Astro4Business Intersections

Business success through Astrology

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Astro4Business Highlights – Dog Days

Jul 24

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 240 Comments

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

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 2nd.  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

The Sun

The Moon

Mercury

Venus

Neptune

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

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Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – Intensity!

Jun 26

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 105 Comments

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

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 2nd 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

The Sun

The Moon

Venus

Mars

Saturn

Uranus

Pluto

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

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Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – New Beginnings

May 29

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 12 Comments

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

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

The Sun

The Moon

Mercury

Jupiter

Saturn

Uranus

Neptune

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: , , , ,

Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – Shhhhh.

May 1

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 22 Comments

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

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


Hello, everyone.

Guess what?  This is that rarest of weeks when there are no major aspects between any planets except the conjunction of the Sun and Moon at New Moon on Tuesday.  Nothing else.  Zip.  Nada.

What do we make of this?  A pause, certainly, especially with the quiet of the Taurus New Moon, followed by a slowly ascending energy after Tuesday when we can try and test a new project, product, or idea.  We can quietly gather support through interpersonal communications as the Moon moves into Gemini, and through emotional bonding when it reaches Cancer.

Looking ahead, next week contains a few aspects and three planets changing signs, but even next week holds no major conflicts in the heavens.  Two weeks of peace – sounds good, right?  May it be so in your world and the world as a whole.

Let me know how it goes.

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For an overview of the month, see Astro4Business Month Ahead – May 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 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.

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

The Sun

The Moon

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: , , , ,

Astro4Business Month Ahead – May 2011

Apr 30

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 7 Comments

Solar_system
Hello, everyone.

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

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

Pluto in Capricorn

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

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

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

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

Neptune in Pisces

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

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

Uranus in Aries

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

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

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

Saturn in Libra

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

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

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

Jupiter in Aries

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

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

Mars in Aries/Taurus

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

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

Venus in Aries/Taurus

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

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

Mercury in Aries/Taurus

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

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

Sun in Taurus/Gemini

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

Phases of the Moon

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

Monthly Recap

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

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

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

Key Dates for the Month

May 3              New Moon in Taurus

May 11            Mars enters Taurus

May 15            Mercury enters Taurus; Venus enters Taurus

May 17            Full Moon in Scorpio

May 21            Sun enters Gemini

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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.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

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Astro4Business Weekly Highlights – Aries Hot!

Mar 27

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 6 Comments

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

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

Hello, everyone.

Are you feeling the heat?  Don’t worry, by the end of the week you will be.  This week is all Aries, all the time.  If you’re an adventurous spirit, you’re gonna love it.  If not, you may want to run for cover.

Let me list it out for you:

Monday Sun in Aries squaring Pluto in Capricorn; Jupiter in Aries opposing Saturn in Libra

Wednesday Mercury in Aries making its station and turning retrograde

Friday Mars entering Aries, becoming very powerful in the sign it rules

Sunday New Moon in Aries; Mars conjuncting Uranus in Aries; Sun in Aries opposing Saturn in Libra

That’s a lot of warrior energy!  And I’d say it might be frustrated warrior energy with the Moon losing energy all week preparing for the New Moon on Sunday and Mercury turning retrograde mid-week.  Both of these indicate an inward-turning, quieting tide, just the opposite of rash, impulsive, put-your-foot-down-and-stomp-around Aries energy.

And that’s just your local environment.  On the wider societal and global stage this week we have that square from Pluto in Capricorn, oppositions from Saturn in Libra, and Uranus joining the fray.  We can call it destruction (Pluto), limitation (Saturn), and revolution (Uranus) at every intersection this week.

The most challenging aspects are the square from Pluto in Capricorn on Monday and the conjunction of Mars with Uranus next Sunday.  I’m not too worried about the oppositions from Saturn in Libra.  Saturn is exalted in Libra and will bring a dose of diplomacy, collaboration, and respect – a needed antidote to the self-referential and fiery Aries energy.

Sun square Pluto

We know the Sun in Aries brings an active, dynamic, aggressive energy to those in leadership.  We are apt to act first and ask questions later.  This is extremely valuable when we have to begin a new endeavor or push projects forward that are lagging or stalled.

