 The New Moon is Tuesday, August 18, at 9:41 p.m. in 26° Leo. Creativity and personal self-expression are strong at a Leo new moon. Mars is in a trine to the New Moon meaning your energy and vitality will harmoniously activate your creativity whether it's artistic efforts, theater and drama, or any other sort of inventiveness. Pluto and Saturn are inharmonious (square with Mars; inconjunct to Sun and Moon). These aspects are responsible for the discouraging feelings that we are experiencing. We feel our goals and creative work are being thwarted by heavy life responsibilities and the ever-present Corona virus situation. With Pluto in the equation there's a transformation in process, just time-delayed by Saturn. All I can say is don't give up your dreams. Don't quit. Keep going. Even a small step on your path is progress. Next year you will become aware of all you have accomplished during this challenging time. Chanting "OM" can be very soothing and healing. This is a very relaxing recording of OM chanting: What is Astrology? My latest video was created for the Frequently Asked Questions page for the Temple of Kriya Yoga. It's about 10 minutes and is about what astrology is, what types of information it can provide, and a little bit about why astrology is important for students of Kriya Yoga.
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 The Full Moon is on August 3 at 10:58 a.m. in 11° Aquarius which is generally good for social gatherings. I have a lot of gratitude for living in the time of unlimited phone minutes, the ability to do video call and group meetings, and so many ways to get together on social media. Aquarius full moon are also times when we're likely to come in contact with creative people and new ideas. Uranus is currently at 10° Taurus in a square (inharmonious) position to the Sun and Moon of this full moon. One key phrase for this aspect is "unexpected changes of plan." Uranus rules electricity so part of the "unexpected" events may be challenges with computers and other devices. Uranus also rules invention, so watch for stories about new discoveries and gadgets. On August 15th, Uranus goes retrograde, still at 10° Taurus. This makes the two weeks of the Full Moon to New Moon a very restless and unpredictable time. If you have planets in your natal horoscope in fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), you might feel the Uranus electricity as a type of agitation. Slow down your decision making - there's a tendency to go to extremes. If you find that you are too restless to do sitting still type of meditation right now, switch temporarily to slow, gentle hatha yoga, tai chi, or simply go for a walk outside. Chanting a mantra or repeating positive affirmations can help gain calm before going to sleep.  I have some mantras and chanting in a playlist that I've collected from around the internet.
The Temple of Kriya Yoga Musicians have mantra on their albums, which you can sample here. You can find me on:  The new moon is on July 20 at 12:32 pm in 28° Cancer. With both the Sun and Moon in Cancer, people will have a stronger sensitivity to their environment, especially the home environment. It can be very helpful to have things clean and in order at this time. The idea is to have the home environment as pleasant as possible. Create harmony in your home with beauty, art, music - whatever speaks to peace and tranquility to you. The challenge at the new moon is the opposition from Saturn at 28° Capricorn. Saturn brings limitations and restrictions. Because many of us are social distancing, even the most pleasant of home environments can feel a bit constricting. Pluto in Capricorn is still in close proximity to Saturn and therefore also opposed to this new moon. Pluto brings an urge to rebel. Find a wise way to work through those defiant thoughts in a way that isn't dangerous to your health or safety. When Pluto and Saturn energies work together, they can manifest tremendous will power to use toward your highest goals. More about this new moon in my article Dreams and Dreaming in the current issue of Yoga Chicago Magazine. More about the new moon aspects and a song from astrologer and Kriya yogi Eric Klein from Wisdom Heart.  Coming up:
On July 27th, Jupiter in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces. This harmonious aspect is particularly good for combining study with meditation and reflection. Watch for books or recommendations of books that come into your life for several days surrounding this aspect as these books (or movies or blogs) may be particularly meaningful. Email Newsletter If you would like to receive Astrology Update by Marcia Sacks as an email newsletter, just message me through this website's contact form. You can find me on:  A lunar eclipse is always a full moon but a full moon is not always a lunar eclipse. There is a lunar eclipse at this full moon as the Moon moves into the perfect position so that the Earth blocks the light of the Sun. Astrologically, a lunar eclipse is at least double the power of a normal full moon in its effect. The full moon on July 4 is at 11:44 p.m. CDT here in the Midwest, so on July 5 in the eastern time zone and Europe. It is at 13° Capricorn, the sign of work and responsibility. It's a good time to put a little extra effort into your to do list or tasks relating to high priority projects. It can be a good time to learn a new time management skill, such as the simple pomodoro technique or the more robust "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. My article "Dreams and Dreaming" for the July/August issue of Yoga Chicago Magazine isn't online yet, but the printed magazine may be at your local yoga or fitness center. Here are some of the main points from the astrology forecast for this lunar eclipse:
 Coming up: Mercury goes direct on July 12. Always use caution in verbal and written communications around Mercury station points. A few days after the 12th things that have gone backward will start to move forward again and things that you lost over the last several weeks may reappear. Online: Gary Whitney reads Chapter 5 of his graphic book Song of the Avatar: Riffs on the Bhagavad-Gita.  If you would like to receive Astrology Update by Marcia Sacks as an email newsletter, just message me through this website's contact form.
