Starting 2020 Off with a Bang: Saturn Conjunct Pluto in Capricorn

When the universe asks you to grow, you don’t decline the invitation.

As Jupiter moves across my ascendant, I have accepted several challenges. For one, I was nominated to the Steering Committee of the Association for Astrological Networking. And I also launched my YouTube channel talking about a doozy of a transit: January’s Saturn conjunct Pluto.

This transit is going to change how we restructure leadership to support our integrity. And the effects of this transit will shape the next 3 decades. In my video, I did a deep dive on how the two task master planets have aligned since 1900 and what we can expect with this evolution.

I’ll be using my YouTube channel for the deeper dives into bigger transits and forecasting. But don’t worry, I’ll still be blogging to update how astrology manifests on a daily basis and educational content of how you can apply astrology to your personal chart.

Be sure to share what you think of my debut and feel free to share if you think it was valuable!

Jupiter in Capricorn in 2020

Jupiter is the planet of wealth, abundance, and luck.  While he’s been touring his home sign of Sagittarius this past year, our awareness expanded and idealism for our lives soared.  But on December 2, 2019 big daddy moves into Capricorn and will stay there until December 18, 2020.  All those soaring skyscrapers we built in 2019 are now getting inspected for structural soundness.  It’s time for optimism to face reality.

Just The Facts, Ma’am

Capricorn is known for being serious.  They like stability, practicality, and building things that will last.  While Sagittarius is the teenager on gap year touring the world and staying in hostels, Capricorn is their first job with real responsibilities.

Jupiter in Capricorn feels restricted.  He follows through with his sense of duty and his ethics are sound.  He knows the rules and is ready to show he has the discipline to take on real power versus just puffing his chest like a peacock.  The downside is he can be governed by fear vs. optimism.  He’s trimming the fat and is conservative overall.  

On a positive side, Jupiter in Capricorn teaches us how to be resourceful.  He learns that limits and scarcity teach us how to pair down and focus on what we truly value.  While we may have had the funds to splurge on what tickled our fancy while he toured Sagittarius, we now pause at the checkout line and ask, “Does help me attain my overall big goal?”

Historical Precedence

The last time Jupiter was in Capricorn was in 2008 .  The S&P remained steady until Pluto entered Capricorn in November 2008 when it began to take a turn.  This time, Pluto is still there and Jupiter is catching up. Themes of 2008 will echo back through 2020.  For those of us living in the United States, this transit is hitting our 2nd house of money.  An economic correction is settling in.  Many astrologers and economists expect stocks to fall during this time with potential government intervention. 

Slow, But Steady

The month of December will feel a shift, but it will be slow.  Jupiter will still have dignity by touring through his decan and his term, but by January 29th the tone will become heavier.  Having Jupiter in his term helps him function on a higher ethical frequency where he can be true to his nature.  Bills are due, leadership is more demanding, and you are expected to face the music.  It is a time to step into your self-determination, take stock in your resources, and elevate your professionalism.

While this transit is more of a collective and societal shift, some signs will feel it more than others on a personal level.  Those with prominent cardinal planets, (Aries, Cancer, Libras and Capricorn) will definitely feel this transition.  Those with prominent Capricorn in their charts will actually feel this shift as a sense of relief.

Rising Into Your Ascendant

Let’s talk about one of the most important points in your birth chart:  the Ascendant/Rising Sign.

It is the sign that is just on Eastern horizon, where the light first hit your chart on the day you were born.  I love that symbolism!  In fact, that is why I named Ascent Astrology after the Ascendant; you only go up from there.  But, back to my blog post. (Ahem…)

The sign on your ascendant is a power point and part of the big 3 when determining personality (Sun, Moon, and Ascendant).  This sign is the way that you present yourself to the outside world, how you interact with others, and the way you get things done.

The moment you were born, you first left your mother and became your own separate person.  The sign of your Ascendant expresses that essence and characteristics of how you will view the world forever.  It is key to your personality. Some astrologers refer to it as “your mask” as it’s the first thing people see about you.  However, I’ve found that the longer you wear a suit the more it becomes part of you.  It intertwines into your identity.  Think about your first professional job.  You probably felt like an imposter your first day, but the role you occupied became more ingrained the longer you stayed.

In social situations astrologers get asked the party trick question called: “Guess my sign.”  I know the average person is asking me to guess their Sun Sign, but what we pick up on is their Ascendant.  So 9 times out of 10, even if I guess, I’m going to get it wrong from their point of view.  

What’s the Difference Between Sun/Moon/Ascendant?

The Ascendant represents your Self-Awareness, Self-Sufficiency, and Self-Interest.  It signifies your goals, your ambitions, and the way you direct your energies to make things happen.

The Sun Sign represents your Identity, Soul Urge, and Ego.  It takes time to evolve and can be a bit hidden.  Your Ascendant is your shield of your Sun and Moon Sign.  Most people don’t grow into their sun signs until their teens or early adulthood.

The Moon Sign represents your Inner Emotional Life.  It’s how your gut responds and how you best nurture yourself.  Some people cry it out, others talk, while others have to get active to work through their feelings.  All of this is in your Moon. I wrote more about that here.

