Welcome to Sagittarius time!

Hello all,
We have slipped into that area of the zodiac known as Sagittarius. The Sun placed there at 2' joined the New Moon eclipse also at 2'; in astrological terms, this is known as a conjunction, an aspect that intensifies the energies.

Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius is the sign of the archer, able to see ahead to distant lands, distant goals. it is the sign associated with other cultures, long distance travel, people and things at a far-away distance. Jupiter is the planet we associate with expansion and abundance, optimism and growth. If you think of the planet Jupiter, it is huge compaired to earth!

So this eclipse reverberates 2' Sagittarius into the ethers, there might be a sense of optimism in the air. We have high hopes that the revolutionary momentum that has gained strength around the planet will, in fact, create the changes we week. Sagittarius holds the space for this to occur, while also waiting to see if others will hold themselves accountable.

The Sabian Symbol for 2' Sagittarius is 'a white-capped ocean.' This can be interpreted in many ways: one astrologer likened it to seeing the tip of the iceberg, with much going on underneath. I sense it to be the sea is churning, social change is afoot, we cannot yet see the results but must trust they are coming. This space in-between wanting and seeing is called 'faith.' Do what you know in your heart is right, do your part in your community, and let the rest go....trusting things are working out for good.

Just today, I was reading an astrological column that talked about Jupiter-ruled Sagittarians as not being depressed, but rather disappointed in human nature of late. As Sagittarius is optimistic and sees the best in others, it can bring out our collective sense of disappointment that we are not getting the results we seek. It is important to honor these very human emotions, while at the same time not sinking into them, if that makes sense?

The next eclipse will be 12/10/11 at 18' Gemini, a lunar eclipse and the last for this year. I believe each of these celestial events over the course of the year have helped to upgrade the energies on the planet. And, while not overly optimistic, I do have high hopes that humanity can change - will change - is changing, before our eyes.

Must be the Sagittarian in me....

Happy holidays to everyone! May the season find you deeply at peace, with a creative aliveness in daily life, and love in your hearts.

Mars into Virgo

Mars has moved into the sign of Virgo. This planet is associated with our drive, initiative, and will. The healed version of Mars is that it provides us with the needed energy to get things done, start things up, have that necessary conversation, make that move. If poorly aspected, the unhealed version of impatience, rushing, movement without thinking, rash action. We need a balanced relationship and expression of the energies of Mars in our lives.

Mars just came out of Leo, where fire-met-fire. This fire-planet basked in the warmth of Leo, already a fire-sign. Now, placed in the earthy sign of Virgo, we can achieve more balance and get down to the business of taking care of details.

I have practiced astrology for the last 22 years; at times, this was a full-time gig, at other times, it was a part-time labour of love. What I am noticing now is that my interpretation of the stars and the cycles that come with them is becoming more intuitive and more general. I can look at planetary cycles and see generalist themes that apply to many; I can also scale it down to apply for the individual. But more and more, my attention is drawn to the collective, as I realize we are all One, and groups of people are moving through similar things.

So for Mars in Virgo, I will say, this is an excellent cycle to get help from the planets in the nuts-and-bolts of the details in your life. For those who struggle with ADHD, this is an excellent cycle in which to receive support in gaining focus; for some reading this, I sense herbal support may be helpful, along with this stellar cycle. In addition, fitness and wellness are supported by this planetary alignment, as Virgo rules these things. I encourage you to take the very best care you can of your physical form, and to find whatever unique physical expression supports this. In my own neck of the world, I am trying new forms of Yoga and began to attend a small, locally-owned gym that feels very personal in nature. I have a former coworker who is a current facebook friend, and I love to see her daily posting of what she accomplished at the gym - it inspires! I love hearing what people do to take care of the form - and I welcome your stories!

Mars remains in Virgo for a very long period of time, as it travels through this sign, retrogrades "backwards", and then moves forward again, so look forward of 32 weeks of Mars in Virgo.

May you all experience good health, and a creative aliveness in your daily lives!
Jane

Seasonal change, the Equinox

Fall is upon us, along with a rush of planetary change. On Sept 23, the Sun will move into Libra, joining Venus and Saturn. On Sept 25, Mercury joins the group, and on Sept 27, the New Moon. There is a large building of energy in this social, cardinal sign. In addition to the ethers filling with Libran influence, we have aspects to the other cardinals, as Pluto moves forward in Capricorn and Uranus moves through Aries.

