Archive for category Astro4Business Month Ahead

Astro4Business Month Ahead – July 2011

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for July, 2011.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily activities.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn, where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to the structures of our world:  government, organized religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, leaving no stone unturned.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and while Pluto is in Capricorn we will systematically bring about the end of business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

Pluto has been in retrograde motion since April.  If you’ve been working with an old problem you thought you had resolved, excavate any lingering issues and put them finally to rest.

To read more about Pluto in Capricorn and its impact on your chart this year, see Pluto’s Journey through 2011.

Neptune in Pisces

Neptune begins and ends the month at home in Pisces.  Neptune in Pisces begins a shift from the intellectual associations and words-based networking that were common for the last thirteen years when Neptune was in Aquarius, to connections based on feelings and shared beliefs.

Neptune turned retrograde on June 3, it annual retreat back through the heavens until next November.   When the distant planet Neptune turns retrograde, we are likely to see its effects in society.  Retrograde motion is a time of revisiting what has happened in the past, this time back to February 2011.  Look for reversals or reexaminations of decisions regarding health care, oil drilling (Neptune rules oil and liquids of all kinds), the creative arts, drugs legislation, and shipping, to name a few areas.  If your business is involved in any of these industries, be prepared for lack of clarity until November.

To read more about Neptune in Pisces and its impact on your chart this year, see Neptune Swimming through 2011.

Uranus in Aries

Uranus left the sign Pisces and entered Aries in March beginning a new 84-year cycle of scientific and political innovation.  Uranus embodies the principle of change, especially the kind of transitions that occur because of sudden breakthroughs and technological inventions.  Society is constantly moving forward and when the time comes when the traditional is just too safe and stale, the energy of Uranus bursts through the barriers and ushers in the new.

What does this mean for us in business?  We will probably feel compelled to take risks we would not even have considered in the past.  We may feel confined by the people around us or the structures we’ve implemented.  We may seek opportunities to bring scientific or technical discoveries into our products and services.  We may approach everyday challenges as battles to be fought and won.  We want out of our shell, even if we created it.

On July 9, Uranus enters its annual period of retrograde motion, which will last until December.  With Uranus retrograde, there could be a disruption of the innovative energy of the last few months.  You may begin to feel ambivalent or dissatisfied with your new ideas and initiatives.

This feeling of dissatisfaction is common in the first few weeks of a retrograde cycle.  This is not to say that you should abandon your new projects.  The retrograde part of the cycle is the perfect time to develop and test ideas and reevaluate your tactics and approach.  Use this time to discern which of your ideas have lasting value and which have limited potential.  Ideally, you will see yourself as an explorer in unknown territory, as Erin Sullivan says in her excellent book, Retrograde Planets. This is the time to test your new strategy before you invest too heavily.

To read more about Uranus in Aries and its impact on your chart this year, see Uranus Flashes through 2011.

Saturn in Libra

Saturn in Libra is the antithesis of Uranus in Aries.  It counsels patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships, which leads to cooperation and mutual support.  This planet of structure and discipline provides much-needed grounding and circumspection to hot and erratic Uranus in Aries.

You may feel torn between the tried and true (Saturn) and the desire for breakthrough (Uranus).  Strive for balance, bringing the best of the old along with you into new territory.

Saturn resumed direct motion on June 12.  Don’t be surprised if you have the sense you’re repeating the past in your business or career; until the end of September, Saturn will be covering the same degrees for the third time.  Remember, the third time’s the charm!

Jupiter in Taurus

On June 4, Jupiter entered the earthy sign Taurus.  Jupiter, the planet of expansion, in Taurus, the sign of physical, tangible objects, spells material abundance.  Sounds good, doesn’t it?  Taurus represents the natural fecundity of the earth:  trees beginning to fruit, cows full with milk, greening pastures.  In nature, Taurus is the time when the initial spark of spring settles into solid growth.

With Jupiter in Taurus, it’s time for us to turn our attention to practical matters.  We can codify our expansion plans and build systems that will insure lasting success.  It’s a time for slow, steady growth and long-term investment.  Think, “Built to Last.”

Mars in Gemini

When Mars moved into Gemini on June 20, we may have started spinning our wheels.  Perhaps we have too many projects vying for our attention, or too many interests pulling us in different directions.  The best use of this energy?  Learning and teaching, intellectual exploring, gathering new information, and training. This energy is also excellent for creating new distribution channels for goods and services, both transportation-based and the virtual kind.

Venus in Gemini/Cancer/Leo

We start the month with Venus in Gemini, but on the 3rd she transitions into Cancer.  When Venus is in Gemini, we are extroverted, chatty, and love nothing more than to sprinkle our attention across many projects and many people.  With Venus in Cancer we relate more empathically, expressing more nurturing and understanding.   Relationships with customers, partners, and employees may feel more maternal than professional yet fortune lies in our ability to treat people like our own family at this time.  This is a great time for company barbeques and celebrations.

On June 28, Venus moves into Leo.  This begins a few weeks of fun.  Venus indicates what makes people happy, creative, and productive and Leo loves showmanship, competition, games, and sports.  To build camaraderie, try a company softball game or online video tournament.  Company culture is a key component of success.  Venus in Leo is a great time to build a collaborative culture through fun and games, showcasing individual talent.

Mercury in Cancer/Leo/Virgo

Mercury begins the month in Cancer but moves into Leo on the 2nd.  When Mercury enters Leo, conversations and communications become showy and dramatic.  Sales presentations should include a bit of flash and a bit of fun.  Just warn your sales team not to come off as cocky or overconfident, which is sure to turn people off.  Make sure your customer remains the center of attention at this time.

Mercury in Virgo at the end of the month is great for writing, documentation, and detailed project plans.  Also great for getting that bookkeeping caught up!

Sun in Cancer/Leo

While the Sun is in Cancer until the 22nd, make extra time for your employees and customers.  Make sure you understand what they need and nurture these relationships sensitively.

When the Sun moves into Leo, step into the limelight.  As the leader of your team, this is the time of year par excellence to set direction and reinforce your authority.  You may become hypersensitive to issues of loyalty, recognizing who is really on your team, and who is just passing through.  Of course, loyalty is a two way street, usually only given when it is received in kind.

Phases of the Moon

There was a New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 1(MDT), waxing to Full in Capricorn on July 15.  There is another New Moon on July 30 in Leo.  Look for a new start early in the month in whichever house in your chart contains 9 degrees Cancer, then again at the end of the month in whichever house contains 7 degrees Leo.  (If you need a copy of your chart, see the box in the sidebar to request one free.)

Monthly Recap

There is some tension building in the skies this month, as Uranus in Aries comes within two degrees of a square to Pluto in Capricorn.  Jupiter arbitrates the dispute until the 19th, linking Uranus and Pluto together with wise counsel and benevolence.  But after the 19th, all the gloves are off and we may sidle up to a conflict between big systems and the desire for independence.  I say “sidle up” because this aspect does not become exact until next summer when we can expect a real revolution.  This summer we’ll feel the stirrings of future change.

Here’s a treat:

Are you in astrological overwhelm?  Check out this link on my other blog for 5 simple ways to get your feet wet in astrology without drowning. Astrology is so Vast; Where Do I Start?

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

July 1               New Moon; Partial Solar Eclipse

July 2               Mercury enters Leo

July 3               Venus enters Cancer

July 9               Uranus assumes retrograde motion

July 15             Full Moon in Capricorn

July 22             Sun enters Leo

July 28             Mercury enters Virgo; Venus enters Leo

July 30             New Moon in Leo

*******************************************************

For an overview of the year, check out these posts:

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – June 2011

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for June, 2011.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily activities.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn, where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to the structures of our world:  government, organized religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

Pluto is still in retrograde motion.  If you’ve been working with an old problem you thought you had resolved, excavate any lingering issues and put them finally to rest.

To read more about Pluto in Capricorn and its impact on your chart this year, see Pluto’s Journey through 2011.

Neptune in Pisces

Neptune begins the month at home in Pisces.  Neptune in Pisces begins a shift from the intellectual associations and words-based networking which were common for the last thirteen years when Neptune was in Aquarius, to connections based on feelings and shared beliefs.

Neptune comes to a virtual standstill on June 3 and begins apparent retrograde motion, commencing its annual retreat back through the heavens until next November.   When the distant planet Neptune turns retrograde we are likely to see its effects in society.  Retrograde motion is a time of revisiting what has happened in the past, this time back to February 2011.  Look for reversals or reexaminations of decisions regarding health care, oil drilling (Neptune rules oil and liquids of all kinds), the creative arts, drugs legislation, and shipping, to name a few areas.  If your business is involved in any of these industries, be prepared for some lack of clarity until November.

To read more about Neptune in Pisces and its impact on your chart this year, see Neptune Swimming through 2011.

Uranus in Aries

Uranus left the sign Pisces and entered Aries in March beginning a brand new 84-year cycle of scientific and political innovation.  Uranus embodies the principle of change, especially the kind of transitions that occur because of sudden breakthroughs and technological inventions.  Society is constantly moving forward and when the time comes when the traditional is just too safe and stale, the energy of Uranus bursts through the barriers and ushers in the new.

What does this mean for us in business?  We will probably feel compelled to take risks we would not even have considered in the past.  We may feel confined by the people around us or the structures we’ve implemented.  We may seek opportunities to bring scientific or technical discoveries into our products and services.  We may approach everyday challenges as battles to be fought and won.  We want out of our shell, even if we created it.

To read more about Uranus in Aries and its impact on your chart this year, see Uranus Flashes through 2011.

Saturn in Libra

Saturn in Libra is the antithesis of Uranus in Aries.  It counsels patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships, leading to cooperation and mutual support.  This planet of structure and discipline provides some much-needed grounding and circumspection to hot and erratic Uranus in Aries.

You may feel torn between the tried and true (Saturn) and the desire for breakthrough (Uranus).  Strive for balance bringing the best of the old along with you into new territory.

