Astrologer In Shorts

Image: Cosmic lovers Venus and Mars in conjunction (generated by Stellarium).

Saturn, Venus and Mars in a celestial dance
Throughout the first ten days of August, the evening sky showcased these three heavenly bodies in a V formation, with Mars and Saturn on the tips and Venus, the brightest (for she is closest to earth), at the base above the western horizon. Night after night, Venus could be seen steadily rising and closing in on Mars. And finally today, the cosmic lovers meet at 13 degrees of Libra (tropical zodiac).

A Venus-Mars union is usually an intense time for the emotions. Thankfully, Saturn’s proverbial cool hand on the fevered brow can prevent passion from overheating, which is a good thing if you’re looking to a long term relationship. If you’re coupled, the cosmic teacher is apt to throw in a few challenges, pointing out that patience, commitment and sincerity are required for healthy relating. It’s a lot of work, but produces positive and life-enhancing changes in your intimacy.

Romance: the call of the mind
With Mars, Venus and Saturn in Libra, an air sign, it could be a flukey close encounter of the mental rather than the physical kind. Libra loves to talk about ideas and especially those about love. Sex? Sure! So, what sends you deep into the throes of passion when Venus and Mars are conjunct in Libra?

“Not an orgasm, but a union by mental fusion.”

Enjoy your romance!

We’re at the threshold of one of those twice- or thrice-yearly dreaded time periods called Mercury Retrograde, when Mercury makes a volte-face from godly winged messenger to vexatious trickster. It’s the time when computers (just one of the things that come under Mercury’s rulership) find pleasure in acting up and driving users crazy.

“Your data is invaluable!” sayeth the backup software peeps. So we keep hearing. Nevertheless, We ought to take such timeworn advice with more than a pinch of seriousness. And to avoid a potential hair-pulling episode between August 21 and September 13 (when Merc is RX), I have done maintenance on my computers, diagnosed hard drives and backed up their contents. My natal Venus in Virgo always thinks of spares. If you value your data, you can never have too many backup disks.

I got two more to replace my aging drives—a 500 GB portable (for backups of my Toshi notebook) and a 1.5 terabyte desktop drive for the venerable Mommacat (my 5 year old PC). Aside from the huge capacity to hold multiple versions of disk images from my two machines, I also considered moving the accumulated media of an entire decade to a single unit and do away with burning more DVDs.

Tip from the AstroHack: It’s always a good idea to partition your drives. If you’re using a desktop, install two disk drives. You’re less likely to lose data when your system crashes.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it — think again
Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” So if it ain’t broke, maybe it will be—during Merc RX (knocking on wood).

Hardware failure and system crashes are very likely, so test those hard drives with diagnostic software. At the very least, consider replacing them if they’re over two years old. You can then use your old drive for backup.

Electronic data, software, among other things, belong in Mercury’s realm. There’s Mercury-related stuff in your smartphone as well, so it’s also a good idea to mind those. The possibility of your phonebook getting wiped out by accident isn’t the least entertaining.

It’s not just being OC about backups, but Mercury Retrograde carries the potential of turning you into one—if you happen to lose all your data!

BACK UP. A stitch in time saves your composure—and a lot of wasted time rebuilding data, says this Libra!

“Do you know where you’re going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you
Where are you going to
Do you know?” ~ lyrics sung by Diana Ross

The present 20-year Jupiter-Saturn cycle began in 2000. In May that year, the two biggest planets came together in Taurus. A conjunction or joining forces of two (or more) planets is a powerful event signifying a new beginning. As the union of Jupiter and Saturn coincided with the new millennium, Planet Earth, with its nations, governments, societies, families and individuals, braced itself to plough through unknown territory.

A decade later, on August 17, 2010, the two planets stand facing each other at opposite points in the sky, marking the midpoint of the great 20-year cycle.

An opposition presents a stalemate as two opposing planets struggle to hold their own ground. This is a counterbalancing alignment, although a frustrating one. With the two planetary giants in a stand-off, it may be very difficult to know, much less predict the direction the trends in your life are taking.

