Forecast:: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, June 19-21

Sun in Gemini-Cancer and Moon in Cancer, 2012

Beginning Tuesday 19 June at 10:35a PT | 1:35p ET | 5:35p UT
through Wednesday 20 June
/moon goes void-of-course Thursday 21 at 9:49a PT|12:49p ET|4:49p UT
until Luna enters Leo late Thursday at 8:48p PT|11:48p ET|3:48a(F) UT

~Faith, Courage, Slow Resolution~

The Summer Solstice, the time the sun enters the tropical sign Cancer, this year is Wednesday at 4:10p PT | 7:10p ET | 11:10p UT.

These happen to be the early days of a New Moon so things are somewhat slow coming together. But renewed energy and hope is with us.

Tuesday is somewhat contentious, with a need to be calm and centered.

Venus quincunx Pluto and tri-octile (sesqui-square) Saturn, this period and last, makes for emotional tension, uncertainty in love and, with Venus squaring Neptune, a mystical release from the tension, an other-worldly vision or hope which helps you face the bare sordid facts of human unlovingness or the inability of some to be kind and loving simply because of things they are facing in their lives. I just re-read that sentence and think it is accurate even if complex so I hope you will re-read and ponder it.

This is also the weekly period of the moon's hard aspect (square this time) with Saturn so there is much worry or internal upset, unless you are a totally self-controlled yogi or saint. We face our karma, which is not all bad, but the hard parts of it require us to be honest and realistic. For me and many this would be all but impossible without religious or spiritual faith, hope, and awareness. The prayers and affirmations which help you are going to be essential.

Mars moving toward a trine with Jupiter helps to keep things on a progressive trend no matter what your feelings about them. There is momentum in your thinking and activity, which the sextiles of Mercury with both these planets promote. It would be well not to give up on or neglect the skills you have, which you can keep on using no matter how your feelings may run.

If need be, family matters can be settled through consultation and communication. The past of family, or relatives, comes into the present as a living memory to be dealt with.

The void-of-course period on Thursday suggests that the Tuesday-Wednesday period is better for settling things, getting things done, arriving at decisions. Then on Thursday you could take a welcome break (see time above) even if there is still much to deal with, that is, decelerate, let the tempo be less hurried, struggle less and adapt more.

My own spiritual faith convinces me that the harshness of life is illusory, that all is well, that we can link ourselves with the Highest at any time and see that things will work out well no matter what the temporary trial. The saving and resolving Invisible does not have to be merely believed in; it can be experienced.

{Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday} ~Faith, Courage, Slow Resolution~

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Sunday, Monday, early Tuesday, June 17-19

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Gemini (reprise), 2012

Beginning Saturday-Sunday 16-17 June
at 10:25p(Sa) PT | 1:25a(Su) ET | 5:25a(Su) UT
through Sunday 17 and Monday 18
/moon goes void-of-course Tuesday 19 at 8:03a PT|11:03a ET|3:03p UT
until Luna enters Cancer Tuesday at 10:35a PT | 1:35p ET | 5:35p UT

}Internal Fullness{

"Reprise" means this is the second and last time this year that both sun and moon will be in Gemini; the first was the beginning of the period, May 20-22. We are saying goodbye to the Twins until next year. Yet not so, because Venus shall remain in their sign until August 7. A lot of semi-romantic "twinning" is going on. And Jupiter is there for a year, beginning on Monday the 11th and continuing until the end of June next year. I would guess this is good news for Internet-based businesses and perhaps writers and publishers, also pianists and organists.

These are the final days of the Old Moon so there can be a lack of get-up-and-go. I have found over the years that even in the last quarter of the moon (about the last week before the New) I tend to slack off on my exercise program. I can prevent that through will power but the drift is felt. Study the records of gyms and fitness centers and see if there is a slack-off of business in that final week of the moon. [But you would have to study it over a long time period, not just one week, because it would be statistical.]  (To counter this I am getting up right now to do some hatha yoga, a very active exercise, not a motionless asana.)

I'm back to the keyboard. The approach of a New (exact Tuesday at 8:03a PT | 11:03a ET | 3:03p UT) rather than Full Moon suggests not external but internal fullness, the title of this report. It is less easily expressible but quietly strengthening. This 2.5-day period looks quite good in a lot of ways, basically comfortable, if you attend to what interests you in places where you feel at home. You could be near, or visit, a large building with a large estate, park or yard around it. Something about a past, present or future home becomes interesting and real. There is luxury and conversation. Or, when the final days of the moon act as a damper you might appreciate reading or writing in privacy.

Someone strong and important who interests you has a link to the future, or a beyond-time presence, whether conscious of it or not, and this has an impact. We are more ready than usual for ageless wisdom.

Useful arts and service are not onerous tasks, but the fulfillment of your talents, no matter how little recognition you get. Sometimes you feel yourself budding and expanding with the energy of a rapid magic power, even if it does not externalize in a thoroughly tangible way.

At times you feel yourself daring, courageous and eloquent. Then if you are resolute in training yourself to manifest these abilities in a patterned rather than helter-skelter manner, you will gain wide attention sooner or later.

The beauty of nature is everywhere, and its fruitfulness increasing. You are far from insensible to this. Someone who suffers silently could benefit by your presence or something you give to soothe. You might do this consciously or subconsciously. As you give, so you receive.

{Sunday, Monday, early Tuesday} {Internal Fullness}

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: \Multiple Satisfactions/ : Thursday-Saturday

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Taurus, 2012

Beginning Thursday 14 June at 7:23a PT | 10:23a ET | 2:23p UT
through Friday 15 June
/moon goes void-of-course Saturday 16 at 5:10a PT|8:10a ET|12:10p UT
until Luna enters Gemini Saturday-Sunday
at 10:25p(Sa)PT | 1:25a(Su)ET | 5:25a(Su)UT

\Multiple Satisfactions/

I am getting a happy feeling from this chart, at least for Thursday and Friday. Saturday is more obscure, with the moon void-of-course.

Many factors which have been tangled could become less tangled or untangled. Problems seem of the normal unspectacular sort, which ordinary grit can handle.

Someone who is going to be traveling soon, and who cares about his home and its furnishings and the status it brings him, could be friendly with you. You share with each other your sometimes mysterious ambitions.

A good relationship could develop with someone who is admirable, well-respected, and able to think about things in a large impersonal way which grants success. This has a romantic tinge, with Venus and Mars in a fateful biseptile aspect. "Fateful" means there is something between you which needs to work out to even things out, in a way which is mostly pleasing. You admire each other's cleverness and skill. What you don't understand about each other makes it all the more enjoyable.

You yourself are inventive, perhaps at the top of your form. Much of what you do is unpaid or unrecognized yet benefits yourself and others. Maybe this is emulation of plants and trees, which just keep giving and giving.

Some you interact with, and who fascinate you, have a side which is hard to fathom. They may be a little powerless to deal with the ordinary practical world. Therefore they keep quiet about a lot of things when they feel lacking in force or character. So they might appear a little deceptive, but this is pretty much harmless. In terms of money they may be doing well for themselves. (This could be one side or facet of someone you know which happens to come out at this point even if not always a major part of his or her character.)

Friends protect you and aid you toward success. Prerogatives you enjoy, as a result of birth or achievement, may come to full flower on Friday, perhaps the best day of this week (not just because it is Friday!). You sense how to use everything you have for advantage.

Squares in the chart suggest a bit of contentiousness, or contest, or the mild quarrels or disagreements which make life more spicy. When people fight it can be a pleasure to watch, witness sporting events up to and including boxing and wrestling, and you may indulge in some of that. When there is underlying good will and common sense this is harmless and interesting. This might also be more intellectual contests of chess, poker, debate and so on.

Wandering from here to there in search of pleasures is one potential, and this could be satisfying if not excessive. The popular image of gypsy or bohemian life as lackadaisical, easy, opportunistic and enjoyable could find fulfillment in a happy way. "Dear Prudence" has a way of returning before things get out of hand.

{Thursday, Friday, Saturday} /Multiple Satisfactions\

Cosmic Piper

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Aries, 2012

Beginning Monday-Tuesday June 11-12
at 9:22p(M) PT | 12:22a(T) ET | 4:22a(T) UT
through Wednesday 13 June
/moon goes void-of-course late Wednesday
at 8:10p PT | 11:10p ET | 3:10a(Th) UT
until Luna enters Taurus Thursday 14
at 7:23a PT | 10:23a ET | 2:23p UT

*Community Solidarity*

In some areas of everyone's life there is a kind of emergency mode. That means being alert to dangers or problems and preventing them. It can be done.

There could be despondency and lack of energy, even though you want to get things finished in an honorable way. You might want to fight off some enemy or something which is a threat, such as a threat to your city, neighborhood or area because of development or wrong development. People are ready to shout "Not In My Backyard" and rightly so.

There is no reason to run from what looks like danger or hardship; you can meet them and conquer if you rely on superior strength. Being right grants superior strength.

You want to win what you feel belongs to you, and can do it if you focus on cause and effect, the mechanics of the situation, the things you have to move or adjust in order to have other things come out right.