You can find me on:  The Summer Solstice is on June 20 at 4:43 pm CDT. This is the moment each year when the Sun enters the sign Cancer and is recognized by being the longest daytime light of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere). This is a point of new beginning for the upcoming quarter of the year. It's followed immediately by the Solar Eclipse on June 21 at 1:41 a.m. CDT in 0° Cancer. Eclipses symbolize change in the year ahead. With both the solstice and eclipse focused on the sign Cancer, home and family is the area of change. This is likely to emphasize change in the structure and nature of families as we move into the second half of 2020. There are many other transits occurring during this time frame: Mercury just turned retrograde in 15° Cancer on June 18 signifying difficulty in communications. Keeping with the theme of home and family, do your best to keep communication calm and nurturing with family members. It's critical to be careful of what you say and how you say it, whether it's written or verbal communication. If you get in an argument now, you'll be arguing (or apologizing) for the next three weeks until Mercury goes direct on July 12.  Neptune goes retrograde on June 22 at 21° Pisces. There's a mental fogginess that makes it easier to forget things if they are not written down. We may be called on to act without all the information necessary. Delay major decisions for a week or so, if possible. Neptune rules our dreams at night. Write those down immediately after waking if you can. Take time to reflect on them. Sometimes dreams are simply our brains sorting our memories of the day. Other times there are important messages from our higher consciousness that we are obligated to take the time to interpret. Venus goes from retrograde to direct on June 25 at 5° Gemini. This stationary point of Venus, which has to do with desire for pretty things, when combined with the Neptune retrograde can have us shopping (Venus) under hypnosis (Neptune). Commercials and ads may have more influence on us than usual. Delay major purchases for several days to a week. Read reviews and make sure you have all the info on a product that seems appealing to you.  Jupiter conjuncts Pluto on June 30 at 24° Capricorn. This conjunction happened previously around April 5 so you might want to look at what was happening in your life at that time. In mythology Jupiter was the god of the sky and lightning. In ancient times, Pluto was seen as the god of wealth because gold, jewels and minerals were mined from underground. This conjunction could be seen then as a time when a lightning bolt of insight strikes the earth and illuminates some treasure in our unconscious mind, something that has been hidden very deep but is now revealed. But Jupiter is also the law and Pluto often symbolizes revolution by large groups of people. On another level, Jupiter is the guru, the wise teacher, the light of wisdom on our path and Pluto is the process of transformation. May we be transformed harmoniously through wisdom and peace.
My astrology column in Yoga Chicago magazine has another look at this time frame: The Realm of Perfection. My lecture about the major conjunctions of 2020 is here: Planetary Meetups 2020 My most recent noon meditation is "Awakening into the Light" given for the Temple of Kriya Yoga. You can find me on:  There is a Lunar Eclipse on Friday, June 5 at 9:41 p.m. CDT in 15° Sagittarius which brings a desire for exploration, to travel and expand our boundaries. The Mars and Neptune conjunct in the Eclipse chart can symbolize danger from boundaries that are crossed, so use common sense, especially related to issues of health and infection. Moon is at 15° Sagittarius exactly opposed to the Sun at 15° Gemini in the eclipse chart. The Sun and the Moon are also in opposite placement above and below the celestial equator. So there are strong opposing forces described by the signs. Gemini rules our everyday intellect and casual communication. Sagittarius rules higher learning and high ideals. The confrontation is between what's easy for us to think and chat about and what wisdom asks us to discover about ourselves and the true nature of reality. On an everyday level it's simply a caution to think about what you want say for a moment before you speak at this lunar eclipse. On a deeper level, the seeker is looking to elevate their horizon of awareness through meditation and attunement to the Divine.  Coming Up: There's a lineup of astrological events in the second half of June that may be challenging to navigate. I'll sketch them out here and write more just before the Mercury Retrograde. Keep in mind that it will be easier to get projects accomplished in the first half of June so put off procrastination until later.
