Monthly Astro Forecast from Drs. Ralph & Lahni de Amicis

January (324 words)

This year has a feeling of anticipation and new beginnings because the New Moons in the first part year take place in the early degrees of the signs. Mercury is moving fast this month so projects will move equally fast. When it enters Aquarius on the 27^th expect brilliance to shine. But, Mars begins slowing down and turns Retrograde on the 23^rd in the more critical degrees of Virgo. Physical projects and health programs may experience slowdowns or a series of setbacks after that time, until April 13^th when it goes Direct. Mars doesn’t do Retrograde well, so the solutions to these challenges will be solved by untangling details, addressing unique needs and having an attitude of practical humility. Don’t believe your own advertising, but don’t undervalue yourself either.

As Venus enters Pisces on the 13^th (A White Circle Day) joining Chiron, in harmony with Jupiter, and heading towards Vesta, the heart will find a home, enhancing the ability to express both compassion and wisdom, and weld that to a sense of mission until the 7^th of February. The very early Chinese New Year New Moon on the 22^nd heralds the arrival of the Water Dragon, expressing Jupiter in Taurus opposing Saturn in Scorpio. Traditionally the Chinese didn’t travel at this time of year and closed the city gates for eight days that they spent doing Spring Cleaning. With Mars putting on the brakes in sanitation obsessed Virgo on the same day, that might be a good idea, at least until he gets into his new groove. Allow a week for that.

With the Giants, Jupiter and Saturn opposing each other in fixed signs for part of this year, life will be a balancing act, generally positive, although there will be issues with the global grain supplies. Expect interesting innovations related to nutrition and health care, with greater reliance on natural and mystical paths to wellness being available to all, including the most needy.  

February (359 words)

With such an early Chinese New Year, Ground Hog Day will be fun, leading into very positive month filled with good aspects and four White Circle days. But, the first half of the month is a little turbulent from planets changing places. On the 3^rd Neptune enters Pisces, its modern rulership, and stays there until March of 2025, a long time. The last time Neptune and Uranus were in these relative signs California and the rest of the southwest became part of the USA and the Spring Time of Revolutions erupted in Europe. While most were suppressed, it spread to seed future democracies. Democratic Switzerland was established at that time patterning their constitution after that of the USA.  Neptune in Pisces is about the big, shared beliefs and dreams, including compassion for the masses.

 All of those nice White Circle Days are balanced by the Full Moon Black Box day on the 7^th when Venus enters hot headed Aries and Saturn turns Retrograde. Keep your head down. Arguments could erupt and sparks can fly, but it will be short lived! With such nice aspects, Valentine’s Day shopping will go smoothly with the jewelers being especially blessed. Lots of marriage questions will be posed this Valentine’s Day thanks to Mars and Uranus being deeply in conference with that Sagittarius Moon. ‘A faint heart never won a fair lady.” 

Mercury enters dreamy Pisces on the 13^th into the company of that powerful Neptune and thoughtful Chiron. Make sure those big dreams are followed up by practical ground work. With both Mars and Saturn Retrograde, don’t expect dramatic advances in concrete projects at this time, but long term, detailed plans that include partner consultations and cooperation are starting on a strong footing. 

Expect the unexpected around the 21^st for the Pisces New Moon, especially in the Boy-Girl department. Watch out for errant web postings. Think twice before you hit that send button. On the 23^rd Black Box Day, with Mercury opposing Mars and the Moon in Aries, keep an eye on the kids and slow down and drive more defensively. Then cruise through the rest of the month towards an optimistic March.

March (340 words)

The month starts off in a rush towards the Full Moon with Mercury plunging into Aries on the 2^nd to immediately put on the brakes, turning Retrograde on the 11^th and then fall back into Pisces with a splash. This is a turbulent time when projects may start up and then suddenly lose momentum due to infighting, landing right back where they started. But don’t lose hope, Venus gracefully moves into Taurus on the 5^th joining generous Jupiter. Have lunch and dinner meetings, cook together, have a pot luck party and weave your family, friends and business associates together. It will make you stronger.

