Though the weekend begins with Saturn lending sobering stability and a probable somber tone to the last quarter moon on the early morning of Saturday Dec 1, the atmosphere will not remain dark or stuck for long.
    Early that same morning, Mercury, the planet of talk, thought, and communication, enters Sagittarius lifting us from the watery abyss of Mercury in Scorpio. The image is one of being placed in a hot air balloon, and off to a speedy dimension where anything and everything is possible (Oh c'mon, let's be positive). Mercury joins the Sun, Jupiter, and Pluto in preachy and pedantic Sagittarius, and the fiery pile-up is building to a crescendo that will be released on December 11th when Jupiter and Pluto conjoin in Sagittarius for the first time since 1758.
    Self control and restraint are by no means one of the signs' strongest points, as is in evidence in the case of embattled and newly rumored to be pregnant pop tart Britney Spears (Jupiter is about to enter her 4th house), who has 4 planets (including the sun) in the sign that is half man and half horse. Spears not withstanding, Sagittarians are often involved in a struggle between their lower and higher nature. Though the sign is said to rule the higher mind, it takes a long time and plenty of practice before the native lives his or her life from that high place of wisdom. When they succeed at harnessing their energy well (no pun intended), they invariably make their mark as superb story tellers, novelists (Louisa May Alcott), poets (Emily Dickinson) directors (Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, Ben Stiller, Susan Seidelman, John Avildsen) singers (Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner, Bette Midler, Amy Grant) actors (Jamie Foxx, Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson, Liv Ullman,) entertainers (Howie Mandel, Garry Shandling, Jay-Z), satirists (Jon Stewart) and broadcasters (Phil Donohue, Diane Sawyer).

Play the Harmonica, Here Comes Chanukah….
  Chanukah, the Jewish holiday also known as The Festival of Lights begins at sundown on December 4th. Popularized by SNL comic Adam Sandler in the 90's, Chanukah is more than "Eight Crazy Nights" of gift giving. It is a commemoration of the reclaiming and relighting of the Temple in 164 B.C.E. and the miracle of supply against all odds and against all logic. In the temple there was barely enough consecrated pure olive oil to keep the lights aglow for one night, but miraculously it lasted 8 nights.
   The holiday is celebration of providence and a reminder for people of all faiths to not be wasteful and to remain open to and expectant of miracles. We all sure could use one.

Chart: Mercury Enters Sagittarius

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Weekly Horoscope

ARIES: Though fiercely independent by nature, it's wise this week to remain open to what someone close has to offer and let them take charge (a good idea for much of the Mars retro through Jan 20th 2008). That BFF or partner ‘type' who always has your best interest at heart could be instrumental in closing the deal of your dreams. This life altering home run comes with an unlikely but holy alliance between people you never imagined could get along so well. Take your health seriously: Improvement and/or maintenance should be uppermost on your list.

TAURUS: Don't count your dividends before they hatch, but do remain alert this week to a sudden opportunity to make points with a bank, an investment firm, or a lending institution. Before entering Scorpio and your 7th house of partners, your ruler, Venus, makes two swell aspects to expansive Jupiter and transformative Pluto in your 8th house of shared resources and other people's money. A fortunate hookup could come through a female at work who you may have overlooked- so do not under any circumstances dismiss anyone based on rank.

GEMINI: A romantic relationship or a solid business partnership you thought unsalvageable gets a second wind and a second chance. Go with it and give it a fair shake- but do it differently this time. Venus enters Scorpio and your 6th house of health, work and service on December 5. An emphasis must be placed on committing to, transforming and reinventing the day to day details of your work life. The ripple effect will filter through nearly every area of your existence and improve it.

CANCER: Though you're hard pressed to admit it, you're one hell of a teacher, though not necessarily the kind found in traditional classrooms or in a predictable role. And though security is a central and defining theme in this lifetime, you're excellent at shepherding a group when a shepherd is needed. With the build-up of planets in your 6th house of day to day operations, pay close attention to how you may be needed at work. There may be a writing project that previously was assigned elsewhere but that you may be the best person for now. Be open to an expanded role.

LEO: The last quarter moon presents a challenge for you to strike a balance between your considerable creative talent, your values, and your sense of self worth. You've got to act on this, so here's an idea: Giving a voice to all three parts of yourself- on paper- is a clever and effective way to hash it out and ground any ideas you may have in reality. The buildup of planets in your 5th house of fun and love guarantees that you'll surely enjoy the next few weeks, but why not turn it into dollars

VIRGO: Any real estate concerns you have should be addressed and resolved quickly: There'll be good news after it's all done. Though the calendar might indicate otherwise, astrologically this time has been earmarked for self improvement and transformation/expansion in your home. The key to making it happen to your liking is time management and a willingness to say "no". Someone else amongst your family and friends could take the responsibility of hosting this year. You're on ‘holiday sabbatical' and would be a most welcomed guest.

LIBRA:  For Venus ruled and ǖber intellectual Libras, appreciating life's contrasts and the joy derived from reconciling those wacky opposites is what makes the world go round. Overcoming an obstacle on or about Dec 1, boosts confidence and does wonders for your overall outlook. Mercury enters upbeat Sagittarius and revs up your third house of communication, and you may wish to connect and share more with acquaintances than you have in a while. But don't fritter away your time and energy. Venus quietly enters your 2nd house on the 5th. She's powerful in secretive Scorpio and will reward more for holding back and exercising a little discernment.

SCORPIO: Mercury enters your 2nd house and joins the party of planets clamoring for you to get your financial act together once and for all. These last 4 weeks of 2007 could very well turn out to be a monumental turning point so do what you must to remain clear and on top of things. Venus in your sign December 5-30 adds oomph to your highly magnetic aura. You will appear fascinating and hard to resist to many in your path. Don't abuse the gift or the power, it'll backfire and fast.

SAGITTARIUS: A short cooling off period after a showdown between you and an authority figure will make it seem as if nothing went down at all. Mercury in your sign joins forces with the Sun, Jupiter, and Pluto, giving you the feeling that the world is your pulpit and everyone within earshot is waiting with baited breath for your next magnificent pearl of wisdom. But if you're insensitive to your surroundings, you'll come off like a wind bag instead of the big-picture genius that you truly are. Spontaneously travel is your norm but not good now.

CAPRICORN: Resist the temptation to judge yourself based on your output, energy, and ability to control and/or manage that which at this point you cannot. If you do, you'll come up short and who needs the heartache? With so many Sagittarian planets now in your hidden 12th house, it would be a fine time to retreat and prepare for the big burst of energy that's just weeks away, but that doesn't seem possible either. Waiting in the wings isn't your style, but it's a part of life. You'll be center stage once more by the end of the year.

AQUARIUS: Stay on your toes and on the lookout for an opportunity to form an alliance with a group or a community that will change your life forever and for the better. We're not talking about joining EST (or its newest incarnation- The Forum), or a cult. This ‘group' or locale is something wholesome, congenial, and nourishing, and frankly, just what you've needed. A group writing project may sound silly if not ridiculous all together, but in the doing you are renewed and reborn.

PISCES: All eyes are upon you and it's your move and time to shine. You have a few days to get it together, but for much of December, the planetary build-up at the top of your chart says that a career explosion of the highest magnitude is probable. Rather than get nervous about it, focus on the things you have control over. Being prepare is key. Jupiter always brings luck and opportunity, but he is impatient and often doesn't ask twice. Think before declining any invites or overtures. Your mantra between now and Christmas is "YES".

© Shelley Ackerman, 2007.
No parts of this article may be used or reprinted without written permission from the author.