Pluto will spend a long time in Capricorn, helping to clean out the government and other 'systems.' What seems like chaos from the outside may actually be a balancing act taking place, bringing things into harmony. Pluto retrograded on April 9, moving in a backwards motion until Sept 16. Now moving forward, this will result in clearer energies for all, but especialy for Capricorn and Scorpio, Aries, Libra and Cancer. I have heard many stories of sudden positive change as well as the clearing out of old relationships, people, and habits as balance is suddenly found. What has been going on in your life since April 9? What have you seen needs clearing, completion, or a complete makeover? The planetary energies help with this now.

Libra is all about socialization, bringing peace, the drive to harmonize our relationships. Difficulties are more easily resolved under this influence as people feel their yearning to connect. Venus is right at home in Libra. Enjoy this cycle and the connections it brings. I encourage you to reach out to others around you, to call people, make human contact: this cycle supports human connection. We all need that.

The equinox is a powerful time for prayer and visualization. There is much help available for those who want to engage a cleansing system for the body, and this is supported by the seasonal change. Many blessings to you at this time of change.

Mercury and the gift of Communication

Hello Friends,

Mercury is perched on the precipice of another retrograde action; from August 2-26, Mercury will backtrack in the sign of Virgo and then Leo. People often ask me if the retrograde is 'bad'. I don't think any astrological cycle is good or bad, it depends on how you choose to use it. Knowing ahead of time that a certain cycle is in effect, we can make plans to be more in alignment with that cycle, instead of fighting against it. Mercury, while in retrograde - regardless of sign - teaches us that communication is such an important and powerful tool. It has the power to move energies one way or another. It reminds us that We Belong to Each Other - we need each other. Humans are social beings at heart.

So while mercury is retrograding, we can be reminded to double-check our communications with others, and with ourselves. Are we fully expressing? Did what we wanted to communicate to another really come through, or did they hear something differently than we intended? Are we too sped up, needing instead to slow down, pause, feel? Our society will definitely support our rushing through life. Is that really how you want to live?

The people that I have in my life are important to me. I want to take my time and really be there with them communicating fully, listening deeply. It is worth it! Mercury retrograde also asks us how we are communicating with ourselves - are we seeing deeply all of our motives, tendencies, gifts, and abilities? If you want a life based on Love, these things are all worth examining.

And on a mundane level, yes, mercury retrograde can mean more issues with fax machines, cell phones, emails, etc. But this is not the aspect of the cycle that I want to focus on, as there are deeper things to consider. When you communicate, really, what do you want to say? to have heard?

i wish you all the best as summer makes itself available to us through opportunites for rest, relaxation, spending time in nature. i will be spending time at Grass Lake Nature Sanctuary later this month, on spiritual retreat to regroup and refocus and reconnect. Perfect for the mercury cycle. Namaste!

Eclipse Activity for 2011

Hello all,
We have just passed through a quick series of three solar/lunar eclipses! June 1st saw a solar eclipse at 11' Gemini, June 15 a lunar eclipse at 24' Sagittarius, and July 1 a solar eclipse at 9' Cancer. It is my belief that eclipse activity serves to move things into, out of, and through our lives, to help with our growth. If we are in tune with these events, we can understand them for what they are - windows of opportunity. I do not believe that eclipses are 'good' or 'bad' per se, and feel that this type of thinking minimizes our ability to create what we want or need in our lives. Of course, life does bring unexpected challenges. But understanding eclipses as they approach, being mindful of them when they occur, and planning for prayer or ritual for clarity when whey approach, can be a good way to make use of these windows of opportunity.

At times, it seems that the best way to understand the energy of an eclipse is in hindsight: to reflect on what was going on in your life at that time, and what you were moving through. The eclipses can be seen as energies to help things move, whether we are ready or not!

There are gifted astrologers out there that can look at your chart and study how each eclipse can impact or help you. This is based on your unique birth chart and how the planets fall into the astrological houses. Another way that astrologers look at eclipse activity is to examine how they affect the world. The number of minutes that the eclipse lasts can be indicative of how many months into the future we can see certain changes. Some astrologers did this with the events of 9-11. There are other astrologers that are using eclipse patterns to study the global economy.