Online: The Astrology of Past Epidemics and Covid 19 with Nina Gryphon A free seminar sponsored by the Northern Illinois chapter of NCGR Tuesday, June 9th, 7:30 p.m. CDT via Zoom More information + RSVP to receive the link: Facebook or Meetup Awakening into the Light Noon Meditation with Marcia Sacks for the Temple of Kriya Yoga Sunday, June 14, link to video will be live at noon at: https://www.yogakriya.org/sunday-services.html This talk will focus on expanding your awareness of the good and beautiful in life and finding your spiritual treasures within. My article "The Realm of Perfection" is available in the May/June issue of Yoga Chicago Magazine. http://yogachicago.com/may-june-2020/ You can find me on:  The New Moon is on Friday, May 22 at 12:38 pm CDT in 2° Gemini. Gemini New Moon energy is generally light-hearted and good for conversations that stay on casual topics. Games of all sorts whether in person or online can be fun, especially those that have an element of collaboration. Decisions are more difficult with a Gemini New Moon. There are often at least two choices in each situation. Remember to look for the path that supports your highest goals. Mercury (the mind and cognition) and Venus (love and allurement) are square (inharmonious to) nebulous Neptune in the New Moon Chart. This brings confusion in all types of decision making over the next few days. With Saturn placed harmoniously to the New Moon, taking your time with benefit you. With Mercury squaring Neptune over the next several days, misinformation may come to you through all types of media. Before you act or pass on a message to others, do a fact check - and maybe a spelling/grammar check, too. If you're out and about, use caution in driving. Mercury square Neptune can be spacing out and missing a turn. Having your GPS on can help, but you need to use your own perception as well.  Here's an event that doesn't involve driving anywhere this weekend:
NORWAC: The Northwest Astrological Conference which usually takes place in Seattle will be held online instead. Great opportunity to hear well-known astrologers speaking on a wide variety of topics. May 21 - 25, 2020 https://norwac.net/ If you would like to receive Astrology Update by Marcia Sacks as an email newsletter, just message me through this website's contact form. You can find me on:  The Full Moon on May 7 is at 5:45 a.m. CDT in 17° Scorpio which can bring an intense, maybe obsessive, focus on whatever area of life you are most concerned about. This is excellent for any type of studies or work, especially those that are esoteric. Esoteric means hidden, so it is sometimes applied to metaphysics, but really means anything that needs deep investigation to be understood. The same type of persistent focus can be negative when it is tied to our worries. It seems in this present moment of history that we have multiple areas of worry. This is where we need to practice detachment. Detachment, in yogic terms, doesn't mean indifference. Nor does it mean a denial of reality. It means to take negative emotions out of the equation, whether it's through physical practices like hatha yoga or internal methods like meditation or mantra. Mantra or affirmation is a most effective alternative to the worries we rotate through our mind over and over again. The symbol of a vinyl record can illustrate this. If the needle is playing one track, such as our worried thoughts, it is stuck in the grooves of that track of the record. If we pick up the needle and move it to another track, i.e. the repetition of the words of a mantra, prayer or affirmation, we are instantly changing our internal state.  Within a few days of the Full Moon, we encounter a line up of planetary retrogrades: May 11 - Saturn Retrograde 2° Aquarius May 13 - Venus Retrograde 22 ° Gemini May 14 - Jupiter Retrograde 27° Capricorn I describe this group of retrogrades in detail in my article for the May/June issue of Yoga Chicago magazine. Here are some brief thoughts. A week on either side of May 11 is not a good time for any type of important financial transactions or investments. Saturn is limitation and loss. Venus and Jupiter rule money and wealth. Watch out for that feeling we sometimes get in a financial pinch that makes us think shopping will make us feel better. It's important to know that the things purchased at this time will not be of good value both in quality and in cost. Ganesh mantras are good for this time period as Sri Ganesha is the remover of obstacles. Or try this affirmation from Catherine Ponder, author of "The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity": "The Divine plan of my life now takes shape in definite concrete experiences, leading to perfect health, happiness, success and prosperity." Online:
My article "The Realm of Perfection" has been published in the May/June issue of Yoga Chicago Magazine. Two new videos on my youtube channel:
NORWAC: The Northwest Astrological Conference which usually takes place in Seattle will be held online instead. Great opportunity to hear well-known astrologers speaking on a wide variety of topics. May 21 - 25, 2020 https://norwac.net/ The Astrology Podcast has lots of interviews with astrologers and interesting topics on astrology. If you would like to receive Astrology Update by Marcia Sacks as an email newsletter, just message me through this website's contact form. You can find me on:  The New Moon is on Wednesday, April 22 at 9:25 pm CDT in 3° Taurus. The Moon is considered exalted in Taurus in astrology. The earth sign Taurus is a comfortable and steady place for the Moon to find her balance. If the weather where you are is warm enough, you can feeling the healing energy of Moon in Taurus by standing barefoot on the earth. With the New Moon conjunct Uranus, there's bound to be some unexpected changes of plan. When the unexpected happens, remember to take a deep breath. We are amazing problem solvers. Whatever the issue, it will show us the inner place in which we are inflexible or lack adaptability. The New Moon is also square to Saturn which has recently moved into Aquarius. So along with unexpected changes of plan from Uranus, there is also likely to be some limitations and frustration (especially as we continue to exist in this weird time of limitations and frustrations). This will be in effect a few days before and after the New Moon … unless we let our emotions out of control, in which case the situation will be unresolved for two - four weeks.  