By Milky Way Maid

The Moon will be in fiery and cheerful Aries this Christmas. Expect more candles than usual, perhaps with everyone assigned a small one to hold while standing around the tree, or perhaps a line of luminarias will light the approach to your home. Expect lots of RED. Possibly your turkey or ham will be cooked on a grill or over a flame. Aries is the eternal kid, so try to think of some small traditions from your own childhood that have fallen by the way, and merit resurrecting from the past. Making cookies with the kids has never gone out of style, either, and be sure to let them decorate however they want.

Mars makes a stationary retrograde on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 8:27 am at 19 degrees 42 minutes of Leo. Fiery Leo is a great placement for fiery Mars, and Mars in Leo is very courageous; PLUS Mars is opposed by the Moon for an extra emotional boost. I have no doubt that ball games played this month have generally been of a high caliber, with teams giving it their all to fight to make the playoffs. Frankly the games this month may be better than the actual playoffs in January or the Super Bowl.

Mercury in Capricorn is inconjunct Mars in Leo on Monday. Following on the heels of the Mars station, this is very interesting to say the least. Many of us will have to adjust our convictions and beliefs, especially those who are most attached to them! Listen to others with an open mind and at least a wait-and-see attitude. Capricorns and Leos are most involved in this aspect.

Venus sextiles Jupiter and Neptune on Sunday night; Venus wants to give the very best quality gifts and with Jupiter-Neptune involved, may blow the holiday budget to smithereens. Keep to your shopping list! Hide your credit cards from yourself if you have to. Venus enters Capricorn at 1:17 pm Friday, Christmas Day. This gives a practical yet high-quality tilt to gifts exchanged this day. Venus here also tends to be rather materialistic, and to use others for their own ends. However, a more developed Venus here is a master of knowing what is appropriate for every social situation; and with the square to Saturn, may become quite the go-to person for rules (Saturn) of etiquette (Venus).

Mercury stations retrograde on Saturday at 9:38 am, at about 21 degrees Capricorn. Check whether that makes any aspects to natal planets in your chart, and double-check any papers dealing with related issues. This can of course snarl routine communications. Use delivery confirmation on emails and packages. It’s interesting that this occurs on the busiest day for after-holiday sales and also for exchanges. So make sure that if you are exchanging a shirt, for example, that it actually fits you or matches the item you plan to wear it with.

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. Also note: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES – March 20-April 19 – The Moon is in Aries from 6:40 am till Saturday afternoon. The Moon squares the Sun and Pluto midday Thursday, and opposes Saturn that afternoon. You will feel terribly frustrated and as though decisions are made by others without any input from you at all. Aries does tend to want things their way all the time, so this is an opportunity to learn what a pleasure it can be to give others first choice. Mars stations in your solar fifth house of games and speculation; use caution if betting on sports because there could be upsets. The Moon will be in your sign on Christmas, so you betcha there’ll be a fiery Yule log somewhere even it it’s a fake one. It’s the one day of the year where you are allowed to be a kid again, so enjoy.

TAURUS – April 20-May 20 — While you might prefer to celebrate on the weekend after Christmas, when the Moon will be in your sign, an Aries holiday is fine with you. You’ll stay toasty by the fire, and the food will great. Your ruling planet Venus enters compatible Capricorn on Friday morning. Practical (Capricorn) gifts (Venus) will probably be the order of the day, but that is OK with you. The Moon is in Taurus from 3:26 pm Saturday thru the weekend. You will, like many Taureans, probably enjoy scooping up discounted items on the after-Christmas sales. Then because you have frozen manageable portions of your bountiful holiday feasts, you can relax and just heat up dinners.

GEMINI – May 21-June 20 – Monday’s Moon-Jupiter-Neptune stellium may make it a very, very exciting and bountiful day; while you may not be a church-goer, something quite spiritual could lift you up above the shopping rush. The evening provides a challenge to your new insight with a Moon-Sun square; people may not be too willing to accept help but offer it anyway. Wednesday has a Moon-Uranus conjunction square your sign; don’t be surprised by surprises, pleasant or otherwise. You might be called on to work around a computer glitch at work. You may enjoy being with Aries friends or Leo siblings on Christmas day, and take part in whatever candle ceremony is on the agenda. It’ll be fun. Venus and Mercury will be inconjunct your own sign and force you into adjustments. Maybe more than the usual number of gifts will be returned, or you will question whether the items you gave were really worth the money.

CANCER – June 21-July 22 – Mars is stationary in your solar second house of finances. This is not a good thing if you allow yourself to get sucked into buying on credit this holiday season. Mars is interest rates, commission, and other fees tacked onto everything you buy. However, if you are the one charging those fees, then you may do quite well this month. The Aries-Moon Christmas is perfectly compatible with you; you enjoy providing the bountiful table for guests. Just make sure the heat is set on simmer because there is some chance of burning foods. Venus moves into your opposite sign the same day, so your mate just might surprise you with a meaningful gift or those three little words.