You could take shelter with someone who is already solid in the community, a pillar of strength due to successful efforts. Community togetherness can vanquish injustice.

Something about cars or their location or procession could be important in all this. People need vehicles for their work or to get supplies. Public transportation is important too and both types of transport need to be reconciled.

There is hope and there is despair. More than at most times, these two are in conflict. If you note the void-of-course time above, and go for your hopes before it begins, you might do well. Gains and successes can be uncertain and delayed, because the moon is opposing Saturn (mostly Wednesday but it carries through both days). If you do your best before the "void" begins Wednesday evening, you will have done much. A natural time of rest or inner slow re-creation may follow until the beginning of the next period (Thursday morning-afternoon).

{Tuesday, Wednesday, early Thursday} *Community Solidarity*

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Late Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 9-11 June, 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Pisces, 2012

Beginning Saturday 9 June at 12:23p PT | 3:23p ET | 7:23p UT
through Sunday 10 June
/moon goes void-of-course Monday 11 at 3:42a PT|6:42a ET|10:42a UT
until Luna enters Aries late Monday 11-earlyTuesday 12
at 9:22p(M) PT|12:22a(T)ET|4:22a(T)UT

~Mellow yet Fascinating and Arousing~

Is the place where you are the right place? Generally this is a pointless question although it occurs to most of us. We can't be moving every month or every year or even every decade in most cases. It appears there is something on your mind concerning your home, where to go from it temporarily as a new place, a place of adventure or enjoyment, a place which offers something different or refreshing. At the same time you are aware of "threats," perhaps imaginary, at the new place you could visit. This is a matter of being prepared mentally and emotionally for facing situations which are unusual for you but probably not really threatening, rather requiring quick mental adjustment.

Those attracted to quick gains, or the appearance of them; gambling, or the mere sense of gambling because in a place where interesting things can happen and possessions be procured, money spent, will have some of their desires satisfied. The mood is daring. It is also voracious, with a desire to engulf, encompass, or grab what you want or need, whether that be culture, music, food, clothing, or entertainment. This can be done wherever you go, but also at home, in more modest but satisfying ways, if you want to stay there and enjoy in an easier manner.

Indeed, luxury beckons, and you have your own version of it at home as well as wherever you venture. This could be decadent, but might be rather interesting, satisfying, and consciousness-expanding. Mellow and relaxed moments are your reward for the hard segments of life you have faced.

Monday, although a work day for most, might continue this trend because the moon will be void-of-course (times above). As for work and projects, the most solid and least questionable parts of them are what you should focus on in a relaxed way. As for pleasures, they will be variable and unpredictable.

Being somewhat lackadaisical, all three days, seems natural and not a terrible sin. You may seem to be doing nothing, much of the time, yet if your aspirations are high and your hopes rich with fascinating possibilities, all you stumble upon will be parts of a rich mind-expanding mosaic.

{Late Saturday, Sunday, Monday} ~Mellow yet Fascinating and Arousing~

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Thursday, Friday, early Saturday, June 7-9, 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Aquarius, 2012

Beginning Thursday 7 June at 7:18a PT | 10:18a ET | 2:18p UT
through Friday 8 June
/moon goes void-of-course Saturday 9 at 11:34a PT|2:34p ET|6:34p UT
until Luna enters Pisces Saturday at 12:23p PT | 3:23p ET | 7:23p UT

}Daring to Choose{

Connections with people at a distance and from your past are favored. There is bonhomie and camaraderie.

Questions of "stuff" and things you need to organize remain in the background. Doing some of that gives you an edge and makes the rest feel much more pleasant. You can alternate between the "stuff" of organizing and a nice social time. Many will be on the move. Some will be mapping travel plans for later.

Something connected with plumbing may turn up. Don't be alarmed, it may be as simple as cleaning a drain, toilet or sink.

Whatever problems there are may come from unexpected places. You could be weak and indifferent to them and therefore somewhat hurt by them. Or you could stay alert and avoid falling prey to peculiar machinations or losses. You may find that some individuals who are otherwise good for you seem indifferent, remote, not willing to confide in you or be open.

You yourself may be "in another world" and not wanting to work. Minimum essentials at least need to be done. Your unusual abilities, somewhat scientific or technical, are emphasized at least when you are alone.

Someone, perhaps a woman, who seems cold or remote may still have a good influence on you because of her sound judgment.

When you are active and restless, self-willed, you could benefit by calming down and thinking a little about your deeper intentions, or you might realize at the end of the day that you have been flitting in circles. Being an opportunist, that is, grabbing at opportunities and trying them despite anxiety, could be effective.

Many factors connected with career and income have been, or are, easy. This gives you a sense of luxury. Then from that you can anticipate astute moves you can make to preserve your good fortune. Such acumen is a gift from above. (The Bright Hermetic Epoch when decisions are easier lasts a couple more weeks until the 27th).

It is always possible to feel dejected if one looks on the dark side. Not everyone has pleased you in the way you wish. Many have their own programs which differ from yours. However, most planetary aspects are strong and encouraging. You could use your learning, your knowledge and implicit good sense, plus intuition, to avoid confusion arising from a failure of will. Then you can connect with high understanding, narrow your choices, and manifest some of your hopes.

{Thursday, Friday, early Saturday} {Daring to Choose}

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Tuesday and Wednesday, June 5-6, 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Capricorn, 2012

Beginning Tuesday 5 June at 5:32a PT | 8:32a ET | 12:32p UT
through Wednesday 6 June
/moon goes void-of-course Thursday 7 at 5:39a PT|8:39a ET|12:39p UT
until Luna enters Aquarius Thursday at 7:18a PT|10:18a ET|2:18p UT

\Sharing Thankless Tasks/

(I have a feeling a lot of readers will not get past the title of this report but it is the title which came to me.)

The planets have settled back into a seesaw pattern, which helps with interpersonal communication on the business as well as the personal level. People are watching out for their own interests (moon in Capricorn) but are able to do that with an awareness of what the other fellow wants and needs as well, which can make their selfishness more successful and, in effect, more helpful to the world.

How many of my readers are students of the deeper Mysteries? Probably quite a few. It is too easy to reduce the Mysteries to platitudes. Many popular "new-agey" writings tend to do that, no matter how sincere the authors may be. Back to Blavatsky and Sri Aurobindo! These are writers who knew deeply what they were talking about. (Their viewpoints are different, but that is not disturbing to the one who goes deeply enough in the teachings of either of them.)  Of course they are not easy to read! Why would the sacred Truth be easy? And who is worthy of it but the one who is willing to put forth some effort to attain it?

There are a few other writers in the field worth reading, but I am afraid not many readers find them. It is all too easy to be mentally lazy. On the other hand, we all need inspiration, and something which inspires you can be good collateral reading even if it is less profound. It is your "energy drink," but you also need protein.

Good judgment is essential among friends as well as in business. You will benefit by getting active in the community, manifesting peace among those who are trying to bring about a better world even if their approach leaves much to be desired. In some ways, you could do it better. In other ways, you have something to learn from them, even perhaps from their mistakes.

I am seeing something in the chart which most of us, fortunately, do not have to face, but which many on the planet are facing. Again, I think of Syria, where unspeakable brutality, and worse (for "brutes" are less cruel), has been happening. You are probably free of a cruel tyrant, yourself, but some are not, whether prisoners or abused children or others. There may be some way you can help, at least through awareness and prayer, or whatever you are led to do by your soul's pleading. Maybe you need to say something to someone about an intolerable situation.

At a less intense level, these energies can be a need to get active, by resolving personal matters which you have neglected, in a definite clear way. (The strong squares between Mars and Venus-with-the sun are part of this.) We all dislike "finicky" but necessary drudgery, but some of it cannot be avoided, so may as well be accepted as cheerfully as possible.

The "thankless task" builds character, and who knows but that the cosmos or its Head will bless and thank you in due time? An inner poise based in spiritual surety can keep you from wasting your time in any way. The best pleasure now would seem to be association with those who are friends to your own best objectives in one way or another.

{Tuesday and Wednesday} /Sharing Thankless Tasks\

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Sunday and Monday, 3-4 June, 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Sagittarius, 2012

Beginning Sunday 3 June at 5:33a PT | 8:33a ET | 12:33p UT
through Monday 4 June
/moon goes void-of-course late Monday-early Tuesday
at 10:09p PT(M) | 1:09a ET(Tu) | 5:09a UT(Tu)
until Luna enters Capricorn Tuesday at 5:32a PT|8:32a ET|12:32p UT

*Recovering Fumble through Firmness*

Have you noticed that you are connecting more with people from your past, old friends or relatives? This is symbolized by Venus being retrograde in Gemini. New links are also possible although they may feel as if links from a past life.

This is the Full Moon period, with the expansion of consciousness always furthered at that time. Connections with friends at a distance are good. You will probably settle housekeeping matters or organize in your headquarters. 

Something you have been delaying concerning home and travel may be forced toward settlement. There can be luck when it comes to moving things, or yourself, from here to there or back.

There is a division or contrast between superficial things, in which you could get lost unless you trim them, and deeper matters of the soul, which ought to get determined attention even if that requires some sacrifice of easy pleasures.

