Posts Tagged Eclipse

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 – Total Lunar Eclipse

Jun 12

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 109 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 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

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 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

Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – New Beginnings

May 29

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 12 Comments

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

Hello everyone.

After a few weeks of relative quiet, this week opens on a sober note and then all hell breaks loose! We’ve got an eclipse, two planets changing signs, a preponderance of mental Mercury/Gemini energy, and a planet turning retrograde all squeezed between Wednesday and Saturday. Let’s see how it plays out day to day.

Wednesday

Very early in the morning on Wednesday (MDT) the Sun in Gemini forms an aspect with Saturn retrograde in Libra. This marks the beginning of the end of the Saturn retrograde period that started back in January. Saturn doesn’t finally turn direct until June 12, but this aspect marks the time when Saturn is virtually at a standstill. Don’t be surprised if your energy is really flagging, especially considering the New Moon Eclipse later in the day. But underneath the surface you may have a sense of expectation, tension, and the feeling that you’ve been in a long captivity that just won’t end. Don’t let that feeling of anticipation cause you to jump the gun. Some new structure is coming into being – it’s been in the works since January. Just let it unfold in its own time over the next couple of weeks. No need to rush it.

Later in the day we have the first of three eclipses over the next month, a Solar Partial Eclipse which can only happen on the New Moon. This eclipse may exacerbate the feeling that something is supposed to happen that won’t reveal itself yet, and frustration is highly likely in response. The New Moon is always an interior event, when our conscious aims and goals, represented by the Sun, are merging with our unconscious needs and desires, represented by the Moon. During a solar eclipse our conscious will is drawn even more into the netherworld, where it receives its marching orders for the next cycle. You may feel completely unfocused and many people even feel ill on the day of an eclipse. Try to take time to be quiet; don’t exert yourself if you can avoid it. Just stay tuned in to your inner sources of wisdom. Receive, don’t act today.

Thursday

Mercury moves into Gemini on Thursday, where it will travel for less than two weeks! As Mercury speeds through Gemini, our minds become bright, restless and curious. Communications of all kinds are favored, so this is the time to take those meetings, initiate new contacts, and get out and about to meet and greet customers.

Friday

Yesterday, Mercury moved into Gemini. Today it runs into conflict with Neptune in Pisces. When Mercury is in Gemini we are apt to look outside ourselves for answers, in books, on the internet, in every water cooler conversation. We’re just sure if we gather enough information our challenges can be resolved rationally and logically. But with Neptune on the field, today is not a rational day. And no matter how you try, as you attempt to communicate with others, things can come out confused and distorted. That’s because Neptune in Pisces isn’t into words-based connecting, but interactions on the basis of feelings and shared beliefs. You’ll have to find a way to square these two perspectives today, and if you do, you’ll learn something that will bring benefits that stretch into the future.

Then later in the day Neptune comes to a virtual standstill and enters apparent retrograde motion, beginning its annual retreat across the heavens until next November. Often on the day a planet changes direction there is an outward manifestation of an issue which will come under examination the whole time the planet is retrograde. Look for the whisperings of a coming paradigm shift in the news on Friday, especially concerning healthcare, oil drilling, the creative arts, or the pharmaceutical industry. Let’s see if we can discern the retrograde station of Neptune this year.

Saturday

On Saturday Jupiter leaves the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, and enters the second, Taurus. Jupiter in Taurus brings a year of consolidation after the frenetic, expansive energy we’ve been experiencing since Jupiter entered Aries last June. If you and your staff are burned out from all the Aries fire, you can relax now, be sure to pay your staff well. Taurus will bring a much slower pace as well as the material rewards of all your hard work. Look for more on this transit in the June monthly forecast.

A little later we have the final aspect of the week – an inventive sextile between Mercury in Gemini and Uranus in Aries. The sextile aspect is very supportive so leave your door open for someone with good news or a new insight that brings an opportunity for growth and development. You have to stand poised to respond though; this Uranus revelation can come and go in a flash. Keep pen and paper or a recording device with you at all times.

And that’s it! After a quiet few weeks we’re back at full speed. Enjoy!

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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

Have you seen my other blog? Discussing all things life and other matters, 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.

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

Tags: astrology, business, Eclipse, Mercury Retrograde, New Moon

Astro4Business Weekly Forecast – January 3, 2011

Jan 2

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Week | No Comments

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

Hello, everyone.

