Saturn Return Can Bite Me

This week's astrobarry

Here.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Set off on multiple approaches to meeting your immediate practical goals, Taurus, rather than putting all your eggs in one basket. Don't rest with too much satisfaction if you've only sought a single person's guidance, when you might as well ask everyone for their opinions (since it's pretty easy to just ignore whatever you find unpromising). If you're looking for jobs or seeking further education, it makes no sense to wrap up a day's good effort after filing only one application. Increase your chances! Put feelers out there, left and right! Why settle for 'merely acceptable' when you can shop around at different locations around town, grabbing one bit from one source and another from someone else, patchworking together what'll perfectly suit your needs? Yes, there's a heightened chance of colliding with some not-neatly-resolved contradiction, should you follow this many-all-at-once I'm suggesting will presently work best: Your willingness to compromise too strict a list of non-negotiables could leave you momentarily doubting whether you've stayed in line with your stated values. Allow that tension to hang out there. It's too early to discern whether one of these multiple approaches is actually ethically problematic—or whether it's your too-severe ethics needlessly limiting your opportunities. Try this, try that, try the other… then judge based on results, not abstract notions.

Uhhhhhhh.....???

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21): Pay non-judgmental attention to every time you behave in a way that seems to go against everything you earlier claimed to feel about that situation. Harsh self-judgment scares away these revealing expressions of psychic complexity, Scorpio, in much the same manner the hunter's rifle's gunshot noise frightens the tender bunny back into its hole where it must hide if it hopes to survive. That transgressive act you're compelled to carry out knows its very survival is in jeopardy, if it faces a direct confrontation with your contradictory claim of what you more rationally intend to do. It will shamefully crouch in shadows, praying to avoid conscious detection… only coming out in the dark of night, where it can play naughtily with other willful miscreants. But when you can't see what it's up to, it's likelier to cause you greater harm, threatening to create all sorts of undesired side-effects that you may have to carry along with you for some time to come. Instead, just notice the inconsistencies. Wonder what may be behind them. Allow them to emerge far enough so that you can study their character, with genuine curiosity about how you might eventually grant yourself whatever pleasure they're rousing you to seek… and, at the same time, still stay in line with your stated intentions.

Uhhhhh.....?????

Horoscopes for the week

This week's Michael Lutin:

TAURUS AND TAURUS RISING

Can a person be strong and weak at the same time? Is it a sign of true strength to reveal your vulnerability? Or, is it a sign of real weakness to flex your muscles and appear tough and independent, merely to compensate for your insecurity? When Mars and the South Node conjoin in your Sign, personality quirks such as these reveal the paradoxical feelings swirling around inside you at this time. The good news is that when you are relatively free from financial worry, even for a moment, life is good. You feel generous and bathed in the luxury of good fortune.

SCORPIO AND SCORPIO RISING People can really be heartbreakingly disappointing sometimes. It’s not always clear, however, whether you got fooled or your expectations were too high and unrealistic. Whatever the real story is, you’ve been clobbered before and you will probably be clobbered again. Now you have to make peace with the promises and oaths that are NOT likely to be fulfilled the way you hoped, but reorganize relationships to continue to be successful. Be the grownup when dealing with a child. As for grants and funding, good chance. As for sexual opportunities for those in the market, hold on to your hat.

And the Daily Fix is also quite appropriate to my psychic fail:

monday 13 may

HOW TO RECOVER FROM A CASE OF IDIOCY

Hey, once you learn the law of the Universe, it's really easy. At least that's what they say.

Something all about balance, which you need desperately this week.

Anger on the one hand, generosity on the other.

May have to tear yourself away from something you think you
still don't have enough of.

It's mostly anger at Self, which is even a stupider waste of time.

than any stupid thing you've been doing.

But Mars at the node could be irrational acting out.
(see astrology class)

Besides, over the next week or So,

Venus will touch Jupiter

so find a Gemini and enjoy yourself.

for the week check out

 

Today's astrobarry

Eclipse talk:

New moons provide us a monthly opportunity to reset our intentions and plant the seeds of that which we'll watch develop… and solar eclipses are the hyper-charged superhero version, bringing an extra life-transforming potency to whichever intentions we ritualize a commitment to shepherding into material being over the months to come. Thursday's Taurus eclipse is conjunct the lunar South Node, indicating that this one carries an energy of past habits culminating.

In the two weeks since Apr 25's Saturn-heavy lunar eclipse, we have become more acutely aware of how our long-repeated behavioral patterns have reaped certain results, which can only accrue over time... and of whether these results have left us delighted or disgruntled. Our recent attempts to alter the less desirable patterns likely reactivated them with renewed potency, as our inner stubborn-reactionary seeks to compensate for the discomfort of change. There is uncanny familiarity to this straddling of past and future. We have been here before. As we feel the attraction of that path-of-least-resistance pulling us backward into old habit, we can passively choose to succumb to its magnetic power—or we can stubbornly affirm our refusal to fall back, no matter the potential losses.

During the eclipse-dominated week ahead, Mercury and Mars will conjoin, an aspect that unites our mind (Mercury) with our might (Mars) for an unconflicted consolidation of personal energy. A Mercury-Mars conjunction means that our words will be undergirded by an attitudinal strength to carry through with what we say—an excellent influence with which to fortify our eclipse-inspired intention-setting. This conjunction also brings serious fighting power, should we need to demonstrate our unyielding resoluteness to those who may doubt us or threaten to obstruct our progress. Its Taurus tone permits us to be patient, should the situation demand that we restate our intent multiple times… but only up to a reasonable point. Once we cross that line to anger and/or discover the attempt to communicate our reality is falling on deaf (or just plain dense) ears, there will be no going back.

