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Process of Elimination:
NYC Gets Public Pay-Toilets
As Pluto @ 29° Sagittarius Graces NYC’s
Venus/Mars 3rd House Conjunction
-and-
Hillary’s Emotional Moment of Truth Wins NH Primary
By Shelley L. Ackerman
[From Shelley's weekly 'Shimmering Stars' column in
The Westchester Guardian, © 2008]
On First Quarter Moon, Mercury Enters Pre-Retrograde Shadow Degrees; Fiery Venus Squares Uranus and Sextiles Neptune
As the last 3 weeks of this frustrating and oft volatile Mars retrograde winds down and screeches to a halt, Mercury (planet of communication and transportation) is about to enter what is called the ‘shadow’ (or slowing-down) phase that precedes it’s own retrograde period, which begins on January 28.
Since Mars has a lot to do with drive, competition, and leadership, it’s almost laughable that so much has been placed on the results of these early caucuses and primaries. Though the pundits have been going nuts with their post-Iowa Caucus, New Hampshire Primary and pre-Super Tuesday analysis, astrologers are contemplating the wisdom of trying to call anything about the November election at this early stage: Astro-Logically it would seems that we need to wait at least until the end of May when Mars leaves Cancer and Saturn goes direct to have a clearer sense of where all of this is heading and who is most likely to wind up in the race in November. And even then, in this global climate of rigged elections (It is rumored that Kenya, Pakistan, and India all have fallen prey to this trend) the question on everyone’s lips is: Does anyone’s vote really count or are election results now determined by those in charge of tabulating the ballots?
After losing Iowa, Senator Clinton’s Pisces moon came forth as she teared up in a rare public show of emotion in New Hampshire. Three days later she eked out a 3% victory over Senator Barack Obama. Her spontaneous (or calculated as some say) emotional display has been criticized and over-analyzed to death. And whether you’re for her or against her, like her, trust her or not, I believe that Hillary’s spontaneous show of genuine emotion was and is healthy. As a culture we need to rethink the way in which we pride ourselves on stoic inauthenticity, so much so that we no longer recognize or are comfortable with anything or anyone that borders on the emotional truth of a situation. This preference for the unreal and the detached has impacted our judgment, our connectedness, and has compromised our ability to judge the intent and integrity of a candidate. We’ve come to view First Lady Laura Bush’s “Stepford” Act as sane, acceptable, and healthy, and it’s not. Even if Mrs. Clinton’s ’spontaneity’ was calculated, so be it. It served as a reminder of what we need to embrace. A similar crucifixion took place when Howard Dean expressed himself truthfully and with gusto 4 years ago. What a pity.
That being said, Democratic candidate Dennis Kucinich (and lesser know Republican Albert Howard) questioned the New Hampshire results and have called for and has been granted a recount which under NH law, Kucinich will have to pay for.
On a more immediate front, the need to make sense of the push/pull energy and to achieve a delicate balance of sorts lies before us: AT New Year’s and the first quarter moon in fiery Aries on Jan 15, we’re rarin’ to go but can we? Mars is at a virtual standstill and Mercury is beginning to slow down; Impetuous Venus in adventure-seeking Sagittarius confronts unpredictable Uranus this week and while that clash is fabulous fodder for a reality show, it’s unstable and shocking energy could present some unexpected and unwelcome surprises for us in general Hillary in particular. The best strategy might be to take the smallest steps possible and to delay committing to any drastic changes for a little while longer.
ROYAL FLASH! (No, Make that “Flush”)
Chart: First Quarter Moon 2008
Click for larger view
ARIES: Though pulled in several directions, you’re being presented with a golden opportunity to align mind, body, soul and spirit. This may come about in an indirect way –some of life’s greatest gifts do you know. So if there are annoying delays at an airport, phone calls that make you miss a bus, or local transportation road blocks, take it in stride and try to see the good in it all. Sometimes being in what you think is the wrong place at the wrong time, turns out to be the luckiest break in the world.
TAURUS: Your familiar sense of self as Mr. or Ms. ‘Slow-moving Predictability’ falls by the wayside this week and you are left to figure out who’s nuttier: you or your wacky group of friends. The challenging square between your ruler Venus and eccentric Uranus could make for an enjoyable Marx Brothers sequence or two. It’s crucial that you keep your sense of humor operational and your wits about you as this comedy of errors unfolds. Come to think of it, that’s not a bad way to live all the time.