But as we take hasty action this week we run smack into Pluto in Capricorn.  Pluto in Capricorn is a change agent, toppling over time the institutions in our lives that have gotten oppressive and tradition-bound.  Upheaval is a keyword for the process, but the attitudes which created these forms in the first place take many, many years to destroy.  No quick fixes here, which is all the Sun in Aries is interested in.  The Sun in Aries is not a long-haul energy; it wants to take action and be quickly rewarded.

As you implement your plans this week you could run into one hurdle after another, seemingly intransigent obstacles that you are probably sick and tired of dealing with.  The energy will ease up after the beginning of the week, but only after you’ve adjusted your expectations about what you can reasonably accomplish.  No side-stepping this week.

This square requires us to actively confront and resolve our problems.  Take definite acts of self-assertion but recognize that there is clean-up work to be done, and there’s no one else to do it but you.  As the leader, direct your attention to burning away anything malicious, destructive, disloyal, or decaying that comes to light.  It’s not the first time you’ve had to do this and it won’t be the last.  But it’s the work to do this week.

Mars conjunct Uranus

Helmeted young warrior, so-called Ares. Roman copy from a Greek original—this is a plaster replica, the original is now stored in the Museum of the Villa. Canope at the Villa Adriana in Tivoli.

With Mars entering Aries on Friday and approaching its conjunction with Uranus on Sunday, you may spend the entire week dealing with one conflict after another.  Mars in Aries incites a competitive fierceness which is great if you can wield it and hard to bear if it’s used against you.  You’ve got to stay on the offense this week as others vie for position and take advantage of any ambivalence.  Even within your staff, your operations and production people may be feisty and geared up, fomenting a full-blown revolution by the end of the week if you’re not careful.  It will take an absolute here and now presence from you, dealing swiftly with each matter as it arises, and there could be many.

You may be called upon to defend others in a righteous cause and if so, you could be surprised at your level of courage and determination.  Or you may finally feel you’ve had enough of excuses for mediocrity, in yourself or others.  You will have the insight to break through entrenched boundaries with this aspect, but you may end up in a place you could not have predicted.

One strong caution for the week is to keep up or even ramp up your exercise regimen.  This Mars/Uranus energy is very physical and stressful; it needs a positive outlet.  But be careful.  Push your limits but don’t exceed them, as this erratic, unpredictable energy can lead to accidents if you take it too far.

Mercury Retrograde

On Wednesday Mercury, the planet that rules all of the communications and information it takes to keep a business running, turns retrograde.  Mercury is retrograde for 18 days three times a year.  From our geocentric point of view, Mercury has gotten way out in front of the Sun, as far ahead as it can go.  Now it begins to regress, apparently moving backwards through the zodiac until it meets the Sun and then falls even farther behind it.  In 18 days Mercury will resume direct motion and begin to catch up with the Sun again.

The Sun represents you, the leader, and Mercury represents all of the tools and people you use to gather the information you need, including assistants, PR people, research teams, accountants, and IT.  These people have pulled ahead of you, so to speak, treading ground you have yet to explore.  You may feel that your company has gotten ahead of itself, or you’ve been too distracted by new information to manage the projects currently on your plate.  Mercury retrograde is the time to pull everyone back, to review what they have been doing, and to plan how to incorporate all the new information.  This also begins a period to evaluate your team’s efforts and be sure everyone is working toward the goals you have established.

New Moon in Aries

Usually I advise people to rest during the couple days before and after the New Moon.  It’s generally a time of inactivity, a seeding time for the new endeavor which will reveal itself just after the New Moon.  But this month, I don’t think we’ll have the luxury.  With all of this Aries activity, and the Sun and Moon in Aries at the New Moon on Sunday, I just don’t think we’ll be able to relax.  We’ll “want to be starting somethin’” in the words of Michael Jackson.  So go for it!  It may be a flash in the pan but if you try to resist the pro-activity of Aries, you risk burning out your circuits.  Aries needs to ACT, so if you feel the urge, indulge it with passion!  That will please Mars, the fiery ruler of this sign.

So that’s the week, a hotbed of powerful push-pull energies.  Don’t forget to sense the childlike quality of the Aries energy and have some fun.