How to Find Your Ascendant:

Most people don’t know their Ascendant unless they have been to an astrologer or have done their chart online from a reputable source like or

You also will need your exact birth time to figure out your Ascendant.  Find your birth certificate for this vs. relying on Mom’s euphoric memory.  The Ascendant hour changes roughly every 2 hours so it’s important.

Depending on the house system you use, the Ascendant can fall anywhere in the first house, but for the purpose of easy visuals, I’ve put it on the cusp line dividing the 12th and 1st house.  Always look for “As” or “Asc”.

If you don’t know your birth time, it’s still possible to figure out your Ascendant through a process called rectification.

Ascendant Signs:

Aries Ascendant:  There is nothing shy about this individual.  They have strong opinions and an innate way of raising their hand to go first.  They are enthusiastic, jump in head first, and like to get projects off the ground.  They like recognition but sometimes have a hard time sticking with things through the end.

Taurus Ascendant:  They are steady-eddy’s of the Zodiac.  They will order the same thing off of the menu because they know it will be consistently yummy.  They have a reputation for being resistant to change, but once they see the proven results they are 100% on board and it will be hard to get them to alter the path.  Refined and slower paced, these individuals don’t like to be pressured with time or opinions.  They aren’t afraid to put in the long hours and can accumulate wealth.

Gemini Ascendant:  Their hands move as fast as their mouths when they are talking.  There is always potential for everything in their minds which is why they are natural worries.  They are excitable, witty, and love to be with people.  They love to have multiple projects going on at the same time.  Don’t worry about deadlines; they will make it at the last minute by a hair.

Cancer Ascendant:  These individuals are warm, affectionate, and wear their hearts on their sleeves.  They are sensitive and can pick up on moods of others.  It’s almost like they have a 6th sense of what other’s need before that individual can articulate it.  When they perceive their security is threatened, expect a little emotional spiraling. Cancer Ascendants are the natural mothers of the Zodiac.

Leo Ascendant:  The magnetism these individuals possess is astounding.  They attract people, but sometimes doesn’t have the natural ability to organize them like Capricorns do – just in a sense of their radiance.  They celebrate everyone’s uniqueness and they believe life is fun as a basic principle.  They are natural cheerleaders and love to be celebrated.  False pride and grudges can be their downfall though.  Loyalty is the number one value until they feel betrayed and then expect to be shut in the darkness forever.  There are no second chances.

Virgo Ascendant:  If you get unsolicited advice in a crisp manner and it’s coming from a helpful place, chances are it’s coming from a Virgo Ascendant.  They want to be helpful as their core principle, but logic can feel a little cold.  They aren’t as stubborn as a Taurus; in fact they will change their opinion if the opposition has sound logic.  If given a problem their first instinct is to hit the information sources and gather as much information as possible.  Expect these individuals to be extremely health conscious.

Libra Ascendant:  Indecision is one of the hallmarks of this Ascendant.  It’s not because they don’t know what they want; it’s because they don’t want to offend anyone else by stepping on their toes.  They love hosting and making sure everyone feels welcome.  They are neat and discriminating.  In fact, their houses will look like an interior decorator swooped into every room and it was just their own eagle eye putting things together.  Don’t open their closets though; you’re going to find all of the unfinished design jobs they forgot. 

Scorpio Ascendant:  These individual are some of the hardest go get to know and they pride themselves on it.  They keep secrets like currency, but wouldn’t dare to cash in because they know the value of relationships.  Their minds are always working to go deeper and uncover the next piece of information.  They like to work behind the scenes and have amazing powers of observation to solve problems.  Like Virgo Ascendants, not much slips by them.  They can be cruel when crossed and will sting with their tempers if provoked.  They will never let you know how deep you hurt them.

Sagittarius Ascendant:  They would never try to box another person in which is why it is hard to get them to commit.  Respecting everyone’s need for independence, exploration, and ability to be themselves are key values.  They love a spirited debate and honestly don’t take offense when opposing views are expressed as long as clear thinking is shown.  These archers have a wide range of friends and are optimistic about the future.  Generous with their time and money almost to a fault.  They can be impulsive and will value any action forward in the spirit of trying to solve the problem.  They love to brainstorm.

Capricorn Ascendant:  As children you wonder if they know how to play.  Their ambition is focused and everything is directed toward making a better life and improving themselves.  All goals are just stepping stones where hard work and self-reliance are expected. They tend to have older person health problems when they are younger (need reading glasses, joint problems, etc).  They are extremely intelligent and build things that last.  They are the CEO’s of the Zodiac.

Aquarius Ascendant:  Lively and friendly, Aquarius risings are fun to be around.  They paint pictures with their words, expanding the “what could be’s” for everyone to see.  They don’t like conflict like Libra, but it’s more on a global/group level than on a personal/individual level.  They can be inflexible in their opinions though and will be intolerant of other’s short comings.  Their minds are quick and expansive and they have no patience for those who cannot see their vision.  They find the flaws in other’s arguments effortlessly and point them out with humor.  They don’t mind being independent.  They believe they are special.