Here we are at the first week of the New Year! As much as I love the holidays, I am always so happy when the decorations come down. There’s an almost zen-like simplicity in early January compared to the prior weeks which satisfies my senses after so much excess. I also feel a pent-up need for productivity which has been stalled since Thanksgiving. So here we are: a clean slate to express our dreams and aspirations.

There are three main astrological events this week, each with its own flavor and guidelines.

Venus

This is a week in which Venus (social instincts, negotiations, professional relationships, long-term contracts, public relations) features strongly. About to enter Sagittarius on Friday, she finishes her stay in Scorpio with aspects to Neptune and to Tuesday’s Jupiter/Uranus conjunction. These outer planets will bring the larger environment and collective groups into our personal sphere this week.

You may not love everything you hear, and with Venus in square aspect to Neptune our tendency will be to sugar-coat the signals we receive from others. On the other hand this is a week in which we can make real progress in instituting values of appreciation, acknowledgment, and fairness into the business environment, even beyond the four walls of our own operations. If social networking forms a part of your strategy, this is the week to exploit this means of networking and branding. Reach for collaborations and alliances, both near and far.

New Moon/Eclipse

Tuesday is the power day of the week with the New Moon and a solar eclipse. New Moons are potent times of insemination. The deep inspiration which emerges at the New Moon is enhanced by the solar eclipse and the usual admonitions made even stronger. The actual day of the New Moon, Tuesday, is a day for listening, receiving, ruminating, contemplating. We have to open a large space within to hear and hold the insights which will bubble up from within.

Coming off the holidays, it may be difficult to keep things on hold and wait for the proper time to act, but if you can refrain until Wednesday you’ll have all the pieces in place. Let Monday and Tuesday be receptive and you’ll have everything you need for a new beginning on Wednesday. Don’t wait too long though; by Thursday you should be moving firmly into new territory or you may encounter resistance or inertia. Counter hesitation with action from Wednesday through the rest of the week.

Sun/Saturn

On Friday, the Sun in square aspect to Saturn challenges us to choose between alternatives: you’ll have to decide, probably under pressure, what you’re prepared to sacrifice and what trade-offs you’re willing to make. One part of you, or a trusted advisor, will want to maintain the status quo, but this can lead to missed opportunities. The other camp may press for change, willing to sacrifice stability for creative exploration. You’ll have to square these two approaches with each other.

I read a quote which applies perfectly to this Sun/Saturn energy: “Managers promote stability while leaders press for change, and only organizations that embrace both sides of that contradiction can thrive in turbulent times.” (John P. Kotter, Harvard Business Review)

In our small businesses, we usually play both manager and leader. Can you embrace both sides this week?

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

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

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

Tags: astrology, business, Eclipse, Saturn, Sun, Venus

Astro4Business Weekly Forecast – Rare Solstice Eclipse

Dec 19

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Week | 3 Comments

Hello, everyone.

The big news this week is the Solstice on Tuesday, December 21 which is the exact same day as the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. These are powerful energies to usher us through the holidays! But with Mercury still in retrograde motion until the 30^th, I think we’ll all have the circumspection and inner quiet to glean the very best insights from this extraordinary combination.

I say extraordinary because this particular combination, the Lunar Eclipse on the day of the Solstice, last happened 456 years ago. (Thanks to Patricia Thompson for that alert.)

Source:Wikipedia

Still in holiday mode I offer you the following slightly edited rewrites on the Solstice and the Eclipse, followed by a couple of great links to posts from two of my favorite astrology bloggers. Have wonderful holidays, whichever ones you celebrate, and remember to take rest amid the festivities.

Create Your Own Solstice

Every activity of nature holds a correspondence to our lives. Astrology is the practice of observing and learning from these connections.

According to 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. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solstice)

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 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 takes rest. 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 the leader wields power and authority. Through its aspects we can see the vitality of the business and how well the relationships between the owner and his/her employees function. The Sun represents you. Do you take rest?

The Solstices are natural reminders to pause; that as business leaders, whose lives are full of activity, there can be a natural point of stillness.

Your own Solstice

On Tuesday, December 21, why not create your own solstice? I know it’s a hectic time of year with all of the celebrations and observances, but an essential part of any celebration is the still point, the point to remember the meaning of the day. Take the day off if you can, or 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. Survey your world and thank yourself for your focus and energy of the past six months. Or walk around and thank your employees for their focus and energy of the past six months.

And then begin again, just like the Sun.

Sage Advice for the Eclipse

Here is advice from seven sages to keep in mind for the Eclipse.