Saturn concludes its annual period of retrograde motion on June 12.  You may find yourself restarting a partnership or work alliance you thought you left behind last October.  If so, you’ll have a lot more information now to make solid progress this time.  Don’t be surprised if you have the sense you’re repeating the past; until the end of September Saturn will be covering the same degrees for the third time now.  Remember, the third time’s the charm!

Jupiter in Aries/Taurus

For much of the last year, Jupiter has been in Aries.  Aries is a fundamentally aggressive mind-set, whether in the form of the lone-wolf entrepreneur or the established global company.  It brings a desire to take on the competition, expand into new territory, and develop new markets.

On June 4, Jupiter enters the sign Taurus.  Jupiter, the planet of expansion, in Taurus, the sign of physical, tangible objects, spells material abundance.  Sounds good, doesn’t it?  Taurus represents the natural abundance of the earth, trees beginning to fruit, cows full with milk, greening pastures.  In nature, this is the time when the initial spark of spring settles into solid growth.  It’s also time for us to settle down.

Many people are burned-out from Jupiter’s sojourn through Aries.  Risk-taking and expansion have been the keywords of the time.  Now is the time to codify those good ideas and to build systems that will insure lasting success.  It’s a time for slow, steady growth and long-term investment.  Think, “Built to Last.”

Mars in Taurus/Gemini

Mars is in Taurus until June 20.  This is the time for patient and persistent work.  Mars in Taurus is a builder, piece by piece, nail by nail, bringing vision into concrete form.

When Mars moves into Gemini, we can lose focus.  Our interests may become scattered and we may find ourselves spinning our wheels for a while.  The best use of this energy?  Learning and teaching, handing on to others what you know, mentoring, studying, and training.  It’s also excellent for building distribution channels for goods and services, both transportation based and virtual.

Venus in Taurus/Gemini

Venus is in her home sign of Taurus until June 9.  Venus in Taurus turns our attention toward security, the real-world kind, the kind with dollar signs.  We want to invest in bricks and mortar and build relationships which will stand over time.

Venus in Gemini is very different.  When Venus is in Gemini, we are extroverted, chatty, and love nothing more than to sprinkle our attention across many projects and many people. We are happiest when we’re out and about, furthering our network and negotiating.

Mercury in Taurus/Gemini/Cancer

Mercury in Taurus brings a stabilizing influence to your mind and careful, productive communications.  But on June 2, Mercury enters its home sign Gemini.  When Mercury moves into Gemini, conversation and networking become the order of the day.  Immerse yourself in knowledge and data, and the more sources the better:  books, magazines, news, email, social media, and face-to-face all yield important clues about where your business is heading and the steps to take to get there.

After less than two weeks in its favorite sign, Mercury moves on into Cancer on June 16.  When Mercury travels through Cancer, your employees may prefer a one-on-one conversation rather than the most brilliant presentation.  And your customers want to feel you listen to them rather than be dazzled by cleverness.  Meet with everyone who needs your attention.  This is a good time to spell out your vision and gain people’s loyalty.

Sun in Gemini/Cancer

The Sun in Gemini is the perfect time for sales and communication, press releases, and for disseminating your company news as widely as possible.  It may be time to add to your sales force or start a company blog to broadcast your product as widely as possible.  Communicate, communicate, communicate.  Just be sure you only promise what you can deliver.

When the Sun moves into Cancer and through the Solstice on June 21, it brings a time of adjustment, correction, or fine-tuning.  Take all of the feedback you gained when the Sun was in Gemini and use the action-oriented Solstice energy to respond to the needs of your customers.  Make whatever changes will add value to your business.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Gemini on June 1 (MDT), waxing to Full in Sagittarius on June 15.  The Gemini New Moon is also a Partial Solar Eclipse and the Full Moon is a Total Lunar Eclipse.  Look for a new start on the New Moon in whichever house in your chart contains 11 degrees Gemini.  For me, that’s the 12th house, spirituality and service.  (If you need a copy of your chart, see the box in the sidebar to request one free.)

Monthly Recap

This is a month of change, with most of the planets either changing sign or direction.  Add to that two eclipses and this becomes a power month, one that ends in a very different place than it began.  But there are no major difficult aspects to the outer planets this month, so it should be a month of progress.  If you keep it loose, it may even be fun!

Are you in astrological overwhelm?  Check out this link on my other blog for 5 simple ways to get your feet wet in astrology without drowning. Astrology is so Vast; Where Do I Start?

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

June 1              New Moon; Partial Solar Eclipse

June 2              Mercury enters Gemini

June 3              Neptune assumes retrograde motion

June 4              Jupiter enters Taurus

June 9              Venus enters Gemini

June 12            Saturn assumes direct motion

June 15            Full Moon; Total Lunar Eclipse

June 16            Mercury enters Cancer

June 20            Mars enters Gemini

June 21            Sun enters Cancer; Solstice

*******************************************************

Have you seen my new blog? Discussing all things astrological, for anyone interested in real-life astrology, check out Ellen Longo’s Astrology Blog.

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – May 2011

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for May, 2011.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our activities.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn, where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to the structures of our world:  government, organized religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

Pluto turned retrograde on April 9.  You may have noticed a reversal which will lead you back to a problem you thought you had resolved.  If so, you’re not quite finished with it yet.  Excavate any lingering issues and put them finally to rest.

To read more about Pluto in Capricorn and its impact on your chart this year, see Pluto’s Journey through 2011.

Neptune in Pisces

Neptune begins the month at home in Pisces.  Neptune in Pisces begins a shift from the intellectual associations and words-based networking which were common for the last thirteen years when Neptune was in Aquarius, to connections based on feelings and shared beliefs.  New groups will form around a unified vision for the future.  Borders will shift as disparate groups come together and merge into one larger whole while other sectors dissolve.  New tools and technology will pervade our business processes based on changing media which will allow for more spontaneous creativity.  We will incorporate the senses more and more into products and services.  Look for breakthroughs in medical fields including alternative medicine and mental and emotional health.

To read more about Neptune in Pisces and its impact on your chart this year, see Neptune Swimming through 2011.

Uranus in Aries

Uranus left the sign Pisces and entered Aries in March beginning a brand new 84-year cycle of scientific and political innovation.  Uranus embodies the principle of change, especially the kind of transitions that occur because of sudden breakthroughs and technological inventions.  Society is constantly moving forward and when the time comes when the traditional is just too safe and stale, the energy of Uranus bursts through the barriers and ushers in the new.

What does this mean for us in business?  We will probably feel compelled to take risks we would not even have considered in the past.  We may feel confined by the people around us or the structures we’ve implemented.  We may seek opportunities to bring scientific or technical discoveries into our products and services.  We may approach everyday challenges as battles to be fought and won.  We want out of our shell, even if we created it.

To read more about Uranus in Aries and its impact on your chart this year, see Uranus Flashes through 2011.

Saturn in Libra

Saturn in Libra is the antithesis of Uranus in Aries.  It counsels patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships, leading to cooperation and mutual support.  This planet of structure and discipline provides some much-needed grounding and circumspection to hot and erratic Uranus in Aries.

You may feel torn between the tried and true (Saturn) and the desire for breakthrough (Uranus).  Strive for balance bringing the best of the old along with you into new territory.

Saturn is still in its annual period of retrograde motion.  Moving retrograde for 4 ½ months each year, this phase provides the opportunity to examine whether our standard modes of operation truly spring from our own values, or have been imposed upon us by authority figures or societal norms.  It’s a time when our regular structures of support and stability may be withdrawn and we have to rely upon our own creativity and self-discipline to achieve our goals.

Jupiter in Aries

In January Jupiter entered Aries, where it will be until June 4.  Aries is a fundamentally aggressive mind-set, whether in the form of the lone-wolf entrepreneur or the established global company.  It brings a desire to take on the competition, expand into new territory, and develop new markets.

Jupiter in Aries begins a new twelve-year Jupiter cycle.  This is an excellent time to begin a whole new endeavor.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac.  Can you think about the next twelve years and being “first” in some aspect of your industry?  Jupiter likes to think big!  It’s time to take a new plunge:  big plans, big risks.  This is a time of expansion, new projects, and bold moves.

Mars in Aries/Taurus

Mars is in Aries until May 11.  Use these first days of May to initiate new ideas and fresh projects while the Aries energy fuels us with vitality.  Your staff will enjoy a challenge, contest, or competition.

When Mars moves into Taurus on the 11th you’ll notice a definite shift in energy.  This is the time to take the best of the ideas generated while Mars was in Aries and begin the patient and persistent work it will take to bring them to fruition.  Mars in Taurus is a builder, piece by piece, nail by nail, bringing your vision into concrete form.

Venus in Aries/Taurus

Venus is in Aries until May 15 when she too transitions into Taurus.  Venus in Aries is the time to initiate new relationships and present bold propositions:  the flashier, the better.

Venus is Taurus is a very different energy.  Venus in Taurus is less heady and more sensual.  This is a great time to woo new customers and colleagues by exhibiting your emphasis on excellent value and long-lasting relationships.  Spend that marketing expense account and if you don’t have one, eke out some money from somewhere to take your best prospect to a fine restaurant.  Appeal to the senses while Venus is in Taurus.

Mercury in Aries/Taurus

Mercury also moves into Taurus on May 15.  While Mercury is still in Aries, keep talking, envisioning, inventing, and persuading.

When Mercury moves into Taurus you’ll notice a stabilizing influence return to your mind and your communications will be much more careful and productive.  Remember to have patience with yourself and others if you lose that spark you had when Mercury was in Aries.  What you gain is the ability to actually plan and implement those great ideas, albeit at a slower pace.

