Jupiter Stations Retrograde, Mars Enters Leo - At Last!
Mercury in Gemini Enters Pre-Retro ‘Shadow’ Degrees
Re: Democratic Nominee-Has the Fat Lady Sung?
By Shelley L. Ackerman
[From my 'Shimmering Stars' column in
The Westchester Guardian, © 2008]

My apologies for being late with this week’s update, I’m preparing for UAC which begins on May 15, and I’ve been a bit more distracted than usual. Excitement for the conference in which 170 world class astrologers will speak (to a crowd of 1500) is mounting:
As of this writing, there is word that Obama’s birth time has been revealed, and John McCain’s birth time has been pushed forward two hours in an ad that features the Arizona Senator with his 96 year old mother. This changes the picture dramatically. If this new birth time for John McCain is correct and reliable, he has Scorpio rising, not Libra.
OF interest, John Hager, Jenna Bush’s new father in law, was born one day before John McCain, on Aug 28, 1936. Jenna (b. Nov 25, 1981) was married at about 7:30 pm on May 10, 2008 in Crawford, Texas. Her husband, Henry Hager, was reportedly born on May 9, 1978. Both Hager men, John and his son Henry, have Mars in Leo within one degree of each other!
As we said last week, more US Presidents have had Mars in either Leo or Scorpio than any other sign. Both Hillary and McCain have Mars there, within two degrees of one another. Their Mars is closely conjoined Obama’s Leo Sun. My goodness, though the numbers say she can’t stay in the race, it’s hard to picture Hillary out of this Election 08 story all together! Barack Obama is way ahead now and though he represents a refreshing new direction for our country, I have stated repeatedly that I question whether he can get elected in 2008, and if he does get elected, will he be able to implement his ideas?
Both Barack and Hillary have show signs of fatigue: Hillary has said things that are divisive and down right stupid while Barack misspoke, saying that there are 57 states in the US.
Sagittarian Ed Koch (Dec 12 1924), former mayor of NYC was never one to hold back, and he didn’t when he stated that the if Obama is the nominee, the Democrats are walking into an electric buzz saw. I wish I didn’t agree with him but I do. NY Times columnist, Frank Rich (June 2, 1949), who knows far more than most, disagrees. And he may very well be right. The game is about to change- but I still believe there will be many surprises in the weeks ahead:
For more than seven months, fiery Mars, the planet of drive and physical prowess has been back and forth in watery Cancer. On May 9, the God of War entered Leo (through July 1st), a sign in which the red planet is extremely comfortable and able to express himself with greater ease and confidence. Fighting comes as naturally as breathing when Mars is in Leo.
Also on May 9th, Jupiter stationed retrograde, and will travel in apparent backward motion for four months, encouraging us to literally hold our horses before jumping in to anything while providing all the opportunity to rethink our financial and relationship philosophies. Amplifying this “measure twice and cut once” energy, is Mercury’s entrance into the pre-retrograde shadow period on May 12. This happens three times a year.
While the retrograde itself doesn’t kick in until Memorial Day (May 26), this slowing down phase is a precursor. During this time, it’s especially wise to be careful with all travel and communication. If it’s your habit to blab on a cell phone in public- do so at your own risk. Someone other than the person on the other end may be listening to your every word.
RE: The primaries: this retrograde period could reverse what has happened in the past few weeks. Remember: that 2008 is similar to 1968 and 1972 in many ways, only now, the stakes are much higher. No matter what transpires, the interview between Amy Goodman and Bill Moyers on Democracy Now is classic.

Chart: Mars Enters Leo
Click for larger view
ARIES: Your balancing act continues, but with a twist: Just as Mars, your ruling planet, finally leaves water-logged Cancer, where it’s made you so uncomfortable on and off since September, you’re at long last back in your own element (fiery Leo), Hooray! And though your 5th house of fun, games, romantic pursuits has you ready to go for it all, there may be some kinks at work that you have to handle from now through Summer. This is not the bummer that you think. Think of it as a safety net you need to keep you in checkJ.
