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Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – September 2010

Aug 31

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 13 Comments

Hello, everyone.

Here we are at the beginning of September – we made it! The planetary aspects of this past summer (winter in southern hemisphere) were a very rare combination that played out on the world stage dramatically. Whether our business lives were jolted by these planets at war with each other depends on whether they were in a position to impact our natal or business charts. One thing is certain: you know it if they were.

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.

On to September. 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 deep change and upheaval 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.

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

Neptune in Aquarius

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

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

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

Uranus in Pisces

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

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

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

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

Saturn in Libra

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

Last month, Saturn formed a difficult aspect to Pluto in Capricorn (see above). The stress of this aspect destroyed structures that were no longer working in our businesses (and in our world.) Now the Saturn energy will begin to build the Libra values of equity, parity, diplomacy, collaboration, and cooperation on the ashes of the past. Saturn brings a serious and responsible attitude to this time, especially in the areas of partnership and business relationships.

Jupiter in Aries

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

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

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

Jupiter remains in retrograde motion until November 18.

Mars in Libra/Scorpio

Mars begins the month in Libra, which is an indication to bide your time and let matters take their course. Mars, the planet representing action, aggression, and applied energy, is weakened when in Libra. When Mars is in Libra we are more circumspect and concerned with the impact of our actions on other people.

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

Venus in Libra/Scorpio

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 intellectual and rational. This is a good time for hashing out contracts with everyone’s best interests in mind.

But when Venus enters Scorpio on September 8, the tenor of our happiness changes too. Your happiness when Venus is in Scorpio 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 Virgo

Mercury is in Virgo all month and this is great for writing, documentation, and detailed project plans. Also great for getting that bookkeeping caught up! Mercury in Virgo loves to talk, write, and think about commerce and wants to accomplish practical outcomes by the end of each day.

Mercury is in retrograde motion at the beginning of the month and resumes direct motion on September 12. This means that almost the entire month will be spent rehashing matters you’ve already covered as Mercury recovers the same ground for the third time: once in direct motion, then back in retrograde motion, and now again in direct motion. Three times to get it right! You may chafe at the holding pattern, but soon Mercury will be moving along at its normal clip and we will be confident that all our ducks are in a row.

Sun in Virgo/Libra

When the Sun is in Virgo, your style of leadership focuses on service. This is the time to see what others need from you, and then offer it. This will keep your team productive and you in touch with the practical details of your business.

The entrance of the Sun into Libra marks the equinox, the point in the year when the hours of day are exactly equal to the hours of night. This exact balance lends its flavor to the sign of Libra. Leadership in Libra means making sure everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and that everyone’s voice is heard. When the Sun is in Libra our focus turns to relationships, partnerships, and business negotiations. It is a diplomatic, friendly, outgoing time but watch for those Scorpio undercurrents I mentioned above.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Virgo on September 8, waxing to full in Aries on September 23. We’ll examine the lunar phases in the weekly and daily forecasts in September.

Monthly Recap

The summer/winter is over and we enter a month of transition, both into a new season and into picking up the pieces that have been scattered by the recent planetary events. Pluto and Mercury resume direct motion mid-month, although there will still be a pull toward reflection and review. When Mars and Venus enter Scorpio, take care to demonstrate your commitment and loyalty to others and scrutinize all situations to make sure everything is above board. Once Mercury goes direct it will begin zipping through the sign of Virgo, so take advantage of the end of its stay there to finish up bookkeeping and planning. When the Sun enters Libra we come into the autumn (spring in the southern hemisphere) season. Time for change!

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

Key Dates for the Month

September 8 New Moon in Virgo; Venus enters Scorpio; Jupiter Retrograde enters Pisces

September 12 Mercury resumes direct motion

September 13 Pluto resumes direct motion

September 14 Mars enters Scorpio

September 22 Equinox; Sun enters Libra

September 23 Full Moon in Aries

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

For tips on the best use of Mercury Retrograde, see

10 Best Practices for Mercury Retrograde

Mercury Retrograde – 10 Ways to Engage

Tags: astrology, business, September forecast

Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – August 2010

Jul 28

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead, Cardinal T-square 2010 | 8 Comments

Hello, everyone.

We’ve arrived at August, the astrological height of the year 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.
Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.
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

Neptune in Aquarius

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

Uranus in Aries/Pisces

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

Since May 27, when Uranus entered Aries, we’ve been getting to know a new face of Uranus. Aries is the spark of entrepreneurial spirit, the initiating drive toward independence and individuality. You may have noticed new ideas incubating and a spirit of bold entrepreneurship in and around your business. But when Uranus moved into retrograde motion, there was probably a disruption in this full-speed-ahead current. You may now feel ambivalent or dissatisfied with your new ideas and initiatives.

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

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

Saturn in Libra

Until October, Saturn is in square aspect to Pluto in Capricorn (see above). The stress of this square aspect will bring the end to structures that are no longer working in our businesses (and in our world.) The Saturn energy will attempt to install the Libra values of equity, parity, diplomacy, collaboration, and cooperation while the Pluto energy brings more and more destructive patterns to the surface for all to see. This configuration becomes exact on August 21 and we can expect this conflicting energy to build until then and then begin to taper off.

Jupiter in Aries

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 entered retrograde motion on July 23. We may have found our enthusiasm flagging for our new products and plans. The forward momentum we’d been enjoying may have reversed, and now we find ourselves more restrained. This is 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.

During August, Jupiter opposes Saturn which may cause you to feel that you don’t know whether to brake or accelerate. The energy of conservatism is strong from Saturn’s placement in Libra and Jupiter’s enthusiasm is weakened due to retrograde motion. So a gentle foot on the brake is called for, or how about down-shifting so you don’t have to ride the brakes at all?

During August Jupiter is also in difficult aspect with Pluto. This can bring you face to face with the material realities of this time, whether governmental, regulatory, or economic. Even nature can seem to thwart your every move. How to work with this energy? I’d say wait it out. Patience can help you simply witness all the comings and goings, knowing that this time is paving the way for opportunities once some of the dross has been burned out of the system.

Mars in Libra

Mars spends the month in Libra, another indication to bide your time and let matters take their course. Mars, the planet representing action, aggression, and applied energy, is weakened when in Libra, and with all of the other planetary conflicts this can be a good thing. When Mars is in Libra we are more circumspect and concerned with the impact of our actions on other people. So if you feel your competitive drive is weak this month, use your time and energy to support others. This will rebalance and replenish your drive.

