February, 2016

Happy Birthday

Aquarians!

acquarius the water bearer

Ready for some

fun?

Discover where to place your energy and attention this birthday year for the optimum results!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Enter your name to win a free 15 minute

Solar Return

Reading

on MP3

How to Enter:

If your Sun sign is in Aquarius, email me with your name and SOLAR RETURN in the subject line. If I draw your name out of the box, I'll email you with further details.

margaret@margaretsweet.com

Deadline

~ Feb 15 ~

Thanks for participating and Good Luck!

Quan Yin

Goddess of Compassion

.

January 27, 2016

Hi Everyone

I hope your year is off to a great start. Winter is finally here, in just about every corner of the United States. Here in Arizona, winter started early and brought much cooler temperatures than we're used to.

Many people have asked me if I've checked out the astrology charts of each of the political candidates running for office here in the U.S., this election year. I actually haven't yet! I'll let you know when my focus is pulled in that direction.

For the time being, I'm thinking more about this year's Academy Awards. For new subscribers, and movie buffs, I offer an Annual Oscar Competition - if you'd like to participate, and have the chance to win a reading, details will be in the next newsletter, coming your way a little later in February!

Meanwhile, thanks for joining m this month. I wish you a very happy Valentine's Day!

Self-care during

strong Mars energies

We are now approaching the middle of the first part of Mars' transit through the water sign of Scorpio. Mars will be in this sign: Jan, Feb, June, and July of 2016.

Mars is a powerful planet, as Scorpio is a powerful sign. During this transit, we may notice that our emotions feel excitable, changeable, volatile and all consuming, which could lead to experiencing higher levels of anxiety.

For managing stress, you might consider implementing these supportive home remedies on a regular basis:

1) Epsom salt baths (with a dash of Lavender essential oil)

2) Placing a heating pad behind your shoulders and neck to reduce tension

3) Massaging the head with warm Argan oil (Mars rules the head, so it's possible to carry additional tension there)

4) Bach Flower Remedies do a good job of bringing the subtle energies of the emotional body into balance. These can be purchased at health food stores.

If you'd like to view a list of Bach Flower Remedies and what each remedy is used for, click the link below: Scroll down until you see a list of remedies.

Bach Flower Remedies

Honoring Venus to

bring balance to

Mars energies

The celebration of Valentine's Day brings our attention to love and romance.

A common desire we all share in our hearts, is to be happy, to give and receive love, to feel appreciated and to connect with that which offers a sense of beauty and abundance. In astrology, Venus is the planet associated with this experience.

With so much emphasis on the more aggressive energies of 'Mars' for several months in 2016, (see January newsletter), it's a good idea to seek out ways in which we can bring balance to the more aggressive aspects of the Mars energy. One way we can do this, is by honoring, nurturing within ourselves, and expressing the qualities associated with Venus.

The fundamental aspects of Venus energy give support to cultivating balance, harmony, refinement, respect, cooperation, collaboration, and a commitment to seeking peaceful and loving solutions.

If we can touch base with these qualities within ourselves and endeavor to express them in our exchange with others, we have a better chance of avoiding the volatile 'highs and lows' associated with Mars energy, more specifically, when it is out of balance.

Venus wears many hats, in terms of arenas of life which she oversees. Let's take a look.

Venus is associated with:

1) Our experience of the heart, with regards to self-esteem, our capacity for self-love, romantic love, partnerships, expressing and receiving affection, and generally being in an intimate connection with ourselves and others.

2) Venus relates to what we personally value the most, along with our capacity to attract, interact and be fulfilled by what we value - including our ability to experience pleasure.

4) Finances - our ability to feel empowered and at ease with our financial experience. - managing to cultivate, establish and enjoy the lifestyle we desire.

4) Beauty and the arts. The sensual side of Venus energy is refined, graceful and tasteful. We seek to have access to those objects which appeal to our sense of style and beauty. Expressing our artistic and creative abilities in whichever way appeals to us, is also a big part of enjoying our Venus energy.

