Wendy Cicchetti's Commentary

Your child’s birth chart is a snapshot of the heavens reflecting the gifts and challenges of your child’s life and its many cycles. This knowledge is an invaluable tool to assist in understanding the unique nature of each person young or old. As a parent, it would also be helpful to find out about your own chart and discover your strengths and weaknesses in parenting. Knowledge is power.

Taurus birthdays began April 19th at 2:27 pm PDT, and 5:27 pm EDT. (If this description does not accurately describe your Taurus child, there may be strong modifiers coming from other planets or sensitive points in the Natal chart which can overshadow Taurus characteristics.)

Taurus (April 19 – May 20)

Taurus babies, like the bull, are slow and may not show much activity in the beginning.

They don’t like change and disruption or anything sudden. Provide them with a feeling of security and lots of comfort with soft and cuddly blankets and toys with many textures and colors. They become very attached to their comforts and pleasures and will become upset and frustrated when they are changed. Move them slowly and reassuringly. Keep their necks warm and covered especially when it is cold as they are ruled by the throat and when over tired or upset they can easily get a swore throat.

Little Taurus might early on have a pleasant speaking and singing voice which should be encouraged. They could talk early and will often use words to get their way. Your Taurus baby will have great stamina and persistence which can turn into stubbornness. They are patient and steady until they become angry and then watch out as they will charge like the little bull. Work at solving their issues before it reaches their threshold.

Taurus is a fixed sign and even an older Taurus child will resent being rushed or having plans and routines changed. This can seem like stubbornness, however, they naturally resist change. This is not something they do to cause trouble for you. Be patient and after a time of adjustment they will come around.

Taurus is deeply connected to the physical world with reliance on the physical senses and the accumulation of possessions and wealth.. The physical senses and beauty are so very important to these practical Bulls. They enjoy looking beautiful and being surrounded by lovely things as long as they are quality and will stand the test of time.

The receptive nature of Taurus is like the Earth, which receives the seeds, nurtures them with patience and causes them to grow. Taurus patience again may seem stubborn, but it is actually self-confidence, and surety, knowing that maturation takes time and their approach will pay off. They have the ability to see and feel when things are not balanced and can easily figure out the details necessary to restore harmony. Taurus loves to control and manage and often become managers in the workplace.

Taurus children are natural peacemakers and nurturers and enjoy mothering, often mothering you. You will find them keeping the peace and soothing their siblings or even adults with a hug or a treat. They don’t mind sharing things but can be possessive. Overeating can be a problem too as it is a sensuous pleasure. Taurus, like the bull calmly munching grass in the pasture, isn’t inclined to racing around and expending lots of energy so over weight can also be an issue. A board game is much more inducing than competitive sports. If they do choose a sport, they are not sprinters, but in for the long haul. At times they are hard to move so will require parental prodding. Your prodding may also be necessary to push them into social interaction with their peers. They don’t have difficulty interacting however, but they are not especially social either.

In school, your Taurus child will work carefully and slowly, with strong attention to details, and will not tire easily. Whatever task is before them, tenacious Taurus will finish it. They are naturally creative and  artisticallytalented and are especially good at crafts and things they can make with their hands.  Taurus boys often like working with wood and may enjoy becoming a contractor and working in the building industry.  The girls enjoy sewing, knitting and crochet, mosaics, cooking and gardening.  Both boys and girls have a natural affinity for color and like to color and draw. It would be helpful if they were exposed to all types of  creative mediums and then allowed to decide what they like best. They like to be creating something all the time.

Taurus children need lots of touching and are very affectionate. When deprived of physical touch they truly suffer. If they have become angry, the best way to restore their usual harmonious and even-tempered personality is quite simple, offer sincere affection and a tasty treat and the Taurus Sun will shine again.

Our Sun sign, and those of our children, represents the fundamental sense of self, as separate and distinct from others.

Like the planets in our solar system all revolve around the Sun, it is where all the various parts of ourselves come together and form our identity. By knowing your child’s chart, you can see how best to teach them healthy patterns and behaviors in all areas in their life. Let’s look at a practical breakdown of the ways a Pisces child sees the world and how best to help them.

This is the ninth article in my series on Children’s Astrology for Better Way Mom’s on Conscious Parenting. Pisces birthdays begin February 18th at 3:32 am PST. (If this description does not accurately describe your Pisces child, there may be strong modifiers coming from other planets or sensitive points in the Natal chart which can overshadow Pisces characteristics).

Pisces (February 18 – March 20)

Pisces symbolizes that which is most ephemeral in human nature, the desire to unite with the infinite cosmic consciousness. It represents the urge toward self-sacrifice to a Higher Cause and the soul’s struggle with the imperfections of the world. Its image of two fish swimming in opposite directions suggest the dichotomy embodied in the mix of the material and spiritual realms.

Pisces sun babies are born flower children who want life to be beautiful, serene, loving and peaceful. Loud noises and angry faces terrify them. This is a highly sensitive baby who needs lots of love and affection from the moment of birth. After the safety and warmth of the watery womb, Pisces finds life to be a shock and needs time to adjust.

Pisces Sun will bond to Mother and hate to be apart from this island of security in a scary world. Tears of anguish may arise when safety is threatened. Boys are no exception. Parents need early to instill a sense of security in their Pisces Sun child. Pisces is a psychic sponge and picks up all sorts of feelings and information, but may have trouble sorting it all out. As a result, they often don’t know the difference between their own feelings and what they are picking up from other people and other realms. They will pick up on parental moods easily so it is important to keep tabs on your emotional energy and not bring negativity into their space as they will quickly identify with the pain around them.