The Full Moon on the 8^th on one of the most spiritual degrees of the zodiac (18 degrees Pisces) has a practical side. Emotions will be running high; vulnerability, anger and desire will be competing for attention. Harmonize these impulses by using your spiritual technologies (Meditation, yoga, visualization and prayer) to focus your attention on your higher self. The message here is compassion projected through practical actions. Carefully consider what you are sending into the universal unconscious, and how you contribute the practical well being of those you love, and for whom you are responsible. What is the spirit that those actions create? The tools of success are all there waiting for you, but the action has to start from within.

The Aries New Moon on the 22^nd is a powerhouse with a lineup of planets bursting their seams in the act of creation, while Retrograde Mars and Saturn keep telling them to hush. Talk about the riot of Spring, this is an insurrection, with Winter not wanting to relinquish its grip while young hands reach out for the reins. Those countries with very young populations may see riots as the voices of the next generation demand their place at the table. With Aries ruled Mars backing up through a very sexy part of Tropical Virgo (Sidereal Leo), hormones will be hotter, so frustrated violence will express itself and expect pollen levels to go ballistic. 

April (358 words)

This is the April Fool’s Day when you really want to watch where you sit, and get someone to sample your food. With that Leo Moon consulting with tricksters Mars, Jupiter and Uranus, we could see well planned, devilishly clever pranks, in person or on YouTube. The 3^rd and 4^th are turbulent days thanks to the motions of Venus and Mercury and people will feel it personally, so stay calm. From the 13^th to the 16^th is another rocky patch. But, after that, Mars turns Direct and personal energy and projects will to pick up steam, and everybody will feel a whole lot less sensitive.

Pluto has been trudging through Capricorn, grinding to a halt and on the 10^th turns Retrograde. Combined with the Aries Full Moon on the 6^th which has so many structural markers, this is a good time to check the condition of your house, buildings, structures and boats for any Winter time damage and get it attended to. Pay special attention to electrical systems. When Mars and Uranus get up to their old tricks, timely attention, plus emergency supplies, and a plan can help avert unpleasant possibilities. This is the extreme case of the Astrologer’s suggestion ‘bring an umbrella’. 

The Sun enters Taurus on the 19^th and on the 20^th, the Taurus New Moon conjuncts the Asteroid Ceres, and makes a strong Trine to Mars in a powerful section of Virgo. Physical vitality is rising and if you are a gardener, this is a great planting Moon; feminine, earthy and nurturing. This is especially good for plants that are sensitive to mold and like their feet dry, like grape vines. Due to the special configuration between Mercury and Uranus, plus Venus and Mars being in Mercury ruled signs, communication with the nature spirits will be very active at this time. Enlisting their help is very valuable for maintaining a wonderful garden.

The month is very active up to the New Moon on the 20^th, but the Sun joining Jupiter after that, with Mars being so supportive, makes the later part of the month easier and more stable. There are no White Circles or Black Boxes this month.

May  (296 words)

The month starts comfortably with the Sun side by side with Jupiter, a satisfying and enjoyable time, so schedule outdoor fun into your life including music and delicious food. The Taurus Full Moon on the 5^th may feel immobilizing, as if your surroundings determine your fate. It is an illusion, the background against which the play is performed. For love, fun and creativity get up off the couch and take action because it’s a great time for social connections, conversation and flirting, of course.

Taurus is Venus ruled and romance is in the air. Jupiter, the Sun and Ceres, the largest asteroid, in Taurus promote the simple pleasures, hearts, flowers and chocolate. All month, Saturn is connected to the Star Spica (23 degrees Libra), the spike of wheat in the largest Constellation, Virgo. With that industrious planet conjunct Spica, known for huge productivity, this is a great time for completing large projects requiring cooperation.

Taurus works hard and steady, but depends on relaxing days off to restore the emotional resources that make life worth living. The Star Spica speaks to building collectively for the future. When your sense of mission combines with your passion, it produces a power that is hard to resist.

The New Moon Eclipse on the 20^th takes place at zero degrees Gemini reinforcing this feeling of new beginnings that has continued since the start of this year. However, Jupiter and the Sun Moon conjunction are at a difficult part of the Zodiac; there may be flooding in the western Pacific Rim or Central Europe. On a personal level, this time between Eclipses may be intense, revealing emotions that have been long trapped, resulting in tears. When Mercury enters Gemini on the 24^th start talking about how you feel, and then listen.    