Whatever your preference or level of belief, eclipses present an astronomical reality that is beautify to behold. On these days, I often feel as if the normal laws of physics are suspended; it feels like magic is afoot, and I feel a kinship to my ancestors, who followed the eclipses for centuries, seeking when to plant certain crops, what kind of winter would be ahead, and more. How all of this works is a mystery to me! I invite you to feel the mystery as well.

If you are interested in a personal reading as to how the eclipse may impact you, feel free to contact me for a reading, or find your friendly neighborhood astrologer for assistance!

The next pair of eclipses will be November 24 at 3' Sagittarius (solar), and again December 10, 18' Gemini (lunar). The eclipses of the last 2-3 years have been in sensitive Cancer and grounded Capricorn; we shift our attention now to Sagittarus and communicative Gemini. So, we might feel certain endings or a completion as this last cycle in Cancer/Capricorn has been winding down. I am curious about your stories! Feel welcome to contact me at spirithappiness@yahoo.com or on facebook. Namaste!

Outer Planet Movement

Hello Everyone, and Happy Spring!

I am reflecting on the movement of the outer planets over the last little while. The movement of the outer planets is slower and longer than that of the planets closer to earth. Thus, the transits hang around us for a longer period of time, and have a more global impact.

In November 2008, Pluto moved into Capricorn. Pluto is the planet associated with cleaning up, deep cleansing, healing, and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Moving through Capricorn, the realm associated with government, "systems", business, and so forth, we have seen a lot of corruption exposed. Our economy has needed to shift so that balance can be regained. Pluto always cleans house for a deeper reason, even though we cannot always see it that way. Pluto will continue to transit Capricorn until 2024.

In April, Neptune moved into Pisces, after a 14 year stay in Aquarius. Neptune is the ruler of Pisces and so is right at home in this sign. This relates to the psychic and intuitive realms, peeling away layers of consciousness, and the healing arts. In addition, Neptune/Pisces can be used to escape through drugs or alcohol or other media, so be careful and alert. Pay attention to your intuitions and dreams during this cycle. Hopefully this will assist humanity in deepening compassion for the earth and for other humans and creatures on the planet, for Pisces is capable of great empathy for others.

In March, Uranus moved into Aries. While transiting Pisces, we saw a revolution take place in the healing arts, where yoga became mainstream and Reiki is now practiced in health clinics and hospitals. We can talk about feng shui at the office and people nod and understand. These are topics that, back in the day, were reserved for quiet back rooms. New ground has been broken on this issue and more healing tools are available to us: the mainstream and the mystery meet. With Uranus moving into Aries, there is much supporting energy in the ethers for new projects: not old projects, redone - but new. What does your heart yearn to manifest in this life? Here is a window of opportunity that can support you! Put some foundation under those dreams!

So as we go forward now, what I sense from these outer planet transits is so much change in the air! We may not always see the changes right away, but they are occurring! Just as we cannot see the air that we need to breathe in any moment, we must trust the healing process that is alive in us all. Much love and God Bless you all.

Uranus moves from Pisces to Aries

Hello all,

We have major astrological movement this week, as Uranus, planet of global change and revolution, moves from touchy-feely Pisces into fiery Aries. Uranus will spend seven years in Aries, charging up the need to revolutionize, stand up for what is right, create new beginnings, and become pioneers in some way. Some may have a deep desire and passion to make their mark on the world. At times, it can be frustrating to 'wait' for things to line up. It is very human to want things in this world, no matter what spiritual path we may be on. I do not always know what the delays are, but something my own astrologer once said has helped me: it can't be 2 o'clock until it's two o'clock. Period. Things have to line up, and in the meantime, we do what we can, we stay creative, we connect with others, and we pursue our dream, trusting in the timing of the Universe.

Uranus in Pisces over the last seven years has helped to revolutionize or normalize many of the healing arts; back in the day, it was not considered mainstream to engage holistic medicine. These were things that were whispered in quiet back rooms. And now, yoga and massage are prevalent and widely used, holistic medicine is blending more and more with mainstream medicine, feng shui is a household phrase. God bless progress! Sometimes it is hard to see change afoot when it is slow or steady, but change we have!

