DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUG. 31 - SEPT. 2

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE on Wednesday August 31 until 11:22am EDT. (See APRIL 7 POST for more info on V/C Moons.)
MOON ENTERS VIRGO at 11:22am EDT and remains until Friday September 2 at 6:13pm EDT. Ruled by Mercury this Mutable Earth sign reflects the drive for Order and Perfection. It rules Critical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Purity, Intelligence, The Writer, Speaker, Health, Diet and Daily Work. It also carries the myth of the Vestal Virgin who is in Service to keep the fires of the sacred temple burning. Her emotions tend to be filtered through her mind; she often over-analyzes her feelings before she communicates them. We may find people to be more critical than usual now, as Virgo's need for precision and clarity is present. Use this time well by cleaning your environment, ordering your life and discerning the chaff from the wheat (or the illusion from the real substance)...as much as is possible during Mercury's Retrograde.  
SEE JUNE 10-12 POST for detailed description on Virgo.    
LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Conjunct Jupiter in Virgo at 6:13pm EDT on Friday September 2. Anytime Jupiter aspects the Moon, this reflects situations or emotions which will be augmented, have profound meaning or be generally Auspicious. Actions initiated during this period will tend to have VERY GOOD results. Again, this would have an EXCELLENT evaluation if Mercury was not turning Retrograde. Be very careful you don't overdo or over-express yourself! Be especially aware of being overly critical and demanding perfection from others and yourself. This would be a GREAT time to edit written work - going back over and correcting or adjusting your words, making them clear and precise.
  
SCENES OF THE DAY: Howl, 2010; Directors/Writers: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. This is a remarkably creative film about the 1957 obscenity case against Allen Ginsberg's poem, Howl. The legendary piece of writing became a statement for the Beat generation, the precursor to the '60's cultural revolution. These clips demonstrate the medium of poetry as a discernment of words. In the courtroom clip, these words are analyzed to the max (Virgo Moon Conjunct Jupiter in Virgo) by a Prosecuting Attorney bent on judging them obscene. But their Purity of Heart and Search for the Sacred scream louder than their apparent sexual offense to the conservative critic. The Virgonian detail work in the animation clip is just a sight to behold. The movie features an amazing cast which includes: James Franco as Allen Ginsberg, David Strathairn as Prosecuting Attorney, Jon Hamm as Defense Attorney and Alessandro Nivola as the Literary Critic on the stand.
NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE at 9 degrees Virgo on September 1 at 5:03am EDT. (Not visible from North America) This is a VIRGO-FEST! And a potent time! Stay on your toes. This New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo creates a Mutable T-Square from the ongoing Square between Saturn (now conjunct Mars) in Sagittarius and Neptune in Pisces. (Neptune is Opposite the Sun/Moon in Virgo and both ends of the opposition form Squares to Mars/Saturn in Sagittarius.) This is an unstable formation, looking for its stability from the missing Mutable sign of Gemini. (Really?) All this mutability in an unsteady T-Square which involves a Solar Eclipse feels like anything can happen. There's a lot of tension which requires resolution. Notice that the midpoint of the Saturn/Mars conjunction (the focal point of the T-Square ) is the 12 degree Sagittarius of the US Ascendant (Sibly Chart). On 9/11, Pluto was on this point at the US Ascendant while Saturn was opposite at 12 Gemini. That the North Node is at 12 Virgo conjoining the New Moon Solar Eclipse just adds to the feeling that this moment in time is...loaded.  In any case, the New Moon reflects the beginning of a New Cycle, a new chapter. Let's use our collective Virgo discerning nature to see clearly into whatever is before us and draw on Gemini's ability both to see all perspectives before we act and his levity to lighten ourselves up.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 29-31

MOON IN LEO from 4:11am EDT on Monday August 29 until Wednesday August 31 at 00:20am EDT. Ruled by the Sun the Leo Moon is the Heart and Child of the zodiac. This is a very creative time. During this period we want to be not only acknowledged but adored. Leo wants not only to play but to be center stage. At this time we tend to create and experience life as drama. It's a great time to let go of your inhibitions and witness yourself being out there with a more playful persona. Just try to be aware of not being too self-conscious, self indulgent and self-absorbed...make sure you pay attention to those around you! Acknowledge them!