Venus in Virgo/Libra

Until August 6, Venus is in Virgo where she has a bad reputation for being nit-picking, perfectionistic, and fault-finding. Not us, surely! When Venus is in Virgo our happiness, creativity and productivity comes from our daily routines. We like nothing better than to arrive at work on time, put in a good day, and then eat a nourishing meal in the evening. The more you can build a productive, repetitive schedule into your day, the happier you will feel.

When Venus enters Libra on the 6^th, we find our day-to-day happiness in relationships, art, beauty, fashion, and generally getting along and supporting each other. This is another major boon as we work through the difficult outer planet conflicts. We will be more than usually accommodating and willing to compromise and so will the folks around us.

Mercury in Virgo

And the good news is we get a good long spell of Mercury in Virgo, because Mercury turns retrograde on August 20 for three weeks. More and more astrologers are spreading the news that Mercury retrograde can be a good thing, not the demon many people think it is. See the link below for 10 Best Practices for Mercury Retrograde.

Sun in Leo/Virgo

The Sun in Leo until August 23 supports us to step into the limelight. As the leader of your team, this is the time of year par excellence to set direction and reinforce your authority. You may become hyper-sensitive to issues of loyalty, recognizing who on your team is really on your team, and who is just passing through. Of course, loyalty is a two-way street, usually only given when it is received in kind.

When the Sun moves into Virgo, your style of leadership changes completely. You know the saying, To Lead is to Serve? (There is also an excellent book of the same name by Shar McBee.) That phrase is the perfect expression of the Sun in Virgo. Come down a notch and see what your team needs from you, and then offer it. This will keep them productive and you in touch with the practical details of your business. That’s the Sun in Virgo!

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Leo on August 9, waxing to full in Pisces on August 24. We’ll examine the lunar phases in the weekly and daily forecasts in August.

Monthly Recap

Another big month in our summer of transformation! With all of the outer planets except Saturn in retrograde motion we will find ourselves retracing our steps and reevaluating our progress. With Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto in a most difficult configuration, we take the support of Venus and Mars in Libra to keep us balanced, steady, and compassionate amidst the turmoil. Share some art or music with others to raise your spirits and bolster your relationships. The Sun in Leo will help you be generous with your staff and colleagues and when the Sun moves into Virgo and joins Mercury there, service becomes the keyword for the rest of the month.

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

Key Dates and Keywords for the Month

August 2 Jupiter (Expansion) Challenges Pluto (Transformation)

August 3 Mars (Force) Challenges Pluto (Transformation)

August 9 New Moon in Leo

August 16 Jupiter (Expansion) Opposes Saturn (Limitation)

August 21 Saturn (Limitation) Challenges Pluto (Transformation)

August 24 Full Moon in Pisces

For tips on how to use Mercury Retrograde to your advantage, see 10 Best Practices for Mercury Retrograde.

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

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

Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – July 2010

Jun 30

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 5 Comments

Hello, everyone.

Let’s look at July 2010 to see what the planetary influences are and how we can 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 change from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.
Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.
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 Moons, 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 fundamental change to many of the structures we have come to rely upon: government, religion, the economy, industry, and transport systems, to name a few. The 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 in the first seven degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn is already dealing with this energy.

Pluto turned retrograde on April 6. This retrograde motion combined with the extremely long orbit of the planet causes it to traverse only 3 degrees of Capricorn during the entire year. Last December it was at 2 degrees of Capricorn, by April 6 it had reached 5 degrees, it will retrograde back to 2 degrees by mid-September, and it doesn’t reach 5 degrees again until next January. If you have planets between 2 and 5 degrees of any sign you will experience a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, probably related to the issues mentioned above. Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is through, they are the most rewarding because we are irrevocably freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue. You may have noticed a reversal since April, leading you back to a problem you thought you had resolved. Not yet! There’s still more freedom to be gained.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011, we’ve seen a global consensus regarding the equality of the common man, shared responsibility to the group, ascendancy of people and nations based on the power of knowledge, the right of all nations to progress technologically, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

Neptune turned retrograde on May 31. Like Pluto, Neptune has an extremely long orbit which combined with its annual retrograde motion causes it to traverse only 3 degrees of Aquarius this year. In February it had reached 25 degrees of Aquarius, by May 31 it reached 28 degrees where it turned around and is on its way back to 25 degrees on November 8, when it will again move forward to reach 28 degrees again next February. If you have planets between 25 and 28 degrees of any sign you will experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others. This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life that have no real content for us anymore. This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once these deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Aries

On July 5 Uranus will enter its cycle of retrograde motion. During the entire month of July it slowly travels back through the very first degree of Aries, and then in August it moves back into Pisces where it will remain until next March.

Since May 27, when Uranus entered Aries, we’ve been getting to know this new energy. 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. Now, when Uranus moves into retrograde motion, you may notice a disruption of this full-speed-ahead energy. You may feel ambivalent or dissatisfied with your new ideas and initiatives.

This feeling of dissatisfaction is common in the first few weeks of a retrograde cycle. This is not to say that your new projects should be abandoned. The retrograde part of the cycle is the perfect time to develop and test our ideas and reevaluate our tactics and approach. We can use this time to discern which of our ideas have lasting value and which have limited potential. Ideally, we see ourselves as explorers of unknown territory, as Erin Sullivan says in her excellent book, Retrograde Planets, and we test our strategy before we invest too heavily.

Saturn in Virgo/Libra

Since May 30, when Saturn resumed direct motion in Virgo, it’s been steadily bringing discipline and order to our work lives. We have three more weeks to finish organizing our personal workspaces and getting our back office systems in order. Use these last weeks of this excellent organizing energy to detail a plan for the next few months and set up the systems to accomplish it.

On July 21, Saturn reenters the sign of Libra, where it is exalted. When a planet is exalted in a sign, 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.

Until October 2010, Saturn is in square aspect to Pluto in Capricorn (see above). The stress of this square aspect will bring the end to structures that are no longer working in our businesses (and in our world) as the Saturn energy attempts to install the Libra values of equity, parity, diplomacy, collaboration, and cooperation. This pattern becomes exact in mid-August and we can expect the energy to build until then.

