Happy Thanksgiving - New Moon, Mercury in Retro, and a Solar Eclipse!

Dear friends, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope the long Thanksgiving Day weekend brings each and every one of you a chance to reflect, rest, and recharge. This is a perfect time to really get into the spirit of the holiday. You could * make a gratitude list * call a friend * take the time to really be present in your life *unwind and recharge Astrologically, things are heating up. On Friday, the New Moon goes into bright and clear, spiritually oriented Sagittarius. It's our time to manifest Sag-style wishes such as: * kindred spirits * religious or philosophical answers * a dedication to the truth * getting excited and working toward the BIG PICTURE, as opposed to the small details   What Else Is Going On?   Just in time for the New Moon, we also hit the Solar Eclipse in Sag as well, bringing major changes. Since Sagittarius is a positive, hopeful sign, consider this New Moon/Eclipse double the energy, double the fun. Plus, toss in the Mercury in Retrograde in Sag from Thanksgiving Day until Dec 14th, and be sure to double check emails and communication skills.   Solar Eclipses are known to: * dislodge situations that aren't working * clear the path for new and fresh starts * remove the "pothole" from your path * clean house in a major way * force "fate" to get involved - things happen for reasons you can't imagine Retrograde Cycles are known to: * confuse communication or create technological issues * force you to be very clear about travel issues * bring old friends or lovers back for resolution While the Mercury in Sag is squaring off to Mars, we may see areas where the communication (and dreams of communication) don't quite match the reality of the day to day grind (Mars) yet. That's ok - just keep chugging along, making allowances for Retro snafus. Overall, this is a powerful time for us - a time to clean house, be thankful and move forward as we get closer to 2012. All my best and a Happy Thanksgiving! Marissa

New Moon in Scorpio - "Dig Deep! Power Up!"

New Moon in Scorpio on October 26, 2011!

(Happy birthday Scorpio? Want a reading? Go here or check out our Facebook page!

The Scorpio New Moon occurs at 3 degrees at 3:57 pm on October 26, 2011.

Scorpio shines a spotlight on the darker areas of our lives. Scorpio energy is powerful, passionate, intense, spiritual, and amazingly strong. The negative side of Scorp? Obsessive, controlling, and dark. We've got this powerful, powerful placement in the New Moon tomorrow night and it will remain there for about 2.5 days. However, we'll be riding out the tide of the Scorpio New Moon for the next two weeks. 

New Moons open the door to manifestation. They ask if we can work with energy and give us a special astrological passport to accomplish and co-create with the universe, so we've got the wonderful chance to really manifest Scorpio issues (see list below) in the next two weeks. 

The Sun is in Scorpio - and the Scorpio New Moon will match it tomorrow night, giving us a double whammy of Scorpio energy. Enough to blast the door open. Enough to plow through hardship and come out, renewed. Enough to really, really, really dig deep and get moving. There's a Facebook image based on the Occupy Wall Street Movement. It's called Occupy the Present and the caption is "Dig deep. Power up!" If I tried, I could not think of a more perfect saying for the New Moon in Scorpio. "DIG DEEP. POWER UP." Bingo! Allow yourself to pay attention to where you are and what you want. Be as authentic as possible.

The New Moon in Scorpio gives you power in the following (Scorpio themed) areas:

• psychological change
• courage 
• the ability to go into the dark and come out into the light
• exploration of your inner self
• rebirth
• regeneration
• personal clarity
• passion - that starts with the spirit
• healing, primarily deep psychological or sexual healing since both psychology and sex are ruled by Scorpio

What else is going on with this New Moon?:

Scorpio energy cleanses the old stuff and breaks it down, so that the new stuff can be born. On October 28, 2011, two days after this Scorpio New Moon, Jupiter (in sensual, earthy, grounded Taurus) trines Scorpio's ruler Pluto (in cranky, slow-moving, status-loving Capricorn). (Some believe that is the actual day that the Mayan calendar ends and projects us into an early "2012" - setting the stage for some major growth potential, both collectively and individually).

What does this mean? Basically the planet of luck (Jupiter) and the planet of the underworld and massive change (Pluto) are joining forces to bring great expansion and luck (a Jupiter quality) as the universe cleans out its closets in order to make room for the new (a Pluto quality) . In other words? Anything you want to drag up from your own personal underworld can only serve you and actually bring you luck and growth (although since Jupiter is in Retrograde until December 25, expect the major movement in this area to be after Christmas). 

Have any questions? Be sure to visit Happy Ganesh on Facebook or drop me an email here.

Image: Creative Commons

Full Moon in Aries, Sun in Libra

Tomorrow, the Full Moon in Aries will hit at around 10 pm, and last for around 2.5 days.