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Uranus in Aries at 00:20am EDT on Wednesday August 31. Actions initiated during this Moon period will tend to have exciting and innovative VERY GOOD results. Any creative endeavor (especially drama), game, project with children, work on electronic devices or love affair is highlighted. The caution is to remember Mercury goes Retrograde on August 30th so plans are likely to get sidetracked in one way or another. This is the reason for the Very Good evaluation instead of Excellent. Go with the flow re: changes, surprises and even some upsets. Check and double check all your information, schedules and travel.  The harmonious Trine should have everything come together in the end...maybe a little later than you planned.

MERCURY RETROGRADE at 29 degrees Virgo: Tuesday August 30 at 9:04 am EDT until September 22 at 1:31am EDT. As the planet appears to be slowing down in its orbit, as seen from Earth, the 'influence' or reflection of this movement is most apparent approximately 3 days before and 3 days after the given times of Retrograde and going Direct again. These two 7 day periods are Aug. 27 - Sept. 2 as Mercury Stations (slows down) and turns Retrograde and Sept. 19 - Sept. 25 as the planet Stations Direct, at 14 degrees Virgo, on September 22. 

MERCURY carries the myth of The Messenger of the Gods. His story is vast, but for the sake of simplicity we consider his territory Communication, Travel and Mind Processes. Our ideas and the ways we deliver them as well as our short-distance journeys and the vehicles in which we travel are all ruled by this planetary archetype. WHEN MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE, these areas of life tend to get off track. We often don't get a clear message; our communication devices go whacky or just flat out break; our vehicles are in need of repair or our schedules don't go as planned. The advice is to check and double check all information, communication and vehicles. Have Plan B's ready. If you travel, breathe into delays or breakdowns. Don't initiate important agreements or contracts. The upside is: This is a GREAT time for creative and inner work. Watch your dreams, signs, metaphors, synchronicities. They are often incredibly informative. It's also often a time when it works to re-do something that didn't work out the first time. When you know what energy is in play you can move with it beneficially and don't have to be at the effect of it. I like to call it the T'ai Chi of Astrology.

SCENE OF THE DAY: Being Julia, 2004; Director: Istvan Szabo. Annette Bening shines as Julia in this comedic drama about the theater (Leo). In this scene she undermines the young actress who has attempted to steal her limelight. She catches the ingenue off guard and improvises her way to success (Uranus). We can also see Mercury's Retrograde in action as the play takes on a revised form. Also features wonderful performances by Jeremy Irons and Juliet Stevens.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 26-29

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 8:30pm until 11:06pm EDT on Friday August 26. It is advised not to initiated important practical actions at this V/C time. Results of these actions tend to have CHALLENGING results. They tend not to work out as imagined or desired. It is a GREAT time for inner creative work. SEE APRIL 7 POST for more info on Void of Course Moons.

MOON ENTERS CANCER at 11:06pm EDT on Friday August 26 and remains until 2:23am EDT on Monday August 29. The Moon is at home in its own sign during this time. This period highlights the FEMININE ARCHETYPE: The Mother and Women in your life; All that Nurtures - Food, Emotional Support etc; Caretaking - Home and Family. This Cardinal Water sign reflects a time when emotions are expressed; it behooves us to listen and respond. Pay attention to the women in your life and notice what is needed and respond. Be aware of your home and family; notice how can you support its well-being and respond. The Moon reflects all that is Subjective; we tend to take things very personally at this time. Try to stand back and see The Other's point of view. Too often we get lost in our own story and aren't able to be as objective as may be needed. This is one of those times. Cancer is a Cardinal sign and carries the impulse for action; response is required!

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Venus AND Mercury - both at 29 Virgo! at 2:23am EDT on Monday August 29.  This is a rare phenomenon: having the Last Aspect occur at a conjunction of two planets, in this case Venus and Mercury. Heart and Mind are not only in sync, but the sextile reflects the Opportunities available to us at this time in the area of Home, Family and the Emotional Life: in general, The Feminine Archetype. TAKE ADVANTAGE of this time to initiate actions in these areas of life. They will tend to have VERY GOOD results. It's BEST TO ACT sometime at the beginning of this Cancer Moon on the 26th after 11:06pm before the 3 day rule of thumb begins. Remember Mercury appears to be slowing down in its orbit (as seen from Earth) and about to Station RETROGRADE on the 30th. So whatever you initiate, CHECK and DOUBLE CHECK your information, schedules and forms of transportation to support your success. (This is the reason for a Very Good evaluation instead of Excellent. If you know you're very sensitive to Retrogrades, this may not be the best time for action.)    
SCENE OF THE DAY: City Island, 2009; Writer/Director: Raymond De Felitta. I LOVE this sleeper film! It's very hard to write a successful poignant comedy and this movie is the gold standard of just that! It's got Heart and Wit in a huge way. Cancer Moons reflect family life. The sextile to Venus and Mercury offer opportunities for successful resolution for issues of the heart and mind. This is the climax and resolution scene of the film so please forgive the spoiler aspect! It just screams of what's possible during this special Moon period. Julianna Marguiles, Andy Garcia, Emily Mortimer and the entire cast will completely endear you to their characters...enough, hopefully, to inspire dealing with your own family 'mishegoss' (yiddish for craziness!)...NOW!