TAURUS: Don’t botch things up at home or let a small irritation ignite a six week feud. Mars enters you 4th house of home improvement and family affairs. Tempers will rise but yours doesn’t have to. Pay extra attention to wires, electrical outlets, the kitchen and candles. This is one sequence where it is in your best interest to let paranoia have its way and to err on the side of caution. From May 12-14, you can do no wrong as far as work and finance are concerned, though you may have to wait a few months to see results.
GEMINI: Impatient Mars leaves your 2nd house of finance and enters your 3rd house of communication on May 9th. It will feel as if your brain is like a geyser full of ideas and opinions that must be expressed or else. But before you allow yourself to turn into the uni-bomber and write your manifesto, take a breath. From now through July 1st, promise to think before you speak, take a walk before writing a combative email, and have a designated driver in place whenever you’re in a bad mood. You won’t want to take it out on the road.
CANCER: A parent, an authority figure at home, a teacher, or a Patron Saint at work (a boss who believes in you) is finally ready to put his or her money where their mouth is. This is a rare opportunity to get some backing or an economic vote of confidence. Either way, it’s a shot in the arm that should serve to get you motivated and all fired up to tackle your next project. But before you eat the world, study the menu and carefully select your next course of action.
LEO: How does it feel to wake up after a long painful and paralyzing nightmare? Well it’s a new dawn and a new day. Mars enters your sign on May 9th, and for the next six weeks you should have more energy than you’ve had in months to take on the world. Get to the gym and focus. It would be a shame to blow this planetary mojo at home, in traffic, or at work. Your mantra through June: Pick your battles. Don’t space out on the 14th and keep your eye on everyone- even those you trust may accidentally drop the ball.
VIRGO: Just when you though an issue was settled between you and a romantic interest or you and your kids, it’s not. But rather than get perturbed or thrown, remember that you hold the cards. Your wisdom and patience will serve all concerned, especially numero uno. And if a creative project requires an extra round of fixes, this too will be better in the long run. Be extra cautious with investments: For the next few months say ‘no” more than you say “yes”.
LIBRA: The Jupiter station in your 4th could reverse a situation with family and/or real estate, and it’s a good thing. Though it’s annoying to have to go over that which you thought was settled, the new agreement will be much better than the one you had. Mars enters your 11th house of communal affairs and this could either be a boon to your social life or set the stage for unnecessary arguing among colleagues. From now through the end of June, do what you do best: Smile and nod “yes”.
SCORPIO: Like several among the zodiac, you too have an interesting celestial mix of both blessings and frustration to deal with: On the one hand, your co-ruler planet Mars is at the top of your chart, challenging you to forge a new path of career accomplishment. But at the same time, there are delays in financials that you thought were a done deal. The two things to keep in mind for the next few months are: All good things to those who wait, and revenge is not all that it’s cracked up to be. Take the high road buddy.
SAGITTARIUS: Just when you thought it was all systems go, a financial deal or a raise has hit a temporary snafu. But there is always more than one way to skin a cat. Those who do well, find ways of adapting in most every circumstance. The good news is that feisty Mars enters your 9th house of travel, beliefs, and legal affairs. Look beyond the obvious or your immediate vicinity for a solution to a problem that you thought had none. Children or a lover traveling abroad brings luck.
CAPRICORN: It’s a woman’s or a goat’s prerogative to change their mind. Jupiter turns retrograde in your sign and you may have to step back and rethink a generous offer on your part. Though you detest the notion of disappointing anyone, or not keeping your word, there are mitigating circumstances that cannot be ignored. You will have the opportunity to make this up and more later on.
AQUARIUS: What to do if someone wakes up on the wrong side of bed? When sleeping dogs won’t lie still, we have no choice but to offer a biscuit and some TLC. A significant other or BFF’s rage is not, repeat not, directed at you. You just happen to be standing there. Be a good listener and take none of it personally. Offer advice ONLY if you are begged for it and even then, just the bare minimum. The person asking for it is in no shape to listen or to follow any of it.
PISCES: Your co-ruler, Jupiter stations retrograde in your communal 11th house of ‘friends, hopes, and wishes’, and several cohorts who you thought were definitely on board with something you’ve planned may have second thoughts. Allow them to take their time to figure things out. If anyone jumps ship, think of it as a blessing in disguise. The delay will work in your favor and/or they will be replaced by others better suited to the situation. Mars in Leo motivates you to take care of your health so get on it.