All the more when the the two planets in opposition by themselves represent contradicting principles—Jupiter for expansion and idealistic liberalism, Saturn for contraction and conservative realism. This translates to a conflict between the urge for greater freedom, mobility and opportunity (Jupiter) and the desire to hold on to the safe and predictable (Saturn).

You may be pushing the accelerator one moment and slamming on the brakes the next. You might say it should be easier to just break away and start over (which is very Jupiterian), but that is easier said than done! Ah, Saturn. Father Cronos represents the weight of past experience that holds you down! However, if you decide to plug on and maintain the status quo (very Saturnian), think of where it will land you ten years down the road. You may be safe, but are you any more accomplished, let alone happier?

On the positive side, the planets have their own way of resolving an impasse. The nice thing about oppositions, tension-ridden as they are, is that they allow us to see both sides. Jupiter provides a moderating influence on Saturn, preventing our thought patterns from becoming too set. On the other hand, seasoned Saturn can teach Jupiter a few things like adjustment, making wise choices and self-control. 

With the Jupiter-Saturn opposition, consider the things that life has shown you in the last ten years. Would you have done differently then to bring about the outcome that you desire? No matter how long and arduous (Saturn), you can reach your star so long as you pin your hopes on it (Jupiter). Jupiter and Saturn CAN work together if you make them. Use Jupiterian courage and Saturnian cautiousness in the right proportions and you can make a dream come true. There’s ten more years to produce the perfect mix!

Still, we need to give credit where credit is due. Saturn needs to have the edge, at least in my point of view. Without the time put in and the responsibility to actualizing a dream you hold dear, there would be little else to work and live for, or no?

From Aries, the planet of change (usually unexpected ones!) retrogrades back into the sign of the Fishes.

Pisces is the zodiac’s idealist non-pareil; it represents everything that is spiritual, universal and nonpalpable. Meanwhile, the Great Awakener will continue its retro journey to its direct station point of 26 degrees of Pisces, going forward again on December 6.

A Uranian kick in the butt
This period of time carries parallels to events in February this year, giving us a chance to close the book on old ways that are no longer useful. Restlessness as well as rebelliousness tend to build up when Uranus is retrograde, so struggling against change is an exercise in futility. It’ll most probably take an explosion (Uranus) of pent-up energy to take you out of an old stagnating situation.

Flush out the poison
As life continues to change, Uranus’ return to Pisces is good for ending behavior patterns that we don’t want and transmuting them to positive ones. Replace stubbornness with flexibility, extreme perfectionism with tolerance, ascerbic criticism with genuine forgiveness and encouragement. Pisces provides bucketloads of idealism to guide you in preparing for a freer, healthier way of living in time for Uranus’ re-entry into Aries in Spring 2011.

Be original, and trust yourself!

“Believe nothing on the faith of traditions,
even though they have been held in honor
for many generations and in diverse places.
Do not believe a thing because many people speak of it.
Do not believe on the faith of the sages of the past.
Do not believe what you yourself have imagined,
persuading yourself that a God inspires you.
Believe nothing on the sole authority of your masters and priests.
After examination, believe what you yourself have tested
and found to be reasonable, and conform your conduct thereto.”

~ Buddha

The Lion has much to remind us of our individuality, particularly the power of its positive expression. “I” is the shortest word in the English language with the most profound meaning. It packs our entire self-essence in a single vowel!

How much do you “mean it” whenever you say “I”?

Moving beyond the stereotype
Pop astro says that Leo is self-centered (the negative side being selfish and conceited). If you stop at this cursory description, you’re not doing the sign justice at all. We have to look at the zodiac signs as spokes in the evolutionary wheel, rather than taking each sign for what it is (more likely how popular astrology describes them). Yes, we must understand the Sun signs as parts of a whole, each with a mission and purpose, which is to realize its highest potential and thus set the stage for the next evolutionary mission.

From Cancer’s “tribal mentality” Leo represents the next stage in the evolution of the soul. In this sign, the soul begins to individuate. The ego takes form, the sense of one’s uniqueness emerges. Just like a young person leaving the familiar comforts of home (Cancer), Leo presents the need to carve out our own special spot in the world, to express our essence, to show everyone what and who we are.

