Posts Tagged business

Goldmining

Jul 28

Posted by Ellen Longo in Uncategorized | 218 Comments

Dear Friend,

Jason bringing Pelias the Golden Fleece; a winged victory prepares to crown him with a wreath. 340 BC–330 BC. (Source:Wikipedia)

In May, I began studying for a Master’s Degree in Archetypal Cosmology and Conscious Evolution. Although I’m a newbie, so far I understand it to be a study of our psyches as a reflection and expression of archetypes, particularly the archetypes that are revealed in the astrological signs and planets. This study then leads to the ability to work consciously with these archetypes to further personal evolution and the evolution of humanity as a whole. It’s an exciting and challenging course already and I’m sure I will understand it much more as I get deeper into it.

As I focus my attention on this new branch of astrological knowledge, I find I have less time to devote to this column. I am loathe to let it go, but I feel the need to go deeper and deeper until I get to the bottom of something I’ve been exploring for a long time, and in order to take that journey I need to curtail some of my other activities.

So I’ve decided to take a pause, not a break, for a while. I have many plans for this blog in the future and will undoubtedly continue to post from time to time. For those who have been with me since the beginning or have joined more recently, I hope to pick up with you again on a more regular basis in the future, when I’ll be able to bring a whole new layer of understanding and meaning to astrology for business. The intersection of these two environments, astrology and business, is still my interest and there is still so much to explore.

The best bet is to subscribe using the RSS feed, so you’ll know when I post, or when I get back to more frequent blogging. And don’t forget, there are still over 400 articles here that you can search and use for your research and learning.

I feel like a miner entering a deep cavern, looking for gold. I’ll let you know when I find it!

All my love,

Ellen

P.S. As I wrote this, the Neil Young song, Heart of Gold, came to mind. As I listened to it, I looked at his chart, which contains a Moon/Pluto opposition and a 13 degree Scorpio Ascendant. In one of those astrological synchronicities, this very moment I’m writing also contains a Moon/Pluto opposition with a 13 degree Scorpio Ascendant! This combination speaks about digging down into the deepest emotional depths and finding our true home. Sounds about right to me.

Tags: astrology, business

Astro4Business Highlights – Dog Days

Jul 24

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 240 Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello, everyone.

A short weekly forecast this week as the summer flu has been hovering around me for a few days, just waiting for a chance to jump in if I keep myself too busy. My bed is beckoning me.

So just a few points about the week:

Thursday is a busy astro-day with the Sun and Moon in final aspect before the New Moon on Saturday, a sign to begin the quiet days of the month.

Venus leaves Cancer and enters Leo on Thursday; Mercury leaves Leo and enters Virgo. With two planets changing signs, this is a good day to watch for transitions of energy and changes in tone in the realm of communications and professional relationships.

From the Monthly Forecast, here’s what to watch for:

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

A caveat about the above: even though Mercury in Virgo is great for analysis and discrimination, Mercury forms an opposition to Neptune in Pisces on Thursday. This would not be the most clear time for decision-making. Normally I would say to wait until next week, but Mercury begins its retrograde period on the 2^nd. The best use of this opposition is to let your imagination (Neptune) influence, but not overcome, your discrimination (Mercury). A balance between the two is what we’re looking for this week.

Saturday brings us to the New Moon, which may feel like the “dog days of summer,” at least in the Northern Hemisphere. Like the dog, lay low and let the monthly cycle renew itself within you.

See you next week!

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For an overview of the month, see Astro4Business Month Ahead – July 2011

To read more about the business descriptions of the planets mentioned today, see

Tags: astrology, business, New Moon

Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – Alliance Adjustment

Jul 10

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 109 Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello, everyone.

This week is not as heavy as the last couple weeks, although it has enough sparks to keep us on our toes. We have a Full Moon and just two other major aspects, but one of them is MAJOR.

Full Moon in Capricorn

This week we go up and over the top with the Full Moon early Friday morning (MDT). Spend the first few days of the week adjusting and refining your current projects through input from others: cast a wide net and let people’s opinions inform your final touches. Then you’ll be fully ready to display the best of your work. With the Full Moon in Capricorn, bring your project home with a proficient presentation. Display your mastery and let others know you’re serious about the outcome. Systems, structure, and your own sense of authority will impress people this week.