Just hours before the eclipse is exact, Venus will transition out of Taurus and into Gemini, a sign with a great deal more flexibility than its predecessor. (Venus stays in Gemini through June 2.) Considering that, as ruler of Taurus, Venus will serve as dispositor for the eclipsed Sun (as well as the Moon, Mercury and Mars), this dash of Gemini color promises to help us find alternatives in any circumstances where we have tired of hitting our head against an unmoving wall. Though our guiding resolve must remain firm if we hope to topple old habits and/or establish new ones, our relational methods of interacting with people who've been somewhat out-of-sync with our recent efforts to change could probably benefit from a bit of experimental tinkering.

During our roughest moments in the transformational process, according to Venus in Gemini, we might reach toward less obvious allies, folks with supportive sentiments we haven't already heard… try different modes of communication, diffusing any standoffs by adopting a 'side-door' manner of opening further dialogue… agree not to continue a dead-end debate, accepting instead the necessary partiality of certain interpersonal connections, learning to appreciate them for their areas of easier overlap while avoiding the touchier spots… and/or to simply turn the other cheek, focusing ourselves only on those social relations that help us get where we want to go and ignoring the others, temporarily or forever.

To consciously set a habit is to adamantly refuse to allow encounters with any complicating obstacle (whether an internal psychological knot to untangle or an external conflict to navigate through) to sap our spirit, discouraging us from believing we can succeed. To set a habit is to preserve our precious forward momentum no matter what it takes, even at certain collateral costs.

And horoscopes:

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21): This is a lot of energy to be expending on angling for position in relation to that certain someone else. Not that this an unfamiliar role to once again find yourself in, is it, Scorpio? It's almost like you're built for constant preoccupation with the ever-changing psychological state of whoever's co-starring with you in the latest epic… and for constantly bouncing your own varying efforts-of-engagement at them, from one dramatic angle and then another, to determine what might stick the best landing. Interpersonal engagement, of course, is one of the greatest blessings of being alive. The insights into the human condition which you possess, likewise, provide you a shrewd ability to feel into the specific zones where you're likeliest to strike the most charged connection with your target-of-interest. But does that shrewd insightfulness sometimes work against you in relationship? After all, too acute an awareness of what makes another person tick, tingle, or turn on can actually cause you to play to their reactions—as opposed to, say, just doing what you would do regardless of what they're up to. In other words, you could get so caught up in successfully generating desired responses in others, you overlook what you as an individual most desire. Remember your approach to relationships is now actively evolving. To help it along, consider energy conservation as a goal.

I want to make some comments on the Taurus one:

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Thursday's south-node-conjoined super-Taurean solar eclipse is an outstanding occasion for you to bid a firm farewell to self-identifications that just don't serve you. As you well know, Taurus, the mirror-reflection of your sign's steadfast reliability is a fierce resistance to too-much-too-soon change: Why make a move until you're damned sure it's the right one? Yet, after too long, the motivational self-talk about how you want to change your life (but only once this, that, or the other has been completely taken care of or solved) coagulate into hollow words you subconsciously start to doubt, much as a disappointed friend might learn to ignore that one more promise made to them when it's uttered atop a field of broken ones.

Hah. That is so very, very, absolutely true. I haven't the faintest idea how one flies by the seat of their pants on that! 

When I say there is no time like the present to actually make the change, I am not speaking idiomatically: This is literally the most excellent time to force those rooted feet out of the indentations they've eroded into their cushy resting-places, and onto unfamiliar terrain. Ritualize this moment with at least one risky step… an initiatory adoption of some behavior which, though it may go against the constantly-rerunning stories you tell yourself about who you are and what you do, is absolutely essential for enacting the change(s) you already know you want to make. To help this along, I strongly suggest physically removing some material item from your life that symbolizes who you aren't anymore.

Well, I don't have the time to worry about throwing things out of my house, but I am definitely doing one risky initiation step soon...

Today's Michael Lutin

Astrology Class is all about Taurus and your mother today.

Next week in review:

this Eclipse can create a ravenous appetite and/or ferocious greediness to fill an unfillable hole.

There is little point in telling anybody right now that all life is a silly illusion,

EVEN THOUGH IT IS,
mainly because when you do have great needs that imust be satisfied.
you're likely to just chomp away at life till you're full.

Yes, moderation
Yes, self restraint.
And all that.

But too many people have missed too many meals, literally and otherwise.

So we tend to substitute one thing or another to allay our hunger and thirst.
Yours can be found below.

TAURUS AND TAURUS RISING You’ve got to fight for independence now. Asserting yourself and covering up all your doubts and insecurities could be a full time job, especially because anybody looking in from the outside sees what’s going on with you. Compensating for the fact that you are, for the moment anyway, being asked to participate in playing a more, dare we say it, traditional “female” role only allows others who support you to show you that you need to be grateful to be able to be on the receiving end for a change.

SCORPIO AND SCORPIO RISING
Promise yourself you won’t forget the fact that the magic of infatuation is fun but gets dangerous if you go overboard and idealize another person to the extent that you blind yourself to their human flaws. Naturally you can’t play cop and keep the lights on all the time. There is no sin in allowing yourself to be infatuated from time to time. When you have so many responsibilities and everybody needs or wants something from you, is it so wrong to look for comfort in the arms of a stranger?

And even more eclipse links, 'cause this is gonna go on awhile.

I keep finding good stuff!

Stuff from the April 25 eclipse:

• Tracy's Astro Salon: "What has come up in the last two weeks?  What emotions are swirling around you?  How are you using it?   Has anything come up that is calling you in a new way?  Are you responding?  Can you be practical about that response?   Can you use it to further your goals you set two weeks ago.  Even if you didn’t make a treasure map look at your calendar for the last two weeks.   What came up?  How does it speak to what you want in the next year?    And if you didn’t make a treasure map, take an orange piece of paper and write down the things you want but write it in an empowered voice."
• The Oxford Astrologer:  This one is really interesting to read, especially with her RL examples:  "It’s obvious that it’s not just the actual eclipse degrees themselves, but the position of the North and South Lunar Nodes that’s important. As you know, the signs through which the Nodes are transiting are the signs of the current eclipses. The closer the Sun or Moon is to the nodal axis on the day of the Full or New Moon, the greater the eclipse. So when you were born, the eclipses were taking place in the signs of your Nodes. This should give you an idea of the fated quality of eclipses, but also of the Nodal axis in your chart."
• Moonkissd: "The Scorpio Full Moon sheds light on the honest, bloody, ooey-gooey guts of things. The Truth is, we cannot be wholly loved without being whole, and we cannot be whole without being fully seen by the Other. Our icky, wounded parts and all. Whether we’ve been struggling with hidden patterns in intimacy, or we feel blocked from moving forward in our lives, eclipse energy is giving us an opportunity to re-set the system, to course-correct the broken record we keep re-playing in our lives, relationships."

