Astrological Forecasts

(all times are PDT)

August starts on a Monday with the Moon in Cancer until the evening. Feelings are high but they may also be tender. It’s also the day before the New Moon in Leo. Heads Up!

Tue Aug 02 the Moon is very dark in Leo when Mars changes signs, leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius. About two hours later is the New Moon at 10 Leo. Things should really brighten up now. Don’t let anything get you down.

Wed Aug 03 the Moon is in Leo all day. Write like the champion you are. In the evening the Moon conjoins Venus in Leo and then goes void of course. Don’t worry about making anything look or sound better. Do that later.

Thu Aug 04 the Moon conjoins Mercury in Virgo at 1:43 am. Want to take a closer look at what you did yesterday? Go ahead but don’t be harsh. At night at 9:57 pm the Moon opposes Neptune. You can change your opinion about something but don’t act on it until tomorrow.

Fri Aug 05 the Moon is in Virgo when Venus changes signs and enters Virgo. Aesthetics remain refined but details matter more. Think little pearl buttons, all buttoned down. About twelve hours later the Moon conjoins Jupiter in Virgo and goes void of course. You may not feel that you’re doing enough, but that’s just the big picture talking. Stay on track, do little things, but maybe more of them. (continue reading…)

Heads Up!

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac

By Kathy Watts

July 2016

(all times are PDT)

July starts on a Friday (the day of the week for Venus) with the Moon just slipping into super-writer-friendly Gemini. We can spend the whole darn month working and feeling good about everything and everyone. Yes, we can. Only Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto are retrograde now. The other inner planets are all direct. We can let the outer world go spin its wheels as we get on with our inner lives a bit more often.

Fri July 01 the Moon is in Gemini and will be there until early Sunday morning. Be your best mercurial, inventive, clever self and see how much you learn and accomplish. (continue reading…)

Heads Up!

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac

By Kathy Watts

June 2016

(all times are PDT)

June starts on a Wednesday, Mercury’s day of the week. That can keep the little mind active! The Sun itself is in Gemini, too. Do good things with this. Mars, Saturn, and Pluto are all retrograde now. By the middle of the month Neptune will be retrograde, too. Don’t be in too big a rush to do anything. Take your time. Do your best.

Wed Jun 01 the Moon conjoins Uranus in Aries. Heads Up. A frivolous little surprise is always a good excuse for a work break. Don’t let it eat the day.

Fri Jun 03 the Moon conjoins Mercury in Taurus. Work hard and be sociable. Yes, you can do both, although maybe not at the same time. At 8:01 pm the Moon leaves Taurus and enters the sign of Gemini. We have from now until Sunday evening to make the most of our mercurial inclinations and talents. Go for it. It’s also the day before the New Moon. Be safe. Heads Up. (continue reading…)

Heads Up!

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac

By Kathy Watts

May 2016

(all times PDT)

May! We are in the incredible heart of spring. Five planets are retrograde now, including Mercury, but that won’t last. If life has been hectic, here’s our chance to shift into a slightly lower gear.

Sun May 01 the Moon is void of course in Aquarius when the Sun makes a sextile with Neptune. That can give a boost to dreams and inspiration. Later in the morning the Moon moves into Pisces. Enjoy the dreamy atmosphere but don’t float away.

Mon May 02 the Moon conjoins Neptune in Pisces. The mental fog may thicken, but you can work through, and even with, it. If you’re feeling weepy, blot those eyes and keep writing.

Tue May 03 the Moon is void of course in Pisces when the Sun trines Jupiter (which is still retrograde, by the way). Take on a big project or chip the corner off a big work in progress. There’s no rush. The Moon enters Aries in the late morning. Let your motivation heat up and see how much you can get done.

Wed May 04 the Moon is in Aries all day. Take your vitamins, work hard, and blast away. At 9:17 pm the Moon conjoins Uranus and goes void of course. The Moon may still be in Aries, but the evening should be less hyper, crazy or surprising perhaps but less hyper.