Pisces Ascendant:  These individuals have the reputation of being the scatterbrains of the Zodiac.  They follow their instincts without reservation.  They are naturally optimistic, devoted, willing to help, and flexible.  Sometimes these traits get interpreted as them being wishy-washy.  But really they are so devoted to others that just have a hard time setting boundaries, sometimes to their own detriment.  They endure and believe in miracles and if that doesn’t work then they will play the victim so others will set the boundaries for them.

Bonus Astrologers Tip:

Most horoscope columns are written from the Ascendant’s point of view so try reading them from your Ascendant’s sign.  It’s particularly important when they are talking about topics that will be highlighted that month or year and the accuracy of the timing and issues will improve.  

Uranus in Taurus + Horoscopes

Uranus, our planet of change and surprise, is starting a new 7 year tour in Taurus on March 6th.  He’s been hanging out in Aries since 2012, which has been a happy home for him.  Aries likes change, so for the pioneer of the zodiac to host the innovative planet of Uranus has been a pretty good fit for the two of them.  But come March 6th, Uranus meets up with Taurus, our sign of fixed resources, stability, and safety.  Can you see how this is like an athlete running into a pit of qucksand?  Taurus, the bull, likes to start things slow.  She holds her cards close to her chest and carefully deliberates if she has the time and the resources to dedicate to the suggested proposal.  But once she makes a decision she is ALL IN and it can be hard to change her course.  Uranus is not going to like Taurus’s new speed limits, but will enjoy how easy things come together once the resources are there.  

Uranus is an outer planet; one that manifests things on a societal level.  And astrologers have been excited about this shift for years.  The last time Uranus was in Taurus was 76 years ago when things like the Great Depression and WWII was occurring.  So this time around, they have been wondering what could come of this and some ideas have been to watch things like banking or cryptocurrency or even innovations in how we get our food.  Taurus is ruled by Venus who is in charge of resources.  I giggled when I realized that Freakonomics, a podcast I listen to, released an episode titled, “The Future of Meat,” on February 13th.  Good hell, is their editor an astrologer?  The timing cracked me up.  Personally I’m waiting to see how tax structures are going to continue to change in the USA, the stock market will evolve, and even the heads in high couture fashion are about to pass the torches of power to redefine what we find beautiful as a society.  

We did have a little bit of a preview of what Uranus in Taurus felt like in May 2018 before it slipped back into Aries.  Do you remember what happened?  The earth literally quaked.  Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted and swallowed up whole communities.  Talk about immediate change to people’s key place of feeling safe:  their homes.  In fact the first major summit explosion of the volcano erupted the exact day Uranus entered Taurus on May 15th.  Come March 6th, 2018 Uranus will be in Taurus until 2026.  It will be interesting to see what types of earth shaking events happen this time around.

One way to focus on how Uranus might manifest is to see where Taurus is in your chart.  Please read these Uranus in Taurus Horoscopes for your Sun and your Rising Sign if you know them.

Aries Sun/Aries Rising:  The focus is shifting to how you want to redefine your concept of self-worth over the next 7 years.  Does your self worth shift up and down mirroring your bank account balance? Or is it independent and radiate from within?  You have a chance to radicalize your savings, your earnings, and how you value yourself.

Taurus Sun/Taurus Rising:  It is time to take those last 7 years of self-care and put them into action.  All of those daydreams of what “could be” are now on the edge of manifesting themselves into reality.  Will it take work?  Yes, but as a Taurus once you set your mind there is no stopping you.  Let that bull energy work for you.

Gemini Sun/Gemini Rising:  After watching the political scene and all of the talking from both sides, you need a break.  It’s been hard watching friends pivot and dodge the rhetoric while preserving friendships.  And as a Gemini, you can see each side of the coin.  Sometimes being the mediator can be too much.  Now is the time to retreat and concentrate on your own inner compass.  

Cancer Sun/Cancer Rising:  The planet of change has been wrapping up his tour of your career sector over the past 7 years and that area will become more stable.  Get ready for some of your societal ideals to be challenged. It’s time to reform the area of your life where you socialize with like-minded people, whether thats large groups or even your closest inner circle.  

Leo Sun/Leo Rising:  For the past 7 years you’ve been expanding your mind to figure out where you fit in the world, and now it is time to take the spotlight.  Don’t feel alarmed if you feel like where you shine feels like a natural place to bask one minute and you own it then the next minute you feel the need to clam up and retreat.  This is all part of the process.  Careers and reputations weren’t built overnight no matter what anyone says.

Virgo Sun/Virgo Rising:  It is your time to figure out who you really are, my virgo friend.  And the first place this starts is by expanding the mind.  You’ve got to figure out where you fit in whether that is by sitting in a classroom debating ideas or traveling the world.  The goal is the same; find out where you belong in humanity and set up roots that give you security.  It might be a good time to investigate going back to school or renewing your passport. 