I've often found that difficult aspects between Saturn and Uranus have something to do with rebellion against authority figures. In each situation, you'll need to determine which role you play - are you the rebel or the authority figure? It could even be two different personality traits within yourself as you face decisions that might require maturity (Saturn) or creative freedom (Uranus). Understand that Saturn is asking you to be more responsible, while Uranus is insisting that you be more playful. Can both co-exist? Remember that Saturn is the practical structure for creativity whether it's the paper and paints or the instrument and musical notes on paper. With the Moon in Taurus any grounding techniques will help bring you back to balance. Walk barefoot through the grass, hike through a natural setting, look at the flowers blooming outdoors, water your house plants. Practicing gratitude for the good things in our lives another way to find our equilibrium. Pluto goes retrograde on April 25 at 24° Capricorn, conjunct Jupiter which is at 26° Capricorn. There will be an urge for greater power and achievement in life. The challenge is knowing how to pursue your own path without forcefully insisting that others follow you. I talk a lot more about the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction on the video that I created for the Babaji Festival for the Temple of Kriya Yoga: The entire (virtual) festival can be found here, including a talk by Goswami Kriyananda from 2008: In the Virtual World:
Gosia teaches Gentle Yoga every Friday for the Temple of Kriya Yoga on Zoom: https://www.yogakriya.org/ Gilda’s Club has a full schedule of Zoom programs for anyone whose life has been impacted by cancer. Susan Wilkens from Dancing Cranes Yoga teaches a chair yoga class there: https://www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar/2626/chair-yoga-susan If you would like to receive Astrology Update by Marcia Sacks as an email newsletter, just message me through this website's contact form. You can find me on:  Van Gogh, Starry Night The Full Moon takes place on April 7, 2020 at 9:34 p.m. CDT in 18° Libra. Libra is a very social sign, so it's a good time to embrace 21st century technology and have video calls and get-togethers with your friends. Obviously, phone, texting and social media are other ways to stay in touch. The Jupiter/Pluto conjunction is prominent in the Full Moon chart. At the new moon I wrote "This conjunction could be seen then as a time when a lightning bolt of insight strikes the earth and illuminates some treasure in our unconscious mind, something that has been hidden very deep but is now revealed." The exact date of the conjunction is April 5th, the day I'm writing this. I came across an article today which has symbols that relate to the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction and also the social expression of Full Moon in Libra: The History of the Paris Salon (and the Radical Artists Who Subverted It)  Monet, Nympheas This is a story of a revolution in art as traditional standards were overthrown by the Impressionists. In mythology, Jupiter (Zeus) ruled over laws and social order. Jupiter in astrology is also seen as a planet of expansion or freedom. Pluto is often thought of as a planet of revolution. Plus Pluto symbolizes the cycle of life, death and rebirth. This is an important cycles whether seen through the lens of art or technology. It's important to take the symbols we see in life or read about in the media and see if they mirror the planetary patterns occurring at the same time. So take some time to think about the ways in which your life or consciousness is expanding. Or in what way your life needs to let go of a pattern from the past in order to be more creative. And how you can do that as wisely and harmoniously as possible. I like this story because traditional art didn't die - people continue to paint realistic portraits and landscapes. But the field of visual art has continued to expand and incorporate more and more styles and techniques.  Monet, Japanese Footbridge Coming up: The Power in Your Solar Returns A talk for the Northern Illinois Chapter of NCGR with Marcia Sacks April 14, 2020 via Zoom If you are not on the NI-NCGR email list, contact Janet Berres janetberres@gmail.com for information on how to attend this talk Every year the Sun returns to the location of your natal sun and a new year begins for you. The solar return chart gives a snapshot of your year ahead that can be used to plan and achieve your annual goals and resolutions. We'll start with the fundamentals of interpreting solar return charts and how changing the location where you celebrate your birthday can strengthen the positive elements of your solar return chart. Then, we'll "treasure map" your solar return with affirmations and images. Be sure to have a printout or drawing of your next solar return handy. You can Google "solar return calculator" to find a number of sites to run off your solar return chart. Online: This Sunday noon meditation with Sharon Steffenson was presented for the Temple of Kriya Yoga last week and has a lot of helpful techniques for healing and relaxation. Sharon is a swami of the Temple and the editor of Yoga Chicago Magazine. Email Newsletter
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AuthorMarcia Sacks is an astrologer in the Kriya Yoga tradition. Archives
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