without changing (sounds very Zen); making change in the face of polarizing beliefs; or pushing through on what you want regardless of anyone else. It could even look like dogma forced upon the individual. It makes me think of all the last minute power acts President Obama is doing before he leaves office that will be very hard for in-coming President Trump to overturn. Be sure to think for yourself this year precisely because of this energy (Jupiter oppose Uranus).

If you’d like to know how this year is going to shape up for you, the USA, and in general, please come to class with me on either Jan 7th OR Jan 14th. Full details here: https://www.astrologybydulce.com/events/ We’re going to have a fun afternoon going through the complexities of the year, turning astrology into English, and enjoying the experience of the collective mind (Uranus). Also, I wrote about the next four years for the USA in October 2016, before the elections. You can scroll down from here to read that interesting article.

January begins with Mercury retrograde until the 8th. This gives us all a chance to catch up with ourselves and to reflect on the year ahead. How do you want it to go? What do you want to achieve? The Sun, Mercury, and Pluto are in earthy, practical Capricorn, the sign of achievement and prudence.  The water goat wants to get to the top of the mountain, it wants to achieve something.What is that thing for you? Spend the first week of the year pondering, planning, and visioning your year ahead.

The year opens on a new and waxing moon, we’re off to a good start. On Tuesday the 3rd, lovely Venus leaves egalitarian Aquarius to join a whole posse of planets moving through the watery compassionate sign of Pisces. This is your cue to hone your intuition and to focus your values on your interior landscape and the health and wholeness of your spiritual life. Tune into Kosmic Voices at noon (MST) today, Tuesday, for a fabulous show that will help you get your year together. http://www.kafmradio.org 

Early on the 4th, retrograde Mercury re-enters Sagittarius giving you another opportunity to examine your beliefs and to connect the different areas of your life into one cohesive vision. Mercury then connects with the Galactic Center (GC) and stations direct there on the 7th and 8th. The Galactic Center, in the words of astrologer Philip Sedgwick, “imposes its enlightenment on us.” This is a time of vision. Use it wisely. Saturn will conjunct the GC (27 º Sagittarius 47’) for the first time in 29 years in March 2017 and turn retrograde at that point until late August. This gives us an opportunity to ask the really hard questions about hope, faith, and sustainability. It’s time to let the TRUTH guide us – not post truth, but the actual truth. It’s not about dollars and cents anymore folks, it’s about sense.

Energy builds and quickens with Mercury direct. The Moon waxes to fullness and early on the 12th opposes both the Sun and powerful Pluto at the Cancer Full Moon. This is a biggie folks. Power and control issues come to the fore with Pluto around. We’re looking at real divisions and controversy here in the USA because we’re a Cancer country and the Moon represents the public while the Sun and Pluto in Capricorn represent government and power. There may be fear-mongering and security issues raised now. This Cancer Full Moon asks: what needs nurturing? What part of your life is hungry for love and care? Take care of the crying baby. Do what you must to care for those unable to care for themselves. Love one another.

At the Full Moon on the 12th, Venus connects with dreamy Neptune and stays in the fantasy of it all until the 15th. Keep your eyes open! Dream big, sure, but stay grounded. Make music and love and write poems under these tender dreamy skies.

From the Full Moon to the 18th active Mars connects with fragile Chiron suggesting vulnerability. Keep yourself well. Avoid air and water borne diseases. Rest – a lot! This is a great time for intuition, forgiveness, and breaking free from addiction. Set yourself free from the inside out.

January 19th the Sun leaves practical Capricorn for analytical social Aquarius. People Power Time! It’s time to be social and aware, as well as open to learning and intellectual exploration. The shift to Aquarius sets us up for the inauguration of Donald J. Trump on Friday January 20th at noon in Washington DC. The chart looks somber for Trump but clearer then it did for President Obama who was sworn in under a retrograde Mercury on Jan 21, 2009. You may remember what a fiasco that was. He had to repeat the oath of office twice because what’s his name screwed up.

The Moon leaves steamy intense Scorpio, where it is for the Inauguration, and enters fiery, optimistic Sagittarius the first few days of the new President’s office. Hope abounds but reality quickly sets in when the Moon conjuncts stern Saturn on January 24th. Around this time, sweet Venus conjuncts wounded Chiron suggesting some kind of market dip or value crisis, or conversely, a healing may occur of these things. Women’s issues predominate at this time. The energy remains sensitive as women express themselves through to the 27th and the Aquarian New Moon.

At this lunation the voice of the people is heard. It’s a great time to use your intuition, connect with like-minded others, and to use your brain power. 

The tone changes early on January 28th, and becomes fiery when athletic Mars enters warrior Aries for the first time in two years. As this occurs, Mercury moves into its second conjunction with secretive Pluto. Expect an expose at this time. Use your thinking mind to get to the bottom of problems. Stand up for yourself! Set good boundaries.

The month ends with a Moon/Mars conjunction in Aries setting us up for a bold, new start. Energy hums through the world. Start your engines ladies and gentlemen! Vroom! Vroom! Beware of aggression and extremism but do leap forward! We’re headed for the month of February and two eclipses. Watch out world! Here we come!

