Jo Tracey Astrology

My Other Site

2011-02-11T17:44:00.001-08:00

Hi there.

I am no longer actively posting to this blog. All material can now be found over at http://www.jotracey.com.au/. Come over for a look & a browse through the posts.

Breaking Free- Venus Conjunct Uranus

2010-08-02T00:35:00.001-07:00

I have Venus conjunct Uranus. Is this why I can’t stay in a relationship?

This is an interesting one. I have Uranus in the 7th house opposing my Sun and Moon- a similar aspect to a Venus/Uranus conjunction in many ways. When I was first learning astrology, many more experienced (than I) astrologers upon seeing my chart would nod meaningfully at me and then very gently ask me how many times I have been married. One actually went as far as to tell me that I had a “divorce aspect” and that I would never be able to hold down as relationship as my need for space, individuality and constant excitement is too great. WTF? I have been in the same relationship for over 20 years…what is more to a very conservative Scorpio!

Just before I went to New York earlier this year my Dad told my husband that he should enforce more control over me and my habit of periodically running away. Hubby just laughed and said “that’s Joey, I wouldn’t want to try and control her.”

With Venus/Uranus you will need space in your relationships. Not just physical and emotional space, but space to be yourself within the structure of a relationship. This does not mean so called “open relationships” (unless, of course, that works for both of you), but rather open communication where you both understand what the other needs in order to be honest to themselves and each other.

I once went to school with a girl who put the “kwe” into quirky. She didn’t value popularity, in fact, it was something she eschewed- yet for all that, popular she was, in that everyone wanted to copy her. Other girls wanted to dress like her, listen to the same music as her, have the same detached nonchalance that wore.

She was able to wear the mankiest Doctor Who scarf in a way that would make others look plain sad. She was into Dead Kennedys when the rest of us thought The Cure were alternative. She wallpapered her bedroom in alfoil and once made a full twirly skirt for the school disco entirely out of broadsheet newspapers. Ok, the newspaper skirt probably wasn’t a great success and didn’t survive the water fight midway during the evening, but certainly illustrates my point- people with a Venus/Uranus conjunction love to be different, with an original style which is all their own.

Venus/ Uranus types are able to successfully combine quirky, mis-matched and artisan pieces together with the end result not looking contrived or as if they are trying too hard to be different.

You love to discover a new designer or artist or band, but will only remain loyal and interested until they become popular, at which point you move onto the next exciting discovery…much like my school friend who moved onto Throbbing Gristle once a few of us started listening to Dead Kennedys’ “Holiday in Cambodia”.

You may be extremely open minded to all types of relationship structures, you may resist traditional ceremonies- after all, how you feel about each other won’t be changed by a piece of paper. Then again, you may choose to do all of these things. The one thing that you will resist in a relationship is sameness and dishonesty and imprisonment. Feeling trapped and claustrophobic is a common symptom of a long term relationship for a Venus/Uranus type or indeed Venus in Aquarius, or 7th house Uranus.

For all your freedom loving, open minded attitudes, you can be completely inflexible when it comes to compromising on what it is that you believe in, your own moral code, so to speak. As adaptable as you may appear to the outside world, heaven help anyone who attempts to mold you into their idea of who and what you should be. As malleable and responsible as you may be at the start of a relationship, at some point you will rebel.

Sometimes you may “project” the aspect, and rather than display the qualities yourself, be drawn to Venus/Uranian types- this may be the case if the rest of your chart is heavily water or earth based. You may be attracted to partners who themselves are quirky, spontaneous, unreliable and freedom loving. You may constantly worry that he doesn’t value the relationship (or you) and detaches himself too easily. Venus/Uranus understands that people can’t be owned- nobody “belongs” to anybody else.

Venus/Uranus types fall in love (lust) quickly. For as long as that 1st glorious rush of newness lasts, she won’t care what others think, or whether he is the right one or even whether he is available- self restraint means absolutely nothing when your interest is aroused. Once that initial glow disappears, she will, however, look for excitement elsewhere- a little variety and experimentation will always help to sustain her interest. Mixing it up a bit sexually is definitely appreciated by Venus/Uranus types!

Having Venus and Uranus conjunct (or, indeed a 7th house Uranus or Venus in Aquarius) does not mean you will never have a lasting relationship- just that you need to find someone who will value your independence and space in the same way that you do. Someone who recognizes that you need personal freedom and the space within which you can experiment and be creative. Someone who provides a safe haven for you to come back to in between adventures. Someone who appreciates those little quirks of your personality. Someone who won’t push you into a uniform, won’t make you straighten your hair and won’t try and mold you into the perfect wife/partner. Someone who thinks that you and your purple velvet coat are perfect as you are.

And on that farm he had a....? Mercury in Virgo

2010-07-30T22:00:00.001-07:00

‘and on that farm he had a .... crocodile!’ announced Sarah.

‘But there aren’t any crocodiles on farms, Sarwah,’ pointed out A.

My daughter and my niece were singing “Old Macdonald Had a Farm” in the back of the car. Both girls were about 4 at the time and very cute.

‘Well, there was on this farm.’

‘But what sort of farm was it Sarwah?’

‘The sort of farm that has crocodiles on it I spose….’ Sarah thinks carefully before announcing with great confidence: ‘ I know… it must have been a crocodile farm.’

By this point my husband and I were giggling. Two more different cousins you could not imagine- our brown eyed Sarah is a typical Aries, whilst blonde & blue eyed A, likes the detail. Sarah, like most Aries, has problems with detail. A, like most Virgos, can’t understand why Sarah wants to move on so quickly. As different as they are they have always got on beautifully, with each complementing the other.

‘OK.’ A seems unusually accepting of this response. The back seat is silent.

‘But what sort of noise do crocodiles make Sarwah?’ she eventually asks.

‘Crocodile noises, I guess,’ replies Sares.

‘Are there any other animals on crocodile farms?’

‘Of course there are,’ says Sares.

‘But wouldn’t the crocodiles eat them all?’ asks A.

‘How about we sing another song?’ I interject from the front seat.

A has Mercury in Virgo- and has the quick, yet supremely analytical, mind to go with it. Sarah has Mercury (conjunct Mars) in Aries and can’t be bothered.

I have the absolute worst possible Mercury in history. And, given that Mercury is about how you communicate, the way in which you process information, and how you think, it is actually a miracle that I can even string 2 words together, let alone be able to sell coal to Newcastle when I have had a few bevies. In fact, I once (under the intellectual influence of a few red wines) convinced an ex Liberal would be prime minister that it was a great idea to buy a painting (for a ridiculous sum of money) that “looked like happiness should feel”.

Why is my Mercury so bad? Amongst a myriad of other problems, my Mercury is in Pisces where it is traditionally in the sign of both its detriment and fall. Mercury has difficulty expressing itself in mutable, watery, no boundaries Pisces.

If you have Mercury in Virgo, your Mercury is exactly opposite to mine- Mercury rules Virgo and is strong, smart and extremely sharp in this position. The only (and rather mean) comfort I take from this is that during Mercury retrograde periods, you are likely to be substantially more affected than I am.

Where Mercury in Pisces is about the “big picture” and “beyondness”, Mercury in Virgo concentrates on the details- every single little detail. Nothing is below the notice of Mercury in Virgo.

Mercury in Virgo is the ultimate record keeper and statistician, forgetting nothing, and having a place for everything. This placement has a quick and brilliant mind (although sell themselves short), and the ability to make conversation on numerous subjects (but think they could be smarter). They write beautifully, yet edit themselves constantly. I once gave a Mercury in Virgo friend a journal with the instruction not to re-read or edit anything she had written, as that would be tantamount to editing her own thoughts and feelings. Mercury in Virgo is humble.

Where others simply see problems, Mercury in Virgo breaks them down into readily digestible pieces. Once she can see a logical order she can proceed. The danger with this approach is paralysis by analysis- a tendency to over-think an issue.

Like Mercury in all the Earth signs, the urge to be practical, can sometimes mean that communication is not as sensitive as it could be. This is simply because Mercury in Virgo likes to be matter of fact- don’t call her with problems unless you want her to offer you a straight forward and very practical solution. This placement has a great desire to be helpful. When she asks about your health, she is genuinely interested in your response.

Mercury in Virgo is critical, picky, and may come across as being negative. Again, she is just telling it how it is. Never ask if your bum looks fat in those jeans- she will tell you it does and what you need to do to make it better. Not because she wants to be mean spirited, but because she truly believes that perfection can be attained. It is this idealism, and an awareness of how things are versus how they can be that drives this analytical placement.

But to those of us with a weaker Mercury and a more expansive arse, a little less analysis and a little more dishonesty would be nice!

A couple of months after the car incident, my sister and I take the girls to the Opera House to see a kids play called “the Flying Babies.” Sarah is laughing very hard, but A seems thoughtful.

‘Aunty Jo?’ she whispers loudly, ‘They are very big babies.’

‘That’s because they aren’t really babies, they are grown ups dressed up as babies,’ I explain.

‘So, they are really grown ups dressed up as babies?’

‘Yes.’

‘But, Aunty Jo, why would grown ups want to dress up as babies?’

I look across at Sarah, she is still completely focused on the stage.

‘Because they are actors.’

‘What are actors?’

‘People who pretend to be something or somebody else,’ I reply.

‘But why would people want to pretend to be something that they aren’t?’ she asks, ‘Isn’t that like fibbing…and Mum says it is bad to fib?’

Without denying her absolute logic, I reply in the only way I know:

‘A, I think you better ask your mother!’

I Am What I Am- Happy Birthday Leo

2010-07-28T00:31:00.000-07:00

Symbolon Cards

Yesterday driving to work I was forced to stop outside the local High School for road works. For the first time I paid attention to the motto posted on the school notice board: Dare to Be You. Wow.

I have long held a belief that one of the things our schools don’t teach our children is self expression. We don’t teach them that it is OK to be themselves, that honest individuality can be creatively exciting. Conformity is easy, but, lets face it, it is really scary to learn how to be You.

Fear is something that Leo struggles with. Like the Lion in the Wizard of Oz, the Lion can be all roar and no substance. Despite Leo’s well publicised penchant for entrances and centre stage, behind the make-up is often hidden a fear of being found out.

Last week I published a piece on Leo in the workplace- All The World’s a Stage. In that I proposed that Leo is from the “Fake It Until You Become It” school. This is absolutely the case. If you dress and act as you wish to be, others will believe that confidence. Soon you believe it too. The resultant accolades and applause reinforce it. You become who you want to be. The really scary bit happens when that whole belief system is questioned. Do you fall apart or find the courage bluff it through and, as a very famous Leo (Madonna) said, express yourself?

Leo spends much of his life learning how to express that vitality and creativity in a way which is authentic to him, yet somehow also afraid that one day the applause will stop. Leo spends much of his life daring to be himself.

Consider the Sun, the planet which rules Leo. The Sun radiates the energy and heat which keeps us all alive. It is this warmth which has the ability to transform us. We can’t survive without it. You can’t miss him, up there in the sky, generously sending down rays with dramatic intensity. The ultimate creative force, his magnetism is such that all the other planets are pulled within his orbit.

So too Leo. You can’t miss him. Even when he isn’t making an entrance, he is noticed for his absence. And when he is in the room, everyone else is pulled seemingly by gravitational force into his orbit. Charisma, dramatic generosity, creativity- Leo has it in spades.

My younger sister is a 1st house Leo Sun. With a 12th house Cancer Moon and a lot of 2nd house Virgo planets, she has never been the type that is truly comfortable in the limelight. As kids she would shyly wait in her room until she felt she could slip in to whatever family event we had been forced into attending. Her absence was always keenly noticed, and like it or not, when she did appear, it would be with the unconscious, yet very casual grace of a Queen bestowing a very special favour.

She can, however, look and dress the part with Oscar winning aptitude- whatever part she is playing. For work she is consummately professional, for home, casually elegant. Always immaculately presented, she radiates a confidence and pride that hides her uncertainty sometimes too well. She once said to me that there is never a reason to let your standards slip. She certainly never does and would not be seen dead at the shops in trackpants and ugg boots (not that I would ever do that either….).

When I was gathering pieces of feminine wisdom for my daughter to live by, her contribution was “nothing bad ever happens at Tiffanys”. It put my “always take you makeup off before you go to bed no matter how late, drunk or tired you are” completely in the shade!

She is now a Mum herself and I can see her in true Lioness fashion standing over her son, providing him with a view of the outside world, yet snarling protection at any predators. Having her son has given my sister a real and very authentic confidence to be herself. No play acting. Happy Birthday Lenny the Lion.

I am what I am

I am my own special creation

So come take a look

Give me the hook

Or the ovation

It’s my life- that I want to have a little pride in

My life- and it’s not a place I have to hide in

Life’s not worth a damn till you can say

I am what I am

(Lyrics from “I Am What I Am”, by Gloria Gaynor)

Watch Me Come Undone- Jupiter Transits of the 12th house

2010-07-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

(my little part of the deck- ignore the unpainted toenails)

As regular readers know, I spent much of the last couple of weeks with my hubby and resident five foot nothing in the middle of the ocean on a hulking big piece of metal with over 2500 people that I didn’t know surrounded by miles and miles of a seemingly empty ocean.

Although looking forward to it, I had been deeply suspicious of the whole cruising idea. Sure I knew it would be a floating resort with a great kids club, but I’m not actually a deeply social person and there are (a lot of times) where I just want everyone to get the hell out of my head. There, I’ve said it. Crowds freak me out and tend to make me a tad claustrophobic. I avoid big concerts of bands I really want to see because of this (don’t remind me that Bon Jovi is out here this December). As much as I love love love the water and Sydney Harbour, I didn’t even enjoy those Xmas parties on Harbour Cruises that we used to have back in the days when companies had Xmas parties, simply because if the party is a dud there is no way off.

Despite the crowds on the ship I managed to spend much of the sea days alone. Endless hours were spent on a quiet part of deck- watching the sea, reading books, making pretty pictures out of cloud shapes, imagining what lay under that expanse of blue. At those moments, with the wind blowing all the fug out of my brain, it felt as though I was completely free and unrestrained- surprisingly so. At those moments, despite my initial misgivings, I was in my 12th house- the place we escape to.

Aside from being where we escape to and where we hide, the 12th house is also where we recuperate, where we keep the things hidden that we don’t want anyone else to know about. It is also where we come undone. This is the place we find (and hide) our addictions, our secrets, our fears, our secret enemies. It is the place of our self undoing.

And aren’t they all pretty much the same? Much of the time our secret enemies are our addictions- addictions that may have begun life as a vehicle for escape. This can be anything from booze to drugs, to food to a fully fledged illicit affair. All of these help us to come undone.

When Jupiter transits this part of your chart, this is where you go- in a big way. You may escape into yourself on a spiritual or positive basis, or you can contribute to your own self destruction. Your fears (secret enemies, another 12th house trait) become larger and manifest themselves easier.

Do you take the edge off them with an extra layer of fat, a few more drinks every night, a misguided shag with someone you shouldn’t be with- or do you go within yourself and find the strength to face your fears head on? As easy as it may be to give in to the devil on your shoulder, this is also the perfect transit to confront those fears and behaviours and find the inner strength to kick your addictions.

Jupiter transiting this part of your chart can provide a protection of sorts against your fears or your secret enemies. The danger of this, as with all Jupiter transits, is when protection and over indulgence are confused. When this happens, what feels like protection may actually be self-undoing.

