MARCIA SACKS

The Full Moon on Sunday, February 9 is at 1:33 a.m. in 20° Leo. The energy is lively and excellent for socializing. Leo is the sign of games, play and fun. If you've been overworked and stressed, take time for an activity that is purely for fun. It doesn't have to be wild. If reading quietly is fun for you, go for it. Just make sure that it's a book (or movie) that gives you a positive emotional boost.
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There is a dynamic between the Moon in Leo and the Sun in Aquarius at this Full Moon. There may be conversations or situations with conflict between people on opposite sides of an issue.   This means some people will be focused on self-interest. Others will take a more humanitarian or global outlook. Our challenge is to listen before responding, then find common ground if possible. 

There's a New Moon tomorrow, Friday, January 24, at 3:42 p.m. CST in 4° Aquarius. Aquarius new moons are excellent times for socializing with friends, exchanging interesting ideas and doing something different from your everyday routine. The sign Aquarius embodies both scientific thought and metaphysical pursuits. Experiment by pulling a Tarot card at the time of the New Moon and see how that message resonates with you and the next two weeks ahead. If you're not a Tarot person, try bibliomancy:

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1. Pick a book - traditionally the Bible, but it could be any spiritual text that's meaningful to you, such as the Bhagavad Gita or Dhammapada.​
2. With your eyes closed, open the book to a random page, let your finger hit somewhere on the page.
3. Open your eyes, read the passage (maybe bookmark it or copy it down).
4. Reflect on the what you've read. How is this a message for you?
5. Watch how the symbolic message plays out in the next few days (or the whole two weeks until the Full Moon).

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​To be more Aquarian in the sense of egalitarianism, try stichomancy. With stichomancy, you use any type of book with the same technique - close eyes, random pick, reflect on the passage. 

Online:

My article "The Journey from Mars to Venus" is now online in Yoga Chicago Magazine.

The new year is a great time to expand your knowledge of astrology. I recommend the Professional Astrology Course from the Temple of Kriya Yoga. This is a distance learning, self-paced online course that can be started any time. The majority of the course is taught by the writings and audio recordings of my guru and astrology teacher Goswami Kriyananda. I'm an instructor for the course, answering student's questions and leading monthly webinars. More information is here: https://www.yogakriya.org/professional-astrology.html
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Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the course content or want a 'tour' of the site via webinar.

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The aspects coming up in these first weeks of January are very intense.  There is some similarity to the first two weeks in January of 2019. It's wise to reflect on what happened then, how you handled the people and situations at that time, what you learned and what skills you gained. This will benefit you in the weeks ahead.

The Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse is this Friday, January 10th in 20° Cancer. The Moon is exactly opposite the Sun at 20° Capricorn (forming the Full Moon), Mercury at 20° Capricorn, plus Saturn and Pluto at 22° Capricorn (exactly conjunct on January 12). This means the emotional sensitivity of the Moon are combined with the Saturn pressures to conform versus the Pluto pressure to transform. It is very much of a volcano aspect - if the pressure is not vented a huge explosion can occur. Sometimes one word (Mercury) can put the match to the fuse, so carefully choose what you say and how you say it.
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Think of how a volcano vents steam to prevent a mountain from blowing its top. We can vent by taking a walk, doing yoga or other balancing movement practices, chanting or singing, or just pulling back from a bad situation. A genuine gentle or caring word to another person may help them vent or defuse. 

For this coming two weeks forecast, I've been talking to my clients (and myself) about moving consciously and carefully. Uranus brings a general type of accident-proneness. I remember one time trying to get something done quickly in the kitchen and deciding (unwisely) to reach up into a cupboard one-handed to try to get one of my glass measuring cups out of the stack. In the blink of an eye, the largest cup fell from above my head to the edge of the sink and onto the kitchen floor shattering into thousands of tiny pieces. By the grace of God, I wasn't hurt. But I felt stupid. What was I thinking? Not much you can do at that point but sweep up. However, I was still finding teeny shards in corners of my kitchen weeks later. Try to take this story symbolically. For the two weeks move slowly and carefully, think before you speak, don’t try to rush whether at home, at work or driving.
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More on these early January aspects in my latest article for Yoga Chicago Magazine: http://yogachicago.com/2019/12/the-journey-from-mars-to-venus/