Sun in Taurus/Gemini

The Sun is in Taurus until May 21 and then moves into chatty, intellectual Gemini.  The Sun in Taurus brings form and functionality to your business.  The Sun in Gemini brings the energy of exchange and interchange.  Get out from behind your desk and meet and greet people.  This is a time of sharing your thoughts and gathering ideas from others.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Taurus on May 3 (MDT), waxing to Full in Scorpio on May 17.  Look for a new start on the New Moon in whichever house in your chart contains 12 degrees Taurus.  For me, that’s the 11th house, community and group endeavors.  (If you need a copy of your chart, see the box in the sidebar to request one free.)

Monthly Recap

After a few months of high energy, high impact Aries energy, our activities will settle down this month with Mars, Venus, and Mercury moving into Taurus. There are no changes in any of the outer planets either, in terms of sign or retrograde motion.  Add to this that there are no truly difficult aspects between any planets this month so we’ll have time to take a breather, enjoy the spring or autumn, and conserve our energy for the future.  Steady and sure-footed are the keywords this month.

Are you in astrological overwhelm?  Check out this link on my other blog for 5 simple ways to get your feet wet in astrology without drowning.  Astrology is so Vast; Where Do I Start?

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

May 3              New Moon in Taurus

May 11            Mars enters Taurus

May 15            Mercury enters Taurus; Venus enters Taurus

May 17            Full Moon in Scorpio

May 21            Sun enters Gemini

*******************************************************

Have you seen my new blog? Discussing all things astrological, for anyone interested in real-life astrology, check out Ellen Longo’s Astrology Blog.

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – April, 2011

Solar_system

Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for April, 2011.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn, where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to many of the structures we have come to rely upon:  government, organized religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

Pluto turns retrograde on April 9.  You may notice a reversal which will lead you back to a problem you thought you had resolved.  If so, you’re not quite finished with it yet.  Excavate any lingering issues and put them finally to rest.

To read more about Pluto in Capricorn and its impact on your chart this year, see Pluto’s Journey through 2011.

Neptune in Aquarius/Pisces

Neptune starts the month in Aquarius but on the 4th slides into Pisces.  With Neptune in Aquarius since 1998, we’ve seen a growing global consensus regarding the equal value of all beings, shared responsibility for our planet, the distribution of technology to all corners of the world, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

As Neptune transitions into Pisces we will begin to shift from mental associations and words-based networking to connections based on feelings and shared beliefs.  New groups will form around a unified vision for the future.  Borders will shift as disparate groups come together and merge into one larger whole while other sectors dissolve.  New tools and technology will pervade our business processes based on changing media which allow for more spontaneous creativity.  We will incorporate the senses more and more into products and services.  Look for breakthroughs in medical fields including alternative medicine and mental and emotional health.

To read more about Neptune in Aquarius and Pisces and its impact on your chart this year, see Neptune Swimming through 2011.

Uranus in Aries

Uranus left the sign Pisces and entered Aries on March 11 beginning a brand new 84-year cycle of scientific and political innovation.  Uranus embodies the principle of change, especially the kind of transitions that occur because of sudden breakthroughs and technological inventions.  Society is constantly moving forward and when the time comes when the traditional is just too safe and stale, the energy of Uranus bursts through the barriers and ushers in the new.

What does this mean for us in business?  We will probably feel compelled to take risks we would not even have considered in the past.  We may feel confined by the people around us or the structures we’ve implemented.  We may seek opportunities to bring scientific or technical discoveries into our products and services.  We may approach everyday challenges as battles to be fought and won.  We want out of our shell, even if we created it.

To read more about Uranus in Aries and its impact on your chart this year, see Uranus Flashes through 2011.

Saturn in Libra

Saturn in Libra is the antithesis of Uranus in Aries.  It counsels patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships, leading to cooperation and mutual support.  This planet of structure and discipline provides some much-needed grounding and circumspection to hot and erratic Uranus in Aries.

You may feel torn between the tried and true (Saturn) and the desire for breakthrough (Uranus).  Strive for balance bringing the best of the old along with you into new territory.

Saturn is still in its annual period of retrograde motion.  Moving retrograde for 4 ½ months each year, this phase provides the opportunity to examine whether our standard modes of operation truly spring from our own values, or have been imposed upon us by authority figures or societal norms.  It’s a time when our regular structures of support and stability may be withdrawn and we have to rely upon our own creativity and self-discipline to achieve our goals.

Jupiter in Aries

In January Jupiter entered Aries, where it will be until June 4.  Aries is a fundamentally aggressive mind-set, whether in the form of the lone-wolf entrepreneur or the established global company.  It brings a desire to take on the competition, expand into new territory, and develop new markets.

We are at the beginning of a new twelve year Jupiter cycle.  This is an excellent time to begin a whole new endeavor.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac.  Can you think about the next twelve years and being “first” in some aspect of your industry?  Jupiter likes to think big!  It’s time to take a new plunge:  big plans, big risks.  This is a time of expansion, new projects, and bold moves.

Mars in Aries

Mars leaves Pisces and enters Aries on the 1st day of the month.  Your activity level and those around you should really ramp up now.  You’ll reach for new ideas and fresh projects to take advantage of the increase in vitality.  Your staff will enjoy a challenge, contest, or competition.

Impatience and irritation can be a feature of this time, especially if decision-making is moving too slowly.  Do what you can to keep resources moving to your people, and they will reward you with a fresh burst of energy and ideas.

Venus in Pisces/Aries

Venus is in Pisces until April 20, the time to catch your best creative ideas of the year.  Carry a recording device with you at all times because, while truly inspired, Venus’ gifts are subtle and can be elusive when she’s in Pisces.

When Venus enters Aries, she gets feisty.  This is the time to initiate new relationships and present bold propositions:  the flashier, the better.  Be careful about follow-through, though.  This flame can burn out quickly and move on to the next thing before the last is accomplished.

Mercury in Aries

Mercury in Aries revs our mental engines although from the beginning of the month until April 23, with Mercury in retrograde motion, we may be reviewing the past rather than looking to the future.  In either direction, our thinking becomes inventive and our communications persuasive.  Watch for aggressiveness; give others a chance to speak too.

You may have so many ideas and so much enthusiasm you’ll need extra help just to keep track of it all.  Watch for overload; headaches will be a sign to relax, cool your jets, and pace yourself.

Sun in Aries/Taurus

The Sun is in Aries until April 20 and then moves into practical, resolute Taurus.  The Sun in Aries is a time of heightened energy and new beginnings.  When the Sun enters Taurus, pick the best of the Aries-inspired product ideas and begin a mode of steady implementation.  Taurus brings form and functionality.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Aries on April 3, waxing to full in Libra on April 17.  Look for a new start on the New Moon in whichever house contains 13 degrees Aries.  For me, that’s the 11th house, collaboration and group endeavors.  (If you need a copy of your chart, see the box in the sidebar to request one free.)

Monthly Recap

High energy, high impact Aries continues to be featured this month with six planets in Aries and the New Moon.  This is a month of all-out activity although you may be cleaning up the past rather than creating the future until Mercury turns direct on the 23rd.  Saturn in Libra is the voice of reason, encouraging collaboration and coalition-building instead of going it alone.  Independence and inter-dependence must be in balance this month.

In case you are wondering how to get the most out of this monthly forecast, check out this link.  Some time ago a reader asked about it and you’ll see my instructions when you follow the link.

Are you in astrological overwhelm?  Check out this link on my other blog for 5 simple ways to get your feet wet in astrology without drowning.  Astrology is so Vast; Where Do I Start?

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

April 1             Mars enters Aries

April 3             New Moon in Aries

April 4             Neptune enters Pisces

April 9             Pluto retrograde

April 17           Full Moon in Libra

April 20           Sun enters Taurus; Venus enters Aries

April 23           Mercury direct

*******************************************************
For an overview of the current Mercury Retrograde Cycle, see Mercury Retrograde – What’s It All About?

To get an overview of the year, check out these posts:

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

Have you seen my new blog? Discussing all things astrological, for anyone interested in real-life astrology, check out Ellen Longo’s Astrology Blog.

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.
Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – March 2011

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for March, 2011.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn (see category at right), where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to many of the structures we have come to rely upon:  government, organized religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

This is formidable energy, and your best strategy is to tune in and work with it.  Find an area in your business life in need of renewal and begin the process before Pluto reaches planets in your chart and forces the issue.

Everyone with planets within five to nine degrees of any sign is actively dealing with this energy but especially if those planets are in Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, or Libra.  You will probably notice a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, related to the issues mentioned above.  Try to open a large space within yourself for a whole new perspective; be willing to irrevocably let go of something that has become outmoded.  Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is done they are the most rewarding because we are permanently freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011-2012, we’ve seen a growing global consensus regarding the equal value of all beings, shared responsibility for our planet, the distribution of technology to all corners of the world, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

The best way to work with this energy is to allow yourself to open to waves of inspiration from the collective whole, from your local community to the global community.  Expect to be inspired by your neighbors and friends, both near and far.

If you have planets between 26 and 29 degrees of any sign expect to experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life this year and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others.  Pay attention to non-intellectual sources of knowledge such as dreams and art.  Feel what is happening, listen for underlying currents rather than what is apparent on the surface.  This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life which have no real content for us anymore.  This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Pisces/Aries

Uranus finally leaves the sign Pisces and enters Aries on March 11.  This transition is noteworthy because there is always a shift when Uranus changes signs.  But the transition into Aries is even bigger than the usual 7-year movement from sign to sign.  Since Pisces is the last sign in the natural zodiac, and Aries is the first, we are looking at a seismic shift, the beginning of a new 84-year cycle.  Uranus has not been at this beginning point in the zodiac since 1928.  The whole period from 1928 to 2011 has been one long cycle of creative innovation which is now giving birth to a whole new cycle.

Uranus began its ingress into Aries last May but due to retrograde motion it slid back into Pisces until this month.  Many astrologers have predicted pretty dire consequences for Uranus in Aries and we’ve seen the warm-up acts ever since the planet Jupiter entered Aries in January.