Ramana Maharshi, 1879 - 1950 (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

1. Imagine that a deeply profound ocean of calm exists in you that is not affected by any turbulence. Deepak Chopra

2. There is never a conflict with [a] person or condition, but rather a false concept mentally entertained about [that] person, thing, circumstance, or condition. Therefore, make the correction within yourself, rather than attempting to change anyone or anything in the without. Joel S. Goldsmith

3. The child blames the external and focuses his energies there; the warrior conquers the realms within and becomes gifted. St. Teresa of Avila

4. In order to become a man of knowledge one must be a warrior, not a whimpering child. One must strive without giving up, without a complaint, without flinching, until one sees, only to realize then that nothing matters. Don Juan to Carlos Castaneda

5. Man follows the ways of the Earth. The Earth follows the ways of Heaven, Heaven follows the ways of Tao, Tao follows its own ways. Lao Tzu, Translated by John C.H. Wu

6. Pleasure or pain are only aspects of the mind. Our essential nature is happiness. Happiness is inherent in everyone and is not due to external causes. Ramana Maharshi

7. Courage means rising to meet the demands of each moment with total delight, knowing you are equal to it. Gurumayi Chidvilasananda

Excellent blogs on the Eclipse:

This post by Joyce Mason is not strictly about the Lunar Eclipse, but on the overall Moon energies this month. It also contains a wonderful graphic on the Sagittarius Moon. Moonwalk: Sagittarius

This wise and humorous post on the Eclipse and the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is full of Patricia Thompson’s wit. Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Gemini December 21, 2010

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 an overview of the month, see the Astro4Business Month Ahead – December 2010

Sage Advice Quotation Acknowledgments:

1. (The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence, by Deepak Chopra; Harmony Press)

2. (The Infinite Way, by Joel S. Goldsmith; DeVorss Publications)

4. (A Separate Reality – Further Conversations with don Juan, by Carlos Castaneda; Washington Square Press)

5. (Tao The Ching, Lao Tzu; Shambhala Pocket Classics)

6. (The Essential Teachings of Ramana Maharshi, Inner Directions Publishing.)

7. (Sadhana of the Heart, by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda; SYDA Foundation)

Tags: Eclipse, Solstice

Astro4Business Month Ahead – December 2010

Nov 29

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 13 Comments

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.

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 7^th 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 18^th. 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: astrology, business, Business planning, Eclipse, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Moon, Neptune, Pluto, Retrograde, Saturn, Sun, Uranus, Venus

Astro4Business Weekly Forecast – July 5 – 11

Jul 4

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Week | 5 Comments

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

Hello, everyone.

A full week ahead with Mercury and Venus changing signs and both planets highlighted by aspects in the latter part of the week. Uranus proceeds into retrograde motion on Monday; with unpredictable Uranus, expect the unexpected all week. And the New Moon and Solar Eclipse end the week with a need for withdrawal and reflection.

Monday

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 weeks ago, we were probably flooded with new ideas for our business, innovations we couldn’t wait to try, restructuring whose time had finally come. We may have been “on fire” with potential and possibility.

We’ve come into retrograde motion so quickly, but perhaps not a moment too soon. Especially with unpredictable Uranus in impulsive, risk-loving Aries, those innovations we were so fired up about could probably use a second look. And this is the gift of retrograde motion – it gives us a chance to retrace our steps, to check initial results against our 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 the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, 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!

Thursday

Thursday can be an absolutely wonderful day if we can find the sweet spot between our desire for personal acclaim and acknowledging how much we owe to others for our success. Venus in Leo wants personal recognition but is opposed by Neptune in Aquarius. Neptune always asks us to focus on what’s similar between us rather than what is unique in one of us. During this long transit of Neptune in Aquarius, we’re all interdependent with support coming virtually from near and far. If we remember to give credit where credit is due today, it will be easy to make connections that last.

And with a Mercury/Saturn sextile today, our communications will tend to be serious and accomplishment oriented. No frivolous chatting today. If you have an important meeting, keep in mind the Venus/Neptune advice above, but be sure to display your own credentials too. Rational, logical, and well-prepared will impress others today.

Friday

On Friday, the messenger of the gods, Mercury, enters Leo where he may think he is god! Mercury rules our rational mind and when he’s in Leo, we may tend to think that everything we think is the absolute truth and each one of our words should be taken as authority. We may be out to prove the superiority of our intellects while Mercury is in Leo, but so will everyone else. This is a time to warn your team to take it down a notch, and not come across as overconfident or bullying.