Mercury sextile Mars

Two other aspects highlight the week. On Monday, Mercury in Leo sextiles Mars in Gemini. The Mercury in us is always thinking, communicating, analyzing, and problem solving. The Mars energy is always asserting, initiating, and competing. When these two get together, and when they get along as they do with the sextile aspect, it spells rapid progress. Ideas will start to take on a life of their own, and if they do, you should go with it. You’ll be able to synthesize data from different sources and know just how to put the information to good use.

A comment on Mercury in Leo: If your sales team gets a little flamboyant, let them. Just remind them that the customer is the star.

Venus square Saturn

The other important aspect this week is Venus in Cancer squaring Saturn in Libra. Usually squares can be quite challenging; they depict energy moving in two different directions, producing conflicts or “horns of dilemmas.” The Encarta Dictionary defines a dilemma in this way: a situation in which somebody must choose one of two or more unsatisfactory alternatives. That’s a pretty good description of the square aspect. In this case, there is the possibility of ultimate resolution as Saturn is in the sign ruled by Venus. With some hard work, there could be a compromise.

Actually, we’ve been dancing to this music for the last year. Venus last conjoined Saturn in Libra last August, and throughout the year we’ve been meeting challenge after challenge and opportunity after opportunity to find the point of harmony between these two. Venus represents the part of us that wants to secure material stability and establish harmonious relationships, cooperation, and collaboration. Saturn wants to achieve, succeed, control, and master. With Saturn in Libra, we strive for success through alliances, mediation, diplomacy, and public relations. All year we’ve been perfecting the art of collaboration and partnership.

This week could bring our interpersonal and professional relationships to some kind of crisis point. There could be an ideological parting of the ways. You may have to let something go. If so, try to do it diplomatically and kindly, and bring as much nurturing and protection that you can into the matter. That could ease an otherwise difficult transition. But keep in mind the prospect for harmony; with a possibly painful concession, you could still find reconciliation.

That’s all for the week. Have a good one.

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

For an overview of the month, see Astro4Business Month Ahead – July 2011

To read more about the business descriptions of the planets mentioned today, see

Tags: astrology, business, Full Moon, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, Venus

Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – this Summer’s T-square

Jul 3

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 381 Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello, everyone.

Several astronomical events influence our astrological world this week, and the planet Uranus assumes retrograde motion on Saturday. The Moon is waxing all week, which makes this a week for setting new plans in motion. Venus and Mercury are also active, but the biggest aspect of the week is an angle of opportunity between Jupiter and Pluto.

Some background

This summer, the outer planets Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto form a configuration called a T-square in the heavens. Saturn in Libra opposes Uranus in Aries, and Pluto forms a 90-degree angle to both. This aspect has been in place since last summer, and the Uranus/Pluto aspect will continue until next summer. This summer the aspects come within a couple of degrees of exact, close enough to feel, but not close enough to come to a head and force a confrontation. This spells tension without the opportunity to actually address and relieve it.

When a major configuration involves outer planets, we generally experience the aspect in our peripheral vision. We hear about the struggles happening in distant lands, or we know that major institutions are being shaken to their knees. It affects us, but not in our personal or business lives. This week features a few transits that bring these global issues into our local spheres.

Jupiter/Pluto

Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, forms an excellent aspect with Pluto in Capricorn this week. If you’ve been struggling with transitions or if the breakdowns in the economy have been shaking the structure of your business, this week can secure your foundations again. There is potential for practical solutions this week, which you can invite through earnest effort and a bit of trust. Change has come; this week you’ll recognize the benefits of that change and start looking forward to the future again. This is important, so keep your eyes open.

Since the aspect between Jupiter and Pluto is in earth signs, we’re not looking for something subtle. Concrete manifestation is more likely but sometimes this aspect feels so good we miss the fact that some action is required. An opportunity that comes your way this week can carry you far into the future, so grab it when it comes.