The Winter Solstice occurs tomorrow, December 21, 10:19 p.m. CST. In this chart the Sun at 0° Capricorn is conjunct Jupiter at 4° Capricorn. Those planets are in a harmonious trine to Uranus at 2° Taurus. Because of Jupiter's expansive nature, it is the perfect time to imagine and visualize the things you would like to increase or grow 2020. Make this 'wish' as specific and clear as possible, while at the same time be open to the possibilities you cannot imagine. Keep this Louise Hay affirmation in mind, especially for the unpredictable Uranus involved: 

The New Moon/Solar Eclipse is on Christmas Day, December 25, 11:13 p.m. CST (December 26  on the east coast at 12:13 a.m.) placing the Sun and the Moon at 4° Capricorn conjunct Jupiter at 5° Capricorn and, like the Solstice chart mentioned above, those 3 planets are trine to Uranus. This is good for those looking for big presents as well as for those who seek a spiritual dimension to this holiday. Eclipses also imply change and the conjunction with Jupiter suggests that for many people there will be travel beyond your own country's borders or an expansion of awareness of the planet as a whole. ​

​On the other hand, Saturn and Pluto are nearly conjunct in the eclipse chart. (The exact conjunction takes place on January 12th at 22° Capricorn.) 

​​I often talk about the Saturn/Pluto conjunction as a 'volcano' aspect - pressure from within ourselves in conflict with pressure outside ourselves. With the Solar Eclipse on a holiday, there could be a bit of extra pressure and occasional melancholy, despite the celebrations. Practice ways to release stress such as meditation, hatha yoga, singing/chanting, walking or dancing. Be as forgiving as possible with the people in your life.

May you be blessed at this holiday season and in the new year.

Coming in 2020:

Watch for my next column in the January/February issue of Yoga Chicago Magazine on "The Journey from Mars to Venus."

If your Jupiter in Capricorn wish is to expand your knowledge of astrology, consider The Professional Astrology Course, a distance learning program offered by the Temple of Kriya Yoga. If you have questions about this course please feel free to contact me.

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The full moon is on Wednesday, December 11, 11: 12 p.m. at 19° Gemini. With the moon in Gemini, there's always trouble with decision making. Often there are just too many choices. This will be added to by the Moon squared to Neptune in the full moon chart. Many of the choices will be nebulous or even non-existent or scams. It reminds me of seven of cups in Tarot, meaning that some of the things you think you really want may not be good for you. Wait a few days before making major choices. Use your search engine to find reviews of products you want to buy. I totally understand that it's shopping season, but just take a deep breath and think through your selection.

Moon is Gemini energy is generally very fun and social. With the Neptune square though, it's more likely we'll give in to our temptations and addictions while socializing. Have fun but make sure you have the support you need to get through the next few days without letting go of your goals for health and sanity.

Another aspect in the full moon chart is Venus (20° Capricorn) contained by Saturn (19° Cap) and Pluto (21° Cap). For the next day or two, poor sweet Venus (your capacity for love) is held captive by mean old Saturn and seductive Pluto. Wait a few days before making major relationship decisions or commitments. Do your best to express Venus at the highest level with an affirmation of unconditional love. Surround yourself with beauty, maybe art and decorations reflecting the spirit of the season. Scents and fragrances can help us lift our Venus too. 

Here are two affirmations for Venus:

• I deserve love and I accept Life's gift of healthy and loving relationships
• I rejoice in the love I encounter every day - Louise Hay

If you like positive affirmations, try this list:
https://www.louisehay.com/101-best-louise-hay-positive-affirmations/

There is also Jupiter trine Uranus aspect on December 15th, from 2° Capricorn to 2° Taurus. This has an orb of about 5 days on either side of the 15th. This aspect brings a harmonious expansion of creativity. The practicality of the earth signs Capricorn and Taurus can help you take your brilliant ideas from your imagination and make them usable in every day life.

On Sunday, December 15th, 12 noon:
Winter Solstice Festival, presented by the Temple of Kriya Yoga at Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago

Noon Meditation:  "Dealing With the Elementals" Swami Mahashastrananda (Ray Ruffer)
Folklore and mythology abound in legends of all cultures. This meditation is about understanding how elemental forces influence our thoughts and actions.
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"Astrology and Kriya Yoga: Planetary Patterns for 2020." Swami K. Adinadananda (Marcia Sacks) A look at the major transits for 2020 along with key practices to soften your karma and use the aspects for your personal and spiritual goals.