I spent most of the last couple of years (while Jupiter was in my 12th house) actively trying to escape in every way possible from feelings and ambitions that I was too afraid to say out loud or face head on. Although exaggerated, the nature of my natal Jupiter is one which is prone to self indulgence. The result was a few extra layers of supposedly protective fat, but all the escaping hasn’t really done anything except add a couple of new (unwanted) dress sizes to my wardrobe. Watch me come undone.

The 12th house is also about institutions and confinement. When Jupiter transited my 12th house in 1997/98 I was pregnant- the ultimate confinement. One thing about pregnancy though, is there is no escaping your fears- at some point you have to give birth. When I emerged it was as a different version of myself (see Jupiter- Transits of the 1st house).

I was listening to a podcast recently of a politician who, due to an enforced hospital stay and subsequent lengthy recovery period, emerged from his confinement with a new lease on life and a clear vision of his direction. The confinement and escape from his normal life allowed him to rediscover his creativity. This absolutely supports the view that all of our leaders and policy makers should have an enforced confinement every few years in order to go within themselves and emerge as more authentic and effective leaders.

What often happens during a Jupiter 12th house transit is a spiritual renewal of sorts…whatever that means. In stepping back, you are given the opportunity to rebuild your faith in whatever it is that you believe in or used to believe in. You may even re-build faith in yourself. In a way it is like a great long Jupiter retrograde period. (Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow for more on this concept).

You may find yourself doing more behind the scenes, privately or otherwise “unseen” yet strangely fulfilling work. You certainly won’t be actively looking for the spotlight and accolades during this transit.

During a Jupiter 12th house transit, you will find yourself becoming more Piscean in nature (and that is not just the self destructive part). You may be drawn to meditation or physical retreats to get away from the world. You may feel more empathetic, more intuitive and dream more fantastically and in technicolour.

You may become interested in spiritual matters (in whatever way spiritual is for you) or find yourself strangely attracted into esoteric and metaphysical bookshops. Perhaps you become involved in a secretive romance.

Any of these possibilities will enrich and invigorate you, but on the flip side, excess in any of these can undo you as well. Aside from being expansionary, optimistic and inclined to excess, Jupiter is also about honesty, integrity and justice...so whatever you do during this transit, stay true to yourself and your faith and your ethics (whatever they may be). To do anything else is to come undone.

So unimpressed but so in awe

Such a saint but such a whore

So self aware so full of shit

So indecisive so adamant

I’m contemplating thinking about thinking

It’s so frustrating just get another drink in

Watch me come undone

Come Undone, by Robbie Williams

Note: While Jupiter is in Pisces, if you have an Aries Ascendant, this is for you!

Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow- Jupiter Retrograde

2010-07-23T01:53:00.000-07:00

Sunset somewhere in the Coral Sea, pic by me

Jupiter is stationary and will be retrograde by tomorrow night until midway through November. Heavy sighs all round from this fishie. The bright part of this is that he will be back in Pisces by September and get another proper shot at my chart without Saturn getting in the way. (The Sun is in Leo, so I am allowed to make this all about ME). The most interesting part is that he will link up again with Uranus in the last few degrees of Pisces- giving us all another chance to take our dreams and break free. More on this aspect in September.

Jupiter is known as the Great Benefic. Often labelled as the “lucky planet”, Jupiter makes things bigger. This is great if you have really good things happening- they happen even more easily, but isn’t so good if there are problems on the horizon. This also isn’t so good if he is transiting across your Ascendant (literally speaking, your physical body often gets bigger...). Check out Dare to Dream for more of Jupiter transits.

Jupiter is generally so optimistic, exuberant and dream/ ideal/ future driven. Nobody can keep up this pace for ever, so when he turns retrograde, he does so for a few months at a time. And when Jupiter turns retrograde, the expansion... stops. Just like that. Good if you are planning a diet but not so great if you are in the middle of a project. Things that seemed to be sure may just stop. Physical energy may just dry up. Optimism and faith may falter.

This is especially true if Jupiter is strong in your chart. Generally speaking, in my case, my wings tend to be clipped and if I am going to feel less than exuberant (in mood or in health), now is the time.

So, who is impacted? Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces (as traditional ruler). You may be regarded as strongly Jupiterian if:

you have your Ascendant, Sun or Moon Pisces or Sagittarius
If Jupiter is in close aspect to the Sun, Moon, Ascendant or Midheaven (especially conjunction, square or opposition)
If you have Jupiter in Cancer, the sign of his exultation
If you have a number of planets in the 9th house or the 12th house.

Look also at the houses which Jupiter rules in your chart- those houses with either Sagittarius or Pisces on the cusp- this area of your life will feel the Jupiter influence the most. For this particular retrograde you will also be impacted if you have planets in the 1st few degrees of Aries, Libra, Capricorn and Cancer, or in the last 7 degrees of Pisces, Sagittarius, Gemini & Virgo.

Jupiter also represents integrity and honesty and justice, so the retrograde period is a great time to look objectively and realistically at what you are doing. Are you really investing enough of yourself in what is important? What do you do out of fear or because it is expected of you? How do these actions impinge on your real life goals and where you are meant to be? Have you stopped believing? Are you dwelling too much on coulda woulda shoulda?

Jupiter has a habit of removing those things from your life which you think you need, but actually are doing you no good at all. But with Jupiter, there is no maliciousness- anything you lose now, or anything that stops now is simply not necessary to your growth and will usually be for the best.

So, what to do? Look inward and be honest with yourself. Now is not the time to embark on any activity that requires material expansion- unless it is a new charity or spiritual retreat or something that is of a higher purpose, so to speak. Whatever you do this Jupiter retrograde- don’t stop thinking about tomorrow...it’ll soon be here and it will be better than before, so don’t you look back!

If you wake up and don't want to smile,

If it takes just a little while,

Open your eyes and look at the day,

You'll see things in a different way.

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,

Don't stop, it'll soon be here,

It'll be, better than before,

Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone.

Why not think about times to come,

And not about the things that you've done,

If your life was bad to you,

Just think what tomorrow will do.

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,

Don't stop, it'll soon be here,

It'll be, better than before,

Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone.

All I want is to see you smile,

If it takes just a little while,

I know you don't believe that it's true,

I never meant any harm to you.

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,

Don't stop, it'll soon be here,

It'll be, better than before,

Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone.

Don't you look back,

Don't you look back.

Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow, by Fleetwood Mac

I Am Sailing- Venus in Virgo

2010-07-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of the Notre Dame, Lifou, New Caledonia

Regular readers of this blog will know that I am currently on holiday- indulging on a P&O cruise of the South Pacific on a ship called the Pacific Jewel. There is nearly as many staff on this ship as there are passengers (they like to count things on this ship and then Amaze and Surprise you with Incredible statistics…), but you can tell the Officers and Ship executive by their white uniforms. The Captain is Italian with the type of accent a girl would chase to Rome. His whites are the whitest of them all.

Over the last few days I have indulged myself in the fantasy of running away to sea, but aside from the impediments of commitment, responsibility and family, the biggest thing spoiling this fantasy is the white uniform. Not only do I not do uniforms, I also don’t do white- yet have often wished I could.

I don’t avoid white because I feel that it doesn’t suit me, but rather because it rarely stays white. I inevitably spill red wine if I am wearing white. Even if I drink white wine and eat salad, white on me is magnetic- and not in a good way.

I wrote in last years Venus in Virgo post how after surviving chilli sambal chicken and satay- food which usually hurls itself off the plate and in the general direction of my chest (which I admit can be sort of difficult to miss)- I poured a beer in celebration of my cleanliness & managed to brush the fresh henna tattoo on my wrist right across my right boob. Goodbye white tshirt & hello smudged yin/yang- which I then had to live with until it wore off. I also had to spend the rest of the afternoon with a mighty dark brown streak right across my front.

Venus in Virgo, however, can wear white... successfully. In fact, with this placement, you will be able to wear all white and have it stay white and be like those beautiful people in the holiday brochures that stroll hand in hand up the beach in filmy white linen and white bikinis. The sand will not stick & the salt water will dry clear & not sticky.

Unfortunately, Venus in Virgo has difficulty in relaxing for long enough to stroll up a beach, and often has too little body confidence to do so in a bikini. This placement is usually held by people with pretty neat & trim bodies, so this is an absolute waste of white bikini. And yes, given that I have never worn a bikini (let alone a white one) there is more than a small amount of envy in what I say.

Yet despite this amazing ability to wear white, stay clean, be trim and eat well, Venus in Virgo is in what traditional astrologers term the sign of her fall. This doesn’t mean that Venus is weak in Virgo, it means that she is in a position where she can’t use her strength, in a place which is alien to her. Venus loves pleasure, beauty, art, food. What she doesn’t like is too much hard work, conflict, sacrifice, deprivation and details.

Venus is exalted or exaggerated in the opposite sign of Pisces where she sees the world through rose coloured glasses. In Pisces, Venus can be lazy, unrealistic, self-indulgent and oblivious to deprivation or detail.

In Virgo, Venus sees the world clearly and critically, often having altered perceptions of it and herself as a result. In Virgo, the rose coloured glasses are off as she sees imperfections which the rest of us are blind to.

In Virgo, Venus is operating within a sign that thrives on work, analyses details, is extremely conscious about what food is consumed and strives for perfection. This is not a comfortable place for her to be. In Virgo, Venus finds it difficult to relax and difficult to appreciate beauty- especially her own.

In Virgo, Venus is earthily tactile and sensual, yet efficient, reliable, faithful and practical. Despite her textbook reputation to nag in relationships (I make no judgement…), she will give more of herself to you than you can or will ever notice- nothing pleases her more than to have someone to do things for, to worry about, to put on a diet.

This all makes Venus in Virgo a difficult placement to write about. So please, if you feel that this is not you, don’t feel compelled to tell me so- and I mean that in the nicest possible way!

An un-named friend with Venus in Virgo struggles with what she describes as the checklist mentality. Absolutely gorgeous, but until recently single, she admits (retrospectively) that she (unconsciously) approached men with a checklist of sorts- both in terms of physical attributes and professional and earning capacity. Upon meeting a likely candidate he would be assessed and discounted. She also discloses that the “qualities” on her list were really “quantities” to be ticked off and accounted for. As she said to me, if anyone had ever told her that this was what she did with men, she would have fervently denied it, but knows it to be true.

In actual fact, the checklist was there because she didn’t believe that she was special enough to attract someone who would think that she was perfect enough. The concept of “good enough” is a difficult one for Venus in Virgo.

Men with Venus in Virgo are looking for a woman with Virgo traits or a busy 6th house- physically she will be trim, tidy and clean; mentally she will be quick, organised and disciplined, and sexually she will be faithful. She will either be able to deal with the details of life for him or hand these concerns straight across to him. She will most likely be interested in health and nutrition (but often will say that she isn’t)... and she will be able to wear white.

As for my fantasy of running away and spending my days sailing the high seas, away from the martini glass and under the clear ultra violet light of bright sun, my whites just aren’t white enough…and I so don’t do uniforms or discipline…well not from a naval point of view anyway. Hmm I don’t think that came out quite the way it was intended...maybe that is a subject best kept for Mars in Scorpio .

This was originally published on http://www.jotracey.com.au/

Venus in Virgo and Phryne Fisher

2010-07-04T00:22:00.000-07:00

“Miss Jones was the sort of person who is concealed, like the nun in the foundation, in every organisation which does Good Works. Patient, dogged, meticulous, vastly overworked, unpaid and completely unappreciated, she finds, files, calls, arranges, soothes and ameliorates papers, contracts, tradesmen, repairs, hurt feelings and Very Important People. No one notices her until God finally calls her home or she quits to look after her aged parents, when the whole edifice instantly falls astonished to the ground. Repeated harassment usually greys her hair and causes her to lose her glasses, and pressure of work requires her to clothe herself in serviceable garments which are never decorated with anything more daring than a scarf and possibly a bluebird brooch. But Miss Jones’ strength was the strength of ten because her heart was pure and Phryne liked her very much.”

From Queen of the Flowers, a Phryne Fisher Mystery, by Kerry Greenwood

This passage screams Venus in Virgo. Sure, it is set in the 1920’s, (1928 Melbourne to be precise), sure it is clichéd, but the general gist is there. Just a few pages later, we see reference to a Venus in Virgo man:

“Mr Xavier brightened and went so far as to lean forward, preserving the immaculate creases in his trousers without apparent effort. This was a young man who would be able to slide down a mud bank in his long johns and arise without a stain. Phryne suppressed a giggle”

(Phryne herself is a Capricorn (see her horoscope here). If you haven’t checked out the series by Melbourne author Kerry Greenwood, do so- Phryne is a fabulous romp and the books are perfect escapist read in the bath style.)

Uranus Retrograde July 2010

2010-07-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

Uranus is currently stationary in the 1st degree of Aries. He blazed in on a burst of flame at the end of May and shook us all up for a month or so before quickly running out of steam and retiring to his poolside deckchair with a Cosmopolitan to catch his breath.
Not that you can really blame him. For an old hippie / Surfer Dude like Uranus, being in Pisces is like being on holiday on a tropical island- not a whole lot to do save whiling away the days dreaming your dreams and making weird shapes out of clouds under the shade of a coconut palm. Every so often you drag yourself off the towel to snorkel and look at pretty fish through some goggles, but eventually the pull of Fantasyland will drag you back.
You know that sooner or later you have to take all of those dreams and apply some energy and fire in order to make them real. You know that there is freedom to fight for and new stuff to invent, but somehow, your energy is flagging and the coconut palm and those pretty fish are calling and it is happy hour by the pool....
Uranus turns retrograde in the next couple of days and will be back in Pisces by mid August. The outer planets spend a fair whack of each year in retrograde motion (Uranus will be retrograde until the 1st week of December). During these retrograde periods, the energy which is usually pushed outward is directed internally. During the retrograde phase planets become an exaggerated version of themselves. Uranus will become more Uranian...for many (especially those in the midst of a transit by Uranus) that is a pretty scary concept.
In the case of Uranus, who really gets off on giving totally unexpected and utterly unavoidable shocks to get you moving out of your rut and into something more individual, all of that bubbling, electrical energy in happening within you instead of to you. Eventually it has to explode.
All those Uranian rebellion impulses will burst out at seemingly incongruent times, leaving those around you shaking their heads muttering “What the F&*#?” Which brings me to the other really important thing about Uranus and transits of this planet to natal planets.... resistance is futile. The more you struggle against the Freedom Fighter, the tighter the chains that bind.
If Uranus passes back across a natal planet or chart point for you during this transit, take it as a time to stick to what you know...for now. You will be able to objectively look at the results of the bid you made for freedom when Uranus 1st touched that planet and maybe analyse what went wrong. This is not the time to make a fresh break, if indeed a separation is what is required. The questions you ask yourself here will be put to use when Uranus retraces his path once he becomes direct. It is at that point that you have the opportunity to make the change real.

How to Speak Scorpio

2009-08-13T22:20:00.001-07:00

Greetings from Planet Scorpio

Scene 1

Date Night. Four Foot Nothing (FFN) has been deposited at Camp Grandma and Scorpio Hubby (SH) and I are walking up and down the line of restaurants trying to come to an agreement on somewhere to eat.

Me: This place looks nice. Good menu selection.
SH: mmmm, pretty expensive plate of pasta, don’t you think.
Me: What about this place? You can get a steak here if you want.
SH: Yes, but is there anything on the menu you want to eat?
By now, I am getting a little exasperated, but in the interests of date night...
Me: What do you feel like eating?
SH: I’m pretty easy. Your choice, love.
Me: OK, we are eating Vietnamese.
SH: Sounds good.