Venus and the T-square

Venus, the planet of material rewards and interrelationships, meets up with the Saturn/Uranus/Pluto T-square, as well as Jupiter and Neptune this week. Having just entered the sign of Cancer, she’s spending the week negotiating peace treaties among all the players. If we can just treat each other like family, she says, then we can all reach prosperity together.

Venus is no lightweight. We tend to personalize her because she represents a part of ourselves that is easy to feel and operates in our day-to-day lives. But as one of the emissaries of the Sun, she acts as an agent of our essential purpose in life through forming relationships with others. No matter what may be happening in the wider world, this week Venus bridges opposing parties and reminds us that collaboration beats competition every time. For us this means staying alert, seizing the moment, and choosing to nurture and protect everyone within our sphere, from employees to competitors to our human family as a whole.

Mercury and the T-square

Mercury, the planet of reason and intellect, is also in the mix this week. Another agent of our conscious will, Mercury translates our intention into communications and problem-solving. The new, the technological, the innovative will flow into our thoughts this week; keep yourself open to radical viewpoints and inventive solutions to technical difficulties. Mercury is with both Uranus and Jupiter this week, which can lead to exciting breakthroughs. Later in the week, a supportive Mercury/Saturn aspect brings the discipline and perseverance to settle the buzz of the week into a practical implementation plan.

Uranus Retrograde

Happy July 4th!

Uranus represents originality and unconventionality, either the brilliant genius or the willful rebel without a cause. Each year Uranus spends five months in retrograde motion. Retrograde motion is a visual event rather than an astronomical one. From our vantage point on earth, it looks like the planet begins to move backward against the backdrop of the constellations.

When Uranus entered the sign of Aries a few months ago, we were probably flooded with new ideas for our businesses, innovations we couldn’t wait to try, a restructuring whose time had finally come. We may have been “on fire” with potential and possibility.

Especially with unpredictable Uranus in impulsive, risk-loving Aries, the innovations we’ve been so fired up about could probably use a second look. This is the gift of retrograde motion – it gives us a chance to retrace our steps, to check initial results against expectations, and to correct decisions before they can do real damage.

When a planet moves into retrograde motion, we can experience reversals and disruptions for a week on either side. The tricky part about an outer planet like Uranus is that the reversals could well seem to be coming from forces outside yourself: that new project doesn’t get approved after all, that funding doesn’t come through as scheduled. If this is your experience, take a step back. Uranus can act suddenly and swiftly but after a couple of weeks, as we adjust to the retrograde energy, we’ll discover the purpose for the setback. And then we’ll be thanking our lucky stars!

Have a wonderful week! Happy Independence Day to everyone in the U.S.
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For an overview of the month, see Astro4Business Month Ahead – July 2011

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

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

To read more about the business descriptions of the planets mentioned today, see

Tags: astrology, business, Jupiter, Mercury, Pluto, Saturn, Uranus, Venus

Astro4Business Month Ahead – July 2011

Jul 2

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 81 Comments

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 3^rd 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 2^nd. 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 22^nd, 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 19^th, linking Uranus and Pluto together with wise counsel and benevolence. But after the 19^th, 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

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

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

Tags: astrology, business, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Moon, Neptune, Pluto, Saturn, Sun, Uranus, Venus

Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – Intensity!

Jun 26

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 105 Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello everyone.

As I am writing this, I just heard James Taylor sing, “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” Great line for writing an astrological article, don’t you think?

This is a week to recognize a turning point, a change in direction, but, interestingly, not a week to take action on our realizations. With the Moon waning all week until the New Moon Eclipse on Friday, it is a time to imbibe and hold.

The action begins on Monday and follows us throughout the week. On Monday, there is an aspect of conflict between the Sun and Pluto. Each year the Sun reaches the point in the zodiac where it is exactly opposite Pluto, and for as long as Pluto is in Capricorn, the next fifteen years or so, this opposition will happen when the Sun is in Cancer. Let’s unpack this a little.