This last one reminds me of the Michael Lutin eclipse pattern of 2013 message. Which I ordered, but I suspect I'd get in trouble for talking about online since it's for pay. This is a lulu enough for me (and my mom, who is also having an eclipse around her birthday... FUN TIMES THIS YEAR YOU GUYS) that I paid up and...well, I would say that if you're a Taurus or Scorpio or rising of either, or have both like I do, go get it. It's very good relationship-y talk along the lines of SunShines. I'd like to note that he doesn't even put anything up for the upcoming week this week (not a permalink) EXCEPT for that message....which is frightening.

 On another note, here's a post on Beltane for tomorrow. Which is also very heavily reminding me of the Lutin message:

"Heavy energy out there. All that fixed earth Taurus. It’s easy to get bogged down. And to give up.

You know that’s Shadow Taurus, right? Giving up. Withdrawing. Isolating. Shutting down. It’s a survival instinct, gone wrong. If you’re feeling less than enthused, this could be why.

But this is still a fertile season. Taurus is also about new growth. Yes, even with the current opposition from Saturn in Scorpio.

The evening of April 30th to May 1st is Beltane, a fertility festival. Even if you don’t feel like celebrating, the wheel of the year continues to turn. The energy is potent right now for creating something new. Saturn’s limits may narrow the scope, but there’s still something to work with. The pulse of new life is happening, and it’s bigger than you. This is encouraging, because it means there’s always hope, no matter how insurmountable your problems are. Not that your problems aren’t valid, but there’s always something more to reach for.

Remember, efforts made in Taurus will be slooow. You may have to push a bit harder, be a bit more patient, take things one day at a time."

Next, posting for the May 9 eclipse:

• ElsaElsa:"The day is focused on the stellium in Taurus, opposing Saturn in Scorpio.  We’re sure to see some interaction here, with people going back and forth.  A person may attempt to  block, thwart, control, or oppress (Saturn) their love (Taurus) via manipulation (Scorpio), but they may also support, empower and reinforce their lover, or perhaps make a lasting (Taurus) commitment (Saturn)."
• Taproots: "This a very fertile moon, if you don’t want to be pregnant, refrain from sex or triple up on protection. And for all of those non sexual desires you have, its fertile for those too! There are 4 planets in Taurus at this New Moon: Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Mars. And Venus is freshly out of Taurus at the exact moment of the New Moon. Earth is fertile. You’ve been informed." ...Yeah, I am not gonna worry about that. Hah.
• Planet Waves: "In the time of eclipses, it’s necessary to project your life in the direction you want, and in a sense, to look where you want to be. It can be easy to be caught up in the drama of the moment, though there is enormous creative power in these events."

Also, the monthly horoscopes:

"Taurus (April 19-May 20)
You are surrounded on all sides by potential, and by people who believe in you. Yet you may have an ominous feeling, as if something is brewing that you don’t understand and cannot discern clearly. Yet consider all that you’ve learned about yourself the past few weeks — how many things you would not necessarily have considered, and were probably not expecting. These have worked out well, and many situations are still developing. The ominous feeling is an eclipse of the Sun in your sign on May 9. This is profoundly meaningful astrology that will deliver a clear message to you. You may not be certain if it’s a sign from the distant past or something entirely new; in a way, both are true. What this eclipse signals is a kind of growth checkpoint. There are two questions that I see. One is: what do you ‘take on’ when you engage with someone in an intimate relationship? There’s something suggesting that you become like that person, at least a little, and I suggest that you decide consciously the extent you want to do this. Another image in the chart involves your father, and your tendency to want to live up to what you perceived as his expectations of you, or his image of you. It’s more likely that your highest vision of yourself would take you in another direction entirely. It will help if you notice this negotiation process with full awareness rather than having it run in the background."

Hooooooly shiiiiiiiiiiiiit.

"Yet you may have an ominous feeling, as if something is brewing that you don’t understand and cannot discern clearly. Yet consider all that you’ve learned about yourself the past few weeks — how many things you would not necessarily have considered, and were probably not expecting. These have worked out well, and many situations are still developing. The ominous feeling is an eclipse of the Sun in your sign on May 9. This is profoundly meaningful astrology that will deliver a clear message to you. You may not be certain if it’s a sign from the distant past or something entirely new; in a way, both are true."

That has definitely happened. And seriously, JUST WAITING ON THAT SIGN THERE!

"Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
To what extent are you invested in a close partner, and have you considered whether you might be over-invested? This isn’t necessarily an easy question, though you may be getting some new information on this topic in the near future. This is, however, not a new story. Indeed, it’s the latest step in the process of your rewriting what may be a very old story, and that relates to certain fixed patterns of how you tend to think of yourself, your relationship partners and your mutual role in one another’s lives. This question is valid whether or not you currently are with a partner. The underlying material remains the same. The question gets more relevance if you tend to repeat patterns in your relationships. It gets even more relevance if you tend to come up against certain emotional issues and then skip them over, expecting a different result from last time. The current astrology is, to use a strong word, demanding that you be real with yourself. You know it’s also time for you to be relating to others on real terms, and call nothing less than that intimacy. I know there is a temptation to have the pleasure, security and emotional contact of relationships without taking the risk of vulnerability. Yet it’s never long before this runs out. If you’re someone who does value depth and intimacy and who takes emotional risks, the next few weeks promise to be a daring, meaningful and beautiful time in your life."

