August, 2016

Happy Birthday

Leo's

Ready for

some fun?

Discover where to

place your energy

and attention this

Birthday year for

optimum results!

If your Sun Sign is in Leo,

email

me with your name and

SOLAR RETURN

in the subject line.

ENTER your name to win

a free 15 minute Solar

Return Reading on MP3

Email:

margaret@margartsweet.com

Deadline

Aug 15

Quan Yin

Goddess of Compassion

July 27, 2016

Hello Everyone

Welcome to the August newsletter!

Isn't there a lot of give and take in relationships? This last weekend, my husband and I were excited about seeing the new Star Trek movie. All movie goers worth their salt, know that if you plan to take in a movie like Star Trek in it's first few days of showing, you'd better get to the theater early. But...while I have a tendency to be early for everything, my husband has a tendency to be late for everything. This has made for some interesting discussions (I'm being polite) over the years.

Long story short, when we walked into the theater, the only seats left were in the first two rows. While my first thought was 'this sucks', it was quickly followed by 'let's grab a seat while we still can'. I wasn't about to give up my weekend treat so easily!

We weren't disappointed. We both thought the movie was riveting. I was struck by how well the movie captured the spirit of camaraderie between members of the star fleet team, and the overall feeling of inclusiveness in pursuing a larger vision endeavor.

On another note, I hope you are enjoying, and hopefully being inspired, by watching the political convention of your choice, as we rapidly head into the final months before the national election.

Navigating Times of

Radical Transformation

I think that most of us are aware of, and doing our best to adjust to the increased planetary pressure, which is affecting us in one way or another.

We're just coming out of a two month astrological transit of Mars in the the water sign of Scorpio, which was taking place for the second time this year!

Mars in Scorpio (planet and sign are 'fixed' by nature), connects us with the power of our emotions - more specifically it tends to address our resistance to WHAT IS, and amplifies the magnitude of energy we direct toward fulfilling
our desires and attachments and getting our own way, sometimes in an aggressive manner.

Common signatures of this transit, may involve:

1) feeling anger and frustration at having to deal with our own emotions

2) feeling very 'put upon' by others who we feel, are aggressively projecting their emotional
agendas onto us

3) Being caught up in passive/aggressive
behavior patterns with others.

4) Feeling trapped by a situation whereby we
feel it is not appropriate to speak up and/or
express our anger

Could there be some relief and release now that
Mars begins transiting the fire sign of Sagittarius,

August 2 - September 26?

The transit of Mars through the fiery, head strong sign of Sagittarius, very much personifies the mythic glyph of the archer, associated with this sign. As a sign, Sagittarius is all about unrestricted movement, freedom, spaciousness, action, adventure,
spontaneity, bordering on impulsiveness. As the
saying goes, "don't fence me in", could have been written with a Sagittarian in mind. The fiery and individualistic expression of the planet of Mars then, makes a good match for the energies of Sagittarius.

This transit can help blow out whatever emotional 'cobwebs' may be lingering from the Mars in Scorpio transit, and it helps to break us free of that which has 'tethered' or 'restricted' us too much for our liking.
Be mindful not to push the river when Mars conjuncts Saturn - August 24 and 25.

The planet Saturn is also transiting the spiritually oriented sign of Sagittarius (January 2015 through December, 2017). This transit holds much promise
for spiritual growth and as such, many of us will
at some point during this transit (according to
when and how this transit affects us personally),
be called upon to go deeper within ourselves and into our spiritual journey, to become more acquainted with our courage, strength and faith.
As the lead character Frodo Baggins says, in the "Lord of the Rings", addressing the upcoming quest he must take to return the ring back to Mordor, "This is the path. There is no other way".

Nevertheless, by our very human nature, we
seek refuge and comfort from the stresses and
tensions of worldly life. It is always a good idea to
establish our 'safe' havens, as we continue on our journey. Perhaps we have a favorite place in
nature we like to go, a restful haven in our home, turn within to pursue our spiritual practices and connect with deep peace, and perhaps we reach out to hear a familiar voice and enjoy the safety of heartfelt connections with others.