Libra Sun/Libra Rising:  You have figured out who, but now you get to say what the boundaries are.  They say that the ultimate way to find out who you are is by merging with another person.  You are on the course to figuring out if other’s limitations fit within your own boundaries.  This could be financially, emotionally, or spiritually.  Uranus is entering your 8th house of individual power and resources of others.  Your goal is to figure out what feels protected and genuine for your own individuality.

Scorpio Sun/Scorpio Rising:  There could be some sudden comings and goings in your realm of partnerships.  Uranus is putting the spotlight into your 7th house to help you renegotiate who fits into sacred relationship with you.  The ultimate gift we share is ourselves and this is always done in relationships.  Use this time to find the person who is worthy enough to stand as your equal.  This could be any marriage or legal commitment.  It’s time to find out who is your balance.

Sagittarius Sun/Sagittarius Rising:  Daily habits create destiny.  It’s time for you to decide if your habits are giving you a true sense of security or the illusion of a safeguard.  Be aware of your daily choices as the 6th house rules your health and even your day to day routine and work environment.  This is where the change will be foundational.

Capricorn Sun/Capricorn Rising:  It’s easy to become complacent and not take risks.  It feels safe, but realize it are the risks that make us step out of ourselves and become more authentic.  It is when we are in that lightening moment of the “now” that creativity and our higher self manifests.  Being the same version of ourselves is irresponsible to our souls.  

Aquarius Sun/Aquarius Rising:  When you are plunged under an ocean wave and get turned around, the first thing you should do is stop swimming.  It sounds counter-intuitive, but true.  Instead, you should blow out your bubbles and watch where they are float “up.”  You will know where the surface is and can then start swimming to safety.  This is exactly where Uranus is hitting your chart:  the bottom of your chart where you do not have any control.  It is where we emerged from, the roots of our home life.  When change hits, especially in your home life, don’t panic.  Let yourself pause, find the path of the bubbles and let them guide you where to swim.

Pisces Sun/Pisces Rising:  The planet of transformation is getting ready to tour your house of social learning.  Think of where we first established our first social network:  our siblings and cousins became our first friends, we did our first negotiations on the playground, and we learned what life outside of our house was like in our community schools and churches.  These are the domains of where your focus will lie.  In the next 7 years, expect some reconnections and lost communications with those who sustain that part of your first community.  It’s also a good time to try learning a new skill, especially musically or writing, as the lessons you learn will become a life long gift.

Monthly Moon Transits of the Horoscope

The moon is the fastest moving planet in our horoscope changing sign every 2 – 2.5 days.  It is the first thing astrologers look to when we hear people are in a funk, or are feeling on top of the world.  It can give us clues to weight loss and fitness or our self confidence. Even the phases of the moon gives us clues as to creative cycle of life and personality depending upon which phase of the moon you were born in. All in all, the moon is pretty damn important.  Even in those small windows every month as the moon changes sign, it can give us clues as to how our emotions are doing and how to keep our balance.

When the Moon is in Aries watch your own impatience.  You might crave excitement or the novel.  It’s also very easy to take things personally as those feelings will be running hot like the fire sign Aries is.  Go ahead and try that new fitness class.  The endorphins will have your mood soaring.  Even just taking a new route home from work will stimulate your brain into new ways of being present.

When the Moon is in Taurus, you will be more likely to go to your favorite restaurant and order the “usual” vs. trying the hip new spot on the corner.  It’s also a good time to relook at your goals with fresh determination and drive.  The Moon is exalted here.  Taurus is a fixed sign, meaning it doesn’t like change.  Home and family really doesn’t change either which is what the moon rules.  It is all about security and routine and looking at what is working for you.

When the Moon is in Gemini, we have empathy for those born under this natal energy as we feel more scattered than normal and we have a low attention span.  However, on the positive, we discover more things are piquing our curiosity and leading us down new paths.  Its a good time to find that one friend and process things over a cuppa tea while the hours tick by.  Pour your heart out and you’ll find that in a round about way, that original problem was solved.

When the Moon is transiting Cancer, it’s a good time to call mom, stay home for the night, make soup, and cuddle.  Cancer’s sign is represented by the crab, who keeps her guard up, but lives in the watery deep beneath that hard shell.  The emotions can often overtake us like waves overtake the shore.  Break out the tissues, my friend.  No one can keep up the hard exterior for that long.  The Moon loves being here.  She’s home.

When the Moon is in Leo, it is time to let your heart light shine.  Let your passion drive you forth with happiness and confidence.  Let your enthusiasm be contagious and encourage others to find their light too.  They are the creatives.  Go patronize the arts, the music scene, even the culinary arts.  It also rules the house of true love so connect romantically with the one who makes your heart quicken.  Leos also are the sign of that rules children, so any extra time with little people will be well invested. On the cautionary side, Leos can be pretty selfish so be aware about the Me, Myself, and I focus.

When the Moon in Virgo its a good time to be more conscious about healthy eating, getting check ups, or even getting Fido in for his yearly once over with the vet.  You might feel the need to start organizing a bit around the office.  Break out the checklists!!!  Just even putting pen to paper can calm that anxiety and make things feel more manageable.  Just be careful of offering that dreaded (but well intended) unsolicited advice to others that Virgos are so infamous for.