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 24-26

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 3:38pm EDT until 7:40pm EDT on Wednesday August 24th. The advice is not to initiate any important actions during this time. Except for do-overs and inner creative work, actions initiated during V/C Moons tend to have CHALLENGING results. SEE APRIL 7 POST for more info on V/C Moons. 

MOON ENTERS GEMINI at 7:40 pm EDT and remains until 8:30pm EDT on Friday August 26. Ruled by Mercury, this Mutable Air sign reflects the arena of Communication, Travel and Mind Processes. Areas such as Writing, Speaking, Transportation, Rational Ideas, Thinking in general etc. are highlighted. 

 LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Mercury in Virgo at 8:30pm EDT on Friday August 26. Communications and other Mercurial actions previously mentioned, initiated during this period will tend to have CHALLENGING results. They will likely not resolve as desired or imagined. Mercury is very strong while it's in its own sign of Virgo. When the Moon and Mercury are at odds (hard angle of a 45 degree square) head and heart are not on the same page. Often people are rubbed the wrong way. Be cautious of how you say what you say at this time, especially if others are counting on your opinion or information. As we move toward the Retrograde Mercury, when communications tend to get confused, this could be a particularly sensitive time. Check and double check information...and how others are emotionally receiving it.

SCENE OF THE DAY: The Big Short, 2015; Director: Adam McKay. I think it's interesting to juxtapose two scenes from this film, of Steve Carell speaking as Mark Baum - where one reflects communication which is conscious, rational and analytic for the purpose of public contribution (Trine Mercury from Aug. 22-24) and the next (Aug. 24-26) is totally unconscious, self-consumed and undermining the group (Square Mercury). You get the idea...

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 22-24

MOON IN TAURUS from 5:19pm EDT Monday August 22 until 3:38pm EDT Wednesday August 24. Ruled by Venus, this Fixed Earth sign reflects What We Value...Beauty, Art, Relationships and most of all, evidently, Money. Taurus is the Master Builder and very creative. My dad was a Taurus and built homes and apartment buildings in Florida. Classic. They live to Provide Security for those they love. They can be incredibly stubborn (Fixed) and love the Beautiful cushy sensuous things of life (Venus). This is a time for all these qualities! Notice how they show up.

SUN ENTERS VIRGO at 12:39pm EDT on August 22: The first thing that comes to my mind is that we have a whole month of support from Mercury, Virgo's ruling planet, for our projects both mental, health oriented and for cleaning and ordering. Because MERCURY WILL BE GOING RETROGRADE August 30th, we are especially supported in creative activities and things that we've begun before but never completed or have to be done over. We may have to work harder this time around and need to check and double check our facts and information because of the retrograde. Usually travel would be highlighted also at this time, but again, because of the retrograde, have your antennae up for schedule changes and other malfunctions, mechanical and otherwise! Prepare your vehicles before hand. This phenomenon often effects us most dramatically 3 days before the Station Retrograde (on the 30th) and 3 days after, so the advice (if you have to initiate something) is to at least wait until Mercury is settled into its new rhythm, on the 26th, before you initiate important actions. The same 3-day rule of thumb is in effect as Mercury stations Direct on the 22nd of September. So, basically, the whole time the Sun is in Virgo, Mercury - and any Mercurial action taken during this time - tends to be at a disadvantage in this way.  
 
LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Mercury in Virgo at 3:38pm EDT Wednesday August 24. The Moon's 120 degree harmonious aspect to Mercury reflects an EXCELLENT time to talk about what you value. It would indicate that actions initiated during this period would tend to have GREAT results - especially if they concern this Taurean/Venusian area of life. In other words, a Great time to make purchases - particularly in Land, Real Estate in general and Art. Be cautious of people being fixed in their ways and having resistance getting off the couch to do anything! It's become Heaven on Earth for Taureans to purchase from a reclining position! I'm sorry this post is late in coming. I've been having a last summer hurrah and in in typical Venusian form, got lazy about my posting...Back in gear now! Here's to initiating something very special in these last hours of Moon in Taurus. PS: Always check the Short Form Calendar on the right-side column of the Blog for brief notes on the month in advance. It may be just what many of you may prefer! Again, remember MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE on August 30th at 9:04am EDT. Remembering the 3 Day Before and After Rule as the planet slows down and makes a Station at 29 Degrees Virgo, do what you need to do by the 26th August.   
SCENE OF THE DAY: The Big Short, 2015; Director: Adam McKay. This film offers great Taurus moments! This is our second time around using a clip from it. Here we see Steve Carell interviewing (the Trine to Mercury) a 'CDO Manager' in order to ascertain whether or not to bet against or 'short' them. He reflects the archetype of Morality and is dumbstruck by what he hears. It's complex financial language but SO worth the attempt to understand what happened in 2008. The film is brilliant and well-played by every actor. Carell's real-life character, Mark Baum, is like a classic Taurean Bulldog, biting down and not letting go until he's completely satisfied he knows his turf...which in this case is high finance...in the form of the bond market...Securities. The irony is that Mr. Morality, in his rage against the completely unconscionable financial machine, agrees to bet that not only individual investors but the global economy will suffer the horrific consequences. The Big Short. Go figure. In the end, when other investors who have shorted the market have bailed, Baum - again the Taurus Bulldog - tenaciously holds on to the near bitter end before selling and has So much to say about the whole catastrophic ordeal (Mercury). Incredibly educational.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 20-22

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 8:21am EDT until 3:18 pm EDT. When the Moon is V/C it is advised not to initiate important practical actions. They tend not to work as desired. This is more of a dream or in-between time. Creative or inner work initiated at this time tend to have EXCELLENT results.  SEE APRIL 7 POST for more info on V/C Moons.

MOON ENTERS ARIES at 3:18 pm EDT and remains until Monday August 22 at 7:48am EDT. We're back at the beginning of the zodiac once again with the Warrior Archetype. Aries, ruled by Mars, is the great initiator, often aggressive, impulsive, courageous and with great leadership skills. There appears to be a tendency for arrogance in all the Fire signs and this Cardinal Fire is no exception. He is also great at beginnings but often needs support in completions! So we'll tend to have the impulse to begin projects during this time - just make plans for some assistance in wrapping it up. Also, pay attention to how your words and actions are affecting others. You may be so passionate about your ideas that you don't notice that you've offended someone in the process of expressing them. It matters. Back step and re-engage appropriately. You may also want to be physically active now. Don't let your quick movements take you off-balance or be unconscious. 

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Conjunct Uranus in Aries at 7:48am EDT on Monday August 22. Actions initiated during this period will tend to have a CHALLENGING result. Uranus is the principle of breaking things apart. It requires freedom and independence. It often reflects a surprising, shocking or upsetting experience. This is a lot of Fire capable of a lot of burning! Stay conscious in your actions and interactions! On the other hand, if you are aware of the energy in play, and stay present, Uranus can offer great insight and innovation about something that has been confusing you. You may have a breakthrough in some area where you may have been stuck. Just don't take anyone down as a side effect of you're being enlightened! Remember this is the Warrior archetype!

SCENE OF THE DAY: Rush, 2013; Director: Ron Howard. Talk about getting burned...if you're squeamish at all begin this video at 2:30 minutes into the clip. Daniel Bruhl, as Niki Lauda, famous Formula One race car champion is seriously injured and recuperating from major burns on his face. In Rush, we witness two road warriors, Lauda and James Hunt, played by Chris Hemsworth, engaged in career-long aggressive competition. The film is based on a true story and is nothing if not Aries on all levels previously described. We witness Lauda's terrifying accident and his miraculous recovery due, no doubt, to his legendary courage and conviction. 

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 18-20

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 5:26am EDT until 12:34pm EDT on Friday August 18. Any important and practical actions initiated during this time will tend to have CHALLENGING results. They tend to not work out as desired. Inner creative work tends to have EXCELLENT results. SEE APRIL 7 POST for more info on V/C Moons.

