MARCIA SACKS

The New Moon is tomorrow, October 27, 10:38 pm CDT at 4° Scorpio. This New Moon is exactly opposed to Uranus at 4° Taurus. In general, the key phrase for Uranus is unexpected changes of plan. Scorpio and Taurus are fixed signs which are resistant to change. This suggests that the more inflexible you are, the more affected you will be by this New Moon. Kriyananda often gave his disciples and students this thought to reflect on: "Adjust, adapt, acclimatize."  In part, it means that as the world changes, old solutions may no longer work and we need to think about things differently.

One symbol related to Scorpio is secrets or memories hidden deep in the psyche. Uranus is a strike of lightning that can light up  a flash of memory in a shocking way. Our advantage is perspective. The things that used to confound us when we were younger are easier to handle now.  We may find that information from the past is helpful or insightful. 

​Mercury goes retrograde on October 31st at 27° Scorpio. For a few days around that station point, be careful in written and spoken communication, read the fine print on contracts, or better yet - don't sign anything unless you are willing to experience delays in whatever you are signing for. Mercury also rules transportation and short journeys. Usually traffic is slower around a Mercury station point. Plan ahead to leave earlier. Do your checklist of things to take with. Mercury goes direct on November 20th.


In the future:

Astrologer Lin Ewing is giving a workshop: Saturn-Uranus-Pluto: The Heavy Hitters of the Zodiac http://www.astrologicaldetails.com/saturn-uranus-pluto.html on Sunday, November 3, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm, Life Force Arts Center, 1609 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, $55 ($45 early registration by October 27). For info and registration: 773.327.7224 or info@LifeForceArts.org

Online:

Your Divine Inheritance: The audio recording of my October 13 noon meditation for the Temple of Kriya Yoga is now on my youtube channel.

The Full Moon is on this Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 20° Aries. Which do you want first - the good news or the bad news?

OK, good news it is. This Full Moon is trine to Jupiter in Sagittarius. So a few days before and after the full moon day, there's positive energy for learning, especially for completing reading a book or educational project that has already been started. Of course, if you're like me, there's usually a stack of books from the library waiting to be read. So there's no end to that. But those books give me that feeling of abundance that the planet Jupiter is known for.
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Most often though, when looking at the planets that comprise the chart of a lunation, astrologers look at the hard aspects to the Sun and Moon. In this case, the Moon and the Sun are square to both Saturn and Pluto. So we're back to the Saturn/Pluto conjunction that's been forming and re-forming over the past year or so. This impacts everyone but the cardinal signs the most (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn). In general, we're looking at the frustrating limitations that we experience and our passionate responses to them. 

Knowing astrology, we can usually organize our time around difficult aspects. In the case of this full moon, you can plan to stay out of arguments with people on the opposing side of an issue for 3 days before and after the lunation. If necessary, you can bring the issue up later, at a less stressful time. Because each new moon and full moon begin a two week cycle, if you trigger the aspect right at the lunation, it will most likely play out over the whole two week period. If you feel the triggering influence and refrain from reacting, the impulse to react will tend to release within a day or two.

Then, there's the unavoidable karma that no amount of astrological foreknowledge can fix. Here's one example: A few days before the October 3 Pluto station point conjunct my sun, my teeth started hurting. But I didn't want to go to the dentist under that aspect. For those of you who have had a nerve dying in a tooth, you know what that's like. I waited a few days to see if the pain would get better but eventually I had to tell myself not to be stupid and went to the dentist. Of course, I needed a root canal. Saturn rules teeth, Pluto rules drilling into something. So he drilled and numbed the tooth that day (blessed relief). Then I had to come back yesterday at the Full Moon squared Saturn/Pluto and get the root canal completed (more drill down into my tooth).

I couldn't change the timing or the event. That's karma. But one of the most important things I learned from Goswami Kriyananda is, whatever the karmic dilemma, you have free will over your attitude. So I started with an attitude of gratitude. I have a great dentist who I've gone to for over 30 years. Very grateful that in modern times they are fixing teeth rather than pulling them like they did in the olden days. Grateful for anesthetics like novocaine. I walked into the dental office with a positive attitude, had a nice time catching up on kids and grandkids with my dentist, and focused in a meditative way while I was being worked on.

 So your challenge over the next few days is to see if you can change your attitude under unavoidable challenging circumstances. Practice with simple things like traffic and stop lights. If you are being delayed find a good attitude to hold onto. Louise Hay had this affirmation: "I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing."

This Sunday, October 13, I'll be giving the noon meditation for the Temple of Kriya Yoga at Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago. The title is "Your Divine Inheritance".  We have come into this lifetime with many gifts from the past. This noon meditation will highlight ways to experience both abundance and contentment.