Okay, with all of this prediction stuff? If I continue to be immune to the charms of everyone even after this year, I need to just freaking shoot myself because that means ain't nothing gonna move me :P

Michael Lutin on the eclipse cycle

TO ALL PEOPLE ON THE PLANET WEEK OF 29 APRIL AND BEYOND ECLIPSE PATTERN 2013 UH- OH THERE’S GOTTA BE MORE THAN THIS

Money and sex sex and money money and sex sex and money

There’s got to be more than that even if the eclipses are taking place in Taurus and Scorpio. Everybody gets the joke no matter what sign you were born under.
Money and Sex?—that’s too crass, too low consciousness, too crude, too vulgar.

What about the higher vibration, like creativity and manifestation and rebirth and transformation and all that good stuff people who wear Birkenstocks talk about?

Actually, it is all those things, all to be found in the same package at the moment, so we have to understand that until we have all experienced a common worldwide apotheosis and simultaneously become gods and goddesses, we are all evolving at different rates.

Some of us are already eating organic vegetables and seeking transcendental Tantric unions. Others, believe it or not, are still robbing the poor and exploiting the weak. And, get this! Some still talk about eating other human beings.

Sounds icky, but the Taurus Scorpio axis operates on many levels at once.

Rarely does all of humanity embrace the higher vibrations at the same moment. There are still greedy rascals out there and seductive skunks still skulking about. It’‘s hard sometimes to know whom to trust, since EVERYTHING seems to be a transaction lately.

With Saturn and the North Node of the Moon vying for supremacy, is sex always behind the sale of EVERYTHING?

Is human desire and appetite the driving force of our plane of existence?

Of course you don’t have to act out your baser desires, but magnetic attraction is at the heart of every connection between two consenting adults. At least right now.

We are currently experiencing each of us in our own way a personal kidnapping. We are being wrenched from a place we have found comfortable, but one that is no longer useful or satisfactory.

Think about that.

A force is moving us away from what we know as familiar toward the unfamiliar.

We are but prey in the paws of the predatory Inevitability of Change.

We EITHER EMBRACE IT OR ARE DRAGGED AWAY BY IT.

To embrace the unknown is to overcome the terror of death of course, but also of looking into our own unconscious drives and wishes.
It is the only way to release the fire of creativity that smolders within us all.

Creative inspiration is born in passion and curiosity, both of which can be liberated only when we respect without judgment or fear the deep needs and wishes and attractions and repulsions we often secretly harbor.

These are primitive, instinctual, ravenous hungers emerging from our most primal and anti-social selves.

To live in a civilized society we are asked to control some of our impulses and restrain ourselves from seeking mindless satisfaction to our hungers and thirsts.

This cu rrent eclipse pattern of 2013 demands that we release our hold on the more mundane aspects of our security, detach from the known in the search for a more meaningful and sincere form of happiness and fulfillment.

Way more to come.

So I got my official solar return report for the year

From ElsaElsa.com:

I'm going to categorize things...

Stuff About My Imaginary/Potential Love Life:

Sun conjunction Venus:
You will have opportunities for romantic relationships. One person (or several!) may court you intensely. You will receive innumerable invitations, and the choice of accepting will be yours. This will not be a year of solitude. If you already have someone in your life, your relationship will be harmonious and you will share many pleasant moments.

Solar Return Moon in Libra:
You will be more emotionally balanced, and you will be softer and warmer with others. You will be more sensitive and dreamy, more romantic and sociable than usual. You will want more contact with people and will step up your social life. During this year, you will want to offer more of yourself to your loved ones and will be rewarded with affection from them in return.
This influence increases your popularity and brings much success in working with the public. Your personal magnetism will be strong and because of it you will attract others to you. You also could develop a greater desire for pleasure and for enjoying life in general.

On the negative side, this influence could make you very dependent. You could rely on the opinions of others too much, limiting your own freedom, especially if their suggestions are contrary to what you desire.
This will be an important year for you personally. If you have plans for marriage or for committing to a serious relationship, you will let it be known. If you are already in a committed relationship, you will have a happy year, but if you are not involved, this could be the year to begin one. This is the result of your emotional inner balance. Concentrate on achieving your own balance and the rest will take care of itself.

Solar Return Asc in or within 3 degrees of natal 7th house:
You will announce an important union during this year. If you have plans for marriage, it would be the right time to tie the knot. On the other hand, you also could get involved with some new business associations.
Your personality will be favored by the public and you will make a very good impression. This will benefit you, if your activities are related to dealing with the public or to politics.

Solar Return 5th house cusp in or within 3 degrees of natal 11th house:
Your social life will be very satisfactory. You will share many amusing and happy moments with your friends. Your popularity will increase and your social circle will expand. You will also develop many new projects and plans for your future. There is the possibility of a friendship turning into romance.

Solar Return 7th cusp Conjunct natal Uranus:
Your spouse or committed partner will arouse your more creative, rebellious, and unconventional side. You will do things that you never had the courage to do before and will feel rather free and uninhibited in the company of others. You will be looking for a less conventional relationship without so many demands placed upon you because you will resent taking orders from others or any type of routine. If you are truly not happy or satisfied with your situation, you will probably want to find a different partner, possibly more than once during the year.

Solar Return llth house cusp in or within 3 degrees of natal 5th house:
Your hopes and desires for finding satisfaction and happiness in your love life will increase. If you are already in a committed relationship, you will find that you will be very compatible. If you do not have a partner at this time, you may have the chance to meet someone through your friends or at a social meeting.
You will be very happy in the company of your friends and will share amusements, pleasures, and sports.
This astrological influence could also transform a friendship into romance.