I would like to share some information below
taken from the current newsletter of Shaministic
Teacher/Sounder Healer, Tom Kenyon, who also
channels the Hathors.

Tom also shares a healing vibration MP3 audio. Please be respective of his copyright notice,
regarding his music.

Click on the link below to read/listen:

Tom Kenyon

Jupiter in Libra

Sept. 9, 2016 - Oct. 10, 2017

Saying 'yes' to pleasurable pursuits

The transit of Jupiter through the sensual sign of Libra, brings our attention to how we might experience the ease and pleasure associated with pursuing the good life.

At the very least, it will remind us to stop, smell the roses, stock the fridge with good chocolate, always have fresh flowers in the house, and partake of delicious meals and enjoy good company.

This transit supports and promotes the following:

1) Relationship activity on all levels. We enjoy
spending time with others and find it easier to demonstrate a spirit of co operation and collaboration. All types of partnerships can be established with more ease under this transit.

2) Creative and artistic expression. Inspired ideas
can transform themselves into works of art. It's a
great time to take up an artistic endeavor, finish
writing that screenplay, start a blog, become the
family social director, connecting everyone on social media or work with a life coach to get inspired about pursuing an entirely new direction in life.

3) Cultivating the romantic experience. This might apply to seeking a new partner, shaping our lifestyle around that which is more organic, and sensual, with
a touch of the bohemian. It can also relate to experiencing more of that which delights our
senses - such as learning more about food, cooking,
wine, art, architecture, fashion, etc.

SOLAR RETURN WINNER

Michelle Villegas, Carpinteria CA

~~ Astro Tips ~~

Artwork by Rita Lloyd

Aug 1: While we could experience a bit of a Monday morning time crunch, influences do settle and become favorable for a good overall perspective on our week.

(Cancer Moon squares Uranus in Aries, at 8:30 am; Leo Sun trines Saturn, exact at 10:45 am and Cancer Moon trines Mars in Scorpio, at 5:45 pm)

Aug 2: New Moon in Leo. See Lunar Activity.

Aug 3: Some 'giddy up' energy presents itself in mid afternoon, giving us an energetic boost. Creative and social influences come into play this evening. Best not to get overly stimulated however, as there is some restlessness in the wee hours, making it difficult to sink into a deeper sleep.

(Leo Moon trines Uranus in Aries, at 2:15 pm; Moon conjuncts Venus in Leo, at 9:15 pm - Moon squares Mars (Sagittarius) - at 1:45 am on 4th)

Aug 4: A very 'mercurial' influence mid afternoon can help us with focus and analysis, but this can also result in overthinking our circumstances. An early evening influence can leave us feeling a little flat emotionally, relieved by some introspection.

(Moon-Mercury conjunction in Virgo, at 2:45 pm. Virgo Moon squares Saturn in Sagittarius, at 7:00 pm)

Aug 5: An early morning influence helps us plow through our to do list with good focus and strategy. A favorable evening influence connects us with our optimism and inspiration.

(Virgo Moon trines Pluto in Capricorn, at 6:00 am; Moon conjuncts Jupiter in Virgo, at 8:15 pm)

Aug 6-7: Changeable mercurial influences can rob us of our capacity to remain grounded, and clear and steady in our thinking process.

Aug 6: We may feel restricted by what we feel we must give our time and energy to this morning, or by what is on our mind. Take advantage of a subtle energy shift around lunch time, step away from work/chores and do that which involves movement and gives perspective. A late afternoon/early evening influence can stimulate restlessness and agitation. A mental 'see-saw' in motion, creates fluctuation in our thinking. It is best not to make important decisions while this is taking place.

(Mercury in Virgo squares Saturn in Sagittarius, exact at 6:15 am. Libra Moon sextiles Mars in Sagittarius at 1:00 pm; Venus in Virgo squares Mars in Sagittarius, exact at 5:15 pm)

Aug 7: The 'see-saw' effect continues this morning as we may feel up in the air, unable to have the mental clarity and bigger picture perspective we seek. An late afternoon influence can temporarily stir up the emotions.