The new moon is on Saturday, September 28, 1:26 pm CDT in 5° Libra. Projects that have to do with working in partnership with others are highlighted. As an air sign Libra has to do with interpersonal communications, so it could be a good time to catch up with people through phone, email or social media. Frame your written thoughts carefully so that they are tactful and diplomatic.

Pluto is going direct on October 3 at 20° Capricorn. This Pluto stationary point is in effect at least a week on either side of that date. Pluto intensifies our ambitions and may make us aware of our hidden motivations or deep desires. In Capricorn, this planetary placement can make us or the people around us "bossy". In other words, everyone is certain their ideas are right and that their "suggestions" will be well received.​

​You can balance this by being a considerate and respectful listener but stand your ground (politely) if necessary.  Not a good time to initiate a fight or argument.

Pluto in Capricorn energy is perfect though for applying new systems of organization or doing a Marie Kondo style clean-out. 

Coming up:

The Northern Illinois chapter of the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NI-NCGR) will be featuring a lecture "2020 - The World in Transition" by financial astrologer Grace Morris on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 7:30 - 9 p.m., Des Plaines Elk Lodge. More info:http://chicagolandastrology.com/news.html

For Fun: Halloween Costumes by Sun Sign https://www.llewellyn.com/blog/2019/09/halloween-costumes-for-each-sign-of-the-zodiac
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The Professional Astrology Course
This online self-study program enables you to start wherever you are in your astrology studies – novice or experienced student – and gain the skills necessary to become a practicing astrologer. Goswami Kriyananda draws upon his 60 years of experiences as a master astrologer to share the skills, knowledge, insights and deep secrets of the science of astrology.  More info:  http://www.yogakriya.org/professional-astrology.html

My article "Learning and Teaching" can be found in Yoga Chicago Magazine. It includes upcoming aspects for September and October. 

If you would like to receive this blog as an email, message me on my contact page.

Tomorrow's (Friday's) Full Moon is in Pisces (21°) at 11:32 p.m. CDT. The Full Moon is conjunct Neptune which can mean spaciness and forgetfulness. To be honest, I almost forgot about the Full Moon (I thought it was Saturday - not tomorrow - yikes!)

Be super careful driving: Mars which rules cars and driving is opposite the Moon-Neptune conjunction. It means there will be people out there on the expressway going 80 miles an hour and trying to read a text. Neptune rules alcohol and drugs. Mars is driving. Watch other drivers carefully tomorrow.

Alternately, you might be the one driving and miss the sign that informs you that the speed limit is lower now, and there's a state trooper with his radar gun pointed at you. Stay awake and aware.

Saturn is in a harmonious aspect to those planets and can be helpful. Saturn brings focus, structure, and organization. Follow the rules, write everything down that you want to remember, focus on one thing at a time. Saturn rules the sense of smell. Use essential oils or aromatherapy to create balance and clarity of mind. ​

Am I writing too many things to be careful of? Sorry, here's one more: Mars/Neptune oppositions can indicate food poisoning. Don't eat at any questionable places and "when in doubt, throw it out" if you find mystery stuff in your refrigerator.

Neptune and Mars when used with Saturn focus can be wonderful for visional states that lead to artwork, poetry and other forms of creativity.  Write down your dreams, draw or paint them. Try listening to "new age" music or sacred chanting with eyes closed (not driving!) and observe your state of awareness.

Upcoming aspects:
Saturn goes direct on September 18 at 13° Capricorn and the Autumnal Equinox is September 23, 2:50 a.m. CDT. I wrote about both these important aspects in my article "Learning and Teaching" in the latest Yoga Chicago Magazine:
http://yogachicago.com/2019/08/learning-and-teaching/
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Audio recording: Look to This Day
I gave the noon meditation for the Temple of Kriya Yoga on August 25. Here are the links to the audio recordings on youtube. I broke out the 45 minute talk into three parts:
Look To This Day - Part 1 - Prayer and Mantra Message
Look To This Day - Part 2 - The Moment of the Now
Look to This Day - Part 3 - Rebalancing Each Evening


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The New Moon is tomorrow, Friday, August 30, 5:37 a.m. CDT in 6° Virgo. In this position there's a big line-up of planets in the sign of Virgo: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars. They are all in a harmonious position to Uranus at 6° Taurus.

Wonderful energy for a holiday weekend especially for spending time in a natural setting and enjoying nature. Feeling nurtured by earth energy. Appreciating the cycles of life.  Going to farmers markets and savoring the ripe fruits and vegetables. Learning about herbs and herbal remedies. Reflecting on life over a cup of tea.
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With Uranus, both creative thinking and computer work can align to help you accomplish your everyday projects.

"The day of fortune is like a harvest day, We must be busy when the corn is ripe."
Torquato Tasso

Here's the poem I based my talk on last Sunday for the Temple of Kriya Yoga. Goswami Kriyananda gave it to us in a class many years ago and I meditate on it often.