Saturn also opposes Uranus on July 26 for the last time in a five-part series. Watch for my post later in the month on this important aspect.

Jupiter in Aries

On June 6, 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 in the last few weeks. Risk-taking fervor may be sweeping through you.

This will all slow down this month as Jupiter approaches its retrograde cycle on July 23. I think it’s so interesting that we were introduced to the sea change of Pisces to Aries with the two titans Jupiter and Uranus, only to have them both enter retrograde motion and regress back into Pisces in the next couple of months. Certainly we’re being given the chance to take a few last lessons from Pisces before we jump with both feet into Aries next winter.

Similar to the retrogradation of Uranus in Aries above, we may find our enthusiasm flagging for our new products and plans. The forward momentum we’ve been enjoying may reverse, and we ourselves may feel more restrained. This is 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.

Mars in Virgo

Mars spends most of the month in Virgo. When Mars is in Virgo we focus our energy on dissemination and distribution. Mars in Virgo brings a penchant for order and concrete productivity and much more interest in service to others. How are your employees and coworkers faring? If they are doing well, feeling useful and productive, then you are using Mars in Virgo well.

Venus in Leo/Virgo

Venus begins the month in Leo and that spells fun – perfect for USA July 4^th celebrations. 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 that culture.

On July 10, Venus transitions into Virgo. Venus in Virgo has a bit of a bad reputation for being nit-picking, perfectionistic, and fault-finding. Not us, surely! When Venus is in Virgo our happiness, creativity and productivity comes from our daily routines. We like nothing better than to arrive at work on time, put in a good day, and then eat a nourishing meal in the evening. The more you can build a productive, repetitive schedule into your day, the happier you will feel.

Mercury in Cancer/Leo/Virgo

Mercury is again moving quickly this month. On July 9th it moves into Leo and on the 27^th moves into Virgo.

Use these first few days of Mercury in Cancer to meet with everyone who needs your attention and make sure they are on board with your company goals. This is a good time to spell out your vision and gain people’s trust.

When Mercury enters Leo, conversations and communications become showy and dramatic. Sales presentations should include a bit of flash and a bit of fun. Just warn your sales team not to come off as cocky or overconfident, which is sure to turn people off. Everyone wants to be noticed at this time.

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

Sun in Cancer/Leo

While the Sun is in Cancer take time with your employees and customers. Make sure you understand what they need and nurture these relationships as best you can.

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

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Cancer with a Solar Eclipse on July 11, waxing to full in Aquarius on July 25. Each of these Moons is significant this month, which we’ll examine in the weekly and daily forecasts.

Monthly Recap

Another big month in our summer of transformation! With all of the outer planets except Saturn in retrograde motion we will find ourselves retracing our steps and reevaluating our progress. The Saturn/Uranus opposition challenges us to find our balance in the face of change and Mars and Venus in Virgo will help ground us through day-by-day practical achievement. The Sun and Mercury in Cancer and Leo will highlight issues related to bonding and loyalty with staff and customers, and don’t forget to bring some fun into your workplace – everyone needs some stress release this summer!

For a discussion of the meaning of the Saturn/Uranus opposition, see this post:

April 26 – Saturn/Uranus Day

To explore retrograde motion, see these posts:

Elegant Stillness

Retracing Your Steps – Retrograde Motion

What did you miss?

For more info on each of the planets, see

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

Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – June 2010

May 31

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 15 Comments

Hello, everyone.

Let’s look at June 2010 to see what the planetary influences are and how we can 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 change from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.
Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.
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 Moons, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

This month the Sun transitions from Gemini to Cancer at the Solstice, Mercury ends its long trek through Taurus and zooms through Gemini into Cancer, Venus enters Leo, Mars ends its very long stay in Leo and enters Virgo, and Jupiter transitions into Aries. Add to this the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction in Aries, the Full Moon conjunction to Pluto and partial Lunar eclipse and we’ve got a very full month indeed.

Pluto in Capricorn

Neptune in Aquarius

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

Neptune turned retrograde on May 31. Neptune, like Pluto, has an extremely long orbit which combined with its annual retrograde motion causes it to traverse only 3 degrees of Aquarius this year. In February it had reached 25 degrees of Aquarius, by May 31 it reached 28 degrees, on November 8 it turns around after travelling back to 25 degrees and it doesn’t reach 28 degrees again until next February. If you have planets between 25 and 28 degrees of any sign you will experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others. This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life that have no real content for us anymore. This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once these deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Aries

On May 27, Uranus entered the sign Aries. This was the beginning point of an 84-year cycle. Aries is a very different energy from Pisces. Where Pisces is concerned with the collective and with dissolving boundaries, Aries is the spark of entrepreneurial spirit, the initiating impetus toward independence and individuality. For the next seven years we can expect the Aries energy to influence innovation, creativity, and breakthroughs in a spirit of renewal. Get ready for a whole new cycle of invention and scientific discovery.

While Uranus in Pisces engendered business innovation and invention through increasing global connection, Uranus in Aries ushers in an era of the lone wolf, the individual entrepreneur working independently. The global connection won’t go away but the emphasis will be on individual research, experimentation, and breakthroughs. The rules and mores of business management will change; we’ve already seen more business articles using phrases like “maverick CEO” and “entrepreneurial revolution.” Where we used to see business buzzwords like “collaboration” and “vision,” we’re starting to see “personal crusade” and “kindling people’s passions.”

Uranus will leave Aries and return to Pisces in July due to retrograde motion before it is finally posited in Aries next March. This puts us in a limbo time, a time of transition between one era and another. What is coming is not yet clear but we should definitely expect and plan for change. Our best, newest, and freshest ideas will come from a new direction. If you tune in this month you will glimpse the future of your business.

Saturn in Virgo

On May 30 Saturn resumed direct motion in Virgo. Have you been focusing on managing and organizing your personal workspace? Are your back office systems in order? June is the last full month that Saturn will be in Virgo. Use this time to detail a plan for the next few months and set up the systems to accomplish it. We can use the energy of Saturn in Virgo to address the stress coming from Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. There’s nothing like a detailed plan to follow when things are in flux or seem out of our control.

Jupiter in Pisces/Aries

Jupiter entered Pisces, a water sign, in January. Pisces is concerned with the emotional connections that bind people together. This can express itself as devotion to an ideal, often mystical or artistic, and the desire to lose oneself in the shared feeling of the group.