Aries is the sign ruled by Mars, the Roman god of war.  This hot-headed god tended to act first and think later (if at all).  The Mars energy can be selfish, or at least self-referential, and full of desire.  Mars sees what it wants and takes it.  So it is concerning that Uranus, which brings change, rebellion, and technological advancement is in cahoots with this god of war.

But there are positive sides to this new chapter.  Uranus itself embodies the principle of change, especially the kind of transitions that occur because of sudden breakthroughs and technological innovations.  Society is constantly moving forward and when the time comes when the traditional is just too safe and stale, the energy of Uranus bursts through the barriers and ushers in the new.

For so many years people have felt powerless to address the challenges of our world, especially those caused by entrenched positions in government, big business, and the military.  But now there is a new movement afoot – one in which we are all coming to understand that we are individually powerful and that each act we perform has the power to change our world.

This is the positive face of Uranus in Aries:  the one willing to take responsibility for the whole even if that means standing alone to do so; the lone hunter who provides for the entire tribe; the individual with the courage to speak out on behalf of others; the inspired entrepreneur who through her efforts improves other people’s lives.

We won’t be working in concert with others so much as we did when Uranus was in Pisces.  But in breaking free of the crowd we can break free of groupthink, too.  What do we think when we stand outside of the cluster we have identified with?  What is the truth for us alone?  With the courage of Aries, we can act from our own truth.

What does this mean for us in business?  We will probably feel compelled to take risks we would not even have considered in the past.  We may feel confined by the people around us or the structures we’ve implemented and surprise ourselves and others by heading into a brand new direction.  We may seek opportunities for travel and study, or to bring scientific or technical discoveries into our products and services.  We may approach everyday challenges as battles to be fought and won.  We want out of our shell, even if we created it.

If you have planets between 28 and 4 degrees of the next sign it’s time to let yourself be excited by something new; branch out, experiment, try new things.  Support a cause you believe in and invest your time in societal change.  This will positively channel the excess nervous and intellectual energy Uranus can bring.

Saturn in Libra

Saturn in Libra is the antithesis of Uranus in Aries.  It counsels patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships, leading to cooperation and mutual support.  This planet of structure and discipline provides some much-needed grounding and circumspection to hot and erratic Uranus in Aries.

You may feel torn between the tried and true (Saturn) and the desire for breakthrough (Uranus).  Strive for balance bringing the best of the old along with you into new territory.

Saturn is still in its annual period of retrograde motion.  Moving retrograde for 4 ½ months each year, this phase provides the opportunity to examine whether our standard modes of operation truly spring from our own values, or have been imposed upon us by authority figures or societal norms.  It’s a time when our regular structures of support and stability may be withdrawn and we have to rely upon our own creativity and self-discipline to achieve our goals.

Saturn becomes less direct and overt when in retrograde motion which can relieve stress and struggle.  Yet as business managers we may see that our authority becomes undermined as others break free from outer rules and regulations too.  Be ready to improvise; think jazz rather than classical for the next few months.

Jupiter in Aries

In January Jupiter entered Aries, the first sign of the zodiac.  As noted above, Aries is a fundamentally aggressive mind-set, whether in the form of the lone-wolf entrepreneur or the established global company.  It brings a desire to take on the competition, expand into new territory, and develop new markets.

Competition will feature strongly over the next few months, whether this competition is directed against others or against the limits you’ve reached in the past.  There’s a lack of restraint to Jupiter in Aries, some may say a foolishness, which endeavors against all odds to win.

Jupiter’s ingress into Aries marks the beginning of a new twelve year Jupiter cycle.  This is an excellent time to begin a whole new endeavor.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac.  Can you think about the next twelve years and being “first” in some aspect of your industry?  Jupiter likes to think big!  It’s time to take a new plunge:  big plans, big risks, the next five months will be a time of expansion, new projects, and bold moves.

Mars in Pisces

Mars entered Pisces last month changing the tenor of our energy and output.  Our focus may become scattered as we respond to subtle currents around us.  With Mars in Pisces we tend to see all sides of issues and may become over-emotional.  We can scatter our energy in helping others rather than adhering to our own schedule and progress.

Unless, that is, you are in a creative field.  In that case, this placement of Mars brings inspiration and the will to respond to it with concrete output.  Think Michelangelo and Vincent van Gogh – both with Mars in Pisces.

Venus in Aquarius/Pisces

Venus travels into Aquarius on the first of March and, moving quickly through that sign, enters Pisces on March 26.

Venus in Aquarius brings out our intellectual side.  Our social instincts rise; we become concerned with what is right and fair.  We can improve our professional relationships by joining associations or contributing with others to a just cause.  A group endeavor enhances our creativity.

Venus is exalted in the sign Pisces.  This is the time when you can catch your best creative ideas of the year.  Carry a recording device with you at all times because, while truly inspired, Venus’ gifts are subtle and can be elusive when she’s in Pisces.

Time spent on marketing and branding for which we recommend this to hire the worcester SEO company will pay off during Venus in Pisces and you can expect your employees to be imaginative and happy.

Mercury in Pisces/Aries

Mercury begins the month in Pisces, moves into Aries on the 9th, and then turns retrograde in Aries on March 30.

Images communicate better than words when Mercury is in Pisces; be sure your writing and speaking include symbols and color.  Your thoughts flow more easily and your best ideas come from dreaming, day-dreaming, and fantasy, so include time for all of these.

Mercury in Aries revs our mental engines.  Our thinking becomes inventive and our communications persuasive.  Watch for aggressiveness; give others a chance to speak too.

You may have so many ideas and so much enthusiasm you’ll need extra help just to keep track of it all.  Watch for overload; headaches will be a sign to relax, cool your jets, and pace yourself.

Sun in Pisces/Aries

The Sun in Pisces is a transitional time of year, a time of completion and preparation for the new start indicated at the end of Pisces, the time of the Equinox.  Use the heightened intuition of the Pisces Sun to sense how your direction will adjust to the coming season.

On March 20 is the Equinox; vernal for us northerners; autumnal for you southerners.  (That’s north and south of the equator.)  Half way between the longest and shortest day of the year, it’s time to take stock.  How far have you come since the Solstice?  Have you accomplished your goals so far this year?  Is there a course correction you need to make?

The Sun in Aries is a time of heightened energy and new beginnings.  Take advantage of this fire to get yourself on track.  You are ready; act!

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Pisces on March 4, waxing to full in Virgo on March 19.  Look for a new start in whichever house contains 13 degrees Pisces.  For me, that’s career and business!  (If you need a copy of your chart, see the box in the sidebar to request one free.)

Monthly Recap

With Mercury, Uranus, and Jupiter in Aries by March 11, and the Sun joining by March 20 this month will feature a fighting spirit and the will to conquer new territory and introduce radical new ideas.  Fortunately, Venus in Aquarius will bring in collaboration and Saturn in Libra will remind us of our interdependence with others.  The winning spirit of Aries is great for business but remember:  you’ll still need relationships once the gains have been won.

In case you are wondering how to get the most out of this monthly forecast, check out this link.  Some time ago a reader asked about it and you’ll see my instructions when you follow the link.

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

March 1          Venus enters Aquarius

March 4          New Moon in Pisces

March 9          Mercury enters Aries

March 11        Uranus enters Aries

March 19        Full Moon in Virgo

March 20        Sun enters Aries

March 26        Venus enters Pisces

March 30        Mercury turns retrograde

*******************************************************

For an overview of the year ahead, check out these posts:

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

Have you seen my new blog? Discussing all things astrological, for anyone interested in real-life astrology, check out Ellen Longo’s Astrology Blog.

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – February 2011

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for February, 2011.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn (see category at right), where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to many of the structures we have come to rely upon:  government, organized religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

This is formidable energy, and your best strategy is to tune in and work with it.  Find an area in your business life in need of renewal and begin the process before Pluto reaches planets in your chart and forces the issue.

Everyone with planets within the first three to nine degrees of any sign is actively dealing with this energy.  You will probably notice a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, related to the issues mentioned above.  Try to open a large space within yourself for a whole new perspective; be willing to irrevocably let go of something that has become outmoded become new.  Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is done they are the most rewarding because we are permanently freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011-2012, we’ve seen a growing global consensus regarding the equal value of all beings, shared responsibility for our planet, the distribution of technology to all corners of the world, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

The best way to work with this energy is to allow yourself to open to waves of inspiration from the collective whole, from your local community to the global community.  Expect to be inspired by your neighbors and friends, both near and far.

If you have planets between 26 and 29 degrees of any sign expect to experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life this year and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others.  Pay attention to non-intellectual sources of knowledge such as dreams and art.  Feel what is happening, listen for underlying currents rather than what is apparent on the surface.  This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life which have no real content for us anymore.  This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Pisces

Uranus continues through the last degrees of Pisces until next month.  Over the last seven years Uranus has given us innovation and invention in business in a particularly Piscean fashion.

Pisces is the sign of immersion in the collective; of recognizing that the needs of the whole are more important than the individual.  While Uranus has been in Pisces we’ve seen flattening of management hierarchies, a marked increase in global transactions and interactions, and moving parts which come together for specific purposes and then split apart again to form new groups.  We’ve learned the importance of the “culture” of our business and its mysterious impact on our profits.  We’ve learned “emotional intelligence”, a Uranus in Pisces phrase if there ever was one!

In our businesses we’ve had to rely on diversification and collaboration to keep afloat.  We’ve seen the ascendance of social media and the internet and many of us have been dragged into it to give us the reach we needed to survive.  Sustainability for our businesses and our world has come to the forefront of our attention and our decisions.

Let’s take advantage of this last full month with Uranus in Pisces to shore up our relationships with our employees, our colleagues, and all our business contacts. Then next month, when Uranus moves into Aries, we’ll have the fully unified force of our collaborators behind us to push ahead into new territory.

