It’s been a rocky week. Last week’s commentary spoke of a wild shake-up on the Pisces New Moon, but no astrologer could have forecasted what played out in NY and in the media. In what began as a ‘routine’ tax fraud investigation after months of several wire transfers of funds (averaging $5G’s per, well under the pre-9/11 flag raising amount of $10G) from Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s bank account to a questionable account caught the banks attention. The trail led to a prostitution ring and Spitzer’s involvement. As the story developed, Former Presidential candidate George McGovern spoke with Amy Goodman and provided some needed wisdom and perspective on the embattled Governor’s plight.
The self-righteous former Attorney General and self-proclaimed crusader had busted some prostitution rings and made many enemies on Wall Street and in all areas of politics. His hypocrisy in this sequence was eclipsed only by his hubris. And as a Democrat in this 2008 election year, he was especially foolish to put himself in harms way. Wayne Barrett, senior editor at The Village Voice appeared on Democracy Now the morning of the resignation and said that Democrats in office are being targeted and prosecuted by Federal (Republican-controlled) law enforcement at an almost six to one ratio to their Republican counterparts, and that the speed of this sting was unprecedented. Barrett also said that had Spitzer been a Republican, this investigation would have never seen the light of day. Though Mr. Barrett called for Spitzer’s resignation, he emphasized how sad a day it was for New York because Spitzer was on the verge of turning the dysfunction in Albany around. Federal prosecutors are now looking into whether Spitzer campaign funds were used for his trysts.
Astrologically, what in his chart lent itself to this kind of self-destruct? Where’s the arrogance? Spitzer was born on June 10, 1959. There is no birth time available, though some have speculated Capricorn rising. Geminis are known for their duality. But Spitzer has Venus, Mars, the Moon, and Uranus in Leo. Venus and Mars are squared by Neptune in Scorpio- a recipe for delusional romantic behavior mixed with obliviousness to one’s vulnerability. Ironically, one of Spitzer’s biggest political enemies is none other than former presidential candidate and former mayor of NYC, Rudolph Giuliani. He too is a Gemini with four planets in Leo!
The silver lining in all of this, is the rise of Lt. Governor David A. Patterson to Governor. By all accounts, the legally blind Harlem resident is a good natured, highly experienced and noble human being. Here is Democracy Now’s interview with those who know him well.
“I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in and stops my mind from wandering where it will go…”
-John Lennon & Paul McCartney 1967
The highlight of the week, was celebrating my friend May Pang’s new book at the Cutting Room in NYC. May is best known for her involvement with John Lennon 1973-75. A generous double Scorpio, she is an exceptional mother and a very special woman. Cynthia Powell Lennon (John Lennon’s first wife) never forgot May’s kindness to her son Julian in those years and was on hand to host the party. I met her and was floored by her warmth and goodness.


Yes, for the ‘wet’ week ahead, better wear your galoshes, have a flotation device and/or an umbrella handy- you may need it.
No, I haven’t quit stargazing to become a weatherman, but the imminent celestial activity suggests that we’re about to experience a wave of powerful emotions from within and from those around us.
For most of March 13-19, the last week of the astrological year, more than half of the planets are in water signs. Water is a conductor. It is the most powerful element there is and it can make its way anywhere: Have you ever tried to trace where a leak is coming from or labored to get rid of water in your basement?
Astrologically, water signs are emotional, psychic, and empathic. So whether you’re a nurturing, family-oriented Cancer, a mysterious and over-sexed Scorpio, or a musical, spiritual and artistic Pisces, or have an emphasis or any of your planets in the aforementioned water signs, you’re probably all too aware of the depth of sensitivity in that particular area of your life. And unless you’re poet or novelist, you’ve often struggled to convey to those closest to you, exactly what you’re feeling.
With water types, words alone just don’t seem to cut it. The Sun, Venus, and Uranus in Pisces will be joined by Mercury in the sign of the fish on March 14. The Moon and Mars will be ‘out of bounds’ in Cancer through most of the weekend. Out of Bounds planets (planets that are - by declination - traveling above or below the usual path of the zodiac belt) express themselves in a way that exceeds the typical range of expression. For example: Mars out of bounds, would be more physical and perhaps more violent. The Moon out of bounds, would demand emotional expression and might be baby-ish in its expectation for unlimited attention or reassurance. With both the Moon and Mars together and out of bounds, and there is a recipe for madness and a potential increase in domestic violence, at least on March 14, 15 & 16. Beware the Ides of March indeed!
On March 17th, Saint Patrick’s Day, the Moon is in regal (I love a parade) Leo. But Mercury, the planet of communication and motion is restricted by Saturn. Restraint, self-control, and traffic jams, seem like a more likely scenario than joyful bands of marching revelers over-doing it with green beer. Besides, once in a while couldn’t we use a sweet, lyrical, and nostalgic rendition of “Danny Boy”?