Venus in 12th house of Solar Return:
Your love life could become very difficult during this year. You could get involved in a secret love relationship that could complicate an already existing relationship. You will be inclined to give more to others than you need to. You must use your compassion wisely and take care not to play the role of martyr or victim. You should use your own judgment and evaluate the condition of your present love life in order to arrive at an satisfactory solution. Be careful not to allow yourself to be unduly affected by feelings of inferiority or by memories of the past that tend to weaken your self respect. If you do, you will have a very difficult year of problems resulting from self blame and dissatisfaction in general. Love could lead you down the wrong path if you don't look at things with a logical, steady mind. It's also important not to waste time getting involved in situations that aren't in your best interest.

Solar Return Venus Conjunct natal Sun:
You will have a strong magnetism and charm during this year and there is the possibility of a romantic meeting with someone. The positive response and demonstrations of affection that you will receive will make you feel very good about yourself. You will be an active participant in any meetings you attend and if you have a position of leadership, you will be accepted and respected by everyone.

Overall, I am very pleased at this. I would not mind a friendship-mance. Or even a secret romance. Okay, so Venus in the 12th is usually a "your cheating heart/secret crush while you're taken" sort of thing, but since I don't have anyone to cheat on, who cares?! At least that way people don't give me shit about it.

That is like, what, seven love predictions? Okay, so 2009 had similar and of course, nothing happened... I really wish I remembered to keep track of this shit over the year and then see if it panned out or not. It is annoying to be immune to such things no matter what anyone says, at times.

Okay, okay, so it's for the best that I remain single, I know that. But I am 50% grumbly about it anyway.

Stuff About My Crappy Job And Crappy Health:

Solar Return MC Capricorn:
This is a very good year for competing in the work place and achieving your objectives. You will be very determined and will show much insistence in sharing your ideas with others. You will feel very ambitious and sure of yourself in your work, and you won't be given to fears or insecurity. However, take care not to move too quickly or hastily because that could bring some opposition from the others you work with.
If you are involved in science, administration, mathematics, or some sort of business enterprise, you will be very successful.

Well....I work in one of those.

You could be offered a position of more authority in your work, one that would give you the opportunity to direct and organize others, thereby leading to a promotion and/or raise. Although everything seems to indicate progress in the business world, you could also be drawn to pursue spiritual studies, making your personal growth more complete.

I'd guess the spiritual studies part pans out more than a promotion. At this point I'd have to jump ship entirely to get any higher up, or become management. To which I say "ugh" on that last one.

In selecting your goals it will be important to distinguish between principal and secondary ones, and choose them accordingly. Organization and constant work are the key words for becoming successful this year. On the other hand, you may be challenged with problems that need to be resolved, opponents who present a challenge to you, or disagreements with bosses or people who are in authority, which could hinder your growth. You are being tested this year to find your courage and trust in yourself. Don't give way to doubts or fears, but be firm and act on your own ideas. Your success this year will be thanks to your perseverance and hard work and not due to luck.

Sun opposition Saturn:
During this year you could experience obstacles that will be difficult to overcome. The duties and responsibilities of your daily life will seem to choke you. On the other hand, you won't be so willing to gratify your every wish. You will be inclined to take things too seriously and to limit yourself unduly. Try to keep your good humor in spite of the problems you may have and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude.,
You will find that other people will interfere in your life and those in authority over you will be difficult. The relationship with your father, or with some paternal figure in your life, could be very disturbing during this time. You could feel isolated and alone, generating inner feelings of bitterness and frustration. The opposition of others won't be easy to deal with and will require much patience and perseverance on your part.

Solar Return Moon in 6th house:
You may become restless and start thinking of making a change in the work you do. You will be looking for a more pleasant work environment, one which is less stressful. If you are presently working in a noisy or negative environment, you will seek something more positive and congenial. Or you might even think about changing the kind of work you do.

Solar Return 6th house cusp in or within 3 degrees of natal 12th house:
Some health problem you have had in the past could reappear. It is advisable to reassess your habits and daily routine, discarding any activities which could affect your health. Pay attention to your diet and to your personal hygiene. This astrological influence could bring on some chronic illness which, if serious, could lead to confinement or limitation of your freedom.
There could be complications in the work place due to the disloyal competition of co-workers or injustices placed on you by your superiors. There also is a possibility of you getting involved in some secret or illegal work.

Solar Return 6th cusp Conjunct natal Pluto:
Deep, hidden, and repressed emotions could bring on disorders in your physical body. You should try to bring these feelings to the surface so that you can work with them. If you don't, you may have problems later on. During this year, you could very well be able to heal any recurring problems, and with proper treatment, bring about a total cure.
This influence could bring such profound and permanent changes in your work environment that it will seem like a different place. You will have more authority but you will tend to be less flexible in your dealings with others.

Saturn in 6th house of Solar Return:
You will be loaded down with work, responsibilities, and limitations this year. You will probably have problems or conflicts with your superiors. If you are dissatisfied with your job or with the compensation you receive, you won't have the incentive to do the work. You will probably feel resentful of the routine, particularly if you work as an employee of someone else. If you are self-employed, you will be concerned over of the amount of responsibility that you must take on. If you decide you want to change jobs during this year, stay calm and don't rock the boat until you have found another better position.

Solar Return Saturn Conjunct natal Uranus:
Although your daily routine and duties will lead you to want to change your life around in a different direction, you will find it difficult to be as spontaneous and creative as you would like to be. You will rebel against the limitations and restrictions that are imposed on you by others. You will long for complete freedom, but it will be difficult to find it during this time.

Neptune in 10th house of Solar Return:
You could have problems in your work place with confusion and deception. You could be discredited or betrayed by people you work with who attack your position or standing in the organization. This could be a year of uncertainty and possible scandal. Achieving your goals and objectives could require a degree of sacrifice and great effort on your part. It is important to be persevering and not allow yourself to get discouraged, in spite of the problems.
This influence gives you a desire for change, but without a definite direction. It is advisable to think carefully before making an important decision. You could begin to doubt the wisdom of continuing in the professional direction you have been going in.
Under this influence, you could also be asking questions about the meaning of life and other spiritual topics.

