Heavenly Messages by Melissa - 2/14

Three Wooden Horses by James Doran-Webb

February 1, 2014 Dear Friends, Have you ever thought much about February? Why is it the shortest month of the year? Why does leap year’s day get posted to it? And in the shortest and nasty-cold month of the year comes Valentine’s Day celebrating sweethearts and love. And of course there’s the Super Bowl and the even stranger rite of Ground Hogs day. Let’s face it, its an odd month. February is unique and original just like Aquarius where the Sun always travels on 2/1. Aquarius is a highly intelligent, inventive, cutting edge, electric air sign ruled by Uranus planet of change and revolution. Aquarius is the sign most closely associate with astrology (the original 10,00 foot perspective) and is the iconoclast railing against the system who easily rises to a   broader perspective and convince the rest of us with Crystal Blue Persuasion to see through any mirage. Their motto is “Freedom, Liberty, Equality for All!” and throughout time Aquarians have been the gadflies and provocateurs who continue to point out where their society, their government, even their own family can do better – can live up to a greater potential. If you are born with Sun in Aquarius you are learning to rise above your own personal constellation and embrace a larger more objective understanding of reality. You are leaving the hum-drum comfort zone of the small minded and beginning to think in cutting edge ways. Above all you are here to express your own unique self! Here are a few quotes by some famous Sun in Aquarius natives to get a sense of these values: Better the occasional faults of a government that lives in a spirit of charity than the consistent omissions of a government frozen in the ice of its own indifference. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt To be ourselves causes us to be exiled by many others, and yet to comply with what others want causes us to be exiled from ourselves. ~ Clarissa Pinkola Estes Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live!     ~ Bob Marley You’ll see these Aquarius themes in this month’s issue with many examples of astrology’s “as above, so below” which highlight government and corporate indifference or downright stupidity. Another big theme for February 2014 is how to bring life back into balance, which must begin at the personal level before larger structures have any hope of change. Read about it all below. I hope your own life is in a lovely balance and harmony and if not, that you will be able to reach a higher perspective from which you can easily see how balance can be achieved. And in this Valentine’s month I wish you all the love you need to fill your heart to overflowing! Best, Melissa Heavenly Messages for February 2014 Your handy Astro Facts: The Full Moon (26° Leo) is on 2/14 at 6:53p.The New Moon (10° Pisces) is on 2/28 at 11:59p Pacific Time – the last possible moment in February! In all earlier times zones the New Moon is on 3/1). Mercury goes retrograde (at 3° Pisces) on 2/6 at 4:43p and turns direct on 2/28 at 9:00a. The Sun enters Pisces on 2/18 at 1:00p All times are ET unless otherwise noted. Read February’s Individual Messages HERE. True to the unusual wavelength of Aquarius, February’s astro energy is different from the norm too. For one thing, unless you live in far western time zones, there is no New Moon this month, kinda weird. And as the month dawns the Sun glimmers alone in Aquarius, while in other years Mercury, Venus and Mars often join in. This year on February 1st Mercury is gurgling in watery Pisces, moving slower than usual in prep for going retrograde on 2/6. Venus after her own retro phase now moves direct in Capricorn and won’t reach Aquarius until 3/5, while Mars is 5 signs away in Libra also moving slowly getting ready for his own retro motion in March. The Aquarius theme song, Crystal Blue Persuasion, won’t have much harmony this year. If you don’t know the song listen to this and you’ll understand why it fits Aquarius so well: Crystal Blue Persuasion On 2/6 beginning at 4:43p ET Messenger Mercury does the first retrograde of the year stationed at 3° Pisces, then reenters Aquarius on 2/13 backs up to 18° Aquarius and goes direct on 2/28 at 9:00a ET.  Mercury retro has trickster energy around communication, so it’s wise to watch what you say out loud in both voice and text. As always the basic rule is to check, check and double check everything!  Read more about general Mercury Retrograde trends here in my MERCURY RETRO article, and here is an article I liked by Darkstar Astrology. Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo so these two signs know more about how to handle Merc retro phases better than anyone. Of course this is because you’ve had to learn, like it or not! Since Mercury reverses in Pisces and backs into Aquarius again, both these signs need to pay more attention too.  See your individual sign messages for more personal insight. Astrologers have been talking about large Mercury retro windows lately, meaning retrograde effects are felt sooner than the actual retro date. (I have my own opinions on this which involves  astro calendars needing to have major adjustments, but that’s a story for another time.) Mercury retro is well known for traffic snarls and that retro window was certainly WIDE open in Atlanta last week on 1/28 when the city ground to a halt due to a snow and ice storm. I grew up in Atlanta so the city is dear to my heart. Though this storm loomed, officials canceled nothing in the area – not schools, government offices or roadways, even though there was plenty of warning about the weather in advance. Stranded workers slept in the aisles of stores, thousands of school students and their parents were affected, in fact the very grade school I attended, E. Rivers Elementary School, had students stuck there overnight. Classic Mercury retro mayhem! Here are some interesting articles on the debacle Students Finally Get Home and an analysis on underlying structural causes which lead to these kind of problems in the first place The Day We Lost Atlanta It’s also interesting to note the 2104 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia takes place from 2/7 through 2/23 entirely during Mercury retrograde! The retro window has already opened for this major sports event too, with the dark shadow of terror threats hanging over the Olympics causing many to cancel plans to attend. Another retro effect is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s anti-gay rhetoric and recently introduced anti-gay laws forbidding “gay Propaganda” at the Olympics. The eyes of the whole world are witnessing this backward thinking more reminiscent of earlier centuries than the 21st. If you haven’t been following this story read Olympians urge Russia to reconsider to get caught up. When Mercury does a backstroke in the mystical waters of Pisces it can create even more unusual trends. Especially this go-round when Neptune, Chiron and asteroid Pallas/Athena also travel in Pisces. Time stretches and shrinks, those retro spacey feelings last longer, it’s much easier to get  distracted and wander away in your mind or on the highway! When Mercury retros in Pisces you want to tap the plus side of this pattern, which is greater ability to go deeper and discover currents not noticed before, which can carry you to magical shores of creativity, spirituality and love! On 2/13 Mercury slides backs into mental Aquarius again, tapping another energy entirely. Mercury retro in electric air sign Aquarius can zap your own nervous system and larger systems like mass transit, Interstate highways, etc. Mercury was in Aquarius on the day of the Atlanta storm – enough said! This retro pattern takes a toll on brains and bodies – it’s important to have extra rest and downtime so your nervous system can release pent up static. In other astro news Mighty Jupiter is still doing a backstroke in watery Cancer, and Saturn, lord of the material realm, remains stationed in the powerful water sign of Scorpio, while Neptune and Chiron continue their swim in the mystical waters of Pisces. We may have just left the year of the Water Snake, but that snake still has plenty of water in which to swim! In the as above so below category, water issues are making dramatic headlines currently.  