The New Moon this past Thursday (Dec. 13) included the Finger of God mentioned above. Sometimes this type of triangle means weird things happen that later lead to something good. We don't understand at first and think we're seeing the "middle finger" instead of the pointer finger. But after some twists and turns, things fall into place. The Finger of God is delivering a heavenly message.

The New Moon also included a friction-filled triangle (without an official astrological name): a square between Mercury and Chiron with Mars halfway between them, making a semisquare to each. This indicates the potential for hurtful thoughts or words. Using keywords, we also see the symbolism of the Newtown tragedy: Mercury indicates elementary schools, Mars rules guns and violence, and Chiron relates to wounds and injury. But there is always a positive potential with any planet or sign, and here we can see the possibility of circumstances that instigate (Mars) discussions (Mercury) for healing and improvement (Chiron). Mars and Chiron were also in another semisquare/square triangle with trouble-maker Eris (signaling strong and possibly pugilistic women - O won't be surprised if we find out the shooter had an antagonistic relationship with his mother). At the time and place of the incident, Mars was on the rise (visibly powerful) and Eris sat at the doorway of the house (department of life) rated to elementary schools. Not that anyone would have predicted such a thing, but with 20-20 hindsight, the astrological indicators are quite evident.

The Full Moon on Dec. 28 is a tough one. A potent T-square is formed by the Sun and Pluto in Capricorn (together exactly on Dec. 30) with the Moon in Cancer opposite them, and all three square to Uranus in Aries (the Sun's square to Uranus is exact on Christmas). Pressure is on leadership in the battle between the common people (Uranus) and the monied class (Pluto). The Sun (the leader) is with Pluto (the power structure). (We'll see how this translates in striking a deal.) These planets are all in the "cardinal" signs that force decisions and require action. Another interpretation that could apply to anyone's life is: there could be a turning point (T-square) that comes suddenly (Uranus) and has enormous life-changing significance (Pluto), perhaps involving family (Moon) or one's purpose or place in life (Sun). This T-square brings the push for change to a head in the final days of 2012. It's lucky we have that Finger of God to help out! Also, Chiron (which brings solutions, improvement and healing) is in favorable connections to all points of the T-square. This is what I mean by light in the midst of darkness. So don't be fearful, get discouraged or lose hope. Know that a divine Finger is pointing us where we need to go.

We're going to survive the solstice. And then it's time to prepare for 2013. There's no better way to face the new year than with your 2013 Janet's Plan-its in hand! You do not need to know astrology to easily see which days have the best energy for your important plans and avoid the pitfalls of precarious times. If you have your chart, there are tools to help you discover which planetary influences will impact your life the most. If the information in this calendar helps you in one valued situation or prevents you from one devastating misstep, it will be worth many times what you paid for it.

At several events recently where I have been a presenter, people who hadn't given my calendar a look in years commented that they were amazed at how it's grown into a true reference book with many helpful tools. They became customers again. So if you used to buy Janet's Plan-its and haven't lately (or if you want to see what's so impressive), take a look at the daily features, sample weekly pages, Star Pages ("footnotes"), and a portion of the Best/Worst list.

You'll get an individualized list of when the planets make connections to your chart as part of the Chart Your 2013 class. Handouts draw on the information in the calendar (though buying it is not a requirement). The two-and-a-half-hour class is offered at four different dates and times. Choose which one goes best with your schedule. We meet on the phone, so you can participate from anywhere that you can dial a long distance number. The cost is just $25. Be sure to scroll down the page of classes to find your desired date and time. Pre-registration is required in order for you to receive the handouts and your personal information before class time. Some knowledge of the basics of astrology will be helpful (or have your Janet's "Cheat Sheet" handy).

There is plenty of inventory in stock and shipping is usually within 2 days. You still have time - if you act quickly - to receive calendars for Christmas, and certainly by the new year. I offer volume discounts, too! Janet's Plan-its is a great gift. Your friends and family will better understand your enthusiasm for astrology, and they won't bug you to find out when Mercury is Retrograde!

Recently I gave a lecture titled 2013 - What's Next? and recorded it as a digital audio (MP3) file, soon to be available as a free download on my website. Also, you can download this handy free table 2013 On a Page, which shows the year's retrogrades and New and Full Moon dates and degrees.

If you're one of my Connecticut readers, you might be interested in attending this dinner lecture about what the planets are up to in 2013, which signs will have the biggest challenges. It will take place in a cool "speak easy" bistro that caters special events. Just $25 includes a delicious gourmet meal. Advance reservations are required by Sunday, Jan. 20. Contact the Ritz Crystal Room at Remember When. Come and bring a friend for a fascinating evening!

The December episode of my LOOKING UP cable tv show also previews 2013 for you. You can watch it online.

If you know someone's prominent zodiac sign(s) - the Sun sign, Moon sign or Rising sign - you can select a gift that really hits the mark. There's an article on my website with lots of ideas (see the link below, right). Happy Shopping!

One possibility is an astrological reading. It's "one size fits all" and great for the person "who has every thing." I offer attractive greeting card gift certificates in a variety of styles with a choice of wording for the inside (or it can be customized). Use the drop-down menu to choose the amount you wish to give. I can mail it directly to your recipient with a note that you specify in the special instructions. And you can check that off your list.