Later... sipping our first glass of vino, while sharing some salt & pepper calamari...

SH: This is nice. But I really felt like a steak at the place next door...
Me: You should have said.
SH: I did.

Welcome to Planet Scorpio.

I have spent the last 20 years living with a Scorpio. I work for a Scorpio, my father is a Scorpio & one of my closest girlfriends is a Scorpio. I am surrounded by them, adore their depth and intensity and, as a result, am actually pretty good (usually) at speaking Scorpio. But every so often I do mess up.

Scene 2

After a difficult week of long hours, lots of running FFN around to social events and SH at endless off-sites, the inevitable happens and a general discussion over something completely inane turns into an all out yelling match (me) and silence (SH).

SH: But you know the pressure I have been under.
Me: How can I know if you haven’t told me?
SH: But I have told you. You just weren’t listening.

He hadn’t told me verbally, but in review, I should have recognised the signs.

When a Scorpio finally gives their heart and their trust (usually the 2 are interconnected), they expect that you will in return give your heart and soul. Scorpio doesn’t just love, they demand complete merging. With that is an expectation that you feel everything as intensely as they do. There is also an expectation that the channels of non verbal communication are wide open. This translates to, they don’t only assume that you can read their minds, it simply doesn’t occur to them that you can’t.

Scorpio doesn’t offer anything up. You have to earn it. As I said, I am normally pretty good at reading the signals. This is why Pisces and Scorpio often go well together (as long as they can avoid drowning each other). In fact, this is why water signs all work reasonably well, on a Sun sign level, anyway. We all live through and are motivated by our feelings on a level which is non verbal.

When a Scorpio calls you out of the blue to talk about nothing, what they are really calling for is so that you can ask the questions that need to be asked so they can tell you without telling you what they need to tell you. If you can speak Scorp, the exact words don’t need to be said.

Do you think we need to talk about this?
I don’t know, do you think we need to talk about this?
If you don’t think we need to, I guess we don’t need to.

It has all been said and understood. Over and out.

The Emotional Overdraft

2009-08-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

The alarm goes off way too early, but I have high and healthy hopes for the day. The diary is organised, and emails taken care of by 9am. I have high hopes of a walk in the sun at lunchtime and a gym class while my daughter is at swimming.

Then the day goes downhill. An unscheduled teleconference, a network outage and the lunchtime walk is forsaken for a sandwich at my desk. The emails and calls continue, and I am grateful (again) for the Bluetooth in my car that allows me to continue to take calls as I tear home (late again), do the swimming drop off (late again), and therefore miss the planned gym class (again). At this point I realise there is nothing in the house for dinner and make an unscheduled stop for groceries. Once home, the first glass of wine is poured while the homework supervised, and the 2nd while dinner is contemplated. By the time 8pm comes, and the day is nearly done I quite simply can’t be faffed to take the dog for the walk I know she needs and am in bed soon after.

Tomorrow is the same and the next after that. Sound familiar? We exist, we function, but the intensity of life is missing. When we are in periods of stress, despondency and boredom we often unconsciously go to the shadow side of our Moon, the part that nurtures us. In the case of my Pisces Moon, I reach for the wine and the sense of escape from feeling that comes with that. Yes, I feel comforted for a while, but that comfort is taken away as my fitness declines, general greyness of mood kicks in and my clothes get tighter. As my tummy rolls form a veranda and I can no longer see my feet (OK, a slight exaggeration), I have had to look harder at alternatives to my current mode of coping.

The verdict? Choose to replenish the emotional bank account more positively and intentionally by looking at the second house. The sign that is on the cusp of the second house will help you deal with stress in a way that allows you to continue to fit in your jeans.

I have Aries ruling my second house and the most effective way for me to release tension is to move. Specifically I love to box- there is something infinitely satisfying about a one on one training session where I get hot and sweaty and get to hit and kick someone.

I have tried massage, and tend to lie there thinking about what other tasks I should be doing instead. The simple fact for me is that no matter how de-motivated or mentally tired I am, exercise energises me and creativity keeps me motivated. I use my Aries 2nd house in a Piscean way- my trainer knows that I will commit to my sessions as long as he commits to mixing it up & varying the routine. Swimming and yoga also satisfy both my Pisces planets and the needs of my emotional Bank Manager.

Some general ideas:
If your second house is ruled by a fire sign, get moving. Whatever lights your fire, so to speak. Fire signs also benefit from creative expression as a release.

Earth second houses benefit from getting in touch, mindfully, with their bodies. Consider a massage or other bodywork. Alternatively, feel your connection to the earth during a walk or the earth in your hands in the garden.

Music, books and socialising of all types- virtual or physical- release tension when there is an Air sign on the cusp of the second house.

When water rules the second, space is provided via a bath, a swim, some spiritual time out.

These ideas can be refined further by examining the nature of the sign. For example, Taurus should probably avoid the comfort food element inherent in a Taurean second house and instead opt for a walk (around the shops?) or a massage, and Sagittarius would always benefit from figuratively jumping a few fences, while Libra 2nd house might be happy to glam up, pop on the heels and dance the night away . I am happy to provide suggestions to anyone needing some ideas.

I know, it is easier said than done, as I am daily proof of. We all have commitments, schedules and responsibilities- all of which are personally compelling to each of us. But I am making a deal with myself to intentionally step away from the shadow of my Moon and feel the burn my 2nd house is asking for. Aries also likes a little competition and I have a little side wager with a friend about results and abs & who is going to kick whose arse...

Blame it on the Moon- Pisces

2009-08-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

I don’t know whether it was the red wine (I had a few), the vodka/tonic (just one), the altitude (I was in a Boeing 777 at a few thousand metres) or the fact that I needed the toilet really really badly & the seatbelt sign was still on (turbulence over the top of Aus), but I found myself crying in... wait for it... Hannah Montana the Movie. In fact, I was so overwhelmed by the sheer emotion (or the need to pee) that I let my husband borrow my very expensive and previously heavily guarded BOSE noise reducing headphones so he could watch his Kung Fu classic crap flick in comfort while I broke the rules and ducked down the aisle to the toilet.

Nor was this an isolated incident (the crying at movies on planes, that is... I want you to know that I have never ever broken the seatbelt thing before...). During my last couple of flights I have also had tears during the soapbox scene in New in Town, during the shop window scene in Confessions of a Shopaholic, and even the happy bit of He’s Just Not That Into You. Only The Boat that Rocked missed out because, whilst the music was great, it was seriously so misogynistic that I couldn’t find tears even for when they got old Hippie Bob out of the sinking boat.

On one overnighter from Hong Kong, I was crying so much during Sex and the City that the hostess brought me down another bottle of red. Suffice to say, on the return leg this time I stuck to movies starring Clive Owen where I knew I would be too busy drooling to cry, and Flight Of The Conchords (my favourite episode where Jermaine accidently sleeps with an Australian so gets kicked out of the band) where I could laugh out loud & be less embarrassed than if the person on the other side of the aisle matched my tears to Hannah Montana!

My 11 year old daughter, who I had synchronised the movie with (so that we both start & pause at the same times) failed to pick up the deep emotion between a father and daughter in the “Butterfly” scene and just shook her head at me when the tears started as Hannah launched into “The Climb”. But then Sarah also can’t understand why after thousands of viewings I still sob my little heart out when Maria comes back across the lawn to the children in The Sound of Music. My devoted family get a laugh every time the flashbulbs go and Elvis Costello breaks into “She” during that unforgettable scene in Notting Hill.

No matter what sign your Sun is in, the sign that the Moon was in at the minute you were born dictates how you react to people, events and memories on an emotional and unconscious level. Whilst the Sun is the outward expression of you, the Moon is the inner you. How easily your emotions are expressed and dealt with can be seen by the contacts (aspects) which the Moon makes to the other planets in your birthchart- but that is a whole other series of blogs.

I have a Pisces Moon, and having a Pisces Moon is like being hormonal and pregnant your entire life. When expectant friends tell me that can’t understand why they are crying over TV ads or in public or at the news, I silently welcome them to my life. Once every 28 days when the Moon moves through the sign of Pisces, all of us become a little more emotional, a little dreamier, and a little more impractical- a little more Piscean. The extent to which that affects you will depend on what sign your Moon is natally.

If your Moon is in Pisces, you will be intuitive, compassionate, sentimental and sensitive to the emotional atmosphere around you. Easily hurt, you also tend to easily forgive, often allowing your heart to be broken over and over by the same person. With a Pisces Moon also comes an idealism that essentially everyone is good and means well and it is a nasty shock when you realise that this is not the case. Your intuition may put you on alert, but that dreamy sense of beyondness will urge you to think you can change the person who your every sense is telling you to avoid. That Pisces compassion will have you feeling sorry for the person who has let you down for the umpteenth time and the man who is confessing to sleeping with someone else, but professes his love still for you.

The biggest risk for a Pisces Moon is of emotional overload and subsequent escape into substances and activities which dull or mask what is being felt. The position of the Moon and the aspects made to it also tell us a lot about both our experience of nurturing and how we nurture ourselves. The Pisces Moon can be quite indiscriminate in regards to its appetite. The lack of boundaries can mean that quite simply you don’t know when you may have had enough- whether that be food, alcohol or an unhealthy love affair.

It is imperative for the Pisces Moon to find other more healthy pursuits when the emotions get too much to bear. If you can learn to protect yourself against negative emotions and tune into that intuition, you have the potential for your dreams to become reality. Now... where is my copy of Sense and Sensibility...

Does My Bum Look Fat in These Jeans?

2009-07-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Mercury in Virgo August 3- 25
I have the absolute worst possible Mercury in history. And, given that Mercury is about how you communicate, the way in which you process information, and how you think, it is actually a miracle that I can even string 2 words together, let alone be able to sell coal to Newcastle when I have had a few bevies.

Why is my Mercury so bad? My Mercury is in Pisces where it is traditionally in the sign of both its detriment and fall. Mercury has difficulty expressing itself in mutable, watery, no boundaries Pisces. Also, my Mercury is in the 12th house, the house of self undoing, the place where you lock your deepest and darkest secrets away. Suffice to say, few planets operate well from the 12th house. Finally, my Mercury is retrograde natally, which means that it appears to be going backwards. The good part of that one is that I tend to feel retrogrades less than people who have Mercury in a stronger position to mine.... leading me nicely into Virgo.

If you have Mercury in Virgo, your Mercury is very very different to mine- Mercury rules Virgo and is strong, smart and extremely sharp in this position. The only (and rather mean) comfort I take from this is that during Mercury retrograde periods, you are likely to be substantially more affected than I am.

But that is probably the only comfort I can take. Where Mercury in Pisces is about the “big picture”, Mercury in Virgo concentrates on the details- every single little detail. In fact, nothing is below the notice of Mercury in Virgo, and every one of them will be analysed. Mercury in Virgo is the ultimate record keeper and statistician, forgetting nothing, and having a place for everything. This placement has a quick and brilliant mind (although sell themselves short), and the ability to make conversation on numerous subjects (but think they could be better).

Mercury in Virgo is critical, picky, and practical. Never ask if your bum looks fat in those jeans- this placement will tell you it does and what you need to do to make it better. Not because they want to be mean spirited, but because they truly believe that perfection can be attained. It is this idealism, and an awareness of how things are versus how they can be that drives this analytical placement.

But to those of us with a weaker Mercury and a more expansive arse, a little less analysis and a little more dishonesty would be nice!

Does this Mean we are getting married?

2009-07-31T16:05:00.000-07:00

Venus in Cancer: August 2-26

There’s this little piece of astro humour (See Sex, Lies and Bodypaint) about the one line which each of the signs might say after a one night stand. For Cancer it might be “Does this mean we are getting married?”

If you have Venus in Cancer, you take relationships very very seriously, and are quite conservative in your attitude to love and romance. In fact, the whole idea of a one night stand line for Cancer is a bit of an oxymoron. Love is for life.

It has been (unfairly?) said that Venus in Cancer can be nagging, clingy and manipulative. But consider the life of a Crab- it has to ride the tides of the ocean by clinging hard to rocks for its’ survival – so it is when Venus is in Cancer- it will cling on and on and on and on- often way after the relationship is dead and really starting to stink. Nothing you can do will shake them off. Nor will they leave of their own accord- after all, you need them, and Cancer needs to be needed! But unlike Pisces who will be all desperate and pining and make you feel sorry for them, Venus in Cancer has a Mothers ability to produce guilt- without you really knowing why you should be feeling guilty- a talent indeed. Venus in Cancer does not like conflict, so brooding silences and retreat are usually great indicators that things are not FINE.

What is fair to say, is that under the hard outer shell, Venus in Cancer is fearful of rejection. This highly sensitive, maternal, compassionate and completely loyal sign will do anything and everything to protect and nurture its’ relationships. The more they do for you, the more you need them and the less likely you are to leave. It is well worth remembering this if your partner has Venus in Cancer- the occasional thoughtful gesture will make him/her feel loved, needed and cherished far more than will flashy bling- although, that is always nice as well.... Never ever think that you can buy them- with Venus in Cancer, it is all about emotion and feeling.

Venus in Cancer will pack your bags with your favourite things before you go away and welcome you home with a hearty meal - proving that no one looks after you quite like they do. In fact, you will rarely go hungry if your partner has Venus in Cancer- although you may have problems in dragging your love out of their shell into the open- nothing beats an economical home cooked meal. Venus in Cancer will be sensitive to your mood as soon as you walk through the door and act accordingly. Venus in Cancer will help out around the house- often without being asked... yep, even the men. In the workplace, even the most businesslike Venus in Cancer will understand if you aren’t feeling well and will genuinely be interested in your family and photos. Abuse that trust? Take advantage of that compassion? Venus in Cancer will forgive, but rarely forget.

As I have mentioned in previous blogs, not only does your Venus placement indicate your preferred relationship style and what makes you feel good, but in a mans chart, the Venus placement will also indicate what he is looking for in a partner. If your man has Venus in Cancer, he will be attracted to partners with Cancer characteristics- perhaps someone who will look after him, cook for him, possibly even mother him. He will also be looking for a relationship that is committed, loyal and predictable.

Venus in Cancer? Get past that craggy shell, expect a little sideways dodging of issues, learn to read the different interpretations of FINE, and you will never be hungry again.

Casting a Spotlight on Leo

2009-07-26T02:54:00.000-07:00

I was having coffee with a girlfriend a few weeks ago in a new place- great coffee menu, great lighting and really dramatic interiors. Nice. Anyway, we got to talking, like friends do, and, like conversations do, the subject turned to a mutual acquaintance who had recently separated from her husband. Now, I have never particularly liked this person and I wouldn’t have trusted her husband under any circumstances, so without thinking I said rather sarcastically “Now what could possibly have gone wrong there?”

My friend looked at me for a second or two and quite seriously replied “I don’t know what you mean.”

Recklessly I went on. “Surely you heard the rumours about him and his affairs? I seriously have no idea why she put up with him for so long.”

“Jo, only they know what went on in their relationship.” She idly stirred her coffee and then continued: “I must remember to call her and see if she needs anything. Now, tell me about that pair of Marc Jacobs shoes …”

Subject closed.

My friend has Mercury and the Sun in Leo and is way too dignified for gossip. Think Bree in Desperate Housewives, but perhaps without all the other hang-ups. It isn’t that she thinks she is above it, just that she really doesn’t enjoy it. Mercury in Leo expresses itself with dignity, warmth, generosity and flair & whilst the temper can be legendary, generally rates quite low on the bitch scale.