Consider the recent case of Charleston, West Virginia where less than a month ago (on 1/9) a toxic chemical called MCHM used in the coal industry leaked from storage tanks near the Elk River upstream from where Charleston gets its water supply. Up to 300,000 residents in the area could not drink, cook or even bathe in their tap water! As recently as 2 days ago (1/29) residents were warned that chemicals could still remain in their plumbing systems. In researching this water-event story, I just learned a very interesting fact. Turns out that Freedom Industries who owns the tanks which leaked 7,500 gallons of MCHM was formed from a merger of several other companies and was only 2 weeks old when the leak occurred. We can guess that management was not quite up to speed yet when the accident happened. Whatever your concepts about corporate America are, this is an educational story. Read more about it here Poisoned: why West Virginia’s water crisis is everyone’s problem On the other end of this water focus is California’s current drought which scientists are saying is the worst in 500 years. Governor Jerry Brown has issued an “exceptional drought emergency” and officials say 17 communities and water districts could totally lose their water supply in only 100 days. Creeks, lakes and reservoirs have run dry in many rural areas already and major aquifers are threatened too. On top of this the usually deeply snow covered Sierra Mountains have seen record low snowfall this season – some of the ski areas aren’t even open yet! The Sierra snow pack provides water for the area and if it remains below normal, it also means less water in the future. Crops like Napa Valley grapes (wine costs might soar, oh no!), rice, avocados, strawberries, almonds, corn and more are affected too. Across the globe, there are also record droughts in China and a fierce heatwave in Australia is parching that country and putting a strain on water supplies as well. It’s as if the heavens above are reminding us that water is our most precious resource we have and we had better honor it! The Grand Cardinal Cross still hangs in the heavens this month and plays right into these themes.  Wherever life is out of balance whether it is government officials asleep at the wheel, corporate managers of dangerous substances flying under the radar, or average people too complacent to take personal measures which help their communities and the environment, the stress cracks are going to become obvious. The cardinal signs are: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. As February begins Pluto, planet of transformation is in conference with Venus in Capricorn. Pluto has been in Capricorn for 5 years slowing pounding away to create deep structural changes in all the world’s bureaucracies be they government or corporate or even crusty patriarchal religious structures. (Can we all agree that Pope Francis has already begun to break the mold in the Catholic Church?) Venus, planet of peace, harmony and fair play, just turned direct in Capricorn on 1/31 after a 4 week retro phase and remains in Capricorn until 3/5. With Venus’ input, this important conference can tilt the balance toward smarter methods for managing these important worldly structures. Let us hope! Along with this both Venus and Pluto are in an exact see-saw opposition to huge Jupiter in emotional Cancer. (Think of the several minute, heartfelt applause during the US State of the Union speech for wounded Army Ranger Cory Remsburg to get a feel for this kind of emotional energy.) At the same time revolutionary Uranus in Aries forms a challenging T-Square to all 3 planets. Uranus’ fiery Aries cry for change at all costs can easily pull any situation out of balance again. The 4th corner of the cardinal cross is Libra. Mars, planet of action has been stationed in Libra, the very sign which represents balance, for the last 7 weeks. Mars is now slowing down in prep for his retrograde phase (on 3/1) so will stay in Libra 6 more long months until mid July. The whole point of bringing this to your attention is to help you understand when the planet of action is in Libra, the action required is to get into balance! In the midst of all these swirling cosmic themes it can certainly be a challenge, but one which will yield amazing results. With Mars staying in Libra such a long the sooner you get started the better off you will be. And what better month to do it than February when clarity reigns and it is easier to get out of your own way to see the bigger picture. My wish for you is that you will rise out of the swampy water and jump on the back of the sturdy and powerful wooden horse and ride into a wonderful future in perfect balance and harmony! IMAGE NOTE:  This photograph of three driftwood horse sculptures by James Doran-Webb is perfect to celebrate the new year of the wooden horse.  I also loved how this  photograph taken against a clear blue sky brings in the power of Aquarius Crystal Blue energy as well.  James Doran-Webb has created many amazing sculptures from driftwood which seems Aquarius, out of the usual mode, as well. To view more of his work and learn about his unique driftwood art visit his website HERE    and for some interesting information on the year of the Horse visit HERE Individual Heavenly Messages for February 2014 NOTE: To get the most out of your Heavenly Messages read the message for your Rising sign (ascendant) along with your Sun sign. AQUARIUS  January 20 – February 19 Happy Birthday Crystal Blue Persuasion! Aquarius isborn tuned into a different wavelength from the norm and the astro energy as your personal new year arrives is definitely supporting your birthright! Your ruler Uranus charges forward in fire sign Aries with a battle cry of “Change is here, embrace it!” While Lord of the Material World Saturn remains stationed in your career/profession/outer world zone continuing a once in 30 year journey in this important terrain. People who didn’t give you a second glace are looking up to you now. Along with this Venus consults with transformer Pluto in your mystical dream zone, discussing concrete ways to bring new patterns into your life which will manifest soon (even if you can’t see it yet). Meanwhile motivational Mars remains in fellow air sign Libra for months on end, all in harmony with you! The largest planet of all – Jupiter, continues to splash around in your work space, and whether the waves are flowing sweetly or crashing fearfully, it’s all good in the long run. Trust. Here is your heavenly advice for February and onward: Be Aquarian!  Let go – detach from the old safe paradigms and soar like the star you are to the 10,000 foot perspective. It is only from this vantage point that you will see your future calling and be able to respond. Mercury goes retro on 2/6 and return to Aquarius from 2/13 thru 3/17.  See Intro for details. PISCES February 20 – March 20 Dear Double Fish, On 2/1 Mercury joins your ruler mystical Neptune, the Moon, Chiron and wiseasteroid Pallas/Athena all converging together in Pisces. This confluence sends a direct current toward huge Jupiter in your creativity space which portends a lovely, flowing month for you! Some of you may have income flow (or lack of it) on your mind, so you’ll be glad to know energies not fully evident yet are on your side. The worst thing you can do now is sink down into fear and the most marvelous thing is to do is whatever you love and enjoy your life moment to moment! Pisces is born to go with the flow and learn to tame impatient, “gotta have it now!” impulses. Mental Mercury goes retrograde in Pisces on 2/6 and remains backward the rest of the month which can help you with this or make you even more antsy. You want to tap Mercury retro’s plus side which is ability to go deeper and discover new currents you had not noticed before which can carry you to magical shores.  See Intro for details on Mercury retro. ARIES March 21 – April 21 Dear Aries, February’s astro energy is different from the norm in many ways. For you Rams the focus repeats some of last month’s message as in, “your current task is to determine exactly what path to take…[and] urges practical, well thought out concrete plans.”  The emphasis is definitely on well thought out, versus barging ahead into fruitless battles which you don’t need to engage in the first place. Ruler Mars is on a slow track now in prep for a retro phase on 3/1 which only happens once in 2 years, so you may feel a bit slower yourself. On top of this Mars currently travels in your opposite sign of Libra which activates your relationship/ partners zone (and will for the next 6 months). Mars in Libra puts energy into diplomacy and learning to walk in the other person’s shoes – not a strong suit for Aries. Since Mars is your fearless leader no matter what sign he transits, it’s time for you to tame your Lone Ranger side and listen to the wisdom of Tonto (the Johnny Depp version). In plain words: slow down, shut up and follow advice of those who have your best interests at heart. TAURUS April 22 – May 20 Dear Taurus, Your ruler Venus just turned direct on 1/31, so February is going to have a warmer feel for you! Venus’ forward motion helps you regain lost ground and she remains in fellow earth sign Capricorn all month (thru 3/5) continuing to give you a steady helping hand. On 2/1 there is a confluence of watery Pisces streaming through your networking, community connections and friendship zone with a direct current to huge Jupiter paddling in your mental/ communication sphere. It’s a lovely time to reach out to your circle of like minded folk and share experience and advice. Mercury goes retro in this same zone on 2/6 so be extra careful that communication doesn’t go astray. (See Intro for details.) Mars continues his travels in Libra which rules your work/job space which is also the zone of health patterns. If you have bullheadedly been working yourself too