Emotional immaturity may be a problem when time for school comes, and Pisces Sun may fare best if not pushed out to preschool but kept at home until development occurs. Never tease this child for being “babyish,” for you will only exacerbate the situation and get more tears and clinging. Gradually acclimate Pisces to experiences of separation to provide a sense of security from fear of abandonment.

Don’t worry about “spoiling” Pisces or “giving in” to childish fears. Possessing a remarkable ability to understand the feelings of others, a secure Pisces is a delight, loving and sensitive, eager to help. Take care not to trample Piscean sensibilities. Their compassionate nature reaches out to everything that lives and, hating to see any life form hurt, will mount rescue operations, even to the point of saving bugs and flowers. Many a Pisces child has brought home a wilted plant and nursed it back to health.

Shy and retiring, Pisces may have trouble making friends, preferring to retreat into a private (and safe) world of fantasy. This is their refuge from the outside world. Although it is important to teach them the difference between fantasy and reality, it is equally vital not to trample on the delicate inner world of this super sensitive being. Out of this inner sanctum often comes great artistic ability, scientific creation, and beautiful music. Pisces is one of the most intelligent and creative signs of the zodiac and produced an Albert Einstein. Nurture this deep and creative imagination.

Spirituality is often uppermost in Pisces’s thoughts. They want answers to mega questions about where God is and why there is so much suffering in the world. Drawn to the concept of martyrdom, Pisces may become a victim of misplaced desire to serve a higher purpose and sacrifice themselves for it. They need to learn that their needs are as important as others and that there should be a limit on helpfulness so that it does not reach the point of self-denial, resentment, or victimization.

These nocturnal creatures, have a different inner clock than most signs. They love the night and can accomplish much in those hours.   But, morning does not come easily and it may take a good hour or two for them to become fully awake. Their natural rhythm is to go to bed late and wake up late. School mornings may be difficult.

Tears come easily to Pisces, even the boys, who should definitely not be teased about sensitivity. They should be encouraged to make appropriate friends, but not coerced into playing with rough children or to enter into rough sports. They may be shy, and if invited into their private and protected world, go gently. If subjected to to much violence and harshness their natural inclination is to escape the pain which, as they get older, often leads to drug abuse to cover it up. Teach them early about the pitfalls of addiction.

Pisces children can safely channel their compassionate energies into caring for a pet or occasionally visiting an older relative. But caution should be used as they can be easily manipulated into caring for others beyond their strength and years.

There is an otherworldly quality to Pisces. They may be absolutely angelic, with a wispy sweet manner and faces that are the essence of innocence and purity. They are fascinated by their feet and love to dance and caper about nimbly like wood elves.

Starting in 2011 and continuing for the next six years there is a significant and chaos producing astrological pattern involving two malefic planets, Uranus and Pluto, which are creating dramatic changes throughout the world. They will be forming a series of squares or 90 degree angles during this time.  Squares always produce tension and are archetypes in conflict. These tension producing aspects can be characterized by global social upheaval,  worldwide environmental disasters and even global economic collapse.

What we are experiencing in our country is part of a synchronic pattern happening in many other countries across the globe. However, historical data show that even the most challenging of astrological patterns can produce helpful and positive creations and outcomes.  Pain is solution producing by nature as better choices are made to relieve the pain. Things may look and feel stressful and difficult now, but there is hope for a brighter future by turning the despair into realistic solutions for better outcomes.

This powerful waxing, cardinal (action producing) square, can be characterized as a painful birthing process or the transition from the past into a new era.  This process began when Pluto entered Capricorn in January of 2008 and will continue to be active and viable until 2019 when the Uranus/Pluto square has run its course and then Pluto finishes up the restructuring business until solidly planted in Aquarius in January 2024. The Astrological consensus is that the fallout will continue for several years beyond.

To get historical perspective, let’s look at the last couple of times Uranus and Pluto were in hard aspect to one another.  First, the 1930’s, which is characterized by “The Great Depression”.  In April of 1929 Uranus and Pluto began their chaotic dance in cardinal signs (action producing), forming a waning square. A waning square is considered the end of an era.  Uranus was in Aries, as we are experiencing now, and Pluto was in Cancer.  The energies continued to build as the orb of influence became more exact.  Then in February of 1930,  Saturn entered the confab and the world experienced a powerhouse T square (two squares and an opposition) and the associated collapse is well known. The square with Pluto and Uranus lasted well beyond the time that Saturn was no longer in orb of it, however, the direct destructive energies at play in that era continued through March of 1936, and the aftershocks continued far beyond.

In this decade as in the 1930’s, when Saturn entered the current Uranus/Pluto square in July of 2011, we experienced the continuing collapse of many of our corporate and financial structures as have other countries. This is an ongoing scenario as many of these countries and a growing number of U.S. cities are filing for bankruptcy.

The next memorable time when these two heavy hitters were in hard aspect (a conjunction) started in August of 1962.  The 60’s were defined as a turbulent era, and by analyzing it we can glean patterns of what to expect now and into the future.  While the ’60s were a chaotic time, with mass protest and general unrest, it was also an extraordinarily creative period of shattered boundaries and new beginnings, when innovative ideas and futuristic discoveries emerged.

In science we had the development of the String Theory as well as Mandelbrot’s work on fractals. These two areas alone have spurred intensive research in recent years. The ’60s also introduced the groundbreaking concept of Bell’s Theorem, a scientific idea suggesting the underlying interconnectedness of everything. Also the discovery of quasars and the coining of the term “black hole” by John Archibald Wheeler. The ’60s brought us the development of the laser as well as major advances in computer technology, including the invention of the Arpanet (precursor to the Internet). And lastly, the space race, when humans first set foot on the Moon.

In the arts, the ’60s produced many “far out” music groups and talent with both the Beatles and Bob Dylan recording their greatest work exactly at the peak of the Uranus/Pluto conjunction. Television shows like The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and Star Trek, were showing new possibilities and dancing around other dimensions.