You judgment is likely to be good when it comes to household and organizational matters, as well as self-expression and anything about young people. You can meet self-centeredness in people, with its accompanying coarseness, through savoir faire, rising above it. Neither you, nor he or she, can compel the other.

If aware of injustices or crimes of a tyrant or unjust government (Syria comes to mind), you could ponder this until you arrive at some point of conclusion or decision as to what you could do to further justice. If you need to shout out or explode about something that is wrong, you can do it in some context or other (while of course not overdoing it to the point of rousing retaliation).

You may feel versatile, and try a lot of things. That is fine so long as you don't fumble too much, losing ground in terms of major goals. If you have to drop some minor things for now, you can pick them up later. If you hold firm to intentions, you can do well, in the light of Luna as she basks in the sun's full radiance.

{Sunday and Monday} *Recovering Fumble through Firmness*

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Friday and Saturday, June 1-2, 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Scorpio, 2012

Beginning Friday 1 June at 5:32a PT | 8:32a ET | 12:32p UT
through Saturday 2 June
/moon goes void-of-course Sunday 3 at 2:31a PT|5:31a ET|9:31a UT
until Luna enters Sagittarius Sunday at 5:33a PT|8:33a ET|12:33p UT

~Chosen Targets~

Moon-in-Scorpio periods are not always critical in a painful way but beneath them is the question, "What is everlasting? What is eternal? In what have I invested my immortality, or in what can I invest myself to be immortal?" One may not think of such things consciously but the soul is considering them.

It would be well to consider one's fixed purposes. Scorpio is a fixed sign and the sign of death. It is perhaps uncomfortable to consider, "What will people think of me when I am gone?" but the question is a good one to help prevent pointless or frivolous pursuits which "go nowhere" and are not worthy of you.

Your mind is alert, even brilliant along the lines of your special ability, and you have high aspirations. You are not lazy, for the squares between Mars and the three "inner planets" (from Earth to and including our Sol) activate the mind and possibly the body. A question is whether this energy gets lost in the mind and fails to get things moving on the physical level. Another is, "What do you want to move or be moved?" and an answer to that will help you get in motion.

What do you judge to be of real value? What do you choose to read? Putting these questions together could help you get beyond mental time-wasting so that you can arrive at conclusions.

A rash or impetuous tendency could get you in trouble when it comes to discussing work or finances. It is not always well to mention some things which seem harmless to you but push buttons in other individuals. Then, when they "go off" one could make things worse by "going off" oneself to combat their misunderstanding, and on and on. It is well to avoid that.

People want to "go higher." But the spiritual higher might appear the material lower. For example, someone who decides to cheat or lie to gain more money might succeed for a time but is going lower rather than higher spiritually. Someone else who resists the temptation and is content with menial service may be lower on the economic ladder but is higher spiritually. To go higher on both ladders is of course possible, but seems a rare attainment.  Putting the material before the spiritual does not cut it.

At present, travel plans could be on the level of the frivolous or foolish unless they have a solid reasonable purpose. Connecting with old or new friends could be good--if, again, there is a long-term purpose.

You can be dextrous in handling issues which come up, not sacrificing your dignity but not pressing your case to the point of serious conflict. People will respect a solid stand, and back away.

Some can be voracious, greedy and selfish to a point which might shock you. They are not all in prison. Nor are you called upon, most likely, to corral them unless you are a law officer. So minding your own business and aiming at your chosen targets is best. One shot in basketball, one bat in baseball is just part of the game.

{Friday and Saturday} ~Chosen Targets~

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Wednesday and Thursday 30-31 May 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Libra, 2012

Beginning Wednesday 30 May at 3:47a PT | 6:47p ET | 10:47p UT
through Thursday 31 May
/moon goes void-of-course Thursday at 6:32p PT|9:32p ET|1:32a(F) UT
until Luna enters Scorpio Friday at 5:32a PT | 8:32a ET | 12:32p UT

}Liberty Within Limits of Regulation{

There is a clear distinction between these two days: Wednesday is better for most purposes. I would put venturesome, bold things on the agenda for Wednesday and ordinary, dull, routine things for Thursday. Wednesday has the advantage of the moon's trines (from Libra to Gemini) with the sun, Mercury, and Venus, this last in effect mostly later at night, the others earlier. Also, the moon goes into the Via Combusta during sleep-time between Wednesday and Thursday, and moves much closer to Saturn on Thursday. Thursday is a time to be circumspect, careful and deliberate, avoiding stumbles.

The square between Mars and Mercury, both in Mercurial signs, is good for mental sharpness and alertness. It is well to prevent unexpected or unsuspected harshness in what you say or the way you interact. If you need to correct someone he or she will get the clue if you are gentle but could rebel if you are too frank. Diplomacy is essential.

You will be suspicious, and perhaps that is best in many cases, so that you do not get lost in someone else's pointless schemes. People may be jumping to conclusions carelessly and you do not need to do that or get mixed up in anyone else's mistakes.

Wednesday evening and Thursday morning are best socially, although Thursday has other problems as pointed out.

A new biquintile between Jupiter and Saturn could help many recover somewhat financially. A quintile between Venus and Uranus grants exotic love-interest or attraction, perhaps with someone you would not suspect, especially Wednesday, crashing or subsiding on Thursday--or if it picks up it could be somewhat dangerous.

You could organize home or attend to its needs Wednesday. Thursday's choices of entertainment may be thoughtful yet disturbing. With help, younger people are learning self-control.

{Wednesday, Thursday} {Liberty Within Limits of Regulation}

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Monday and Tuesday, 28-29 May, 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Virgo, 2012

Beginning Monday 28 May at 11:07p(Su) PT | 2:07a ET | 6:07a UT
through Tuesday 29 May
/moon goes void-of-course late Tuesday, early Wednesday
at 10:51p(Tu) PT | 1:51a(W) ET | 5:51a(W) UT
until Luna enters Libra Wednesday 30 at 3:47a PT|6:47a ET|10:47a UT

\Opposite Methods Coalesce/

It has been interesting to see the number of Virgo-Gemini relationships, friendships, and close-relative connections over the years. Today with the luminaries in those two signs, if you are one of them (by sun-sign) you might notice a connection with the other one becoming renewedly significant. The squared signs often have karma with one another, and these two are both ruled by Mercury. They often fight, but keep coming back to connect with each other.

The combination today (for everyone) suggests that you might be jumping around quickly from one thing to another and finding it hard to concentrate on anything long enough to finish it thoroughly. If you overcome that tendency you could get a lot done either in your job or just in your questing, alert mind.

I have mentioned the "I'll show them" tendency of the sun and Mars in a square. This is a good trend toward intelligent competition, unless misused, when it could become pointless and destructive rivalry. What you want to shine at is something you can do, no matter how misunderstood it might be at first.

Mercury and Venus join that square with Mars, while the moon is with Mars during this period. Calm down! I think we could all do a great deal these two days  and feel glad about it provided we keep ourselves grounded in whatever is most important, holding our minds back from running in circles to nowhere.

As for the Venus-Mars square, I would like to say something good about it, but it tends toward inter-sexual anger. He won't do this and is wrong about that, while she won't do that and is wrong about this. Some astrologers say it can be hot eroticism, and no doubt it could be if your idea of a hot time is somebody pricking you with needles. Well, it doesn't have to be that bad. People I have known with this aspect in their birth-charts have not had harmonious love-lives. However, all aspects have their use. This one lasts technically from May 25 through June 13. You might see what has gone wrong with past relationships (Venus is retrograde). As for new friendships or relationships, they might be good, but you should watch out for whatever went wrong in the past raising its ugly head again. How can you end any cycle of self-defeat in love? I can't answer but hope the question will be helpful.

A clue: One partner has flip, clever, creative, changeable methods (Gemini); the other has serious, careful, well-developed, cautious methods (Virgo). This could be true in a lot of relationships at present whether or not the two parties actually have planets in either of those signs in their horoscopes. A failure to understand each other's ways of thinking and doing could be part of the problem. The "Gemini"-symbolized partner has to slow down to placate "Virgo," to be more cautious and reasonable, which might seem like a drag; the "Virgo"-symbolized partner has to adjust, often unwillingly and with annoyance, to "Gemini"s changeable experimentalism. Or, they could just go separate ways for a while, but it seems that something won't let them.

The attempt to solve mysteries and gain knowledge is strong. If you hold on patiently to the path to what you are seeking, no matter how labyrinthine, you will get there. This could be specially true late Tuesday. Wise judgment comes to you.

There are those who help defend you, your home, your position and income. They go mostly unsung and act silently while you benefit from their devotion to their assignments.

Thrift and patience hold things together for you if you don't rock the boat. Routes to gain are often hidden from the casual eye.
Someone strong on your mother's or father's side of the family has given you a genetic and probably a personal heritage, through what you learned from her or him. You as a child or youngster could be re-met by you-now in reverie so you can pick up on what he or she found out but partly forgot. Your inner child has something to teach you about relating to people socially or in business.

One side of you aspires to dignity and dominion and wants to be conscientious while controlling your world successfully. Another side of you is lax, easy-going, playful, taking a break from what "mostpeople" think is necessary drudgery. If these two cooperate you could stumble upon a secret formula for effortless effort.