Thu May 05 the Moon enters Taurus at 10:10 am. Work habits can get steadier. Take pleasure in your work all day, as the Moon conjoins Venus at 10:12 pm. Happy Cinco de Mayo! Maybe I should say Heads Up. It’s also the day before the New Moon. Definitely Heads Up! Play it safe and smart.

Fri May 06 is the New Moon in 16 Tau at 12:30 pm. Have a productive and profitable month just by doing what comes naturally (that’s often what we do best anyway). At 7:10 pm the Moon conjoins Mercury retrograde and goes void of course. You don’t need to manically write through the evening, but you might.

Sat May 07 the Moon leaves Taurus at 9:35 am and enters the gloriously creative and infinitely curious sign of Gemini. We have from now until Monday morning to be our most mercurial (in the good sense), conversational, and constructive selves. Do good things!

Sun May 08 the Moon is in Gemini all day. Are you still reading, writing, and socializing? Take mental notes. (continue reading…)

Heads Up!

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac

by Kathy Watts

April 2016

(times are PDT)

Spring has most definitely sprung, no matter what the  weather is! April starts on a Friday, the day of the week  for Venus, so make this a month of love, inside and out. If nothing else, love what you do. Don’t let a daily grind take the magic out of it for you. (continue reading…)

Heads Up!

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac

by Kathy Watts

February 2016

(all times are Pacific Standard Time, PST)

February starts on a Monday, the day ruled by the Moon. Feelings will be powerful all month. What more can a creative person ask for? Pluto and Mercury are only one degree apart now. Look deeply and see all manner of marvels and mysteries. February is tumultuous and lop-sided, at a time when we need all our wits about us. It doesn’t hurt that so many planets are on the same side of the sky. That will change.

The inner planets, the personal ones, Mercury and Venus, hug the Sun and will follow where the Sun goes. Over the next five years, Jupiter and Saturn will draw closer together, square now but will make a conjunction in 2020. Last time in 2000, the conjunction was in Taurus. In 2020 it will be in Aquarius. We are facing what some astrologers call a “grand mutation.” (ed note: most ancients only recognized ‘grand’ mutations when they entered fiery signs; entering or ingresses into Air signs, such as Aquarius were referred to as ‘lesser’ mutations). Remember, before Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered, it was up to Jupiter and Saturn to explain all of history, politics, and economics.) In 2000 the King and the Guru (Jupiter and Saturn) were in a Fixed sign but in 2020 they will meet in an Air sign. Perhaps the world will be less materialistically manic and instead be ready for a true revolution. It will be different world. But, isn’t it always?

Mon Feb 01 the Moon is in Scorpio all day and conjoins Mars in the wee small hours. It may be an intense day, so work with intensity, and with great energy.

Wed Feb 03 the Moon is in Sagittarius all day. The Sun makes a sextile with Saturn at 10:17 am. Have solid answers to elusive questions. A bit more than an hour later, at 11:31 am the Moon conjoins Saturn. Heads Up. Respect and authority are there for you. Use them wisely. Write those succinct, professional query letters and pitches now.

Fri Feb 05 the Moon is in Capricorn all day. Venus and Pluto form a conjunction in Capricorn at 5:15 pm. Heads Up. Have sensible party plans for the weekend and meanwhile write those racy sexy scenes. The Moon now conjoins Pluto at 10:01 pm. At 10:29 pm the Moon next conjoins Venus. Heads Up. Whatever you do, get home safely, okay? You have work waiting for you. 

Sat Feb 06 the Moon is in the end of Capricorn when Mercury trines Jupiter. Heads Up. We can use all the good luck and ease that we can get.

Sun Feb 07 the Moon in Aquarius makes a sextile with Saturn in Sagittarius. You may be ready for some peace and quiet to get your thoughts organized for tomorrow. The real news, though, is that tomorrow is the New Moon. Heads Up and be safe.

