“Dreams will get you nowhere; a good kick in the pants will get you a long way.”

-Baltasar Gracian

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context. Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up. When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us.

February is another rich and dynamic month. It really starts off with Neptune’s entry into Pisces on the 3^rd –a true watershed in time. But there’s still so much else going on and we’re still getting pulled in very different directions at the same time, so we’d be wise to pay close heed Neptune’s christening and launch party. We’re working on undoing old and outdated versions of our selves, but already we’re supposed to be blasting off into very new territory and forming new conglomerates of being, and even integrating them into our habits. It’s a whole lot, but when is it ever not?

Venus opposes Mars on the 1^st, frothing up latent tensions but offering a profound chance to let things go. The realities of life often don’t live up to their corresponding fantasies: We could choose to feel like a victim of this supposed travesty, or we could choose to release the fantasies and work to find more joy in what actually is, however endlessly mundane it may be. Work with what you have and be patient regarding progress.

Neptune moves into Pisces at 10:52 am Pacific on the 3rd to stay, where he won’t be done until 2026. A ritual of openness to the watery depths that this change promises would be wise, like a swim in the ocean. This is obviously going to be a long process, but we can Read the rest of this entry »

“…A new beginning, suspiciously like the old one; only this time I’m ready.”

-Typhoon-‘Starting Over’

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context. Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up. When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us.

It’s a new year already. Though, astrologically speaking, it kind of already changed into the next phase in November and there is a lot going on; super-busy style. January starts by bringing December’s boil to more of a busy simmer. Then things start to get somewhat buoyant around mid-month. But then we’ll feel Mars slowing to a stop on the 23^rd and the busyness will return but with less visible progress. Mostly it’s just asking us to keep working at stuff as best we can–standard fare.

Mercury sextiles Saturn and then Neptune on the 7^th, calling us to integrate recent lessons and let the unpleasant teachers fade into the fog of memory. This could be a very important moment in time for turning towards the right direction and committing to whatever healthy path has recently presented itself. Just be sure that the functional elements are sound.

Mercury moves into Capricorn on the 7^th, where he will stay until the 27th. This period is very supportive of getting things done, organized and out of the way. However, it can also make us harder on ourselves and/or others. Keep the focus on productivity, not criticism and things should work better. Get moving or get out of the way.

Mercury trines Jupiter and squares Uranus on the 8^th, frothing up a different mental blend. This one is leaning more towards wild optimism and excitement, hopefully following on the heels of recent commitments. If things are not moving as you’d like, then be patient and keep master-minding some new angles of approach. Be aware of how the perspective shifts–and take advantage of it.

The Full Moon is in 18 degrees of Cancer at 11:30 pm (pacific) on the 8^th. This semi-mellow lunation is urging us to further support ourselves in the midst of many things/people that could be pulling at our energy supplies. The idea is simple: take care of yourself and then care for others—but the implementation from day to day is complex and always in flux. Don’t exceed your pace and make sure to put time aside for self-nurture; even just a bath will help.

The Sun trines Mars on the 12^th, giving us a chance to cut through some of our inner resistance, our stubborn ego, or other hang-ups. The challenge is that we could too easily coast on this downhill instead of pressing the gas in preparation for the next one. Keep the progress steady and consistent and be patient.

Venus trines Saturn and conjoins Neptune on the 13^th, pulling us in very different directions at once: One that is eager to be on the ground, in the garden, or otherwise enjoying natural earthly pleasures; the other pulling us up towards the ethers, into our fantasies. The ideal way to deal with this is to practice being in awe by allowing oneself to see and appreciate the dreamlike wonder that is all around us. This requires seeing through eyes of wise innocence.

Mercury conjoins Pluto, also on the 13^th, plunging us deep into whatever old detritus is preventing full integration and awesome-ification. Whatever hasn’t been purged from the body, the closet, the to-do list, et cetera, has got to go or at least be put on the soon-to-purge list. Wherever you may be in the process of simplification, keep going. Growth takes time and consistency.

Venus moves into Pisces, also on the 13^th at 9:47 p.m., where she will stay until February 7^th. This period of time is good for any inspirational pursuits: listening to more music, dancing, spiritual practices, even swimming. If it refreshes your spirit and is healthy enough, do it. Relax and unwind some of the tension, because we need to get rest when and where we can.