Another dear friend has the Sun in Leo. She is the most glamorous person I know and, although she now lives far away, is also one of the warmest and most generous friends I have- and I value her for that. The quintessential Leo, she is always impeccably groomed, treats even the most humble Tupperware party as a major social event and is equally at home hosting a barbecue or an art show. The consummate hostess with the mostess.

Leo is a fire sign and is associated with the 5th house of the birthchart. Leo is all about creativity, self expression and the ego. Leo is theatrical, dramatic and all flourishing. Think Madonna, Bill Clinton and Jackie O. At its absolute best, Leo is generous, loyal and charismatic. But at its worst? Think Diva, think tantrums, dogmatic and think manipulative.

Leo is King (or Queen) of all he surveys, and that is how it should be. Ruled by the Sun, Leo has a sense of entitlement, a need to be recognised and an absolute pride in whatever he may do. But underneath this longing for glamour, luxury and recognition is an innate vulnerability. Consider the Lion in Wizard of Oz.

Leo wants to be liked and is terrified of the alternative. From the insecurity comes a show of drama queen proportions, but that is what it is, a show. A Leo with the Sun in the 12th house can be like someone with the light switched out- they often don’t realise that if they show their natural warmth, loyalty and generosity of spirit they will be loved for themselves, not their portable spotlight.

Happy Birthday Leo- this month, it is all about you.

Travel- Its all About Soul

2009-07-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

Getting below the surface in Rotorua (NZ). Pic by me.

We were standing in the shelter of an Indonesian market town from tropical rain waiting for the shuttle bus to take us back to our Resort, so really, I had no choice but to shamelessly eavesdrop on the conversation happening in front of me. It was between a Singaporean lady who had come to the island for a long weekend (SL) and a tourist from a country I won’t name for fear of upsetting all the other wonderful people from that country :)(T). It went something like this:

SL: So, how long did you spend in Singapore?

T: Just 3 days, but that was long enough to see everything.

SL: Did you enjoy it?

T: Well, the 1st day we spent trying to get over the flight and used to this dreadful heat. Then we went for a walk down Orchard Road and I said to my husband and son that really we could be in Los Angeles or Sydney.

(I grinned at this one, as last time I looked, George St was nothing like Orchard Rd... but I digress)

SL: Maybe you should have had a look at Little India, Chinatown or Arab Street- and seen the old Singapore?

T: (shudders) The City Tour took us through Little India and... (another shudder)... we really didn’t like it.

SL: What about the Zoo, did you go to the Zoo? Singapore Zoo is one of the best in the world.

T: No, we have been to so many zoos around the world and our Zoo in XXXXX (nearly gave away the nationality...) is what Singapore’s Zoo was copied from.

(By now SL is desperately waiting for the shuttle bus to turn up).

SL: But you must be happy with the Resort?

T: Well we are now, although have you seen the price of the pizzas? And my husband hasn’t been able to get a rugby score on TV & don’t get me started on the insect bites.

At this point a giggle escaped from me, so I had no choice but to join the conversation...

Jo: But how cool are the Malaysian soap operas? We love the ones without the subtitles & try & make up the words.

T: (gave me a look which roughly translated as “are you for real?”)

Jo: And, you have to admit, the weather is heaps warmer than back home at the moment? And where else can you buy 3 Tiger Beers for $5?

This whole random conversation made me think about what our charts say about us as travellers. Our sun sign will tell us quite a bit, but how you approach travel can be seen by the sign that rules the 9th house in your birthchart. You may be a Taurus Sun, but with a Sagittarius 9th house would be interested in cultures, religions and pushing your limits a little more.
As a Pisces, I am naturally drawn to anything with water and anything where my boundaries can dissolve. But with Scorpio on the cusp of my 9th house, I approach travel from the viewpoint of Scorpio- I like to get below the surface to the soul of wherever I go. Tour groups invade my privacy, and tend to make me feel constrained and a little claustrophobic.

Thankfully my husband is of a similar mindset. With a Scorpio Sun and Sagittarius on the cusp of his 9th house, he also wants to immerse himself in culture. So when we travel, while we might stay in good hotels (my idea of camping is a 3 star hotel) with access to water, but we head off the tourist trail as much as possible, eat locally (usually that is also the cheapest option) & attempt to find out how people really live.

Our daughter (an Aries Sun with Leo on the cusp of her 9th house) likes to travel, but prefers a resort with sun lounges, a pool and plenty of pool games. A common phrase for us when on holidays is “It’s not all about you, Sarah.” Very Leo on the 9th.

So, what does your chart say about you as a traveller? If you know the sign that is on the cusp of your 9th house, that is great- read both the description of your Sun sign and that ruling the 9th. If you know your birth time, hop onto Astro.com and get your own birthchart.
Aries: You want to be first- that goes without saying. If you can’t explore new territory, at least be the 1st of your group to go somewhere new. And if that doesn’t work, pick a resort where you can kick the arses off the other guests in pool volleyball, tennis, drinking games or anything else competitive. Combine the 2 and follow your favourite sporting team or army on tour. Avoid guided tours at all costs.

Taurus: Somewhere nice and conservative, but with good value for money. You love modern cities with great shopping, good food and where you don’t have to do an awful lot. Relaxation is the name of the game, but a visit to an art gallery or a stroll through shops followed by cocktails is exercise enough. Resorts and cruises are great, but don’t go too far off the beaten track- stick with what you know.

Gemini: Don’t even think about retreats... ever... unless there is a group of you going- actually unless there are a few groups going- you need the variety. Contiki tours or a backpacking holiday where you can gather friends (and facebook contacts) from all around the world- and party all night- are right on the money. If it’s Thursday we must be in Rome.

Cancer: You really don’t like to be too far from home, but when you are, you prefer to set up base in a single place and make it as much like your home away from home as possible. Apartments by the beach are great when you can get the groceries in and cook for yourself- eating out too much really can’t be justified when you can whip up a perfectly good meal yourself.

Leo: It goes without saying that you prefer to follow the sun. But don’t even think about a put your own tent up in the African jungle safari. Sun and Glamour are your key words. You love a 5 star resort with cocktails by the pool, a great in house beauty salon and the perfect poolside wardrobe. Perhaps a cruise, the Greek Islands, or both. It is no less than you deserve.

Virgo: Let’s face it, you are going to get travel belly wherever you go... but I did notice when we were in Singapore recently that all the Hawker markets are graded in terms of food quality and cleanliness... no, I am not sure what standard they are measured against or the actual statistics of how many people had to get sick, but my point is, this definitely makes it easier for Virgos to eat cheaply, locally and know where their tummy bug is coming from. The best part of a holiday has to be in the planning and working out where you can get the best value for money. Don’t share with other families- you know you will be the one having to do all the chores. Organised tours are perfect for you- you really don’t like anywhere too relaxing, loud, flashy or wet.

Libra: Anywhere gorgeous where you can shop for designer goodies- just make sure you take someone equally as decorative to carry all your bags; somewhere glamorous where you can lie back with your champagne and be fed chocolates by one admirer while getting a foot massage from another; a resort or cruise where the biggest decision you need to make is which pool lounge you will drape yourself across to best possible advantage. Leave the pool games to Aries, you don’t want to break a nail.

Scorpio: I will say this once only- avoid organised tours- you have absolutely no control and people will be in your face all day. Also avoid anywhere too bright or too loud. Scorpio likes to make his own way and will actively seek out the underbelly of society and the hidden depths and the soul of a place. Being a water sign, scuba diving shipwrecks has to be the most literal translation of this. But whatever you choose, with Scorpio on the 9th, you will be transformed by travel- if you let yourself go.

Sagittarius: Particularly drawn to skiing holidays and (yes, Virgo, I was getting to this part) skiing injuries. Sag likes anywhere where there is something to drink, something to jump off or something to jump into or something to gamble on...Consider a drinking tour of Vegas casinos. Sag is also into spirituality, so has been known to gallop off into the sunset after their latest Guru.

Capricorn: Preferably a trip paid for by someone else, but if that is not possible, book somewhere of good quality, conservative, respectable and great value for money. Plan it well and you won’t have any nasty surprises. Capricorn really does not like to relax as time away from work means someone could be making them no longer indispensable. Take your Blackberry and your laptop so you can still jump in with your vast experience when trouble strikes.

Aquarius: Admit it, you secretly want to be on one of those Moon flights. But this aside, your holiday needs to be different. Whether you are up a tree saving the forest from chainsaws or in deepest South America researching the local people, or doing the Woodstock thing, as long as it is slightly unconventional and involves other people to share ideas with you will have a great time. One on one quality relationship time with your partner? Forget it.

Pisces: Pisces uses travel to escape from whatever version of reality they find themselves in. You don’t like to plan too much, drifting from one place to the next is perfect. As long as your holiday involves water, duty free alcohol and absolutely no responsibilities you are a happy fishy. Having some bossy Tour Guide telling you what time to get up, where to go and what to do when you get there is your idea of organised hell.

Holidays

2009-07-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

I will be on holidays for the next 2 weeks, so will not be posting to this blog until I get back to Australia towards the end of July... so, check back then for Leo updates.

Talk Dirty to Me- Mars in Gemini

2009-07-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

(Pic by Bogalo courtesy www.dreamstime.com)

Mars in Gemini 13/7/09
Shane Warne has his Mars in Sagittarius, which I am sure no one except me really cares about (probably not even him). And why do I care about this? Because, I was absolutely convinced that if anyone had Mars in Gemini it would be Shane Warne- with all that texting that he is so well known for. But he doesn’t have Mars in Gemini which means I need to find another example and I really didn’t want to have to use another episode of Sex And The City. (If I did use SATC, I was going to use the episode where Miranda is having long distance phone sex with a colleague and enjoyed it until she found out he was juggling his phone calls, so to speak- very Mars in Gemini). But I used SATC last week. This week, I thought I would use an Australian Cricketer famous for his contributions to mobile phone use. But that hasn’t worked out either.

Instead, I am going to rely purely on fact, lots of little facts in little bullet points to appeal to a Mars in Gemini brain.

Fact 1: The sign that Mars is in shows how you use your energies and asset yourself.
Fact 2: The sign that Mars is in shows how you assert yourself and fight.
Fact 3: The sign that Mars is in shows what turns you on (or off)
Fact 4: In a woman’s chart the sign that Mars is in tells you what characteristics you like in your partner.
Fact 5: The sign that Mars is in shows how you may try and impress a partner.

Putting it all together, in short sharp bullet points, if you have Mars in Gemini you will:

• Invest your energy on mental activity gathering lots of little facts and socialising in lots of different groups.
• Your energy will be scattered, unfocused and inconstant
• You will talk a lot
• You will talk with your hands
• You will like any activities where you use your hands
• You will argue rather than throw things- especially when bored- in fact, arguing can be a way to pass the time with a particularly tiresome companion
• Your boredom threshold is low- both in the bedroom and out of it
• Speaking of which... think oral (and I know what is going through your mind...) kissing, talking (before, during and after), sexy talk, sexting.
• To Mars in Gemini, the brain is an erogenous zone.
• You will impress your partner with your amazing ability to talk about anything
• You will impress your partner with your quick wit
• If you are a woman with Mars in Gemini, you will be attracted to someone who is spontaneous, keeps you guessing, and is always changing.
• If you have a partner with Mars in Gemini, be prepared for their attention to wander. Also be prepared to mix it up, keep the relationship interesting, keep them guessing... which takes me to Samantha & Smiths’s penchant for role playing- very Mars in Gemini.

So really, I could have just used the phone sex scene from SATC- it would have said it all.

Venus in Gemini- The Good on Paper Relationship

2009-07-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I found myself in the rare position of having absolutely nowhere that I had to be and nothing that I had to do. Sure, there were places and things that I should have been at or should have done, but I decided instead to take a “whatever” attitude and get over the guilt. So, I sat on the lounge all afternoon, got the ironing up to date and watched Absolutely Fabulous & Sex and the City.

You know how some people are convinced that there is an episode of Seinfeld or The Simpsons for every life event? I am like that with Ab Fab & SATC. I have never quite been able to decide whether Carrie in Sex and the City is Gemini or Libra. She is definitely the Air element in the show, and her love of designer clothes certainly points to Libra, but the absolute passion for words and her eclectic taste certainly points to Gemini. Venus in Gemini likes to put together things that don’t match, but somehow work.

Anyway, there is this episode of SATC in Season 4 where Carrie is sleeping with Ray, a jazz musician with whom she is having great sex hoping to turn it into a relationship. Ray is the quintessential Gemini- totally scatty, spontaneous, young and thrilling with a severe Attention Deficit. But Carrie feels the mental connection is missing and she ends the relationship when it becomes obvious that Ray has “stopped playing her and moved onto another instrument”. Walking home from what she calls ADD (Another Dating Disaster) she ponders why they call it mind-blowing sex- perhaps that level of physical connection obliterates the chance of an intellectual one? “Great sex is great, but I still like the song of a melody I can sing to”.

When Venus is in Gemini the mental connection will always be more important than the physical or the emotional or the practical. As Carrie says- “What kind of a relationship could I have with a guy I couldn’t even talk to?”

Venus is where we find pleasure, what we like doing and who we like doing it with. Gemini is an air sign, so is social, mental rather than emotional, and idea based. Gemini is also mutable and needs variety and flexibility. If you have Venus in Gemini, you will like to browse, like to flirt and like to chat... a lot... with lots of different people about lots of different things. Venus likes the idea of a relationship sometimes more than love itself.

The ideal date for someone with Venus in Gemini would be plenty of witty banter, some great conversation, perhaps some bookstore browsing or a party. A romantic dinner in an expensive restaurant with a bottle of fine French champagne and roses will be totally wasted on Venus in Gemini. Unless the variety and the mental stimulation is there, the relationship that looks good on paper won’t last beyond the first couple of dates.

Venus in Gemini also has a not undeserved reputation of being fickle. Beating the boredom is why Venus in Gemini is able to juggle more than one partner quite effectively. The inconstancy is also due to their search for the theoretical ideal relationship. What looks good on paper proves quickly to not be so great in reality. When your idea of a perfect relationship can change quicker than the weather changes in Melbourne, the mind (and the heart) can wander just as quickly.

The trick to Venus in Gemini is to keep things interesting, keep him guessing, keep him curious and keep him texting.

Water on the Brain- Mercury in Cancer

2009-07-02T00:57:00.000-07:00

An installation artist at Floriade in Canberra, Pic by me.

Mercury scuttles sideways into intuitive Cancer tomorrow and I actually have very little I want or feel the need to say about it. In fact, I had real troubles even finding people in my chart database with this placement. I found just one- the sweetest most together teenager I know.

But aside from all of that, Mercury is in Cancer from tomorrow effectively delivering us all with a shot of water on the brain. OK, this placement can be a little moody and possibly even diva-ish in its expression (depending on the Moon), but it is also incredibly intuitive and absorbs information like a sponge.

People with Mercury in Cancer may not tell you very often how they feel, but rest assured, when the birthday card arrives, it will tell you all you need to know- and then some. This is feeling beyond logic, words to treasure and adding warmth to known truths.

Mercury in Cancer can also be subjective, paranoid and mistrusting, and these feelings can sometimes overpower you- particularly at that time of the month. Regrets and “could have dones” can weigh heavily, so it does pay to let your mind work through the fear.