MOON ENTERS PISCES at 12:34pm EDT on Friday August 18 until 8:21am EDT on Saturday August 20. Ruled by Neptune, this Mutable Water sign reflects the principles of Cosmic Unity, Redemption, Illusion and the Divine. All is One and One is All in this reality. So the down sides of this archetype would be Confusion - things remain undefined - and Deception. The line between reality and illusion is very thin. Dreams become potent and very informative at this time. There is a sense of Idealism and Perfection reflected in works of Art. So Art, Beauty and Glamor are major Neptunian themes. The domain of this god is the Sea so this is a great time to get to a body of water...preferably the ocean! But, when in need, a good hot bath will do just fine! Any water themes become highlighted. Drink lots of water, beware of flooding or being overwhelmed emotionally. There could be lots of tears.

LAST ASPECT OF THE MOON: Moon Opposite Jupiter in Virgo at 8:21am EDT on Saturday August 20. Yes, there may be lots of tears! Jupiter expands everything he touches. And Pisces cries at the drop of a hat! But it's certainly not the only way to express this aspect. You could create an abundance of Art or Music during this period. We may find ourselves forgiving a friend or finding ourselves in service in some form. We may fall into Divine Love, Neptune being the higher vibration of Venus! Jupiter may also bring us a kind of wisdom about something that has previously eluded us. And there's always the chance that we will be deceived in a big way...or merely by a magic trick~ Make sure you get a reality check for whatever endeavor in which you participate.   
SCENE OF THE DAY: The Illusionist, 2006. Neil Burger. Here we have both Divine Love and the most wonderful magic tricks together in one divine film. Edward Norton plays Eisenheim, illusionist extraordinaire. Jessica Biel plays Sophie, his long-lost love, now attached to the evil Prince, played by the darkest eyes in Hollywood - or London - Rufus Sewell. In one of the greatest dramatic deceptions on screen, Eisenheim attempts to retrieve his love. See it. You'll love it.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 16-18

MOON IN AQUARIUS from 7:52am EDT on Tuesday August 16 until 5:26am EDT Thursday August 18. FULL MOON LUNAR ECLIPSE at 5:26am EDT. Ruled by Uranus, the principles in effect for this Fixed Air sign are Separation, Breakthrough, Breaking Apart and Unique Individuality. It includes the arenas of Technology, New Age Ideas, Equality, Communities, Friends, Enlightenment, Aha Moments, Change and Revolution. Don't expect warm and fuzzy encounters at this time. The Aquarian Moon tends to reflect a more detached behavior. People tend to need more Freedom and Independence. It's more mental than emotional so the Moon is not really comfortable here. It's a GREAT time for Innovation and looking at life in from a new perspective.

FULL MOON LUNAR ECLIPSE at 25 Aquarius at 5:26am EDT. A Lunar Eclipse occurs only during a Full Moon, when the Earth, in its orbit around the sun, passes exactly between the Sun and the Moon and casts its shadow on the latter. (A great astronomical term for this kind of alignment of any grouping of planets is syzygy.) The Moon is full, then, when it is opposite the Sun: Generally speaking a Full Moon reflects the tension of The Feminine Principle (Moon) in opposition to the Masculine Principle (Sun). It is a time of CULMINATION, bringing to CLIMAX and COMPLETION. 

This eclipse is a Penumbral Eclipse visible from the Eastern half of North America and most of South America. Partial visibility will be possible from other continents as well. Since the Lunar Eclipse reflects Letting Go of outdated behavior patterns, this is a GREAT time for rituals that bring to consciousness what no longer serves you. You are completing a cycle that either began at the March 8-9 Solar Eclipse or more recently at the August 2nd New Moon in Leo, and getting ready to begin a new cycle at the next NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE on September 1st. 

The LEO/AQUARIUS FULL MOON reflects the singular Self (Leo Sun) opposing the Community (Aquarius Moon). It offers circumstances for us to negotiate how to express our individual true selves amidst the influence of the crowd or the groups of others to which we are drawn. It's also a pull between the Head (Aquarius) and the Heart (Leo). We're likely to encounter the feeling of being blown off by some and too drawn in by others. Honoring both ends of the opposition is the winning ticket. Don't avoid the collective for fear of feeling lost in it - find the way to be your unique Self which can only contribute to the group consciousness. Don't be afraid to say no if the crowd tries to convince you against your better judgment. And listen to both your Head and your Heart. We're likely to see ourselves in a surprisingly new way!

LAST ASPECT OF THE MOON: Moon Opposite Sun at 5:26am EDT on Thursday August 18th: Robert Redford's 80th Birthday!  So, the Full Moon is actually the last aspect the Moon makes before leaving Aquarius. It will tend to color the whole time the Moon is in this sign. The Opposition is often experienced as tension-ridden so, in general, actions initiated at this time will tend to have CHALLENGING results. If you are able to marry the opposites in true alchemical form, honor both ends of the polarity, you'll have that Aquarian breakthrough and probably a major Aha moment! SEE POST: THE HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY IN OPPOSITIONS.