The Dawn of Truth

Look to this very day, for it is life--
the very Life of Life itself.

In its brief course lies all the realities of your existence:
 the bliss of growth,
 the glory of action
 the splendor of achievement
 the ecstasy of love

Yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision;

But today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of victory.

Look well, therefore, to this very day!
....Such is the salutation to the Dawn of Truth.

(author unknown, often attributed to Kalidasa, Indian author, 5th century)

Look for my latest article "Learning and Teaching" in Yoga Chicago Magazine. It includes upcoming aspects for September and October. The paper copy should be at your local yoga studio, health food store or metaphysical center on September 1. And online a few days after that.

If you would like to receive this blog as an email, message me here

​The Full Moon is on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 7:29 a.m. CDT in 22° Aquarius with the Sun, Venus and Mars in the later degrees of Leo. This opposition is between wanting to care for yourself and your immediate family versus compassion for the world as a whole.  Both situations have value. But it can help your inner growth to be aware of scenarios as they come up. Sometimes it's enough to help just one person. Like the starfish story:

Jupiter just went direct at 14° Sagittarius on August 11, along with Uranus going retrograde at 6° Taurus. Two weeks ago I wrote about this aspect: "The energy pattern is upbeat and creative but erratic/unconventional."  We're still within the orb of these two planets changing direction (which is two weeks on either side of the station date).  Uranus going retrograde can symbolize issues with electrical and computer digital equipment. Jupiter going direct can influence our spending. For example, when my computer monitor totally died, I had to spend the money to buy a new one last week. I love my new monitor which is bigger than the old one. (One of Jupiter's keywords is expansion.)

Don't forget - Jupiter in Sagittarius is excellent for learning new things. Now that Jupiter is going direct again it's a great time to take class in person or online.  Follow an interest. Travel to an historical site. Read a book or research your topic on the internet. There's a glorious generosity of people sharing their expertise online.

Days when Jupiter is strong often bring a sense of well-being. When you recognize that feeling this week, intensify the Jupiter by consciously enjoying that feeling. See how long you can stay balanced and sustain that feeling before you get distracted by other things.

In the future:

I will be giving the noon meditation on August 25th for the Temple of Kriya Yoga, meeting at Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago. "Look to This Day" will focus on spiritual practice and mindfulness in everyday life. This meditation is open to all. No registration required. 

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If you would like an astrology or tarot reading, in person or by phone, read about my consultations or message me here .

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Did you notice that there was a second New Moon in July? It's tonight at 10:11 p.m. CDT in 8° Leo. Is a second new moon in a month significant? Not at all. The western calendar that we use, the Gregorian Calendar, is not a lunar calendar. The lunar cycle of approximately 28 days can fit entirely into a long month like July.  The last new moon was July 2, and here we are again on July 31.
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Leo is ruled by the sun. It's interesting to me that the sun can represent both the ego in astrology and higher consciousness in yoga (i.e. the sun center, ajna chakra). How will you use this energy? You can strengthen your sense of self in many positive ways. Try looking at yourself in the mirror, smile, and say, "Hi there, I like you." This may sound silly or naïve but it is truly a deep spiritual practice. Send gratitude to your physical body for its  vitality and ability to carry your mind and spirit through life.

Mercury goes direct tomorrow August 1st at 24° Cancer.  Wait just a few more days after this to sign contracts or start important projects.

Jupiter goes direct (14° Sagittarius) and Uranus goes retrograde (6° Taurus) on August 11. Watch for news involving scientific breakthroughs in travel and electronics, especially space travel. The energy pattern is upbeat and creative but erratic/unconventional. Decisions made too quickly can lead to financial loss. Do the math to uncover the reality of a situation.

Coming up:
Second Sunday Tarot, August 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Calibre Coffee at the Arboretum in South Barrington, Back to School: This is the annual meeting where newcomers are encouraged to come and learn Tarot from the beginning. Bringing your own Tarot deck will be helpful. https://www.meetup.com/tarot-336/events/njcgfpyzlbpb/

Northern Illinois NCGR, Tuesday, August 13, 7:30 - 9 p.m., Des Plaines Elks Lodge, 495 Lee Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016, Members: $8.00 Non-members: $12.00

Stock Market Tops, Crashes and Elections with financial astrologer Susan Gidel
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For more information, contact Janet Berres, President at 847-965-9916 or janetberres@gmailcom/

If you would like to receive this blog as an email, message me here,

There will be a Lunar Eclipse on Tuesday, July 16 at 4:38 p.m. CDT at 24° Capricorn. This lunar eclipse is conjunct Pluto at 21° Capricorn. I think a good symbol for Tuesday's energy is the approach of a thunderstorm, followed by the thunderstorm itself. Picture this in emotional terms. A strong desire builds up, overflows into actions or verbalizations that have a huge reverberations like thunder. A lightning bolt illuminates the dark sky and for a moment we see deeply into our own motivations, passions and ambitions.
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Because everyone is affected by this lunar eclipse energy, it's not a good day (or the days approaching it) to initiate a fight or argument. Pluto is also a symbol of repetition and, combined with the energy of the eclipse, it's likely that whatever the argument is, you may find yourself having the same one over and over again.