much, or your boss has been herding you into more work than you want, Mars in Libra demands balance. If you want to avoid stress related health issues, do whatever it takes to find this balance in your everyday life. Venus helps you out with good ways to set appropriate boundaries – follow her advice! GEMINI May 21 – June 20 Dear Gemini, let’s start with this month’s good news: the Crystal clear Aquarius Sun works well with motivational Mars in airy Libra and both beam out clarity to you! Venus moves forward again in your deeper relationship space so your values around partners in life get clearer too. Ruler Mercury is in Pisces as February begins and joins satellite dish Neptune in your career/outer world zone. This helps you tune into higher guidance around career and professional choices. The not as happy news is that Mercury turns retrograde on 2/6 and backs up all month (thru 2/28). As you well know when Merc goes retro this tends to create wonkiness for you, and this time it affects larger world choices too. It’s not as bad as it sounds Gem, because even backward Mercury manages to work harmoniously with optimistic Jupiter traveling in your income/finances zone and then returns to fellow air sign Aquarius (from 2/13 thru 3/17) helping uplift you to higher concepts. See Intro for more details about Mercury retro. CANCER  June 21 – July 20 Dear Cancer, February begins with the Moon in mystical Pisces aligning with Mercury, Neptune, Chiron and wise asteroid Pallas/Athena calling you to the highest perspective you can reach. Meanwhile Venus just turned forward again in your relationship zone where she remains all month. Venus has been urging you to re-evaluate your relationships across the board from love/marriage/family to business partners and expects to see some results now! With you sweet Crabos the deal is always one of two trends: you feeling insecure and needy  expecting your partners to always be there to hold your hand; or, you giving way, way, way too much of your time and energy to others, until everything is totally out of balance – including you! This leads back to gaining a higher perspective. Mercury is set to go retro on 2/7 (thru 2/28) which can be a good time to review your belief structures. Who told you that you weren’t “enough” and up to any task you set yourself, and/or who convinced you the way to heaven was through sacrificing yourself to everyone else’s needs? If you figure this out you really will be on your way to heaven…on earth! LEO  July 20 – August 22 Dear Leo, With the cold glare of the Aquarius Sun in your eyes, February often feels chilly for you warm blooded Lions. The usually adoring gaze of others around you has a squint to it which gets you wondering what you did. Most likely dear Leo, it’s not about you at all – it’s about what others in your life project upon you. You are meant to stand up for what you believe and sometimes folks just don’t want to hear it. Motivational Mars is in Libra and travels in your mental/communication zone in February and during the next 6 months as well – much longer than the norm. Libra is a sign of diplomacy, fair play and balanced viewpoint. The warmongers out there who gain from conflict want you to stir up trouble and when you point out a different path….well that’s when they start squinting at you. Now these mongers may be in the work place, on the home front or even trusted friends and allies. As always Leo, remember a phrase from last month’s message: “If others question your judgment roar to remind them you are the king/queen of beasts – and they’d better follow your lead!”  The Full Moon shines in Leo this month on 2/14. A wonderful time to roar! VIRGO August 23 – September 22 Dear Virgo, Ruler Mercury enters your relationship/ partners zone as February begins, but is on a slow track preparing to go retrograde on 2/6. Meanwhile Venus in fellow earth sign Capricorn has just turned direct giving you added confidence about your own clever concepts, while Mars energizes your income zone. You are looking to your partners to giddy up and go, but instead it seems like they are in slow-mo. A bit frustrating! Mercury backs-up until 2/28 so here’s your best advice for the month: Maintain the better boundaries you have been practicing and when necessary bring out your tough love, ruthlessly compassionate side to keep things on course. You’ll also need to practice patience while trusting that your partners do hear what you say and will act when they are able. In other words, a skilled juggling act is required. Jolly Jupiter remains in your networking connections and friendship space, so when you feel frustrated reach out for advice or to simply to have fun with your buds and let off some steam. SeeIntro for details on Merc. Retro. LIBRA September 23 – October 23 Dear Libra, You’ll feel better as February begins with ruler Venus moving direct again. Venus’ retrograde phase was meant to help you review your value system from the roots up, and learn to set appropriate boundaries with family members and anyone else with whom you share home, hearth and heart space. She remains in your home and family zone all month (thru 3/5) so continue to take advantage of her helpful energy. Meanwhile martial Mars maintains his long term visit in Libra (over the next 6 months) where he is up close and personal – like a warrior in your face! With Venus as your ruler sweetness graces the face you normally wear, however, the current posture of Mars brings more aggressive energy your way and you’re not used to it! Since Mars does not intend on leaving any time soon, it’s best to come up with a workable plan. Mars in Libra puts emphasis on diplomacy, fair play and a balanced viewpoint. It’s a good idea to pull on those better boundaries Venus has been guiding you toward, so when others try to sway you off your own trusted course, you’ll be able to steer them back firmly and with grace. SCORPIO  October 24 – November 22 Dear Scorpio, As February dawns Venus moves forward again after a 5 week retro phase in your mental/communication zone and is in a helpful conference with ruler Pluto making concrete plans about the next phase of your life. This new phase may be a bit illusive for the time being because co-ruler Mars maintains his long term position in your “ethereal closet” zone for the next 6 months. On top of this communicator Mercury in misty Pisces is set to go retrograde from 2/6 (thru 2/28) making things more vague and hard to define. Meanwhile stern Saturn in Scorpio is having none of it, and continues to demand that you rise like a phoenix from whatever ashes you’re in. What to do? Here’s a good idea: stop expecting other people – your employer, lover, partner or family members to create ideal circumstances for you. Scorpio is the most powerful sign of all and it’s time to use your own vast store of creative talent to make your world rock and roll! Put your magnetic energy to work. With  a light heart and the playfulness of a child, have a fabulous time imagining your ideal life, exactly the way you want it to be, and before you know it, you will be living this life! SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 20 Dear Dashing Steeds, do you know in the Chinese zodiac tradition on 1/31 we just entered the year of the Horse? So it’s your year too! It may not quite feel like this to you yet, because ruler Jupiter continues to reverse in water sign Cancer (can horses easily gallop in water?) and lord of the material plane Saturn, remains stationed in your non-material zone. On top of this mental Mercury is slowing down in prep for a retro phase beginning on 2/6 (thru 2/28) and motivational Mars is stuck in place for months on end. So it’s easy to understand if you’re not at a trot yet. Hold the faith Saggie, things will change and when they do it will be at full gallop! In the meantime good news for the month is that Venus is now moving forward again in your income zone helping you build concrete financial plans for a stronger foundation in your life all round. CAPRICORN  December 21 – January 19 Dear Capricorn, Good news this month for you! Sweet Venus moves forward again and remains in Capricorn all month (thru 3/5) so you continue to exude charm and allure! On 2/1 Venus is in conference with transformer Pluto helping devise concrete plans for the next phase of your life. Other people are a large part of this plan as huge Jupiter maintains his position in your partnership zone. Motivational Mars in Libra continues long term travels in your career/professional/outer world zone (for the next 6 months) and since Libra is the sign associated with relationships, partners are further emphasized. Re-evaluate those you want by your side. Communicator Mercury begins the month in your mental zone but is moving slowly in prep for a retro phase beginning on 2/6 (thru 2/28). It’s a good time to review concepts while remembering to check and double check everything you must say or write, and when you space out and forget things anyway – learn to forgive yourself! Melissa StrattonAstrology, Tarot and Dream Analysis melwaz@ptd.net heavenlymessagesbymelissa.com