Pluto in Capricorn heralds a long period of upheaval and transformation in structures, hierarchies, and systems. It does this by exposing the underbelly, bringing hidden facets to the surface, and expunging whatever is decayed, rotten, spoiling, or just plain has outlived its purpose. The Sun in Cancer is about nurturing growth and bonding with others. It is also the turning point of the year: end of 2^nd quarter, it is time to examine what is working and what is not. This is the perfect energy to make whatever adjustments are necessary to your business operations to insure that when the year ends, you’ll have met your goals.

I wouldn’t be surprised if in the past week or in this week coming you experience a fairly dramatic situation that exposes a system or structure that is failing. This opposition between the Sun and Pluto is somewhat like a Full Moon; let’s call it Full Pluto. The Sun shining fully on Pluto brings matters to light, and with Pluto, what it brings to light could be pretty nasty.

The Sun represents the leader, the owner, the team captain. If you’re the leader, you may feel exposed and responsible, and to some extent you are. Nevertheless, this transit can put you back on the right road. Fortunately, on the same day as the Sun/Pluto aspect there is a supportive aspect between Mars in Gemini and Uranus in Aries. This is a perfect aspect for imagining solutions. With Mars in Gemini, it may take many different small moves rather than one overhauling initiative. However, there is incredible support for technical creativity and problem solving.

The creativity of Monday could turn into frustration on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for two reasons. First, Mars continues the Sun/Pluto conflict with a difficult aspect to Pluto. This is the kind of energy where you can’t make any headway no matter what you try. The “powers that be” feel just indomitable. Second, the waning Moon has lost so much energy that it will be hard just to muster the enthusiasm to keep tackling the problems.

Then Friday is a New Moon Eclipse, and this is a big one. It features not only the eclipse, but a challenging aspect between the Sun and Saturn which will flavor the next few days. This aspect is also about systems and controls. You may even reach an ultimatum: either you bring yourself into alignment with existent structures or you decide to part ways. This is tough, but with the Sun and Venus in Cancer, the choice will be clear. You will favor whatever is most protective to others, most nurturing to your employees, most supportive to your customers. And that will be the right thing to do.

Remember that any New Moon, and especially an Eclipse, is a time of withdrawal and rest. Try to find time to be alone and turn toward inner sources of inspiration as much as you can this week.

Let me know how it all turns out!

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

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

For an overview of the month, see Astro4Business Month Ahead – June 2011

To read more about the business descriptions of the planets mentioned today, see

Tags: astrology, business, Eclipse, New Moon, Pluto, Saturn, Sun

Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – Solstice!

Jun 19

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 182 Comments

Hello everyone.

Quite a busy week ahead, but the most important astro-event is the Solstice on Tuesday. According to Wikipedia:

Summer Solstice Sunrise at Stonehenge (Source:Wikipedia)

A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year, when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is most inclined toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun’s apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost or southernmost extreme. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the Sun stands still in declination; that is, the apparent movement of the Sun’s path north or south comes to a stop before reversing direction.

Twice each year the Sun appears to stand still in the sky. In cultures all over the world and throughout history, people have noted and celebrated this semi-annual event. The Wikipedia article on “Winter solstice” cites 37 observances from Japan to the Inca Empire, from West Africa and Persia to the Zunis and Hopis of North America.

The Astronomical Sun

An astronomical event with this much impact in current and historical times can be felt in all parts of our lives. What lesson can we take for our businesses?

The Sun in the sky is the center of our solar system. Almost all of the energy that exists on this earth and in our lives comes from the Sun. Of all aspects of nature, the Sun holds the most essential place as it is directly responsible for the rhythms of our daily and yearly lives. At the solstices, the Sun stands still – it rests. Whether at the northern or southern declination, there is a moment of apparent stillness. Even this most powerful source of energy takes this moment of rest.

The Astrological Sun

In the chart of a business, the Sun represents the leader, the owner, the source of the vision and direction of the company. The Sun represents the essential style of the leader and how well the leader wields power and authority. Through the relationship of the Sun to the rest of the chart, we can see the vitality of the leader and how well the relationships between the owner and all the stakeholders function. The Sun represents you. Do you take rest?