Mon Feb 08 is the New Moon at 19 Aqu. Heads Up for a brighter, bolder, bigger outlook. It’s also the Chinese New Year (of the Monkey). Gung Hay Fat Choy and all that! No one needs to tell a writer, or any creative soul, about the importance of mischief.

Tue Feb 09 the Moon conjoins Neptune in Pisces. Visualize getting a lot done today before going out to celebrate. It’s Mardi Gras. At end of day, 11:54 pm Venus is trine Jupiter. Let the good times roll!

Wed Feb 10 the Moon is in Pisces all day. A good day for poetry, music, and writing scenes with irrational characters having emotional outbursts, all out of love of course. At 8:25 pm the Moon is sextile Mercury then goes void of course. If your mind has been spinning, it may start to calm down now.

Fri Feb 12 is the Moon-Uranus conjunction in Aries. Look for, and maybe create, a beautiful surprise or two.

Sat Feb 13 the Moon is in Taurus when Mercury changes signs, leaves Capricorn and enters Aquarius. Don’t let your work ethic slip. You have important things to say.

Mon Feb 15 the Moon enters the sign of Gemini at 6:35 am. Release those mercurial impulses and connect with your world (and with your inner frisky brat). At 10:36 am the Moon is sextile Mercury. That can make being curious and communicative even easier. We only have until midday Wednesday to splurge and indulge those reading, writing, and networking appetites. Go for it.

Tue Feb 16 the Moon is in Gemini when Venus changes signs, leaves Capricorn and joins Mercury in Aquarius. Your work style may getting more intellectual and cerebral rather than pragmatic. Regardless, be productive.

Wed Feb 17 the Moon trines the Sun at 8:37 am and goes void of course in Gemini until it enters Cancer at 11:24 am. Did you get a lot done? Maybe a nice lunch is called for. Also, today is the last day of the month when the Sun is in Aquarius. Tomorrow the world may seem more misty and mystical, touchy, feelie, dreamy and idealistic. Heads Up.

Thu Feb 18 the Moon is in Cancer when the Sun changes signs, leaves Aquarius behind and enters the deep waters of Pisces. Heads Up. How much Water do you want? Obviously, write and create with deep emotion today. You can edit and have it make sounder sense later on. Of course, sometimes the hearts speaks with a shocking clarity.

sounder sense later on. Of course, sometimes the hearts speaks with a shocking clarity. (continue reading…)

Heads Up!

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac

by Kathy Watts

January 18th-31st 2016

(times are all Pacific Standard Time, PST)

Mon Jan 18 the Moon is in Taurus all day. At 3:01 am Mars makes a trine with Neptune. There’s magic in this trine, and with Mars in Scorpio, it may not be gentle. It may be a good day to let a character’s emotions run wild, though. Heads Up.

Tue Jan 19 the Moon enters Gemini at 1:13 am. Heads Up for extra writerly and artistic self-indulgence and productivity. This will end early on Thursday, so jump right on it. It goes fast. It’s also the last day of the month that the Sun spends in Capricorn. Tomorrow the world will be bigger if not brighter, with wider perspective.

Wed Jan 20 the Moon is in Gemini when the Sun enters Aquarius at 7:27 am. Heads Up. If it’s been a work-crazed month so far, that might lighten up but the desire to work isn’t going to go away. Mercury retrograde is square Uranus at 10:26 am. This could be a Heads Up if you’re feeling mischievous.

Thu Jan 21 the Moon enters Cancer at 5:28 am. Treat yourself to a nice breakfast and keep working.

Fri Jan 22 the Moon is Cancer when at 1:59 am Mercury retrograde conjoins Pluto at 15 Cap. Alarming thoughts could try to grab hold of your imagination. Let them go. Mercury won’t be retrograde much longer and it’s moving slowly and powerfully through the sky. Heads Up. The Moon conjoins Mercury retrograde at 9:17 am. Your heart may speak more loudly than your head. The Moon then conjoins Pluto at 9:34 am. It’s an intense way to spend the morning, so maybe cut down on the coffee. By the way, the Moon is square Uranus at 11:32 am. Surprises may not be so pleasing now. It’s a sort of Heads Up day. (continue reading…)

Heads Up!