Venus sextiles Jupiter on the 14^th, lightening the mood of the weekend. We may want to get out with friends and be social and/or see a show. Affirm the positive and enjoy the respite.

The Sun squares Saturn on the 19^th, pushing us to keep getting ourselves together. Maturity and attentiveness are required to keep relationships balanced and smooth as this period could bring up lingering tensions. Let go of any biases and over-reactive tendencies you have and be open to seeing the perspective of others.

The Sun moves into Aquarius on the 20^th, asking us to stay open to whatever the world wants to teach us, even if it comes from unconventional sources. I mean, still take it all with a grain of salt, but be sure to suspend your beliefs enough to avoid getting stuck at a fixed vantage point.

Venus sextiles Pluto on the 20^th, stirring up the under layer of our relationships a bit. It shouldn’t be very scary and it can be useful for flushing misunderstandings and missed connections down the drain. Practice compassion and a real best-effort at understanding the issues of others.

The Sun sextiles Uranus and squares Jupiter on the 21^st, jolting us awake and/or further into action. It centers on where we see ourselves headed, how that may have changed recently, and what the heck we are going to do about it. Easily said, but, you got to strive to thrive.

The New Moon is in 2 degrees of Aquarius at 11:39 p.m. (pacific) on the 22^nd. Now is our chance to blast more fully this new coagulation of various facets of ourselves into a more functional alloy. If you have not yet gathered all these pieces, then get to work on this now. If ready, then flow with the current and use it.

Mercury trines Mars on the 23^rd, propelling us into more realizations and simplifications. This is a good time for further editing our inner narrator and keeping our minds looking decently towards the silver-lining in the drudgery of it all. Keep the mind on track.

Mars stations retrograde on the 23^rd, at 4:54 p.m. (pacific), going apparently backwards until April 13^th. And so it begins: months of training, pruning, streamlining, optimizing, cleansing, essentializing—or paying for the lack of effort. It’s very important to take care of one’s health during this period, like maybe getting back to eating better, exercise, stretching, et cetera. However, it can’t be forced; it has to be wanted enough to push through and start seeing results. Put your brain on the same program. Give yourself a tune-up. A ritual of openness to what this period could bring would be most appropriate.

Mercury squares Saturn on the 27^th, giving us a tough gauge for our growth. Use it for motivation; don’t get discouraged. Life usually has its own unique timing and this must be respected. We are better off if we work with it, patiently.

Mercury moves into Aquarius on the 27^th, taking the focus off of the grind somewhat, and shifting more towards new schemes and contemplations. The mind must be fed or it gets awfully grumpy and difficult to manage. Study and/or do something out of your ordinary.

Mercury sextiles Uranus and squares Jupiter on the 28^th, infusing a strong dose of cabin fever, if we have not been seeking enough adventure. Let us think of it as a ‘call of the wild,’ from within, asking us to get out there or risk wilting. Keep experimenting.

January, what will you bring us? We are all being pushed towards our own original take, combination, amalgam of humanity; to embrace these things in our selves more fully and inventively. This will represent very different paths for various people, but we should all be working through some old, goopy stuff, while also fostering the newness. And it’s most recommended to work on the goop and get it gone, because early February promises to change the game as Neptune ventures into Pisces, which he won’t be done with until 2026! May we all be as conscious and ready as we can be.

“Happiness is an attitude of mind, born of the simple determination to be happy under all outward circumstances.”

-J. Donald Walters

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context. Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up. When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us.

Well, the year is almost over. December looks like life should stay busy and interesting, (though seeing that requires work.) The first half is rather dangerous if the momentums are resisted. A level head and steady application of effort is the standard protocol–along with some deep breathing for patience. The second half continues with that volatility but adds a lot more urgency to get ready and get moving or get over it. The whole month wants us to begin preparations now for the coming Spring and the festivities it has in store for us.

Venus conjoins Pluto on the 1^st, frothing up some old hang-ups and fears for processing and, hopefully, removal. This is definitely not a good time to indulge in fears or judgments. But it would facilitate taking our passions to a deeper layer. Stay focused on improving yourself.

The Sun squares Mars on the 2^nd, making for some rambunctious and possibly dangerous scenarios. If the stagnation is yours, then start breaking it up; if it’s in others, stay out of the way and do not engage. The key is to keep your Read the rest of this entry »

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

-William Gaddis

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context. Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up. When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us.