LEO – July 23-Aug. 22 – Monday may supply a challenge to some of your deeply felt beliefs, when Mercury is inconjunct Mars in your sign. Please let others voice their opinions without being swatted down by your mighty paw. By Wednesday you might decide that the other fellow made some good points after all. The Moon is in compatible Aries on Christmas, and you will enjoy the warmth of a fire-sign gathering. You might even ‘play Santa’ by handing out the gifts from under the tree. Venus and Mercury will be inconjunct your own sign and force you into adjustments. Maybe more than the usual number of gifts will be returned, or you will question whether the items you gave were really worth the money.

VIRGO – Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – The Aries-Moon holiday might not sit quite right with you; there may be too much darn spontaneity ruining the agenda. But seriously, the inconjunct to your own sign suggests adjustments have to be made, like for example you have to rearrange furniture to squeeze in the clan, or you decide to stay over with an adult child. So what if everything is not perfect? I think you will appreciate the ingenuity of the day to accommodate everyone, and you will come to appreciate other family traditions. Mercury goes retrograde Saturday in your solar fifth house (Capricorn). You may have to redo matters related to investments or your children.

LIBRA – Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – Venus and the Mercury station in square aspect to your sign from Capricorn can snarl your gift returns, so make sure you have everyone’s wish list correct regarding size/color/model. But after that, Venus can get things moving in your solar fourth house of family and home. Some relief may be in store if you have mortgage woes. Hosting a young woman visitor can be a delight and a pleasure, and you may even pick up tips on handling your personal business.

SCORPIO – Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – On Monday, Mercury in your solar third house is inconjunct Mars in your solar tenth house. A short trip may take you past a business you never noticed before, a place that could become your new employer; or a job application could result in a new job. Venus enters your solar third house on Friday, warming up relationships with siblings or neighbors. Offer a plate of cookies to a neighbor or commit similar random acts of kindness. Short trips may be pleasurable. However, the temporary fly in the ointment is that Mercury goes retrograde in the same house and sign. Pack carefully, using a list, if you plan to go out of town.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 22-Dec. 21 – On Monday, Mars in your solar ninth house is challenged by Mercury in your second; legal decisions or tickets might not favor your point of view. Also any publishing projects may need extensive editing before they will be accepted for printing. Mars stationing in your solar ninth house also warns of legal fees or penalties. Venus enters your solar second house on Friday, though, and should bring increased earnings or receipts. The fire-sign Christmas holiday sits well with you; you especially enjoy or direct activities for the children. I see you keeping them busy making snowmen and snow forts.

CAPRICORN – Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – Your beliefs may be strongly challenged by a Leo, due to Mercury in Capricorn inconjunct Mars. You really are not comfortable with this, but try to make a polite debate of it. Your business sense receives favorable Moon aspects midday Wednesday, but a square from the Moon on Saturday may distract you from paperwork. Also Mercury goes retrograde Saturday morning in your sign, and this can further snarl routine communications. Use delivery confirmation on emails and packages.

AQUARIUS – Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – The Moon is in Aquarius from Sunday till Monday evening. You may be rather emotional and uncharacteristically dramatic Sunday, when the Moon opposes Mars. This may be set off by results of football games today, but calm down; many teams deserve to go to the playoffs but there is not room for all of them. Your emotions will also be engaged on Monday when the Moon joins Jupiter and Neptune, and sextiles Venus.

PISCES – Feb. 18-March 19 – The Moon is in Pisces from 6:42 pm Monday till Thursday morn. On Monday night you may suddenly feel that you don’t have enough food for the holidays, but relax, you have plenty. Just pop some popcorn for snacks and ask guests to bring an extra dessert. Wednesday is significant with a Moon conjunct Uranus and sextile Mercury; you might be upset be some discoveries today, but after looking deeper into the matter, I hope you realize what a useful insight you have received. All the planets entering practical Capricorn this week (Sun, Venus) will help you feel more grounded.

by Milky Way Maid

Blue Moon: The second Full Moon in a given month.

Black Moon: The second New Moon in a given month. ALSO: a month without either a New Moon or a Full Moon (this can happen only in February.)

Blue Moons are linked to unexpected good fortune according to folklore. The hill people of the Appalachian mountains credit Blue Moons with all kinds of good luck in love, happiness, business, and serendipitous events.

By contrast, European traditions are the complete opposite. Blue Moons were blamed for harsh weather and attacks of the blues.

There is an alternate definition of Blue Moon and that is the name sometimes given to a thirteenth full moon in a calendar year.