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There's a lot going on astrologically at this moment of the New Moon which is tomorrow at 9:05 a.m. The New Moon is at 4° Sagittarius making an inconjunct (150°) aspect to Uranus. This combines the upbeat optimism of the sign Sagittarius with the restlessness of Uranus. Many of us will find ourselves trying to go off in multiple directions at the same time. Just as you're focusing on your main priority, you'll find interesting distractions that engage your time and energy. With Sag, the momentum tends to get lost part-way through the project. For some of us, we may find ourselves on an interesting adventure. For others, we may get to the end of the day with nothing of substance completed.

This distractedness is aided and abetted by Neptune, which is making a stationary point, going direct on November 27th at 15° Pisces. This affects us for two weeks before and after November 27th. Positive keywords are imaginative and spiritual. Negative keywords are forgetful and spacey.

Mercury is in a trine to Neptune in the New Moon chart. Mercury means the pen is your magic wand. Write (or digitally  input) everything down. Write down your list of things to do.  Write down your dreams. With Neptune, your dreams at night may be more meaningful, but easily forgotten if not journaled. With daytime Neptune, write down your dreams and goals for the future. Neptune dreams and goals can be unrealistic but may give you insight into what your heart longs for. Don't act on the Neptune goals right away.  Just keep the list somewhere you can reexamine a couple weeks from now.


What about Thanksgiving? With the Neptune station point in effect for Thanksgiving on November 28th there are a few  things to think about. If you're the guest make sure you know the right time to be there and remember what you're supposed to bring. If you're the host or hostess, there's a tendency to forget to serve something, like the many times I left something in the refrigerator that I meant to put on the table. It helps to be flexible and have a sense of humor. On the other hand, the spiritual connectedness of Neptune at holiday time can make it joyful and meaningful.

​In the future:

Jupiter enters Capricorn on December 2. I wrote several times over the past year that Jupiter in Sagittarius was excellent for learning new things. Jupiter in Capricorn is when you put those new things learned into action. Capricorn is a sign of work and career. Jupiter expands things. Think about how you would like to expand or grow your career. Create a list of ideas, re-do your resume or just focus your goals with an affirmation. Here's a general Jupiterian affirmation you can use: "I am open and receptive to all the good and abundance in the universe."

Wishing you many blessings in this holiday season.

The Full Moon is Tuesday, November 12, 7:34 a.m. at 19° Taurus. Taurus is the sign of security and stability. This Full Moon combines perfectly with the Saturn sextile Neptune that occurred on November 9th. Saturn represents our everyday life. Neptune symbolizes our spiritual life. The sextile signifies a harmonious connection then between our inner and outer lives. What can you do with this energy at the Full Moon? Meditation is easier because stillness of the physical body takes less effort. Establishing a good habit is easier because there are fewer blocks and obstacles to achievement.
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It reminds me, too, of the path of karma yoga. Karma yoga means unselfish service as a path to enlightenment. With this practice, you are dedicating the tasks of your everyday life in service to the Divine instead of expecting earthly rewards or a specific outcome. In some ways it is a form of active prayer. Another similar idea is to take the peace and lovingkindness that you find in your meditation practice and take it with you throughout your day whether it's your work or relationships. Experiment with this path at this Full Moon with the Saturn sextile Neptune to get a feeling if this is a road that can take you further on your spiritual journey.

In the future:
Mercury, which is retrograde now, goes direct on November 20. Things that have gone backward will start to move forward again. Keep in mind that it usually takes a feel days to really experience things progressing. At the November 20 station point, things may feel frozen but in reality things are poised to take off. 

Northern Illinois NCGR presents:
Fixed Stars Beyond the Zodiac - Ptolemy's Great 48, Plus with Demetria Nanos
Tuesday, November 12, 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 pm.)
Des Plaines Elks Lodge, 495 Lee Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016
$8.00 for Members, $12.00 for Guests
http://www.chicagolandastrology.com/news.html

My article "Tarka: The Spiritual Practice of Reflection" is now online at Yoga Chicago Magazine. It includes some questions for reflection that correspond to the astrological aspects for November and December.

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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. 

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