We've got a few interesting things going on here.
1) The Sun (identity) is in Libra
2) Saturn is still in Libra until the fall of 2012
3) The Full Moon in Aries asks us where are WE in relationships. Where do we fit in?

The start of the month asked us to manifest peaceful relationships. Saturn continues to ask us "What mature lessons are we learning?" The Full Moon in Aries wants what it wants. It asks you to feel the fiery, passionate, let's-do-it-now gasbag of feeling. This is a little bit like having part of our nature that will want peace and harmony (Sun Libra), the other part will want what it wants right the f*** now (Moon Aries), and the wise, old teacher in the corner (Saturn in Libra) asking us to make wise, long-term decisions. This Full Moon is going to ask us to focus on the self, in lieu of other "peace-making" chances and ask us to remember where we are, to not give ourselves up for the sake of Sun Libra peace and harmony. The Full Moon in Aries is also going to encourage us to make fast, quick changes - and the Saturn Libra (til 2012) will encourage us to be that image of the wise old teacher to ourselves.

This is the culmination of the Sun/Moon Libra (New Moon) at the start of the month.

The Aries Full Moon asks you if you have the COURAGE, WILL, AND WARRIOR SPIRIT to follow through with the Libra New Moon of PEACE, BALANCE, AND LOGIC.



Image: Creative Commons

All About Libra: The New Moon, Relationship Energies and More

We're about to enter into the New Moon in Libra on September 27th. This means that the universe is supporting us as we work to create

• harmonious partnerships
• balanced friendships
• fair relationships of all kinds
• health in areas of the body ruled by Libra, including the lower back and stomach
• seeing the other person's side - even if you disagree
• honoring cooperation and fair play
• art or music that uplifts and creates beauty
• business practices or social activism that help create balance and equality

Libra is Justice personified, but it is also Justice, ruled by the Goddess of Love. Libra's desire is to be fair and balanced, while still holding space for human connection and romance. Some astrologers see Libra as fluffy and romantic, dancing around on bubble-gum clouds, forever fashion-concious and unable to make up their minds. Not so! Joan of Arc had Libra planets and so have many famous warriors. The crux of Libra is in a perfect blend of fairness vrs. unfairness.  The 7th house in the wheel of the zodiac rules Libra - romantic partners (and not merely casual lovers), enemies, and lawyers all find their home here. 

Right now, we've got some fantastic and interesting Libra energy bouncing around. Not only is the New Moon in Libra for the next few days, and obviously our Sun is in Libra until October 23, but Saturn (lessons) and Mercury (thought) are also in Libra.  Venus (the planet of love) is also in Libra, its natural home. Love lessons (Saturn) with a gentle twist are here right now.  

Also, thanks to Uranus (the rebel planet) in Aries and Pluto (deep psychological transformation) in Capricorn, relationships and partnerships of all kinds are getting looked at under a bit of a celestial microscope - what doesn't fit - or doesn't fit right now - may drop (gently) away. However, the keywords here are "fair", "balanced", "graceful", and "diplomatic." Even relationships or unions that break up under this influence will go forward with a mutual sense of peace and harmony, with an emphasis on understanding the other's point of view. No throwing of dishes here! On the flip side, relationships that do stick under this romantic and cooperative influence are wielded through change and psychological growth.

New Perspectives

Libra energy puts the emphasis on what we can do as humans when we're in balance - with ourselves and with others in a solid partnership. The key of Libra is interdependency - what astrologer Linda Goodman once called "a perfect blend of summer and winter." How would interactions involve if you were in balance with yourself? What personal harmony and security can you bring to situations outside yourself, if you first tune yourself in? Libra promises to help us answer these questions, especially this month. We can begin to trust in ourselves and our ability to build cooperation with others in fair and balanced relationships, partnerships, marriages, and duos. 

Famous Libra Energy!

1)  John Lennon (born October 9th) was the lead singer of the Beatles. He merged romance (Yoko Ono) and political activism, Libra-style. Here he is, singing about a very Libran concept - karma.

2) Oscar winner Kate Winslet (Titanic, Revolutionary Road), born October 5, brings her class and intelligence to whatever role she's in.

Here she is in the trailer for Contagion (2011).

3) Jane Austen was a Sun Sagittarius but her Moon in Libra led her to create some of the world's first romantic comedies, which all focus on the ins and outs of love and partnership. Here's the trailer for 2005's Pride and Prejudice.

4) Happy Ganesh: Happy Ganesh was born on October 9, 2009, making it a Sun Libra. Happy birthday, Happy Ganesh! We love you. Thanks for writing, guiding, and connecting, and doing your groovy little Ganesh dance along the way. :-) (Here's M.C. Yogi, singing about Ganesh.)