Cosmic News - M. Kelley Hunter

11:11 NEW MOON II

Image: Red Tara, oil painting by author. NEW MOON on January 30 at 11 AQUARIUS, 4:38pm EST, 1:38pm PST, 9:38pm GMT This is the second New Moon of the month. The January 1st New Moon was at 11 degrees Capricorn and this one is at 11 degrees Aquarius (we round up), giving us the magic 11:11 gateway number full of serendipity. Consider this as the February New Moon as there is no room for one in that shorter month. Again in March we will have two New Moons. CHINESE YEAR of the HORSE The first New Moon after the Sun enters Aquarius marks Chinese New Year. This is it! We gallop onward across the prairies into the wild new territory. The Horse embodies teacher energy, with the natural instinct to find the best trail and move fast. AQUARIUS expands our attention to the larger social context after a down-to-business month that required attention on shoring up and maintaining our own situations in the face of major systemic changes. Revolutionary Uranus, considered the ruler of Aquarius, is engaged and active in Aries. This New Moon is in excellent alignment with this electrically-charged, technologically-inventive planet. Uranus in dynamic interaction with Pluto drives the overarching transformational agenda of our times. Other planets—Venus, Mars and Jupiter—have extended interactions with these two outer planets the first half of this year. The 2014 Horse will ride like the wind through the wild weather. Largely influenced by the weighty internal agenda of VENUS retrograde in earth sign Capricorn this first month of 2014, we have been re-evaluating our lives on many levels to make them not only workable for the foreseeable future, but to be much more emotionally satisfying. Emotional satisfaction is a proper standard. According to the U.S. Declaration of Independence, as well as Venus, the pursuit of happiness is an inalienable right. High and brilliant in the pre-dawn sky, Morning Star Venus is turning to direct motion on the 31st, seeking to empower and manifest collective values to include joy, wellbeing and beauty as essential aspects of our redesign of how we are living. We take stock of how well we are claiming our emotional self-sufficiency and repositioning ourselves to invite and welcome inevitable change—for the better. In life we rely firstly on ourselves. No one else can live our lives for us. Venus as the money planet has also clearly been focusing attention on the seriousness of the economic restructuring. There is no choice but to step up and deal with it. As we are grounded and centered in our own base, we have more to contribute. As Venus turns forward, we, too, move forward, with increased emotional self-sufficiency and a more promising game plan. In this Moon cycle we seek alignment with like-minded people with whom we can accomplish worthy projects. Venus, in its slow pivot from backward to forward motion, holds steady with Pluto for a good week on either side of this date, driving home her point about economic renewal. There is a lot going on behind the scenes globally. We experience significant shifts in our own lives in relation to love and money, and our sense of satisfaction (or not). Practical considerations impact our choices and decisions. Venus-Pluto in Capricorn is a powerful goddess of rebirth, who demonstrates her volcanic power by turning the Earth inside out, further disrupting systems that are no longer viable, as well as crafting and empowering new life forms through her guardianship of the Nature hierarchies. Imagine your personal image of this authoritative Crone Goddess energy—is it Kali, Lilith, the ancient Mountain Mother? Think of Galadriel, Elven Queen of Lothlorien in the LORD OF THE RINGS (Cate Blanchett's character in the movie). Another appropriate and authoritative image of the cosmic feminine divine is Ceres, Nature Goddess and also a Horse Goddess. As a planetary energy in the asteroid belt, Ceres is like a protective shepherdess, who fosters wellbeing in all realms of Nature. She has a lot to say these days about our human responsibility as stewards of Planet Earth. Ceres is activated during this New Moon and in this next week, moving from Libra to Scorpio, into the transformational path of destiny as indicated by the Nodes of the Moon. I believe the Earth will be responding this coming month to the scientifically-confirmed polar magnetic shift of the Sun, incoming rays from the Galactic Center and the increasing light field of the interstellar cloud into which our solar system is moving. Another key factor in this New Moon pattern, big planet JUPITER is in a close face-off with the transformational Pluto-Venus, putting a powerful ringed forefinger squarely on big cultural issues. This is one of the key planetary interactions that push this year into overdrive in terms of change. Some of our belief systems are severely challenged. This is hard for some; glorious for others, as we awaken to possibilities beyond our past experience. Religious issues are front page, some of the headlines linking religion and economics. Needs of the people must be addressed, and may be in some beneficial ways, from local to national to global, with a new game plan for 2014. heading west. FISHY MERCURY RETROGRADE An increasing sense of altered reality permeates the fields with Mercury entering Pisces, also on the 31st. As it merges with Neptune, be aware of possible undercurrents of anxiety or a sense of things off-kilter. This mood sends us into a February rather like Alice when she went down the rabbit hole. Though more than a bit disconcerting, that story ended well, didn't it? We can always change the ending, which is one of the storylines for February. Take what time you need to fine tune your energy field. PAUSE and take a second look around to zero in on the most beautiful aspect in your field that will raise the vibrational resonance. Mercury pauses and turns retrograde on February 6th, remaining so for the rest of the month. We may start out with a plan, but it's up for constant review as old ways dissolve and disintegrate, opening space for new options. We may even forget what the plan was, as our take on reality gets fuzzy. Mercury, the thinking planet, turns backwards in watery Pisces, sign of the elusive, fluid Fishes. Reality is equally elusive and fluid. It might feel like we are losing our minds at times, but not all sense of reality is lost. We are challenged to change our minds about what version of reality is "real." Make up your own. Is your life feeling like a reality TV show? There is some basic truth to that. Find a good sound track for your life. An appropriate affirmation as a motto for the month is the shamanic saying, "The world is as we dream it." Don't be at the mercy of what is going on around you and don't be a martyr to anyone else's cause. Disengage from any vibration that brings you down. Change any "channel" you don't like, and direct your own reality show. This is an intriguing thought, isn't it? With Neptune in Pisces we are all re-imagining, re-creating the Big Dream we want to be living, along with Gaia, the Earth herself, and "all our relations," as we "think" more with our opening hearts than our heads. Compassion frees us. The best of this really extraordinary Neptunian Mercury retrograde is its plasticity. Situations are very changeable, offering multiple perspectives—think kaleidoscopes, glass eyes, magnifying glasses and fun house mirrors. "Curiouser and curiouser," remarked Alice through the Looking Glass. There are lots of YouTubes and documentaries out there these days that have a mind-bending effect. How much alternative reality can you encompass? Some intriguing movies may come out this month. Spiritual practices, including body-centering ones, may be essential. This Piscean energy offers a rare opportunity to deepen meditation and other means of spiritual communion. BE KIND to yourself and others. Resting and naps allow the mind its needed "time-outs." Self-medicating in addictive ways are only a temporary fix that skew reality even more. Let's not dwell on the negative. This month can be incredibly inspirational and spiritually uplifting if we aren't expecting too much of ourselves (or others). On the 13th, Mercury, still retrograde, shifts back into Aquarius for a breather, like a dolphin coming up for air. We step back for a better look and see where we were "out to lunch" for a while. We can adjust the picture, like getting the camera lens in focus to retake a photo that got blurry. Let's see what awesome possibilities have bubbled up by that time, and clarify the best on offer under the light of February's Full Moon rising on Valentine's Day.