Just after labor day weekend in 2016, the planet Jupiter, will change signs, and begin its transit through the sign of Libra, where it will remain through October 10, 2017.

The sign of Libra is ruled by Venus, and will favor and enhance many of the 'Venusian' qualities, some of which are identified above. In some ways, this time-frame of Jupiter in Libra, can feel like a double 'Venus' influence.

When Venus and Jupiter are in a favorable connection with one another, it is easier to make choices which support our true desires, from a place of love, generosity, inclusiveness and abundance. Let's look at the time frames in 2016 when Venus and Jupiter are favorably connected with one another:

Feb 9 -    Venus (Capricorn) trines Jupiter (Virgo)
                 Brings clarity and calm - a quiet confidence
                 in financial matters. Supports investing in
                 that which has a practical purpose and can be
                 counted upon to stand up to wear and tear.

May 10 - Venus (Taurus) trines Jupiter (Virgo)

                 Sensual, artsy, creative. Values that which is
                 functional, attractive, of good quality and
   helps expand our image of self.

Aug 27 - Venus and Jupiter conjunct in Virgo

If we've been careful about our budget for

                 some time, we're ready to move away from
                 that which hasn't served us - to expand,
                 and operate within a larger arena.

Dec 25 - Venus (Aquarius) trines Jupiter (Libra)

On this special day in which we celebrate

Christmas and Hanukkah, Venus very much

takes her place at the center of the table.
                  Heart-filled, intimate connections and
                  welcoming others with love, allow the true
                  spirit of these holidays to permeate the day!

We each have a youthful spirit within
seeking expression

What is a Solar Return?

Even though my birthday isn't until December, at the beginning of each year (in January), I check out what my solar return chart will look like for my birthday month, if I were to stay at home. That's because the Solar Return chart is configured according to these two points:

a) where we are, via our physical geographical location, on our birthday

b) when the sun in the sky will be at the exact degree that it was at the time of our birth. This varies just a little each year, so that the actual 'time' of the Solar Return, is always different from our birth time.

When I checked out my own Solar Return chart for staying at home in Arizona, it looked to be very unfavorable. Too much Saturn in a prominent place, (which means it would be a strong influence with which to contend with all year), and with my current transits also closely tied to Saturn, it was easy to make the decision to seek another 'location' in which to spend my birthday.

Remember, a chart is a essentially a wheel. When we turn the wheel this way or that way, the planets move their position. After a little research, voila - Texas was a really good option, so I spent my birthday in Texas this past December! I really like the chart I settled on, which happened to be available in Texas.

The Solar Return chart reflects planets in different houses, and different signs than we see in our birth chart. These placements are influential for a year, from our current birthday to the next. As an example, my solar return chart reflects three planets conjunct in the sign of Capricorn in the first house. Since I don't have any planets in this sign or in my first house in my natal chart, I am interested to see how I can apply the practical focus and energy of these planets, by putting them to work for me during my birthday year. I now have access to something that I don't usually have access to. What will I do with this? How can I integrate this into my usual mode of operation and expand upon possibilities and opportunities?

Each month via my newsletter, I do offer subscribers a chance to win a Solar Return reading - you can enter to win in your birthday month. See details each month in the left hand column.

If you want to purchase a 20 minute Solar Return reading, you can email me for further details. The cost is $60.00.

Winner of Solar Return
Reading for January

Amy Archer
Colorado

Astro Tips

Artwork by Rita Lloyd

Please note: All times are Pacific!

Feb 1: We come into the month of February, a few days short of the second Uranus-Mercury square of the month, which feels a lot like Mercury in retrograde, but with a much faster 'spin'. This influence will move on, around Feb 3.

Feb 3:  We'll likely enter the day with a mind for taking to task that which needs our attention, but be mindful of taking a moment to check in with the emotions, around late morning. The lighter side of the Sagittarius Moon finds its flow in late afternoon.