{Monday and Tuesday} /Opposite Methods Coalesce\

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Late Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 25-27, 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Leo, 2012

Beginning Friday 25 May at 3:12p
through Saturday 26 May
moon goes void-of-course Sunday 27 at 4:55p PT|7:55p ET|11:55p UT
until Luna enters Virgo Sun-Mon at 11:27p PT|2:27a(M)ET|6:27a(M)UT

*Settling Plans Bring Peace*

It is nice that the |harsh third of the week| has earlied-up to before the weekend so we are free of it except for Friday this time.

Mercury is moving ever-closer to the sun at this center of a Bright Hermetic Epoch and this is a good time to get as many of your definite plans on track as you can. What are your priorities for the next two to four months, or through the summer? You might want to make a list as a way of focusing your intentions.

Fussy stuff having to do with job, career, and money is on your mind even through the weekend. It looks as if it is settling out fairly well although you might feel a sense of responsibility about it which weighs you down at times.

Well-intentioned, nice people who are confused, and who by not trusting the right people make trouble for those who are trustworthy, are a problem which leaders of organizations, or others within them, have to face. I wish I had an easy answer. You have to go with your conscience as well as you can.

Still it can be a happy, pleasant weekend. You may notice a lot of people with their pets. Or other animals may come to your attention. You feel the goodness and beauty of nature and want to share it but feel also an inner sense that some of your hopes are not being fulfilled in a way which would benefit everyone the most. Perhaps you are more sensitive than the world and the world's insensitivity is painful to you. Still there is much you can do, and you should not minimize your contribution or the higher rewards it is sure to bring. Laboring along as if one were a machine, or part of one, seems wearisome ("Old Man River"), but Gandhi willingly submitted himself to the discipline of his daily spinning.

A rash or impetuous tendency has been around for a couple weeks, with Mars tri-septile Uranus and Uranus square Pluto, which makes it hard for people to relax in one spot so they have to keep moving and sometimes feel they are sparring with those around them. It appears however that you are domesticating some of this impulse and turning it toward your business or financial dealings, to profit by a fresh, inventive impetus. This is restless, but does not have to be disturbingly so.

Living simply (speaking of Gandhi) is possible even to those who have found amazing techniques of gaining prosperity. Perhaps they realize that financial security is a way to realize the deeper hopes of humanity rather than to consume conspicuously.

Those in power positions, if they are highly motivated, have to use their strength and position to quell some dissatisfactions below them when those dissatisfactions are based on a misapprehension of what is possible. (Witness for example what is happening in France, Greece, and elsewhere.) I am not saying the people are always wrong, far from it, but Plato made it clear that democracy has its limits when the "demos" or population thinks or acts unwisely. I am not siding with Angela Merkel against Francois Hollande of France. Nor for or against the socialists in Greece. We all must know that there are no simple answers to these things and that a "mixed economy" is the way things are going everywhere. It's a matter of balance, so that democracy does not become demonocracy. This can be perhaps as bad as plutocracy on the other end of the seesaw.

At a much more relaxed level, there are prospects for hospitality and good will, respite, natural beauty, human charm, and pleasant pastimes. This could be specially true Saturday into early Sunday. There is peace, contentment, courtesy, and calm thoughtfulness. Artistry and generous responsiveness prevail.

{Late Friday, Saturday, Sunday} *Settling Plans Bring Peace*

Cosmic Piper

Wednesday, Thursday, early Friday, May 23-25, 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Cancer, 2012

Beginning Wednesday 23 May at 4:32a PT | 7:32a ET | 11:32a UT
through Thursday 24 May
/moon goes void-of-course Friday 25 at 7:35a PT|10:35a ET|2:35p UT
until Luna enters Leo Friday at 3:12p PT | 6:12p ET | 10:12p UT

~Fulfilling Yet Transcending Needs~

It's moody and intense, with people holding on to what they have for dear life. There may be another spiritual world, is the attitude, but this one is the one I know and I'm fastened to it like a leech. (People hate bed bugs and mosquitoes, but are we really any different in the way we exploit other animate beings, causing them more suffering than those insects cause us?) (Couldn't help the mini-lecture, and you may find others in a similar mood.) Bain Capital! You will be hearing more about them than you want over coming months. Are human beings parasites on one another? I am sorry to bring up such unpleasant thoughts but they seem to be in the nature of current astrological aspects, that is, we find out where, how, and to what extent we are hard-nosed bastards who want what we think is our due no matter what anybody else thinks about it. Some such as Ayn Rand and Nietzsche (in some of his moods) think this is admirable.

Another potential is hard-nosed social connections, based on "Love me or else," that is, you better love me because if you don't you are a piece of .....  Pop singers, especially the females it seems, get away with expressing this attitude in their songs, which might explain why their love lives are so hideous.

Well, at its best this is refreshing up-front boldness with a pumped-up humor kick. And if you can't laugh, you will be crying.

Organizing things at home for the sake of friendship, love, or freedom of motion is one potential or necessity.

People see into one another sharply and pungently, so there is little sentiment except the raunchy and humorous, or an implicit detective-like judgment. However this can have its own kind of charm. Seeing into someone else's peccadilloes is the glory of the gossip or of the closed-mouthed but ever-ready sleuth.

For this to be a happy time you will have to depend on everybody's sense of humor. If somebody consequential doesn't have one, heaven help you.

Serving is something we all either have to do or pretend to do. So when you get no recognition or applause, you may as well chortle.

There is pride in people beyond what you might surmise. Therefore there is hurt in them when their pride has been injured, and you can't expect them to point this out to you, so you need to be perceptive enough to sense it and coddle their poor hurt feelings a little. For your own sake, of course.

A woman with a child comes to your attention and you envy her enjoyment of her motherhood (I say this as one who has fortunately never been a mother). Well, there are things she does enjoy about it, such as seeing her child learn, backtrack, and learn again through all the inevitable brattishness and gradually-more-mature prudence.

A boy, or a man in a power position, is feeling his oats and either being cutely male or chauvinistically arrogant. You are there to appreciate this or modify it, whether you are female or male. There is a factor of invitation, or each wanting to let the other in a little closer, and finding some way to do this whether event, communication, meal, or other togetherness. The moon's square with Saturn, especially Thursday and Friday, can make this more sensitive and difficult. Probably Wednesday is better for being with someone, but you do not have to hide on the other two days.

Those may be days for dignity, although you do not have to lose your sense of humor. There are times to keep it to yourself (but not with observably stifled laughter). Life is a theater but not a tragedy, or at least we do our best to prevent that, which is why I suggest comedy. But when you get weary of that, you might succumb to the blues, and learn a lot by just giving in to your anxieties and worries for a while, lying down or sitting down with closed eyes to think of someone you admire who has been through terrible sufferings. Then you can rise above yours with the spirit of that blessedly redeemed individual supporting you.

{Wednesday, Thursday, early Friday} ~Fulfilling Yet Transcending Needs~

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Late Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, May 20-22, 2012

Sun in Gemini and Moon in Gemini, 2012

Beginning Sunday 20 May at 4:06p PT | 7:06p ET | 11:06p UT
through Monday 21 May
/moon goes void-of-course Tuesday 22 at 3:52p PT|6:52p ET|10:52p UT
until Luna enters Cancer Wednesday 23 at 4:32a PT|7:32a ET|11:32a UT

}Connections Forming{

We have the New Moon with us 42 minutes after this period begins. This is a slow mild breeze behind our backs for the beginning of the coming month. You will be able to see or sense what is the best course for you and pursue it.

It involves people, because the sun and moon are in Gemini with a preponderance of planets in common or mutable signs. Networking, linking, communicating are highly favored and so you can be bold in such areas. You can take the initiative instead of waiting for someone to do so. Then you will find people join hands around you.

Action at home is favored, such as organizing things there for happier efficiency.

The sun beginning to square Mars is a quivering intensity (with us for three more weeks). It is the "I'll show them" aspect. You are very personal in your desire to "show them" that you have succeeded and are doing something worthy of admiration. You will think of specific people you would like to better in competition, or others (living or dead) you would like to impress. Of course you can do it.

Anything connected with computers, smartphones, iPads, or television can be handled with good results. The technical side of such things is easier to handle than in recent weeks. There is also a zero-cost iPad in the mind and astral body which comes alive in dreams or reveries.

Someone you like who has fine perceptions, like a deer or sensitive animal, is on your mind and the prospects are good for linking with her or him. Let us see what the bi-nonagen (two-ninths of the circle) between Venus and Mars brings. Perhaps not much except in imagination, unless you are "bold" as previously suggested. Other-sex or same-sex romantic links are favored. With the sun square Neptune, this could also be subtle and non-physical. Mysterious characters around you crave for some kind of approval or affection.

Those who do not get sufficient credit, respect, or pay may be on your mind, or you may be one of them. Subconsciously everybody seems to realize that there are laws of karma, that we get what we need, but when one feels left behind it is hard to see that one really does have what one needs in order to better one's situation. Yet this is true.

Those who defend others from harm are heroes. Sometimes they offer actual defense, as in advocates overcoming injustice; others offer refuge or salvaging comfort. Someone of this nature will become visible to you. It is well to realize this person's basic goodness.