It is a great opportunity for mindfulness types of meditation or just observing your mind. Do you have the ability to see a thought and recognize that it's just a thought? Just because you think something doesn't make it true or that you should act on it. In yoga, we say the words "neti, neti" meaning "I am not this thought, I am not that thought" as we observe the thoughts floating through our minds. And we recognize that our true spiritual nature transcends thoughts and thinking.
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On the practical level, Pluto energy is good for cleaning out closets and getting rid of old stuff (with a caution of not being too extreme or you'll have regrets). 
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Pluto rules large crowds of people and with the emotional nature of the lunar eclipse, it would be safer to avoid them on that day, especially those that are related to political rallies or protest marches. In general, be compassionate and give others their space.

I recently gave a webinar for the Temple of Kriya Yoga's Professional Astrology Course. Here's an excerpt with more detailed information about this lunar eclipse, geared toward those who are studying astrology.

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There's a solar eclipse on July 2 at 2:16 p.m. CDT in 11° Cancer. Generally, a solar eclipse is a powerful force for change and can be a good time for new beginnings. In Cancer, the solar eclipse brings heightened intuition and empathy for others. Cancer is a nurturing sign, so you might find yourself cooking for your family and friends or feeding them emotionally with positive support. Keep in mind that emotional tension can also be high for some people at this eclipse time (as well as a day or two before and after). Cancer is a sensitive sign and what you say can easily be taken the wrong way. Not a good time to pick a fight.

If you want to imbue this solar eclipse with energy for a new beginning, choose a mantra or affirmation that represents your goal. Say it out loud, repeat it silently to yourself, or write it down.

Here's a good general purpose affirmation that I like:
I am open and receptive to all the good and abundance in the Universe.
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Or actually take a small step toward your goal. For example, if your goal is physical health, have a day of eating healthy foods or affirm a commitment to exercise by taking a walk. If your goal is starting your own business, write a business plan or brainstorm your marketing plan. Take out a book from the library on your topic of interest. Find your small step to take.

Just FYI, Mercury goes retrograde on July 7 at 4° Leo. Take care in all written and spoken communications and look carefully at documents that need your signature.

In print:
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My article "Seasons of Growth and Change" in the July-August issue of Yoga Chicago magazine should be online soon. You can pick up the paper copy now at your local yoga centers,  natural food stores, and holistic health practitioners.

The Full Moon on Monday, June 17 is at 3:30 a.m. in 25° Sagittarius which brings a quick, bright, enthusiastic energy and an upbeat feeling that life should be an adventure. At the same time the degree of the Full Moon is in the sector of space that aligns with the Galactic Center around 27° Sagittarius. This can bring an awareness of the grandeur of the cosmos and our relationship to all that is.

Just as the Earth revolves around the Sun, our Sun is in a very long orbital spin around the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way. While it takes Earth one year to revolve around the Sun, it takes the Sun an estimated 250 million years to circle the galaxy. It gives this Full Moon a quality of deep contemplation about the meaning of life. If you look at the Full Moon in the early hours of Monday morning, you are looking toward the heart of our galaxy.

​Jupiter is the ruling planet of Sagittarius and it is exactly squaring Neptune on June 16th. This is wonderful for meditation or any other uplifting technique. Neptune dissolves the barriers between the physical and the higher planes. Watch out for too much spaciness. Take time after your meditation session or a yoga class' closing relaxation to get re-grounded before driving or anything else that requires full concentration.

The sense of optimism that is occurring under this aspect can lead to careless decision making. However, Saturn is trining Neptune (exact on June 18th) and means time (a symbol of Saturn) can benefit you as you make choices.  Take your time. Let optimism expand your imagination and show you a better path to the future, but use the practicality of Saturn to 'do the math', make a list or write down your plan.

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​The Neptune station retrograde on June 21 continues Neptune's square to Jupiter and sextile to Saturn. Discipline and organization can help you navigate the nebulousness of Neptune. Write in your journal, keep notes, make lists, use your paper or online planner. You think you'll remember your to-do's and appointments but under this type of Neptune things slip through the cracks of normal mental competency.


Even though pens and pencils are Mercury symbols, the act of writing things down is Saturn. An ephemeral thought is captured on paper or pixel where it travels through time into the future.  (This aspect lasts one to two weeks on either side of June 21.)

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