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

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

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

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

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

For more business information on the planets mentioned this week, see these links:

The Sun

The Moon

Mercury

Mars

Saturn

Uranus

Pluto

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: , , , , ,

Astro4Business Weekly Forecast – Maha Shivaratri

Feb 27

Posted by Ellen Longo in Astro4Business Week | 98 Comments

Hello, everyone.

A couple of lovely sextile (60 degrees) aspects accompany the Moon to the court of the Sun, meeting at the New Moon on Friday, March 4.  Venus also leaves Capricorn and enters Aquarius, where our lives become more social and business relationships flourish under mutual endeavors for a common purpose.

The great god, Shiva. Note the stall in the lower left corner to get an idea of the scale. (Source: Wikipedia)

This New Moon is extremely special, the most auspicious New Moon of the year.  The night before the New Moon marks the Hindu holy day of Maha Shivaratri.  The god Shiva represents the awareness that pervades the entire universe, bringing consciousness to every particle including planets, trees, mountains, animals, and humans.  This is the spark of life which animates us and blesses all of our endeavors, from business to personal.

Maha Shivaratri, the night of Shiva, is observed by millions of Hindus around the world.  Worshippers chant the name of Shiva throughout the night, accompanied by mystical rituals designed to open the path to the innermost Soul.  The symphony of millions of people chanting the name of the most sacred pervades the atmosphere of our world for an entire day as waves of people begin worshipping from their respective time zone.

If you tune in to this global song of praise, boons and blessing will follow.  As a god, Shiva is the least concerned with the proper rituals of worship; he’s willing to listen to prayers uttered in anyone’s name.  And they say one repetition of his name on Maha Shivaratri is worth 1000 repetitions at any other time.

So Hindu or not, on Thursday evening, join your energy with millions of others and ask the Lord of the Universe for what you need to make your life successful.   If you’re having difficult transits this year, ask him to intervene for you.  If you need healing or power or energy, turn your attention toward the spirit of love and grace that Shiva represents.

Our minds will yearn for solitude during this New Moon, so see if you can spend some time alone on Thursday or Friday.  Great things are born from a quiet mind, especially on Maha Shivaratri!

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Look for the March monthly forecast tomorrow.

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

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

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

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

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

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A4B Today – November 5 Scorpio New Moon and Demeter

Nov 5

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Today | 6 Comments

Good Day!

Late today, MDT, the Sun and Moon merge in the zodiac sign of Scorpio, marking the simultaneous moment of the end of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one.  Here are some random thoughts for this New Moon.  I seem to have lost my normal rational linear style in these hours just before the New Moon; perhaps that’s Scorpio pulling me into the underworld of impressions and associations rather than objectives and timelines.

Demeter, British Museum (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Scorpio and its planetary ruler Pluto are on my mind in a big way this week.  Those of you who are Facebook friends know that a couple of days ago my car was stolen.  I don’t even know exactly when it happened.  It was parked next to my house from about 7:30 in the evening and we didn’t notice it gone until about 8 the next morning.  We had gone out to dinner the night before in the other car; it could have been stolen while we were out and in the dark we didn’t notice when we returned.  It could have been stolen in the night; so quietly!  Or perhaps while we took the dog for a run before daylight the next morning.  When we returned from the run we were like, where’s the car?

Irrevocable change:  that’s the hallmark of Pluto and its sign Scorpio.  I’ve been thinking a lot about Demeter and Persephone.  Do you know the myth?  Demeter, the goddess of the earth and the seasons, is picking flowers with her beloved daughter Persephone when a great chasm opens in the earth and Hades (Pluto) rises in a chariot, captures Persephone, and abducts her to his realm, the underworld.  I’ve been thinking about Demeter, continuing to pick flowers, unaware of the magnitude of change she was about to face.  What did she think when she noticed her daughter was gone?  How did she feel as she began to piece together what happened?  Her grief was so great we are told that the entire earth went into standstill and all the fruits of the harvest died in her sorrow.