The Solstices are nature’s reminders to pause, that as business leaders, whose lives are full of activity, decisions, and moving our companies forward, we can allow an occasional moment of stillness.

Your own Solstice

On Tuesday, why not create your own solstice? This week there are some lovely Neptune aspects and a general influence of the water element, both of which bring a natural ability to tune in to the inner world. The waning Moon also allows for some extra breathing time. Take the day off if you can, an hour, or even ten minutes. Sit down with your coffee and remember that you are the Sun in your business, the essential source of guidance and inspiration. Thank yourself for your focus and energy of the past six months. Ask your deeper wisdom for anything you need to know about the coming six months. Then walk around and thank your employees for their efforts since the start of the year.

Then begin again, just like the Sun.

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

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

For an Intro to Sun Signs and Leadership see this link to my other blog!

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

For an overview of the month, see Astro4Business Month Ahead – June 2011

To read more about the business descriptions of the planets mentioned today, see

The Sun

Neptune

Tags: astrology, business, Solstice

Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – Total Lunar Eclipse

Jun 12

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 122 Comments

Hello everyone.

This week features a waxing Moon culminating in the Total Lunar Eclipse on Wednesday, followed by several important Mercury transits. This is not likely to be a week you’ll forget! Let’s take a closer look.

(Note: I usually write this column on the weekend before the week and then promptly forget the day-by-day transits. During the week, when something unusual or of special interest comes up, I come back and read what I wrote for that specific day. Usually I can connect the situation to the daily transits but even if I cannot, reading about them again takes my thinking to a deeper level. I encourage you to revisit these pages as the week unfolds, too.)

Wednesday

Photo of the last Lunar_Eclipse, by Jiyang Chen (Source:Wikipedia)

This month’s full Moon is on Wednesday and it is a Total Lunar Eclipse. From Wikipedia:

“A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes behind the earth so that the earth blocks the sun’s rays from striking the moon. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with the Earth in the middle. Hence, there is always a full moon the night of a lunar eclipse.”

So this week we have this line-up of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, with the Earth’s shadow falling on the Moon, causing it to dim in the sky. In certain societies, this blocking of the Moon on what is usually her brightest night of the month is seen as a harbinger of bad news. And there are those who recommend that we take it easy on the day of the eclipse, avoiding all unnecessary work and travel.

I have the feeling that this eclipse will be relatively mild, even though it is total. Bridging the mutable signs Gemini and Sagittarius, we may be able to spend the day in a philosophical frame of mind. Any activities that combine Gemini’s love of words and communications with Sagittarius’ love of vision and justice will work out well today. Our task is to bring balance to the day and let the problems resolve themselves.

Thursday

On Thursday, Mercury enters Cancer and then forms an extremely harmonious aspect with Neptune. Mercury in Cancer moves our minds from the facts and data gathering common with Gemini to tuning into and dealing with our customers’ and employees’ needs and motivations. You may have to meet one-on-one with people and reassure them; you may have to spend more time discussing personal and family matters. If you focus on loyalty and emotional bonding, you will win others’ allegiance and support.

With Neptune on the field today, you may feel inspired by all your interactions, but steer away from decisions for today. Your insights are valid but you could mislead yourself about the scale of their application. Just take in the information now; decide what it means later.

Friday

Friday is an excellent day for big ideas and fruitful interactions with authority figures. Mercury in harmony with Jupiter helps you take in the big picture and you will like what you see. The future looks bright and you will understand how you can take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.

With Venus in harmony with Saturn you will have the practical realism to turn your ideas into working plans, with a little help from others. Loyalty, duty, economy: these keywords will lead to good judgment and sound agreements. You’ll understand the value of alliances today, both existing ones and those on the horizon.

Saturday

Saturday continues the Mercury emphasis of the week and today could be a challenging day as Mercury in Cancer forms an aspect with Uranus in Aries. Mercury with Uranus usually brings clarity and insight, but Cancer and Aries are about as incompatible as two signs can be. Our thought processes are emotional and reactive due to Mercury’s placement in Cancer and Uranus is impatient with delays and “feelings.”