Someone tolerant and agreeable will serve you almost as a mother. She or he has also needs which become evident, and when you rise to the occasion there is harmony and happiness in flowered paths. Still, there is a somewhat hard edge, because people are trying to accomplish things and wanting very much to succeed.

Some whom you would not choose immediately as friends may still be so. They may be older, or not colorful until you get to know them. One of these, or someone from the past who has come into your life, could be "the one" for the moment. You are invited and are inviting.

It is good to be daring and courageous, and to say what you mean with conviction. Your sympathetic certainty will sway or persuade some toward your hopes.

{Late Sunday, Monday, Tuesday} {Connections Forming}

Cosmic Piper

Friday, Saturday, most of Sunday, May 18-20, 2012

Sun in Taurus and Moon in Taurus (reprise), 2012

\Shifting or Rearranging Peaceably/

Beginning Friday 18 May at 3:04a PT | 6:04a ET | 10:04a UT
through Saturday 19 May
/moon goes void-of-course Sunday 20 at 5:36a PT | 8:36a ET | 12:36p UT
until Luna enters Gemini Sunday at 4:06p PT | 7:06p ET | 11:06p UT

Readjustments are a key. Nobody wants to hear that probably, I certainly don't, yet it seems from the chart that most of us will be shifting things around this weekend, either bags and baggage, or household items or furnishings, or whatever we need to shift in order to be comfortable and efficient in our environments.

The Part of Fortune is in the 12th sector, that is, the moon is dying before the New Moon which occurs right after this period ends, at 4:48p PT | 7:48p ET | 11:48p UT on Sunday. The 12th house is "prison," but usually only psychologically, that is, you feel locked in or locked off from the world. Sometimes that is welcome privacy.

What is "the world," as opposed to human beings themselves, but "things and things and more things," and it might seem that things are in the saddle and human beings are the saddled. You want your home to be nice and are willing to pay the price of making it so. On the other hand, you may wonder why you have acquired so much bric-a-brac, some of which you might dispense with for greater freedom of motion.

You want also to be free to travel or be on the move when you wish, so are hoping to be free of any ball-and-chain which holds you firmly to one place all the time.

It's possible you think of ways of helping or saving people who are not happy with where they are or need to be elsewhere temporarily or permanently. Can you take them where they need to go, or guide them? There would be rewards of interesting friendship along the way.

Your interest in a science or teaching might be strong, although you may be able to share it with only a few.

You may have noticed people being rash or impetuous while Mars has been quincunx Uranus, and now those two have moved to a tri-septile, which suggests that any argument which has been brewing may come to fateful fruition--this could be a good resolution, at best, so you could set your mind toward that and try to make it happen, rather than a continuation of friction.

Hidden differences of opinion are possible even with those you value highly. For example, you may resent a friend's not understanding the hard work you do, and he or she may feel the same about your non-appreciation of his or her efforts. Yet people need time to be themselves, sometimes alone without interference of either praise or blame. Still, mentioning to someone how much his or her efforts are appreciated can be a game-changer.

Frustration with certain difficulties could lead to arrogant pride when one tries to assert one's superiority to the difficulties before one has earned one's way past them.

You want to live up to ideals inculcated in you by your past hopes. The attempt to do it, not a huge strain, can be rather an elixir. A small attempt leads to more progress than one would have thought.

Honest, sympathetic individuals may be near, at least part of the time, and you can enjoy luxuries together, even if merely pausing in the midst of changeable activities and locations. A rich, beautiful venue or place to visit (as well as your home itself) is reassuring, either Friday, Saturday, Sunday or all three days.

{Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 18-20} /Shifting or Rearranging Peaceably\

Cosmic Piper

Next Forecast for this Weekend

The next forecast will be posted Thursday, covering the sun and moon in Taurus, Friday through most of Sunday.

Cosmic Piper

Wednesday 16 May 2012

*Reaching High and Low for Willed Collaboration*

There are potentials of smoother communication than in recent days. This could be with neighbors or co-workers. Friends will be more accessible and reasonable, your minds clicking together rather than chafing against each other.

It's hard to believe that any of you readers would be inclined toward deliberately hurting anyone, but such tendencies could be "out there" with the positions of the sun and Mars in a septile aspect while Mars remains octile Saturn. This could have an erotic side as in sexual sadism. The constructive use of the aspect would be more for self-examination, and therefore also for probing examination of others as to their psychological tendencies. Resulting insights could be cathartic and beneficial. (Subconsciously, this could be why people are drawn to horror or murder novels and films, to hone their probing awareness of crazy or evil tendencies in others and themselves, and therefore exorcise them.)

Scientific awareness is intensified in any field to which you are drawn. (For example, astrology has remarkable potentials for ameliorating the most intense human problems, such as mental or emotional illness and criminality. I can envision the day when astrologers will regularly meet with prisoners, for example, to help them understand how better to fulfill their destinies. Astrology is an angel of light, obscured by demons of darkness who claim to be "scientists.")

Your mind is unusually inventive, even if you are denied recognition for your discoveries. If you try to use them for the benefit of others, they will increase.

You could be impetuous, with the moon in Aries close to Uranus. You could make a splash, hopefully without hurting or seriously inconveniencing anyone. Sometimes it seems the "brats" of the world are given a chance to shake things up. Of course, there must be limits.

Whether those whom you serve appreciate and reward your service or not, it develops your capacities. You have both mechanical or scientific and more generalizing philosophic abilities. You can use them practically, and could benefit financially through what you see as workable possibilities. Intelligence is the ability to do, but first must be the willingness to try.

Patience and thrift are strong values, under the aegis of the grand trine in earth signs plus the quincunx of Jupiter and Saturn. While holding back from loss, you develop ways of gain which are eccentric or unusual. So you could come out with a success no one had foreseen.

People are basically good-willed and cooperative. This includes some who please or attract you, "apples of your eye," whose influence is uplifting whether you work together concretely or merely inspire each other.

{Wednesday} *Reaching High and Low for Willed Collaboration*

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Tuesday 15 May 2012

Tuesday 15 May 2012

*Toward Renewed Hopes*

The banking industry is of course ruled by Taurus, the natural second house of the zodiac. "Pecuniary" is derived from the Latin "pecus" meaning cattle, the medium of exchange in ancient agricultural societies. We now have Mercury, the sun and Jupiter in Taurus and we have the brouhaha about J. P. Morgan Chase and its CEO Jamie Dimon. (In his birth-chart he has Venus in Taurus trine Mars exalted in Capricorn, very fortunate.) Fascinatingly, all this broke just as the sun and Jupiter in the pecuniary sign were exactly (by two degrees) quincunx Saturn in Libra the sign of balance and justice. And so of course the Libran "regulators" in Congress as well as the S.E.C. are looking askance at J. P. Morgan and the whole banking industry and considering what to do about further regulations. The quincunx has to do with the unexpected, with a "thorn in the flesh" as I said last time, or with a "monkey wrench." This latter implement has been thrown into the banking industry by the several-billion-dollar trading loss of J. Dimon & co. There is something oddly fateful about the quincunx. It comes out of the blue and forces change.

Whatever you are doing to balance (Libra) your own accounts, your income and outgo, is undergoing change as well, and it could be progressive and happy change because of the grand trine in earth signs among Mercury, Pluto, and Mars. In other words, you are smart enough to figure it out. (As is Jamie Dimon, I would guess.)

You may want to hold back a little, however, because through most of the Western Hemisphere working day, from 5a-2:47p PT | 8a-5:47p ET | 12p-9:47p UT, the moon is void-of-course in Pisces. Routine things are good, as well as wool-gathering while looking out the window. Or, to make that more respectable and edifying, turn it into profound spiritual meditation. At the end of that period the moon enters Aries and fresh possibilities may occur to you which perk you up.

You may be secretive, confident in your internal strength. You pick up on clues from everywhere even if there seems little you can do about them at present (unless after the time given). You serve by doing what you have to do, and this is satisfaction in itself.

It is true that you would like to be the first in many things, to get ahead of the crowd and be yourself passionately. Why not? These are your private obsessions which you cherish. As you realize what they mean to you, ways open up for implementing them in the broader social context.

There come times when we wonder how much we can trust people. I would say, trust those who have been trustworthy in the past, but be careful of any new links or commitments, especially during the void-of-course period. You are looking out carefully on both sides of you and using your intelligence to estimate what can be done. This may involve fateful changes in your living situation, your approach to income, and your way of cooperating with a male who is sharp and clever while finding, increasingly, his true path. He cares about his work and income in ways which you probably don't understand, because it seems everyone's economy is different, and experienced differently.

Some situations involving children and your home are improving. These young people have been wanting to find a way to play and be themselves in a secure environment. The problems of a parent have not helped. Fresh elements in the situation can bring peace and concord. Younger people need someone older as a subtle guiding influence.

Friends have their own issues and may be off in their own worlds. Fate is leading them to do what they need to do. Meanwhile good feelings are not absent, although they seem subordinate to practical matters. Still you can think about and maybe link with friends. After the moon enters Aries (time above) you may sense what the next step is likely to be.