Want more? Want a personalized reading? Want your work edited? Want original blog posts, created especially for your small business? Give us a shout at info@happyganesh.com or check out our main page at www.happyganesh.com

Want the writing blog? Pop over here to get grammar tips, blogs about the publishing industry, and more.

'Til next time.

"Libra Sign Coin -2008"Image: Armenian via Creative Commons

Full Moon in Pisces

We're in the Full Moon in Pisces for the next 2.5 days. The Full Moons present a challenge for us. Whereas New Moons start a chance to manifest a new situation, Full Moons ask us if we can integrate that specific energy into our New Moon (manifestation) plan.

This Full Moon in Pisces is especially poignant because of yesterday's anniversary of 9/11. It's been ten years since the world was rocked and New York stood tall and proud. Ten years of mourning, hope, prayers, and regrowth.

Along similar lines, the Full Moon in Pisces reminds us that we must maintain an internal connection to spirituality, regardless of what its earthy, opposite sign Virgo (now in the Sun) is doing. The Virgo Sun (and the recent Virgo New Moon) shows us the opportunity to integrate ourselves with the detail-oriented, material world. The Full Moon in Pisces reminds us that no "real world" interaction is fully complete without our emotions and connection to our spirituality, our compassion, and our imagination. Whatever house Pisces falls in your chart, you may see something end only to pave the way for something new.

To celebrate the Full Moon

• integrate your compassion and universal humanity into your business plan or other "earthy" endeavour
• work with children or animals
• ask that blocks to your compassion/humanity be removed

In Full Moons, the astrological monthly tide is going out. What elements would you like to be removed?

Til next time,
Marissa

Jupiter in Taurus goes Retrograde Today Until Christmas!

Taurus the Bull (Frozen, Like Retro)

Today, Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion in Taurus (planet of beauty, slow growth, and sensuality) goes Retrograde (backwards) until Christmas day. What does this mean for you?

First of all, Retrograde gets a bad rap. It's during Mercury in Retrograde that we're used to communication blowouts, computer explosions, and relationship/friendship confusion. It's during Venus Retro that we can expect love to sllooooow down. But really, all Retro does is put a specific planet into hibernation for a while - all the energy is there, but it's just gone for a nap.

However, here's what is nice about a Jupiter Retrograde: it's still lucky. Jupiter is the planet of luck so astounding you cannot believe it. It's Santa Claus bringing unexpected presents. It's international and/or expansive. Having a transit or natal chart planet in Jupiter is like watching that area of your life get blown up with a helium pump! Bigger, faster, more fun than ever! Jupiter is also the ruling planet of Sagittarius, one of the most spiritual, belief-oriented signs of the zodiac, so when Jupiter is in Retrograde we start to take that global spiritual perspective back into ourselves, making ourselves our own compasses.

Retrogrades ask us to please keep it a little bit quiet, to reflect, to get clear on our motivations. Maybe no big stage shows until Christmas, but it will ask you to allow the universe to slow you down a little. It's like an automatic reset -- things getting too intense? "No problem", says the universe. "We'll go into Retro." What can you watch for?

• money issues from the past (Retro rules the past) in flux until Christmas
• financial concerns from the past being slowly fixed behind the scenes
• back up your values, stand up for your belief system within yourself 
• focus on internal strength and values (there's that word again!)
• .....and less on the outer trappings of "luck"

Around Christmas, we'll be able to move ahead feeling financially stronger and more spiritually connected, which will be wonderful. Right now, we're being asked to replenish our own inner core with Taurus principals (money, values, belief systems). Be patient, ground into your personal values and build from the inside out. It doesn't matter who is watching.


Image:  Enygmatic-Halycon

The Big Move - Reposted from Happy Ganesh Writing!

(Reposted from Happy Ganesh's Writing Wonderland!)

Boy howdy, do we have big news. Do we ever!

MHC's Writing Wonderland is the writing side of my business Happy Ganesh.

On August 24, 2011, HappyGanesh.com will launch a BRAND NEW SITE, featuring fun stuff like

• gorgeous new look
• free videos about writing!
• bookstore
• a complete list of blogs and publications
• a merch store and more!

Here's our new banner. 

Best of all? We've got a newsletter that can give you info about both sides of Happy Ganesh - either this blog (astrology) or the second blog all about writing. (Want to get both blogs to your inbox? Sign up by email on either blog . To info about ALL things Happy Ganesh, go to the main site on 8/24 and sign up for our newsletter!

Our QR Code

We're so excited that we forgot how to punctuate correctly and started writing words IN ALL CAPS LIKE THIS. That's what happens when we totally forget ourselves. 

Once again, HappyGanesh.com (the new, uber-exciting version will be up on 8/24! Yeah!)

Check it out.