When the Moon is in Libra, it is time to turn up that charm.  Cater to your partner and feel the intimacy grow.  Libra is also the sign of the scales, so now it time to help negotiate a balance for all parties to understand how to get along when feelings are delicate.  Diplomacy is an art and Libras, are the Renaissance Masters.  

When the Moon is in Scorpio it is a time to dig deep.  You might feel a bit more secretive and driven to understand the “why” or the “how” of your emotions or the drive of others.  Schedule that therapy appointment or crack open the dusty journal.  Questions are good.  Solitude is good.  Trust your gut.  The Moon struggles here a bit.  Doing so much active questioning and trying to give form of watery emotions is hard work.

When the moon is in Sagittarius, it is time to take the wisdom of Scorpio, aim that bow and arrow of the archer to the target, and do some truth telling that Sag’s are so famous for.  The funny thing is, Sagittarius natives are so optimistic they will almost make you feel optimistic even when hearing the brutal truth. Instead of the smaller viewpoint of Scorpio which is mostly individual, open up your awareness to the bigger picture of Sagittarius’s world.  Go explore.  Learn a new skill.  Get curious about a new culture.  Book that trip across the world.  Enroll yourself in higher learning.  Just watch out about becoming too preachy or thinking that your truth is the only truth out there.

When the Moon in in Capricorn, you might be feeling a bit isolated and lonely.  Again, the moon is not really functioning here so those messy emotions are not getting in the way what so ever!  You also might be feeling like you are getting a ton of stuff done, or at least planning to. Caps are notorious for their long-term goals.  On the downside, you can’t figure out what in the hell your gut is telling you.  It’s like all transmission and radio signals have gone dark on that front.  Now is the time to polish up that resume and ask for a new leadership role at work or figure out if this is where you want to be in 5 years time. Work might feel like it’s taking over your life when the moon is in this sign.

When the Moon enters Aquarius it is time to change the status quo.  End habits that are holding you back from your authentic and idealized self.  Do small things first like brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand or take a different bus to work.  Give your own quirks grace because they make you an individual.  Look into joining new groups, whether its the local business bureau or sitting at a new lunch table.  Barriers will be broken down and new friendships can be made. On a warning, Aquarius is a fixed air sign. When the moon is here you can get stuck arguing for the sake of arguing or getting so invested in your point, you’ve lost sight of the true goal.

When the Moon makes its journey through Pisces it is a good time to remind yourself that change is the only constant.  Build your intuition; look for the coincidences as signs.  Tune in to what others might be feeling.  Build your emotional intelligence.  Respond as you would like to be responded to.  You will feel others open up to you on completely different wavelengths.

Moon Signs in the Birth Chart

While everyone knows their Sun sign, did you know you also had a Moon sign?  This second luminary rules those born at night. Your moon sign tells us how you like to be nurtured and loved. Understanding this can help you feel like you can conquer the world or the fastest remedy to break out of a funk.  It is how we react instinctively. Let’s dive right in, shall we?  

Moon in Aries individuals can be pretty direct, spontaneous, impatient, and reckless. They need to be assertive in order to feel secure.  However they can be over reactive.  Their competitive natures can turn combative and get in the way of finding security.   

Moon in Taurus individuals are ruled by their 5 senses.  They like to cuddle up with warm blankets, their favorite chocolates, and their favorite meal lofting from the kitchen.  These individuals are stable and loyal friends who are there with you until the very end.  But, they will also hang onto their territory as it’s being pried from them as well.  They are beyond stubborn and will argue the sky is green if that’s what they first became attached to.  

Moon in Gemini natives can see both sides of the coin.  Part of their own frustration is that they can feel everyone’s point of view and their emotions can change on a dime.  They are perceptive socially and they are expressive.  Often they can get pegged as being inconsistent, but this has more to do with their talents of being open to everyone and trying to filter things vs. a malicious intent to frustrate others with their behaviors.  They often get criticized for not keeping intimate things private, but its their way of trying to process and make sense of their world.

Moon in Cancer natals can be a bit over-sensitive and thus over-protective.  They are the original Mama Bears of the zodiac.  They almost have a second sense for what someone needs before they need it.  Nurturing is their strength.  However, they are highly in tune with other’s moods and reactions even to their own detriment.  They have all the feels.  

Moon in Leo individuals love to be the centers of everyones attention.  They are generous, warm, and respond with enthusiasm that radiates from their heart.  They rely on their ability to dramatize and create a one-person show that draws you in for everyones amusement which feeds into their happiness.  Sometimes the life of the party is so caught up, they don’t realize that others are not receiving them as well as they’d hoped.  When they don’t get their way they can get a bit dramatic and petulant.