{Tuesday} *Toward Renewed Hopes*

Cosmic Piper

Monday 14 May 2012

~Career as Service~

A focus on career is natural while the Part of Fortune is in the 10th sector, so that you are willing to spend more time at perfecting your approach to your particular skill (whether used directly for profit or not) than usual. It's a matter of pride and honor.

The missing pieces of the puzzle may cause some agony. The quincunx is the "thorn in the flesh" aspect, or can be, presenting unresolved issues in unexpected form. We have one between Mars and Uranus, Virgo to Aries, which can be technical problems as well as issues about your health regimen. There is also one between Saturn and the Jupiter-sun conjunction. Today this could affect questions of travel, such as local errands, having to go places you didn't expect to go, as well as peculiar personal relationships which seem to go nowhere yet require attention. What you need may seem oddly unattainable until you go around obstacles seemingly put perversely in your path.

At times you may be willing to do your work unseen, unheralded, unacknowledged. You can be the mystery man or woman who is not even realized as indispensable. You sense remarkable things about methods of getting things done. You are also alert to human relationships held under a cloud because people are shy as well as focused on their own duties.

Some of the things you have developed methods for doing, though getting little or no applause or reward, are of great value to more than one individual. So you keep on no matter what the frustrations, and earn "a reward in heaven" or in your karmic bank account.

Some of the depression to which you might be subject could be relieved by remembering teaching which has been given you by someone who has your best interests at heart, albeit may be hard to follow that instruction.

The moon is in Pisces. Those who need a social safety net may turn up on your doorstep. How do we treat those who beg or ask for help? Jesus said "Give to those who ask you," without qualification. Jesus did not say, "First consider whether this person deserves what he asks for and then give only if you think he will use it wisely." That is a distinctly unChristian way to think. Am I able to follow that advice of the Master? I have failed over and over again. I usually pull back from those who ask for money on the street. But recently a young woman who looked sad and helpless asked, and I shook my head and walked on, and afterward have had many sad thoughts about her, feeling that I had been a lout to reject her request for a dollar, and remembering the look of pain in her face as she turned away.

Visions of the future evoke your talents. What you sense as a desirable community of the human spirit impresses itself upon you again and again so that you desire to do something, some little bit at least, to bring it nearer. Technology can help, and technology can be an obstacle; we are learning discrimination in such matters after overeager false starts.

You may be aware of those who are proud and tyrannical, or would be tyrannical if they had the power. Rare is the one who can combine pride in his standing and achievement with humble service for those over whom he stands in some hierarchical relation. These are the true priest-kings of the ages, whom we need desperately. At his best perhaps your boss, or someone who stands above you in a hierarchy, senses the ideal and becomes for a time noble, at least in his own mind. That is a beginning.

Meanwhile friendly co-workers carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. It is amazing how hard many minimum-wage workers labor. Unselfishness is good for the heart, soul, and health.

{Monday} ~Career as Service~

Cosmic Piper

Saturday 12 May 2012

}Happy Company{

At a superficial but perhaps correct level, I have to say that this looks like one of the best Saturdays in weeks. People will want to be out and about and are likely to enjoy themselves. Maybe that is all you need to hear.

Many seem large-hearted, understanding, and gregarious. Human beauty and the beauty of the arts are apparent.

Some of what you do seems to be used by others although they do not think of repaying you. Your willingness to continue to perform these functions, which you think of as duties, is nobility. You give much through your work and even, on a day like this, enjoy it hugely.

You are thinking of your future in a big, optimistic way. Your mind has wings to appreciate and grasp what you expect the world to be for you. So your plans are likely to be correct. (This could be the case throughout the Bright Hermetic Epoch, which ends on June 27, and in a big way right now.) Although, as mentioned, you are "used" by others, this is not a problem, and could be true nobility, except in those exceptional cases when it is just wrong to let yourself be imposed upon. It is possible to disentangle yourself from such undeserving "users" without strife or upset.

Experimental attempts at this and that are likely to be good for you, especially if you maintain an approach based on your most trusted insights and spiritual aspirations.

The more ominous side of the day has to do with the motto "pride goeth before a fall." (Sun quincunx Saturn.) If you attempt something out of line with your real destiny, or ambitious in a wrong direction, you could "fall." Look at what happened to Jamie Dimon, CEO of one of the world's largest and most successful banks, in the past few days. The astrologer Sepharial, interpreting Signor Borelli's symbol of the degree occupied by the sun today, says, "Ambition will lead him into dangerous positions, and at a weak moment he will fall. Let this be taken as equally affecting his physical, moral, and social welfare." But today's aspects are mostly excellent, so let this be a warning to keep in the back of your mind rather than anything to worry about. You should not over-extend yourself after the moon goes void-of-course (in Aquarius) at 5:54p PT | 8:54p ET | 12:54a(Su) UT.

There is friendliness and good cheer, joviality, luxury, and conviviality, both before and after the time given (Luna forming a grand trine with Venus and Saturn in air signs). Even Jamie Dimon, pride wounded, will have a happy time in one of his luxurious condos. If you want to persuade someone about something, or just have a good time, it would be smart to do it before the v-of-c hiatus, and after that just let the smooth vibrations settle down into a restful evening.

{Saturday} {Happy Company}

Cosmic Piper

Friday 11 May 2012

}Expansiveness{

This is the first Friday in weeks which is not challenged by the |difficult third-of-the-week| square of the moon and Saturn. It appears to get progressively better through the day and evening.

You are peace-loving and self-controlled. This makes it easy for you to adapt to people.

You can use your hands and fingers successfully in a skill or art form.

You can be good at a handicraft. You sense how to economize. You'll drop a pleasure in order to keep up with what must be done.

Scientific, technical, or artistic sensibilities are intact and you can use them effectively.

Professional duties call to you and you do not mind them. You realize the value of being respectably reliable.

A forceful approach to things is good so long as you do not antagonize people unnecessarily. Opinions and methods differ. You cannot eliminate the difference, in connection with one or another individual, but can adapt to it and also be independent insofar as that is possible.  Even friends, bosses, and co-workers do not understand one another's styles or ways of doing.

There is more personality-glow and generosity than in recent days, for the opposition of Mercury and Saturn has gone and the conjunction of the sun with Jupiter is nearly exact. You might think of a time when you and your father were together on a trip, and sense what that meant to you, your personality, your heritage, talents and abilities. Maybe your dad could not fulfill all his hopes, but he was an example for you in some ways. He assisted you as you can assist others, regardless of failures.

Being industrious and thrifty has its value. The one who is so is appreciated  by others even when he may feel less than thrilled with his demanding role, and that is lasting repayment.

Diligence is appreciated by friends. They could share ideas or resources in a way which puts you at ease.

{Friday} {Expansiveness}

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Thursday 10 May 2012

Thursday 10 May 2012

\Critical Matters Well-Met/

There can be mental strain and anxiety. Yet the mind can be sharp, with Mercury opposed to Saturn (fading but still strong). It is sharp in handling matters of study, research, and learning, but can meet with delays and setbacks. People with whom you have to deal in regard to paperwork or bureaucratic detail (sometimes e-paperwork) may be slow or you may have to double back and try again to satisfy them. Further, you should beware of anything tricky or questionable in dealings concerning money, home, travel, and friends.

Anyone you have to deal with, perhaps a woman, may be cold and impassive, yet just and fair-minded; she is not liked but is honest.

Someone rustic, a little rough-edged, a country person unpolished, may annoy you yet have a valid role to play in business or a transaction or purchase. This could also be someone at a distance you think about and feel you should connect with.

You are self-controlled and peace-loving, perhaps more conventional than you think, so that you are good  at estimating what is fortunate in a material way. You may find many people somewhat boring (and maybe they feel the same about you). Being matter-of-fact and non-judgmental gives you peace.

Someone you would like to think of as a friend or partner is mysterious or only partly known. You see that he or she has fallen from a higher position and this could be a lesson for you. Perhaps you would like to revive his or her career or fortunes; if this is someone who has passed away that could be through a sort of obituary or praiseful appreciation.

The rhythms of the dance of life keep you moving from, around, or within your home. You can't be in more than one place at once but seem to be trying. That is all right when it helps you meet unusual requirements of your situation, even if it seems to squelch pleasure at certain times.

The moon in Capricorn square Saturn in Libra gives a dour or moody feeling to the day but does not have to be depressing if you stay calm and matter-of-fact. Clearing necessary things away will prepare you for a happier Friday. If possible this should be done before the moon goes void-of-course at 12:12p PT | 3:12p ET | 7:12p UT.

Trying to anticipate things which could go wrong is useful, so long as you maintain your optimism and know that you can meet them with success. There is something fateful about social connections and friendships, as if you could not control them or plan for them, but can meet each as it comes up with your best approach and enjoy the resulting camaraderie.

{Thursday} /Critical Matters Well-Met\

Cosmic Piper

Wednesday 9 May 2012

\Authoring Friendship/

Career matters are facilitated greatly. A "softening" of them is happening under the aegis of Neptune in Pisces, now positioned to influence happily both governments around the world and your personal "government," that is, yourself, those for whom you work and the relation between them. Sometimes "they" are the boss and sometimes you are the boss. Perhaps they are the legislative and you the executive and you are learning to work together more smoothly. Or perhaps you are both legislative and executive, framing better laws to implement in your work.