(Mars (Scorpio) sextiles Pluto (Capricorn), exact at 3:00 am, but can be experienced all day. Aquarius Sun sextiles Saturn in Sagittarius, exact at 10:15 am; Moon conjuncts Saturn in Sagittarius, exact at 11:30 am. Moon trines Uranus in Aries, at 5:00 pm)

Feb 5: A line up of planets in the practical sign of Capricorn, tends to bring our attention to matters of financial security and sustainability, both in personal relationships and on a larger economic front. At one end of the spectrum, these influences can trigger fear based thinking, and on the other end, an attitude of economy. This cautious note can send jitters through the stock market. Since there's a late night influence which can be disruptive to our sleep, it's a good idea to close off that which tends to creates a lot of mental stimulation, early in the evening. Late night techies, save your work every inch of the way!

(Venus conjuncts Pluto in Capricorn at 5:00 pm. Capricorn Moon conjuncts Pluto and Venus, 10:00 - 10:30 pm. Moon squares Uranus in Aries, at 11:45 pm)

Feb 6: There's a potpourri of influences today. On one hand, the focus on Capricorn planets in still strong, with Mercury joining the line-up, early in the morning. Uranus influences, also in the background, give some perspective to the cautious Capricorn monopoly, and a good influence with Jupiter, adds optimism in our thinking. Nevertheless, this can be trigger changeability within the financial markets.
(Moon conjuncts Mercury in Capricorn at 7:30 am and trines Jupiter (Virgo), at 8:00 am; Aquarius Sun sextiles Uranus in Aries, exact at 8:30 am; Mercury in Capricorn trines Jupiter in Virgo, exact at 10:45 am; Venus in Capricorn squares Uranus in Aries, exact at 2:00 pm)

Feb 7:   We may find ourselves meeting the day with a bit of an 'edge' this morning. If we just hang in, a second influence comes into place which helps us gain insight as to what may be bothering us. Then we can move forward from a more balanced perspective.
(Aquarius Sun squares Mars in Scorpio, exact at 4:00 am; Venus in Capricorn sextiles Mars, exact at 7:00 am)

Feb 8: New Moon in Aquarius. See Lunar Activity. Chinese New Year - Year of the Monkey.

Feb 9: A mid-afternoon influence lends itself to gathering our thoughts and intuitively checking in with ourselves. A positive late evening influence creates a sense of well being, supports relationships, and promotes an expansive attitude towards finances.
(Pisces Moon conjuncts Neptune, exact at 3:00 pm; Venus in Capricorn trines Jupiter in Virgo, exact at 11:55 pm, but can be experienced a few days either side of the exact aspect).

Feb 10: Practical and productive connections support the emotionally fluid Pisces Moon today, creating a nicely balanced approach to the day.
(Pisces Moon sextiles Pluto (Capricorn) and Mars (Scorpio), 3:30 - 9:00 am; Moon sextiles Venus (Capricorn) and Mercury (Capricorn), 1:00 - 8:30 pm)

Feb 12: If we can get out of our way this morning, we'll get just where we need to be when we need to be there.
(Aries Moon squares Pluto at 5:00 am and conjuncts Uranus, at 6:45 am)

Feb 13: A mid-afternoon influence brings patience, focus and flow to the task at hand.
(Mars (Scorpio) sextiles Jupiter (Virgo), exact at 3:00 pm, but can be experienced for several hours either side of the exact aspect)

Feb 14:

How perfect that this day of celebrating love takes place with the Moon in the earthy, sensual, romantic sign of Taurus! If you have plans late afternoon, you may need to step away from the desire to control and be inflexible with circumstances.
(Taurus Moon trines Jupiter in Virgo, exact at 3:15 pm; Moon opposes Mars in Scorpio, at 4:15 pm)