For this purpose, the Lion has to make noise. which is why Leos tend to do things in dramatic and eye-catching ways. Even a shy Lion or Lioness will not fail to impart their singularity, albeit in subtler ways. To draw attention to oneself is the means by which Leo achieves its purpose, and that is to make a mark in the sphere that one calls his or her own.

The Lion is naturally endowed with loads of creative energy and the ability to express them fully. The sign is ruled by the Sun, the symbol of vitality, zest for life and destiny. The natural “home” of the Sun is the 5th house, which deals with anything that brings out our uniqueness and whatever makes us feel loved and appreciated.

What to do on the Leo New Moon
This is a time for rediscovering our creative talents as they are the vehicle by which our specialness and uniqueness are conveyed. We are likely to be motivated by a need to stand out, be in the limelight in some way, as receiving recognition affirms our value, worth and merit.

Do something that makes you feel special and privileged. Cleaning house? Call in the pros—at least have someone else do it for you. By freeing up time you can focus on your own dream. How about writing that book, producing your own film or discovering your hidden Picasso? Whatever makes you feel special—go for it!

Quote for the New Moon in Leo: “We have been gifted with Human Life and Choice. It is this freedom of action, our power of Choice, that decides Essence.”

Enjoy the rebirth of self-essence!

Currently, Venus figures in the Cardinal T-square with Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. [View chart]

It’s a push-pull, seemingly everywhere-yet-nowhere couple of days as Venus braves the contrary forces of planetary biggies Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. You feel the urge to move in some positive direction and yet you seem stuck. Also, the shadow of Mercury retrograde isn’t help at all in overcoming inertia—as a matter of fact adding to it. Just when you think you’ve made a step forward, someone or something puts an obstacle in your path. That “someone” could be you, and that “something” could be indecision.

Today, Venus bumps into stolid and stern Saturn and have your confidence doused with cold water. Across the zodiac belt in Aries sits Jupiter, the cosmic expander, goading you as much as possible. It’s the very picture of bipolarity when the two greatest opposites meet: Saturn the contracting influence, Jupiter the expanding influence. You could blow hot one moment and absolutely cold the next. When the going gets tough, Venus puts on the “sit on the fence until the whole thing blows over” act. It’s classic Libra to respond to difficult choices by waiting it out.

In astrology, asking whether an influence is “good” or “bad” doesn’t make much sense. No negative influence is “all bad” and no positive influence is “all good.” As a Libra astrologer, I do believe that every dark cloud has a silver lining and fluffy white clouds provide us with essential rainfall. A negative alignment isn’t considered bad—just challenging. And this is where Saturn’s energy helps a great deal. The cosmic taskmaster does best in grounding us more firmly to terra firma. Spinning wheels and their resident hamsters have to slow down and rest.

Mars, as it conjoined Saturn on July 30, opened a new two-year cycle of living and learning what we want to be. Accompanying this passage is an awareness to new challenges and lessons (Saturn). The Mars-Saturn conjunction is the next step to further growth in experience and maturity.

Venus’ role in the present configuration is to evaluate and assess the events brought about by Mars’ initiatives. Mars acts, Venus experiences that action. As she joins up with Saturn, we are shown the necessity to make concessions to get what we want. Adjustments are needed to make things work.

It’s a bumpy ride for the beautiful goddess as she moves through the first degrees of Libra, but we know that the experience won’t kill us and makes us stronger and more determined. This is for the future, so focus on it. The door on the last two years has closed. Feeling that you’re not done yet? cut your losses and start again on something new. Why waste time flogging a dead horse?

Venus-Aphrodite absolutely glows in her own sign, Libra. Traditional astrology says that the love goddess is dignified in The Scales, this being the constellation wherein she expresses her personality best and thus feels most at home. Every planet has a “home” sign, e.g. Mars is at home in Aries and Scorpio, Mercury in Gemini and Virgo, Jupiter in Sagittarius and Pisces, and so on. A planet transiting the sign it “rules” provides a powerful focus of energy, lending its characteristics to the whole planetary picture.