Losing a car is not like losing a daughter.  But I feel that I understand this myth much more deeply now, as well as the sign Scorpio.  The undeniable irrevocability of the loss; the absolute impotence of our own power in the face of forces which lead to thievery or worse.  I keep thinking, but don’t they care what they are putting us through?  Don’t they feel the pain and sense of vulnerability they have caused us?  Of course my rational mind understands fate and its necessity, as well as the realities of some people’s desperate economic situations, but my feelings refuse to be comforted by philosophy, no matter how true.

The Return of Persephone by Frederic Leighton (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

I was reading about Demeter in Bulfinches Mythology this morning and he speaks about a statue of Demeter which is in the British Museum.  Of the statue he says, “There is no exaggeration in the grief, only the calm dignity of a sorrow which in spite of hope refuses to be comforted.”  This is a perfect statement for the strong, quiet exterior of Scorpio which hides a deep and wise feeling nature, a wisdom born of pain, if you will.

In case you don’t know the rest of the story, the destruction of the earth from Demeter’s grief was so great that the gods implored Hades to let Persephone return to the surface for four months each year.  Her mother’s joy flowered into spring and summer, only to grieve into autumn and winter when she returned to the underworld again.  Another Scorpio theme:  cycles of death and resurrection.

I know we’ve all been here.  The Scorpio energy holds an undeniable place in each of our lives.  To everyone touched by strong Scorpio energy, my hat is off to you.  If you have a great Scorpio story, please share it in the comments in honor of this New Moon.

Do you have a question about your business 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 week, see the Weekly Forecast – November 1 – 7

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

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

The Sun

The Moon

Pluto

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Astro4Business Weekly Forecast – November 1 – 7

Oct 31

Posted by Ellen in Introduction to Astrology for Business | 6 Comments

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

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


Hello, everyone.

What an interesting week this is!  Nearly every planetary relationship this week is waning – not just the Moon waning to the New Moon, but waning relationships between Venus and Pluto, Venus and Mars, Mars and Pluto, Mercury and Jupiter, Mercury and Uranus, and Mercury and Neptune.  In addition to all of this withdrawing planetary energy, retrograde Venus moves back into Libra.  Seems strange, doesn’t it?  I can’t wait to see how it all plays out and please share with us how your week unfolds.

Waning energy means matters are coming to a close, preparing for a new cycle to begin.  Our part is to let this happen, to let go of what is obviously ending whether these are projects begun in the last few weeks or initiatives in place since the beginning of the year.  If a matter has run its course, it’s much better to recognize it now than to tie up time and resources which could be used for more profitable endeavors.

The only energy moving in the other direction is the Sun and Saturn, and at the end of the week, Neptune resumes direct motion.  So let’s take a detailed look.

Monday

Something is begging to be revealed today: revealed, acknowledged and then left behind.  Since Venus is involved with both Mars and Pluto, there is another layer to be uncovered regarding a professional relationship or a financial commitment.  Are you sure your facts and figures are straight?  Is your staff telling you everything they know?

It would be a wise use of today’s energy to practice some MBWA, management by walking around.  Visit every desk or workstation and invite your staff to tell you something you don’t know, no holds barred.  Dig down deep; your freedom to move forward depends on some “inside information.”

Thursday

This is the upbeat day of the week with the only waxing aspect between the Sun and Saturn.  When these two are on the field the subject is leadership and management.  We all know these are two different skills, but in small business you wear both hats, don’t you?  It’s time to test a new management style, perhaps one you glimpsed about a month ago when the Sun and Saturn met in conjunction.

One client just shared with me today that due to her frustration at her staff not getting things done she is testing a new, more commanding style and seeing results. This is a very seasoned leader and manager but she knows there is always something new to learn, something to try and improve.  Today you could recognize this new direction.

With Saturn, you may encounter resistance; this is natural.  It may even be coming from you, your inner rebel who doesn’t want to do the work even though you know the outcome will be solid.  Or you may feel uncertain or hesitant; this too is a natural reaction to a new vision.  But there’s something more to achieve and Saturn instills the discipline to do it.

Friday

The Sun and Moon meet in the sky for the New Moon in Scorpio today.  If you can get a moment or two to yourself you may actually feel the release of energy or power, a new possibility stirring.  The actual day of the New Moon is not the time to begin something new.  It’s best to wait a couple of days and let your inspiration take form in quiet.  Even if you’re quite sure about the next stage in your business, try to wait until early next week to set it in motion.  The weekend may hold some surprises that will enhance your idea.