Poetry, history and words from the heart will enthral you, and a good (lockable) journal is a safe way to express your needs and practice all those wonderful crabby putdowns. And if that doesn't work, throw on some good loud emo music and eat chocolate- that will.

Fear, Change and Bosu Balls

2009-07-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

I like things loud and fast. I have amazing memories of driving with someone I shouldn’t have been with through a road tunnel way too fast, with the windows down and the stereo way too loud, singing at the top of my lungs to something really naff and feeling that primal, guttural, raw throb of a V8 engine. What can I say? I have Venus in Aries... The adrenalin rush that I get from speed or a theme show ride hurtling you through space and time just can’t be bottled.

But the other day my Trainer got me to stand on a Bosu Ball. And it scared me. You see, instability terrifies me. Actually, what I am really frightened of is not having control or, even worse, losing control. I trust others more than I trust myself.

On first glance, the Bosu looks harmless enough... an exercise ball which has had the top third cut off & the open end covered in hard black rubber provides a platform for the unsuspecting to stand and attempt to precariously balance. Once on and balanced (ie, not gripping the arms of your trainer for dear life), you can perform gravity defying tasks like... balancing or, for the really advanced, squats. When a gorgeous little gym body falls off a Bosu Ball (no, I have never seen it happen either) people come to help. When someone like me does, people just snigger.

My Trainer’s end goal was have me confront my fears and in doing so strengthen my core- it is these muscles that keep us upright and provide stability on uneven or rocky surfaces. So it is with change. So many of us are frightened by it, but in most cases, confronting that which scares us, gives us more core strength to deal with future challenges- facing the fears and challenging them make us stronger inside.

The Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius) tend to have the biggest fear around change, whereas the Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) are usually the ones to initiate the change cycle. Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) have the least difficulty in changing course. But that isn’t to say that the cardinal and mutable signs don’t fear change- they do. In many cases, it is fear which motivates the cardinals to initiate the change in the first place and fear which convinces the mutables to follow.

Not all change is good- it isn’t. In many circumstances, the fixed signs are right to stand firm against the havoc their cardinal colleagues are proposing and their mutable workmates are colluding in. But in many other cases, as it was with my Bosu Ball, overcoming the fear is necessary to become stronger in your core- although personally, I prefer Bellydancing.

Are You Ready to Jump?

2009-06-29T00:20:00.000-07:00

Photo by Ccaetano, Courtesy www.Dreamstime.com

“There’s only so much you can learn in one place, the more that I wait the more time that I waste” Jump, Madonna

A few years ago, I was introduced to astrology beyond the Sun signs. I was in Melbourne for work and had taken the opportunity of flying down over the weekend to grab some early Spring sunshine and a tarot reading at my fave Melbourne institution Spellbox (www.spellbox.com.au). For the previous 12 months or so I had been feeling particularly restless. There was a real physical ball of electric energy in my chest that just wouldn’t go away. It would wake me up at night with the feeling that something really exciting was brewing, an almost constant feeling of an impending ‘something’, an urge to tread dangerously and take risks.

When I tried describing it to the Reader, her response was “Well, Uranus is moving through your sign…” She went on to explain to me that the ruler of Pisces, Neptune, was in Aquarius & the ruler of Aquarius, Uranus was in Pisces- the result of which would make Aquarians softer and possibly dreamier and Pisceans would become more electric.

At that point I really didn’t understand what she was talking about, but it made me want to learn more about the type of influences that could make someone like me, who had always done what was expected, want to party all night, break free and run away to join the circus, metaphorically speaking. Looking back, I don’t think I had ever felt more uncertain about everything, but nor had I felt more alive that I did during that time & the following 6 months.

With hindsight and the benefit of an ephemeris I can see that Uranus at that time was within a couple of degrees of meeting my ascendant. It had hit a peak a month or so before and was now retrograde. What I really wanted to escape from was myself, or rather, my image or label of self. In doing so, the impact was felt in my home, my relationships and my work patterns.

Uranus is all about making you confront your own individuality. It pokes and it prods until you have no choice but to make the changes that are necessary to become yourself. Uranus is uncomfortable and indiscriminate. The harder and longer you resist its' force, the more painful the transit is. If you have always fitted into the box that others have categorized you in, be prepared for some pain. If you think that you can control your environment, think again- the area of life which Uranus is transiting becomes totally unpredictable.

As with all the outer planets, Uranus is at its strongest and most unpredictable when retrograde. While its’ motion is direct, the impulsive charges and flashes of insight or intuition become almost expected. During the retrograde period, however, you take more of the Uranian energy inwards where it can and will explode unexpectedly and uncontrollably.

Likewise, with all retrograde periods, the “re” prefix is important. In the case of Uranus the term “re-awaken” is the most apt. During the retrograde period, the freedom urge is reawakened. With it comes the urge to rebel and break out or release yourself from wherever you feel confinement (real or imagined) in your life. But, as with all retrograde periods, this is not a good time to make changes, no matter how much the urge bubbles inside you or how exciting the thought is. Dispassionately analyze where the universe is prompting you to make changes, feel it, process it, be aware of it, but try to resist actualizing or externalizing any of these changes until Uranus goes direct.

Where is Uranus in your chart? The cause of the transit can be found where Uranus is natally. The house through which Uranus is transiting is where most of the action is taking place and the house ruled by Aquarius is the area where the transits’ energy will be manifested.

Uranus is currently stationing at 26 Pisces 37’. It begins its’ retrograde on Wednesday 1/7/09. It will turn direct at 22 Pisces 42’ 2/12/09 and will retrace its steps coming out of its’ shadow in March 2010.

Who does this affect?

*Aquarians
*Pisceans- particularly those with planets or chart points between 27 and 22 degrees.
*Anyone with planets or chart points between 27 and 22 degrees Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius
*Anyone with a strong Uranian chart signature eg, if Uranus falls on an angle in your chart natally (1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house); or if Uranus aspects the Sun or Moon closely (especially consider conjunction, square, opposition)

What is Uranus trying to tell you that you need to change? Where do you need to be ready to jump?

The Choice to Have No Choice

2009-06-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

My horoscope yesterday (well part of it...) from the inimitable Jonathon Cainer (www.cainer.com): “Something seems to be out of your control... if you can somehow see it as one which you have no power at all over, you can abdicate some responsibility. You can let whatever is most likely to happen, happen. Then you can say ‘I sincerely wish things were different, but I am powerless.’ Maybe it secretly suits you to feel that this is true. If so, just carry on believing that you have no choice and relax. But do so out of choice, not hopelessness.”

As some of you would already know. I have a lot of Pisces planets in my chart, and I mean A LOT- and they are all in the 1st house. One of the brilliant things about Pisces is that we can float around blindly oblivious to the nets out there waiting to reel us in, but one of our more shadowy sides is that of a self pitying victim. A little harsh? Possibly. Needless to say, I sometimes feel as though I consciously have to fight this attitude every day of my life. (Actually, even saying that makes me sound like I should be feeling sorry for myself).

Fortunately, I also have Saturn in my 1st- and I really do not like him. He makes me take responsibility- sometimes too much responsibility. I also have a tight Sun-Pluto opposition that sometimes helps me convince myself that I can have total control over everything in my part of the ocean. One little piece of reality I still have not learned is that I can only attempt to control my own reaction to what other people say about me, I can’t control what they say, do, think or write.

All this reminded me of a colleague I worked with during the last technical “recession that we had to have”. With Pisces Rising, Cancer Sun, Capricorn Moon and a heap of 6th house planets, Mary (yes, the name is changed) would poke her head out of her office cubicle for long enough to envelope the rest of us in doom and gloom and speculation about the rumoured restructures. Even though no one really appreciated how much she did for the company or how much more than us she knew- if only anyone could be bothered to ask- she was convinced that she would be the first to lose her job. Mary also reminded us (constantly) that she was the only one who really couldn’t afford to lose her job- after all none of us had a family (in those days) so we had no idea what it was like to have to provide for a proper education and a roof over their heads.

One day I stupidly offered Mary some advice. “But it’s hopeless Jo”, she said, “I have no choice to wait and see what they will do with me.”
I assured her that she wasn’t helpless, that there were things that she could do now to control her own reaction should anything happen. She could get her resume up to date and organise current referees so that she would be ready to hit the job market running. She could insure her income against retrenchment or redundancy- this would, with her payout, give her at least 9 months to find a new position if she were to be retrenched, without being any worse off than she is now. She could ensure that her finances were as solid as they could be in the present circumstances.

Mary had an excuse for every suggestion. Finally I snapped, “Mary, if you really want to take control of the situation, why don’t you find another job and resign now?”

Her reaction? “You know something, don’t you...what have they told you?”

Some people truly don’t want a choice, being in control takes away their excuses and that would make the situation hopeless. After all, unless the blame can be directed elsewhere, we have to take responsibility- and that is really scary.

Under the Milky Way

2009-06-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

Get the first edition of my webletter "Under the Milky Way". What is happening in the skies this week? check it out at www.jotracey.com/underthe milkyway.

This week?

Sun in Cancer
New Moon in Cancer
Venus conjunct Mars in Taurus- yummy yummy

Silver Heels and Apple Pies.

2009-06-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

My Nan will be 91 soon. She still wears strappy heel sandals, still wants to dance past midnight, still watches her weight and is a busy “Volunteer”. Nan first discovered volunteering when the Olympics came to Sydney- she was 82 that year & the oldest volunteer by far. She still helps out at all major community events in Sydney, often catching 3 trains and walking long distances to get to the venues. At her 90th last year she arrived in a silver lame jacket, smart black pants and some silver strappy sandals announced “Darlings, I am here, the party can start!”

But what does this have to do with astrology? Nan’s Sun is in Cancer. And, according to most popular literature, she is not a typical Cancer. Apparently typical Cancer’s don’t party hard, don’t wear silver and heels into their 90s and tend not to survive on diets of cigarettes and aspirin powders. Typical Cancers are supposed to be moody (depending on the moon), gloomy and grumpy. Typical Cancers are supposed to be insecure, depressive, fearful, over protective, clinging and paranoid. (I will stop there...) Not as fearless or dramatic as the Fire signs; not as social as the Air signs or as practical as Earth, and not as sorry as Pisces or as dark and sexy as Scorpio; Cancer generally gets a bad rap.

But when I look at my Nan, I see the quintessential Cancer. The Mother who would do whatever it takes to ensure her children were fed, clothed, housed and safe. The Grandmother whose house is stuffed full of photos, trinkets and memories- all surfaces, all spare pieces of wall. The party animal whose day is made complete because everybody in the room is dear to her. This is also the same woman who will go into fight against anybody who dared to criticise any of her family, and the woman who when interviewed on radio earlier this year could not understand why the journalist didn’t want to hear about her “beautiful family”.

Cancer is associated with the archetype of the Mother- and there is no doubt that Cancer has an innate ability to provide compassion, emotional and physical security and nutrition for their family- but this amazing talent to nurture and protect is extended beyond kids and family to whatever is important. Not everyone with a Cancer Sun (or Moon) necessarily wants or has a family- many Cancer Suns are not even close to their family- but they all need something to look after and raise to be the best it can be. The “baby” may be a business venture, a job, a pet, a project or a partner.

It is often the case, however, that Cancer forgets to look after herself. Cancer will provide a meal for others and go hungry if extra guests arrive. Cancer will bake up a storm, even if she is on a diet. Cancer will ensure her children are well clothed, even if it means she has to go without. Cancer nurtures the body and the soul, Cancer does more with less and Cancer will fight tenaciously when her “baby” is threatened. Only after everyone else is cared for and the job is complete, will Cancer consider her own needs.

The Moon rules Cancer. Not only is this responsible for their celebrated moodiness, but it also is why Cancer is one of the most sensitive and emotionally intuitive signs in the zodiac- If my Cancer friends tell me they feel something or someone is not right, I will trust them... implicitly. They feel it. Born from the need to survive, their ability to see below the surface and read between the lines is second only to Scorpio. Underneath the hard and mistrusting outer shell of every Crab is the soft underbelly of Cancer.

Where is Cancer in your chart? This is the area of life you will feel most ready to grow and nurture. It may also be an area that you feel threatened and need to protect. Feed it, clothe it, educate it and send it out into the world in full awareness that when the bad stuff hits, your creation knows it can come back home for a meal and some compassion.

Happy Birthday Nan.

New Website

2009-06-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY have a new website up & ALMOST running. This week I will post to both, but going forward, I will be sending out a newsletter from www.jotracey.com.au. Still trying to work out some technical bits & pieces, but getting there!

Love etc...

2009-06-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

I had 2 hours to think about this week’s blog today. Two hours sitting in the chair at the hairdressers waiting for the colour & foils that covers my greys and satisfies my vanity. Usually I tear out of the salon the minute my hair is washed out, open the sunroof in the car & get on with the day that has been interrupted by having to sit still for 2 hours. I have Venus in Aries. I want what I want when I want it. Venus in Aries wants to look good, but quickly & with a minimum of fuss. Venus in Aries has the tolerance of a flea.

But today I read the magazines. Trashy stuff about people’s lives that I normally couldn’t give a rats about. The latest Hollywood break-ups, make-ups, makeovers, brushes with death & whether some pointless starlet is too skinny or, heaven forbid, fat enough to fit into a US size 6- I really don’t care what they do or who they do it with. Today, I read all about why Jennifer needs to clear the air with Angelina in order to get her love karma back and how Kate Winslet is proud of her “normal womanly curves” after following an “everyday eating plan” where she removed all carbs and now tips the scales at a “very healthy” 52kgs. (Their quotations, not mine...).

Today I also sat in the chair for longer while 2 stylists brandishing their super powered dryers spent a ridiculous amount of time attempting to straighten my hair. Why is that? So I will look vaguely glamorous at the pub tonight? Hardly... Venus is in Taurus, and the effects are all around us- not just in busier than usual hairdressers and beauty salons.As astro pal Kelly Surtees has been pointing out all week on Facebook & Astro Weather (www.kellysurtees.com), Venus in Taurus has even been obvious in the Stock Market where this week we actually saw some rises. But isn’t Venus about love and relationships, I hear you ask? Well, yes and no...

Venus is about what makes you feel good. In this way, it represents pleasure, beauty and art. It also represents the way in which you respond to these things, your values, what you value and the way you approach your relationships.

Taurus as a fixed earth sign values material things. It also likes to accumulate. It is this need for material security that often leads to Taurus being known as the sign most associated with wealth creation. But Taurus is ruled by Venus and also loves beautiful things, luxury and shopping. In the body Taurus rules the neck and throat, so also loves good food and wine.

If you have Venus in Taurus, you may use these things (shopping, food, wine) to feel good about yourself. That in itself is not an issue unless you are prone to over indulging in any of these things... you see, Venus in Taurus can also be a little self indulgent and, dare I say it, sometimes a little difficult to get moving.

So, when Venus is in Taurus we are more inclined to do things that make us feel good and look good. Some of us may put make-up on with the tracksuit when we are working from home; others will go on shopping sprees; share markets may even start to feel temporarily better. And that is because Venus is in rulership in Taurus- not only does she have plenty of motivation to behave well, but she also has the ability to act- what Astrologers call “essential dignity”.

Mars in Taurus? A completely different story...

Caffeine- How do you take yours?

2009-06-11T00:33:00.000-07:00

Some more Astro Humour sent to me by one of the boys in IT who got it from someone who got it from someone else- I can’t claim any credit… except for a little artistic license here & there…

ARIES
First in line, first out the door - a double shot - mainlined- and the Ram is off and running.