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac

by Kathy Watts

January 1st-7th 2016

(times are all Pacific Standard Time, PST)

Happy New Year! Whatever 2015 gave or took away, 2016 is here now and we get a fresh start. Hard work and simply being sensible and realistic will get us through better than we might think. Take care of essentials and work hard on those things you love most. Like, ah, being creative and expressive. And remember, you are not alone. Starting the year with the Moon in Libra generates a firm, fond bond between us all. Write on!

Fri Jan 01 the Moon is in Libra all day. It’s a Venus day with the Moon in a sign ruled by Venus. Enjoy what pleases you most and indulge in the arts that inspire you. (Me, I’ve resumed reading War and Peace.) In the evening Mercury changes signs, leaving Capricorn and entering Aquarius. We can think about a bigger audience now.

Sun Jan 03 the Moon is still in Libra when Mars leaves Libra and enters its nocturnal home sign of Scorpio. (Even if you treat Pluto as the ruler of Scorpio, Mars is still extremely strong here, and much happier than being in Libra.) Get motivated and make some progress, no matter how much socializing happens. Midday, at 11:52 am the Moon also enters Scorpio. Get focused on your current work. By 1:12 pm, the Moon has caught up with Mars to make a conjunction. If you need to go home and shut the door to get things done, why not.

Mon Jan 04 the Moon is in Scorpio all day. The Moon is trine Neptune at 2:56 am, setting us up for a dreamy day. Don’t dream the day away, though. Tomorrow Mercury goes retrograde. Get mentally organized and be ready. Do you know where your phone and keys are? Good. Heads Up!

Tue Jan 05 is a Heads Up day. The Moon is in Scorpio when Mercury makes a square with Mars at 4:00 am. Heads Up. A dream may expose a flawed idea. Mercury then goes stationary retrograde at 5:06 am, at 01 Aqu. Heads Up. Get ready to repeat and improve something that you thought was finished. At 7:28 pm, the Sun conjoins Pluto, at 15Cap. Heads Up. If tensions have been mounting all day, blame it on this. At last, the Moon enters Sagittarius at 10:56 pm. Whew. (continue reading…)

Heads Up!

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac

by Kathy Watts

December 13th-31st 2015

all times PST

Sun Dec 13 the Moon is conjunct Pluto in Capricorn. Heads Up. You can get through any amount of holiday preparation craziness just be being organized and refusing to be rushed. Besides, you’re probably also thinking about your current project. It’s permitted, so long as you drive safely. It’s St. Lucy’s day. Do you know where your candles are? (continue reading…)

Heads Up!

The Writer’s Astrological Almanac

by Kathy Watts

December 1st- 12th  2015

all times PST

The year is ending. Let’s finish strong! December starts on Tuesday, the day of the week ruled by Mars, so put in your best effort and use every day! We begin with a Grand Trine in Fire, involving the Moon, Mercury, and Uranus. Light your own fire and surprise yourself!

Wed Dec 02 the Moon spends almost all day in Virgo. Settle down and clean up some previous work, perhaps part of what you did yesterday. It’s already good. Make it better.

Thu Dec 03 the Moon makes a conjunction with Jupiter in Virgo. Be lucky and creative in countless small ways. This also means short words in preference to long.

Fri Dec 04 the Moon is in Libra when Venus changes signs, leave her nocturnal home of Libra and enters Scorpio. Heads Up. If you been holding back on writing those spicier love scenes, now’s the time.

Sat Dec 05 the Moon is conjunct Mars in Libra. Heads Up. Get people to cooperate by not interfering with them. Give that stubborn character a tiny nudge, step back, and watch the whole chapter unfold. (continue reading…)