If you have planets between 26 and 2 degrees of the next sign it’s time to let yourself be excited by something new; branch out, experiment, try new things.  Support a cause you believe in and invest your time in societal change.  This will positively channel the excess nervous and intellectual energy Uranus can bring.

Saturn in Libra

Last July, Saturn entered Libra where it will stay until October 2012.  Saturn is exalted in Libra which means it has a special affinity to the sign and if you’re willing to do the work, there is a promised payoff.  See the category to the right on this important transit, but in a nutshell:  what is the work of Saturn in Libra?  To develop patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships.  What is the payoff?  Cooperation and mutual support.

Saturn entered its annual period of retrograde motion on January 25th.  In retrograde motion for 4 ½ months each year, this phase provides the opportunity to examine whether our standard modes of operation truly spring from our own values, or have been imposed upon us by authority figures or societal norms.  It’s a time when our regular structures of support and stability may be withdrawn and we have to rely upon our own creativity and self-discipline to achieve our goals.

Saturn becomes less direct and overt when in retrograde motion which can relieve stress and struggle.  Yet as business managers we may see that our authority becomes undermined as others break free from outer rules and regulations too.  Be ready to improvise; think jazz rather than classical for the next few months.

Jupiter in Aries

On January 22 Jupiter entered Aries, the first sign of the zodiac.  Aries is a fundamentally aggressive mind-set, whether in the form of the lone-wolf entrepreneur or the established global company.  It brings a desire to take on the competition, expand into new territory, and develop new markets.

Competition will feature strongly over the next five months, and this competition could be directed against others or against the limits you’ve reached in the past.  There’s a lack of restraint to Jupiter in Aries, some may say a foolishness, which endeavors against all odds to win.

Jupiter’s ingress into Aries marks the beginning of a new twelve year Jupiter cycle.  This is an excellent time to begin a whole new endeavor.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac.  Can you think about the next twelve years and being “first” in some aspect of your industry?  Jupiter likes to think big!  It’s time to take a new plunge:  big plans, big risks, the next five months will be a time of expansion, new projects, and bold moves.

In late February Jupiter in Aries forms a challenging aspect with Pluto in Capricorn.  To get a sense of this conflict, read the Pluto entry above, including the line “This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.”   Now read this Jupiter entry again, such as, “There’s a lack of restraint to Jupiter in Aries, some may say a foolishness, which endeavors against all odds to win.”   What do you think?  I think in our business lives (and globally) we can expect rising tensions and escalating aggression and conflict.  Issues of justice may rise to the surface and your full leadership ability may be required to negotiate peace.

Mars in Aquarius/Pisces

In January Mars entered Aquarius where it will travel until February 22.  This is an excellent time for scientific advances, increased competition in the social networking sphere, and progress in humanitarian issues.    Impatient for change, Mars in Aquarius revs up our mental activities and incites our interest in matters outside our local sphere. Look for techno-conflicts to increase until Mars leaves Aquarius late in the month.

When Mars enters Pisces, the tenor of our energy and output will really change.  Our focus may become scattered as we respond to subtle currents around us.  With Mars in Pisces we tend to see all sides of issues and may become over-emotional.  We can tend to scatter our energy in helping others rather than adhering to our own schedule and progress.

Unless, that is, you are in a creative field.  In that case, this placement of Mars brings inspiration and the energy to respond to it with concrete output.  Think Michelangelo and Vincent van Gogh – both with Mars in Pisces.

Venus in Sagittarius/Capricorn

Venus is in Sagittarius for the first couple of days of February before moving into Capricorn for the rest of the month.  Use these first two days to follow-up with distant contacts and international clients.

When Venus moves into Capricorn, we become more concerned with material values.  We gain happiness when we’re frugal with spending, practical in creativity, and reliable in relationship.  We may be looking for prestige or status as this time, but remember, so are our employees and partners.  Be willing to give recognition where it is due.

Mercury in Capricorn/Aquarius/Pisces

Mercury is busy this month, finishing with Capricorn, zipping through Aquarius, and catching up to the Sun in Pisces by the end of the month.

As it finishes its time in Capricorn, put the final touches on your plans.  Then on February 3, Mercury will enter Aquarius, the sign of its exaltation.  For about 18 days, you can expect innovative thinking from yourself and those around you.  Your mind is steady, resourceful and intuitive during this transit and it particularly favors creative use of technology.  Writing and speaking to large groups is beneficial, so if the opportunity arises, make the most of it.

On February 21, Mercury slides into Pisces.  The sharp focused intellect of Mercury in Aquarius gives way to a softer approach.  Images communicate better than words when Mercury is in Pisces; be sure your writing and speaking include symbols and color.  Your thoughts flow more easily and your best ideas come from dreaming, day-dreaming, and fantasy, so include time for all of these.

Sun in Aquarius/Pisces

The Sun is in Aquarius until February 18, when it enters the sign, Pisces.  The Sun in Aquarius favors endeavors involving groups and teams as well as technology or science-related projects.

The Sun in Pisces marks a transitional time of year, a time of completion and preparation for the new start indicated at the end of Pisces, the time of the Equinox.  Use the heightened intuition of the Pisces Sun to sense how your direction will adjust to the coming season.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Aquarius on February 2, waxing to full in Leo on February 18.

Monthly Recap

This month we all may feel unnerved as we experience the growing tension between Jupiter and Pluto, culminating on February 25.  The silver lining to this square is the chance to bring an issue to the surface and deal with it swiftly and competently.  Squares bring with them the energy to resolve conflict.  Supported by the compassionate hands of Mercury and Mars in Pisces, we can work toward our ideals of mutual, interdependent opportunity for everyone.  This is a month where you may have to hold tightly to the wheel to maintain an even keel.

In case you are wondering how to get the most out of this monthly forecast, check out this link.  Some time ago a reader asked about it and you’ll see my instructions when you follow the link.

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

February 2       New Moon in Aquarius

February 3       Mercury enters Aquarius; Venus enters Capricorn

February 18     Full Moon in Leo; Sun enters Pisces

February 21     Mercury enters Pisces

February 22     Mars enters Pisces

February 25     Jupiter in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn

*******************************************************

Have you seen my new blog? Discussing all things astrological, for anyone interested in real-life astrology, check out Ellen Longo’s Astrology Blog.

To get an look at the year ahead, check out these posts:

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – January 2011

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

Happy New Year and welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for January, 2011.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn (see category at right), where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to many of the structures we have come to rely upon:  government, religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

This is formidable energy, and your best strategy is to tune in and work with it.  Find an area in your business life in need of renewal and begin the process before Pluto reaches planets in your chart and forces the issue.

Everyone with planets within the first three to nine degrees of any sign is actively dealing with this energy.  You’ve probably noticed a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, related to the issues mentioned above.  Try to open a large space within yourself for a whole new perspective; be willing to become new and to irrevocably let go of something that has become outmoded.  Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is done they are the most rewarding because we are permanently freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011, we’ve seen a growing global consensus regarding the equal value of all beings, shared responsibility for our planet, the distribution of technology to all corners of the world, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

The best way to work with this energy is to allow yourself to open to waves of inspiration from the collective whole, from your local community to the global community.  Expect to be inspired by your neighbors and friends, both near and far.

If you have planets between 26 and 29 degrees of any sign expect to experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others.  Pay attention to non-intellectual sources of knowledge such as dreams and art.  Feel what is happening, listen for underlying currents rather than what is apparent on the surface.  This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life which have no real content for us anymore.  This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Pisces

Did you feel the energy shift last month when Uranus regained direct motion?  You may have noticed a turnaround in all business matters influenced by the planet:  industry structures; innovation; new technology; invention; community impact; creative destruction; and rapid response, to name a few.

Uranus continues through the last degrees of Pisces for the next few months.  With the resumption of direct motion you may be experiencing a rush of pent-up desire for change.  And yet, until it passes into Aries in March, we are finishing up old business in an old style.

If you have planets between 26 and 2 degrees of the next sign it’s time to let yourself be excited by something new; branch out, experiment, try new things.  Support a cause you believe in and invest your time in societal change.  This will positively channel the excess nervous and intellectual energy Uranus can bring.

Saturn in Libra

Last July, Saturn entered Libra where it will stay until October 2012.  Saturn is exalted in Libra which means it has a special affinity to the sign and if you’re willing to do the work, there is a promised payoff.  See the category to the right on this important transit, but in a nutshell:  what is the work of Saturn in Libra?  To develop patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships.  What is the payoff?  Cooperation and mutual support.

Saturn enters its annual period of retrograde motion on January 25th.  In retrograde motion for 4 ½ months each year, this phase provides the opportunity to examine whether our standard modes of operation truly spring from our own values, or have been imposed upon us by authority figures or societal norms.  It’s a time when our regular structures of support and stability may be withdrawn and we have to rely upon our own creativity and self-discipline to achieve our goals.

Saturn becomes less direct and overt when in retrograde motion which can relieve stress and struggle.  Yet as business managers we may see that our authority becomes undermined as others break free from outer rules and regulations too.  Be ready to improvise; think jazz rather than classical for the next few months.

Jupiter in Pisces

Last June, Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, entered Aries.  Aries is an initiatory sign and Jupiter thinks big.  Your former goals may have felt too limiting and you may have experienced a passion for growth, expansion, competition, and claiming new territories

Then Jupiter began retrograde motion in July and slipped back into Pisces.  You may have found your enthusiasm flagging for your new products and plans.  The forward momentum you’d been enjoying may have reversed, and you felt more restrained.  This has been an important phase for realistically assessing how much we can get done, to curtail overdoing and over-committing, and to take the time to slowly grow a project to completion.

In November Jupiter resumed direct motion and this month re-enters Aries.  Back to big plans and big risks, the next five months will be a time of expansion, new projects, and bold moves.  The beginning of a twelve-year cycle, this is an excellent time to begin a whole new endeavor.