TAURUS
The Bull just loves the creamy luxury of Cappuccino- good value with chocolate on top and a yummy bit of something sweet & creamy on the side.

GEMINI
Dare I say it… half/half? Or is that only ever half a cup finished?

CANCER
Mocha is right at home for Cancer, but just skip the coffee & go straight for the hot chocolate- you know you want to.

LEO
Something with a little drama- a perfectly presented macchiato served somewhere you will be guaranteed to be well lit.

VIRGO
That shop down the road never really makes your soy decaf cappuccino the way you like it, so you may as well do it yourself…

LIBRA
Café au Lait with friends on the side- or is that a skim cappuccino? You decide…

SCORPIO
Deep, dark espresso- need I say more?

SAGITTARIUS
An iced caramel latte in the dead of winter seems appropriate for the Zodiac's thrill seeker.

CAPRICORN
Always efficient, Capricorn has found that a shot of espresso in one's coffee gets the job done ... and then some.

AQUARIUS
Organic raspberry tea grown by Fair Trade farmers is a refreshing alternative to coffee -- it transcends the boundaries of modern society...

PISCES
Someday, Chai will replace coffee entirely, and Pisces will be ahead of us all - meanwhile, they can sit back calmly, ready to ride the wave of the future & bide their time until it can reasonably be called "cocktail hour".

Jupiter Retrograde

2009-06-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

The other day I declared on Facebook that Saturn didn’t exist- of course it does, I just didn’t want to have to think about it. But then I also conveniently overlooked the fact that Jupiter was stationing about to go retrograde. (Thanks AstroSparkles for that little reminder). And this year, the retrograde is longer than usual- from 15/6/09 at 27 Aquarius all the way through to mid October and 17 Aquarius.

As a Piscean, delusions and conveniently forgetting things are just part of the landscape, but Jupiter rules my Ascendant so is also my Chart Ruler & should be difficult to overlook. The Ascendant is all about the physical body, so it stands to reason that whatever this ruling planet does will have an impact on the physical body.

Further, Jupiter rules my Piscean Sun. The Sun is your energy and vitality source. Is it a coincidence that over the last few years I have been unwell as Jupiter has slowed to station?

Jupiter is known as the Great Benefic. Often labelled as the “lucky planet”, Jupiter makes things bigger. This isn’t so good if he is transiting across your Ascendant (literally speaking, your physical body often gets bigger...).

When Jupiter turns retrograde, the expansion... stops. Just like that. Good if you are planning a diet (personally, I need to lose 20kgs in the next 5 weeks before I go & lie on a pool lounge and beach somewhere exotic), but not good if you are in the middle of a project. Things that seemed to be sure may just stop. Physical energy may just dry up.

Jupiter also represents integrity and honesty, so the retrograde period is a great time to look objectively and realistically at what you are doing. Are you really investing enough of yourself in what is important? What do you do out of fear or because it is expected of you? How do these actions impinge on your real life goals and where you are meant to be?

Jupiter has a habit of removing those things from your life which you think you need, but actually are doing you no good at all. But with Jupiter, there is no maliciousness- anything you lose now, or anything that stops now is simply not necessary to your growth and will usually be for the best.

So, what to do? Look inward and be honest with yourself. Now is not the time to embark on any activity that requires material expansion- unless it is a new charity or spiritual retreat.

So, who is impacted? Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces (as traditional ruler). If you have your Ascendant, Sun or Moon in these signs, you will be impacted. If you have a number of planets in the 9th house or the 12th you will feel this retrograde. Look also at the houses which Jupiter rules- those houses with either Sagittarius or Pisces on the cusp- this area of your life will feel the Jupiter influence the most. You will also be impacted if you have planets between 27 and 17 degrees of Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio.

Jupiter also rules my Moon (emotional life), Mercury (my communication) & my career. Last year, during the retrograde, I struggled physically with my health and emotionally with things that were happening in my workplace. People I loved and thought I needed moved away. It seemed as if it was just one thing after another. Retrospectively, almost as soon as Jupiter turned back around (in September) things improved. Just like that. Jupiter can’t stay serious for long.

Chocolate and Cuddles- Mars and Venus in Taurus

2009-05-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

Mars and Venus continue their race through the skies, but Venus is in sight of home (Taurus) and Mars is becoming slower as he has burned out much of his energy through Aries.

Venus on the other hand, is heading out of Mars’ territory where, let’s face it, he really did not make her at all comfortable, back to a place where she has the upper hand. Venus is about partnerships and beauty and in Aries is way too busy being a Warrior Princess and keeping up with Mars and his testosterone charges to really take it easy and appreciate life’s little luxuries.

Mars skids into Taurus on Monday where Venus will join him a week later for a tumble in her own comfy bed. As Taurus is about a slower, more focused and practical energy rather than his usual wham bam thankyou maam style he really is not at his best in Taurus. Instead he is forced to slow down and put some structure behind all those half finished projects started in Aries.

If you have Mars in Taurus your energy will be slow to start, but once going, you will be able to go and go and go. This is a physical sign, so sexually speaking, you will have a strong and sensual drive, but it usually is quite controlled. Once started, you always finish the job... so to speak. Mars in Taurus expends energy in accumulating things- preferably nice things & money- you care about getting and keeping these things more than you are prepared to admit. A man with Mars in Taurus will like to show you what he can give you, but may treat you as one of his possessions. Women with Mars in Taurus also have a possessive streak and are very strong willed- once started, very little will stop them... and that can be very attractive.

Venus in Taurus is very sensual. If your Venus is in Taurus, cuddles, comfort, good food, good wine, art & beauty are very important. So is consistency. Venus in Taurus does not get off on one night stands (leave that to some of the more fickle signs). She is much more comfortable with a reliable and committed partner who will occasionally give her a little push, but the rest of the time pour her champagne, feed her chocolates and give her backrubs and cuddles when she is feeling down.

Don't know where your Venus or Mars is natally? Check out your own chart (for free) on www.astro.com or contact me for a chart or a reading.

I Believe the Impossible is Possible to Overcome

2009-05-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

I believe the impossible is possible to overcome
I believe in the miracles born from love in everyone
Believe Again, Delta Goodrem

I was just listening to this song floating out of my daughters’ bedroom and it hit me just how perfect the lyrics are for the Neptune/Jupiter lovefest in the sky at present- it also made a welcome change from Miley Cyrus’ The Climb which seems to have been on repeat lately...

Neptune is currently stationary and about to turn retrograde. Neptune will link back up with Jupiter in July (whilst Jupiter is also retrograde) and then again in December when both are direct again.

But what does this mean? Neptune is the modern ruler of Pisces (which is why the conjunction with Jupiter is such a huge thing- the modern & traditional rulers of Pisces linking up in Aquarius whilst the modern ruler of Aquarius, Uranus, is causing havoc in Pisces). Key words we associate with Neptune are intuitive, deceptive, highly sensitised, escapist and delusional.

During the retrograde period, Neptune becomes more Neptunian. Your intuition will be heightened and you may suddenly get insights into something you have been struggling with. Seeing things clearer, you may no longer be able to deny truths that you have been...well, denying. Sometimes it can be hard to listen to what we need to listen to- and that is where the escapist nature of Neptune may also come into play. During the retrograde period you may be more inclined to run away into whatever is your favourite way of escaping. Not a great idea- you will have to emerge from the self induced alcoholic haze (or is that just me) at some point & see reality for what it is.

Who is affected? Pisces, Pisces, Pisces. Anyone with a Pisces Sun, Moon or Ascendant will become even more essentially Piscean. Also impacted are anyone with lots of planets in the 12th house and especially people with planets at around 26-22 degrees of Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio.

Don't know if that is you? Check out your own chart for free on www.astro.com, or contact me for a chart or even a reading- jotracey@bigpond.net.au.

Mercury Direct and tales from the Rx

2009-05-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

As I have written in the past, Gemini and Virgo Suns are always especially susceptible to all Mercury Rx periods. My boxing trainer (C) is a Gemini with his sun in the 3rd house which rules things like short journeys, communications... in fact most things mercurial. He is also an astrological sceptic- not that there is anything wrong with that- but is slowly starting to take notice of my assorted rambling...

Whilst my motivation may have been to delay the commencement of the next training set (he had threatened to get the Bosu Ball out), I felt that I should warn C about the possible outcomes for the coming few weeks. In specific, I told him to be careful around short journeys, phones, and computers & scheduling of appointments. He, in turn, adjusted the “Jo talking crap filters” and ordered me into the first of a killer push-up set on the dreaded bosu ball.

At last weeks session, C told me about his week:

• Had a car accident on the way to work
• The paperwork from his insurance company got mixed up, so there were problems with rental cars & smash repairers
• His computer crashed & he lost his training database until he was able to restore the hard drive
• His mobile had the carrot (my technical term for all non specific technology problems) & he had sent it away to be replaced & was currently running from his mums old phone
• He had had heaps of cancellations & mixed up appointments

The run of issues continued through this last week, to the extent that at yesterday’s session (in between overseeing the removal of all of my elbow skin on overhead elbow hammers- don’t ask) he uttered those fateful words: “So when does that planet thing start to turn around again?” followed by “Can you tell me when the next one is?”

I resisted the urge to say I told you so... but only because I would have suffered as a result...

Mercury has stopped his backwards motion and is currently stationing ready to go direct again- and anyone who has been impacted can breathe a sigh of relief.

Chocolate Body Paint & Happy Birthday Gemini

2009-05-26T04:05:00.000-07:00

I missed Gemini... how the flip did that happen... aaaah yes.... MercuryRx ... well, I will blame it anyway (actually more likely to be something much more mundane).

What I had drafted was: “The Sun enters chatty Gemini on Thursday. With it comes choice and possibility, a tendency to superficiality and endless opportunities for distraction. This year the energy may be tempered somewhat as Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, is currently in retrograde (see my previous posts).”

OK, that was last Thursday. This was followed up by the Gemini New Moon on the weekend- arguably the most social New Moon of the year.

If your Sun is in Gemini, you will be social, fun, able to talk under wet cement, know lots of stuff about lots of things and lots of people and generally have an attention span that expired about 2 sentences ago.

In lieu of nothing else original to post today, and with all Gemini readers now switched off, here is some more astro humour. This has been posted before & emailed around by heaps of people- most recently Cass on Sasstrology- so with no apologies & a few amendments- the one line each star sign would be most likely to say after a One Night Stand:

Aries: “Bet I can come first” (actually, that would be before?)”... or “now was I the best you ever had, or was I the best you ever had.”
Taurus: “Wow, that chocolate body paint is really good”
Gemini: “You hang up first... no you hang up... OK, if I log off, you hang up...”
Cancer: “Does this mean we are getting married?”
Leo: “I think that mirror needs to be moved about an inch to the left”
Virgo: “After I have a shower, let’s change the sheets”
Libra: “Well, I thought it was good... what did you think?”
Scorpio: “Would you like me to untie you now?”
Sagittarius: “How about bungy sex next time?”
Capricorn: “Give me your business card- we should do lunch”
Aquarius: “Don’t call me”
Pisces: “what did you say your name was again?”

The Lightbulb Moment

2009-05-16T02:13:00.000-07:00

How many (insert your star sign here) does it take to change a lightbulb?

Aries: Just 1- do you want to make something of it? And i bet I can do it faster than you...

Taurus: Are you sure it has blown? I don’t want to waste a perfectly good lightbulb otherwise. Anyway, I prefer natural light and candles.

Gemini- best keep it to 1 or the task will turn into a party and it will never get changed

Cancer- only 1, but a few therapists to help with the grieving process

Leo: Leos do not change their own light bulbs- they get someone else to do it for them.

Virgo: Well of course I have to do it- for the 5th time this year, no one else will think of doing it and how can I get the bathroom cleaned if the light has blown again. If you want something done properly you do it yourself.

Libra: Well, I can do it if you want, but its’ up to you- what do you think?

Scorpio: None- Scorpios aren’t afraid of the dark, but their enemies better be pretty careful...

Sagittarius: the sun is shining, the day is young & you are worried about a light bulb? Its not even dark yet.

Capricorn: It depends- do I have to pay for it?

Aquarius: Let me get my white coat and computer & lets conduct an experiment.

Pisces: What light bulb?

Chocolate and Contemplation- Mercury in Taurus... Again...

2009-05-13T00:50:00.000-07:00

The retrograde period is in full swing and Mercury has sauntered back into earthy Taurus where it will contemplate, review and put more practicality around plans conceptualised during those heady few days Mercury chatted in Gemini.

Communication of all sorts is deliberate, grounded and aware of reality in Taurus. Mercury will stay here until the middle of June.

With the retrograde until the end of the month, review those plans, put some concrete around the goals and look inward. Taurus is very much in touch with the physical body and its’ senses, so listen to yourself and dig deeper into projects that require patience, focus and perseverance.

Contemplation is best done over cake and coffee, so here is a chocolate cake recipe that can be whipped up in no time and savoured- as all things chocolate should be.

This recipe comes courtesy of one of my favourite authors- Kerry Greenwood “Trick or Treat”.

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 cup caster sugar
300ml cream
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 ¾ cups self raising flour
1 cup frozen berries*
1 cup chocolate bits
*use any kind of fruit, mashed banana, extra chocolate- just keep the proportions balanced.

Method
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees (C)

Beat eggs & sugar together until thick, add the cream and vanilla & mix well. Fold in the flour, berries & chocolate bits.

Pour into a greased & lined 20cm tin & cook for 50 minutes (or when a skewer comes out without any cloggy bits on it). Cool in the tin & then either dust with icing sugar or ice with chocolate icing. Retrograding never tasted so good.

A Little Hard Work Never Hurt Anyone... Saturn Direct 17/5/09

2009-05-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

As a very Piscean Pisces, I have what can be termed a difficult relationship with Saturn. Saturn represents all those things I naturally rebel against- commitment, discipline, boundaries, maturity and responsibility. In practical Virgo, Saturn reminds us that sometimes we have to do the hard work and get the details right in order to move forward. As sombre as all of these words sound, Saturn just asks us to invest a little (actually, usually a lot) of hard work in order to make our plans and dreams real- walking the talk, so to speak.

Saturn has been retrograde (moving backwards, or rather appearing to move backwards) through Virgo since the beginning of the year. He is currently slowing down and will start to move direct (that is technical astro speak for forward) again on Sunday 17/5. So, what does this mean?

Essentially, anything that you feel has been “on hold”, “pending”, off the rails or seemingly in limbo, will start to sort out- naturally depending on the effort you have invested in the detail. Projects will head towards the finishing line, results will start to be seen, that announcement you have been waiting for will happen.
Bear in mind that Mercury is still in its’ retrograde motion, so expect some sharpening of commitment and communication after it turns direct 31/5/09.

People with the Sun or Ascendant in Virgo or Pisces will be most impacted by this transit, although Gemini and Sagittarius Suns will not miss out either- roll up your sleeves and put in the effort required.

Don’t know your Rising Sign? If you have an accurate birth time, log in to www.astro.com.

Scorpio Full Moon

2009-05-07T01:57:00.000-07:00

Tell me your thoughts now baby
Tell me what's on your mind
Tell me what's eating you alive
Tell me your darkest secrets
Clear up those stupid lies
Show me what's there behind those eyes

You Will Only Break My Heart, Delta Goodrem

I can’t believe I am quoting Delta (although my 11 year old will be oh so proud), but these lyrics are just perfect for the Scorpio Full Moon.