Saturday

On Saturday we get back to the down note with two waning aspects, one between Mercury and Neptune and one between Mercury and Uranus.  Mercury rules communications, data, and analytics and with the waning aspects it’s time to finish up a series of meetings and publish your reports.  The aspect with Neptune may make you feel there is still brilliance to be mined in your materials but it’s probably not true.  They were fine in their time but renewal will soon be necessary.

The aspect with Uranus today allows you to work constructively with a group to finish up and actualize a shared vision; expect radical and unusual viewpoints to arise and inventive solutions to technical difficulties.

Sunday

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

Venus in retrograde motion reenters Libra today, a sign she rules.  When Venus is in Libra, we find our day-to-day happiness in relationships, art, beauty, fashion, and generally getting along and supporting each other.  We are more than usually accommodating and willing to compromise.  Our social instincts are fair-minded and our business relationships more intellectual and rational.

Until Venus turns direct on November 18 this is not a good time for new contracts or professional relationships, or for major purchases.  Continue to review and reevaluate, but no major changes until after the 18th.

OK – have a great week!

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 – November 2010

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

The Sun

The Moon

Mercury

Venus

Mars

Saturn

Uranus

Neptune

Pluto

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Business Planning Retreat – Guest Post by Melanie McGhee

Oct 6

Posted by Ellen in Introduction to Astrology for Business | 3 Comments

Dear Readers – I was intrigued by a comment businesswoman Melanie McGhee wrote, mentioning how she takes an annual business planning retreat.  I asked her to share her process and insights with all of us.  For today’s New Moon, here’s a new idea!  What do you think?

Melanie writes:

One of the members of my mastermind group, Sue Painter, recently invited me to join her and a small group of incredible people coming together for a business planning retreat.  I very much wanted to go.  After all, she is a master businesswoman and marketer.  But the timing isn’t right for me.  

Melanie's business

As my work is about the yoga of relationships, I’m clear on the value of staying in alignment and ease in my relationship with my business and see retreats as one way to do that.  I’m a big believer in retreats.  I’ve facilitated retreats for more than 20 years and have written an award-winning retreat book, An Illumined Life ~ A Personal Yearly Retreat & Reflection Guide.   

Given my appreciation for retreats, I was bummed that I couldn’t go on this retreat.  After spending a couple of weeks grumbling to myself about how much I wanted to go, I finally got back in touch with the seed of my grumbling, the pure desire and recognition that I am long overdue for a business planning retreat.  

I’ve taken these retreats in the past and find them enormously beneficial – just me, a couple of packets of post-its, some sharpies and my open mind.  When I take myself on this kind of retreat, I find a place to go that is pretty close to home, book a room or cabin and play in the field of limitless possibility and uncover clear direction and focus for the year.  

Though filled with blue-sky thinking, I find that with some structure, I have greater clarity and success.  Typically, my schedule includes meditation, yoga, walking and work time.  During “work time,” I create a plan for my upcoming year.  I do this by following a format that suits me best with questions and prompts that I have designed to help me focus. 

The areas of focus includes:

  • Reflection on the highlights and successes from my previous year
  • Identification of challenges I’ve faced
  • Insights & lessons
  • Vision for upcoming year in each area of my business.
  • Goals that fulfill that vision.  This includes addressing goals in the specific areas of my business.  For instance, after visioning in each of the following areas, I create goals for each of these areas:  promotion, money matters, client care, care and feeding of my team, events, continuing education. 

After my visioning and goal planning, I’m ready to create a prioritized plan.  Each step of the way, I take a few minutes to contemplate and make sure that my goals are aligned with my Spirit.  With all this in place, by the end of my retreat, I have a book that I’m ready to send off to a print on demand service and I have a spiral bound business plan with specific goals to keep me on track for the year.  Some people like a 3 ring binder, I prefer a spiral bound planner.  To each her own. 

After reading Ellen’s blog for a while, I think my next retreat might include an astrological reading for my business!  What about you, what might your business planning retreat look like?  If you need any help, check out my friend, Sue’s retreat, or get in touch with me.

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