So for the next seven years, we can expect more changes, but this time in the areas related to Aries. This sign rules our personal initiative and drive, our ambition, which may have fallen to the back burner during the last cycle. Just before a planet changes signs, we have a period of time that we call 'completion of the journey' or feeling at the end of your rope, in some cases. We are ripe for change but it hasn't quite happened yet.

Uranus and Jupiter shake hands during this cycle, allowing for unusual happy coincidences and chance meetings with key players to take place. Follow your intuition! And Mercury will briefly connect with these two planets as well. This can indicate catalytic conversations, but may also indicate a tendency to be sped up or speak without thinking things through. It's okay.

One thing is for sure about Aries: change will happen! It is an action oriented sign. So I encourage you to slow down and feel deeply into how you want changes in your life. Use the moon cycles - the full moon and new moon - as well as the seasonal equinox/solstice moments to feel deeply into how you wish to move. Remember to breathe! as life may at times feel more sped up in the next cycle.

As always, I welcome your stories and comments! love to you all!

Jane

Jupiter moves into Aries

This week, Jupiter, the planet of abundance, opportunity, and expansion, moved into the sign of Aries. Jupiter is all about expanding whereever it transits in your chart; it brings good luck and opportunities. this is a window of opportunity to use to your advantage! Set in Aries, the beginning of the zodiac, we can expect to be on the move. Aries is all about new beginnings, being a pioneer in some way, taking action and initiative in an area that needs attention.

Jupiter will transit this sign until June 2, 2011 and will impact all of the zodiac signs in a favorable way. If you are looking to throw your energies into a project or favored activity, this is the time to do it! If you find that you are restless or antsy during this period, this may be a great time to begin a meditation or spiritual practice, or to take up a grounding hobby such as gardening or growing herbs on your patio, or the release of exercise such as yoga or tai chi may be helpful in bringing balance.

Best wishes on your journey!

Full Moon approaching

Hello All,

We have a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse approaching, Tuesday December 21, at 29' Gemini. A sign at 29' has gone as far as it can in that sign, it is at the end of it's journey. In November, and again in January and February, we revisit 29' of a sign during the full moons. It feels as though we are getting a cosmic push to release things out of our lives once and for all; I wonder, what is on the other side?

29' can mean the end of a journey, a sense of completion, or the feeling of being at the end of your rope. How you choose to work with it is up to you.

We had another planetary dance that visited 29' when Saturn was in Virgo/Uranus in Pisces for something called an opposition. These planets danced together 2008-2009 and then completed most of their work together. So issues coming up now may, or may not, be related to that cycle.

At any rate, things are rapidly changing in our world. About twelve hours after the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, we will move into the Winter Equinox here in North America, welcoming in the sign of Capricorn. I will save those reflections for another date.

At any rate, this seems like a good time to take the sage advice once given to me by a very Wise Woman: (1) stay steady - meaning, engage your spiritual practices, and eat well...and...(2) do what you know in your heart is right. Tuesday and Wednesday feel especially ripe for creative visualizations and preparing for the New in our lives.

Happy Holidays to all!
Jane

Tips on how to handle a Mercury Retrograde Cycle

Hello,

Mercury has turned retrograde at about 6' Capricorn, moving 'backwards' on Friday 12/10 and continuing that backward motion until 12/30. As the planet of communication moves back, it will connect with Pluto (deep and transformative healing), Mars (action and initiative), and the North Node. This is a powerful time to have cleansing and clearing conversations, especially as the year closes. Do you have any unfinished conversations? It need not be negative - perhaps an opportunity to share with another the deeper impact they have had on your life.

Here are some practical tips for how to work with a mercury retrograde:

1. It is a good time to double-check any plans you have. since it is the holiday season, you may want to check on your directions to any parties or events, as well as the time?

2. It is a good cycle to examine your communication patterns with others; it can be as simple as saying, "this is what i heard you say, is that right?" before getting angry. I actually practiced this with another, after beginning to feel offense as to what she said to me. As it turned out, I completely heard her wrong, and instead of walking away feeling separate from her, we began a deeper connection because of this chance for clarification.

3. Be aware that a mercury retrograde can bring in people from your past - either this life, or another. usually this pertains to a connection that is not yet complete. I have had many an ex-boyfriend or friend from the past show up on my doorstep on a mercury retrograde. This is one of the little-known potential benefits of this transit!