Moon in Virgo individuals are precise.  I once read that they take worrying to an art form (I am a Moon in Virgo).  There is always a practical solution to every problem for a Moon in Virgo.  Indeed.  In a former life I was a pediatric emergency social worker.  You came in to the ER via ambulance?  No problem.  I’d find you a ride home.  You came in without medication or food?  No problem.  I could take the most terrible awful emotional situations and break them down into steps of intervention, emotional reassurance, and practical assistance.  I served others to my hearts content.  It. Was. Awesome.    But it also burned me out.  I was so efficient that I also boxed my own emotions up in the process.  It was like Mary Poppins on steroids.  That is what Moon in Virgos do:  practical solutions to problems, refines their own emotional reactions to the point it looks rehearsed, feels secure by making improvements, reinstalls order.  They love working behind the scenes making things happen magically.  Practically Perfect in every way until you end up on anti-anxiety meds to deal with all the repression….just sayin’…

Moon in Libras are infamous for what I call “the dinner conversation.”  You know the one:  It starts off with the innocuous question,  “Where do you want to eat?”  30 minutes later there are 140 options on the table and not a decision in site.  Never, ever, ask a Libra.  They will always default to whatever you want and its not because they don’t have an opinion.  They do.  But they would rather make you happy and eat icky sushi 100% of the time.  Moon in Libras value harmony above everything else.  They are the ultimate conflict avoidant personality types.  They are the sequential relationship people and only feel they are at their best in close relationships at all times.  

Moon in Scorpio key phrase is ‘the waters run deep”.  With these individuals you can see the depths of their beings in their eyes.  Everything is experience to them, especially experience where things did not work out in their favor.  To them, they wrap that up in a bow and carry it into their heart for their soul to grow from.  They survive off of deep emotional connection.  Fluffy talk about the weather will not sustain them, and those who are the privileged few in their inner circle will be let into their mystery and passion.  You will ask a question and they will deflect with a question.  Scorpios are the original masters of psychotherapy:  the diggers of the emotional depths.  They are hard to truly understand, and they like it that way.

Moon in Sagittarius brings people who like to explore and have fun doing it.  They crave independence, the higher truth, and an active search for meaning.  They feel the most comfortable when their mind is on a journey either through the pages of a book or across a new landscape on a new adventure.  They are the natural questioners of everything and often times the quest becomes more important than the question itself.  There are times when their enthusiasm follows the pied piper and they become gullible, arrogant, fanatic, or preaching.  

Moon in Capricorn struggles a bit here as the moon is in its detriment.  The moon, which represents emotion, is in the most restrictive space yet.  Can transformation happen?  Yes!  All we have to do is look to Scrooge himself and see that.  Natives with the Moon in Capricorn are incredibly hard workers and they get their emotional self-fulfillment out of what they have accomplished.  Often they are the “Negative Nelly’s” of the group, as they are always seeming to be responding less than enthusiastically (especially compared to a Leo Moon).  However, it’s more of a realistic flair than negative flair, in their book.  They want to feel secure and not let down or disappointed.  Being realistic from the get go helps them manage their expectations and their emotions better.  They feel comfortable in the role of being in charge.  But as they say, it can be lonely at the top.  

The Moon in Aquarius person is one who hasn’t met a friend he hasn’t liked.  Everyone is a potential friend or social connection in their book.  They need to connect socially and share their ideas in order to feel like themselves.  Imagine a college professor without a classroom to lecture to.  That would be an Aquarius’s idea of hell.  Where would they have the space to challenge ideas, feed off of each other, make connections, come up with other new schemas?  They will play devils advocate, not because they agree, but because no one else will and because it’s interesting and fun.  They like to know the limits just so they can peer beyond them.  They may not realize they are driving other people absolutely crazy by doing it.  Most ideas were not born in isolation as Aquarius would attest.  They like their freedom and their independence and the recognition that what they contribute is worthy and meaningful.  Anyone who wants to be part of an Aquarius’s inner circle or love interest must start with the friendship realm first and foremost.  Only by not needing an Aquarius, will you actually attract one.  

Moon in Pisces individuals are compassionate and sensitive.  They are often unfocused as they are daydreaming and highly imaginative.  They also live for peace and a sense of group wholeness in order for them to feel secure in their place.  While it seems they are unaffected by emotions, the opposite is true.  They in fact are very sensitive to the emotional tide, but let it flow in and out of them trusting everything changes.  

Solar Eclipse in Capricorn

Astrologically, eclipses are sensitive points of change to the collective.  They point to starts and stops in cycles and we can tell what the themes will be as a collective based upon what axis they fall upon in which sector of the sky.  New moons, as always, are points of new beginnings and places to plant seeds for intentions to manifest.  In general new moons are personal; eclipses are more societal. 

Eclipses occur when the Earth and Moon are aligned with the Sun and the shadowy body cast by the Sun falls on the other.  A Solar eclipse is when the Sun is blocked out by the Moon.  A Lunar eclipse is when the moon is blocked out by the full moon and it occurs close to the moon’s nodes

At a new moon, like today, the moon passes in front of the sun and you can see it as a solar eclipse at a narrow path along the earth.  It all depends upon the orbits lining up with the ecliptics.  Eclipses only happen when a new or a full moon occur near the moon’s nodes.  Typically this only happens 2-3 times a year, but in 2019 we have 5 eclipses!!! But more on that in future posts.   