June (324 words)

The month begins between the Eclipses, always an intense time. It is building to the Full Moon Eclipse on the 4^th with Mars and Venus squaring off and Neptune turning Retrograde. At this time, tread extra carefully around the opposite sex and watch your tongue. Flirting could get out of hand and be misinterpreted, leading to uncomfortable situations. From the 7^th to the 11^th expect turbulence as the smallest planet, Mercury and the largest, Jupiter, change signs in close proximity. There may be lots of coming and going around the home, overloads of social media, kids acting up and moms getting grouchy. Buy flowers!

Venus spends nearly the entire month Retrograde  until the 27^th. Imagine Ginger Rogers who did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and on heels, and you get a sense of how Venus is acting this month, clearly one of the saving graces. This is the month to focus on the people in your life, not the things. Recall what you hoped for in your relationships and revisit that in your actions. The Gemini New Moon on the 19^th, the day before the first day of Summer, is the second Gemini New Moon, and a great time to rediscover fun and pleasure in your life. With Jupiter sidling up to Venus and being challenged by dreams from Neptune, the image will be there for you to see, just follow along.

Saturn turning Direct on the 25^th at the beneficent Star Spica is a good sign, promoting productivity, selfless dedication and loyalty. On the same day Mercury enters Leo so speak up. Great leaders are great story tellers. Whether leadership is needed at your work or in your personal life, let Mercury express your vision for the future.

Expect some turbulence from the 25^th to the 27^th as Mercury changes sign and Venus turns Direct. As the month finishes up, we prepare for the Cancer Full Moon in time for Independence Day. 

July  (359 words)

On the 3^rd, just in time for the Cancer Full Moon, Mars moves into his weakest sign, Libra. Expect turbulence and a shift from action to discussion and negotiation; lots of negotiation. Having the Sun conjunct Sirius, the brightest Star in the sky, is not enough to dispel the feeling that there are hidden agendas at work. With both Sirius and Spica primed by powerful conjunctions, the American spirit will be very evident. Feminine voices will be outspoken, the power of the pocket book, their skills, their presence on social media, issues of children, nutrition and healthcare will be at the forefront.

This call will be most evident in the Middle East, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and India. It will be wide spread and sustained past the Cancer New Moon on the 18^th. However, there will be frustrations, with Uranus and Mercury turning Retrograde on the 13^th and 14^th governments may disable networks, blocking communications. The heat of the Summer and vacation schedules in the USA may interrupt consistent support. But, having the New Moon happening in the last degrees of Cancer, that most feminine part of the sign, promotes a sense of anticipation. There may be slow downs, but the seeds have been planted and the feminine nature understands the importance of networking, planning and cooperation behind closed doors as a part of future success.

With Venus and Jupiter in Gemini for most of the month, accompanied first by Ceres and later Vesta, two deeply feminine energies, Social Media will rule. The support this receives from Mars and Saturn lends serious muscle and heft to the need to share and cooperate. The discord of Uranus in Aries, momentarily dulled by its Retrograde motion, is spurring the need for peace makers. This configuration shows them stepping up.

The Black Box on the 25^th is an oddity; all the players are above the lines but the day has warning signs on it. That’s because all of the players are wearing spiked boots, or carrying matches and flammable liquids in glass bottles. The long void of course moon is inclined to frivolous indulgence so lock the credit cards away until the evening.

August  (360 words)

The month starts off with a Bang, with the Leo Full Moon on the 1^st. There are two powerful alliances being formed and while they have some goals in harmony, they also have some severe disagreements. We have to watch out that strident, reactionary voices don’t derail progress, because this is a time when great things can be accomplished. On the 8^th Mercury turns Direct and Venus enters Cancer ,so expect turbulence and then a substantial shift into an easier mode as people become more self-centered and by the Leo New Moon on the 17^th the metamorphosis is complete, with sun tan lotion applied and barbecue sizzling.

The Sun crosses over the Royal Star Regulus, the heart of the lion on the 21^st, enters Tropical Virgo on the 22^nd and Mars moves into his favorite feminine sign of Scorpio on the 23^rd. This is a deeply warming time and let’s admit it, sexy. Plan well, leave work early and make reservations, or better yet, go to the beach. On a spiritual level, this is a great time to activate the heart chakra while the Sun is resonating with Regulus. Recognize your strengths and identify any blockages to your happiness and success. Once you know what the blockages are you can work on dissolving them.  