November almost seems to have clear-cut themes. It’s looking like an alternation between the inner and outer purging of our lives. The inner tends to be the less-visible parts: our dreams, fantasies, beliefs, self-concepts, idealizations, et cetera. The outer is standard real life stuff, especially possessions and finances. Doing each side can facilitate the other, but starting with the outer is usually easier. Go through your crap and then go through the crap that floats up inside as a result.

Mercury squares Neptune on the 1^st, blurring the lines some more but hopefully bringing respite from the recent tensions. This is not the best for precise solutions, but it’s great for letting things float downstream. Contemplative pursuits are extremely recommended; let the thoughts follow the current, but keep yourself on the shore.

Venus moves into Sagittarius on the 2^nd, where she will stay until the 26^th. Be ready to venture away from the familiar because the standard entertainments won’t be quite as thrilling. Find something to keep you stimulated or at least be ready to self-entertain.

Mercury also moves into Sagittarius on the 2^nd, where he will stay until January 7^th, (extra long due to retrogradation.) This is a brain-overload period, where ideas and information fly fast and hot. Try to Read the rest of this entry »

"Losing an illusion makes you wiser than finding a truth.”

-Ludwig Borne

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context. Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up. When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us.

October may be relatively mellow, but it will still be tough because it’s working through old crap. The focus is definitely on integration. However, beyond just processing our own developments, it seems to be about reconnecting with others within this newer context; refreshing the connections. There is also a push for us to get more real, a little tougher on ourselves, but not to indulge any self-bashing tendencies, especially retro-active regret. Learn and keep going.

Mars squares Jupiter on the 2^nd, bringing up tension between our grand visions and the reality of the now. If we find ourselves disappointed, then now is the time to commit to more steady application of effort. If we feel the flames of excitement already, then it’s good for stoking that motivation and inspiration; envision practical awesomeness and keep putting it to action.

Mercury conjoins Saturn on the 6^th, pushing us to deal with our doubts and fears by either deconstructing them or by establishing and planning for positive growth. Self-support by giving yourself credit would be wise: Things take time and often involve taking two steps back for every three forward. Respect the timing.

Venus trines Neptune on the 7^th, highlighting a more dreamy and fantastical energy. Some kind of spiritual work would help, as would getting out and seeing a show or hanging with friends. The key is to Read the rest of this entry »

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

-John Muir

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context.

Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up. When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us.

So, September is advertising way more ease and flow than August as grand-cross, i.e. ‘do or cry,’ season is over, for now. September starts us off on the digestion and integration phase–or is it just recovery for now? Well, we should be tired; if we’ve been keeping up with the astrological demands. So now could be our chance to revitalize and recharge our physical and psychic systems. But, be sure to devote time towards keeping the momentum of change moving along, because it will be needed.

The Sun trines Jupiter on the 2^nd, helping us get our physical worlds more on track. It’s a good time to take better care of the body by (re)establishing healthy habits: to decrease the effects of stress and fatigue. Eat light and stay bright.

Mercury opposes Neptune on the 8^th, for the 3rd and final crossing; bringing or beginning some resolution to situations that have been frothed about since the end of July. It should help differing perspectives to become clearer and the hyper-sensitivity to wane. But don’t over-think it.

Mercury returns to Virgo on the 8^th, after a month of revisiting Leo, where he will stay until the 25th. This will be a welcome change that will get us into a more productive gear. It’s time to tackle Read the rest of this entry »

“Discovery is the ability to be puzzled by simple things"

- Noam Chomsky

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context. Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up. When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us. 

Well, I hope everybody enjoyed the latter half of July, because August is more nose-to-the-grindstone. This month definitely has some tension building until the middle of the month and then it slowly subsides. Somehow, though, we should be calmly applying ourselves or we may end up too tense and unable to keep up. Pay close attention to health and habits because our vehicles must be well maintained during this period; and they are probably already a little fatigued if you’ve been keeping up. Anyway, August should be informative.

The Sun squares Jupiter on the 1^st, stimulating some long-range visions of where we’d like to take our self-development. Focus on practical ways to increase enjoyment— Which means infusing more joy into the most mundane.

Mercury goes retrograde on the 2^nd, until the 26th. This retrograde centers around deconstructing our intellectual critic and getting back more fully into our hearts. Critical awareness can be very productive, but is best when kept in close contact with our feelings, body and heart.