Venus in Libra ushers in a lively social time, and we get our chance to be Queen of Tact. Use this extra jilt of grace to win people over. We also have an opportunity to show our creativity through manifesting beauty and harmony in our life, love and work. But Venus isn’t a model of perfection, as every energy presents a negative underside. With romantic sentimentality taking the wheel, there’s a tendency to fall in love easily, and not always with the right person! Still, Venus is most charming and seductive when in Libra.

With Venus’ ingress, she follows Mars’ “trail of agitation” and sparks the Cardinal Grand Cross. Today she faces off with the planet of the unexpected, Uranus. If you suddenly bump into someone you haven’t seen in a long while (most likely your ex!), chalk it up to this influence. If you’re in a twosome, an uncharacteristic rebellious streak might surface, which is apt to upset the love cart. Underlying this disruptive behavior is an intense need for change and freedom (Uranus) to do your thing, unfortunately with little heed for consequences.

Are you happy with your life or is it time for a change? On the good side, this influence gives you a chance to look for something that is much more interesting and satisfying. Surprises aren’t all that bad, as a friend you’ve given up all hopes on could become your biggest squeeze or a long-dormant talent could suddenly become an earning capacity (Venus rules money, too). Peel your eyes for opportunities as they flash out of the blue. This weekend, follow your heart, reach out and touch your dreams!

Mercury stations retrograde on August 21 (August 20 West Hem) at 19 degrees of Virgo, backtracking to its direct station point of 5 degrees Virgo on September 13 (September 12 West Hem).

“Shadow” sounds forbidding. What is it?
The Shadow is the time period in which a planet travels through the degrees of the sign/s it will retrograde in. It begins when the would-be retrograding planet passes the point of its direct station and ends after it passes over its retrograde station point anew. Thus, the retrograde period also takes into account the preceding and succeeding shadow periods, thereby extending the retrograde’s “area of coverage” to roughly two and a half months.

What the heck is a “station”?
When explaining astro events we sometimes can’t help but use some jargon (speak “Astronese”), because it is more “economical.” A station is simply a point where the planet seems to stand still (stationary, hence “station”) in the sky. A planet is at its retrograde station when it has reached the degree where it begins to move backward. A planet that has retrograded will be at its direct station when it reaches the degree where it begins to go forward again.

Stations are points of significance. If you’re familiar with The Stations of the Cross, which is also called the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows, then you know that an astrological station marks a significant point in the apparent motion of a planet.

We have entered the shadow
On August 1, Mercury passed over the point of its direct station at 5 degrees of Virgo. On August 21, it begins to move backward at 19 Virgo, the retrograde station, going all the way back to 5 Virgo, the direct station point. It will be another 3 weeks thence for Mercury to, in a manner of speaking, regain ground, finally reaching the retrograde station point of 19 Virgo on October 15.

What is the Shadow Period good for?
You could call the shadow a sneak preview of events and their accompanying issues that will be worked out during Mercury’s actual retrograde phase that begins on August 21 and ends September 13. Make notes of the things that are happening now. Chances are you will feel the need to make adjustments in these matters during the retro period.

As Mercury crawls closer to the retro station, you may notice that you’re turning more contemplative and reflective, being more careful and giving a moment’s thought to things and routines that you usually take for granted. Your mind may feel a little slower, too. Don’t push too hard, as this retrograde shadow period in Virgo is a time to chill a bit, consider your options and prepare for the “retrograde storm.”

Mars, has been given the monicker “The Cosmic Trigger,” since its transits increase energy and the need for action, making us assertive and decisive, or impatient and quarrelsome. Since it passed the tail-end of Virgo and into Libra in late July, the red planet has been setting off the go-ahead (or “shoot now, check casualties later”) energy of the Cardinal Grand Cross [ See chart ]. 

Timeline (reference place - Metro Manila, Philippines):
July 30 - Mars enters Libra and immediately opposes Uranus
July 31 - Mars conjunct Saturn in Libra
August 3 - Jupiter in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn
August 4 - Mars conjunct Uranus and square Pluto

Needless to say that this is a decisions-filled week, with Mars’ raring-to-go energy spurring us to face unsettled issues and turn the corner. The downside is a tendency to see everything in a dramatic light. If you’re unaware of the building intensity of your emotions, you could just explode like a volcano!