Chart: Venus Trines Mars
Click for larger view
ARIES: A question: Is it worse to feel out of control or to actually be out of control? The build-up of planets in your hidden 12th house are hard to reach and even harder to understand. Your element is fire and all of this water could dampen your spirit, but why let it? When you don’t know what to do, it’s best to do nothing. This week, your moves should be inspired by floating and swimming. Be as gentle with yourself as you possibly can: The liaison between Venus and Mars on the 15th/16th opens the door to sublime sensuality.
TAURUS: Your ruling planet, Venus, now in your 11th house of group activities, is as active this week as a well-connected socialite in a $10 thousand dollar dress (or tux) at a gala. All planetary moves are orchestrated to help elevate you and further your cause and they will work out very well if you stay out of your own way! After the 13th a legal deal may finally be struck between you and a foreigner or professorial type. Delicious romance is possible on the 15th/16th but be discreet at all costs.
GEMINI: Your youthful exuberance is enviable and contagious. Parlay your lucky vibe by seeing to it that you’re at the right place at the right time. Work must come first, even in social settings. Your distractibility and self-defeating/self-destructive habit of dropping what you’re doing for a better offer that’s more fun has to be shelved for now. Stay focused and commit to finishing everything that you begin. If you don’t, Mercury opposite Saturn (on the 17th) will make life rougher than it has to be.
CANCER: The baby in you is rearin’ its ugly little head and that inner brat of yours could get you into a whole lotta trouble if you let him (or her) have his way. So no matter how old you are, sit down and give yourself a talking to about the importance of emotional restraint- even when it hurts. That doesn’t mean that it’s wise to ignore what’s bothering you. But please know the difference between an inappropriate public eruption and an emotional epiphany that serves to advance your understanding of who you really are.
LEO: All greats learn how to roll with the punches, and you’re no different. True, you often demand and get special treatment. But with so much stirring in your hidden and very emotionally sensitive 12th house and your 8th house of death, rebirth and personal renewal- at the same time, now is not the right moment to make too many demands. You’re long term success hinges on your willingness to allow nature to take its course. Hold you head high. Your mantra for the week: “Silence is golden”.
VIRGO: Someone you love, trust and hold very dear is seriously out of control. And for the first time in your relationship, you’re frightened and don’t know exactly what to do. Most of this has nothing to do with you, but still- should you stand still and watch him or her unravel? The wisest thing is to not interfere unless you absolutely have to. It’s in your best interest to keep a bit of distance and go into observation mode as it would be counterproductive to get sucked into this cyclone. Rest assured- it’ll all blow over and soon.
LIBRA: The super-charged activity in your 6th house of work has you producing round the clock and drained to a nearly dangerous level. In a way, this is a case of ‘be careful of what you wish for’: You prayed for something to come along and jump-start your stagnant day to day routine, and that’s exactly what took place. Now you must come up with a better way of expediting the influx of correspondences without going mad. It may be time to explore some options to get a little support. Learning to delegate is an essential next step.
SCORPIO: Like a kid in a candy store who’s just been given an unlimited expense account, and with a group of friends egging you on, you’re less than two steps away from partying yourself into oblivion. And though you could easily get away with a few days of debauchery, do you really need it at this point? The same energy can and really should be channeled into one or more of the long list of creative projects that you’ve been promising to devote some time to. A paramour is willing to assist or entertain in any way he or she can.
SAGITTARIUS: An upsetting brouhaha at your home base turns out to be a tempest in a tea pot. But there’s a bit of clean-up and possibly some awkward explaining that must be provided to someone who heard and saw perhaps more than they should have. The funny thing is, that as uncomfortable as it may be to feel so exposed, the incident ends up helping you in the long run. There’s always something to be said for appearing more human than you’d ordinarily like. People (even higher ups) can relate.
CAPRICORN: As a rule, you keep to your own counsel and that works just fine, thank you very much. But this is one of those weeks, win which you’re reminded for the umpteenth time that no man (or woman) is an island, and that infinitely more can be accomplished through team work. The elegant aspect between Venus and Mars this serves to smooth out and integrate some ruffled feathers between factions in your life. The philosophy of “Divide and Conquer” went out with the plague. Drop it once and for all.
AQUARIUS: As a fixed sign, you’re more of a creature of habit than you care to admit. So while you talk a big game about ‘change’ it takes you a very long time to get there or to allow it to happen if at all. Yet change is very much in the air and in your 2nd house of income. If ever there was a time for you to take a risk regarding a creative pet project or a talent you would love to commercialize, test the waters now. You really have nothing to lose.
PISCES: For the past two months, Mercury, the planet of communication has been in your hidden 12th house and it’s been difficult if not next to impossible for you to know let alone say what’s on your mind. Well, speak now or forever hold your peace. Mercury enters your sign on the 14th, and though it may take a few days gather your thoughts, and to refine them, the aspect to Mars on the 18th will provide a clarity and confidence to slay a dragon or two. You may even help out a tongue tied friend.