You know what you are doing when it comes to study, science, and the arts; you comprehend finer things as they affect friendship and your area of expertise as administered comfortably. You sense how you could rise to eminence through talents.

Fame does not always bring popularity, but you might have both at present. Your purest aspirations are being refined. The material or financial wherewithal to carry out high plans will flow to you from various sources if you keep adventuring toward the best.

Someone you know or know of, a mysterious figure, rose at one time to a position of power and then was sabotaged in various ways. We need to learn whatever lessons we can from such vicarious experiences so we do not have to repeat them in our own lives.

You might be assisted by a friend as to your living situation, or you might assist him or her. It's a matter of learning to "dance" through one's dwelling, whatever it be, with grace and efficiency, holding to lessons learned and ready for new ones. Love can happen in a special place, even if veiled and incomprehensible.

When encountering some who seem false friends, or friendly enemies, you might realize they are playing an ego-game because secretly feeling bad about themselves while envious of others, maybe including you. So you do not have to take them seriously except perhaps to counteract any lies they might spread. Sometimes deep psychic injuries received in childhood afflict people unnecessarily much later in their lives. They are to be pitied, and any true friend will not take their attacks seriously.

Happily there are many more uplifting influences. The planet Venus has excellent aspects (including minor ones not usually noticed). Your cup of friendship brims over. You sense how to be unselfish with people and then they are unselfish with you; and all can flow with honesty plus sympathetic persuasion toward happiness.

{Wednesday} /Authoring Friendship\

Cosmic Piper

Sun in Taurus and Moon in Sagittarius, 2012

Beginning Sunday 6 May at 6:40p PT | 9:40p ET | 1:40a(M) UT
through Monday 7 May
/moon goes void-of-course Tuesday 8 at 6:35p PT|9:35p ET|1:35a(W)UT
until Luna enters Capricorn Tuesday at 7:01p PT|10:01p ET|2:01a(W)UT

*Resolutions and Progress*

There is always a temptation to divide times into "good" and "bad," which is a too-simplistic tendency of the human mind, and I have to resist it--with the result that these forecasts may seem confusing, because I have to say a particular period is good for this but not for that. Nor is it possible to say exactly what the "this" is rather than the "that" or to define it precisely, although I believe I am getting better at it. So we press forward and hope that whatever "comes through" my intensive study of the aspects and positions may be of some help to you.

This time my tendency is to say "Good, good!" but I am resisting it because overoptimism seems to be one of my failings as an astrologer. I just re-read the story of Balaam and Balak in the Book of Numbers (chapters 22-24) and this time it seemed to me a parable of the prophet or astrologer being pleaded with by a client to say what the client wants to hear. That is always a danger in astrological counseling. Balaam's ass knew better than he to resist the temptation and listen to the Highest. Had the prophet listened to the ass, he would have saved himself a lot of time and trouble, but we would have been deprived of an amazing and inspiring story.

Yes, this looks like a good time. It could be well to look to your business affairs and settle as much as you can on Monday and Tuesday. We are gifted with two almost-complete days of the moon not being void-of-course during a Bright Hermetic Epoch. True, there is some impatience and irritability, with Mars quincunx Uranus, as if you had to prod a lazy mule to get something done, but we have the phenomenon of two grand trines (by Ptolemaic orb), the second a new one, Venus beginning her trines with Saturn on one side and Neptune on the other. Business dealings and decisions are favored. With Venus involved, so are relationships, but they are probably more on the sideline, giving you confidence and inspiration for the work you need to do.

You can focus the spotlight of your genius on whatever is of practical import, and get answers. If sometimes you still have to wait for the final solution of a given issue, you can trust that it will be something good as long as you have done all you can. Destiny chooses her times.

A danger of grand trines is resting on one's laurels too much. Things seem so promising that one just waits for good things to happen. It would be wise to resist that tendency.

Martian aspects are good except for the quincunx with Uranus. With whom do you have an issue which might require a fight or a determination not to give in? That can be met with success. If you run into someone who is just determined to be "right" or to win regardless of the truth or merit of the case, you will find the right words or responses if you are quiet within and pray silently for an answer. Such individuals, whose "cause" is causeless, will yield to the truth more often when unopposed or opposed gently.

With precision you can snip away at little details which have hindered you and get pleasing results. Finally that has been taken care of!

What has been restraining you? A location, or lack of the best location? You may feel you want to escape one place for another, and this could be possible, if you are completely sure of your choice. Or you may simply make an unusual trip within your local situation for some purpose, and feel freer as a result. There are ways of being free wherever one truly has to be.

Times of rest are feasible, but you will probably want to keep them brief, absorbing from Nature, the air, or your ideals (if not from the Supreme) energy for renewed endeavors. While the rest lasts, however, you can put the worries and struggles completely aside--or offer them up for transformation.

Mysteries and miseries surrounding friends and partners can be dealt with through faith. Have you ever been completely abandoned? And yet there are times when any of us can feel we have been. Let's say a little prayer for our Chinese dissident friend who has been in the throes of dislocation or no-location and who as of this writing appears headed for the U. S. and NYU. He was never really abandoned by friends and well-wishers but had to be separated from them (through imprisonment) because of his principled stand. Let us hope for and expect similar good conclusions to our personal stories.

{Late Sunday, Monday, Tuesday} *Resolutions and Progress*

Cosmic Piper

Forecast: Late Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 4-6, 2012

Sun in Taurus and Moon in Scorpio, 2012

Beginning Friday 4 May at 7:21p PT | 10:21p ET | 2:21a(Sa) UT
through Saturday 5 May
/moon goes void-of-course Sunday 6 at 5:15a PT | 8:15a ET | 12:15p UT
until Luna enters Sagittarius Sunday at 6:40p PT | 9:40p ET | 1:40a(M) UT

~Choice of Liberation~

This is the period, the Full Moon of Taurus, in which the Wesak festival in Tibet is celebrated, or always was at any rate unless the Chinese in accord with their horrid karma are adding to the record of their crimes circumvention of a venerable and powerful ancient Mystery ceremony.

Let us pray for the people of Tibet, and for the Chinese invaders to be converted or otherwise changed so that Tibet may have freedom to be a pocket of liberation from the "modern world" and its robot tyranny of ruthless economic exploitation.

The Taurus-Scorpio axis of the zodiac is charged with powerful energies, the energies of desire as well as those of the stymying or conquest of desire. Are you not feeling something of this? As if you had to get to a deeper level beyond superficiality? At times I think "What am I to do?" and everything which comes to my mind seems pointless. That is the verge of Buddhist enlightenment, perhaps, or of the road leading to it. Although I am a Christian and not a Buddhist, it is obvious to those who study the teachings of Jesus that He taught liberation from "sin" or wrong desire. Some friends of my parents, non-Christian, said when I was a child, "The preachers say everything is a sin, so what is left?" I sympathize with their comment. Opponents of Buddhism might make similar statements. What is left when "desire" vanishes? Or are there appropriate and approved desires, or can our desires be transformed into aspirations of a higher, deeper and more spiritually exalting nature? (Sri Aurobindo's answer, expressed inadequately.) Can Buddhists or Christians have fun? Some of all this might be in your consciousness. You are participating, somehow, in the Wesak ceremony.

Would that the Chinese communist-capitalist greed-tyrant-monsters might participate also, somehow.

Of course, spiritual mediation is good at this time, as also the study of truly sacred writings.

Whether or not we are entering the summer doldrums of the stock market, as last year at this time, it is likely that most will be feeling they need to be stricter in their economy. (That aids the Buddhist program of liberation from desire.) This need not be pointless worry but could profitably be a careful scrutinization of where your money is going (and where it is coming from). This could make you unpopular if it made you so intent on it that you failed to relax and be friendly. (Freedom from worry has been promised by both the Buddha and Christ Jesus to those who follow their teachings.)

Is it better to struggle on, or to sometimes give up for a while and just let things be? I leave the answer to you. Obviously we all need our moments of complete rest. This is true rest when anxiety dissipates. Often for that to happen, one needs first to finish some essential task or other so that one's conscience is clear. Or else postpone some of it to a definite time and place (when the moon is not void-of-course as it is most of Sunday, making that, appropriately, a day of rest).

When worrying about one's own finances, it is good to care about those who have even less, and aid in some way which makes sense to you. The sincere attempt is good no matter the outcome. Sometimes a struggling penniless person will refuse a gift if it hurts his or her pride. That does not mean it was not noble and right to offer it.

There is guidance, along both the material and spiritual paths, if you are open to it. Even those who do not "believe in" the Invisible are often guided by It in ways of which they are unconscious. Such is Grace. "He is kind even to the unthankful and the wicked," said Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

When we feel restrained by life, held as slaves, it is well to recall that, as Hebrew prophets and Christian apostles have said, to think of our "masters" as representatives of G*d aids in the quickest real resolution of the issue, rather than to rebel. A hard teaching, at times, but one which protects those who attempt to follow it. (This does not in any way refute my position that the Chinese occupation of Tibet, for example, is thoroughly wrong. We have to struggle with such matters as best we can; the Dalai Lama is a superb example. He did not give up the struggle for freedom, but did not let it become violent.)