Solar Return 12th house cusp in or within 3 degrees of natal 6th house:
Be careful not to neglect your work responsibilities this year. You may tend to feel too superior to others around you and expect them to take over your duties. This could result in feelings of envy or enmity in your co-workers.
It is important to pay special attention to your health this year, especially if you have have had serious problems in the past. Illness during this year could require extended rest or hospitalization.

Mars in 12th house of Solar Return:
You should be very cautious during this year because you could be attacked by someone who disagrees with what you believe in. It also could lead to dangerous situations or surprise attacks of some kind. There could also be the possibility of accidents or confinement.
You probably won't be able to channel your energies very easily and could be frustrated in your attempts. Your attempts to take action will be repressed or will manifest in an inappropriate manner. In general, you won't make a good impression on others and can even evoke their enmity. You will be acting primarily from a subconscious level and could therefore react too impulsively or destructively. You need to explore and become aware of bitterness and negative feelings you have brought with you from the past and take steps to heal them.
You would be better off working alone, avoiding too much pressure from your superiors. Social or charitable work could be a positive way of expressing this energy providing you are interested in doing it. You could also get interested in some sort of investigative work, the solving of mysteries or delving into secrets.

Yeah...that's not good...Well, work has been changing and stressful (and now, more drama-y) over the last year any way even BEFORE Uranus officially went into my sixth house...I had to look it up because it sure feels like it's alredy been there for awhile. Uck. Anyway, all of that does sound highly likely.

Stuff In Which I Will Either Gain Or Lose A Lot Of Money:

Solar Return Ascendant Taurus:
Material matters will be very important to you this year. This is a favorable period for increasing your financial position. You may start looking for new ways to increase your income and, if other indications are favorable, you will find the means to do so.

Solar Return 2nd house cusp in or within 3 degrees of natal 8th house:
You will have a great improvement in your finances due to an inheritance or legacy, or through the collaboration of your spouse, partner or business associate. On the other hand, there is danger of certain complications in your own business or of loss of employment. Be cautious and don't neglect your personal finances.

Jupiter in 2nd house of Solar Return:
You will expand your financial possibilities and earn more money during this year. You will be able to achieve your goals and sometimes a little bit more. Your sense of expanding and being more financially powerful will be very strong. On the negative side, this could cause you to spend more than you earn. You should control your purchases or expenses because you could run up an excessive amount of debt without realizing it. You won't want to deprive yourself of anything and you will have trouble knowing how to distinguish between what is real and what is not.
You won't run short of money this year and it would be very profitable for you to include money as one of goals for the year. However, it will be important to be responsible and careful so that you don't find yourself spending excessively in order to exaggerate your status or social position.

Solar Return 8th house cusp in or within 3 degrees of natal 2nd house:
This influence could bring you earnings through inheritances, legacies, donations, legal proceedings, or gifts. However, you should be careful in your regular work assignment because it is possible that you could lose your job now.

Pluto in 8th house of Solar Return:
Some of your old life patterns will come to an end this year and you will experience a transformation and significant changes in your current situation. Deep repressed emotions and impulses will be coming to the surface of your consciousness to be looked at and worked with. You will be dealing with profound, important subjects, such as life and death, or other mysteries of life. Your sexual urges will be stronger than usual.
On the material side, there could be changes due to situations beyond your control. Your financial situation could change suddenly, for better or for worse, especially if you have joint resources with other people. It would not be a good time to apply for credit or to take on any new debts.
Under this astrological influence, you could be the recipient of some type of inheritance or legacy which will change your financial situation.

Okay, this just freaking confuses me. I may gain or lose a lot of money? What? There isn't anyone from me to inherit from (my mom is spending my inheritance and nobody else likes me that much to leave me cash), so the money loss sounds more probable. Feh. But who doesn't have that going on these days.

Brain Things:

Moon opposition Mercury:
Your thinking will be less sure, precise, and positive. This could affect your ability to communicate with others and your ability to concentrate. You also will have frequent changes of mood, which may confuse the people around you. You will be more subjective and less logical.
You may want to make a change of residence or make some changes within your home. Any possible change should be considered and thought out thoroughly, avoiding impulsive or capricious decisions. There could be communication problems within the home which will lead to conflicts and difficulties. Always be clear and precise in what you want and ask for. Your popularity will be up and down as you could sometimes be the target of criticism.
In addition, you will be involved in a variety of projects which do not produce any satisfactory, appreciable results. The failure will be a consequence of the lack of continuity in your ideas and projects. Be alert and use your analytical mind in making your decisions.

In the chart of a woman, it marks a great inner transformation, in which you develop stronger and more aggressive personality traits during this year.

Uranus in 11th house of Solar Return:
You will feel attracted to forming new friendships this year. You will want to learn about different life styles and new and revolutionary ideas. Your desire to participate in group activities will increase, especially if they are discussing or studying new, unconventional topics. You will also be thinking of participating in social or philanthropic activities which aid others who are in need. However, you won't necessarily be willing to accept the rules or conduct that these groups will want you to follow.
You may become dissatisfied with your usual friendships, especially with friends who are very conservative, but will be easily attracted to those new relationships that stimulate your intellect. Your desire for novelty and newness could lead you into new, spontaneous activities and relationships. However, it is important to be flexible and understanding of old friends who don't understand your new position.
Your goals, dreams and expectations will undergo change this year so be prepared for it!

Solar Return Uranus Conjunct natal Mercury:
Your thinking will be very much influenced by the unconventional, freedom-loving people that you meet. This new way of thinking will change your attitude toward life and its purpose. You will become very curious about many things, especially the unusual or forbidden. You will want to communicate and exchange your new ideas with many creative people.