The 1960s were a time of  “people power,” when ordinary citizens were breaking free from traditional values and embracing  more radical and liberated perspectives in the areas of civil rights, women’s liberation, gay liberation, and the environmental movement. A spirit of revolution was in the air,  not just in America but throughout the world.

With all this in mind, we are in a time of unlimited possibilities as we build upon the diachronic patterns and discoveries of the past. Intelligent doers are creating exciting solutions to help ease the collective tribulation and to broaden our horizons and understanding of our place in the cosmos. Last week CERN announced the 98% possibility of the discovery of the “God” particle. Others are experimenting with theories and breakthroughs in the existence of other dimensions and parallel universes.  A growing number of scientists  have been expressing support for the “holographic universe” theory, the notion that our world may actually be a simulation, while astronomers are continuing to find new types of planets or galaxies.   Who knows, we may finally discover concrete proof of extraterrestrials.

What we see happening in Cinema is promising, not only with Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit or the Wachowskis’ Cloud Atlas, but also Ridley Scott’s Prometheus.  This film’s release in June 2012 coincided with the Uranus/Pluto square in exactitude a few days later.  This is especially intriguing considering the association of Uranus with the mythic figure Prometheus as suggested by astrologers like Richard Tarnas and Stephen Arroyo.

There could also be advances in anthropology and archeology. There is growing evidence that humans inhabited the Americas long before what was previously thought. The single most important archeological find of recent years is the Turkish site, Gobekli Tepe. Researchers continue to uncover surprisingly advanced levels of social organization extending as far back as 12,000 years ago. (That site was first identified in the mid 1960s, during the Uranus-Pluto conjunction.) Currently, there have been major news stories about the discovery of entirely new branches on the human ancestral tree, including the “hobbit” race (Homo floresiensis) in Indonesia and, more recently, the so-called Red Deer Cave People in southern China.

We are once again seeing the rise of “people power” across the globe, exemplified by spontaneous uprisings like the Arab Spring and the Occupy movements. There seems to be a growing awareness of economic inequalities, women’s rights, racial problems, and environmental dangers, all repeat or diacronic patterns of the ’60s.

There is a growing sense that astrological forces are at work to transform the global landscape. Enormously powerful energies are released by celestial configurations like these, which promise to reshape our world in surprising and unpredictable ways.  Whenever Uranus is involved, unexpected events tend to arise which force our focus in new directions. Correct actions need to be applied in a timely manner to protect the new elements being born. There is no predicting outcomes at this stage.  All solutions being offered are risky which represent the energies of Uranus.  It all remains to be seen.

Ideas and proposed solutions are already creating clashes between individuals, nations, political parties, religious groups, and even genders.   Through the conflict and pain great solutions can and will emerge. The planetary energies we’re facing now can serve as powerful fodder for important artistic creations, social reforms, new inventions and discoveries, and spiritual advancement.

We may again be fighting injustices during this time, just as occurred in the ’60s, but it’s also important to remember that injustices often bring out the best in our more spiritually minded. It’s safe to say that Icons like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King, Jr. wouldn’t have been as deeply committed and passionate had they lived in less troubled times.   Extreme times and injustice force us to clarify what we stand for.

The outcome of the Uranus/Pluto archetype isn’t written in stone; we all have a say in how we will respond and what we will create.  These aspects are upon us and we best hold on and enjoy the ride.

On December 23, 2014, Saturn left the sign of Scorpio and moved into Sagittarius, where it remains, except for a brief retrograde back into Scorpio from mid June to mid September, until December 19, 2017. Every 28-30 years, Saturn does its work in each sign, for a 2-3 year period of time, and through pain and challenge pushes us to do the necessary work to gain the reward.

Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter, and represents an opposite energy from the structured self discipline of Saturn. Sagittarius is concerned with learning, higher education, philosophy, legal issues, writing, publishing and religion. We can expect much to be written and structured into practical and usable forms and information to help improve how we think about and how we utilize our planet and her resources. We may see new gurus raise to the top and be seen for their brilliance in new thought and action. The world may come to realize that what is needed now is more caution as to how we use what we have and how to avoid excess and disposability.

We may continue to see righteous indignation over the corruption associated with higher education with Saturn in Sagittarius, and see pressure brought to bear in congress to restructure the cost of education and lower interest rates on student loans, making it easier for our youth to attend college.

With Saturn in Sagittarius, there may also be major exposure of corruption in religious organizations. With Pope Francis taking the helm, in his Sagittarius way (birth date 12/17/1936), he is continually pushing the world to be in greater alignment with the teachings of Christ rather than the greedy money changers in the temple. He is re-structuring many outmoded practices within the church causing much surprise around the world. We can also expect him to take a no nonsense approach to corruption within the Vatican. Other religions as well will be held to this cosmic scrutiny and be exposed where their shadows needs to be seen.

We will see a continued volatility in governments across the globe in part due to the Uranus/Pluto square. However, there can be great good accomplished from those with Sagittarius vision who can make themselves heard, tempering and structuring their ideas and message with wisdom for the good of all.

Whatever projects you may have started, look at the bigger picture (Sagittarius) and see how you might complete your grand projects now with more focus on structuring your ideas to be practical and usable (Saturn). The two opposing energies combined can create substantive works facilitating a measured approach to change.

If you are one of the mutable signs during Saturn in Sagittarius — Sagittarius, Gemini, Pisces or Virgo — you can expect some major restructuring too as this Saturn transit will have the most profound impact on you. But remember that what Saturn forces us to change, restructure responsibly, and commit to, is  never arbitrary and is leading us to a better place and situation for the next many years of our lives. Greet the challenges with gratitude and find and savor the gifts that will inevitably be presented to you.