No one is really abandoned. It is well always to have faith in the future; or in Him or That which assures a happy future to those who remain faithful.

{Late Friday, Saturday, Sunday} ~Choice of Liberation~

Cosmic Piper

Sun in Taurus and Moon in Libra, 2012

Beginning Wednesday 2 May at 7:05p PT | 10:05p ET | 2:05a(Th) UT\
through Thursday 3 May
/moon goes void-of-course Friday 4 at 11:03a PT | 2:03p ET | 6:03p UT
until Luna enters Scorpio Friday at 7:21p PT | 10:21p ET | 2:21a(Sa) UT

}Lonesome Yet Shared Feelings{

Thursday is better than Friday for most matters, including fun, friendship, and relationship.

If some things seem off-center and you feel depressed, there is nothing wrong with being alone, seeking hidden knowledge in the privacy of your retreat from the world. Memory and hope, mixed with the world's wisdom, form an alchemical stone of wizardry.

Generosity and sensitivity are good things, even if the world seems not to know what to do with them, so you do not have to despair when feeling unappreciated. Peace within your soul is a deep reward.

Caution and prudence once put in place, you need not worry overmuch about details, although you have a tendency to do so. Even if feeling anxious about people and money, absent friends or absent resources, you could make attempts to be out and about where there is entertainment, whether music, games, dancing, or whatever seems cheerful. Contrived cheer is better than none and can lead to the real thing.

Deep thought is yours, silent and watchful, able to be cautious when appropriate, alert to what is wrong or questionable around you but not fazed or upset by it. That is a rare talent but one you could develop. It doesn't mean ignoring what is wrong, but your stand against it can be based on solid faith, prayer, understanding, rather than on suddenly appearing righteous anger. It is good to be righteous but not self-righteous. It is good to protect oneself but not with morbid paranoia.

Yes, many diversions seem questionable, a trap for the unwary or foolish. Observing how that works out around you, wherever you go, or else in fantasies such as movies or stories, gives you shrewd perspective if nothing else. The observing detective or shrink may seem an unsympathetic character but may be a boon when he or she is needed.

Sometimes I think builders, carpenters, construction workers, and the like are the salt of the earth. What are you resting on, what is sheltering you, who raised the roof over you, braced the walls around you? It is not for nothing that the "craft" or wisdom guild of highest  fame is the Masons. House-building was considered a magical art, thaumaturgy akin to the erection of Solomon's Temple. Sometimes you might give thanks for the builders, whoever they may be or might have been.

Although Friday may not feel like a TGIF day, it has its charms, perhaps lonely or subdued. If with someone, be gentle with his or her worries and need to vent. The arts, poetry, music, and sharing of any kind make things more genial. People need to feel supported more than they are willing to let on.

Things might start to get smoother after the moon enters Scorpio, but that is for the next report.

{Late Wednesday, Thursday, Friday} {Lonesome Yet Shared Feelings}

Cosmic Piper

Sun in Taurus and Moon in Virgo, 2012

Beginning Monday 30 April at 4:03p PT | 7:03p ET | 11:03p UT
through Tuesday 1 May
/moon goes void-of-course Wednesday 2 at 3:59a PT | 6:59a ET | 10:59p UT
until Luna enters Libra Wednesday at 7:05p PT | 10:05p ET | 2:05a(Th) UT

\Tempo Picking Up/

A focus on home is likely on Monday until around noon Tuesday. Late Tuesday and Wednesday bring a more relaxed and playful mood.

For the whole period, annoying technical matters or matters of paperwork and the like are being resolved often in difficult ways but with possible success. I myself am shocked that in a supposedly sophisticated technological culture the high priests of technology, including programmers, are so sloppy, careless and seemingly malicious as to make doing the simplest things almost impossible. But I will not regale you with another tale of woe (you cannot log in with this information, you gave the wrong password, you must sign in to a different account before you sign into this account, call us [but nobody will answer], don't call us [nobody is here but a robot] and so on.) I have had it up to here with all that. I hope it is not that bad for you, but Mars in Virgo quincunx Uranus has made for technological mayhem for many.

Despite all that, the moon is in Virgo, a neat orderly sign. You want some order in your home, for the sake of peace of mind. You may want music. Singers get attention with Jupiter and the sun in Taurus, trined by the moon Tuesday evening.

Old friends may link with you in peculiar ways which make no logical sense but fulfill some need.

Quick changes in what could be love keep you a step ahead of yourself if you are not to stumble over yourself or someone.

Someone in your home or near it who fascinates you in some ways may serve you well.

There are two young people you might connect with or observe: One intellectual and harsh, all business, wanting system. The other unpredictable, independent, annoying. (Or these could be two facets of one.) Cooperating with either of them might be easier later Tuesday.

Order in your job or career is important, while you sort out what is necessary, some of it fateful, with a burden of the past which you are lifting to make it easier to carry. Research on difficult matters contains fascination as well as utility.

The more you attend to your work, the more secure you feel about finances.

There is so much you could do, you are pulled in many directions, but when you focus on one small thing at a time you make swift progress. Mars is speeding up in Virgo, so what has seemed a slow start to the Bright Hermetic Epoch (which began April 23) is becoming more convincing.

People are flibbertigibbet, coming and going quickly, dropping you, coming back, so that eventually you feel secure because you and they are like yo-yos on a string. They cannot get very far away. There is a bounce in relationships.

People who share a philosophy or teaching with you are solid companions.

Research & Development is soaring in many fields, with amazing inventiveness which has enough staying power to stick with its inventions until the kinks are worked out.

As Tuesday goes on, you become more of an opportunist, in business and love. Improbable and peculiar, though temporarily thrilling, attractions turn up, to be turned down. (Oh well.)

The v-of-c moon on Wednesday is no cause for alarm but you can let go of intense pushing perhaps, and do little things which are either routine or relaxing and refreshing.

{Late Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday} /Tempo Picking Up\

Cosmic Piper

Sun in Taurus and Moon in Leo, 2012

Beginning Saturday 28 April at 9:11a PT | 12:11p ET | 4:11p UT
through Sunday 29 April
/moon goes void-of-course Monday 30 at 7:18a PT | 10:18a ET | 2:18p UT
until Luna enters Virgo Monday at 4:03p PT | 7:03p ET | 11:03p UT

*Diversions Foster Success*

The grand trine in earth signs---in March it was Mars, Pluto and Jupiter, then it faded in early April, then returned in later April as Mars, Pluto and the sun---has been good for the stock market. As a matter of fact, the Market fell backward during the gap in this Grand Trine in early April, but has now recovered with the help of the sun's position. (However, although such large-scale trends are sometimes observable, I warn against trying to predict the Market with astrology. There are too many variables, and sometimes investors will go into buying frenzy under bad aspects, then sell to take profits during good times; sometimes they will do the exact opposite. In the former case, things are "good" for the sellers taking profits, "bad" for those holding on. And so on.) I hope this Grand Trine has been good for your personal finances. At least, it has made most more confident and relaxed about income.

As for the labor market, which all consider crucial, it would appear that unemployment ought to decrease with Mars turned direct in Virgo, a sign of work from some viewpoints (even to the point that Labor Day is celebrated in the month of Virgo). Mars has been retrograde in that sign since January; now that it is direct (since April 14), and headed to trines with Pluto and Jupiter, I hope employment will increase from now through June. Things are even worse, of course, in some places such as Spain, Greece and Italy, so let us hope they too shall see improvement under these configurations (and the Bright Hermetic Epoch lasting until June 27).

During this solar-lunar period your mind is sharp and strong to deal with financial and other matters, flexible and able to take account of pertinent factors. Things at a distance connected with travel or education come into play.

Even if you spend most of your time at home, whatever you are trying to achieve gets a green light. You sense how something you ultimately complete will be notable and a blessing for the human race. Some are looking to you and confident that you can do that. The wherewithal, even if delayed, is there. The location is there (established on someone else's foundational endeavors). So it is well to formulate your goal and expect success.

The fruits of nature are satisfying, and your attempts to gain and share them, through gardening or farming perhaps, are soul-satisfying. If you don't do that yourself you might visit a farmers' market, neighbor's garden or the like.

In all this you will benefit by pulling yourself back to center whenever you realize you are getting lost in inessential trivia. It can be exalting to rush, experience much, luxuriate in hurry and thrill, but then enough is enough. You know your ego's deeper direction.

There is something like a carnival of diversions around you, even if close to home. This exercises your body and spirit, mellows your understanding and pleases you. When it turns into mere self-indulgence, and starts to feel gross, you know it is time to turn elsewhere.

Within it you might become linked with someone interesting and uplifting whose take on life is refreshing because mysteriously tantalizing. Together you could found a colony or a secret order. Dreams and visions are wonderful so long as they do not mislead the unwary into flowered paths ending in poison ivy. A sense of proportion gains the best from competing worlds before they know what has happened.

{Saturday, Sunday, Monday} *Diversions Foster Success*

Cosmic Piper