(Mercury in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces, exact at 9:30 am; Libra Moon squares Pluto in Capricorn, at 4:30 pm)

Aug 8: A mid morning influence which carries 'erratic' energy, can serve the purpose of 'clearing the air' from the indecisive influences of the last few days...but....it can also be accident prone. If there's unexpressed anger, it's good to own it and deal with it appropriately. We need to be grounded and present in what we're doing around this time frame.

(Libra Moon opposes Uranus in Aries, at 10:45 am)

Aug 9: An early morning gentle influence lends itself to cultivating calm and peace within. A late night influence prepares us for good 'dreaming'.

(Scorpion Moon sextiles Venus in Virgo, at 7:45 am; Scorpio Moon trines Neptune in Pisces, at 8:30 pm)

Aug 10: Influences today are favorable for research and forming a practical strategy/plan.

(Scorpion Moon sextiles Mercury (Virgo) and Pluto (Capricorn): 3:45 - 5:15 am; Mercury in Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn, exact at 4:15 pm).

Aug 11: A stimulating, and energizing influence early this evening makes us feel like being engaged in activity.

(Sagittarius Moon conjuncts Mars, exact at 6:00 pm)

Aug 12: There can be resistance to our usual routines today, especially if they leave us feeling flat and uninspired. We're called to find our compass. Late night techies can meet with frustration.

(Sagittarius Moon squares Venus (Virgo) at 3:00 am;, conjuncts Saturn, at 5:45 am, squares Neptune (Pisces) at 8:30 am and squares Mercury (Virgo) at 10:00 pm)

Aug 13 and 14: Follow up influences builds on yesterday's possible dissatisfaction and distraction, asking us to dig a little deeper to determine the cause of our malcontent. We are drawn to ponder on matters of the heart.

Aug 13: The planet of the heart, Venus, is compromised by Saturn today, calling to us to be gentle and compassionate with ourselves and others. A quandary may present itself, reflecting our desires for happiness, love and abundance, versus the efforts required to take responsibility for the practical details of life. Mid-morning brings forth an energy shift, which helps in seeing the bigger picture. .

(Venus in Virgo squares Saturn in Sagittarius, exact at 7:30 am; Sagittarius Moon trines Uranus in Aries, at 10:30 am)

Aug 14: Venus now in opposition to dreamy Neptune in Pisces, can trigger the 'fantasy' button...and we find ourselves off in the nether lands seeking answers. A favorable relationship oriented influence this evening, works to bring calm and peace to the heart.

(Venus in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces, exact at 10:00 am; Capricorn Moon trines Venus in Virgo, at 7:00 pm]

Aug 15: Practical planets help us focus and get our ducks in a row. A brief 'erratic' energy early this evening, is quickly replaced by an expansive, philosophical influence.

(Capricorn Moon conjuncts Pluto at 2:00 am and trines Mercury in Virgo, at Noon. Moon squares Uranus in Aries at 6:45 pm and trines Jupiter in Virgo, at 7:45 pm)

Aug 16: A fiery, high energy, influence creates a positive energetic shift, which helps break us free of any residual feelings hanging out from the last several days.

(Leo Sun trines Uranus in Aries, exact at 1:30 pm)

Aug 17: An empowering placement taking place in the evening helps us get our heart in a good place. Late night techies are favored with creative technical influence.

(Venus in Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn, exact at 7:15 pm; Aquarius Moon sextiles Uranus in Aries, at 11:45 pm)

Aug 18: Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius. See Lunar Activity.

Aug 19: Emotional processing as we sleep, may result in feeling ungrounded when we wake us this morning. It's a good idea to lie in bed a little longer, to remember dreams and gather our thoughts. We may find ourselves just a little lacking in focus late afternoon, too.