NOTE: MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE ON AUGUST 30 until September 22! Start preparing yourself by doing everything on your important To Do list by the 26th (the cautious 3-days-before-the-turning rule of thumb). Communications and Travel tend to go awry during this 3 week or so period. It's advised not to sign contracts or make important agreements/purchases at this time. They tend not to work out as desired. It's a great time for creative and inner work as well as doing something over that didn't work out the first time. Check and double check all communications, fine print, directions and vehicles! Dreams tend to be dramatically informative and creative writing can be on fire! Keep a journal by your bed so you can easily record stream-of-consciousness ideas as they pour in!
   
SCENE OF THE DAY: Sneakers, 1992, Director: Phil Alden Robinson. This light-handed crime drama has security expert Redford, encounter his past in the form of Ben Kingsley's character - the college partner-in-prank turned techno-revolutionary (Double Aquarius!). He is one man against the collective (Leo/Aquarius). But the two old friends are at opposite ends of the moral spectrum now (Sun/Moon Opposition).  Redford (a Leo - Aug. 18th Birthday!), working with a close-knit group of friends (Aquarius), is ready to let go of past dreams of global socio-economic equality (Aquarius) - or at least the manner in which it's attained. He goes his own way and finds his own means (Aquarius). This is a great heist film, full of Heart, with an amazing cast which includes Sidney Poitier, Dan Akroyd, Mary McDonald and River Phoenix.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 14-15

MOON IN CAPRICORN from 0:11am EDT on Sunday August 14 until Monday August 15 at 10:45pm EDT. Ruled by Saturn this Cardinal Earth sign is all about Results! Saturn is the Manifester and Capricorn's glyph reflects the Mountain Goat climbing the mountain of Ambition. He gets things going and works diligently and responsibly to get the job done. Saturn reflects structure and while being the backbone to any project and giving it a container of form, structure also limits space. We often, therefore, experience Capricorn as constricting us, holding us back, being fearful that we're not good enough.  Saturn also rules bones and teeth (structures of the body) so pay attention to them!

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Jupiter in Virgo at 10:45pm on Monday August 15. This is an EXCELLENT time to initiate a project, especially one that is meaningful to you. Jupiter in Virgo highlights Mercurial projects such as writing, speaking or traveling. Both the Moon and Jupiter in Earth signs will ground the work and make it practical and realistic. You should have abundant energy to develop and complete your work. You have great support for paying attention to details and working slowly enough to do the job right. Just be careful you don't get mired in negative thoughts as the Capricorn Moon often does and trust you can get through any roadblocks; hold the thought that success is probable with this configuration.
  
SCENE OF THE DAY: Jerry McGuire, 1996; Director: Cameron Crowe; Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin. These are two of my favorite filmmakers! And this film might be considered an example of the classic three act screenplay format - which we might call the Mountain Goat climbing to the top and reaching his goal. Here we see the ambition of sports agent McGuire, played by Tom Cruise. He's just been fired from an agency he helped create, he's been put in the most humiliating situation and has the wherewithal to start all over again. That takes Capricornian guts and determination to pull off! We all know the hurdles he goes through and the final success of his new company (Last Aspect: Trine Jupiter). And we take heart witnessing his transformation and applaud his hard-fought win. Be inspired. Do the work. Get it Done!

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 13

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 1:37pm EDT for the rest of the day! MOON enters CAPRICORN at 0:11am EDT on Sunday August 14th. Important practical actions initiated during a V/C Moon tend to have CHALLENGING results. They tend to not work out as you planned. The inner creative life and your Dream Life is likely to be active and informative! Pay attention! SEE APRIL 7 POST for more info on Void of Course Moons.. 
SCENE OF THE DAY:Purple Rose of Cairo, 1985; Director: Woody Allen. Jeff Daniels plays  explorer/adventurer Tom Baxter in a movie that Mia Farrow's Ceclia is watching. In one of cinema's most original reality shifts, he steps out of the movie and begins an alternate dream reality with her. One of Allen's finest moments! Perfect time to spend the day at the cinema on a VOID OF COURSE day!