Mars moves into Cancer on the 3^rd, where he will stay until September 18th. This is a challenging placement that Read the rest of this entry »

“Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy that does not laugh.”

-Kahlil Gibran

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context. Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up.

When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us.

Oh July. The first half is rich with hustle and bustle that is the continuation of the Spring-time surprise we have had going on. But then it drastically mellows to more of a simmer. Then we get some time for recovery, except that we still have the option of obsessing about one thing or another, reruns, particularly that which is supposedly missing or that which could have been, at least in one’s mind. It’s definitely an important time to give yourself the support and internal praise necessary to counterbalance the possible horror of staring various demons in the face. Work through it all with confidence and, more importantly, humor.

There is a solar Eclipse in Cancer at 1:54 am (Pacific) on the 1^st. It won’t be simple or easy and we’ve felt the rumble of this one coming throughout June, especially since the eclipse on the 15^th. This one forms a very challenging grand cross in the sky that feels almost claustrophobic and will push us all to center, stabilize and hopefully find comfort in these rather turbulent, heavy and uncertain times. Make the changes that you have been resisting, and work towards preserving the recent shifts. Feel through whatever comes up for processing but don’t get dragged into the past or regret fantasies. Nourish the now.

Mercury moves into Leo on the 1^st, where he will stay through the 28^th before revisiting from August 8^th until September 8^th, due to retrogradation. July’s phase of this sojourn will focus on being more fully ourselves; a reinvention of sorts, but with a bent towards self-rediscovery. Work on having fun with the learning and keeping things light.

The Sun squares Saturn on the 2^nd, pushing us around to see how we hold up. A lot of issues have been frothed up recently and we do need to learn from them, but we also must stay Read the rest of this entry »

“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.”
-Carlos Castaneda

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context. Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up. When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us.

Well, June rushed up on us while we were trying to catch up and decided that it was eclipse season already. But this time it’s a triple dose of eclipses from June 1st straight to July 1st, summoning even more karmic lessons to the classroom. It’s an ongoing balancing act: paying close attention to what life is teaching us, which requires personal identification, while still not taking anything too personally. It is all about us, but only to us. On the other hand, it is a group project, but only in so far as people work through their own issues: Paradox.

The Sun trines Saturn on the 1^st, supporting some balancing of our long-term goals. We don’t have to make all the choices now, but it is a good time to trim down the extremism from whence we view things.

There’s a partial Solar Eclipse in Gemini at 2:03pm (Pacific) on the 1^st, plopping us into a month-long triple-eclipse cycle until July 1st. This is good for continuing May’s regrouping process: re-collecting ourselves and dealing with fairly practical issues. Organize and streamline your resources and take good care of the body. Get out of fear and discouragement issues.

Mercury moves into Gemini on the 2^nd, where he will stay until the 16th. This period is ideal for thinking through our choices and course-correcting our perspectives. It’s time for our choices to better actualize the positive changes of the last couple of months. Better to give the mind more info than to over-work older territory.

Mercury squares Neptune on the 3^rd, blurring the lines. We are being pushed away from Read the rest of this entry »

“A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject”

Winston Churchill

Tips for almanac use: All the aspects can be felt in advance of the date of occurrence. It is good policy to view these as due dates for various energies and prepare accordingly for one’s context. Some slower interactions can be felt a month in advance, so it’s wise to read ahead and ritual up.

When we proactively manifest these symbols then the world doesn’t have to do it for us.

May is not nearly as boiling and swirly as April, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of complacency: The initiatives of April still need integration and a sort of slow-cooling process. The current brew is still sensitive to rapid fluctuations and not fully ready for use, either. And don’t mess with it too much; just let it simmer. On the other hand, we need to regroup and get our acts more caught up when and where possible.

The New Moon falls in mid-Taurus at 11:51 p.m. (Pacific) on the 2^nd. It’s time to renew our commitment to our worlds. But this one is tricky because it’s not yet clear what has really been happening and to what we are committing. So, we need to contrive a means to get past the trivial complexities and keep our energies focused on the core issues at hand. Check in with your body and intuition, stay calm and recuperate.

Mercury conjoins Venus on the 9^th, giving us another chance to encourage peace in the social-mental landscape: Enjoy beauty wherever it blossoms. Try to stop rehashing Read the rest of this entry »