Historically, the 1883 volcanic eruption of Krakatoa caused a blue tinge on the moon, the result of so much volcanic ash tossed into the atmosphere. And occasionally ice crystals in the atmosphere cause a blue tinge, and that may also be called a Blue Moon.

We will have a Blue Moon on New Year’s Eve this year, Dec. 31, 2009. (NOTE: People who live near the International Dateline in the Far East will have a Blue Moon in January 2010.) It is at 10 degrees 15 minutes of Cancer. This doesn’t look like a relaxed night in front of the fireplace or DVD player; the Moon makes a T-square with the other cardinal planets. Saturn has recently entered Libra, while Pluto in Capricorn is joined by the Sun, Mercury and Venus. Cardinal signs take action, so your New Year’s plans may include several stops before dawn!

Other Blue Moons will occur on Aug. 31, 2012 in Pisces, and July 31, 2015 in Aquarius.

Black Moons (new moons) will occur on July 30, 2011 in Leo; on Jan. 30, 2014 in Aquarius; and March 30, 2014 in Aries.

The Black Moon seems to have a lot less publicity than the Blue Moon. At least, I don’t recall hearing any songs about a black moon. It is said to open a portal to other dimensions. Magicians and Wiccans are said to revere the Black Moon as a special time when the veil between planes of existence can be pierced. One might try to contact those who have passed on, as well as ascended masters and other beings on a higher vibration.

Some astrologers and New Age types recommend people write down their wishes during New Moons. Your wishes will relate to the sign that the moon is in. For example, a new moon in Libra might be a good time to light a candle and ask that your relationships be more harmonious. The Black Moon may be an even more powerful window of quantum opportunity!

By Milky Way Maid

The Sun in Sag squares Uranus mid-morning on Monday; this can lead to arguments or accidents due to impatience. However, your urge to break out of a rut is ‘good thing’ because you can luck onto some new opportunities. Shake up your life in less stressful ways by taking a different route on your commute, or stopping in at a shop or gallery you have been curious about.

Venus in Sag trines Mars in Leo on Thursday morning. Assertiveness combined with diplomacy is rewarded. Try a little Leo charm, and if you don’t have any, fake it. Also relationships between men and women are harmonious; even breakups are amicable. Just discuss whatever issues you have in an adult manner instead of playing games. And Venus later squares Uranus on Saturday night. Ouch, this may push some couples into splitsville if they are not careful. But it can also mean impulse spending, or if you have a lucky transit, a nice windfall.

Mars will make a retrograde station next Sunday, Dec. 20 at 8:27 am. It will be at 19 degrees 42 minutes of Leo. Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. Also note: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES – March 20-April 19 — Aries will probably enjoy this week. Fire signs benefit from several nice sextiles from Monday afternoon thru Wednesday. Monday night looks swell for sharing time with friends (Sun trine Jupiter in your solar eleventh house), possibly while watching the big ball game. A Moon-Venus conjunction on Tuesday afternoon in your solar ninth may bring good tidings in regard to legal, college, or publishing matters. The Moon in your solar ninth house this week is positive, and its sextile to Jupiter on Wednesday morning again brings benefits thru friends or clubs. Venus in Sag trines Mars in Leo, and that combined with your natal planets makes a wonderful grand trine; try to get projects off the ground or compete in contests.

TAURUS – April 20-May 20 – Sunday may be rather stressful for you due to the T-square involving Leo Mars, Scorpio Moon, and Jupiter-Neptune in Aquarius. You might wind up being the rock-steady fulcrum while a storm swirls around you, so just keep a ready supply of patience and your scrumptious Christmas cookies on hand. The rest of the week looks much smoother, even dull. If you have natal planets in fire or air signs it looks like a very pleasant week. If you have planets at 19 degrees, prepare for the upcoming retrograde station of Mars in Leo. Your energy level could suffer, or you could rush too much, so try to get as much of the holiday prep work done as you can before Sunday. Pace yourself!

GEMINI – May 21-June 20 – Geminis benefit from several nice sextiles between fire and air signs this week. Monday afternoon through Wednesday look best, when you could accomplish much and even get a new project off the ground. Tuesday is more physical, with a trine from the Moon to Mars. Sextiles between the Moon and Jupiter, and a New Moon in Sag, make Wednesday bright. Aim high, consider a college course or enrollment, put out feelers on publishing or legal matters. The only troubling spot is Saturday night when a Venus-Uranus square threatens to end or interrupt a romantic relationship. Think twice before speaking; it might help to talk things over calmly on favorable Thursday morning, when a harmonious Venus-Mars trine is in effect.