Mercury in 12th house of Solar Return:
You will become more quiet and secretive and will want to keep your life on a more intimate basis. You will privately question your ideas and will keep your opinions to yourself. You could have problems communicating with people because you are shy and distrustful of others. You may begin thinking that what you say will be used against you.

Solar Return Mercury Conjunct natal Mercury:
Your intellectual capacity will increase during this year. You probably will associate with people who have the same interests and will stimulate you to continue studying or to participate in intellectual groups. It will be easy for you to learn and also to relate your knowledge during this period. It will be important not to spend all the time talking about your projects without giving anyone else the opportunity to share.

Well, some of that is good and some of that is not. I like the Uranus/Mercury aspect though (have this natally as well), that sounds awesome.

Foreign Things:

Solar Return 3rd house cusp in or within 3 degrees of natal 9th house:
You probably will study and become more interested in philosophy, religion, politics, or metaphysics. You will be able to easily understand abstract ideas and profound subjects. You will have questions about religion and will search for specific answers to your spiritual questing.
You also could take a trip to a foreign country in pursuit of your studies or maintain correspondence with people who live in another country.

Solar Return 9th house cusp in or within 3 degrees of natal 3rd house:
You probably will take a trip to a foreign country to study or to enlarge your personal knowledge during this period. You will be able to work well with both concrete and abstract thinking, your intuition as well as your reason, and with your philosophical ideas as well as everyday, practical problem solving.

Solar Return MC in or within 3 degrees of natal 3rd house:
You may have to take some short trips relating to your profession, or you may receive certain job proposals by mail or other communication. Your professional growth will be in direct relationship to your intellectual achievement, your conscientious pursuit of your studies, and your relationship with your environment. If you are involved in some type of intellectual work, you will have much success during this year.

I highly doubt I will travel out of the country this year unless I ah, inherit a bunch of money for that. Internet pen palling out of the country may be as far as that goes.

Future Goals:

You could find yourself being more realistic and stubborn than usual.

How can that be even possible? That's my default!

You will be more tenacious and persevering in pursuing your dreams.

Woo hoo!

It is important, however, to not be so obstinate and unwilling to compromise that you cause undue tension and resentment in others. You may find yourself having the desire to acquire beautiful or expensive things to a greater degree than you are used to.

Again, how is that last bit even possible?

This year will bring you in contact with practical people with whom you could possibly form a productive business arrangement.

Yesssss!

But you should be cautious about moving too fast in these ventures as you might find that the results do not meet your expectations.

Oh. :/

If you have artistic inclinations, it will be a positive year for expanding your creative talents. This influence may attract you to begin to study such fields as art, interior decorating and design, or crafts such as pottery, which could ultimately result in material profit.

I wouldn't mind this.

Temper and Injuries:

Sun conjunction Mars:
This is an excellent year to begin new projects, especially those that involve dynamic activity or some risk. You will feel full of vitality and vigor to confront life. You won't enjoy sitting down too much or spending time in one room for a prolonged period and will resist maintaining a daily routine. You will need to find an outlet for your increased dynamic energy. One possibility would be participating in some sport or some work that requires physical effort.
But this influence could also cause you to be more aggressive,, impulsive, and impatient. You will be prone to overreact to the smallest things. It would be wise to be more aware than usual to how you act in situations which trigger off your negative side. This behavior could effect your social relationships and bring about conflicts with people who don't agree with your way of thinking. Your confidence will be strong and you will defend your ideas with great vigor. Try to maintain a certain amount of flexibility. You will be inclined to express yourself most aggressively in the house that is occupied by the Sun this year (described in the previous paragraph).
There also is danger of accidents, falls, blows, burns and cuts. This is due to your inclination to take chances and to act hastily or impulsively.

Solar Return Mars Conjunct natal Sun:
You will react very strongly to any acts of aggression on the part of others. You will find yourself getting involved in tense situations, especially when you are confronted with very aggressive, domineering, or competitive people. However, your personal pride will be very strong and you will be able to take care of yourself when you are attacked or criticized by others.

Uck.

Family Stuff:

The relationship with your mother and with women in general will be very favorable and balanced. You will be able to count on their support for your projects in most cases.

Moon trine Jupiter:
You will feel a sense of well-being and contentment all year. Your emotions will be very positive and you will be optimistic, happy, and generous. As a result you will earn the appreciation of people in general, increase your popularity and receive spontaneous, willing help from others, especially women.
You will have good fortune in the things that you undertake. This will be mainly due to your sincere and positive attitude. This will also spread to the financial area, where you will probably gain more income. In addition, the atmosphere in your home will be very positive and harmonious. Existing differences and disagreements could disappear during this time, and you will find the support and harmony that you need. The relationship with your mother as well as other women in your life will be very positive.

Solar Return Moon Conjunct natal Pluto:>
Your relationship with the public, particularly with women, will arouse powerful feelings in you which will cause you to change and transform in some way. You could react to the emotional demonstrations of other people in a somewhat violent and uncontrolled way. In addition, your relationship with your family, especially with your mother, could provoke increased tension in you.

Solar Return 4th house cusp in or within 3 degrees of natal 10th house:
You will rely on the support of your family to help you achieve the goals you have proposed for this year.

Your work activity will be influenced by and tied, in some way, to your loved ones. You could find yourself following in your parents' footsteps during this year or you may receive favors and credits due to their influence. Your success will be realized later, in the final months of this solar year.

This all just makes me laugh, because while my mom is supportive in some things...she is not so supportive of the major ones that would say, involve my changing jobs and/or moving away. It's not in her best interests to support me on that, you know?

Anyhoo: romance good, job ick, temper ick, brain up and down, family bizarrely happy for me, money--who knows.

This week's astrobarry

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Everything's turning right now. Confusion gives way to renewed self-assuredness. Relative immobility transforms into the generating heat of a proverbial 'fire under your ass'.

Hey, this is actually happening! Go figure! Always nice when one of these things actually feels like it has some vague relevance to my life, just for kicks!