Mars in Capricorn/Aquarius

In December, Mars, the planet that represents our drive, energy, and will, entered Capricorn.  Capricorn is a fantastic position for Mars.  Mars in Capricorn is focused, patient, and unrelenting in the pursuit of goals, especially business and career goals.  Mechanics and engineering are supported when Mars is in this sign as Capricorn gives entrepreneurial Mars the patience to devise and revise until a product is perfected.

On January 15 Mars enters Aquarius.  This is an excellent time for scientific advances, increased competition in the social networking sphere, and progress in humanitarian issues.  Not as focused and patient as Mars in Capricorn, Mars in Aquarius revs up our mental activities and incites our interest in matters outside our local sphere. Look for techno-conflicts to increase until Mars leaves Aquarius in late February.

Venus in Scorpio/Sagittarius

Venus spends the first few days of January in Scorpio before moving into Sagittarius on the 7th.   Venus represents pleasure and in Scorpio, happiness is found in emotional and material security.  You may have been more focused than usual on the balance in your cash accounts and on stabilizing your finances.

When Venus enters Sagittarius people seek pleasure from interacting with others, and the more distant the contacts, the better.  It is an excellent time to branch out your marketing efforts to new territories and it particularly favors international contacts.

Closer to home, be sure to provide opportunities for your staff to associate both on and off the job.  Venus in Sagittarius can have a roaming eye, so if you’re serious about retaining a key employee find ways to keep them enthused about your company. A staff tournament of some kind would help the group bond and take advantage of Venus in the sign of competitive fun.

Mercury in Sagittarius/Capricorn

Mercury finishes its sojourn through Sagittarius on January 13 and moves into Capricorn.  When Mercury is in Sagittarius we may miss the details of the present because our minds are captivated by the future.  Try to count to three before making any snap decisions.

Mercury in Capricorn is ideal for planning and strategy, so if you still have your 2011 business plan in front of you, set time aside to work on it this month.  From the free-wheeling Sagittarius energy we find ourselves in a much more serious frame of mind.  You’ll notice a heightened ability to concentrate and deliver on promises.  But watch out for a tendency to lose your sense of humor just when you need it most!

Sun in Capricorn/Aquarius

The Sun begins the month in Capricorn.  This is a time of resolutions and annual planning, taking advantage of the Capricorn qualities of patience, persistence, efficiency, and practicality.

When the Sun enters Aquarius on January 20th, we can begin to implement our plans.  Endeavors involving groups and teams are particularly favored with the Sun in Aquarius, as well as technology or science-related projects.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Capricorn on January 4, waxing to full in Cancer on January 19.  The New Moon is also a partial solar eclipse, one of the two solar eclipses each year.

Monthly Recap

This month may feel unsettled as the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter change signs, Saturn changes direction, and the Sun is eclipsed by the Moon.   The global environment will be fairly stable but your personal and business lives will require one adjustment after another.   This is a time to be “nimble and quick” in order to take advantage of changing situations.  It’s a month of wide-ranging activities so don’t be afraid to get out and beyond your normal boundaries – that’s where you’ll find opportunity.

In case you are wondering how to get the most out of this monthly forecast, check out this link.  Some time ago a reader asked about it and you’ll see my instructions when you follow the link.

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

January 4         New Moon in Capricorn; Partial Solar Eclipse

January 7         Venus enters Sagittarius

January 13       Mercury enters Capricorn

January 15       Mars enters Aquarius

January 19       Full Moon in Cancer

January 20       Sun enters Aquarius

January 22       Jupiter enters Aries

January 25       Saturn assumes Retrograde Motion

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

For more info on the business descriptions of the planets mentioned this week, see

The Sun

The Moon

Mercury

Venus

Mars

Jupiter

Saturn

Uranus

Neptune

Pluto

Copyright 2011.  All rights reserved.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – December 2010

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for December, 2010.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn (see category at right), where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to many of the structures we have come to rely upon:  government, religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

This is formidable energy, and your best strategy is to tune in and work with it.  Find an area in your business life in need of renewal and begin the process before Pluto reaches planets in your chart and forces the issue.

Everyone with planets within the first three to nine degrees of any sign is actively dealing with this energy.  You’ve probably noticed a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, related to the issues mentioned above.  Try to open a large space within yourself for a whole new perspective; be willing to become new and to irrevocably let go of something that has become outmoded.  Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is done they are the most rewarding because we are permanently freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011, we’ve seen a growing global consensus regarding the equal value of all beings, shared responsibility for our planet, the distribution of technology to all corners of the world, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

The best way to work with this energy is to allow yourself to open to waves of inspiration from the collective whole, from your local community to the global community.  Expect to be inspired by your neighbors and friends, both near and far.

If you have planets between 26 and 29 degrees of any sign expect to experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others.  Pay attention to non-intellectual sources of knowledge such as dreams and art.  Feel what is happening, listen for underlying currents rather than what is apparent on the surface.  This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life which have no real content for us anymore.  This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Pisces

Uranus is the final planet to regain direct motion this year.  After it comes to stillness and begins moving forward again on December 5 we will see a turnaround in all business matters influenced by the planet:  industry structures; innovation; new technology; invention; community impact; creative destruction; and rapid response, to name a few.

When the planet entered Aries last May, we began getting to know a new face of Uranus. Aries is the spark of entrepreneurial spirit, the initiating drive toward independence and individuality.  You may have noticed new ideas incubating and a spirit of bold entrepreneurship in and around your business.  But then Uranus moved into retrograde motion and there was probably a disruption in this full-speed-ahead current.  You may have felt ambivalent or dissatisfied with your new ideas and initiatives.

When Uranus moved back into Pisces in August there was another major shift. Yes, this was familiar territory; Uranus was in Pisces for most of the last seven years, since March 2003.  But it may have felt like stepping back in time.  From our new entrepreneurial spirit we re-entered the realm of collective ideas.  From forays into a new style of leadership, we fell back into flattened hierarchies and committee decision-making.  From enhanced independence we returned to collaboration and alliances.

Uranus continues through the last degrees of Pisces for the next few months.  With the resumption of direct motion you may experience a rush of pent-up desire for change.  And yet, until it passes into Aries again in March, we are finishing up old business in an old style.

If you have planets between 26 and 1 degree of the next sign it’s time to let yourself be excited by something new; branch out, experiment, try new things.  Support a cause you believe in and invest your time in societal change.  This will positively channel the excess nervous and intellectual energy Uranus can bring.

Saturn in Libra

In July, Saturn entered Libra where it will stay until October 2012.  Saturn is exalted in Libra which means it has a special affinity to the sign and if you’re willing to do the work, there is a promised payoff.  See the category to the right on this important transit, but in a nutshell:  what is the work of Saturn in Libra?  To develop patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships.  What is the payoff?  Cooperation and mutual support.

Last August, Saturn formed a difficult aspect to Pluto in Capricorn (see above.)  The stress of this aspect revealed the decay beneath structures in our businesses (and our world.)  Now the Saturn energy is building the Libra values of equity, parity, diplomacy, collaboration, and cooperation on the ashes of the past.  Saturn brings a serious and responsible attitude to this time, especially in the areas of partnership and business relationships.

Jupiter in Pisces

Let’s review where we’ve been with Jupiter, so we can tell where we stand now.  In June, Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, entered Aries.  Aries is an initiatory sign and Jupiter thinks big.  Your former goals may have felt too limiting and you may have experienced a passion for growth, expansion, competition, and claiming new territories

Then Jupiter began retrograde motion in July.  You may have found your enthusiasm flagging for your new products and plans.  The forward momentum you’d been enjoying may have reversed, and you felt more restrained.  This has been an important phase for realistically assessing how much we can get done, to curtail overdoing and over-committing, and to take the time to slowly grow a project to completion.

In November Jupiter resumed direct motion.  You’ve probably felt enthusiasm and forward momentum returning to your workplace.  You can begin to think big again and the energy of Jupiter direct will support your efforts.  Take the promotion, take the risk, buy that lottery ticket!

Mars in Sagittarius/Capricorn

On December 7, Mars, the planet that represents our drive, energy, and will enter Capricorn.  Capricorn is a fantastic position for Mars.  Mars in Capricorn is focused, patient, and unrelenting in the pursuit of goals, especially business and career goals.  Mechanics and engineering are supported when Mars is in this sign as Capricorn gives entrepreneurial Mars the patience to devise and revise until a product is perfected.

Since Mars in business represents your second tier of leadership, expect your managers to step up and willingly take on more responsibility over the next few weeks.  In fact, they may demand it!  If you’re planning promotions, wait until after the 7th and then move ahead.

Venus in Scorpio

Venus re-entered Scorpio on November 29.  Venus represents pleasure and in Scorpio, happiness is found in emotional and material security.  You may worry more than usual about the balance in your cash accounts and focus your energy on stabilizing your finances.  However, you could go overboard if you are too passionate in your pursuit of security.

Be careful with this one:  permanent alliances can be formed when Venus is in this sign but irrevocable separations can be just as likely.  Long-lasting contractual or financial agreements can be gained at this time but may contain an element of intrigue and the possibility of betrayal.  Review everything carefully and if there are unspoken emotional undertones, make sure you get them out on the table before you commit.

Mercury in Capricorn/Sagittarius

Mercury entered Capricorn on November 30.  Mercury in Capricorn is ideal for planning and strategy, so if you still have your 2011 business plan in front of you, set time aside to work on it between now and December 18th.  From the free-wheeling Sagittarius energy we’ve entered a much more serious frame of mind.  You’ll see a heightened ability to concentrate and deliver on promises.  Watch out for a tendency to lose your sense of humor just when you need it most!

Mercury spends from December 10 to December 30 in retrograde motion.  In Astro4Business we understand the value of retrograde motion and welcome this time of review.  In fact this is a great time to look back over the year and analyze what worked and what can be improved.  See the links below for good information on how to handle retrograde Mercury.