Since the beginning of time man has sought power and dominion over others.  Greed, hatred and vengeance are not new. From Biblical stories to mythology, we have a basis of understanding of the good and the repugnant aspects of the human condition and psyche.   The secrets to achieving peace in the world were given long ago, but humanity and its rulers have lost their way.

Astrology is based on thousands of years of empirical data and through that recorded knowledge we are given the knowledge of the effects the astrological signs and planets have on the personality and the understanding of the actions one may be inclined to take. We can see how there are those who are more predisposed to creating power through evil and covert works and then those who are more inclined to create love and peace, and every emotional and mental place in between. Even though we all see the world through a different natal lens, and we bring different Karma to the table, is it possible to put destructive unconscious drives aside and follow our God centered soul and eventually shift the world to a peace centered reality? I believe through reaching a critical mass, (approximately 15% of the world population. A term which indicates that when critical mass is reached, then all the world will follow a train of thinking or action) of those actively seeking a peaceful world, we can make sweeping changes for good on Earth, utilizing the ancient tools we have been given.

A New Generation

The new maturing generation of young people are more sensitive and peace centered than any generation before. They seem to more instinctively apply the formula while typically unaware of its application.  By way of example, there is a wonderful and soul filling video from The X Factor.  View here.  As you watch, see if you can guess what the formula may be.  Can you see how powerful the words of peace can be, particularly on the young, but in this case on all who view? This is a powerful example of the life force that will eventually bring peace to the world. What is needed are large groups willing to take a stand for what is right, of conscious believers in peace, dreamers who believe that the miracles we seek can be attained.

The Earth has been given a world altering and simple formula through numerous powerful teachings over eons of time.  It can be easily applied to every area of our social lives and relationships.  This formula is actually considered a secret because it has been disregarded and forgotten over time.  It is not part of our core teachings anymore. If governments applied the formula and corporations and politicians, and fathers and mothers and yes, if even organized religions truly applied it, we would indeed have peace. There would be no wars, no corporate greed, no Monsanto type conglomerates trying to take over at the expense of humanity and the planet.  Every corruption and evil one could conjure, would not exist. No Hitlers, no nuclear bombs, no wars for profit at the expense of all life.

Enlightened Practice

The world is at a critical point and the decisions we make now, utilizing the wisdom at our command, can mean the difference between evolving and advancing to the next level of our achievement or the destruction of all we hold dear.  This wisdom was once understood by only the highest initiates.  Our history is full of stories and legends of those Masters who understood its power and evolved to the point of spiritual practice which achieved extraordinary results, Jesus being the chief among them.  It is now time for all of us to master the formula and create a world based on the laws of compassion and peace.  We need enlightened individuals to come together and manifest the loving world of our dreams and to consciously evolve.

The Power of The Internet for Good

We have the added ability of the internet to make sweeping global changes.  We saw this happen with the ground breaking social media campaign to try and capture the war lord, Joseph Kony, a year or so ago.  He is the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), guerrilla group which operates in remote regions of Uganda and is guilty of stealing children and forcing them, through torture and mutilation, to be a part of his killing army.  This brilliant internet plan was designed to mobilize millions of individuals and youth from all over the world to make Kony famous and thereby visible enough to ferret him out of his hiding places and bring him to justice. Read about it here. All of these peace centered types of grassroots campaigns have within them the backbone of the formula. Now more than ever, we need bright savvy minds to create strategic social media campaigns for peace.   Then we, through our involvement, can become part of the miracles in action.

The Golden Rule

The secret formula, is so simple, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, The Golden Rule, is truly golden and the key to peace.  Its fruits are peace, trust,

and prosperity.  Just think, you wouldn’t need to worry about another’s motives, because his standard would be based on if he would like it done to him.  We could trust everyone.  Financial prosperity would be based on helping each other! What a concept.  To begin, each of us must think first about how to apply it within our families, neighborhoods, community and work place. It must be practiced until it becomes an unconscious application and the standard in the mental process which creates all our actions. And when it becomes an unconscious process, you will automatically do the right thing. May it become so ingrained in each individual heart, that we would never think of using any other standard for our actions.

Our planet has arrived on the brink of collapse and destruction through our collective decisions and actions.  It can be turned around through conscious application of this eternal wisdom.  So be it.

The Water signs, Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio will dominate the world stage in 2013, as several of the planets will be traveling through the Zodiac  in water signs.  The line up is as follows:

Neptune in Pisces until 2026
Saturn in Scorpio until 2015
Jupiter in Cancer, the second half of the year
Mercury retrogrades in Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio respectively
Moon’s North Node in Scorpio all year

Water is the fundamental and most basic component of all life on Planet Earth, comprising approximately 70% of the surface of the Earth and also the human body. It represents the feminine or yin aspects of human nature and the world; intuition, inspiration, wisdom, women and healing, the inner journey of life.  Water also controls our emotional bodies and our creative ability.

Enter the Goddess

With so much astrological emphasis in water, we can expect a global shift toward feminine power. The

Goddess energy will become much more visible and viable bringing the pendulum swing back to a more centered approach, moving away from male or masculine dominance.  This could open the way for more women to rise to positions of power.  If you are feeling a strong desire to have your voice heard as a woman, now could well be the time to put your plans into action.

With Jupiter entering the sign of Cancer in June, all of the feminine energies associated with Cancer will be enhanced and magnified.  They include home (the real estate market), family, mothering, sensitivity to spirit, intuition, clairvoyance, clairaudience and psychic ability.  Water seems to thin the veil.

Emotional Chaos

You may find yourself feeling everything more acutely. We will most likely see more intense dramatic emotional displays in the news,  and perhaps feel more emotionally connected to everything in our world and what we see happening before us.