On June 6, Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, will enter Aries. This is a very different energy from Jupiter in Pisces. Aries is an initiatory sign and Jupiter thinks big. Your former goals may feel too limiting now. A passion for growth, expansion, competition, and claiming new territories will emerge in you and your staff. Risk-taking fervor may sweep through you.

This is good, as long as your systems and structures are in place to handle growth. A business that grows too fast or too soon is just as much at-risk as a business with no growth prospects at all. So think big as long as your structure is stable. If it’s not, spend the massive Aries energy to expand your underlying systems. Jupiter will retrograde back into Pisces later this year and reenter Aries next January. That may be a better time to initiate new plans for growth.

Mars in Leo/Virgo

Mars leaves its long journey in Leo on June 7. With Mars is in Leo it has been easy to lead with honesty and dependability. The sign Leo is also creative and artistic, so hopefully we have taken opportunities for performance and display. Take advantage of these last few days of heightened creativity and expect high performance from your employees too.

Mars will be in Virgo until July 29. When Mars is in Virgo we focus our action on dissemination and distribution. Gone is the showy creativity of Leo. In its place comes a penchant for order and concrete productivity and much more interest in service to others. How are your employees and coworkers faring? If they are doing well, feeling useful and productive, then you’re using Mars in Virgo well. And this energy will provide the perfect balance for that risk-taking Jupiter and Uranus energy in Aries.

Venus in Cancer/Leo

Venus in Cancer is empathetic, nurturing, and understanding. Your finances may ebb and flow at this time like the waxing and waning of the Moon. Your relationships with customers, partners, and employees feel more maternal than professional yet fortune lies in your ability to treat people like your own family at this time. This is a great time for company barbeques and celebrations.

On June 14 Venus moves into Leo. This should spell 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 that culture.

Mercury in Taurus/Gemini/Cancer

Mercury is really moving quickly this month. On June10th it moves into Gemini and on the 25^th moves into Cancer. Mercury rules Gemini and is at his most persuasive, talkative, and diverse when in Gemini. This is a perfect time for training and bringing in consultants. Communications of all kinds are favored, so take those meetings, initiate negotiations, and get out and about to meet and greet customers.

When Mercury moves into Cancer, your employees may prefer a heart-to-heart conversation rather than a lot of activity. Meet with everyone who needs your attention and make sure they are on board with your company goals. 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 our 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, across the line of the Solstice, it is 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 12, waxing to full in Capricorn on June 26. Each of these Moons is significant this month, which we’ll examine in the weekly and daily forecasts.

Monthly Recap

Wow, what a month! Even the backdrop has changed as Uranus is newly posited in Aries and Neptune has turned retrograde. Of all the planets, only Pluto has maintained its relative position and motion. Saturn direct in Virgo and Mars transiting into Virgo will help us find our footing through practical planning and action. And we’ll need it with Uranus and Jupiter in risk-taking, excitable Aries. The inner planets, the Sun, Mercury, and Venus are in the personal growth signs of the zodiac, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, and Leo. That puts the focal point on you and your local environment. If you stay steady and focus on what you can accomplish, your business will thrive.

A recap of the days to watch for:

Jupiter enters Aries June 6

Mars enters Virgo June 7

Jupiter conjuncts Uranus June 8

Mercury enters Gemini June 10

New Moon June 12

Venus enters Leo June 14

Sun enters Cancer June 21

Mercury enters Cancer June 25

Full Moon June 26

Let me know how it all plays out!

To look at the business traits for each planet check these links:

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

Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – May 2010

Apr 30

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 7 Comments

Hello, everyone.

Let’s look at May 2010 to see what the planetary influences are and how we can 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 change from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.
Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.
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 Moons, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

There are six notable changes in the skies in May: Mercury and Saturn resume direct motion, Neptune turns retrograde, Venus enters Cancer, the Sun enters Gemini, and Uranus enters the sign of Aries. We’ll discuss each below.

Pluto in Capricorn

Pluto turned retrograde on April 6. This retrograde motion combined with the extremely long orbit of the planet causes it to traverse only 3 degrees of Capricorn during the entire year. Last December it was at 2 degrees, by April 6 it has reached 5 degrees, it retrogrades back to 2 degrees by mid-September, and it doesn’t reach 5 degrees again until next January. If you have planets between 2 and 5 degrees of any sign you will experience a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, probably related to the issues mentioned above. Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is through, they are the most rewarding because we are irrevocably freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue. You may have noticed a reversal since April, leading you back to a problem you thought you had resolved. Not yet! There’s still more freedom to be gained.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011, there has been a global consensus regarding the equality of the common man, shared responsibility to the group, ascendancy of people and nations based on the power of knowledge, the right of all nations to progress technologically, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

Neptune will turn retrograde on May 31. Neptune, like Pluto, has an extremely long orbit which combined with its annual retrograde motion causes it to traverse only 3 degrees of Aquarius this year. In February it had reached 25 degrees of Aquarius, by May 31 it has reached 28 degrees, on November 8 it turns around after travelling all the way back to 25 degrees and it doesn’t reach 28 degrees again until next February. If you have planets between 25 and 28 degrees of any sign you will experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others. This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life that have no real content for us anymore. This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once these deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Pisces/Aries

The Uranus in Pisces (see category at right) transit from 2003 – May, 2010 engendered innovation and invention in business. It flattened hierarchies and enhanced global transactions and interactions. With many variables in play simultaneously, we’ve been working with moving parts which connected and disconnected frequently, including projects, alliances, and workforces.

How can we continue to work with Uranus in Pisces? Product diversification, committee leadership, and collaboration, as well as global connection, and dissolution of hierarchical structures – any of these is good for the end of the cycle.

On May 27, Uranus enters the sign Aries. This is the very beginning point of an 84-year cycle. Aries is a very different energy from Pisces. Where Pisces is concerned with the collective and with dissolving the boundaries between us, Aries is the spark of entrepreneurial spirit, the initiating impetus toward independence and individuality. For the next seven years we can expect the Aries energy to influence innovation, creativity, and breakthroughs in a spirit of renewal. Get ready for a whole new cycle of invention and scientific discovery. If you thought the last seven years were exciting, wait until you see the next!