4. Mercury retrograde is typically a good cycle to revise, review, clean closets, prepare for projects that will go ahead after the retrograde ends. It is also important to back up your computer files.

5. I encourage you to have an open mind about the retrograde; yes, it is true, it does not have the best reputation. But Mercury, as with all of the planets, has gifts to offer us. It helps us with communication, and in this day and age, "communication" is such a broad word! Spoken word, verbal communication, letters, instant messaging, facebooking, tweeting, and so much more. What a blessing that we have so many ways to connect with each other!

Blessings to you as we move into the holiday season. May Mercury help you in enjoying communications and connections with your loved ones and friends.

Namaste,

Jane

December 2010

Hello friends,
December is a very busy month astrologically, so I am going to write more often about what is happening this month as it occurs. The energy of December tends toward social gathering, festivities, and reconnections with friends, as that is the energy of Sagittarius that is filling the air.

Today we have a new Moon in Sagittarius, so it is an excellent window of opportunity to put forth your wishes and intentions. It is good to ground these ideas onto paper before letting them go into the Universe.

After five months of retrograde motion, Uranus is moving direct in the sign of Pisces. It has had a long journey through this sign and briefly visited Aries early Spring 2010. Uranus was in a dance with another planet, Saturn, when they were opposite each other for about a two year period of time. As we are in the end stages of this planetary transit, old habits and ways may finally be dismantled. Reflect for a moment, if you will, on what you may have struggled with over the last two years and the healing that has occurred. Uranus will move into Aries in Spring 2011, bringing in a brand new seven-year cycle.

Finally, at the end of the week, Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, where it remains until December 30th. Take time to double check plans and routes and directions.
To all of you, happy holidays. May this season bless you with nurturing friendships, love, prosperity, and good health.
Namaste,
Jane

Venus and her movement through Scorpio/Libra

Hello Friends,
I have been studying and feeling the movement of Venus lately, as she spent some time in her native Libra, moved into Scorpio, then began retrograde (backward)motion, over the last few weeks. She has now backtracked into Libra, and will station direct on November 18th. With this transit, what I am feeling, experiencing, and witnessing from others around me is a lot of opportunity for healing in our relationships, day to day. Venus is all about love, connection, or interconnectedness with other humans. Relationships can be romantic, family, friends, coworkers, and other significant people.

I feel that this transit has been intense for some, as Venus asks us to pay attention to our significant others and what they mean in our lives. For some, this may mean spending more attention on those you love, attempting to get clarity. Relationships are not always easy; but interest in another, and how they feel, along with conversation, has the power to move energies - hopefully in a forward motion! Venus through Libra is at home and yearning for connection; as she moves through Scorpio, she is done being polite, superficial relationship is not enough, we need something deeper. And so events conspire to push us toward self-examination in our relationship with others. Tracking back into Libra, Venus wants us to clarify what may have been missed before.

Lets face it, our lives can become consumed with a lot of details and..."stuff." At the end of the day, what really matters? What do you crave? What do you yearn for and feel would make your heart happy? Movement, attention, energy, and a willingness to stumble through are what is needed. Go for it. Reach out. Take the risk. Connect. You won't be sorry.

This is the gift of the astrological cycles of Venus: to show us what we need in our relationships, to be truly Happy. We belong to each other. I don't know about you, but I'm not content to sleepwalk through my days. I need people, human connection. And sometimes that might be messy. Long ago, a friend used the phrase 'stumble with me', while she learned to be in deeper relationship with others. So I invite that, people interested in stumbling with me. I'm willing to stumble with you.
Love to you all....
Jane

Saturn shift

Hello Friends,

Saturn has finally left the sign of Virgo for good now, beginning its transit through the air sign of Libra. As a Virgo, I can tell you firsthand, I did not find Saturn's transit through my house of income to be a joyous adventure; however, I did survive and I did learn a lot. I am grateful for that learning but also quite ready to hit the easy button.

Saturn brings discipline, responsibility, and rewards from hard work wherever it transits. Moving through Libra, we will focus on our relationships for the next couple of years, as Saturn brings the attention to our relationships with other humans and with ourselves. Libra is usually concerned about what is just and fair and right and is quite ready to mediate and debate the finer aspects of any issue. They are not trying to be pesky, they seek to understand.

