March 28, 2020
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Celestial Greetings!

In my newsletter a month ago, I wrote about Pisces and how Mercury went retrograde there and the importance of the new moon in Pisces. This is a sign of faith versus fears. We are still swimming in those seas and will be for the foreseeable future, with the ruling planet of Pisces, Neptune, traveling in its home sign for about another six years. Now more than ever we need to find something positive to cling to - and that something is us! We need to use prayer or our collective visualizing power and we can turn to the classic virtues of "faith, hope and charity" to get us through these times.
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NEW MOON IN ARIES

The new moon early on March 24 came just four days after the spring equinox late on March 19. They feature the same potent combination of planets in Capricorn that have been the focus of many astrologers' writing of late: very slow Pluto, about to be passed by medium-slow Jupiter, and both being pushed by quick Mars. Saturn went by Pluto in January and won't be joined by Jupiter until December. That will occur in Aquarius, where Saturn moved between the equinox and the new moon. Of course, Saturn in Aquarius and its conjunction with Jupiter will bring more changes, a big topic for another time.
Meanwhile, this cycle urges us to take action and make giant changes, which is exactly what we are seeing. Aries is always a time to turn over a new leaf. Coming at the start of spring, it is the sign of the beginning of a new astrological year. Mars is the ruler of Aries, and because it is in Capricorn (from February 16 until March 30), this spring has a focus on Capricorn associations - responsibility, limitations and government - which will manifest in ways related to the key planets there: Jupiter and Pluto, signaling big transformation. Astrologers have had their eye on 2020 for a long time as a pivotal year.

Most astrologers don't get down into the detailed weeds like I do, nor do they pay heed to Eris. I say, "Ignore the dwarf planet of chaos and discord at your own peril." (See my latest blog.) The minutia of this new moon include a square between Ceres, the dwarf planet of nurturing and support, and Venus, a planet of teamwork and affection as well as values and money, possessions and resources. Halfway between them and semisquare to each are the Moon and Sun (always paired at a new moon, by definition) only a degree away from them is Chiron, an asteroid related to health matters and finding the weak links in a system, healing wounds, making repairs and improvements, and thinking outside the box. This combination means we need to learn how to get over our wounds (a major one being division) and unite to take care of one another - to ensure our very existence! Aries is definitely a sign about survival. When I see a square, I automatically look for what I call a mitigating influence, another planet or part of a chart that makes a favorable connection to both points in the square. At this new moon, we have our savior planet, Neptune, in a helpful sextile (two signs away from) Venus and in a mildly assistive semisextile to Ceres. Neptune represents fears on one side of its coin, with faith on the other. When fears arise, flip over the coin to see what you need to believe in to keep the fears at bay. Neptune is also a planet of sacrifice, which we all need to do at this time. Chiron can bring us innovation in the search for solutions and for a cure or vaccine, although that research and development will take time. We're left in a position of having to forego the usual self-interest indicated by Aries and turn to Neptune since "we're all in this boat together."
NASA photo - Jupiter with 2 of its moons
What are the planets up to?

Jupiter passes Pluto in Capricorn April 4.droppable-1585365945396
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. With dozens of moons (67 of them!), it's almost a planetary system on its own. It doesn't do anything half-way. "Go big or go home," is Jupiter's motto. So of course when it joins transformative Pluto three times in 2020 (April 4, June 29 and November 12), it portends an enormous shift. We're only at the start of that now. The arena for the changes is Capricorn's turf. This is the sign of tradition and the status quo, the way things have always been. Well, not if Pluto has anything to say about it. Pluto is a planet of extremes and when it comes our way, there's the way things were before and then a very different way they are after.

Jupiter is a planet of bringing things out into the open. Pluto is a private planet about what is hidden or underground. What has been suppressed or covered up or done in secret will come out in 2020. That might hurt in the short run but is needed in the long run. Pluto is also about purging, getting rid of what's outworn. I sometimes call Pluto the "garbage man" of the solar system. Apparently, we have a lot of garbage to throw out! With most of us home-bound now, I'm guessing we're all clearing out clutter and getting organized Pluto-in-Capricorn style. When we're able to be out and about again, Goodwill and similar organizations will probably inundated with things people donate.

Another Pluto association is the economy and the markets. One might expect an uptick when expansive Jupiter joins Pluto. This time around, though, since they are both square chaotic Eris, the reverse seems to be the case. (Maybe the markets will begin to rise in early April after the recent dips.) Because Saturn is a planet of contraction, most astrologers expected an economic downturn this year - and likely into next year, as well, since in February 2021, Saturn is square unpredictable Uranus. Mitchell Scott Lewis points out that their negative combination has historically been present at the USA's recessions, depressions and panics.