With all of the Mercury retrogrades occurring in water signs, tripling the time Mercury spends in water, we may all find that our mental energies and communications are based more on emotion rather than on reason or objectivity. I tell you these things so you can be aware of where your emotions may be coming from.  This does not mean that you should react to them and be swept away by the emotional tide.  Your ability to control how you respond to your emotions is your greatest place of power and peace.

Since water also contains the elements of creativity, governing the Arts and what we see in movies, television, books and art,  with Neptune in Pisces, supported by other planetary action in water, we should be treated to not only creative media, but inspirational and more spiritual entertainment as well.

Disruptive Forces

On the other side of Neptune in Pisces, and mixing in the energies of Saturn in Scorpio, we will see more economic contraction and more cutbacks on spending, and a continuing of behind-the-scenes governmental and corporate power struggles, with an emphasis on healthcare, pharmaceutical companies and their drug related problems, issues with liquid resources, raising sea levels and flooding, and conflict over price hikes in oil, gas and water.  We will also continue to experience religious polarization, issues surrounding mental health disorders, and an increase in denial, personally and institutionally.   When adding Scorpio to any mix,  exposing the corrupt underbelly and crisis will be the result.

The Moon’s nodes are not planets yet represent important crossing points for the Sun and Moon. The North Node is traditionally linked to the future. With the North Node in deep and disruptive Scorpio, reaching an inevitable  intense and powerful crisis point is foreseeable.  Change is inevitable and these changes are meant to be for our greatest good and require our active participation.

Uranus square Pluto continues to dominate world energies through rebellion and political crisis.  These disruptive and often unpredictable energies will continue through 2015.  With an over emphasis on water in 2013, emotions will continue to rise and overflow, and the dam could well break causing violent behavior and uprisings. Since ancient times, water has been used ritualistically to wash away the sins of the past, hopefully this will be done in a kind and gentle way.

A Rare Grand Sextile

There is however, a beautiful and rare alignment to look forward to,

occurring in late July, called a Grand Sextile. Seven out of ten planets will be involved in this positive configuration. It is comprised of  six sextiles, two Grand Trines,  and three oppositions. This will create a tremendous force for healing energy on the planet as all the players are in earth or water signs, which are feminine, a sign that the feminine forces are blessing us with love and grace, helping to offset other negative aspects.

Even though we have passed the critical and much maligned 2012 marker, in 2013 we will continue to see and feel the uncomfortable energies of dramatic change.  When dealing with emotional water, we can expect big waves and choppy seas, and even tsunamis.  Let’s all put our creative and spiritual sides forward and be steady and undeterred by the shifting tides before us and move forward creating the new, more peaceful world, we want to experience.   Follow your heightened inspiration and creative impressions and put your plans into action and 2013 can be a very powerful and successful year.

The coming election on November 6th will likley be characterized by upsets, voting irregularities, delays, surprises and possible civil disobedience.  So, get ready for a chaotic and bumpy ride. There are several astrological aspects and influences that will prove to significantly impact this election.  It should be a great lesson in astrology, witnessing how it unfolds.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury stations retrograde on November 6, at 6:04 pm ET. Mercury Retrogrades are historically associated with delays, miscommunication, and uncertainty with computer mixups and breakdowns. But when it exactly coincides with a major election the implications can be much more important and far reaching than our quarterly retrograde experiences.

Past history shows that elections held during a Mercury retrograde are fraught with problems. The last time this occurred in this country was the Al Gore/George Bush election in November 2000 that ended up with an election night too close to call, voter fraud, and a supreme court decision favoring Bush 36 days after the election. What is most interesting about the Mercury retrograde during that election is that Mercury actually stationed direct on Election Day, ending around 9:30 p.m. ET, rather than stationing retrograde.

Most Astrologers concur that prior to and after the retrograde, Mercury appears to be moving too slowly to be comfortable. These time periods have been termed The Storm Phase, which extends the disruptive time period from typically the week prior to the retrograde and the week after.

In this upcoming election, the retrograde will begin on Election Day. It does seem noteworthy too that the election will synchronize with what is usually regarded as a more problematic part of the retrograde period. Will it be possible that the 2012 election will be characterized by even more adverse circumstances than in 2000?

Prior to 2000, there were very few elections which occurred during a Mercury retrograde. In this century, the most notorious was in 1960, at the time of the Nixon/Kennedy election.  On November 8, 1960, Mercury was right in the middle of its retrograde period in Scorpio. This was the closest election in the 20th century according to popular vote, with Kennedy winning by only 1 percent. The difficulties on Election night itself were strikingly similar to 2000. Kennedy was projected to have won early on, but then later it became too close to call. Nixon delayed his official concession until noon the following day. Widespread issues of voter fraud were reported, which may have decided the outcome.

The unfortunate similarities of the 1960 and 2000 retrograde elections include, the closeness of  the vote, a suspenseful election night where the results were delayed, and that both elections had issues with voting irregularities,  voter fraud, and misplaced ballots.

Uranus square Pluto

Today, the world is reeling to the upheaval created by Uranus Square Pluto. We see the nightly news reports of unrest globally, and the current polarizing energies in our country are reaching a feverish pitch. The effects of this astrological combination will clear away the old and worn out structures people and governments have created over time.  Pluto is the principle of death and rebirth which is currently combined with the Uranian principle of sudden change. This combination forces change. This transit represents a time when unrest and frustration with the status quo has reached a critical point and must be released.  In 1960, the world was also feeling the chaotic forces of Uranus/Pluto in the form of a conjunction. These energies perpetuated the revolutionary tendencies that we saw play out widely through the 60’s.