Due to retrograde motion, Mercury will slip back into Sagittarius on December 18 which will be great for the holidays (as long as you can smile through travel snafus) but not as good for serious planning.  When Mercury is back in Sagittarius we may miss the details of the present because our minds are captivated by the future.  Try to count to three before making any snap decisions.

Sun in Sagittarius/Capricorn

Geometry of a Lunar Eclipse. (Source:Wikimedia Commons)


The Sun begins the month in Sagittarius.  This is a friendly, outgoing, optimistic time, the beginning of the holiday season.  In fact, we may tend toward over-exuberance as we know we are sliding into the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere.  Increased sales are favored under Sagittarius and a generosity of spirit with employees and coworkers is a great use of this energy.

When the Sun enters Capricorn we begin the season of renewal as we celebrate major seasonal change.  The Equinox marks the beginning of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere and the beginning of Winter for us Northerners.  It is a time of resolutions and annual planning, supported by the Capricorn qualities of patience, persistence, efficiency and practicality.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Sagittarius on December 5, waxing to full in Gemini on December 20-21 (depending on your time zone).  The Full Moon is also a total Lunar Eclipse, one of the two lunar eclipses each year.  If you look at the graphic to the right, you’ll see how the Sun’s energy is blocked at the moment of the Full Moon. This can curtail the normal cyclic fulfillment of projects and goals this month, a wrench in the works.  If it directly contacts a point on your chart its influence can be felt for about six months.  This month’s Lunar Eclipse is at 29 degrees Gemini.

Monthly Recap

A lot of Capricorn energy this month, with Mercury, Mars, the Sun, and Pluto all spending time in this serious, practical, and ambitious sign.  Business will be on our minds and we’ll have the energy to take our plans forward.  We’ll be supported by three planets in superb placement:  Saturn in Libra will give us responsibility in partnership; Jupiter in Pisces fosters a spirit if interdependence and cooperation; and Mars in Capricorn gives focus and direction to our drive.  And don’t forget to check your chart to see if 29 degrees is highlighted; if so, the Lunar Eclipse will be prominent for you.

In case you are wondering how to get the most out of this monthly forecast, check out this link.  Some time ago a reader asked about it and you’ll see my instructions when you follow the link.

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

December 5                Uranus resumes direct motion; New Moon in Sagittarius

December 7                Mars enters Capricorn

December 10              Mercury resumes retrograde motion

December 18              Mercury re-enters Sagittarius

December 20-21         Full Moon in Gemini; total Lunar Eclipse

December 21              Sun enters Capricorn

December 30              Mercury resumes direct motion

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

For tips on how to use Mercury Retrograde to your advantage, see

10 Best Practices for Mercury Retrograde

Mercury Retrograde – 10 Ways to Engage

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – November 2010

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for November, 2010.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn (see category at right), where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to many of the structures we have come to rely upon:  government, religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

This is formidable energy, and your best strategy is to tune in and work with it.  Find an area in your business life in need of renewal and begin the process before Pluto reaches planets in your chart and forces the issue.

Everyone with planets in the first seven degrees of any sign is already dealing with this energy.  You’ve probably noticed a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, related to the issues mentioned above.  Try to open a large space within yourself for a whole new perspective; be willing to become new and to irrevocably let go of something that has become outmoded.  Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is done they are the most rewarding because we are permanently freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011, we’ve seen a growing global consensus regarding the equal value of all beings, shared responsibility for our planet, the distribution of technology to all nations, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

The best way to work with this energy is to allow your rational mind to open to waves of inspiration from the collective whole, from your local community to the global community.  Expect to be inspired by your neighbors and friends, both near and far.

Neptune resumes direct motion on November 7.  The change in direction can bring confusion or feelings of loss to the surface.  We may know we’ve been through a massive shift but we’re not at all sure exactly what has changed or how to practically apply it to our businesses.  It will take a couple of weeks to adjust to the direct motion and then you’ll see your creativity and inspiration soar.

If you have planets between 25 and 29 degrees of any sign expect to experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others.  Pay attention to non-intellectual sources of knowledge such as dreams and art.  Feel what is happening, listen for underlying currents rather than what is apparent on the surface.  This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life that have no real content for us anymore.  This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Pisces

In July Uranus entered its annual cycle of retrograde motion.  During the entire month of July it slowly travelled back through the very first degree of Aries, and then in August it moved back into Pisces where it will remain until next March.

When Uranus entered Aries last May, we began getting to know a new face of Uranus. Aries is the spark of entrepreneurial spirit, the initiating drive toward independence and individuality.  You may have noticed new ideas incubating and a spirit of bold entrepreneurship in and around your business.  But when Uranus moved into retrograde motion, there was probably a disruption in this full-speed-ahead current.  You may now feel ambivalent or dissatisfied with your new ideas and initiatives.

And when Uranus moved back into Pisces on August 13 there was another major shift. Yes, this is familiar territory; Uranus was in Pisces for most of the last seven years, since March 2003.  But it may feel bizarre to be stepping back in time.  From our new entrepreneurial spirit we again enter the realm of collective ideas.  From our recent forays into a new style of leadership, we fall back into flattened hierarchies and committee decision-making.  From enhanced independence we’re back to collaboration and alliances.

Our whole society will seem to be taking steps backwards.  Must be something more to learn!

If you have planets between 26 and 1 degree of the next sign it’s time to let yourself be excited by something new; branch out, experiment, try new things.  Support a cause you believe in and invest your time in societal change.  This will positively channel the excess nervous and intellectual energy Uranus can sometimes bring.

Saturn in Libra

In July, Saturn entered the sign of Libra where it will stay until October 2012.  Saturn is exalted in Libra which means it has a special affinity to the sign and if you’re willing to do the work, there is a promised payoff.  See the category to the right on this important transit, but in a nutshell:  what is the work of Saturn in Libra?  To develop patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships.  What is the payoff?  Cooperation and mutual support.

Last August, Saturn formed a difficult aspect to Pluto in Capricorn (see above.)  The stress of this aspect revealed the decay beneath structures in our businesses (and our world.)  Now the Saturn energy is building the Libra values of equity, parity, diplomacy, collaboration, and cooperation on the ashes of the past.  Saturn brings a serious and responsible attitude to this time, especially in the areas of partnership and business relationships.

Jupiter in Pisces

Let’s review where we’ve been with Jupiter, so we can tell where we stand now.  In June, Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, entered Aries.  Aries is an initiatory sign and Jupiter thinks big.  Your former goals may have felt too limiting and you may have experienced a passion for growth, expansion, competition, and claiming new territories

Then Jupiter began retrograde motion on July 23.  You may have found your enthusiasm flagging for your new products and plans.  The forward momentum you’d been enjoying may have reversed, and you felt more restrained.  This has been an important phase for realistically assessing how much we can get done, to curtail overdoing and over-committing, and to take the time to slowly grow a project to completion.

In September Jupiter in retrograde motion re-entered Pisces.  The planet of opportunity and expansion, Jupiter is the ancient ruler of Pisces.  This brings a very positive influence to all endeavors that attempt to unite people based on a shared intention for the future.  While Jupiter is retrograde, efforts you attempted in the past should be reintroduced.  Jupiter retrograde in Pisces suggests we should work on re-connection. Repair the links you set up between people and your organization.  Reestablish venues for your employees to express their ideas creatively.  Rely on your intuition and feelings; show your employees, customers, and business associates your heart.  This will lead to expansion and profits.

Jupiter remains in retrograde motion until November 18.  After this day enthusiasm and forward momentum will return.  You can begin to think big again and the energy of Jupiter direct will support your efforts.  Take the promotion, take the risk, buy that lottery ticket!

Mars in Sagittarius

On October 28 Mars entered Sagittarius, a welcome relief from the Scorpio influence.  With Mars in Sagittarius until December 7, our competitive urges become sport, with a much more easy-going sense of winning and losing.   Since Mars represents your second tier of leadership, watch for an impulsivity that leads to too much risk-taking.  This is a friendly, breezy, optimistic position for Mars, good for sales, but not known for its stability or caution.

The best case scenario for Mars in Sagittarius is an ability to stand on the balcony and see patterns in what is happening below.  The long-view should become clearer and the way to apply your staff toward a productive move forward should become apparent.  And people are more willing with Mars in Sagittarius to work as a team to accomplish a worthy goal.  Your challenge is to marshal everyone’s energy and keep it moving in the same direction.

Venus in Scorpio/Libra

Venus entered Scorpio on September 8 and due to retrograde motion spends a longer than average time in this sign.  Venus represents pleasure and in Scorpio, happiness is found in emotional and material security.  You may worry more than usual about the balance in your cash accounts and focus your energy on stabilizing your finances.  However, you could go overboard if you are too passionate in your pursuit of security.

Be careful with this one:  permanent alliances can be formed when Venus is in this sign but irrevocable separations can be just as likely.  Long-lasting contractual or financial agreements can be gained at this time but may contain an element of intrigue and the possibility of betrayal.  Review everything carefully and if there are unspoken emotional undertones, make sure you get them out on the table before you commit.

On November 7 Venus in retrograde motion reenters Libra, a sign she rules.  When Venus is in Libra, we find our day-to-day happiness in relationships, art, beauty, fashion, and generally getting along and supporting each other.  We are more than usually accommodating and willing to compromise.  Our social instincts are fair-minded and our business relationships more intellectual and rational.  Until Venus turns direct on November 18 this is not a good time for new contracts or professional relationships, or for major purchases.  Continue to review and reevaluate, but no major changes until after the 18th.

Mercury in Scorpio/Sagittarius

Mercury begins the month in Scorpio, so look for communications to continue to be subtle, with hidden agendas and covert power struggles.  Mercury in Scorpio brings a “fierce acuteness of mind”, according to astrologer Isabel Hickey.  At this time we are clear-sighted like an eagle, and great at research and detective work.  This is a time to scrutinize all documents and take special care to be forthright and above-board in all your meetings and negotiations.