Today’s eclipse is in Capricorn.  Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, is all about breaking down structures in society and tradition.  This makes sense as we’ve watch the government shut down, errr, I mean “strike”, an unprecedented number of women get sworn into Congress yesterday, and the worst year end close to the stock market since the Great Depression.  I’d say that the foundation is definitely getting a bit shaken up.  

As for what you can do on a personal level, start thinking about internal changes you want to make.  Maybe start laying the mental structure for how you want to harness the Mars in Aries energy for those New Year’s resolutions.  With 5 planets loaded up in Capricorn, solid earth energy, one may have a hard time to harness the fire, but it’s a good time to stoke the coal.

Jupiter in Sagittarius: Luck, Adventure, and Growth

Let’s talk Jupiter in Sagittarius.  While many of you might be scratching your heads wondering what this means, sit back and grab a comfy spot while I talk about what this planet can do for you over the next 12 months or so until it leaves on December 2, 2019.  

Jupiter is like your favorite Uncle Larry coming home for the holidays after a long trip around the world.  He makes sure he gives every kid piggyback rides, brings Dad his favorite Scotch, eats extra helpings of grandma’s famous casserole, and makes sure to regale you with vivid stories about his travels with all these hidden nuggets of wisdom in his tales.  He might slip an extra gift under the tree while no one was looking or drop a $50 in cousin Abby’s coat pocket cause he knows she’s been having a hard time making ends meet in her 3 jobs.  He makes everyone feel like they are in his spotlight and he is always on the move.  Everyone loves Uncle Larry.  This is Jupiter.  

Jupiter has two home signs: Sagittarius and Pisces.  Sagittarius is the more masculine sign of the two.  He is the truth seeker.  He craves wisdom, expansion of the mind, and journeys.  Jupiter in Sagittarius asks us to dare to dream.  Instead of listing all the reasons why you can’t have this, that or the other; Jupiter in Sagittarius says, “Why Not?” And “How Big?”  Its a very different way to live.  I have a paperweight I got when I first went into leadership that was inscribed, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?”  This is a very Jupiter in Sagittarius quote and it helped me steer the ship into new waters that were unchartered and more optimistic.

So how do we take this unbridled optimism and luck into each sign?  Well, it depends on where Jupiter falls in each of your charts.  If you can, read this for your rising sign, but if you do not know that, read it for your sun sign if you are a day birth or your moon sign if you were born at night.

Aries Rising:  Jupiter is in your 9th house and you’ve been itching to broaden your horizons.  Sometimes you can feel limited by the 4 walls of your house or even your mind.  Jupiter is favoring you to look for new ways to grow whether its by an airplane or opening a new book and seeing what horizons await on the pages.

Taurus Rising:  If you’ve been procrastinating about settling past taxes, your parents estate, or getting your own affairs in order, the time is now.  Jupiter is ready to clear the path for you.  What might have seemed like a dark forest path will light up with twinkle lights and synchronicities to make progress happen quickly.  Get it done, my friend.

Gemini Rising:  Lucky you having the planet of blessings in your house of marriage and partnerships.  Beaus and suitors are coming out of your ears!  Keep on the look out for those from a different background, country, or outlook on life.  Keep your mind open.

Cancer Rising:  I’ve always said that life feels so much better if you have one place of refuge.  Believe it or not, your place of work and daily grind has all the glitter and gold for the next year.  If you’ve been having health problems, a breakthrough could come.  Watch your weight though, one of the side effects of having Jupiter here could be a bit of weight gain.

Leo Rising:  Jupiter in your 5th House. Who am I to tell a Leo how to play?  It is a time to celebrate you.  Make sure you use your vacation days this year.  Live your life like a child and be in the present.  Reconnect to what makes you joyful.  This could be one of your happiest years yet.

Virgo Rising:  Jupiter in your 4th House.  Have you been thinking of buying a bigger house or adding on?  This might be the time.  Create the space that nurtures you and spend it with the people you call family.  Remember, sometimes family is not just those you are related to by blood.  

Libra Rising:  Jupiter in your 3rd House.  Cat got your tongue?  Speak up, my dear libra!  Do not be afraid of hurting others feelings.  Let your truth be known and see how affirming it can be.  This is the time to take the risk.  Jupiter has your back.

Scorpio Rising:  Jupiter in your 2nd House.  Ok, lets talk about that raise you need to ask for.  Don’t think you are worth it?  Jupiter and I say, “hogwash.”  Now is the time, my friend.  Put on your suit of armor because you are worth it and the planet of blessings has your back.

Sagittarius Rising:  Jupiter in your 1st House.  Ready for a new look?  Book your salon, book your trainer, get a stylist, and start making those resolutions.  Let’s reinvent how you want others to see you.

Capricorn Rising:  Jupiter in your 12th House. It is time to take a time-out and that is 100% a-ok.  How can you ask for what you want if you don’t know what your heart truly desires?  Jupiter is supporting you and making sure all of that goodness is not passing you by as you seek clarity.  He is just organizing the queue so that when its time to open the doors for business you can be ready to take in EXACTLY what you want.