Getting ready for Year of the Wood Horse

Karen Abler Carrasco ~ 2014 – The Year of the Yang Wood Horse

There might not be a bigger shift of energies in the entire 60 year wheel of Chinese astrology than this one coming up–the shift from two Water years of deep introspection to the fast-paced spurt of extroverted forward propulsion that the Wood Horse brings.  Hold on to your hats, folks, and realize that you won’t be able to, nor will you want to, slow your horses in the New Year ahead!

This will be a promethean year, the Beginning of all beginnings, arriving around January 31st to February 4th, 2014.  Full of uplift, optimism and compelling inspiration, we will be guided into purposeful action of the most elegantly simple and powerfully fruitful kind.  After two years of feeling every revelation of corruption in the dark as if it was scouring our subconscious insides and wringing us dry of watery emotion, we are READY for this change!  Light, hope and clarity of vision gallop in. Emerge from your cocoons, everybody, here we goooooo!

Because this will be such a big change of energetic experience for us, it will help to review here how the cycle of the sacred Five Elements, or Phases, have set us up for this shift.  In that cycle, Wood feeds Fire, Fire’s ash creates Earth, Earth’s compression reveals gems of Metal, and Metal collects and holds Water, which nourishes the Wood to start the cycle all over again. The natural laws of these five elements are actually working in multiple ways throughout Nature, our bodies, our psychologies and the energetic movements of all things here on this planet.  In these movements, there are cycles within cycles, one of which is the cycle of birth, growth, disintegration and death, or the void that comes after old life and before new life.

We have just been traveling through that void, in two Water years, which immersed us in a descending place of degeneration, dissolution and chaos, a time when our internal world of formless spirit and emotions held total sway over every attempt at external control or order.  For most of us, it was an unsettling time of letting go of many things, either voluntarily or forcefully, a time of deep soul searching, with gradual or sudden destabilization in many areas of family and livelihood.  There was a profound search for a return to a spiritual basis for daily living.  This all had the effect of highlighting an individual’s isolation and powerlessness within a seemingly random and careless society.  Not that outright rebellion and outcry didn’t happen, globally as well as internally.  The 2012 Yang Water Dragon year saw to that, with its critical promptings of social responsibility and heroism, and this Yin Water Snake year that followed delved even deeper into the most hidden caves of stagnant dysfunctionality and corruption on all levels.

The good and great news is that we have completed 5 years of the degenerative part of the cycles–that of the harvested, decomposing Earth, compressing and eliminative Metal, and dissolving, settling out, cleansing Water.  We now emerge into the generative cycles–powerful, bursting buds of Wood’s new growth fueling the joyful outreach and passions of Fire and the beginnings of Earth’s fruitful harvests.

So, that’s the Wood part of what’s coming.  Now to turn our gaze to the animal symbol of Horse. This sprouting upward rush of Wood energy will find its perfect release into the impulsive and passionate nature of the Yang Horse, whose native element is Fire.  The Horse energy inspires powerful INTUITION and an indomitable surge towards freedom in every aspect of life. This is a year to follow your inner voice like never before, for it will have a universal cosmic ch’i within it.  Higher guidance is with us every step of the way.  Reach for the sky, call up your vision, fuel your plans with vision boards and creativity, find a fresh path and pace yourself well.  This yang Horse year has the potential to channel the powerful new upthrust of Wood’s Ch’i through the Horse’s Heart energy of Fire and into every project we start, every desire we reach for.  It will keep our eager plans from being dominated by too much “head” and not enough “heart.”

It may be quite challenging to trust that we have this absolutely new, purified and hopeful energy to build on now.  Our hearts have had to endure a gauntlet of deconstruction through two Metal and two Water years, but the fiery Horse is about to change all of that.  Within the extroverted “Green Horse” year, we will not only branch out with new growth, but we will be able to stoke the Fire element of love in every area of life.  Follow your intuition fearlessly, as it is both the horse’s main attribute which preserves its freedom and powerful health and it is Wood’s primary talent for stretching into the unknown future.  Reach out with irrepressible faith to a new level of social communion and mutual support.  Trust every impulse to embrace a revitalized and renewed sensitivity for the pleasures this earthly dimension has to offer.

Step up and out of any old clutter, stored memories, should-have-dones or regrets.  The time to deal with that is over for now.  Untangle your thoughts quickly and get clear on what it is that you truly desire in this lifetime.  Your trusty steed is here, full of vibrant health and tremendous stamina.  It should be quite a fast ride, so grab a fistful of mane, hang on to the reins, cast your old cares to the wind and let out a whoop of delight–Yeeehaaw! Upward and onward we thrive!  May we all be blest abundantly as we hold each other closer in the circle of health and new life the Wood Horse year brings.

Article reblogged from here.