Saturn in Virgo

Saturn had been transiting the sign of Libra, where it is exalted, but last month, due to retrograde motion, it regressed back into Virgo. On May 30 it will resume direct motion. Did you notice a shift last month from cooperative alliances to a focus on organizing and managing your own personal sphere of work? This is an excellent time to detail a plan for the next few months and set up back office systems to accomplish it.

Until October 2010, Saturn is in square aspect to Pluto in Capricorn (see above) but during the time it’s in Virgo the tension between the two planets is not as hard to reconcile. We can use the energy of Saturn in Virgo to address the stresses coming from Pluto in Capricorn. There’s nothing like a detailed plan to follow when things get tough.

Jupiter in Pisces

Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, is the ancient ruler of Pisces. This brings a very positive influence to all endeavors that attempt to unite people based on a shared intention for the future. How should you work with this energy? Work on connection. Set up links between people and organizations. Make venues available for your employees to express their ideas creatively. Be willing to lead with your intuition and feelings; show your employees, customers, and business associates your heart. These activities will bring business expansion and profits.

Mars in Leo

When Mars is in Leo our will power becomes focused and controlled. Mars in Leo loves to lead and gives faithfully and generously to those who follow. When Mars is in Leo we are honest, direct, and fully dependable. The sign Leo is also creative and artistic, so at this time we love performance and display.

The best use of Mars in Leo? Make your light shine with dignity and strength. Lead with steadiness and authority. Throw yourself into creative activities. Secure and enjoy the limelight.

Mars resumed direct motion in March. Due to its retrograde cycle, Mars had retraced its steps all the way back to the very beginning of Leo. Mars has been picking up steam and moving forward and on May 16 we finally reach new ground. While retaining the best of the old, this is when we can really begin actively pursuing brand new projects that have been waiting their turn for a long time!.

Mars leaves it long journey in Leo in June. Take advantage of these last weeks of heightened creativity and expect high performance from your employees too.

Venus in Gemini/Cancer

When Venus is in Gemini, we are extroverted, chatty, and love nothing more than to scatter our attention across many projects and many people. We are happiest when we’re out and about, making new contacts and negotiating deals.

When Venus moves into Cancer on May 19, we step into another mode. You may notice you have more empathy for your employees’ issues and a deeper understanding of your customers’ needs. Your finances ebb and flow while Venus is in Cancer, like the waxing and waning of the Moon. Your fortune lies in your ability to treat people like your own family at this time.

Mercury in Taurus

Mercury remains in retrograde motion in Taurus until May 11. Until that day, continue to review the past and look for what you may have overlooked that would be useful for you in the future. After May 11 your projects and plans can move forward, including new contracts, agreements, and equipment purchases. Don’t be surprised, though, if you continue to rehash agreements and commitments from the past; Mercury doesn’t cross into new territory until May 28 when it reaches the point it went retrograde. After that day, new information will actually start to flow and new ideas will be ready for action.

Sun in Taurus/Gemini

The Sun remains in steady, reliable Taurus until May 20. The Taurus energy urges us to build something slowly and steadily out of the ideas that were born when the Sun was in Aries. Putting scaffolding around the emerging form, we begin to manifest our idea into material reality.

When the Sun enters Gemini, the time is right for sales and communication, press releases, and disseminating the news as widely as possible. We may become aware that we need other players on our team in order to broadcast our product as widely as possible. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Just be sure you only promise what you can deliver.

Phases of the Moon

The new Moon is in Taurus on May 13, waxing to full in Sagittarius on May 27.

Monthly Recap

Against the backdrop of massive global changes to the structures in our lives, we are inspired by and engaged with the global community as never before. As Uranus moves into Aries, we may not recognize the business landscape anymore but with Saturn back in Virgo, we can put our energy into getting our houses in order and implementing a system to stay that way. Jupiter in Pisces and Venus moving into Cancer enhance our emotional bonds to one another, which we can count on if we get too shaken up or results oriented. Communication and sales efforts are key for the later part of the month with the Sun moving into Gemini and Mercury in direct motion in Taurus.

A recap of the days to watch for:

May 11 - Mercury resumes direct motion

May 19 – Venus enters Cancer

May 20 – Sun enters Gemini

May 27 – Uranus enters Aries

May 30 – Saturn resumes direct motion

May 31 – Neptune turns retrograde

Let me know how your month plays out!

A few posts on Retrograde Motion:

10 Best Practices for Mercury Retrograde

Elegant Stillness – Retrograde Motion

Retracing Your Steps – Retrograde Motion

What did you miss?

For more information on each of the planets, check these links:

Don’t forget. If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com. I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I look forward to it! Have a question now? Email it and let’s get started!

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

Astro4Business Month Ahead – April

Mar 31

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 7 Comments

Hello, everyone.

Let’s look at April 2010 to see what the planetary influences are and how we can 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 change from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.
Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.
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 Moons, always special days in the month.

April is quite a month with four planets changing signs and two moving into retrograde motion. I think this month we should test the theory that when a planet enters a new sign or turns retrograde, there is a specific occurrence in our lives that reflects the change. I’ll note these days as we discuss each one.

Pluto in Capricorn

This month Pluto turns retrograde on April 6. This retrograde motion combined with the extremely long orbit of the planet causes it to traverse only 3 degrees of Capricorn during the entire year. Last December it was at 2 degrees, by April 6 it has reached 5 degrees, it retrogrades back to 2 degrees by mid-September, and it doesn’t reach 5 degrees again until next January. If you have planets between 2 and 5 degrees of any sign you will experience a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, probably related to the issues mentioned above. Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is through, they are the most rewarding because we are irrevocably freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue. At this point in April, you may notice a reversal which will lead you back to a problem you thought you had resolved. Not yet! There’s still more freedom to be gained.

Neptune in Aquarius

Uranus in Pisces

Saturn in Libra

Saturn has been transiting the sign of Libra, where it is exalted, but this month, due to retrograde motion, it regresses back into Virgo.

This is one of those dates to watch for – April 7 – to see if we notice a shift from cooperative alliances back to a more individual focus on organizing and managing our own personal sphere of work. It will be particularly interesting because Saturn makes this change of sign just as Pluto goes into retrograde motion.

Jupiter in Pisces

Mars in Leo

The best use of Mars in Leo? Make your light shine with dignity and strength. Lead with steadiness and authority. Throw yourself into creative activities. Secure and enjoy the limelight.