You may have to change gears for a while and accept the more intuitive and less rational. Don’t expect the usual incisive thinking processes from yourself or those around you. If you feel yourself pulled in two seemingly incompatible directions, just wait for the moment to pass. Soon a clearer perspective will return.

Sunday

Another Mercury aspect rounds out the week on Sunday! With Mercury in Cancer, people want to unburden themselves and it’s important to take the time to listen. With Pluto in Capricorn, you may find out something that has been hiding in the dark. Whatever it is, it’s important that you actively confront the issue and resolve it. It may require bringing others in to help, but try not to carry it into next week. Deal with it and move on.

Have a wonderful week and let me know how it goes. And remember to check back here for daily guidance when you need it.

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For an overview of the month, see Astro4Business Month Ahead – June 2011

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

To read more about the business descriptions of the planets mentioned today, see

Tags: astrology, business, Eclipse, Full Moon

Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – On Course

Jun 4

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 130 Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello everyone.

The waxing Moon spells potential and possibilities this week; any challenges in the early week turn into opportunities by Saturday. Let’s look at it day by day.

Tuesday

Mercury in Gemini is in harmony with Saturn in Libra which is good, good, good for concentration, focus, and rational thinking. Mercury in Gemini alone can be a bit scattered and overly concerned with data gathering. Saturn’s influence will reveal the practical meaning and application of all that information.

Both planets are very strong in their respective signs: Mercury rules Gemini and Saturn is exalted in Libra. This makes it a particularly good day to meet with elders, advisors, and experts. They may ask you some tough questions but you can put their counsel to good use in your business.

Wednesday

This is the first quarter Moon day, a day which often requires us to switch gears. You may have to choose between alternatives: which project will you invest your time and energy in, which one will you put on hold for another time? With the Moon in Virgo, take the time to analyze each option thoroughly. Once you’ve decided, go with it and don’t look back.

Thursday

Venus enters Gemini on Thursday. This takes our eyes off practical creativity and on to learning from others. We become extroverted, chatty, and, like a butterfly, land in each place just long enough to make an impression. Just be careful that too much chatting doesn’t dissipate your energy so that you don’t get anything done…

Friday

On Friday, chatty Venus encounters dreamy Neptune. We are likely to feel confused and maybe even sleepy or we lack focus for discussion. It is not good to make important financial decisions from this state!

We may also be inclined to sugar-coat the signals we receive from others. Deceptive fantasy is a hallmark of this aspect, so do your best to keep it real. Or better yet, retreat into solitude and indulge in a little day-dreaming and creative imagination. This aspect can bring true inspiration but is a non-starter for decision-making.

Saturday

The Moon continues to wax to maximum harmony with the Sun today, a great day for enlisting others to support your project goals. The channels of communication are wide open and ready to support you.

Sunday

Two major heavenly occurrences today: the Sun joins Mercury in Gemini and Saturn returns to direct motion.

This Sun/Mercury conjunction is called the superior conjunction. This is the best day in the Sun/Mercury cycle for a meeting of the minds, an excellent day for communication and planning. Our purpose and our ability to communicate are in sync today. It’s a great day to hand out assignments, send people on fact-finding missions, and explore future possibilities.

Sunday evening (MDT) Saturn resumes direct motion after retrograde motion since January. Since Saturn in Libra rules business matters such as partnerships, alliances, supply chains, and contracts, hopefully you’ve taken the last few months to review these matters. If anything troublesome has come to light, now is the time to take action and make whatever changes are necessary.

That’s the week! Let me know how it all plays out!

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For an overview of the month, see Astro4Business Month Ahead – June 2011

For 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 other blog? Discussing all things astrological, for anyone interested in real-life astrology, check out Ellen Longo’s Astrology Blog.

To read more about the business descriptions of the planets mentioned today, see

Tags: astrology, business

Astro4Business Month Ahead – June 2011

May 31

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 50 Comments

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

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.

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 12^th 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

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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.

Tags: astrology, business, Eclipse, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Moon, Neptune, Pluto, Saturn, Sun, Uranus, Venus

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Business success through Astrology

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