Election day chart compared to the US Sibley chart

In this comparison, we see the transiting Moon in Libra will be transiting the Midheaven of the US Sibley chart and they are both squared by the transiting Sun. The Sun will be sitting right on the US Jupiter which indicates large voter turnout. Transiting Uranus is inconjunct the US progressed Sun which suggests an upset.

Even more telling is transiting Pluto tightly quincunx Uranus, in the US chart, which energies suggest radical change and an impatience (Uranus) that will necessitate total upheaval (Pluto). The polls may say one thing up until the day of the election, and there could be a reversal on election day.

Will the change be another resounding second term of the change Obama/Biden represent, moving away from the old traditional republican ways and structure? Or will the change or upset be moving back to the pro corporate patterns of the Bush administration and the old republican guard?  Many astrologers have predicted that Obama will win a second term.  I personally believe that the jury is still out and given the chaotic and uncertain energies, and the huge amount of money being spent to defeat Obama from corporate interests, nothing should be taken for granted. However, we all should look at the contrast in the philosophies of the candidates, check the facts, think for ourselves,  feel what better resonates with our own heart, and get out and vote.

While there are many philosophies on child development and parenting, bottom line, we need to know what really works and how we can help our little ones develop socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Astrology provides that personal factor. There is no better information to assist a parent then an understanding of a child’s astrological makeup. It is a child development strategy written specifically for your unique son or daughter. Every parent wants to do what is best for their child. Astrology can give you the insight you need.

This is the seventh article in my series on Children’s Astrology for Better Way Moms. Capricorn birthdays begin December 21st at 03:39 pm PST, and 06:39 pm EST. (If this description does not accurately describe your Capricorn child, there may be strong modifiers coming from other planets or sensitive points in the Natal chart which can overshadow Capricorn characteristics.)

Capricorn (December 21 – January 20)

Capricorn Sun babies are serious and responsible even when very small. Infants can look prematurely wise and solemn, like little old people. They seem to be adults who are working their way backward to childhood and can act in astonishingly mature ways at a very young age, assuming responsibilities and giving advice to elders. Capricorn may develop a quirky sense of humor in order to compensate for an overly serious approach to life. As soon as Capricorns can walk and talk, they want to be helpful and do something important and may carry on surprisingly adult conversations with those who offer guidance. Because of all this seriousness, young Capricorn needs to be encouraged to play. Forms of play that teach while reaching a practical result are the best. Evan at play, they will give off the concentrated air of an adult busy at real work.

School is often approached in an organized fashion and their ambition will surface in the school years where goal-oriented Capricorn will work very hard to excel. Praise is not very important to the Capricorn student, but recognition and respect for real achievements is vital. Since they tend to focus on establishment-oriented topics and time-tested methods, Capricorns favor politics and history. Reading about successful people serves as inspiration. They will usually excel in those subjects that have a practical end, leaving the fantasy to others.

Though Capricorn children enjoy being taken seriously and given responsibility, when the burden becomes too great they notice other children don’t work so hard and become envious. Capricorn must be allowed to be a child. as the sign produces workaholics.. Taking responsibility comes naturally to this sign and the young can easily shoulder more than they are actually capable of handling. The wise parent will not allow this to happen, no matter how eager the child seems to take on more. Adult decisions should not be made by children. The results can be quite damaging to the child’s development.

Capricorn is very concerned with reputation. They enjoy the “State of the Art” as it often improves their public image. Young Capricorn girls can be very clothes conscious, needing to look put-together and organized with the appropriate accessories. The boys can also be concerned about their appearance, but need the respect for the big toys and popular electronics, the things they can show to their friends. They will do whatever is necessary so as not to let anyone notice that they may have a chink in their armor, or may not have ample money and resources. Capricorns are usually good with money and will feel the need to start saving early on.

Efficiency is the Capricorn watchword. What works is accepted and applauded, what does not work is discarded without a backward glance because everything must serve the same end: usefulness. Thus, feelings will be tempered with reality. Capricorn asks, even of love, “Will this work?” and if the answer is “no”, it turns away.

Capricorn is considered one of the cold signs and does not have a”touchy feely” emotional side. Close relationships can be frustrating for the partner as deep emotions require to much of Capricorn’s practical energy. They tend to be non communicative about intimacy and don’t feel comfortable with public displays of affection. They do enjoy however, having others around that respect and depend on them.

Preferring the administrative and executive side of life, Capricorn may not show much enthusiasm for sports and physical activities. This teen is more likely to be the student council president than captain of an athletic team.

Capricorn is very discriminating and detailed oriented, making good managers. They are often judgmental, pessimistic and conservative and quickly spot the flaws and mistakes in authority figures and systems and set about creating useful alternatives, filling in the blanks themselves or taking over the system.

Capricorn symbolizes father, authority, the social order, pragmatism and the slow but sure ascent to the top of the heap. Driven by ambition to succeed sccording the the world’s rules, the goat endures. Capricorn builds what is practical and useful to society, looking to authority figures to determine the right way to of doing things, wanting to know exactly what the rules are. Then, when meticuliously sticking to the game plan, Capricorn glories in success and enjoys a good pat on the back.

Everyone is born with a perfect self expression, a unique “voice” so to speak, that is the perfect expression of who they were born to be and what they were born to do. I am often consulted to assist my clients in finding their voice, their life purpose. For those of you who have found and know your unique voice, I applaud you. Most people don’t have a clue as to why they were born and what they were meant to do while here. Astrology can indeed give clues to these burning questions by defining a person’s strengths, talents and gifts, however, taking advantage of opportunities, letting go of fear and doubt and living life with confidence, all play major roles as peoples’ lives play out before them.