Feb 15:   Practical, balanced thinking is our friend this morning.
(Taurus Moon trines Mercury in Capricorn, exact at 10:30 am)

Feb 18: We just might awaken with the thought, "Can I stay in bed and recall my dreams while they're still fresh?' The evening influences can energetically throw off our mental/emotional equilibrium, causing us to feel emotionally compromised.
(Cancer Moon trines Neptune in Pisces, at 3:45 am; Cancer Moon comes together in a challenging T-square configuration, opposing Pluto (Capricorn) at 5:30 pm and squares Uranus (Aries) at 7:45 pm)

Feb 21: We're 'hot to trot' this morning - we feel energized and ready to give expression to our creative ideas. As the energies build toward tomorrow's Full Moon, we may experience a 'clash of the wills' in the early evening.
(Leo Moon trines Uranus in Aries, at 4:00 am; Moon squares Mars in Scorpio, at 5:15 pm)

Feb 22: Full Moon in Virgo - see Lunar Activity.

Feb 23: Those picky details which demand attention, can try our patience, and create some irritability mid morning. Soon thereafter, a pro-active, 'let's get the show on the road' kind of influence comes to the rescue. An expansive evening influence creates acceptance and flow.
(Virgo Moon squares Saturn in Sagittarius at 10:00 am and trines Pluto in Capricorn, at 12:15 pm. Moon conjuncts Jupiter at 6:45 pm)

Feb 24: Late night techies, and writers, you're in luck - good mental focus is yours.

(Mercury in Aquarius sextiles Saturn in Sagittarius. (Exact at Midnight)

Feb 25: What a great day for having lunch out. Social, chatty influences are seeking a meeting of the minds! Also lends itself to creative, artistic endeavors and raising funds for a cause!
(Libra Moon trines Venus in Aquarius, exact at 12:15 pm)

Feb 26: Plenty of mental restlessness may have robbed us of quality sleep last night. Come mid-afternoon, there is a mentally creative influence, great for innovative thinking.
(Libra Moon trines Mercury (Aquarius), at 1:45 am, followed by a Moon-Uranus opposition at 3:15 am;. Mercury in Aquarius sextiles Uranus in Aries, exact at 3:00 pm)

Feb 28: It's good that it's a Sunday, for we just may need some extra time to get in our bodies and minds today. If we like frolicking in the 'nether' lands, we'll be in our element. Late night techies, put your mouse to bed early.
(Sun conjuncts Neptune in Pisces, exact at 7:45 am. Moon in Scorpio squares Venus (Aquarius) at 8:15 am; Moon squares Mercury in Aquarius, exact at 11:30 pm)

Feb 29: Our determination, and/or the obsessive side of nature, are activated around lunch time.   Early evening brings forth creative perceptions for our entertainment and review.
(Moon conjuncts Mars in Scorpio, at Noon. Venus in Aquarius sextiles Saturn in Sagittarius, exact at 5:00 pm)



Lunar Activity


New Moon      Feb 8       19 deg Aquarius            6:39 am

Lots of 'self-willed' Mars energy surround this new Moon in Aquarius - doesn't make for a match made in Heaven.

Aquarius ideals seek to keep an open mind, while remaining mentally detached, and choosing the most collaborative and visionary perspective. Mars in Scorpio however, is invested in emotional control and being right.

The good news - well, there are 'breakthroughs' to be had. If those holding rigid, self-serving points of view, can relinquish their position, progress can be made.

Full Moon       Feb 22        3 deg Virgo    10:20 am

With Mars and Saturn influences taking place either side of this Full Moon, self-care, taking extra rest, and moving with our own rhythm, is crucial to reducing stress and supporting our health and well being.

Ever wondered which astrological

signs you're compatible with?

Click on the link below to read

my e-book, Relationships 101

Relationships 101

Thanks once again for tuning in with me this month.

Wishing you a great month and a very Happy Valentine's Day!

much love,

Margaret