The challenge is finding the best way to express intense feelings without going overboard. Anger against someone is only the trigger of some issue that goes much deeper. If we look within we may unearth core issues, i.e. the loss of power, control, security, etc. which prevents us from manifesting our desires in a positive way.

This week, try to look on the bright side. If you can, avoid people who annoy you, as they’re apt to become even more annoying under this transit. If a struggle gets underway between your ideas and those of others, go through it, but hold on to your integrity.

Feeling ambitious? Jupiter square Pluto packs a wallop of “can do” and could prove just the ticket to carry you higher and farther than usual. This creates powerful striving, which is a welcome thing if you’ve fallen far behind the lines and need a motivation boost to bring you back up to speed.

Harnessing this energy could be tricky, however. The other side of the coin is a tendency to engage others to your point of view, for good or ill. Stand up for what you believe is right, but unless you’re absolutely sure that you’re right, don’t push your point of view because for all your obduracy, your perceptions of right and wrong could be skewed!

Meet the challenges that people lay down for you by listening well to what they say and then offering your response. Under this dogmatic influence, it’s tempting to argue if you disagree with someone. Why spend time and energy correcting each other when none of this will get you anywhere? Remember, there’s more than one way of seeing things and more than one right answer to every question.

Strength alone will not do. Reason and sense will. Summing it up, this Jupiter-Pluto square could well be a tough lesson in flexibility.

Just because the Saturn-Uranus opposition is out of orb doesn’t mean that its influence is over. As with departing aspects, its hold on us may be waning, but realizations arrived at during the transit remain and continue to affect our decisions in the weeks and months thereafter.

As with earthquakes, there are aftershocks to remind us that we’re not out of the woods yet. Today, Mars leaves Virgo and dashes into Libra, only to be brashly confronted by Uranus in Aries across the zodiac wheel—certainly not the congenial welcome Libran Mars expects! Libra is a stickler for social protocol, and Uranus in Aries is disagreeably in-your-face for Mars in Libra to feel at home with.

That’s Inconvenient Liaison #1: Mars opposes Uranus and it tends to drive our actions (Mars) bonkers (Uranus). This aspect is a test of Libran poise: how to hold up against unexpected intrusions into our sacred space and dearly held beliefs without losing our screws? 

You could be feeling switched ON and turned UP HIGH. You could rebel against the people you are around today. Rashness is in the air and you may feel tempted to let loose in any kind of manner. Sage advice: Resist the urge to throw a fit!

If that isn’t enough, Mars bumps into Saturn’s ominous presence tomorrow (exact at 4:05 PM, Manila, Philippines). Talk about being harried by Uranus and then stonewalled by Saturn. This brings us to Inconvenient Liaison #2.

Mars-Saturn conjunctions only occur about every two years and often feel perplexing. You might feel like lashing out at a difficult authority figure or picking an argument with your mate or friends. The best way to handle this trying energy is to consciously exert patience. Take some time to listen and deliberate the outcome of your actions and reactions.

This influence is not completely negative. Given a chance, Saturn’s stalwart discipline can temper Mars’ impulse and provide a channel for purposeful execution. You can achieve your goals if you apply this powerful energy in focused ways.

Nothing happening in your love life lately? Feeling ignored? You’re not unattractive. It’s just that Mars and Saturn don’t make for venturesome escapades, let alone a direct approach. Does that sound frustrating? However, you’re given the chance to assess the long-term potential of a date or relationship. A Mars-Saturn union is nothing if not emotionally serious and for those who WILL to break through the barrier, this influence is likely to have you jumping in at the deep end.

For all the tension this transit brings, Mars oppose Uranus and conjunct Saturn will help us turn the corner. Big decisions come in the wake of change. You may be in a tough spot just now, but in the end your courage will shine for you. This is your moment. Wear it with pride!