What others think

We often believe we are the only one who is plagued with fear, and uncertainty. That everyone else has a more clear picture of who they were meant to be. Not so. It is actually part of the human condition to wonder about these important questions and feel fearful and self conscious about putting ourselves out there for possible scrutiny and ridicule.  In truth, what others think simply doesn’t matter. Each of us has within us a personal mission, an unfolding of our soul which will bring us great satisfaction and joy. Why miss out on all this because we care about what others will think?   I like Terri Cole Whittaker’s quote, “What other people think of me is none of my business.”

Think about how much time you have wasted worrying about what others think and doubting your value. Doubt can be a constant companion. Practice ignoring that doubting voice in your head that says, “Be careful what you do. You don’t want to take any risks. You don’t know what will happen. It’s better to just do nothing rather than risk being hurt or rejected.” We all battle with these voices. But now as we awaken during these rapidly evolving times, it is time to see them for what they really are, our fears in self-protective clothing.

Overcoming fear

Our biggest challenge is overcoming the fear.  Fear paralyzes and renders us impotent.

But yet it is really only bluffing and is completely dependant on you and your emotions to keep it operative. It is almost impossible to manifest your dreams if you bring fear into the present moment. It blocks the flow of your connection to the infinite realm of all that is possible. That realm carries a very high frequency and fear and doubt generate a low frequency. They are at odds. You must eliminate low frequency emotions to be in harmony with Divine infinite intelligence where the miracles happen. High frequency emotions are love, gratitude, joy, happiness, playfulness, acceptance, awe and wonder etc… If you can stay in that frequency then you will be attracting those things into your life that are comfortable in a high frequency and you will be able to more easily tap into that sweet creative realm of infinite possibilities.

What does your heart want?

Ask your heart what you would want to become if you could achieve it without any blockages in your way.  What would bring you the greatest joy? What would fill your soul? Once you have identified your desire, you must proceed as if there were no impediments. There aren’t actually, they only exist in your own mind. You can immediately hear the internal mental battle. “ There is no way I could possibly…” Now if you can change that dialogue to “Everyday I am moving closer to being that new person as nothing is impossible” then you will begin to make great progress toward finding your niche and sharing your unique voice.

Your perfect self expression need not be grandiose or a media stage production. And you don’t need to be the most talented person in your field. You just need to be aware of your unique voice and what you have to share. I had a client, an art student, come for a consultation. During our visit she shared with me what her teacher had expressed to her. She reassured my client that it was not her perfection of the principles of art that would make her a famous artist, it was knowing her voice and doing her art with confidence that would propel her and make all the difference. Look at the works of Picasso as an example. He knew his voice.

George Seurat was a struggling artist in Paris in the late 1800’s. His voice was quite unique as he created works of art through a method he created called pointillism. There were no brush strokes, only little dots of paint creating a large and complex image. He became very famous for his unique style. He struggled mightily with fear and confidence to find his niche.

The play depicting his life, Sunday in the Park With George, is moving and inspiring. In one of the scenes, his wife sings encouraging words to him during a time of intense depression. Some of the words stuck with me and have been very meaningful as I have worked on developing my voice, “…Just keep moving on, anything you do, let it come from you, then it will be new, give us more to see.” (Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim) You might think what you want to do has been done before so why try. But, when it comes through you, then it will be new as it takes on your inspiration, personality and style.

What does your heart tell you? Your desire may be simply to awaken possibilities in others or to inspire others to greatness. You may want to read to children and see their beautiful eyes shine and come alive as you treat them to new worlds of possibilities. I heard it said, and I wish I remembered who, that the joy this person experienced was measured by how many shining eyes were glued to her as she spoke. Empowering others and making an impact was her voice. Our uniqueness can be little or big, it doesn’t matter. What is important is your knowledge that it is what you were meant to do and that it brings you joy.

What may seem small and insignificant to you now may change everything for someone else in the future. Your love and kindness, your example, your wisdom could change someone very important who may one day change the world or you could change and sooth the battered heart and soul of another and create hope.   Nothing good we do, no matter how small, is insignificant. We are all an extension of God and each of our “voices” is carrying forward the work of the Divine.

We have become a gluttonous, greedy society, based on wanting more, better, faster, without being mindful of the consequences. Now, in more and more areas of our lives, we are living with the devastating consequences of our careless choices. Corporations and technology have grown beyond our comprehension and often out of control. There needs to be a conscience and integrity about where we allow it all to go.

How can it be possible that we have been duped for so long and allowed the contamination of our food supply? We are at a crossroads or what is called a Tipping Point on our beautiful planet. At this critical time, we could go either way, to greater freedom of choice or to ever increasing control and proliferation. Fortunately, through the spread of social networks, the truth is being told to greater numbers than ever before, and unless the internet is shut down, the dissemination of truth will not be stopped. This is a time of revelation, exposure and action.  Offending organizations, companies and governments will continue to be exposed and will be forced to restructure with integrity or end.

The Hero’s Journey

Over the past several decades we have been entertained and inspired by epic films depicting the classic struggle between good and evil, the dark side versus the light. Films like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, graphically show how

a few ordinary souls, coming from a place of truth and integrity can have a huge impact on overcoming the forces of evil. I actually dislike using the word evil as it can turn people off from an important message. But, I find I don’t know how else to describe it within the scenario of the Hero’s Journey.

We, as a people on planet Earth, are in the midst of this classic struggle, and it is for our very survival. There are many important and critical battles raging now, but none so insidious as to try and claim ownership and control of our food and its production. Chemical companies, slowly maneuvering and penetrating, injecting their GMOs (genetically modified organisms), chemicals, pesticides and pollutants into our food and its production at every angle and in continually increasing amounts under the guise of public safety, being helpful, or to feed the world. It would be different if the numerous studies supported their claims. Sadly, however, the opposite is true. Over the past several decades, the history and studies do not support their word. You can Google search these issues and read studies and see the horrors for yourself.