When Mercury enters Sagittarius on November 8, we may find our minds becoming more scattered, especially compared to the previous focus of Mercury in Scorpio.  It’s a time we may miss the details of the present because our minds are captivated by the future.  Try to count to three before making any snap judgments.  On the plus side, people will tend to be sincere and honest in communications.

Sun in Scorpio/Sagittarius

While the Sun is in Scorpio, we can exhibit great creativity and resourcefulness, and we gain power from service, compassion, and humility.  This is a good time to be clear about your financial strengths and weaknesses and to make a plan to address any shortfalls.

The Sun moves into Sagittarius on November 22.  This is a friendly, outgoing, optimistic time, the beginning of the holiday season.  In fact, we may tend toward over-exuberance as we know we are sliding into the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere.  Increased sales are favored under Sagittarius and a generosity of spirit with employees and coworkers is a great use of this energy.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Scorpio on November 5, waxing to full in Taurus on November 21.  We’ll examine the lunar phases in the weekly and daily forecasts in November.

Monthly Recap

Venus, Jupiter, and Neptune resume direct motion this month, which leaves only Uranus in retrograde motion.  By the end of the month you should definitely feel the shift in energy, a release which will enable you to make progress on your major plans and initiatives.

Venus and Jupiter are known as benefics; they bring blessings and opportunity.  On November 18 they both resume direct motion and they are both full of power in signs they rule.  Look for excellent opportunities to present themselves on that date.  And let me know!

In case you are wondering how to get the most out of this monthly forecast, check out this link.  Some time ago a reader asked about it and you’ll see my instructions when you follow the link.

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

November 5                New Moon in Scorpio

November 7                Venus Retrograde enters Libra; Neptune resumes Direct Motion

November 8                Mercury enters Sagittarius

November 18              Jupiter resumes Direct Motion; Venus resumes Direct Motion

November 21              Full Moon in Taurus

November 22              Sun enters Sagittarius (and your astrologer’s birthday!)

November 29              Venus enters Scorpio

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

Tags: , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – October 2010

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for October, 2010.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

  • We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
  • Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
  • We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
  • And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn (see category at right), where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to many of the structures we have come to rely upon:  government, religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will go ahead and die, including old business models, practices, and products.

This is formidable energy, and your best strategy is to tune in and work with it.  Find an area in your business life in need of renewal and begin the process before Pluto reaches planets in your chart and forces the issue.

Everyone with planets in the first seven degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn is already dealing with this energy.  You’ve probably noticed a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, related to the issues mentioned above.  Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is done they are the most rewarding because we are irrevocably freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011, we’ve seen a growing global consensus regarding the equal value of all beings, shared responsibility for our planet, the distribution of technology to all nations, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

The best way to work with this energy is to allow your rational mind to open to waves of inspiration from the collective whole, from your local community to the global community.  Expect to be inspired by your neighbors and friends, both near and far.

If you have planets between 25 and 28 degrees of any sign expect to experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others.  This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life that have no real content for us anymore.  This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Pisces

In July Uranus entered its annual cycle of retrograde motion.  During the entire month of July it slowly travelled back through the very first degree of Aries, and then in August it moved back into Pisces where it will remain until next March.

When Uranus entered Aries last May, we began getting to know a new face of Uranus. Aries is the spark of entrepreneurial spirit, the initiating drive toward independence and individuality.  You may have noticed new ideas incubating and a spirit of bold entrepreneurship in and around your business.  But when Uranus moved into retrograde motion, there was probably a disruption in this full-speed-ahead current.  You may now feel ambivalent or dissatisfied with your new ideas and initiatives.

And when Uranus moved back into Pisces on August 13 there was another major shift. Yes, this is familiar territory; Uranus was in Pisces for most of the last seven years, since March 2003.  But it may feel bizarre to be stepping back in time.  From our new entrepreneurial spirit we again enter the realm of collective ideas.  From our recent forays into a new style of leadership, we fall back into flattened hierarchies and committee decision-making.  From enhanced independence we’re back to collaboration and alliances.

Our whole society will seem to be taking steps backwards.  Must be something more to learn!

Saturn in Libra

In July, Saturn entered the sign of Libra where it will stay until October 2012.  Saturn is exalted in Libra which means it has a special affinity to the sign and if you’re willing to do the work, there is a promised payoff.  See the category to the right on this important transit, but in a nutshell:  what is the work of Saturn in Libra?  To develop patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships.  What is the payoff?  Cooperation and mutual support.

Last August, Saturn formed a difficult aspect to Pluto in Capricorn (see above.)  The stress of this aspect revealed the decay beneath structures in our businesses (and our world.)  Now the Saturn energy is building the Libra values of equity, parity, diplomacy, collaboration, and cooperation on the ashes of the past.  Saturn brings a serious and responsible attitude to this time, especially in the areas of partnership and business relationships.

Jupiter in Aries

Let’s review where we’ve been with Jupiter, so we can tell where we stand now.  In June, Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, entered Aries.  Aries is an initiatory sign and Jupiter thinks big.  Your former goals may have felt too limiting and you may have experienced a passion for growth, expansion, competition, and claiming new territories

Then Jupiter began retrograde motion on July 23.  You may have found your enthusiasm flagging for your new products and plans.  The forward momentum you’d been enjoying may have reversed, and you felt more restrained.  This has been an important phase for realistically assessing how much we can get done, to curtail overdoing and over-committing, and to take the time to slowly grow a project to completion.

In September Jupiter in retrograde motion re-entered Pisces.  The planet of opportunity and expansion, Jupiter is the ancient ruler of Pisces.  This brings a very positive influence to all endeavors that attempt to unite people based on a shared intention for the future.  While Jupiter is retrograde, efforts you attempted in the past should be reintroduced.  Jupiter retrograde in Pisces suggests we should work on re-connection. Repair the links you set up between people and your organization.  Reestablish venues for your employees to express their ideas creatively.  Rely on your intuition and feelings; show your employees, customers, and business associates your heart.  This will lead to expansion and profits.

Jupiter remains in retrograde motion until November 18.

Mars in Scorpio/Sagittarius

Mars entered Scorpio on September 14.  Mars is the ancient ruler of Scorpio and is very strong when it is in this sign.  As the famous astrologer Isabel Hickey said, fire (Mars) in a water sign (Scorpio) generates steam.  This is a time when we want to apply our will toward material and financial security and in the best of worlds, real progress can be made.  But Mars in Scorpio can also carry a ruthlessness and vindictiveness that we have to tame.  Develop ways to either let off that steam harmlessly or engineer it to further your goals and no one will get burned.

On October 28 Mars enters Sagittarius, a welcome relief from the Scorpio influence.  With Mars in Sagittarius, our competitive urges become sport, with a much more easy-going sense of winning and losing.   Since Mars represents your second tier of leadership, watch for an impulsivity that leads to too much risk-taking.  This is a friendly, breezy, optimistic position for Mars, good for sales, but not known for its stability or caution.

Venus in Scorpio

Venus entered Scorpio on September 8 and due to retrograde motion will spend a longer than average time in this sign.  Venus represents pleasure and in Scorpio, happiness is found in emotional and material security.  You may worry more than usual about the balance in your cash accounts and focus your energy on stabilizing your finances.  However, you could go overboard if you are too passionate in your pursuit of security.

Be careful with this one:  permanent alliances can be formed when Venus is in this sign but irrevocable separations can be just as likely.  Long-lasting contractual or financial agreements can be gained at this time but may contain an element of intrigue and the possibility of betrayal.  Review everything carefully and if there are unspoken emotional undertones, make sure you get them out on the table before you commit.

On October 8 Venus enters retrograde motion for forty days.  During this period we become more introspective regarding our professional relationships and social interactions.  Look for a full post on this interesting phase later in the month.

Mercury in Virgo/Libra/Scorpio

Mercury begins the month in Virgo, enters Libra on the third, and then zooms into Scorpio by October 20.  While Mercury is in Libra, we’ll get some support for dealing with the less attractive tendencies of Mars and Venus in Scorpio.  Mercury in Libra is fair-minded and positive, although you may find yourself vacillating about decisions you normally make with ease.

When Mercury joins Mars and Venus in Scorpio, look for communications to become more subtle, with hidden agendas and covert power struggles.  Mercury in Scorpio brings a “fierce acuteness of mind”, according to astrologer Isabel Hickey.  This is a time to scrutinize all documents and take special care to be forthright and above-board in all your meetings and negotiations.

Sun in Libra/Scorpio

Leadership when the Sun is in Libra means making sure everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and that everyone’s voice is heard.  When the Sun is in Libra our focus turns to relationships, partnerships, and business negotiations.  It is a diplomatic, friendly, outgoing time.

When the Sun enters Scorpio on October 23, we can exhibit great creativity and resourcefulness, and we gain power from service, compassion, and humility.  This is a good time to be clear about your financial strengths and weaknesses and to make a plan to address any shortfalls.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Libra on October 7, waxing to full in Aries on October 22.  We’ll examine the lunar phases in the weekly forecasts in October.

Monthly Recap

There are no major changes in any of the outer planets:  Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.  Generally this will mean a continuation of the status quo in the world around us during the month, except the retrograde Venus may bring some touchy diplomatic situations to our attention on both global and personal stages.  Each of the personal planets spends some time in Scorpio this month, a sign of change and transformation.  Have your senses tuned beneath the surface for subtle messages and opportunities for financial and emotional exchange.

In case you are wondering how to get the most out of this monthly forecast, check out this link.  Some time ago a reader asked about it and you’ll see my instructions when you follow the link.

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

October 3                    Mercury enters Libra

October 7                    New Moon in Libra

October 8                    Venus turns retrograde

October 20                  Mercury enters Scorpio

October 22                  Full Moon in Aries

October 23                  Sun enters Scorpio

October 28                  Mars enters Sagittarius

Do you have a question for me? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

Tags: , , , , , , ,