That recent clumsiness of self-expression is happily shed, to be replaced by a newfound charismatic glow destined to win back good favor from those who might've forgotten what a strong presence you possess. This is all the expected result from a week marked by Venus, the Sun and Mars all entering your sign together… blessing you with an attractive glow, a warming-up of spirit, and a boost of physical initiative, all functioning in synergistic alignment with one another. 'Hell, yeah' to all that! You're back in business, in a pretty palpable way, in these weeks to come. Now, a couple mitigating provisions: (1) Mercury is still a wild-card until he departs your solar 12th on May 1, and especially so this week, when he's messing with Uranus and Pluto. Therefore, while I encourage you to start moving assertively ahead and, in the process, flirting madly with the whole world, I still don't recommend initiating important conversations. Let your actions speak for themselves—and if you're being cornered into discussing what's up with you (in anything more than a perfunctory couple-sentences manner), try to drag your feet on this until May. (2) Saturn, as I mentioned last week, could prove to be a party-pooping stinker through all this, presenting interpersonal challenges to your uninhibited movement. Fighting against this fact—and hoping to avoid notice by the other important player(s)—will only make it worse.

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21): It's prime time to start more actively wooing the person you've had your eye on, Scorpio… to conspicuously direct your energy in ways that'll grab their attention, put a smile on their face, and/or show 'em you care… and to seriously consider what sorts of compromises you might make, in order to feed the potential for a sturdier, more fleshed-out relationship. Likewise, if you need to deliver an uncomfortable reality-check to someone and/or loosen the grip they're trying to hold in your life, this is also your prime time to utilize your charms for effecting the change you hope to see between you. A trio of arrivals (Venus, the Sun and Mars) into your relationship house (the solar 7th) this week creates a not-so-subtle transfer of interests to all things interpersonally-related, putting you in an excellent spot to play for what you want from key individuals in your life. Caution, however: Saturn will make you work for it, increasing the challenge in any situations where you attempted underhanded maneuvers in an effort to manipulate their responses. Sometimes, you may learn, being direct and obvious and fairly basic in your approach delivers better results than overly complex machinations or hidden motives.

More Michael Lutin astro-poetry

CUPID SPEAKS

Think you're done with the Venus transit?
Last year was just the rehearsal. This is the show.
The Universe plops someone smack in front of you
(mainly because the Universe has been evesdropping on your prayers),
and SO the Universe is merely complying with your secret wishes.
It places someone right there and says to you,
"Here is the person you are now going to love. Enjoy!"
And then adds,
"Oh, yeah, and by the way, here is a list of things you will have to deal with if you're going to love that person.
Fortunately, it's not MY problem. Universe out!"

THE VENUS TRANSIT OF 2012 IS NOT OVER. NOW COMES THE PUNCH LINE OF THE JOKE.
LOVE CONQUERS ALL.

I am seriously, seriously wondering about this one this year.

From my monthly as well:

TAURUS AND TAURUS RISING

Let’s get at least one paranoid notion out of the way right now.
The Universe is NOT conspiring with all your secret enemies to bring about your downfall. In fact, the opposite is happening. Although you’ve got good reason to wonder why so much lightning has been striking all around you, your life is actually opening up in ways you never dreamed it could our would. It’s just all a hell of a lot to accept at once.

Three Things You Need to Ask for in an Astrological Reading

Hm, let's go through this...

1. "Look to see if there is a “resonance and compatibility” between your Sun sign and the way you live your life." ... 
2. Consider the gifts and challenges of your North and South Nodes.
3. Consider your transits.

"Learn what your sign really means, what it likes and how to work with it!—i.e. if you know you’re a Sagittarian in your early twenties, will you want to take the office job for the corporation? Will you want to marry early? Ever hear the refrain “don’t fence me in”? A Sagittarian screamed it from the top of a mountain. But if that job proposal allows you long week-ends and time away to travel with your friends, hike the mountains, or to dig into your favorite books and take night classes, then why not? Don’t settle for simple answers or clichés. Find the deeper meanings in that Sun sign."

Hm....well, as a Taurus, I'd say I'm probably living the dream. Nice clothes, good food, not in the lap of luxury but comfy on a day to day basic, making lots of pretty things. So....wouldn't say it isn't a fit. Check.

"There’s a strong message there—a long term Soul warning of what may be a “Soul Cage” for you in your South Node default patterns, and what may be “good medicine” for you in your North Node."

Yeah, I definitely don't have this one. I am supposed to be learning how to partner and how to not always be a lone wolf, but the way my life goes...well, partnering just flat out does not happen. If I ask for help, most of the time in regular life, that's a no (especially these days). The only person who wants to partner with me is my mother (who has the opposite nodes to mine) and...argh on this one. I have enough stuff in my chart going against this idea that it'll take divine intervention for it to change.

"it’s the outer planet transits that matter—as they conjunct, oppose or square your natal planets….look closely at how that “committee of inner selves” that we call planetary archetypes, is being “besieged” by the current transits. When, where and why is this happening to me? When will this be over? Where should I focus now? Why is it happening? Remember that no transit happens before its time. You’re ready; that’s why. You can handle it, and it’s time to make a move….but if it’s a Pluto transit you may have to practice surrender, and if it’s a Uranus transit, you can’t wait any longer to begin a real change. Find out your astrological weather forecast."

Uranus in sixth house, so....yeah, already said this one. Technically it doesn't even hit my sixth house cusp until (exactly) my birthday, but the last year and change have had work changes in daily duties aplenty. And my south node and Mercury are next up to get hit at.

Coincidentally, I was reading this post tonight from a fellow Scorpio rising, which means she probably has the same sort of major transits going on that I do (though I dunno on her planets being hit). She has had a shit year since last year and is going through a lot of stuff...and then there's the reality truck. (Or as her old roommate would say, she got Towered.)

I know I need to go...on some level, anyway.... it's just not knowing WHERE to go that doesn't help that. I just hope I don't get Towered into it because I end up homeless and broke or something.