Aquarius Rising: Jupiter in your 11th House.  Get the social calendar ready, honey, because its going to be a live one.  Get ready for invitations to be on boards, community event planning groups, sorority functions, and neighborhood parties.  This is your time to mix the drinks and mingle with the guests.

Pisces Rising:  Jupiter in your 10th House.  Are you ready?  This is a time to step into your own.  Take on the big role at work or change jobs completely.   It is about being seen, which is a little uncomfortable for you as a whole.  But I promise, Jupiter has your back, and the time is NOW.

Saturn in Capricorn

Saturn does not play.  It is separating in nature and cold.  It is inflexible and dry.  It is the embodiment of Scrooge.  It Is stern.  It teaches boundaries and discipline.  It is rigid, like the bones it governs in medical astrology.  It is the planet of hard work.  But for me, as a Capricorn rising, Saturn has always been a big planet for me to draw into my personal lens.

With Saturn whatever work given, the rewards will be earned.   It may take awhile though.  There are no short cuts but there will also be  second guessing once you hit the mark.   As a result, I tend to embrace this planet.  No use in swimming upstream when the current is pushing you forward.  You’ve got to work with what you have.  So I nestle right in with this ringed giant and see where it will take me.

Saturn is a slow ringed giant. It is the last planet we can see with the naked eye in the night sky.  For the longest time, it defined our outer limit of our solar system. It was known in prehistoric times but the rings were not seen until Gallieo in 1610.  The other outer planets weren’t discovered for an other 171 years until Uranus was noticed.  Its not a stretch to see why Saturn governs the idea of boundaries in general.  It takes 28.5 years to make one trip around the zodiac.  If the average person lives 90 years that individual will have 2-3 times to see the patterns it presents during a lifetime.  Any time Saturn is at its halfway mark and again when it returns to its natal station in a birth chart can mark big points of demarkation for the lessons its presenting.

I know Saturn.  It has been a BIG hitter for me my whole life.  My first Saturn opposition in 1991  manifested in my first knee surgery.  It ended up as a massive realignment knee surgery that ended my swimming career.  I got married the month of my first Saturn return in 2006 (and it conjoined the astroid Juno, symbolizing the wife).  My son was born the day Saturn crossed over my 10th house which led me to the decision of quitting my full time professional career which included two masters degrees and several administrative positions in large medical patriarchal institutions.  Saturn literally stepped in an restricted my projected career growth.  I became a full time stay at home mom.  Board room to board books, is what I called that step.  Saturns transits literally restructure my life.

As Saturn entered Capricorn in mid-December 2017, I figured I’d get to see this planet in action.  Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, so it is relatively happy there.  As the rest of the astrological community let out a collective groan anticipating the next 7 year chapter, I thought of all of the blessings that might happen.  Its in my first house of physical self, image, and body.   Bring on the restricted healthy diet and hard exercise!  I figured I would be in the best shape of my life by the end of this run.  That was the intention I set.  Let’s transform my physical self. I was ready.

I laid the ground work for this manifestation.  I went to gyms to interview them about their philosophy.   I booked a medical astrology consultation with Kira Sutherland.  I went back to my sports med doctors to get an all clear.  I got assigned to physical therapy for some rehab work, but hey, it was still early in the Saturn/Capricorn chapter, so some remediation is to be expected.

The first pass of Saturn over my Ascendant in February 2018 wasn’t eventful.  I waited to see what would happen with the retrograde motion after it stationed in April.Reality hit, and it hit hard.

In late June 2018, Saturn made an exact conjunction with my ascendant in early Capricorn.  I honestly didn’t expect things to be so bad.  The night before it went exact, I *decided* to do my own stunt work.  It was a perfect example of how not to do physical comedy.  I took a spill down the stairs while carrying two glass lanterns and heard loud crunching and popping from my ankles.  (But hey!  I saved the glass lanterns!!) The last thing you want to hear from your doctor is, “Oh my God, you are a Board question!”  That, in layman’s terms, means that my injuries were so bad and so complex that they use it as the more obscure question when they test doctors for certification.  I had torn 3 ligaments perfectly away from the bones.  Hello, Saturn.  A break would have been an easy fix:  6 weeks, maybe surgery, and you are on your way.  Ligaments?  They don’t grow back.  Once they are gone, the only thing you can do is cozy up with physical therapy and build the strength to support the structures that were once there.

It is now October and I am still in the boot.  To make matters a bit more complex I went back in for a knee injection last week.  The next day the moon went into Gemini in my 6th house and my knee blew up like a balloon.  It is the size of a cantaloupe.  I cannot bend it past 80 degrees.  I cannot walk on it.  When a joint swells, your body’s first reaction is to cut off the supporting muscles strength.  So my quad is useless.  It is its wise way of saying, “Stop.  You cannot use me.   You must rest.”

Sometimes the lesson of Saturn is to rest and allow others to help.  That, in itself, is the hard work.

We will see what November 9, 2018 brings when Saturn once again grinds across my ascendant degree in early Capricorn.  And again, when it makes its second opposition in 2022-2023.