On the 24^th use the constructive energy of that Black Box Day to tend to time sensitive tasks that will prepare you for the return to work and school, and the normal daily schedule. Mars has been moving in sync forming sextiles to the Sun, showing a basic accord between spiritual commands and physical expressions, so trust your body’s instincts and listen to those primal voices. When Mars moves into Scorpio, it enters a territory that hides its actions and then moves when it’s ready.  This is the feminine energy at its most cooperative and yet powerful. It has moved past the time of discussion on to action and it doesn’t waste time in hesitation.

The month ends with the Virgo Full Moon when wisdom and healing are valued, humanism and compassion are prized, and words and actions that come from the heart have power to change the world. 

September (397 words)

Mercury in Virgo, its sign of rulership, shares power in the early part of the month with Mars in Scorpio. Organization as an obsession is the order of the day. With the outer planets Retrograde, while the inner planets are Direct and fast, put the big world events on hold and focus on your personal world, family, children, friends and of course your work. Virgo loves to work and Scorpio makes sure you show up on time. In the first part of the month, there will be plenty of sexual sizzle with planets in flirtatious Gemini, and the Sun and Mercury transiting an erotic part of the zodiac. Even Venus moving into Cancer on the 6^th doesn’t cool that heat; in fact, you should add chocolate to the shopping list; dark chocolate. Take advantage of the mood now because by the Virgo New Moon on the 15^th a demure tone descends on the land, hair is pulled back and top buttons closed. Don’t be surprised if your honey is looking at you closely just to pick lint off your shirt. This is a picky time of month. Make sure there aren’t any strange hairs there to find.

Mercury entering Libra on the 16^th may cause some turbulence in the form of arguments. For all of Libra’s reputation as Peace Makers, they are often the ones who start the fights. Their sense of injustice gets the better of them. This impulse will get a kick in the butt from Pluto turning Direct on the 17^th. Capricorn has a special relationship with Venus, because Libra is the sign of Saturn’s Exaltation, denoting respect and consultation. These three transits in a row could promote sudden structural changes in organizations and relationships. There could be labor strikes, executive reorganizations, or personal partnership disruptions due to long-standing, but suppressed grievances. 

When the Sun moves into Libra on the 22^nd with the first day of Autumn, issues go beyond personal grievances, into the wider society, social media and extended families with all of the social ramifications. The Libra Full Moon on the 29^th shows active opposition between the forces of order and change. The smart money is betting on order, but that could evaporate because the agents of change are carrying the popular sentiment, and have friends in strong positions. The hot spots will be the eastern part of South America, the Philippines and Korea. 

October (383 words)

The first week of the month tread lightly, maintain your sense of humor, watch romantic comedies and meditate. Venus is reluctantly entering cool Virgo on the 2^nd, frazzled Jupiter is turning Retrograde on the 4^th ,  back tracking towards chatty Vesta, while Mercury and Saturn, hand in hand, cross into driven Scorpio on the 5^th while exhausted Mars, (transiting Scorpio certainly was fun) enters Sagittarius on the 6^th. Then the 7^th is a Black Box, stay home if you can to recover. This will feel like crossing Times Square at midday, in the rain, when you’re not sure where the crosswalks are.

It will take until the Libra New Moon on the 15^th for everyone to settle into their new grooves, but when they do, you’ll realize that a new paradigm is place, less polarized, more flexible, cooperative and less argumentative. The Sun Moon conjunction takies place at the Star Spica, and this beneficial voice of selfless service and energetic productivity is speaking out. The powerful trine between Saturn and Neptune is showing the cooperation between our higher aspirations and our practical ambitions.

The exact sextile between Mercury and Mars shows that connections are being strengthened in our communities. With only Saturn among the outer planets not being Retrograde, while the personal planets are Direct, this is the time for grass roots movements to accomplish remarkable things. The Sun enters Scorpio on the 22^nd and immediately encounters Saturn, a cooling influence. The momentum is not lost, it’s just gone deep. On the 28^th Mercury enters Sagittarius and Venus enters her favorite masculine sign, Libra, so expect turbulence just in time for the Scorpio Full Moon on the 29^th. 