Scorpio demands truth and honesty and will usually dig deeply to get at it. Only through emotional detoxing and the symbolic opening of the closet door can you fully confront fears and embrace whatever is to come.

The Full Moon is like a high beam exposing secrets and fears. With the Sun in the opposite sign Taurus, control and trust issues also come to the surface. Taurus is about retention and Scorpio elimination. Are you holding onto something that you no longer need? Find it, deal with it, get rid of it, move on.

Look at where 19 Scorpio falls in your chart for more clues.

Don’t know? If you have an accurate birth time, log onto www.astro.com for a free chart.

I will leave you with a phrase from the Baci chocolate I just ate: “Passion dazzles lovers. Love unites them forever”.

Mercury Retrograde 7/5/09

2009-05-03T00:51:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me well will have heard me harping on over the years about Mercury retrogrades. "You're travelling while Mercury is retro'ing? I hope you have your luggage labelled." "You're implementing a software change? Really? Are you sure you have tested it enough?" "You want to sign a contract? Does it absolutely have to be now?"

So, what is all the fuss about? Why is it that during these few weeks 4 times a year your computer is 10x more likely to crash & you are 10 x more likely not to have backed up? And that is not to say that everything goes belly-up- simply not the case. Many projects sail through without a concern... but then they have probably also been planned by a good Project Manager :).

Mercury is the planet that rules communication. So we are talking here about getting messages out & receiving them back- covers a pretty big area. Any technology, travel, appointments, deep & meaningfuls- all communication.

So what does retrograde or Rx mean? It is when Mercury appears to be going backwards. I say appears because it is an optical illusion. From our perspective here on earth, the planet appears to be going backwards.

And this is where the frustrations come in.If appointments are made for during this period they should be checked & re-checked. Any issue that occurs within this period will not be resolved until the Rx period ends. Often it means things need to be re-done (eg Barack Obama’s inauguration which occurred during the last Rx period). If you must go live with a change during this period make sure everything is overly tested. If you absolutely must sign contracts or on a dotted line during a Mercury Rx period, read the fine print (but avoid if possible). Be especially clear with communication during this time as messages get mixed & arguments arise for little or no reason. Carry extra copies of travel documents & changes of clothes & make sure your luggage is labelled (& insured) if travelling during this time.

But, this period is actually good for many activities with the prefix “re”. RElax, REview, REflect. This is a great time for RE-meeting people from the past. It is also a good excuse to slow down & plan future activities.

This stuff is general for everyone, but special care needs to be taken by people on a personal level if:

* If you are a Gemini or Virgo Sun or Rising sign (Mercury rules these signs)
* If you have a strong Mercury, ie Mercury falls on an angle in your chart or if you have a number of planets in Gemini or Virgo
* If the Rx occurs across sensitive points in your chart eg across one of your personal planets (especially Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) or across an angle in your chart ie the Ascendant, 7th house cusp, 4th house cusp or 10th house cusp

The remaining Mercury retrogrades for 2009 are:

•7/5/09- 31/5/09 1 Gemini back to 22 Taurus
•7/9/09- 29/9/09 6 Libra back to 21 Virgo
•27/12/09- 14/1/10 21 Capricorn back to around 5 Capricorn

Mark these dates in your diary….

Quick Thinking- Mercury in Gemini

2009-04-28T01:07:00.000-07:00

Mercury heads home into Gemini by the end of the working week. Mercury is all about communicating- all sorts of communication. In your chart, Mercury shows the way in which you communicate, how easy communication is for you & how you process all sorts of information. If you have Mercury in Gemini, it is a given that you will be able to talk under water! People who have Mercury natally in Gemini are usually quick witted, articulate and the ultimate mental multi taskers.

So it is when Mercury is transiting Gemini. Thoughts fly faster, mental adaptability is absolutely essential and fresh ways of looking at old situations abound.

But Mercury is slowing down and about to head into its' retrograde period from May 7. So what does retrograde or Rx mean, I hear you ask? It is when Mercury appears to be going backwards. I say appears because it is an optical illusion. From our perspective here on earth, the planet appears to be going backwards. More about the retrograde in my next post.

This particular retrograde period lasts until the end of May. Maybe you will have to wait until then to explore and fully appreciate the flashes of brilliance which Mercury in Gemini has to offer... In the meantime, make sure your data is backed up.

Taurus New Moon

2009-04-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

As I write this, the Moon literally is about to join the Sun in an exact conjunction in the early degrees of Taurus- a new Moon. As I wrote earlier in the week, Taurus is about earthy stuff. It is sensual rather than sexual, about sensations more than action and cuddles more than ... well, now I am about to stray into dangerous territory... Anyway, Taurus is also about the physical body, how it is nourished and what it needs.

The ruler of Taurus, Venus, is about relationships, and pleasure and what makes us feel good. Venus has chased Mars into Aries, so at present there is energy available to invest in relationships and body routines. And Taurus likes routine. Whilst the Bull may be slow to get started, once convinced, is absolutely unflinching from its goal.

Which brings me to the New Moon in Taurus. The New Moon is the beginning of a cycle. A great time to start something new. This New Moon is supported by Pluto in solidly ambitious Capricorn, another earth sign. Pluto in supportive aspect can bring absolute determination & tenacity to reach a goal commenced under a New Moon.

So, putting it all together- think about what your body needs and whether your day to day routines are keeping you as healthy as you can be. Taurus rules the throat (and what goes into it!), so now is a great time to look at your diet, your stress levels and how you treat yourself.

Where does this New Moon in Taurus fall in your chart? Me? I figure this is as good a time as any to start (another) diet... perhaps the Pluto influence & willpower might help me to my goal!

Bring it on, baby.

2009-04-22T00:13:00.000-07:00

Is anyone out there feeling tired, de-motivated, lacking energy, taken for granted, exploited, unappreciated?

Aside from a few of us Water people who have felt strangely energised over the last month or so while Mars has been in Pisces, for what seems like the rest of the population, it has been an effort to drag out the motivation to even get out of bed in the mornings, let alone get anything productive or proactive done.

The hardest hit have been Aries people. Anyone with an Aries Sun, Aries Rising, Aries on the Midheaven (or Mars in any of these positions)- you get the drift. As Mars rules Scorpio, the usually hard to rattle Scorpion may also have been feeling strangely off his sting recently- or on holidays, or wishing they were. Even worse, they may have been feeling strangely (gulp) compassionate, or on the side of the Underdog or Downtrodden.

But that will all change tomorrow. As I write this, Mars & Venus have just finished their astral hook-up & Mars is on his way out of Pisces... quickly... He just got wind that the Moon has challenged him to see who can get there first- into Aries, that is, and Mars is never one to shy away from an opportunity to win.

So, from tomorrow, Mars will be back in the sign of his ruler-ship, Aries, where he can puff his chest back out, boast to his mates down at the pub about the brownie points he earned being compassionate & in touch with his feminine side for the last month & head off in pursuit of the next big goal- and the rest of the world can get back to normal.

Take the time to smell the flowers- Autumn and Taurus

2009-04-20T01:46:00.000-07:00

How on earth in the current Global Financial Crisis (GFC) did I happen to overlook that the Sun had moved into Taurus? All the pointers were there... the garden needs to be “put to bed” for the winter, the papers are full of money talk, I spent all weekend cooking & I need a massage. So how did it just manage to slip on by? Maybe I have been so excited by all the action happening in Pisces, Uranus & Mars last week & this week the big hook up, Venus & Mars with the Moon in the last degrees of Pisces. So much more potential excitement out there than thinking about money and practicality and goals and storing up for the winter. I can understand the excitement in the Northern Hemisphere as Taurus is a sort of waking up to smell the flowers, a release from Winter. But here, the nights are getting cooler, the earth is getting damper & the morning cardy has made a re-appearance.

Having said that, I love Autumn, I love the leaves, I love the colours, I love kicking them & hearing them crunch under my feet. In Australia, I especially love Canberra, Melbourne and those wonderful country towns in Southern NSW and Victoria where the mornings are crisp and the colours are amazing.

So Taurus isn’t just about practicality and resources and security and getting the job done. Taurus is a Venus ruled sign, so loves art, beauty and the good things in life. It is about slowing down, taking the time to appreciate the beauty around us, enjoying the colours and the textures of the natural world. You can’t avoid the gloom and doom of the financial reports- believe me I have tried, but you can get out for a walk at lunchtime, get back in touch with your body- nourish it properly, slow the pace, book that massage... you know you want to.

Red Bras and Footballers- Venus in Aries

2009-04-16T01:36:00.000-07:00

After spending rather longer than usual in dream-land aka Pisces (and after all, why wouldn’t you?), Venus is strapping on her cowboy boots, grabbing her red bra and her “don’t mess with me” attitude and sauntering back into Aries in time for an Anzac Day BBQ. Mars is chasing her down & joins her in the last degree of Pisces for a brief, but ever so romantic roll in the proverbial heavens before he barges off to get into Aries first- no doubt with a promise to call. More of that next post.

Venus doesn’t particularly like being in Aries. She is all about the things that make us feel good and Aries is just so... obvious & direct. She is the ruler of Taurus and Libra, so is much more at home draped nonchalantly across a chaise longue sipping champagne, receiving a manicure (with her free hand, of course) and being fed chocolates by a rather gorgeously buffed footballer... ooops, that is my fantasy again... which brings me to the point of why Venus is exalted or exaggerated, if you like, in Pisces where she can be super sensitive, indulge in total romantic fantasy and just a tad non discriminating.

Aries, on the other hand is ruled by Mars, the God of War. Venus in Aries has to dust off the romance and becomes pure huntress. Libra may be “we”, Aries is “me”... and “me first”. Venus in Aries is just a bit more work and can be a lot more selfish in what she wants and when she wants it- and that is absolutely OK.

The sign in which Venus is in shows what you like, what makes you feel good, and what your attitude to relationships is. If you have Venus in Aries you love quickly, impulsively, competitively & independently- & are usually prepared to go after & fight for whatever or whoever it is you desire.

Venus in a man’s chart also shows the type of woman he is attracted to. So, a man with Venus in Aries is most likely going to be attracted to a woman with these qualities- someone who is a little impulsive, perhaps headstrong and absolutely independently minded.

If you don’t know what sign your Venus is, check it out on www.astro.com. If you know your birth time, even better.

Shake it Up, Baby

2009-04-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

The biggie this week is when action planet Mars meets impulsive, rebellious, “just for the sheer hell of it” Uranus in Pisces. With this aspect, anything and everything is possible. Uranus is pure independence, so with the energy of Mars, be prepared for the unexpected. Do you have any personal goals or projects that you need to get off the ground? Don’t be afraid to be yourself & assert your individuality- there are no boundaries and resistance is futile.

With the Moon joining forces with Pluto (also midweek) emotional experiences will be pretty intense. Any frustration or obsession or anger or joy or whatever will be magnified a trillion times, so just try and keep some perspective happening and repeat to yourself... it is just a transit, it will pass, it is just a transit, it will pass... On the other hand, if the mood just can’t be restrained? Go for it, guilt free & blame Mars & Uranus if it turns out badly- they are used to it 

Venus is currently languishing in the sign of her exaltation in Pisces finishing off a few Easter chocolates before she takes a deep breath, exudes one last meaningful sign and turns back direct on Thursday. By the weekend she will have rollicked back on in to Aries.

Breaking Points

2009-04-10T00:59:00.000-07:00

A week ago I was sitting in a hotel room in Melbourne waiting for my luggage to catch up with me. It had been one of those days in one of those weeks. While I was waiting, I read an article about a movie called Good starring the gorgeously yummy Viggo Mortensen that explores the concept of the small, totally understandable, totally justifiable & seemingly harmless compromises and choices that we make on the road to a Point of No Return. A Breaking Point.

It got me thinking about my own week and disappointments & about how we all experience and deal with these events. Surely, at some point, we all have a breaking point at work and wondered how on earth we got there? You know the sort- when you just want to yell and scream & cry & throw things or leave it all behind.

The nature of this event (& how it is dealt with) will be different for each of us, but, your sun sign and its’ element shows what you need in order to stay motivated. But, also have a look at the sign on the cusp of your 10th house. If you don’t know this, but have an accurate birth time check out www.astro.com. The sign on the 10th house gives you more information about what you need from your job and from your boss, so it is worth considering.

The real trick is recognising when compromises are being made and just when enough is enough. If you find yourself yelling into a telephone beside a railway track or kicking the life out of the wall in the fire escape (or is that just me?)I would suggest you could be close! In the current economic crisis (GFC for short), we may find ourselves accepting more of what damages us simply because we can't afford not to. But are we selling out, putting up, or simply running scared- or all of the above? Or do we just need to learn to make the best out of what may be a bad situation? That, I can't answer.

How does this all go teogether? I am a Pisces with Sagittarius on the cusp of the 10th. My heart and head need to be nourished by dreams and not restrained or trapped by the boundaries of too much bureaucracy or interference. But as a Piscean, I also am able to merge into whatever anyone else wants me to be or whatever my environment needs me to be. And, I need to be needed. My breaking point comes when my dreams or visions are shattered or if I feel trapped by someone or something. With Sagittarius on the cusp of my career house (the 10th) I need to believe and absolutely require the people I deal with to be honest. Betrayal or going back on a promise, regardless of the so called business justification around that will disengage me immediately.

What about you?

Fire Signs
Aries needs a fire to fight (or to start) and something to hunt down. Remove his goals and you also remove his purpose.
Leo needs to be noticed & publicly recognised. Ignore him, overlook him or forget to include him and you will have one very unmotivated Lion.
Sagittarius hates spin. Don't breach his trust or break a promise. That simple.

Air Signs
Gemini
Work is a social event. Declining staff numbers mean fewer opportunities to chat, gossip and exchange ideas... and more time to create rumours.
Libra
Libra loves a peaceful conflict free office- preferably beautifully designed. Bring in the “sardine” syndrome, “hot desks” & throw in some discrimination & conflict & Libra will be out of there.
Aquarius
Antiquated manual practices and workarounds, poor technology & interference by management & no future vision? Why bother?

Earth Signs
Taurus
No job description? No set objectives? No job security? No payrise? Enough said.
Virgo
Chaos, general disorganisation, no proper process & cowboy bosses will have Virgo looking for somewhere else not to be appreciated.
Capricorn
Why fix what isn't broken? History has proven that experience will conquer all. You want to bring in new blood & give them more respect? What about all those hours I have put in?

Water Signs
Cancer is motivated by protection & fear & will scuttle away in their shell if their "family" or "home" is threatened. "Hot desks" are a nightmare? Where will the pics of the kids go?
Scorpio is hard to break. Real hard. Betrayal will do it everytime. But watch your back for the next few decades afterward!
Pisces needs to dream & needs to feel. No emotional connection & virtual handcuffs will bring things to a watery end.

Full Moon in Libra & the Ultimate Brownie

2009-04-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today’s Full Moon is in Libra. Astrologically speaking, with the Sun burning away in “me first” Aries, this Full Moon casts a spotlight on the whole balancing act between “I” and “we”. On a deeper level, this full moon also shows us that our understanding, connection and relationship with ourselves will be reflected in our relationships with others.

This Full Moon coincides with the pleasure planet Venus about to cross back into dreamy, “what was your name again?” Pisces. So if all of this togetherness and relationship introspection is getting you down, go for sheer Venusian pleasure with a slice or two of this brilliant Brownie…

The Ultimate Brownie

Ingredients
190g unsalted butter
190g best quality dark chocolate (I use a 200g box of chopped dark couveture chocolate- this allows some for nibbling/ quality control as it goes into the pan & also for the inevitable “wastage” post melt)
3 eggs
175g caster sugar
½ tbsp vanilla extract
115g plain flour
½ teaspoon salt
125 g milk chocolate buttons or milk chocolate chopped- this looks great with white chocolate as well
Icing sugar for dusting.