(Pisces Moon squares Saturn in Sagittarius at 2:15 am and conjuncts Neptune in Pisces at 4:15 am; Moon opposes Venus in Virgo, at 3:30 pm)

Aug 20: We may awaken this morning feeling like we had a lot of different dreams through the night. A good idea to allow yourself psychic time to adjust to the day.
(Virgo Moon opposes Mercury and Jupiter in Virgo, 3:45 am - 5:30 am)

Aug 21: Early morning influences support working out or being active outdoors. As we head to mid afternoon, we may need to create a pause, to touch base with our emotions, and our own expectations.
(Aries Moon trines Mars in Sagittarius at 2:00 am and trines Saturn in Sagittarius at 4:45 am; Moon squares Pluto in Capricorn, at 1:45 pm)

Aug 22: Positive thinking visits us in spades this morning. We're energized and can't wait to 'get the show on the road' as they say. If driving in heavy traffic, be alert. A mid afternoon influence gives us a good feel for balance, space, organization and design.
(Mercury-Jupiter come into a conjunction in Virgo, exact at 2:00 am; Aries Moon conjuncts Uranus at, at 4:45 am - keep in mind this influence can create impatience, reflected most in traffic situations.
Taurus Moon trines Virgo Sun, at 2:45 pm)

Aug 23: A creative influence this morning, is joined by great focus and stamina to pursue projects this afternoon.

(Taurus Moon sextiles Neptune in Pisces at 8:30 am and trines Pluto in Capricorn, at 3:45 pm)

Aug 24/ 25/ 26: Unfortunately, some of the astrological aspects coming together over the next few days create the ungrounded, idealistic, fanatical mindset which Isis followers thrive on.

Aug 24: Although the first aspect of the day can create a psychological struggle, which may be designed by others who excel at creating conflict and turmoil, this is followed by positive, balancing influences, which foster a loving and cooperative attitude.
(Mars conjuncts Saturn in Sagittarius, exact at 4:30 am; Taurus Moon trines Venus in Virgo, at 5:00 am, trines Jupiter in Virgo, at 11:00 am and trines Mercury in Virgo, at 12:30 pm)

Aug 25:
The mind is hard to tether today, being easily pulled off center by external circumstances. Therefore, finding firm footing is the first order of the day! If meditation is your key to calm and focus, don't miss your practice today.
(Gemini Moon creates a challenging T-square, when it opposes Saturn and Mars in Sagittarius and squares Neptune in Pisces: 9:00 - 11:15 am; Mars in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces, exact at 11:55 pm)

Aug 26: A morning influence promotes clarity and objectivity, but afternoon influences, not so much. Organizing tasks in to bite size pieces is the way to go.
(Gemini Moon sextiles Uranus in Aries, at 10:00 am; Gemini Moon squares Venus-Jupiter-Mercury in Virgo, 1:00 - 5:30 pm)

Aug 27-28: Jupiter conjuncts planet of the heart Venus, and planet of the mind Mercury, creating a sense of optimism, generosity of heart, and spirit. These are great influences in which to give of oneself.
(Cancer Moon trines Neptune in Pisces, at 3:00 pm. Venus and Jupiter come into a conjunction, exact at 3:30 pm; Cancer Moon opposes Pluto in Capricorn, at 10:30 pm)

Aug 30: Mercury goes retrograde in the sign of Virgo.

Lunar Activity

NEW MOON Aug 2 10 deg. Leo 1:44 pm PST

This positive and expansive energies of the New Moon in Leo invites us to bring out our fairy dust and sprinkle it lovingly over our dreams. This is a great time to check in with your bucket list...Leo loves to think big and make a splash!

LUNAR ECLIPSE Aug 18 25 deg. of Aquarius 2:26 am PST

The Lunar Eclipse in the Universal sign of Aquarius, brings our attention to being part of a larger cause, sharing our vision with those who are like minded, and generally promoting consciousness, awareness, and a sense of justice and humanity.

Wishing you and your family a fabulous rest of

Summer!

with love,

Margaret