Mars resumed direct motion on March 10. During its retrograde motion, Mars retraced its steps all the way back to the very beginning of Leo. Now Mars is picking up steam and moving forward although until mid-May we are still reinvigorating projects that have been underway since last fall.

Mars leaves it long journey in Leo in June. Take advantage of these last two months of heightened creativity and expect high performance from your employees too.

Venus in Taurus/Gemini

Venus is in her home sign of Taurus until April 25. Venus in Taurus turns our attention toward security, the actual, real-world kind. The desire for beauty and comfort is strong, but so is the desire to build something that will last. Spend money only on things of lasting value and expect to make practical progress on your creative goals.

So April 25^th is a day to watch for. As Venus enters Gemini, do you notice a change in your attitudes or intentions? Possibly something along the lines of getting out and selling the products you developed over the past couple of months? Let’s see.

Mercury in Aries/Taurus

Mercury enters practical Taurus on April 2 – another day to watch for. Ideas came easily when Mercury was in Aries and your sales efforts were probably enthusiastic and glib. Now is the time to make good on your promises and deliver.

Mercury turns retrograde on April 18. Ahhh, Mercury retrograde, three times a year we can’t avoid it. And it really does have its purpose. I’ll note some posts at the end of this one so you can remember why we appreciate retrograde Mercury.

Sun in Aries/Taurus

The Sun is in Aries until April 19, then moves into practical, resolute Taurus. Use the rest of the Aries time for enthusiastic leadership and be willing to experiment with new ideas. When the Sun enters Taurus, pick the best few and lead your team into a mode of implementation. You’ll have functionality and form on your side.

Phases of the Moon

The new Moon is in Aries on April 14, waxing to full in Scorpio on April 28.

Monthly Recap

Against the backdrop of massive global changes to the structures in our lives, we are inspired by and engaged with the global community as never before. With Saturn moving back into Virgo, we have another chance to get our houses in order and to implement a system to stay organized in the future. Jupiter enhances our emotional bonds to one another, which will help if we get too results oriented. With four planets in earth signs by the end of the month, we may tend to value accomplishment over connection.

A recap of the days to watch for:

April 2 – Mercury enters Taurus

April 6 – Pluto turns retrograde

April 7 – Saturn retrograde enters Virgo

April 18 – Mercury turns retrograde

April 19 – Sun enters Taurus

April 25 – Venus enters Gemini

If you follow me on Twitter (ellenlongo) or Facebook (Ellen Longo) I’ll remind you to take special note of these days.

Let me know how your month plays out!

A few posts on Retrograde Motion:

Elegant Stillness – Retrograde Motion

Retracing Your Steps – Retrograde Motion

What did you miss?

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

Astro4Business Month Ahead – March

Mar 2

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead, Introduction to Astrology for Business | 2 Comments

Hello, everyone.

Let’s look at March 2010 to see what the planetary influences are and how we can 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 change from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years. Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years. Last 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.

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 fundamental change to many of the structures we have come to rely upon: government, religion, the economy, industry, and transport systems, to name a few. The transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming. Pluto exposes what is hidden, for better or for worse and usually now, at the beginning of the cycle, we become more aware of the worse rather than the better.

Neptune in Aquarius

Uranus in Pisces

Saturn in Libra

Saturn is transiting the sign of Libra, where it is exalted. When a planet is exalted in a sign, it has a special affinity to the sign and if you’re willing to do the work, there is a promised payoff. See the category to the right on this important transit, but in a nutshell: what is the work of Saturn in Libra? To develop patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships. What is the payoff? Cooperation and mutual support.

Saturn made its station and turned retrograde on January 14. Retrograde motion in the five outer planets is not felt as immediately as in the inner planets. You may notice outside regulators backtracking or bureaucratic snafus that affect your business. Or one of your trusted advisors may resign. Remember those business plans you wrote last quarter? Just proceed according to plan, and course correct if necessary.

Jupiter in Pisces

Mars in Leo

The best use of Mars in Leo? Make your light shine with dignity and strength. Lead with steadiness and authority. Throw yourself into creative activities. Secure and enjoy the limelight.

Mars resumes direct motion on March 10. During its retrograde motion since December 20, Mars retraced its steps all the way back to the very beginning of Leo. We have a chance to start over now on all of the creative projects we envisioned since October, but with a lot more information this time! Take advantage of this period of heightened creativity and expect high performance from your employees too.

(This is a good time to reread the Mars in Leo category to the right.)

Venus in Pisces/Aries

The first few days of the month Venus is in Pisces, where she is exalted. Catch your best creative ideas of the year before she enters Aries on March 7. Be sure to carry a recording device with you at all times because, while truly inspired, Venus’ gifts are subtle and can be elusive when she’s in Pisces.

When Venus enters Aries on March 7 and Mars turns direct on March 10 expect fireworks of display and creativity. These two planets in fire signs will ignite sales, interactions, motivation, and competition. Are you ready? The time has come to ACT!

Mercury in Pisces/Aries

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

On March 17, Mercury enters Aries, joining the bonfire with Venus and Mars. By this point there may be so many ideas and so much enthusiasm you’ll need extra help just to keep track of it all. Watch for overload; headaches will be a sign to relax, cool your jets, and pace yourself.

Sun in Pisces/Aries

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

On March 20 is the Equinox; vernal for us northerners; autumnal for you southerners. (That’s north and south of the equator.) Half way between the longest and shortest day of the year, it’s time to take stock. How far have you come since the Solstice? Have you accomplished your goals so far this year? The Sun in Aries is a time of heightened energy and new beginnings. Take advantage of this fire to get yourself on track. You are ready; go for it!

Phases of the Moon

The new Moon is in Pisces on March 15, waxing to full in Libra on March 29.

Monthly Recap

Against the backdrop of massive global changes to the structures in our lives, we are inspired by and engaged with the global community as never before. With Saturn in Libra, we find our footing in committed, responsible relationships. Jupiter enhances our emotional connection to one another, which we’ll need this month since Venus, Mars, Mercury, and the Sun are all in fire signs by the end of the month. Passion, inspiration, motivation, and healthy competition will ignite a new beginning with the new season.

Let me know how your month plays out!

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

Your questions – making the most of the Monthly Forecast

Feb 10

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead, Jupiter in Pisces, The Planets, Your Questions | 11 Comments

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

Hello everyone.