So I feel that Saturn traveling through this sign can bring us the opportunity to get to understand our fellow humans. This cycle favors any kind of mediation, contracts, negotiation, any type of social interaction - personal, governmental - that needs structure in order to bring resolution and harmony. Because Libra is all about the harmony. If you reflect on the Librans you have known in your life, what qualities stand out? For me, I see their keen interest in partnerships. Libras I have known have had this as a dominant theme in their lives. Many skills are learned in this pursuit! This is true if you have your Sun in Libra, or Libra rising, or of your 7th house is packed with planets.

Enjoy what you have learned over the last 2 1/2 years while Saturn transited detail oriented Virgo, and be open to the fresh learnings from all that Saturn in Libra has to offer.

My friends, be well.

Namaste,
Jane

Solstice

Greetings,

I am writing to share that tomorrow marks the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year. The Sun moves into 0'Cancer, joining a mix of other planets in cardinal signs - Pluto 4' Capricorn, Jupiter and Uranus at 1' and 0' Aries, and soon Saturn will shift from the last degrees of Virgo into Libra.

There is a lot of energy of new beginnings in the air, for cardinal signs are known for this. They fall at the end of one season and the beginning of another; something ends, something else begins. We can't have one without the other.

The next day or so is very powerful for prayer and visualization, for us as individuals and for the planet. It is also a great time for new beginnings in various areas of your life; find creative ways to hit the 'refresh' button on your lives! Breathe in the energy of change that is all around us.

We have a Lunar eclipse at 5' Capricorn on the 26th, again featuring the cardinal signs. Pluto traveling through Capricorn since November 2008 has brought a lot of cleansing to our political structures; here in NJ, we have had many politicians and mayors in the news for corruption that has been uncovered. This is Pluto in action in Capricorn; exposing what has been happening all along.

I encourage you at this time to uncover, become aware of, and attend to your hearts desire. It can be anything you wish - whatever makes you Happy, and feel at peace on this earth. You do deserve to be Happy here...physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And please keep our Mother Earth in your prayers while she heals and stabilizes. Amen!

Aries in May/June?

Dear Readers,

We seem to be amidst a time of great change. From where I sit, it seems as if chaos abounds - noise, environmental crisis, negative notings in the news. But this is only a portion of the picture, isn't it? The way the news is reported is designed to keep us upset, focused on what is wrong. I have traded in my love of the Times for more lighthearted reading and use of positive visualization in my life.

I was just reading an article about the so-called recession, and how it actually all began ten years ago. Certainly, if that were true, it would be my hope that humanity has awakened, and our attention is now placed on the healing of the issues involved, the purpose or need for the economic crisis hopefully has been seen and the 'need' for it released. As I have stated before, I see the movement of Saturn through Libra to be a call to awaken to the fact that We Belong to Each other. What I do to you, I do to me. Where I spill oil in one part of the world, impacts all parts. We are one.

This week, we witnessed the planet Uranus move into action-oriented Aries. This is the sign of new beginnings, colliding with the planet of new inventions, sudden (positive) change. We can look forward to new innovations in the next few years. During it's transit through Pisces, we saw more acceptance of holistic healing arts, as massage therapy and reiki and feng shui became mainstream. In the past, we would never talk about such things in polite company; but now, getting a massage is considered so critical to good health, there are even 'chains' of spa and massage services!

I am excited to see what Uranus in Aries will bring to us; I am ready. And as this impacts humanity as a whole, so must it impact us individually. Add to the mix the fact that Jupiter, planet of abundance and expansion, is going to shake hands with Uranus in Aries for a bit, and I feel an energy with a strong, positive, higher frequency pull helping us to upgrade into positive change.

So friends, I invite you, allow yourselves to dream, but also to allow the dream to become reality. What will make your hearts feel open? What do you wish to give back to the world? Can you feel that you deserve it? with every cell of your body? my love to you all.....as we ride together on this magic bus called Earth.