Heavenly Messages by Melissa - January, 2014

Heavenly Messages by Melissa HEAVENLY MESSAGES FOR JANUARY 2014 JANUARY 1, 2014

Aegipan – the Sea Goat by Lynnette Shelley Happy New Year Friends! Here we are at the dawn of another year and well entrenched into another century too. Interesting to consider 13 year olds have never personally known the 20th century, isn’t it?! The astrology patterns at the beginning of this new year are very interesting as well. New Year’s Day arrives on a New Moon, last time this happened was 19 years ago. There is a 2nd New Moon in January too, on 1/30. The 2nd  New Moon in one calendar month is known as a “Black Moon” versus “Blue Moon” which is a 2nd Full Moon in one month. Capricorn, you need to know about this month’s astro energies for sure. Libra and Taurus get your cosmic dose too. Read about it all below and in your Individual Messages too. Every New Year’s Day January’s Sun shines in Capricorn, a worldly, ambitious earth sign ruled by Lord of Discipline Saturn. When born with Sun in Capricorn you are here to master the material realm and to learn the value of perseverance against all odds. Capricorn natives often struggle in their early lives, yet when they look back they realize they gained strength beyond their years which enabled them to achieve more than most. When Capricorn reaches their own peak, they realize it was worth every step. Capricorn is one of only 2 zodiac signs which has more than one symbol (the other is Scorpio). The more recognized Capricorn symbol is the Mountain Goat representing nimble ability to set high goals and reach them. In case you have never seen a Mountain Goat in action, check out these amazing photos! The other symbol is the Sea Goat, a mystical creature with goat’s head and front hooves but with a mer-tail to swim to depths few others reach. When Capricorn reaches their material peak they realize this is only a plateau, and many choose to dive into artistic and spiritual depths represented by the Sea Goat. Capricorn’s ruler Saturn is currently traveling in the deep waters of Scorpio, so the Sea Goat symbol is one to contemplate now. The quotes I chose of famous Sun in Capricorn people below reflect this combined quality. All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream. ~ Edgar Allen Poe In art and dream may you proceed with abandon. In life may you proceed with balance and stealth. ~ Patti Smith Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King Jr. Look at every path closely and deliberately, then ask ourselves this crucial question: Does this path have a heart? If it does, then the path is good. If it doesn’t, it is of no use. ~ Carlos Castaneda I want to wish each one of you a personal Happy New Year! This is the 17th year I have been writing Heavenly Messages every month and I do if for YOU, my dear readers. To all of you Bright Blessings for 2014 and beyond! Best, Melissa Heavenly Messages for January 2014 Your handy Astro Facts: The New Moon (11° Capricorn) is on at 1/1 at 6:14a. The Full Moon (26° Cancer) is on 1/15 at 11:52p and there is a second New Moon this month (11° Aquarius) on 1/30 at 4:38p. The Sun enters Aquarius on 1/19 at 10:51p and Venus goes direct on 1/31. All times are ET – Read January’s individual signs HERE 2014 begins with a powerful cosmic connection. On 1/1 the New Moon joins the Sun and Pluto all at the exact degree of  11° Capricorn, with Mercury at 12° Cap only one degree away. This forms a tight ball of heavenly energy! Transformer Pluto has been in Capricorn for 6 years already,  slowly but surely doing the intense work of changing the world as we knew it. The fact that our solar luminaries – Moon and Sun – form this exact conjunction with Pluto on New Year’s Day foreshadows deep changes coming in 2014. Communicator Mercury is part of this important conference and is moving ahead to spread the word about how this transformation is unfolding. You might have seen the idea of this being a “Super Moon” which is usually associated with a huge Full Moon awesome and glowing on the horizon. Apparently a New Moon can be considered “Super” too – here is a site with a good explanation.  And I liked this article by astrologer Ananur Forma  “It’s a wake up shake up call for all humanity!!!!”  The Moon is a cyclical being and since human eyes first cast their gaze upon her, our beautiful Moon has always been associated with the changing cycles of the natural world. In astrology Moon represents emotions at both personal and public levels and indicates changing emotional rhythms experienced personally and collectively. A New Moon phase is a time of initiation; a time to plant seeds to harvest at another cycle whether that be soon – the next Full Moon perhaps, or later – larger themes in life you hope to fulfill in the ripeness of time. This makes New Year’s Day 2014 one of the best times ever to plant the seeds of your future goals! Moon in capable, earthy Capricorn is a grown-up Moon with a mature way of viewing and experiencing life. Capricorn is governed by “Lord of Time” Saturn, ruler of form, function and discipline. A Capricorn Moon innately understands underlying structure better than any other Moon. The fact that a New Moon in Capricorn is part of this powerful conjunction on New Year’s Day indicates very important seeds are being planted for 2014 – seeds of undeniable transformation. This Capricorn conjunction says: “The world is firmly rooted into the 21st century now.” The past is rapidly receding even if many don’t want to embrace this reality. Venus, the planet who always has your back, is in Capricorn on 1/1 too, retrograding at 26° Cap. She went into reverse on the Solstice – 12/21/13 slowing down in the heavens with fore-knowledge of this powerful Capricorn conjunction arriving 11 days later. Venus is the epitome of grace and when retro in Capricorn is an elegant cosmic star dancing backward in high heels. In other words she may not get the credit of her masculine leading men, but she is in fact much more talented and knows it! Think of Venus re-connecting with this powerful group, as an emissary coming back to make sure everyone has what they need to get their job done well. Messenger Mercury meets Venus on 1/8 to deliver a progress report, so she will be well informed. Venus moves direct again on 1/31 but will remain in Capricorn until 3/5 continuing to help everyone stay steady and calm. Call upon her if you need more peace in your life. Speaking of leading men, Mars the very planet equated with masculinity is also at 11° on New Year’s Day - in Libra, which forms an exact square to Moon-Sun-Pluto. (In astrology when these configurations called “aspects” are in the exact degree they are considered very potent.) Squares represent challenges and once again this square is a repeat of the Cardinal Cross prevalent in the heavens for many years. Mars in Libra, which is ruled by Venus, is not in an overly testosterony mood. Mars/Libra is more of a peace lover and excels at diplomacy. Mars entered Libra on 12/7/13 and this diplomatic style became evident a few weeks later on 12/18 when the bickering US Congress finally passed a budget compromise, which President Obama just signed into law a few days ago on 12/26. Opposing diplomatic Mars stands wiley Uranus – planet of revolution, who travels in very testosterony, militant fire sign Aries (at 8°). With upraised fist, wild eyed Uranus/Aries stands in opposition to Mars/Libra and also forms a pretty tight square to the Capricorn gang of Moon-Sun-Pluto-Mercury. All together this forms a T-Square, an aspect like a hangman’s platform from which we all swing. I wrote about this T-Square in my Solstice issue which sums it up: “This uneasy configuration re-emphasizes challenges between forces who want to maintain the status quo at any cost (ex: Assad in Syria) and the forces of change be they covert (ex: NSA leaker Snowden) or overt (ex: Ukrainian protesters).” Read the full article here Winter Solstice 2013 Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, maintains his powerful Scorpio transit on 1/1 and remains in Scorpio throughout 2014 (except for a few days at the end of Dec.) Water