From fiery, self-seeking Leo, Mercury moves into the earthy, deliberate and service-oriented realm of Virgo. The winged messenger stays here for two and a half months rather than the usual 21 days due to a retrograde phase that will begin on August 20/21. Mercury is strengthened (“dignified”) in Virgo, i.e. positioned in a sign that it rules, so we can expect its influence to be powerfully felt.

Mercury in Virgo gives a mind for solving problems as it is sympathetic towards a well-organized existence. It is the cosmic fix-it that puts the brakes on the endless spinning wheel. The steadying effect of Mercury in an earth sign lends well to concentration, focus and mental endurance.

How to best tap into Mercury in Virgo:

1. If you’re unsure of how to proceed, write a list of all the things you’d like to accomplish in the next few weeks. You are able to make whatever changes are necessary.

2. Think towards that rainy day. Sit down and make a budget; chances are you’ll stick to it.

3. The powers of communication are excellent. If you have something to get off your chest with someone, don’t hesitate to make your point. You feel more confident when you are calm and rational.

4. Make a diet plan, or visit your doctor. Now, you’re being health-conscious and sensible. :-)

5. Mercury in Virgo is very good in digesting information (incidentally, Virgo rules the digestive system!). Buckle down to that research you’ve been putting off. Reading and writing become less of a chore and are even likely to be enjoyed.

6. Feeling an urge to spruce up the old homestead? It’s a go, even if that means just giving your bathroom a sorely needed scrub. You won’t miss a cranny under this detail-oriented Mercury.

7. Serve up more time and talent and don’t count the cost too much. Contributing assistance to the eventual outcome is in itself a reward.

8. If anything else, let practical instinct show you the way.

Ditch:

1. The tendency to find fault, as Mercury in Virgo can be quite the nitpicker.

2. The tendency to worry. Remember that there’s a reason, season and rhyme for everything. Prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed by taking regular breathers.

3. Be careful not to become to too particular with detail and work. There is value in casual conversation as much as you can glean from more serious discussions.

Being human offers us interesting insights about the Virgoan ideal of perfection: How to achieve perfection in an imperfect world? Yes, we can! It’s just a matter of knowing when to stop.

Are you:

1. Feeling restless without knowing why?
2. Extra chatty or sociable, or the opposite—desiring privacy?
3. More detached emotionally?
4. Being more blunt than usual, like saying things that are meant to startle others?
5. Annoyed at slow coaches and the opposite—being told what to do?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then you’re feeling the effects of the Full Moon in Aquarius.

Today the Moon comes opposite the Sun in the Leo-Aquarius axis. These two polar signs represent the ego and individuation process, though it works differently with the Moon in either sign. Roughly saying, while Leo seeks approval by drawing others to itself, Aquarius seeks itself by joining others. It can also be said that Leo is a personal sign in that it needs others’ approval for validating the Self (sort of an end in itself), while Aquarius is a social one in that it seeks self-validation through associating with others in collective efforts. Hence, the polarity.

Generally speaking, the Aquarius Full Moon amps up the social instinct. There is an urge to be and to work with others with a common aim. This Moon is very idealistic, though the quality is mental rather than emotional. Aquarius dreams of making the world a little better for everyone, and s/he strives to satisfy this need via productive cooperation with others to achieve objectives.

The Water Bearer hates to be chained down, as it needs freedom to express itself. If you’re one of those rare, retiring Aquarians, you’ll discover (quite ironically) that socializing with others will satisfy your need for freedom.

Discussions are more fruitful during an Aquarius Moon, as emotions tend to take the back seat to logic. It’s about translating ideas and ideals to reality, and how. If there’s a sign that rules processes and procedures, Aquarius is it.

With the Full Moon, we may feel our own inadequacy, especially if we have not been particularly productive. Rather than point a finger at others or at ourself, use the Aquarius Moon’s detachment (which is really helpful at a time like this) to figure out the way to go. You’ll be surprised that you needn’t bang your head against the wall to arrive at solutions, as your mind is apt to operate at seemingly lightning speed these few days. A flash of quick insight will lead to the obvious answer—the proverbial light bulb moment.

There’s always a downside, the “other side of the coin,” however, perfectly described by this quote:

“Advice is like castor oil, easy enough to give but dreadful uneasy to take.”