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 11-13

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 1:22am EDT on Thursday August 11 until 1:24pm when MOON enters SAGITTARIUS until Saturday August 13 at 1:37pm EDT. Important practical actions taken during V/C Moons tend to have CHALLENGING results. Actions concerning creative or inner work tend to have GOOD resolutions. MOON ENTERS SAGITTARIUS at 1:24pm EDT. This is the Adventurer's Moon - it's a GREAT time to take a trip to a foreign land! It's also a GREAT time to initiate PUBLISHING your work. With the LAST ASPECT OF MOON SQUARE JUPITER, pay attention to not overdoing any activity as well as not acting like you know it all!

SCENE OF THE DAY: The Adventures of Merlin, 2008-2012. I loved this British series. In this scene Arthur has set out on a quest to test his worthiness for being in line for the crown. His arrogance is evident to many but he is beloved and it is overlooked...mostly.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 9-10

MOON IN SCORPIO from 0:51am EDT Tuesday August 9 until Thursday August 11 at 1:22am EDT.  The LAST ASPECT is MOON SEXTILE JUPITER in VIRGO: Ruled by Pluto, this period is an EXCELLENT time to initiate actions in the arena of resources, psychology and healing, Pluto/Scorpio reflects going deep into places, breaking them down and building them up again in a way that better serves you and the world - analyzing your unconscious mind, mining the earth, finding your power and using it. Renovating or re-constructing your home and regenerating something that hasn't been working well are also Excellent activities to initiate now. As Jupiter reflects growth, abundance and meaningfulness, the harmonious aspect to Jupiter increases the opportunities available to us during this time. There's an intensity to this Fixed Water sign. If you use your power to control others or for your own ego gratification, it's likely what you've created will come undone. Pluto demands integrity from your behavior. If you find yourself starting to control others in some way, cease and dismiss immediately! Isabel Hickey speaks of Minerva, the Feminine side of Pluto and its optimum expression in the form of the Right Use of Will. An inclusiveness in what you do now will pay off big-time in the long run! 
SCENE OF THE DAY: MADAM SECRETARY, 2014-16; Created by Barbara Hall.  While this series is often entertaining, I wouldn't write home about it...though my mother does love it.  Here we see Lea Teoni, as Secretary of State, being sworn in as Acting President and First Female President of the US. I offer the image as a tribute, more-or-less, to the double Scorpio of the hour, Hillary. Both her Sun and Ascendant (Rising Sign) are in the Pluto ruled sign - as well as Mercury, Venus, Chiron and the South Node. That's a lot of Pluto! You can almost feel the steam descending from her.  While this reflects that she is a master of self-protection and keeping things hidden (Scorpio)...she also has a profound sense of service, as we've all learned from Bill's speech at the Democratic Convention, and is able to go deep into the issues to maneuver the power. With the Scorpio connection to the day of the election (Sun and Mercury), she has a good chance of success. But again, Pluto requires integrity or it will kick you in the butt...The truth behind the public facade of anyone, particularly political figures, is never completely known. And then, neither she nor Trump have the Aquarian (Egalitarian) sensibility that the Election Moon reflects. (Even Bernie's chart is devoid of the Aquarian element!) The Moon reflects the Public so it's an important indicator. Neither Hillary nor Trump have the Virgonian humility that the Election Day chart is looking for (its Ascendant and North Node are in Virgo). Bernie actually has that Virgo in his Sun and North Node. Trump's Ascendant - the filter through which we see the world, and the way the world sees us -  is 29 Leo, which is the point of the most Auspicious Fixed Star in the heavens, Regulus! It reflects the incredible success he's had and the pomposity with which he owns it. The Ascendant of the Election Day chart is only two degrees (and a sign change) away at 1 Virgo (using Dixville Notch 12:01am EDT starting time). The difference of signs should hopefully steer us away from the Trump card. Had the Ascendant been in late Leo it would have been a huge successful indicator for him. But wait! Trump's Progressed Chart has his Ascendant progressed to 1 Virgo! (The Progressed Chart reflects the psyche's evolution through time and is an important overlay to the Natal Chart.) This could be a strong indicator of his success. The bottom line is that this is likely to be an incredibly close election. It's Very important that we get out the Vote. Read Michael Moore's article, 5 Reasons Why Trump Will Win.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 9-10

MOON IN SCORPIO from 0:51am EDT Tuesday August 9 until Thursday August 11 at 1:22am EDT.  LAST ASPECT IS SEXTILE JUPITER: EXCELLENT DAY! For more info for Now: SEE CALENDAR under Profile to the right. Click on + sign at bottom of calendar. If you already use Google Calendar add this Astrological Calendar to your calendar and it will be incorporated into your calendar. This is a short version of the posts without film clips. If you don't use Google Calendar a calendar will come up when you click on the + sign. Go to the Month format option and you will have access to the short version of the posts. 