sign Scorpio works well with earth sign Capricorn, so although Saturn is not part of the powerful conjunction on 1/1 he lends his nod of approval. Saturn in Scorpio is about as powerful as you can get – so this approval is important! Saturn/Scorpio also continues to work well with mighty Jupiter who continues his travels in water sign Cancer for the first 6 months of 2014. At the moment Jupiter is in the midst of his long winter’s retrograde nap and won’t wake up until 3/6. When Jupiter turns around and wakes up everyone notices! Stay tuned. Meanwhile a major component of the Sea Goat energy in the heavens pours from Neptune and Chiron swimming through the spiritual waters of Pisces. On 1/1 they are off floating by themselves in a sea of tranquility, inviting everyone to join them. “Come with us and be healed.” they call, “Here is a new world, a veritable new dimension of peace and prosperity for all.” Apparently only a few hear their call since most people seem intent on aggressively “getting ahead” and competition at all costs, including revenge, and willingness to stomp enemies into the ground even if it means blowing up adversaries be they adults or tiny children. (Beyond the ongoing horror in Syria, sad recent examples are 2 suicide bomber explosions in Moscow which killed 31 people and wounded dozens more.) This beautiful Piscean message may be garbled and even misunderstood now, but as the year moves on it will get louder and clearer, let us hope more will be able to tune into this wavelength then. As always “As Above, So Below” applies not only to world events, but to your own world as well. Read your individual messages for more personal insight. And in general here is the best way to navigate this heavenly stream of energy as 2014 dawns: No matter your chronological age, learn to honor your own adult, more mature self. Make a resolution to tame your inner brat who wants to spit on anyone who challenges you, and affirm the side of you which knows that taking a walk in the other person’s shoes always gives you a better more balanced perspective. Plant positive seeds to create wonderful future structures. Remember to make time to feed your soul and nourish your inner angels. Do this and outer angels begin to appear in your life when you need them for encouragement, or simply to uplift your heart in wonder and awe and what an amazing universe surrounds you! I hope your universe rings in joy as this New Year begins and throughout 2014! IMAGE NOTE: This charming painting of one of the Capricorn symbols – the Sea Goat is one I’ve saved for years because ever since I first saw it I thought it was one of the most vibrant Sea Goats I had ever seen – it almost jumps (or swims) off the page to greet you!  It is the creation of artist Lynnette Shelley featured at her Redbubble page. I am now a big fan of all her work! Here is Lynnette’s website with bio and her Etsy Shop  Curious Creatures has a wonderful selection  too. INDIVIDUAL SIGN MESSAGES – JANUARY 2014 NOTE: To get the most out of your Heavenly Messages read the message for your Rising sign (ascendant) along with your Sun sign. CAPRICORN  December 21 – January 19 Happy Birthday Sea Goats! As your personal new year begins Venus is making a reverse sweep through Capricorn and will remain in Cap until March 5th. To have the sweet energy of this love goddess grace your sign 4 times longer than usual is a rare birthday treat. Here is how to take advantage: polish your charm offensive, bring out your devastating style and master every situation with your “Who is the adult in the room? I am!” attitude, and you’ll be amazed at the respect you receive. Mars maintains his travels in your worldly arena bringing extra energy to career issues. If you want true success it’s important to find a good balance between your professional ambitions and all other aspects of your life. Your sea goat self gets plenty of liquid to swish around in this year with ruler Saturn in water sign Scorpio. Saturn urges you to to reach out and network with friends, old and new, business associates and others in your community with mutual goals.  In fact it is one of the best times in your lifetime to connect with like-minded others. There may be a challenge on the home front. Perhaps it has to do with the idea of balance again – your homies want more of your time, but so does your boss. If this happens, remember to call on Venus! It’s hard to refuse you now…bring out the charm, charm, charm. On New Year’s Day the New Moon in Capricorn lines up with Sun, Pluto and Mercury – that’s a big Cappie Vibe! It’s a perfect time to set clear intentions for the year ahead and beyond. What do you want your life to be like 5 years from now? See it clearly and it shall manifest! AQUARIUS  January 20 – February 19 Dear Aquarius, 2014 begins with a blend of laser clarity – you know your direction much more clearly, but mysterious rustling behind the scenes catches your attention too – what’s up back there? The clarity comes from ruler Uranus marching forward in adventurous Aries carrying your own cutting edge banner. Mars opposite Uranus brings your ideas further forward while Saturn maintains an important presence in your career zone, so people are more ready to hear you than ever before. The rustling in the background comes from a major Capricorn contingent comprised of Sun, Pluto, Mercury and Venus (joined by the Moon on 1/1). This group is making important preparations which will manifest later. Listening to their conference requires tuning into a different wavelength. To accomplish this you must have time away from your usual routines. Take every chance you can to meditate, do yoga, tai chi, walk in the winter woods, dance, listen to music, whatever works best for you to connect with your inner/higher spiritual guidance. This is where all the true action is now! Good advice is to do this first before hoisting your banner of truth. Then everyone will see your flag flying high! There is a Black Moon (2nd New Moon) this month on 1/30 – in Aquarius. A magical day to reaffirm your intentions! PISCES  February 20 – March 20 Dear Pisces, The New Year rings in with very supportive energy for you. On 1/1 a major confluence of 5 heavenly bodies lines up in your “achieving goals with others” zone. Your community of like-minded folks from friends to business connections offers excellent advice on the next steps leading you exactly where you want to be. With all the misty Neptunian energy around lately, you’re going to appreciate some concrete advice! To tap this practical vein you have to shake off your “I just wanna stay home in my jammies” self and put on your dancing shoes! If your significant others aren’t on board and try to pull you back down on the couch, learn to resist them when your instincts tell you otherwise. And that is the challenge. It’s way too easy to get puddly and end up chasing your fishy tail around in circles when the world is calling you outside to play! ARIES  March 21 – April 21 Dear Aries, The Wide World calls for you in 2014! As the new year begins Uranus moves forward in Aries carrying your banner with renewed revolutionary zeal. Ruler Mars is at the other end of the parade texting about the progress he sees from his end, while a major contingent of 5 heavenly bodies boldly marches front and center in your outer world zone. This group includes Venus who is marching back through the crowd with encouraging comments to keep up the momentum. Meanwhile jolly old Jupiter works with Colonel Saturn to keep the home camp well occupied. Many others are looking to you to make a choice and get moving already, so your current task is to determine exactly what path to take. Your impulse is to jump first and ask directions later, but the energy around now urges practical, well thought out concrete plans. It definitely pays to do this and Mars helps out by introducing a measured, balanced perspective from those whose opinion you trust. The challenge is, will you slow down enough to listen to them? You should. TAURUS  April 22 – May 20 Dear Bulls, 2014 begins with ruler Venus heading backward. Sometimes when Venus goes into reverse mode it spells