Today I received an email from a regular reader. Her question gives me a chance to suggest ways you can use the Astro4Business Monthly Forecasts. She writes:

I answered an ad for a position as a Research Coordinator at a major hospital in my city. I am really excited, because it brings together both my careers – my first career as a Chem. Tech in Research and Development, as well as my nursing expertise. The (hopefully first) interview is next week, Feb. 18. I am looking at Astro4Bus for the monthly guide, but I am not really sure where I am going with it. If you get a minute, can you try to guide me through this? I would appreciate it.

Some guidelines

First, some guidelines for using the Monthly Forecast. When a major life transition is happening, like applying for a new position, the outer planets are always the focus. The way Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto interact with your natal chart or business chart indicates the major trends in your life. If you have natal planets in the signs these planets are currently passing through, your life will be affected by their passage. Even if you have natal planets in the opposite sign or the sign 90 degrees away, you will feel the passage of these planets in a big way.

This knowledge may be beyond what some of you know about your charts, but everyone knows their Sun Sign, and many people know the sign of their Moon and Ascendant. These three points and the houses they occupy are extremely important and just with this knowledge, there’s a lot you can tell from the Monthly Forecast.

Jupiter in Pisces spells opportunity

My reader’s Sun is in Pisces. Looking at the monthly forecast we look for any outer planet that is passing through Pisces. We see that Jupiter, the planet of opportunity, is passing through the sign of Pisces. From the monthly forecast we read:

Jupiter entered Pisces, a water sign, in January. Pisces is concerned with the emotional connections that bind people together. This often expresses itself as devotion to an ideal, often mystical or artistic, and the desire to lose oneself in the shared feeling of the group.

Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, is the ancient ruler of Pisces. This brings a very positive influence to all endeavors that attempt to unite people based on a shared intention for the future. How should you work with this energy? Work on connection. Set up links between people and organizations. Make venues available for your employees to express their ideas creatively. Be willing to lead with your intuition and feelings; show your employees, customers, and business associates your heart. These activities will bring good fortune.

Jupiter in 10^th spells success

Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, is directly passing over my reader’s natal Sun. From prior work with her, I know that her Sun is in the 10^th house, the house of career and public position. So, yes indeed, this is a time when she can expect opportunities (Jupiter) to expand her self-expression as an emotionally tuned, intuitive person (Pisces Sun) in the area of her career (10^th house).

Now that we’ve discovered that Jupiter in Pisces is a major factor for her right now, we can look at the sidebar for any other posts about Jupiter in Pisces. We see there is another post that describes this transit. That post has a listing of Jupiter in Pisces going through each house. Looking at the segment for the 10^th house we see:

The sky’s the limit for you as long as you stay sensitive to the currents around you. This time should be brimming with opportunities for success – if you grab them. Get out in public with perceptive confidence and crowds will beat a path to your door.

Jupiter-warning

This segment gives a warning about Jupiter: you must grab the opportunities that come. Sometimes we feel so good under the influence of Jupiter we think we can rest on our laurels and that opportunities will always be there. With Jupiter, you need to catch the golden ring when it comes by.

Both posts have advice for the interview: stay sensitive to the currents and portray perceptive confidence. Work on connection; show your prospective employer your heart. Demonstrate that you can link people to organizations, perhaps by talking about how you will link your former research position and your nursing career to benefit your employer.

With Jupiter in Pisces in your 10^th house, this may not be the only opportunity you will encounter and if you do get this position, you can expect continuing promotions or expanding work opportunities the entire time Jupiter is transiting your 10^th house.

Anything else?

Looking back at the monthly forecast, is anything else in Pisces? Yes, Uranus is finishing up its sojourn through Pisces. Using the sidebar on Uranus in Pisces, you may be able to glean more insights about how to handle this time of change. But just focusing on Jupiter in Pisces gives a lot to think about and work with.

Good luck in your interview and let us know what happens!

Tags: astrology, business, Jupiter, Pisces

Astro4Business Month Ahead – February 2010

Feb 1

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 3 Comments

Hello, everyone.

Let’s look at February 2010 to see what the planetary influences are and how we can 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 change from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years. Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years. Last 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.

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 fundamental change to many of the structures we have come to rely upon: government, religion, the economy, industry, and transport systems, to name a few. The transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming. Pluto exposes what is hidden, for better or for worse and usually now, at the beginning of the cycle, we become more aware of the worse rather than the better.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution. Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will go ahead and die, including old business models, practices, and products. This is formidable energy, and your best strategy is to tune in and work with it. Find an area in your business life in need of renewal and begin the process before Pluto touches your chart and forces the issue.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011, we’ve been experiencing a global consensus regarding the equality of the common man, shared responsibility to the group, ascendancy of people and nations based on the power of knowledge, the right of all nations to progress technologically, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

Uranus in Pisces

The Uranus in Pisces (see category at right) transit from 2003 – May, 2010 has brought innovation and invention to business. It flattened hierarchies and enhanced global transactions and interactions. With many variables in play simultaneously, we’ve worked with moving parts which connected and disconnected frequently, including projects, alliances, and workforces.

Saturn in Libra

Saturn is in the sign of Libra, where it is exalted. When a planet is exalted in a sign, 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.

Jupiter in Pisces

Mars in Leo

When Mars is in Leo our assertion of will power becomes focused and controlled. Mars in Leo (see category at right) loves to lead and gives faithfully and generously to those who follow. When Mars is in Leo our tendency is to be honest, direct, and fully dependable. The sign Leo is also creative and artistic, so at this time we may love performance and display.

The best use of these next eight months? Make your light shine with dignity and strength. Lead with steadiness and authority. Throw yourself into creative activities. Secure and enjoy the limelight.

Mars is in retrograde motion until March 9. You may feel like you are retracing all the steps of progress you made since mid-October. Use this time to review your goals and rework your creative projects.

Venus in Aquarius/Pisces

Venus is in Aquarius until February 11. Use these last days well by improving your professional relationships through joining associations or contributing with others to a just cause. Group endeavors enhance our creativity when Venus is in Aquarius.

On February 11 Venus enters Pisces, where she is exalted. Your best creative ideas of the year are likely during this transit which lasts until March 7. Be sure to carry a recording device with you at all times because, while truly inspired, Venus’ gifts are subtle and can be elusive when she’s in Pisces. Time spent on marketing and public relations will pay off during this transit and you can expect your employees to be imaginative and happy.