In the meantime, check out this video on the evolutionary thrust of humanity. It’s empathy folks, empathy. https://superhumanos.net/empathic-civilization/ 

Blessings and love,

your astrologer,

Dulce 

Greetings fellow earthlings,

I write this column about the USA and the current political situation with a sense of duty as a citizen of this fair land and beautiful world. Though I cringed many a time during the second Presidential debate my heart was warmed by a couple of questions posed to the candidates by the audience members. The question about devotion to country shifted the tone on that stage; and the last question “What strengths do you see in the other?” completely changed the energy. I felt a surge of love and calm as I recognized that on the main, the American people are not fooled, nor distracted by, the fiasco that is the current political scene. This inspired me to be direct with my astrological opinion regarding the chart of the United States of America. I use the so-called Sibly chart: July 4, 1776 5:10 PM Philadelphia, PA.

The nation is experiencing a number of direct planetary transits that are “activating” latent energies and patterns intrinsic to it. Using the Sibly chart, they are as follows:

Jupiter square Sun and conjunct both natal Saturn and the mid-heaven.

Saturn conjunct the ascendant, oppose Uranus, trine Saturn. Approaching an opposition with Mars.

Chiron oppose Neptune.

Uranus conjunct Chiron and square Mercury.

Neptune trine Jupiter and Sun; and inconjunct Saturn.

Neptune conjunct the progressed Sun.

Pluto oppose the Sun and square Saturn.

Folks, this is a LOT! If the USA were a person, I’d be talking seriously with him or her.

In a nut shell, what you’ve been sensing is true – we’re in a time of great and incredible tension. This is a karmic test. It is a real test; a test of our integrity as exhibited by our natal Saturn, exalted in ethical Libra. This test involves who we choose as our leader. Transiting Saturn to the ascendant marks not only a new beginning and identity but a period of reflection. This is when we get to re-do and re-create our image and structure. The questions the country asks at this time are: “do we want to keep doing this? Is there a better way?”

In the USA chart, at the birth of our nation on July 4^th 1776, Mercury was retrograde and opposite Pluto. In 2022 this country will experience a Pluto return – an important completion of that powerful, transformative cycle. Currently, Pluto’s slow insidious opposition to our Cancer Sun will continue as Pluto travels on to eventually oppose Mercury in the USA chart. In other words, we won’t be done with this critical transition until 2021. That’s an election cycle away. It seems we come to our senses and stabilize after the election in 2020. That election process will be especially intense as Pluto, guardian of the underworld, opposes Mercury in the USA chart – a lot of dirt will be thrown then. Very similar to what we’re experiencing now.

Pluto’s current transit to the USA chart means that we get to listen to ugly stuff, stuff bubbling up from the bowels of humanity. Pluto transits can be very nasty and this one is no exception. Pluto’s opposition to the USA Sun and square to the USA Saturn is a real struggle for our identity via our leadership. We felt Pluto strongly at 9/11/2001, again when the housing market collapsed, and now, at this election.

The USA is, and always has been, a divided nation. The country’s population is split into two distinct groups. The Sibly chart has mutable Sagittarius rising. On 9/11/2001 when the twin towers came down, Saturn was opposite Pluto on the ascendant/descendant of the Sibly chart. The experience of dualism occurs with diverse opinions and polarized views. The rising sign and descendant of the chart Sagittarius/Gemini reflect this dualism.

In the meantime, the next four years sees Saturn oppose Mars, Venus, Jupiter, the Sun, and Mercury in the USA chart. We’re headed for some lean years and some strict re-structuring. It’s time to invest in the essentials – food production, clean water, the electricity grid, community business. Things could get so tough that the majority of folks quit taking needless medication and watching empty TV and pick up a shovel and get to work planting potatoes. That can’t be bad, right?

First though, the new administration is going to have to deal with blocks and obstacles starting with the new term in January 2017 and running to November of that year, as Saturn opposes Mars in the chart. Late 2017, Saturn enters practical Capricorn for the first time in 28 years and opposes Venus in the USA chart. This could feel like a shortage of cash. Those interested in growth as usual will be disappointed. This transit is not about growth. It’s about taking care of what you have and making do. If you’re interested in recycling and animal husbandry, you’ll love this down-to-earth, back-to-basic time.

The last time Saturn was in this position (1987 – 1988) Black Monday occurred (at that time Saturn was conjunct the ascendant and opposite Mars and transiting Jupiter was conjunct our Chiron); George H.W. Bush was elected; the Gulf War took place, as did the trial of Oliver North; there were massive protests in support of abortion; coal and Boeing workers went on strike; the Berlin Wall came down, and the Cold War eventually came to an end.

How do the transits of the next four years affect you personally? Look for the Capricorn/Cancer axis in your chart and examine the houses they’re in. Also look back to 1987/1988 and 2001/2002. What was going on for you then? How did you handle it?

Here’s my advice, as your astrologer, buy local and prudently. Develop community connections, invest in local agriculture, make your home energy efficient, take up a hobby, and buckle down. This too shall pass and there are many rewards along the way.

With blessings for health, peace, and sanity,
Your astrologer,
Dulce