trouble for you but this time Venus is in compatible earth sign Capricorn and travels in a nice place – along your higher mind path. This is also the zone of travel, education and legal affairs so if things seem delayed in any of these areas, not to worry. In fact on 1/1, 3 other planets (Pluto, Moon and Mercury) join the Capricorn Sun in this same terrain which puts emphasis on forward momentum. Think of Venus as an emissary coming back to make sure everyone has what they need to get their job done well. Meanwhile Mars is feeling mellow in Venus-ruled Libra where he activates your work zone in positive ways – if you relax and go with the flow more. That’s a big IF because you stubborn bulls can be your own worst enemy by bellowing at the wrong time and/or charging at the wrong person. (Classic misdirected energy.) Here’s how you avoid this: follow Venus’ lead and back off enough to see the larger picture. She goes direct on 1/31 so bide your time this month until you know the lay of the land. GEMINI  May 21 – June 20 Dear Gemini, The New Year rings in for you with creative high notes blended with deeper melodies. Ruler Mercury travels in productive and serious Capricorn and on 1/1 joins the New Moon, Pluto and the Sun to form an important heavenly configuration in your deepest relationship space. Sweet Venus is here too moving backward to meet this Capricorn crowd with wise and practical advice. Will you hear it too? Mars in airy Libra energizes your creative side tapping your genius self to uplift and inspire. This is balanced against wiley Uranus in your friends/network/community zone tempting you to get your crazy on. You’re a Gemini after all, so you should get a bit crazy from time to time, however now is not the time. Best advice is to follow Mercury’s new year resolution which is to be more strategic. Ask your partners in life what their input is and weigh this against your own concepts. Do this and you’ll sort out any wacky notes and end up with a perfect melody. CANCER  June 21 – July 20 Dear Cancer, 2014 beings on a New Moon so you Moon children feel the power! This new Moon is in Capricorn and on 1/1 joins the Sun, Pluto and Mercury to form a singular heavenly configuration shining in your relationship space – an auspicious sign for the new year! Venus travels here too, moving in reverse all month. She’ll be sweet talking her way back into your good graces which may be a good thing, or not so much.  A lot depends on whether you’ve been practicing the better boundaries you need to build. Uranus moves forward again in your career space, so demands at work pull you out into the world more. If you trust your partners to have your back it’s all good. If not keep that boundary construction going. To accomplish goals you’ve set remember to keep a good balance in all areas of your life and your year will be off to a brilliant start! LEO  July 20 – August 22 Dear Leo – Something is on your mind as the New Year begins. It probably involves your job, whether that’s running your household or your country, because 4 heavenly bodies converge in your work/daily agenda zone on 1/1 setting the pace for 2014. The New Moon in Capricorn joins the Sun, Pluto and Mercury all conversing about concrete steps to build a better future. Venus is close by and in fact returns to make sure you heard her valuable insight. The challenge to this resolution comes from Mars in Libra activating your mental zone and on the other end unpredictable Uranus in war-like Aries just waiting to pull on some rug or another. Mars/Libra is wonderful for coming up with diplomatic solutions, but can also push you to second guess yourself and worry too much about what others think. The best plan for 2014 is the best plan always for Leo. Be true to yourself! If the rug gets pulled out from underneath you, get up and stand your ground. If others question your judgment roar to remind them you are the king/queen of beasts – and they’d better follow your lead! VIRGO  August 23 – September 22 Dear Virgo, Your talents shine in 2014! On 1/1 ruler Mercury has a major meeting with the New Moon in Capricorn, along with Pluto and the Sun. This significant group converges in your creativity zone helping form concrete plans for the future. Venus is here too, returning to make sure everyone has the same agenda so things don’t go astray. You are the glue holding the plan together so it’s important to stay focused. Saturn maintains his position in your mental sphere which helps give you the focused structure you need. A challenge comes from Mars in your income zone opposite Uranus in your shared resources space. Partners either push you faster than you know is smart, or lag behind making you crazy. It might help to bring others in for a different perspective. A wise friend, family member or consultant might tip the situation into better balance. LIBRA  September 23 – October 23 Dear Libra, 2014 chimes with many different notes for you. On 1/1 the New Moon in Capricorn, along with Pluto, the Sun and Mercury all converge in your family zone holding you close to home. At the same time Mars glides across the Libra dance floor keeping attention focused on you – like it or not. Your ruler Venus is in another part of the ball room dancing backward in high heels. Wiley Uranus is feeling feisty in your relationship space and jovial Jupiter is taking a long winter’s nap in your career zone. How are you supposed to pull all these pieces onto a nice balanced middle ground? Here’s an interesting resolution -  just let go, relax and trust that everything will fall into place perfectly. Venus is doing a pretty good back-step and has meetings planned with all involved. So just let her do her dance and when she moves forward again on 1/31 creative solutions will become obvious. SCORPIO  October 24 – November 22 Dear Scorpio, The New Years arrives with helpful energy for you. Four heavenly bodies, the New Moon, Sun, your ruler Pluto and Mercury line up together in Capricorn in your mental and communication zone. They help bring concrete plans into focus for the future. Venus is here too, moving backward but still bestowing good earthy advice and mature counsel. Co-ruler Mars in Libra is prompting you to hold the faith and trust that your plans will unfold at the perfect time. Unpredictable Uranus moves forward again in your everyday work space  so a job opportunity could pop up at any moment. The rub here is to make sure you don’t jump into something unsuitable just because you believe you have to grab onto anything to stay afloat. Remember that Saturn in Scorpio has put his mantle of authority on you and have the courage to hold out for what you truly want. It’s coming your way Scorpio – trust! SAGITTARIUS  November 23 – December 20 Dear Sagittarius, 2014 is a “financial focus” year for you. On 1/1 the New Moon in Capricorn, Sun and Mercury align with transformer Pluto in your income zone. Pluto has been here for the last 5 years urging (demanding!) you to patch any leaks and get a new handle for your income bucket. Helpmate Venus travels here too, backing up now to make sure everyone got the message. Some of you already heard it loud and clear and are well on your way to a better financial future. If you are still struggling, the current energy will give you a concrete step up. When Venus turns direct on 1/31 more study steps should manifest and it’s nice to know she remains to sweeten your wallet for a much longer time than usual (thru 3/5). The challenge to this sturdy platform is a typical Saggie one – riding off into the sunset to find the next adventure before you’ve thought things through. Other energies around now – Mars activating your friendship/community zone, Uranus peppering your creative/fun space – can help or hinder. If your friends give good balanced advice and help you tune into positive creative ideas for better income flow, well that’s great! If folks you hang with are leading you to spend money you don’t have or worse yet leeching off you, then it’s a good year to get into a higher vibration community. Melissa Stratton Astrology, Tarot and Dream Analysis 570-839-7064 melwaz@ptd.net heavenlymessagesbymelissa.com