Mercury in Capricorn/Aquarius

Mercury finishes its extra-long transit through Capricorn on February 10. Finish your planning and strategy for the year and be sure your merchandise and inventory control systems are functioning well.

Mercury is exalted in Aquarius; expect innovative thinking from yourself and those around you. Your mind is steady, resourceful and intuitive during this transit and it particularly favors creative use of technology. Writing and speaking to large groups is beneficial, so if the opportunity arises, make the most of it.

Sun in Aquarius/Pisces

The Sun is in Aquarius until February 18, which favors endeavors involving groups and teams. The Sun in Pisces marks a transitional time of year, a time of completion and preparation for the new start indicated at the end of Pisces, the time of the Equinox. Use the heightened intuition of the Pisces Sun to sense how your direction will adjust to the coming season.

Phases of the Moon

The new Moon is on February 13, waxing to full on the last day of the month.

Monthly Recap

Against the backdrop of massive global changes to the structures in our lives, we are inspired by and engaged with the global community as never before. With Saturn in Libra, we find our footing in committed, responsible relationships, and Jupiter enhances our emotional connection to one another. Saturn, Venus, and Mercury are all exalted by mid-month, and Jupiter is extra happy in Pisces: hard work pays handsome dividends this month. But Mars is still retrograde; hold back on any start-ups if you can.

Let me know how your month plays out!

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

Astro4Business Month Ahead – January 2010

Dec 30

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead | 2 Comments

Hello, everyone.

Let’s take a look at the month ahead, January, 2010, and see what the planetary influences are and how we can 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 change from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years. Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years. Last we’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in each sign for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day 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 fundamental change to many of the structures we have come to rely upon: government, the economy, industry, and transport systems, to name a few. The transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming. Pluto exposes what is hidden, for better or for worse, and usually now, at the beginning of the cycle, we become more aware of the worse rather than the better.

Neptune in Aquarius

Uranus in Pisces

The Uranus in Pisces (see category at right) transit from 2003 – May, 2010 has brought innovation and invention to business. It loosened all types of boundaries and enhanced global transactions and interactions. We have experienced many variables in play simultaneously, and have worked with moving parts which connected and disconnected frequently, including projects, alliances, and workforces.

Saturn in Libra

Until October 2010, Saturn is in square aspect to Pluto in Capricorn (see above). The stress of this square aspect will bring the end to structures that are no longer working in our business (and our world) as the Saturn energy attempts to install the Libra values of equity, parity, diplomacy, collaboration, and cooperation.

Saturn makes its station and turns retrograde on January 14. Retrograde motion in the five outer planets is not felt as immediately as in the inner planets. You may notice outside regulators backtracking or bureaucratic snafus that affect your business. Or one of your trusted advisors may resign. Remember those business plans you wrote last quarter? Just proceed according to plan, and course correct if necessary.

Jupiter in Aquarius and Pisces

Jupiter conjuncts Neptune in Aquarius until mid-January. Jupiter, wisdom, and Neptune, inspiration, are very favorable when paired. Look for opportunities to expand your business involving technology, the internet, or humanitarian pursuits.

On January 17 Jupiter passes from Aquarius to Pisces. Aquarius and Pisces have much in common in that they are both concerned with large groups and collective energies. However, Aquarius, an air sign, is hyper-rational and concerned with revolutionary ideas and the nature of one’s responsibility and contribution to the group.

Pisces is a water sign, concerned with the emotional connections that bind people together. This often expresses itself as devotion to an ideal, often mystical or artistic, and the desire to lose oneself in the shared feeling of the group.

Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, is the ancient ruler of Pisces. This will bring a very positive influence to all endeavors that attempt to unite people based on a shared intention for the future. How should you work with this energy? Work on connection. Set up links between people and organizations. Make venues available for your employees to express their ideas creatively. Be willing to lead with your intuition and feelings; show your employees, customers, and business associates your heart. Activities like these will bring good fortune.

Mars in Leo

The best use of these next eight months? Make your light shine with dignity and strength. Lead with steadiness and authority. Throw yourself into creative activities. Secure and enjoy the limelight.

Mars is in retrograde motion until March 9. You may feel like you are retracing all the steps of progress you made since mid-October. Mars will bring a second chance to review your goals and rework your creative projects.

Venus in Capricorn/Aquarius

Venus is in Capricorn until January 18. In Capricorn, Venus is concerned with material values. She is happy when we’re frugal with spending, practical in creativity, and reliable in relationship.

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

Mercury in Capricorn

With Mercury in Capricorn all month, our minds have good concentrative power and you’ll find your memory improving. Watch out for a tendency to lose your sense of humor just when you need it most. Planning and strategy are all enhanced with this placement.

Mercury is in retrograde motion until January 16. How can we best use this period? Backtrack, reconsider, repair, and reflect. This is a time to slow down and fix whatever is broken, whether unresolved issues from the past, personal misunderstandings, unfair trade negotiations, or glitches with phones, computers, or transportation.

Sun in Capricorn/Aquarius

The Sun is in Capricorn until January 19, a great time for resolutions and planning. When it enters Aquarius, we can take our plans and begin to implement them. Endeavors involving groups and teams are particularly favored with the Sun in Aquarius.

Phases of the Moon

We begin the month with the Moon beginning to wane. The New Moon is on January 15, waxing to Full on January 30.

Monthly Recap

Against the backdrop of massive global changes to the structures in our lives, we are inspired by and engaged with the global community as never before. With Saturn in Libra, we find our footing in committed, responsible relationships, and Jupiter enhances our emotional connection to one another. We want to forge ahead on our own plans but with so many planets in the collective signs, Aquarius and Pisces, we find our individual plans thwarted in favor of group endeavors. And with Mars retrograde and Mercury retrograde until mid-month, we may find ourselves reviewing and redoing rather than breaking new ground.

Let me know how your month plays out!

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

Astro4Business Intersections

Business success through Astrology

Archive for category Astro4Business Month Ahead

Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – September 2010

Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – August 2010

Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – July 2010

Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – June 2010

Astro4Business Monthly Forecast – May 2010

Astro4Business Month Ahead – April

Astro4Business Month Ahead – March

Your questions – making the most of the Monthly Forecast

Astro4Business Month Ahead – February 2010

Astro4Business Month Ahead – January 2010

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