Method
Preheat the oven 180C. Line & grease sides and base of a 33 x 23 x 5.5 cm tin with foil or baking paper.
Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a large heavy-based pan over a low heat. Let it cool down a little (if you don't, it may scramble the egg mix when added).
In a bowl or large measuring jug, beat the eggs together with the caster sugar and vanilla extract. Combine with the cooled chocolate mixture and beat well.
Fold in the flour and salt and stir in the chocolate buttons.
Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared tin and bake for approx 25 mins. The Brownies will be cooked when the top goes this gorgeous speckly brown. This is a fudgy brownie, so take care not to overcook.

Serve with dusted icing sugar & maybe some raspberries or crème fraiche.

Your Boss by the Stars- Part 2

2009-03-23T02:04:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention in Part 1, if by chance you happen to know your bosses' birthtime (I know, highly unlikely), also read the sign on his midheaven. Usuallythis is 10 signs around from his rising sign, but a quick look at www.astro.com will tell you for sure. It gives a whole new perspective- your dreamy Piscean boss with Aries rising and a Capricorn Midheaven may be hiding an ambitious and very structured core, whereas your private Scorpio boss with Leo Rising and Taurus Midheaven may be triply change resistant, be even more sure of his "rightness" and amazingly good with money.

This is why sometimes, your experience may be slightly different to the basics on this page. Hey, I call 'em as I see 'em.

Libra Boss
This Boss is all about justice and balance. She will work hard, but she will also need downtime to languish. Libra looks great, dresses for the situation and is charming. Libra can be ambitious, but understands that she is at her best with a team or at least some loyal supporters. Libra will fight only when fair-play is at stake. The rest of the time she has an uncanny knack to get others to do her dirty work- not that they mind... really.

The bossy side is often hidden behind a skilled communicator. Libra dislikes messy emotions and may be accused of being indecisive, but essentially, anything to promote harmony in the workplace.

Scorpio Boss
The most fixed and deeply emotional of the water signs, Scorpio exudes a veneer of absolute control and can usually maintain this in the face of absolute chaos. Scorpio Boss can be loyal and protective but when crossed will remember the grievance for as long as necessary.

This Manager has the potential to engage employees by tuning in emotionally and generally runs an office based on honesty and integrity. But he does expect high performance and does not come to work to win popularity contests. Scorpio makes decisions based on data & measures risks carefully, but does find it difficult to admit mistakes (not that he is ever wrong) or change course.

Sagittarius Boss
This guy is the ultimate risk taker, and not really a natural leader. More interested in having fun, exploring the “big picture” or teaching and motivating, Sagittarius really has little interest or tolerance in hands on management.

Honest to a fault, this Boss will talk before thinking, not realising that others may find his honesty a little tactless. But Sagittarius will encourage change, creativity, growth and optimism and will generally be there if you need him. Just don’t expect to find him at his desk in a partition doing a single set of tasks- he will need to have many fires to fight at once and preferably a reliable earthy person at his side dealing with the smaller details.

Capricorn Boss
This boss is result focused and competitive, but in a more practical way than fiery Aries. A naturally strong Manager, earthy Capricorn understands that hard work is the only way to achieve results, recognition, dollars and security. Capricorn is most at home in a structured corporate environment where everyone has a clear place in the pecking order.

From the “if it ain’t broke, don’t change it” school, suggested change is generally met with scepticism and suspicion. As Capricorn finds comfort in history and experience, she may try and “neutralise” any perceived threat to her leadership by more ambitious and change suggestive employees.

Aquarius Boss
Aquarius Boss thrives in a team, preferably working on something new, inventive or for the greater good. Technology will be enterprise level and outcomes will be for the “greater good”. Employees will generally enjoy a flexible, slightly alternative workplace, have buy-in to goals and experience fair and equal benefits.

Aquarius does expect hard work towards a common goal and uses structure to do so. At her best she is a revolutionary genius, at her worst, a loose cannon.

Like all air signs, there is no room for messy emotional stuff- personal problems are so much smaller than the big picture. Make sure your conversation is interesting, ideas well thought through and you won’t have any political issues with this boss.

Pisces Boss
Pisces is more suited to creative or directorial roles than leadership. This boss has ideals and dreams and corporate structures interfere with those. If she finds herself in a leadership or operational position, she will sit behind that desk depressed & trapped. But she will be sensitive to every mood in the office and may sacrifice herself for those of her employees- if she feels they need her.

Pisces can’t say “no”, dislikes making decisions and resents being taken advantage of. She will value earthy and practical employees who can turn her fantastical visions into something more workable.

Pisces Boss is a chameleon and can be everything to everybody... but she can also be a master manipulator.

Your Boss by the Stars Part 1

2009-03-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

Bosses, we love them, we hate them... but for the vast majority of us, earning money generally means that we come into contact with a “superior” at some point- and I use the term loosely. There is a great deal of difference between a “Manager” and a “Leader”. Your attitude to management of staff can be indicated by your Sun sign. More importantly, getting to know the Sun sign of your Boss can be a great help in the workplace.

If you know your Rising sign (or that of your Boss), read that description as well, as you are often influenced by both your Sun & Rising Sign.
At risk of stressing the fine print- Boss men/women past, present & future- don’t look too hard for yourselves in here- you could be disappointed...

Aries Boss
Never happier than when he is fighting fires, if there are none to extinguish, this boss is likely to create some- just because he can.

A natural leader, Aries likes to run his own show, & isn’t afraid to make difficult decisions. He is goal orientated and has so much energy that he frustrates those around him from what can sometimes be movement for its own sake. Aries loves to start new projects, but simply doesn’t have the patience to deal with the details of the effort.

Aries is the original Warrior, so this is the guy you want on your side in a fight. He has the ability to blinker himself from the real feelings of those below him- particularly if they have the potential to stop him from achieving his objective.

Taurus Boss
Taurus Boss may be accused of being a little stubborn, even conservative, but, unlike Aries, once committed to a course of action, this Manager will see it through to the end. Trust this sign with your money & your real estate. Taurus likes routine, structure and will not act without examining all possible repercussions. Any decisions made by this sign will have been carefully considered before they are communicated.

A natural workaholic, Taurus Boss does not like to be interrupted, disturbed, or removed from the agreed schedule. Taurus will lead with integrity, determination and loyalty and will expect the same from her employees.

Gemini Boss
With a Gemini boss the office will be a hive of social activity, gossip and busyness- never again will there be stony silences at performance review sessions. This Manager personifies multi-tasking, but can be endlessly distracting and possibly destructive to output if confined to a cubicle and a single goal.

A great communicator with a brilliant brain, Gemini is also a master manipulator and thrives in company politics. Gemini Boss is best in situations requiring plenty of mental gymnastics and thrives on chaos & disarray. Gemini really doesn’t like micro management, so will generally detach sufficiently to let you get into problems, before coming in to get you out of it with some genius idea.

Cancer Boss
Cancer works to earn money for the family. Uninterested in frivolity or politics in the office, Cancer is no nonsense when it comes to work and expects those around them to work equally as hard. Like all water signs, Cancer is quite private. The office generally has a comfortable home-y feel and is a refuge when they are feeling particularly “crabby” or threatened.

Cancer believes that a company is built on the engagement of its people and builds her team with firm family foundations, protecting and nurturing her “work family” in the same way that she protects & nurtures her real family- always remembering their own family always comes first. Any company that makes the mistake of not realising this will lose a great people manager.

Leo Boss
This charismatic boss works hard, plays hard, loves to be noticed and dislikes being upstaged. Generally warm, generous and proud, this Manager can also be a control freak and can tend to micro-manage staff- mainly because he does not like to be seen to fail. A motivated Leo boss has an infectious focus.

Often having larger than life ambitions, they have the ability to complete a task through sheer willpower. But if not excited, they can tend to boredom, laziness and interference for the sake of it.

Leo loves the spotlight of a high profile role or project, is not afraid to take risks, and often will manage to be surrounded with loyal followers who treat him as a role model.

Virgo Boss
Virgo truly believes that she can achieve perfection- if she works hard enough. And she does take on an amazing amount of work. As a Manager, she is often way too hard on herself and those around her. Virgo has a tendency to obsess over details, and will dwell on the smallest imperfections. But Virgo doesn’t see it as criticism- just helpful advice because she knows you can do better. This nagging tendency can tend to demoralise valuable employees who need positive reinforcement and often hides her fears regarding perceived inadequacies.

The record keeper of the zodiac, the Virgo Boss is a font of knowledge and detail regarding company facts, data and process.

Losing it- Weight Loss by the Stars

2009-03-05T01:47:00.000-08:00

Low carb, low fat, counting points, counting calories, detox diets. Cycle classes, Step classes, weights, pilates, yoga, Boot Camp, Thigh blaster, abdomino-blaster. So many diets, so many exercises... yet we are still getting fatter. Logically we know that in order to lose weight, we should eat and exercise smarter. But, in the immortal words of Edina Monsoon from Absolutely Fabulous: “Surely if it was that easy, sweetie, everyone would be doing it!”

But, weight loss is, except for in specific health related circumstances, about calories in versus calories out. So, if it really is that easy, what is it that helps one person stick to a regimented eating plan and exercise regime and achieve results?

The answer could literally be in the stars. Your Sun sign influences your health and fitness habits- even the types of foods that are great for you. If you know your Rising sign, read that description as well, as you are often influenced by both your Sun & Rising Sign. If you have lots of planets in another sign, these will influence as well… but you probably need an Astrologer to tell you that.

Aries
Biggest Loser Rating ****
You like to lead and you like to win. Public weigh-ins are good, so others can see just how much better you have done. You are first out of the blocks, but not the worlds’ greatest finisher… Aries is the original crash & burn dieter.
Exercise wise? Keep it goal orientated and competitive- 2nd place is not an option. Boxing, Combat, Attack classes are great. Aries is the warrior, so consider Boot Camp as well.

Taurus
Biggest Loser Rating *
Unfortunately Taurus is about storage. You loooooooove food & wine & really don’t enjoy exercise. So, the key is to do something that doesn’t feel like exercise. Try not to be seduced by meal replacement, shakes and other quick fix diets- slow, steady and sustained loss is best for you –it takes you a little while to make the change, but once in a structured routine you have the potential to finish the job.

Gemini
Biggest Loser Rating ***
As you speak with your hands and fidget constantly, that is almost a workout in itself. You flit from social thing to social thing. Don’t even think about one-on-one training- unless you want your trainer to go deaf. Aerobics & group classes are great for you- socialising and exercising- the ultimate in multi tasking.
The grapefruit diet? Meal replacements? With your boredom threshold… forget it! The perfect diet would allow you to eat out, have lots of little meals and lots of substitutions.

Cancer
Biggest Loser Rating **
Step away from the chocolate. Unfortunately, you are the sign most prone to emotional eating. Running around after kids is a natural exercise and as a water sign, you have an affinity with water sports of all types. Cancer rules the belly and the boobs, so why not give Bellydancing a try?
Instead of baking muffins, go for a walk. That time of the month? Rather than going straight for the chocolate and hot water bottle, try some pilates. Follow with a warm smelly bath & you haven’t been anywhere near the biscuit barrel.

Leo
Biggest Loser Rating ***
Lions don’t particularly like hard work. But, like all fire signs, you need activity and are more conscious of looking good than most other signs. This is usually motivation enough to get into lycra.
Personal trainers are good for the Lion- especially cute ones. Make sure the gym is well lit, has plenty of mirrors and cheerful, social surroundings. As a fixed sign, you can keep up the burn. So, deck yourself out in some designer gym gear & get going- your hair looks great.

Virgo
Biggest Loser Rating ****
Virgos like lists and counting things. You can follow a diet to the letter and even report progress graphically. You do well on food combining and restrictive diets that other signs would not last a day on (looking at you, Pisces).
Virgo knows that sacrifices need to be made for health- and exercising is one of them. A house with lots of windows, mirrors & white tiles can be the best workout of all and no one else is going to keep this place clean or get that weeding done.

Libra
Biggest Loser Rating **
Face it, you don’t really want to go to Spin class… you would much prefer to recline ever so gracefully on a daybed, drinking champagne & being fed chocolates by some gorgeously well cut young footballer with a tribal tattoo around his guns (actually, the last bit is my fantasy).
You don’t like to sweat, you don’t like conflict and competition is really not your thing either. But you are social and very charming & love to look good. So, think about those activities where you can see friends, show good form and have a chat and a coffee afterwards!

Scorpio
Biggest Loser Rating ***
Like Aries, the other Mars ruled sign, Scorpio likes to win. Unlike Aries, you don’t need a quick victory - but you will always remember a loss, and exactly who is to blame for it.
Sex is, of course, the ultimate contact sport, but you are also great at endurance activities and anything you have a chance to win at.
As a fixed sign, so you will stick to a routine- but only if it your idea. Scorpio does not respond to nagging, suggestion or influence. Elimination diets and managed fasting are good for Scorpio and show just how controlled you really can be.

Sagittarius
Biggest Loser Rating ***
Sagittarius plays hard and parties equally as hard. Skiing has to be the number 1 Sagittarius sport (next to motor racing, flying, stunt doubling, horse riding & jumping off things- you are, after all, indestructible). Rock climbing is good, cycling is brilliant and running is terrific too. Think legs & thighs. If you find yourself confined to a gym, get yourself to an Attack class... and fast!
Don’t try to eliminate an essential food group (like alcohol) from your diet and never ever try fasting- it just leads to bingeing.

Capricorn
Biggest Loser Rating ****
Capricorn plans towards a practical goal and will execute it prudently with a minimum of fuss or fanfare. You can follow a structured diet plan, often forgoing many temptations that lesser signs would cave at (looking at you Pisces & Sagittarius!).
Capricorn understands the concept of results coming from hard work. Anything easily won is not valued. Capricorn likes structure, discipline and routine to be applied to their training. You are an ideal candidate for personal training. Be careful if engaging in high impact activities as you may be prone to knee issues. Walking, swimming and cycling are great as the joints are supported.

Aquarius
Biggest Loser Rating ***
Aquarius rarely takes advice so does not do well on prescribed diets. You will walk for charity, climb trees to protest against woodchoppers, and fight for causes- all the while proclaiming that what you are doing can’t be classed as exercise.
Aquarius is naturally quite strong and vital. Often incidental exercise is sufficient to keep you looking great. As an air sign, you are not usually prone to emotional eating and can’t really understand anyone who is.
Forget the institutional nature of a gym-unless you can do things your own way, you just aren’t interested. Aquarius is prone to lower leg, calf & ankle problems, so be careful of high impact activities.

Pisces
Biggest Loser Rating * (& that is on a good day!)
Pisces is the junk collector of the zodiac- in more ways than one. Pisces has difficulty with boundaries & can’t say “no”. As with all the water signs, emotional eating (and drinking) is an issue and Pisces frequently escapes reality through bingeing. Don’t open a bottle of wine thinking you will have 1 glass. Cook only what needs to be consumed at that meal and make a deal with yourself to only have wine with meals or after 6pm or on days ending in a “y”.
The world is universal, so forget team competition. Distance swimming, running and yoga allows you to escape and gives plenty of time to dream. Look after those feet and invest in good running shoes.