Spring and April aspects to note

Hello friends, and happy spring to those of you in the States! The equinox occurred @ March 20-21st, ushering in the sign of Aries and new beginnings for all. The earth seems to be alive and renewed with life, breathing fresh breath into all of us. We have a lot of activity this month, beginning with Pluto going retrograde in the sign of Capricorn. Pluto remains in retrograde motion until September, 2010. Also going retrograde this month is Mercury, ruler of communication beginning April 18th through May 11th in the sign of Taurus. Mercury rules communication, and retrograde periods tend to best be used to review, revise, reconsider - a good time for cleaning closets, donating to your favorite charity, updating your computer. Locally we have a wonderful charity that is accepting gently used prom wear for kids who are not able to afford a dress. This is the kind of activity that Taurus loves! Continuing in retrograde motion is Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, retrograde since mid-January in Libra. On April 7th Saturn slides back into Virgo for a brief visit, returning to Libra July 21st. For all of you Virgoes out there that may be groaning, please stop. While this placement may encourage you to check your facts and figures, and to see what exactly you did learn while that planet was in your sign for two years, please remember that Saturn also brings rewards for those who work hard. Better to admit and address issues and problems than to push them aside or pretend that they are not there.

New Moon on April 14th in Aries notes new beginnings and projects are supported. I keep feeling the value of the words new and refreshed as i feel into this month. There is an age-old feng shui technique that involves moving 27 objects in a room if you are stuck in an area and want change to occur. The day before the New Moon is known as the dark night, and is best used for inner reflection and clarity prior to doing visualization for positive change at the New Moon. It takes time to incubate and sometimes our hopes, dreams, and wishes need time to grow. Full Moon April 28th in Scorpio should bring some interesting things to light, politically, globally and personally! Scorpio is so good at unearthing things and has no need to be polite in its quest for the truth. Stay tuned.

Happy Easter and Passover to those who celebrate those holidays, and Happy Spring to all. Allow yourselves to enjoy the earth as she buds and blooms enthusiastically sharing her creativity and creatures with all of us! Namaste, friends!

Astrological new year begins, Mercury moves forward

I feel that the New Year has officially begun, now the Mercury is moving forward. We have had a recent pair of eclipse to push us forward deeper into growth and healing, and Jupiter's movement into Pisces, opening up a one-year window of opportunity and expansion. I wanted to comment for a moment on the astrological weather for the coming year, as there are a few dates and guideposts worth mentioning.

We have a somewhat Cardinal year ahead, the planets forming an alignment in this modality, known to herald new beginnings. If you were to look at an astrology chart, the planets would be falling into a cross-like shape - that's the best I can describe it without graphics! Pluto will be in Capricorn for many years to come, creating change and deep cleansing in the structures of our government and our schools. It is joined by the North Node of the moon, connected to what our soul brings in to do here in this life. Add to that a few eclipses in this sign, and it is very potent!

The next Cardinal sign featured is Cancer, home of the eclipse activity for 2009-2010, as well as the current placement of the South node of the moon, connected to your soul's work here in this life. Is this beginning to sound rather karmic? During the month of June/July, the sun and inner planets will join in Cancer as well.

The third Cardinal sign featured is Libra, where Saturn has moved from October 2009-November 2011. This brings an energy or need to give back to others in your immediate environment, to bloom where you are planted, to be aware of your social connections. Libra is the sign of the networker.

Finally, to close the deal, in May Uranus slips into Aries, a Cardinal sign associated with new beginnings, pioneer energy, the fire to get things done. It will be joined, briefly, by a visit from Jupiter (all about expansion) for the summer months.

Astrologers have long talked about something called the 0 point of the Cardinal signs as being pivotal. This year we see this in all four cardinal signs. I feel tremendous opportunities to serve, grow, connect, and feel a connection to Happiness. There may be some around us who need our help; if we have received anything of value in this life, it is our turn to give back.

I will write more on this in the coming year; of particular intrigue to me is the month of August. I am still trying to read out the guideposts offered from the planetary lineup of that month. I feel that meditation, prayer, reaching out, and creative visualization will be very powerful during that time, and, as said before, we may be asked to give back to others from the gifts that we have. May we do so happily and with our own cups already spilling over with love, gratitude, wisdom, and prosperity.