Remember that give-and-take gets it done! Trying to get a move on? If a stale dream is staring you in the face, abandoning it is easier now than at any other time. Aquarius knows that better than I do! ;-)

The ringed planet of karma didn’t step out of Virgo, the sign it occupied in the last 2-1/2 years, without a footfall. Saturn left a water crisis in its trail, compelling government to ponder the water question anew. New decade, old problems: It is Saturn’s role to pour the proverbial bucket of cold water over forgetful heads to remind them that time’s up; something has to be done, NOW.

To have an idea of collective trends, astrologers look to the outer planets (from Jupiter to Pluto). On the other hand, personal trends are based off the movements of the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars). It is the dispositions of the outer planets that give us the big picture view.

2010, a strong El Niño year, coincided with Uranus leaving Pisces, the sign it occupied since 2003, and coming into Aries in late May this year. Jupiter, in close pursuit, entered Aries on June 6. In the meterological context, Aries, being a fire sign, could mean climate turning hot and dry. Scientists have already said that 2010 could turn out to be the warmest year on record.

And as if there isn’t a moment to lose, Saturn’s ingress into Libra on July 21 immediately meets an opposition from Uranus in Aries. What needs addressing makes itself felt, and ACUTELY. Uranus is called the “Great Awakener” for no piddling reason. It shocks into focus and awareness whatever and whoever it influences.

It’s also no coincidence that all the outer planets are presently in “dry” signs and none in water signs. Jupiter is in Aries (Fire), Saturn in Libra (Air), Uranus in Aries (Fire), Neptune in Aquarius (Air) and Pluto in Capricorn (Earth).

Manilenos are asking, “Where has the water gone?” Add to what has been reported as a leaky Angat Dam, the concessionaire of the west zone, Maynilad, also suffers from a staggering 53% nonrevenue water (NRW) or lost water. Would it bring a little bit of comfort that Uranus will be retrograding back into watery Pisces on August 14, which will likely bring more rains in the coming months (more of weather disturbances as Uranus is apt to produce) and raise the water level of Angat Dam to normal. And then to hell with the leaks as the metropolis braces itself for one final Piscean Uranian fury in the form of tropical typhoons the likes of Pepeng (international name Parma) and Ondoy (international codename Ketsana) in 2009, who will be dealing with more water than they can possibly do with.

Oh well, wish we’d listen to the planets better.

There are more than a few things on my sign (Libra) that I have not read, or don’t remember having read. For example, people often think that Libras are sweet and graceful and balanced. But that’s doing the Libra native a grave injustice. Truth is, given half a chance, Libra will be all that. Most of the time these Venus-ruled charmers are SEEKING light and balance. And while they’re at it, you’ll be treated to a vociferous courtroom monologue, erratic see-saw ride or wild pendulum swing — totally frustrating even when you’re just watching them sort out their minds. Not to mention they can make REAL trouble!

So, what many sun sign profiles tell you is half the story, at most. Read the flipside (point to your sign and do the ol’ left-clicky) and get ready for a laugh, or at least a smirk.

Hope you like laconic humor!

Aries Female: The Original Woman

Taurus Female: An Earthy Woman

The Revolutionary Gemini Female

Cancer Female Cinderella Story

Leo Female: Fierce Kitten Woman

Virgo Female: An Earthy Aura Woman

The Karmic Libra Female

The Female Scorpio Femme Fatale

Sagittarius Female: A Deserved Woman

Capricorn Female: A Classy Woman

Aquarius Female: An Eccentric Woman

Pisces Woman: A Female Paradox

Oh, let’s not forget the guys!

The Aries Male: A Man’s Man

The Passive Taurus Male Bull

Gemini Male: A Wise-Guy Man

The Charming Cancer Male

The Leo Male Golden Boy

That Confounding Virgo Male

Libra Male: A Renaissance Man

Scorpio Male: The Serious Stranger

The Sagittarius Male Archer

The Capricorn Male - A Real Stickler

Aquarius Male: A Detached Man

That “Fishy” Pisces Male