These companies conduct their business and further their goals without regard for the health and actual safety of the Earth or its people. Greed, power and control are the motivations. These monstrous chemical companies — not food companies –purporting to help us, are involved in the height of deception and trickery. And now many of their former employees are heading up our Government agencies, like the EPA. (A former employee of Monsanto, Linda Fischer, has just been named to head the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which monitors environmental issues.) And there are many more examples.

The Evil Empire

My imagination sees each company as a Darth Vader like figure, dark, smooth, sly and cunning, succoring in all who are vulnerable into the snare of the Evil Empire. This may seem overly dramatic, but I will tell you that the extent of what is happening right under our noses is no different than the way the dark forces unconscionably manipulated worlds in those films. It is time for each of us to wake up and become the public conscience, believing we can change things and make a difference like the heros of the cinema.

Non-governmental organizations in the U.S. are challenging questionable and destructive practices by Big Chemical. The Organic Consumers Association has spearheaded the campaign “Millions Against Monsanto,” calling on the company to stop intimidating small family farmers, stop marketing untested and unlabeled genetically engineered foods to consumers, and stop using billions of dollars of U.S. taxpayers’ money to subsidize GMO crops.

In Congress, Senate Bill S 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, may be the most dangerous bill in the history of the US. “If accepted, S 510 would preclude the public’s right to grow, own, trade, transport, share, feed and eat each and every food that nature makes. It will become the most offensive authority against the cultivation, trade and consumption of food and agricultural products of one’s choice. It will be unconstitutional and contrary to natural law or, if you like, the will of God.” ~Dr. Shiv Chopra, Canada Health whistleblower . S 510 extends control over all food in the US, violating the fundamental human right to food.

Monsanto says it has no interest in the bill and would not benefit from it, but Monsanto’s Michael Taylor who gave us rBGH (a synthetic growth hormone) and unregulated genetically modified (GM) organisms, appears to have designed it and is waiting as an appointed Food Czar to the FDA (a position unapproved by Congress) to administer the agency it would create — without judicial review — if it passes. S 510 would give Monsanto unlimited power over all US seed, food supplements (vitamins), food and farming.

Monsanto is reported to have donated 60,000 seed sacks (475 tons) of hybrid corn seeds and vegetable seeds, some of them treated with highly toxic pesticides. The Haitians have committed to burning Monsanto’s seeds, and has called for a march to protest the corporation’s presence in Haiti on June 4, for World Environment Day.

What You Can Do

We can individually make a difference, each of us doing what we can. We can draw our personal line in the sand and refuse to cross it. Watch the movies, Food Inc, and The Beautiful Truth and a new film called Dirt, about our soil, how it is endangered and how we can protect it. We have many votes a day as to who and what we will support.

Contact your local representatives and demand policies for food sovereignty, where we can continue to have the right to make personal decisions about what we eat and the supplements we take, to define agricultural policies, and to grow healthy food in a way which respects the environment and Mother Earth.

If you purchase non GMO and healthy organic foods, stay away from fast and processed foods that are laden with toxic chemicals and genetically modified ingredients (genetically saturated with pesticides) that our bodies don’t know how to process, you are making a big difference in shutting down the harmful by supporting the healthy. These unnatural chemicals and restructured faux foods have been proven to create addictions to unhealthy foods with resulting obesity, create disease in the body (cancers, heart disease, diabetes, etc.) and are linked to birth defects.

Purchase cleaning products and supplies that are free of toxic chemicals. Use less plastic, wash and reuse plastic bags and abstain from purchasing water and drinks in disposable plastic bottles. Use your own organic bags at the grocery store and recycle everything. By doing the simple things that you can, you are contributing to the collective improvement. Or, will you let the establishment continue to control by making foolish choices based on convenience and apathy? I was guilty of that for a long time. Now, I have drawn my line in the sand. If we, through our collective conviction and reformed shopping habits, strip them of their money, the harmful companies will disappear. Working together, we can make a huge difference. When and where will you draw your line?

To be perfectly clear, these companies feed on profit. This is their only motivation. Each of us vote, every day, through what we buy, which allows or denies these companies the food (profit) that makes them strong. If the profit dries up, the offending company either changes to come in line with the public will, or starves and goes away.

One Can Make a Difference

An example of one individual making a difference is Kevin Costner, spending 40 million dollars over the past 15 years, since the Exxon Valdez oil spill, developing and perfecting a method to separate oil from sea water which he has received permission to use on the recent oil spill disaster by British Petroleum that is destroying numerous ecosystems and wildlife. Each of us doing what we can do is the best way. Costner had the means to do this where others couldn’t. Negotiations are apparently in process.

Then we have the wonderful woman, Mary Crowley, who loves the ocean and is mobilizing a force of fishermen and other people with boats to help attack the mass of floating plastic garbage known as the North Pacific Trash Gyre and recycle it. Fabulous. Kudos to Mary!  Each person has a strength, passion, talent and means, great or small. We can each contribute our unique gifts.

Be For, Not Against

We have learned that fighting a war is a lose-lose proposition. Our government has initiated many wars from military to health and drugs. None have been successful because fighting against something doesn’t work. Why? Because what we put our emotion and passion toward increases and is where the energy flows.  So, the energy used for fighting these wars creates more drugs, obesity, cancer, fear, ignorance and death.

We don’t want to fight against anything. We want to stay informed and put our emotion and passion toward supporting loving and sustainable solutions for the Earth and its peoples and the new great things we can create. Energy and expansion will follow what we support. As we do this we will be creating healthier products, less disease, greater peace and happiness and the polluters will disappear because we will no longer be supporting their industries with our daily purchases.

Where will you draw your line in the sand?