CANCER – June 21-July 22 – You have likely been frustrated since November when Saturn entered Libra, a sign square to your own. Cancer like any other cardinal sign really, really hates it when it is blocked from doing what it wants to do. Try not to take it out on others, tho, especially during this holiday season. Saturn is not saying no, it is just saying wait. And waiting is a lesson that cardinal signs need to learn. The Moon in Capricorn Friday sextiles Uranus in harmonious Pisces; you will enjoy being with your significant other and share laughs or maybe go to a comedy show.

LEO – July 23-Aug. 22 — Sunday could be a bit of a challenge due to a transiting Moon squaring Mars in your sign. You could be rushed, impatient, and even rude; don’t you know that some Leo charm works wonders? Also be sure that your impatience does not lead to any accidents. Best to work off some of your frustration in physical work. Good days are likely to be Monday afternoon thru Wednesday with sextiles to fire and air signs; creative work and your children may be involved. Thursday has a trine from Venus to Mars in Leo. Making your case in a diplomatic way can see your assertiveness rewarded. Friday you may have to make adjustments or compromises so be a good sport.

VIRGO – Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – If you are able to make adjustments without being too attached to the cold intellectual beauty of the way you had arranged things, you will make much progress this week. The Moon in Sag from Monday morn till Wednesday afternoon has many favorable transits if you are flexible and open to changes. Late Thursday and Friday favor critical analysis and other mental tasks. You can really drill down into the database then and perhaps even find some unexpected material. Saturday night’s Venus-Uranus square could affect you personally; my advice is to back off from being too critical or telling others what they ought to do. This is the season of love and light, you know, so try to give others the benefit of the doubt.

LIBRA – Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – The Moon sextiles Saturn in your sign on Monday afternoon; a sibling or neighbor may be able to cheer you up a bit but you may have to pick up the phone first. Wednesday night’s square from the Moon might prompt you into an emotional decision; things may look different in the morning. Saturday afternoon looks quite good as your emotions and rational self are under control. You may be called on to counsel or negotiate for siblings or others who are affected by the Venus-Uranus square Saturday. Mars goes stationary in your solar eleventh house next Sunday; it is possible that your club may have loan or credit problems, or that friends borrow money from you.

SCORPIO – Oct. 23-Nov. 21 — The Moon is in Scorpio from Sunday till Monday morning. Hope you enjoyed your weekend! Sunday might be frustrating, tho, with several squares to Mars and Jupiter in a T-square, making you feel like a walnut in a nutcracker, perhaps. But if you have the determination to finish a project against all odds, you can get it done. Help may come from a Pisces, a child of yours, or with special tools or info off the web (Uranus). The Sun squares Uranus on Monday in your solar fifth house, which raises the possibility of a nice little windfall or at least a fun time at a comedy show.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov. 22-Dec. 21 — The Moon is in Sag from 7:25 am Monday till Wednesday afternoon. The Sun in Sag squares Uranus mid-morning; this can lead to arguments or accidents due to impatience. However, your urge to break out of a rut is ‘good thing’ because you can luck onto some new opportunities. So take a different route on your commute or whatever. Monday pm favors classes, exams, or studying with a friend. That evening is swell for exploring your neighborhood. Tuesday is much sweeter with a Moon-Venus conjunction, trining Mars in Leo. Anything you propose is likely to be met with encouragement. Wednesday is another caution day with the Moon square Uranus, altho you might benefit from counseling or talking to a sibling.

CAPRICORN – Dec. 22-Jan. 19 — The Moon is in Capricorn from 5:32 pm Wednesday till Saturday morn. Wednesday is likely to be fraught with obstacles (Moon-Pluto square Saturn) but you like challenges. Personal communications will flow easily on Thursday (Moon conjunct Mercury). Friday is promising if you are willing to make some adjustments, probably to your financial arrangements or insurance; you might have to followup on disputes over claims or something like that. Also the afternoon could produce some insights Moon sextile Uranus) if you analyze paperwork or stick to your desk.

AQUARIUS – Jan. 20-Feb. 17 — The Sun in Sag sextiles Chiron in your sign; it may be helpful to you to consult a natural health practitioner, such as an herbalist or massage therapist. The Moon is in Aquarius from 5:39 am Saturday thru the weekend. A trine to Saturn rules your day, which may not sound like a lot of fun but boy, you sure could knock out a bunch of items from your to-do list. Peeking ahead to Sunday: things requiring physical effort (Mars), or possibly some involvement with sports, can pay off financially or at least with a nice thank-you from a friend, club or charity.

PISCES – Feb. 18-March 19 – Monday may be the most difficult day this week due to a Sun-Uranus square; disputes or accidents can arise but you secretly wanted a break in your routine anyway. Take a different route to work, or shake up your life in less stressful ways. Wednesday may present you with an unpleasant discovery but it can provide you with insights you can use in the future. The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Uranus in your sign on Friday afternoon; you will enjoy laughs and more with friends after work.