Just after Mercury moves into Leo it forms an excellent aspect with Uranus, newly retrograde in Aries. This may give you your first glimmering of how best to proceed if you faced unexpected disruptions this week. And I would say that communication is the key. Make sure your team knows if the direction has changed and open the door for their suggestions.

Saturday

Venus changes signs today, from flashy Leo to work-oriented Virgo, and you may experience this as a bit of a come-down. The flair and drama of Leo gives way to a more grounded, practical interchange with others and our social instincts will tend toward “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” A very serious financial planner may emerge from within you as well who will watch every penny. After the overly-generous Leo stint, this could be a welcome relief.

The Sun in Cancer also teams up with Mars in Virgo which makes us seriously consider each and every action. We only want to act if we have a plan and are pretty certain how everything will turn out. It’s fine; if you spend the day arranging, problem-solving, and organizing, you’ll be happy (Venus in Virgo) and productive (Mars in Virgo.)

Sunday

Sunday should start off upbeat and confident with an early aspect between Mercury in Leo and Jupiter in Aries. You may feel over-optimistic and sure all your problems will be resolved, but that’s not a bad signal to send out into the universe, is it?

Your energy may flag, though, as the day continues and we encounter the New Moon in Cancer with an eclipse of the Sun. The New Moon is a time to remain fairly quiet and indrawn if possible and even more so with an eclipse.

The New Moon is a day of conception, when deep in the recesses of our psyches new ideas are born. When the Solar energy is eclipsed by the Moon, we feel more keenly the introspective and intuitive feminine energy of the Moon. This is why the day of the eclipse should be spent enjoying interior activities, at home, in quiet spaces. Meditating and visioning are great ways to spend the day of the eclipse; traveling and working are not. Even if you must work and interact with the public, try to reserve some part of your day for resting and silence.

Have a great week!

If you’d like to explore retrograde motion, see these posts:

Elegant Stillness

Retracing Your Steps – Retrograde Motion

What did you miss?

If you’d like to explore Neptune in Aquarius, see these posts:

Neptune in Aquarius – let’s get connected!

Neptune in Aquarius – mind to mind connecting

Neptune in Aquarius – Inspired Minds

For an overview of the month, see the Astro4Business Month Ahead – July 2010

For more info on the planets influencing the week, see

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

Sage Advice for Tonight’s Eclipse

Jun 25

Posted by Ellen in Eclipse, Just for fun | 12 Comments

Tonight’s Eclipse highlights this summer’s conflicting energies, with the Full Moon exactly conjunct Pluto. The more I think about this grand pattern involving Saturn, Uranus, Jupiter, Pluto, the Moon, and the Sun, the more I think we are meant to summon our inner courage and take matters into our individual hands. With Jupiter in Aries, the sign of the warrior, our opportunities come when we step up the heat and embrace the warrior within.

Ramana Maharshi, 1879 - 1950 (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Here is advice from seven sages to keep in mind for the Eclipse.

1. Imagine that a deeply profound ocean of calm exists in you that is not affected by any turbulence. Deepak Chopra

3. The child blames the external and focuses his energies there; the warrior conquers the realms within and becomes gifted. St. Teresa of Avila

5. Man follows the ways of the Earth. The Earth follows the ways of Heaven, Heaven follows the ways of Tao, Tao follows its own ways. Lao Tzu, Translated by John C.H. Wu

6. Pleasure or pain are only aspects of the mind. Our essential nature is happiness. Happiness is inherent in everyone and is not due to external causes. Ramana Maharshi

7. Courage means rising to meet the demands of each moment with total delight, knowing you are equal to it. Gurumayi Chidvilasananda

For an overview of the week, see the Astro4Business Weekly Forecast – June 21-27

For an overview of the month, see the Astro4Business Month Ahead – June 2010

Quotation Acknowledgments:

1. (The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence, by Deepak Chopra; Harmony Press)

2. (The Infinite Way, by Joel S. Goldsmith; DeVorss Publications)

4. (A Separate Reality – Further Conversations with don Juan, by Carlos Castaneda; Washington Square Press)

5. (Tao The Ching, Lao Tzu; Shambhala Pocket Classics)

6. (The Essential Teachings of Ramana Maharshi, Inner Directions Publishing.)

7. (Sadhana of the Heart, by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda; SYDA Foundation)

Tags: Eclipse