This is a profoundly feminine Lunation, with the Moon in Taurus sitting amid the horns of the Stellar Ram. Thanks to Venus sitting at a powerful Cardinal point where she can exert the maximum leverage, fairness will be the word of the day. Women will have no problem showing their tempers. With Mercury and Mars in Sagittarius they may seem jovial and light-hearted, but remember, when women speak to you there is plenty going on below the surface, and they mean business. This is a very good time for both women and men to get in touch with their feminine sides, and then follow instructions.    

   November  (399 words)

November never likes to be taken lightly and there is little chance of that this year. Mercury spends the center of the month from the 6^th to the 26^th Retrograde, backing into Scorpio on the 13^th which is the day of the first of two Eclipses this month. The second Eclipse is on the 28^th and the time between Eclipses is always intense. Expect communications to go awry, for people to be oversensitive to criticism and mistakes. Only Venus in Libra pours some oil on the waters, and she crosses into Scorpio on the 21^st which is the same day the Sun enters Sagittarius. It’s not necessary for her to make her point with a can of mace, but if she must she must.

Neptune turns Direct on the 10^th just when it looked like he would back out of Pisces, but he is here for the long haul. Get your beliefs in order, but practice tolerance. Everyone is at their own level of spiritual development and their beliefs reflect that. In the first half of the month Mars in Sagittarius, opposing Jupiter in Gemini, could stimulate some over the top religious conflicts. China could have problems with over reacting to their home grown religious movements, and the New York Chinese community could get pulled into squabble, or possibly the United Nations or Washington. But on the 16^th Mars enters practical Capricorn, joining Pluto. This is a driven, obsessive and sometimes desperate combination. Expect ideology to be trumped by financial connections.

That October 29^th Full Moon had such power, but it ran into the dual stumbling blocks of Mercury Retrograde and a pair of Eclipses. But this is a new paradigm, driven by deeply held beliefs that have a global reach and support from an international community. Pluto will helpfully hide the actions of Mars, but not blunt them. On a personal level, get your beliefs and your practices in line. One of the driving forces this year has been people’s desire to be heard, to contribute their ideas and personal genius to the common well being. The low cost of computers and internet has changed the world because it has made a larger percentage of human genius accessible to more parts of society. It is important to speak up, but even more important to listen to the genius of those around you because together you create the future.   

December (422 words)

Tread lightly on the 2^nd noted with a Black Box. With the Sun conjunct the aggressive Star Antares, the Heart of the Scorpion, opposing Jupiter, combined with an emotionally unstable void of course Moon; emotions could get out control and turn into arguments. That is not the way you want to spend your Sunday. After that, December coasts towards the New Moon on the 13^th when Uranus goes Direct, and the boxer drags himself up off the mat. People and issues that have been suppressed will act up again. Mercury is moving fast, entering Sagittarius on the 10^th and heading to Capricorn on the 31^st. Expect turbulence on those ingress days but projects will move along well and communication is smooth, although it may peppered with more puns and jokes than usual thanks to Sagittarius’s style.

With Venus moving into Sagittarius on the 15^th some lightness returns to the social scene. Shopping will be fun again and everyone will feel less paranoid. With Mars in Capricorn, expect practical gifts, you’ll reach for the toys but land on the coat. This position promotes endurance and ambition, but Mars enters frisky Aquarius in time for Christmas dinner, so watch out for wacky surprises, have a kitchen fire extinguisher handy, get plumbing issues taken care of well in advance, and enjoy the day which should sparkle with good conversation.

The 18^th is a deeply spiritual day with the Sun aligned with the Galactic Center, the marker used by the Maya for aligning their long count calendars. It is four degrees off from what they forecast, but considering that they calculated it 2400 years ago, let’s cut them a break. Rather than announcing the end of the world, this chart speaks of great compassion, healing, shared beliefs, dedication to learning, optimism for the future and the spiritual power of love and committed relationships. Meditate on that on the 18^th and you will resonate with that cosmic message.

The Winter Solstice on the 21^st has the Sun forming a supportive aspect with Saturn promoting stability and determination. Mars ties together the need for stability and change. In your life consider what you need to preserve and what you need to change. Both are valid actions now. The Full Moon on the 28^th is about polarities, the new generations, the new age emerging full of change and innovative ways of doing things, coupled with the stabilizing, practical traditions that address the realities of incarnation of this planet. Those two imperatives are balanced and interwoven in a beautiful symmetry.