Season of Change:
The Cap Full Moon, First Eclipse of Summer ’09;
Mercury Enters Cancer, Venus Slips into Gemini,
Bye Bye Sarah Palin, `Caribou Barbie` Bolts as Alaska’s Gov.,
A Reliable Birth Time for Michael Jackson?

SHELLEY ACKERMAN
Photo: Rich Press

Independence Day 2009:

ARIES: The Full Moon eclipse in your home/career axis brings a logistics issue to a head and the resulting decision could actually help you organize your time more effectively, improve your health, and make you that much more productive at work. Your ruler, Mars, now in practical Taurus, aspects Neptune, Jupiter, Uranus this week: Your personal values and financial well-being’s ‘relationship’ to the suits upstairs seems fuzzy and will need revision in the weeks ahead. Be patient - the clarity will come.

TAURUS: It’s usually good news when your ruling planet, Venus, enters Gemini and your 2nd house of financial possibilities. With Gemini, there are always several options to consider and July 2009 will bring ‘em on, but there’s a caveat: Mercury in Cancer in your third house reminds that the walls have ears. Not to make you paranoid, but can we ever know for sure who’s listening or who’s foolishly forwarding our emails? Hold your own and keep your best info close to the vest for the next few days, after which time you can take a deep breath and sing out to your heart’s content.

GEMINI: When in “Fernando” mode, comic Billy Crystal philosophizes that, “It is always better to look good than to feel good”. Whether that’s true or not, with Venus in your sign through August 1st, you will be looking swell and more appealing than you realize, and there’s a way to make it pay: A new idea or an offer to expand your economic base enters the picture. This beauty is in a developmental stage so say little about it and share with ONLY your most trusted confidants.

CANCER: With the Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn and in your 7th house of partnership and contractual arrangements making it seem like the ball is completely out of your court, why should you even worry about taking any action this week? The answer is that when in the middle of a maneuver or a chess game, we must always be attentive even when it isn’t our move. How you respond with your face, body language, or even vibrationally will make all the difference in the world.

LEO: The July 7 Lunar Eclipse in your 6th house of health and day to day operations is favorably supported by the organizational talents of Saturn in your 2nd house of finance. Even though this sequence may lack some of the glamour or the appropriate level of recognition that you like to have in the mix, go with this utilitarian flow: it’s a good one and the kudos will come a little later. Anyway, if you had to choose between kudos and paying your bills, what would it be? I thought so :-).

VIRGO: Sometimes all it takes is one unhealthy ego to jam up the works. Mercury enters your 11th house of friends and community affairs and some good ideas are afloat. But there’ll be a slight snag by way of a hidden agenda of someone who thinks that their individual needs are more important than those of the group. He or she will be shown the door and whatever repairs are necessary will be implemented quickly and the plans moved forward after that. Venus at the top of your chart adds allure to your aura and some professional gains are possible. Stay of good cheer.

LIBRA: Your ruling planet, Venus, charms her way into your 9th house of legal and foreign affairs which also doubles as the publicity department. Summer may be in full swing, but for Topsy-Turvy Libras, it’s the zenith of the work year. Mercury agrees as the planet of communication graces the highest point in your chart. Remain in touch and be willing to take on more than you think you can. You’re in major prep mode, as you’re about to enter the three-year cycle of activity that you’ve been rehearsing for your entire life.

SCORPIO: Venus enters your sexy and secretive 8th house, and under normal circumstances, I’d say, “What the heck, go for it”, but are there any normal circumstances anymore? Of course, not, so what are to do with the impulse to throw caution to the wind? Have a good heart to heart talk with the part of yourself that loves to push the envelope and dance with danger and channel the energy into doing something productive for yourself or a loved one. And while you’re at it, don’t overextend your home to a pushy BFF or partner: Hospitality is not your forte or a priority this week.

SAGITTARIUS: The Full-Moon action in your money axis bodes well for you professionally, so go with the changes that are afoot and you’ll dodge the bullets that have hit so many others nearby. If offered a package to leave a job or something shifts at work, consider it carefully and have a good and reliable advisor sift through the fine print. Venus enters your 7th house and your social calendar will fill up accordingly, but you know the drill: work and financial obligations must come first.

CAPRICORN: The Lunar Eclipse on July 7th is deeply personal as it brings a partnership issue to a head: If you’re concerned about being understood and ‘read’ correctly, make sure that you are listening well and hearing the other side clearly, you’re more intimidating than you realize. Where a gamble or a speculative investment is concerned, you can expect a modest win if you play this one strictly by the rules.

AQUARIUS: As Mercury enters your 6th house of health and labor, there’s better communication between you, co-workers, and with any dealings with those in the health field. Venus in Gemini in your 6th through the end of July improves your outlook and fun-quotient. But if you ignore the needs of a family member or space-out when it comes to attending the practical upkeep of your residence, there’ll be quite the mess to clean up later. Do your best to stay present and responsive.

PISCES: If a business partnership or even your marriage has become stale and the energy has dried up of late, you can look forward to the replenishing energy of Mercury in watery cancer in your 5th house of fun and romance to come to the rescue. Sometimes the planets have a literal message for us and that being the case, it’s time for you to get to the beach, a pool, a boat, or a mineral bath for two and let your element do it’s restorative thing. A sibling or neighbor may come up with a practical angle on your stroke of genius. Listen up and encourage him or her to elaborate further.