The Long Form of Posts will return tomorrow!
 

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 6-8

MOON ENTERS LIBRA at 12:57pm EDT on Saturday August 6 and remains until Monday August 8 at 1:41pm EDT. MOON is VOID OF COURSE until 12:57pm on Saturday. Important practical actions initiated during a VOID OF COURSE MOON tend to have CHALLENGING results. The best use of this energy is for inner or creative work. SEE APRIL 7th POST for more info on V/C Moons. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Opposite Uranus in Aries. Ruled by Venus, this Cardinal Air sign calls to our attention to What we Value. It reflects Relationships, Beauty, Art, Balance and Justice. Cardinal signs are active and Libra, while drawn to Harmony and the niceties of life, will fight hard to attain it. Since Uranus is the archetype of separation, shock, New Age innovative principles and technology, the Last Aspect opposing Uranus would describe a challenge to the Libran subject. Some examples might be: breaking apart of a partnership, innovative or electronic art that shakes up or wakes up its witness, or something shocking or upsetting in the legal arena. Actions, in general, initiated during this time will tend to have CHALLENGING results. A wake-up call from Uranus, however, is always useful if we realize what we're being shown. SEE POST: THE HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY IN OPPOSITIONS. SCENE OF THE DAY: A Time to Kill, 1996; Director: Joel Schumacher; Adapted from John Grisham's first novel by Akiva Goldsman. With so much craziness happening in the world, politically and in acts of violence, instead of the obvious breakup scene that this period could reflect, I thought of the most upsetting legal film I could remember. Matthew McConauhey plays Jake Brigance, defense lawyer for Samuel L. Jackson's character, Carl Lee Hailey, who is standing trail for murdering the two white men who raped and attempted to murder his ten year old daughter. This scene, in which Brigance delivers his startling summation, has always stayed with me. Cinema is a visual art form. Most contemporary films take the easy way out and use dialogue to tell us information instead of using the medium to find a creative way to show us. Here we have dialogue designed to create specific images in our mind - an innovative and powerful technique, both for the sake of the story and for the audience having to engage twice as much visually. The more we are asked to participate with the film, the more hooked we are into the drama and characters. It totally works...it breaks your heart - another Libra Moon opposite Uranus result.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: AUGUST 4-5

MOON IN VIRGO from 3:34am EDT on Thursday August 4 until Friday August 5 at 11:20pm EDT. Ruled by Mercury, the Virgo Moon is more mental than emotional - and this mind is driven towards order and perfection. It pays attention to the details. It is intelligent and able to communicate well. At its best it is discerning, humble, sweet and pure. We must be careful, however, about being too critical and judgmental, during the Moon's stay in this Mutable Earth sign, the need for perfection in oneself and others, getting the best of us. Instead of focusing on small separate elements, the test is to expand our vision to the bigger picture. Step back into more objectivity. 

 LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Conjunct Jupiter in Virgo at 11:20pm EDT. This is an EXCELLENT period for writing, speaking and teaching - communicating in general. Just be careful not to get lost in the minutia of description, or being compulsive about finding the perfect word, forgetting about the context, overall rhythm or point you want to make. Jupiter is the bigger picture. It's the meaning behind the words. It rules philosophy, religion, growth and abundance. Because Jupiter is considered the Great Beneficent, we could say it blesses whatever it touches - hence the auspicious evaluation when it is the LAST ASPECT of the MOON with a harmonious angle (Trine, Sextile or Conjunction). This astrological time could, for example, describe a teacher speaking about philosophy or spiritual matters to his students. In general, actions initiated during this time - especially Virgo kinds of activities - will tend to have EXCELLENT results. Remember, this is also a GREAT time to create order from chaos by cleaning and organizing! The one thing to be mindful of when Jupiter is activated is excess and arrogance - try not to overdo...or belabor your wisdom!

 

SCENE OF THE DAY: Bee Season, 2005; Directors: Scott McGee and David Siegel; Adapted from the novel by Myla Goldberg. Yes, I LOVE this film. This is only the second clip I've used...there may be more. Here Richard Gere plays Saul Naumann, professor of religious studies. He lectures his class about the concept of Tikkun Olam, The Mending of the World, from the Kabbala. We later come to understand that Saul should learn something about the excesses of Jupiter.