GEMINI: Financial juggling will be required to keep all of those plates spinning- but you’re no stranger to that fun exercise of robbing Peter to pay Paul. The important thing is to figure out is it Paul or Peter who has the higher interest rates or the better bill collectors on their team? All kidding aside- this is not the week for impulse buying or to spend on anything unnecessary. Tell your wallet and your inner spendthrift that you’re both on a diet.
CANCER: An impulsive career move could work, if you’re able to convince your spouse, partner or BFF (best friend forever) that’s it’s the best thing. Listen to what they have to say and allow them to process. Though their stodgy attitude is annoying, and their insight less on target than usual, their presence in your life is worth ten times its weight in gold. This goes under the heading of ‘terms of endearment’, the frustration we tolerate in order to keep our beautiful but dysfunctional family in tact..
LEO: Steer clear of flighty females who strike your fancy (the Banger Sisters?) or who appeal to your sense of adventure (Thelma and Louise), they’ll just pull you off course. At another time, the lure of a walk on the wild side would be a mistake to pass up, but at this very moment, your greatest glory will come from keeping your nose to the grindstone and plodding through your little unglamorous mundane tasks. Think of yourself as Forrest Gump cutting his grass and loving it. It’ll be time to party soon enough
VIRGO: You’re on a roll, of sorts; Venus in your 4th house could set you on an exciting path of de-cluttering and revamping the way you live. This will give you the shot in the arm and energy boost that you’ve needed for a while. Don’t allow the erratic nay-saying behavior of a partner or significant other to get in the way of this endeavor. They’ll come around when they see the results. Check for mold and allergens and be willing to replace anything suspect. It’ll save you $$ in the long run.
LIBRA: On the career front, you’re literally all fired up and raring to go! But the challenge this week has to do with prioritizing and knowing who and what must be responded to first. Trying to keep up with well-intentioned colleagues and cohorts could inadvertently put you out of alignment with what must really get done NOW. Their timing isn’t your timing. Be Okay with temporarily sacrificing your social self to maintain the pace of your productivity, and to keep the foundation at home nice and solid. It’s worth it.
SCORPIO: Typically the smoldering hothead, you rise up as the calm and cool voice of reason and it couldn’t come at a better time. Someone you care about has or is about to come perilously close to making a big financial boo boo. If this should happen, and if there’s space for you to intervene, by all means do so, but in a detached manner. Your nutty pal will be grateful to you for life. Your mantra for the week: “Not on my watch”
SAGITTARIUS: A lover or a child of yours may act out and/or want to take a risk that seems too dangerous- and it probably is. Your best shot at influencing the situation is to take the position of the wise and benevolent adviser- who points out that this won’t be their last chance at the brass ring. By the same token, resist getting involved in anything that sounds too good to be true. It most certainly is. And just when you need to hear it, sound financial advice from a boss or parent comes by way of a fascinating war story
CAPRICORN: That proverbial powder keg is about to blow for the umpteenth time this season, but you’ve been down this road before and have gotten through it every time. The demands at work are inhuman and the ones at home are insane- so what else is new? And though you do derive a certain peculiar pleasure at being able to weather all that you do and do it well, you are but one person. Accept that you must be the silent but stabilizing force in this particular maelstrom and all will go well.
AQUARIUS: You may find it hard to be Miss Congeniality (or Mr. Nice guy) this week and that’s okay. Your co-ruler Uranus is at odds with Venus in your 11th house of friends and a clash is inevitable. But this goes under the heading of growing pains: What good is a friendship, if it’s based in your going along with values that you don’t agree with? You may have to take a stand, but before you do, take the time to think it through and make sure it’s worth the static.
PISCES: Do yourself a favor and keep the rambunctious side of your nature in check, and while you’re at it, and try to listen and take several breaths before speaking. A female friend or co-worker in a position to advance you professionally may rattle your some with an unexpected invite or request that comes at an inopportune moment. You may be inclined to pass, but don’t. 2008 is your banner year of social networking and climbing your way to he top with the help of nearly everyone you meet. Allow the good to come in.