For those who may have interest, I am offering a public talk on the planetary lineup of 2010 on Sunday January 24, 1:00pm at the Hands of Grace massage space in Pennington, NJ. Feel welcome to email me if you are interested in attending spirithappiness@yahoo.com. Many blessings to you in this wondrous and very unique year!

love,

Jane

Jupiter transits Pisces

Today the planet Jupiter moves into the sign of Pisces, where it will remain for about one year. This represents a brand new, 12 year cycle of abundance and opportunity. Pisceans will get the greatest blessings from this transit, which occurs in their sign. Jupiter is the largest planet that we officially notice; it's all about expansion, opportunity, abundance, and increase. Jupiter is so large, that back in the day, when a comet that was about the size of earth hit it, there was barely a dent made in that huge planet. Whatever house in your chart contains the sign of Pisces is where you will find things increasing and expanding - so take advantage of this cycle! Use it to your benefit.

For the last year, Jupiter was in Aquarius, shaking hands with Neptune. Now, it will shake hands with Uranus, harbinger of positive change and revolution. While Uranus has been in Pisces (March 2003-May 2011), we have seen new and inventive ways of healing in our world. We now have an increase and acceptance of complimentary or alternative medicine alongside of mainstream medicine. Back in the day, this would have been unheard of, odd, crazy! Now we have accepted that accupuncture does work with many ailments, that massage therapy is helpful when people have cancer, and that Reiki offered in operating rooms speeds up the healing process. This is progress, people. With Jupiter joining and supporting this trend, I think we will see more of the same.

God Bless the mavericks that learned and implemented these many healing practices, paving a way for the rest of us - the Mari El practitioners, Reiki people, massage therapists, bodyworkers, lightworkers, and feng shui experts. Because of your work and diligence, the door is now open for others. This can only be good for the world and the humans that inhabit it.

My advice during this transit is to bloom where you are planted: start a women's support group, read to children, meditate in public, gather people together to share Reiki, approach your hospital about a volunteer group of healers to support mainstream medical offerings. The time is now; the planets are behind you.

Much love to you all,

Jane

Happy New Year

Greetings, and happy new year to all! We have some exciting formations this week that begin the official start of 2010. The first thing to note is that Mercury, purveyor of messages and communication, begins its direct motion on January 15th. I think we can all breath a sigh of relief! I am feeling the collective as it begins to make forward motions in life, as if the pathways are suddenly clear from traffic and delays. Wonderful!

We also have an eclipse on that same day, a Solar eclipse in the sign of Capricorn, coinciding with the New Moon. The day or so prior may be felt as 'the dark night of the soul' and is very useful for self reflection and prayer. When I say prayer, I do not mean throwing out our wishes to the Universe, as if begging for something we need. I mean prayer more aligned to receiving information about what will help us grow and heal, and about how we can help contribute to the healing of the earth. Trust that if you remain in this energy, what 'you' need will naturally come along.

In general this year, I am feeling opportunities for a lot of togetherness, for sharing, for connecting more with our neighbors and blooming where we are planeted. I feel Saturn transiting through Libra as being helpful in this cycle. Because of what has happened with the economy, people have been forced to self-reflect, to ask for help, and those who see others suffering are naturally reaching out to see what they can to do help. I firmly believe that we belong to each other; any programs that reflect this motto will get the green light, as we come to know each other in different ways and let down the veils of separation.

Best wishes for a wonderous 2010. May your lives be blessed with nurturing friendships, a creative aliveness in yoru daily life, and all that your hearts desire. Namaste.

current astro-weather

Hello! December seems to be racing by very quickly! It is hard to believe that in a few weeks we will be in the year 2010. On December 1, Uranus turned direct after being in retrograde motion since July 1. Those born under the sign of Aquarius should start seeing some results in any areas where there may have been delays or unclarity. December 20-21, we have the Solstice and welcome the season of winter here in the northern hemisphere. The days may be short, but will soon grow longer and longer. Mars in Leo turns retrograde, and it will remain in this sign until June 2010. This should give energy to some projects that you may have in mind? Jupiter and Neptune shake hands in the sign of Aquarius for the last time this year. These two planets have been having a close and intimate discussion for most of 2009, but will soon part company. Pay attention to your dreams.

New Year's eve will see a full moon eclipse at 10' Cancer, squaring Saturn in Libra and opposing Pluto in Capricorn. This feels like a wonderful opportunity for prayer and visualization for the coming year. Search your heart and being for what you truly yearn for....and write it down...as if it already exists.

Blessings to you all at this wondrous time of the year. May your blessings be many and your worries few.