Pluto is the planet of death, and when Jupiter joined Pluto in 1918, it coincided with the Spanish flu. They were not in a square with Eris as is now the case, so the Corona virus coinciding with this conjunction should be taken very seriously and addressed with extreme measures. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary action.

Read more about the current planetary influences in my blog.
Janet Booth's astrology blog at AstrologyBooth.com
LATEST BLOG


Slow Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008. This is the year Saturn and Jupiter catch up with it in a display of power the likes of which are seldom seen. To add gun powder to the mix, Mars joined in at the Spring Equinox. We're living through the results. In this blog, I share my take on what is going on, including the involvement of Eris, the newest addition to our solar system. And there are links to what a number of other astrologers are saying about our current times.
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Keep Your Sunny Side UP

Jupiter is the planet most-related to humor and optimism. It has a buoyant effect. In fact, "UP" is right in its name, J UP iter, and it was once known as Jove, as in jovial. The old adage, "laughter is the best medicine," really is true. Choose your favorite comedic source (TV show, film, cartoon, video, podcast, etc.) and apply it liberally, daily, as a panacea or tonic. This is not to deny the severity and seriousness of what is happening, but to balance it. I learned long ago, with the death of my older brother in 1994, we cannot stop sadness from happening in our lives, but we can learn to let it co-exist side by side with joy.

Bring out your fun and creative side. Not that you need any special talent, tools or materials. Let out your inner child. Pick up an adult coloring book or check out zentangles . Or you can try Lunch Doodles led by the Kennedy Center education artist in residence, Mo Willems, weekdays at 1:00 PM Eastern. Mo says , "You might be isolated, but you’re not alone. You are an art maker. Let’s make some together."

If you have a passion, dive into it. It will take you away from the woes of the world. Let it lift you UP.

Being touched by the hearts and humanity of your fellows is also healing. For instance, this Danish TV ad shows an experiment to demonstrate how people who are very different in some ways share a lot in common in other ways. The participants shift from division to unity. This is what we're working toward as we go through the giant changes heading into the Age of Aquarius, to achieve, as the song says , "harmony and understanding, sympathy and trust abounding."

This is a time that calls to us to rise to our highest potential, to conquer fear and hate with love.
FREE RESOURCES FOR 2020!

The December episode of LOOKING UP, entitled "2020 Vision," highlights the new year's important planetary activity with a heads up to prepare you and a discussion of which signs will be impacted most and which might have a calmer time. (That said, remember that we all have all the signs in our charts.)

There are many FREE RESOURCES FOR 2020 at AstrologyBooth.com, including the whole year's day ratings organized month by month on tables, the Best & Worst Days List, 2020 On a Page and a handout "Highlights of 2020 by J Booth." All are PDFs for easy reading or downloading and printing, if you wish. Share this with your friends!
LOOKING UP Shows - Past, Current & Upcoming

Due to a computer difficulty, all of West Hartford Community Interactive's TV shows - including Looking Up - are not currently available for online viewing. Hopefully, the problem will be solved before long! Three is one show you can see on YouTube: 2020 Vision from December 2019 with the year-ahead outlook.

April, 2020
TIMELESS WISDOM
When times are challenging, we look to the heavens for help. The attributes of the planets and signs provide energies we can all utilize, regardless of what's emphasized in your personal chart. In this episode, Janet waxes philosophical - picture your old auntie sharing her experience and sage advice.

March, 2020
SPRING IS IN THE AIR
An ancient astrological technique is a forecast based on the chart for the vernal equinox. This year's shows a strong shove to a long-lasting turbulent factor, portending a volatile season. We also examine the planets' shifting positions and connections, and which signs are stimulated. The Air element is featured more prominently than usual.

February, 2020
MERCURY RETROGRADES OF 2020
Three times a year, the Messenger of the Gods travels in reverse for three weeks at a clip. Besides bringing communication mix-ups, there are opportunities to re-examine issues, research ideas and handle those pesky piles of paperwork. We'll check 2020's Mercury backtracks to see which signs are most impacted and discuss how we can use the energy to advantage. The first bout began Feb. 16.

January, 2020
LOOKING AT ECLIPSES
Just what is an eclipse and what makes it important? Find out about two types of eclipse cycles, what eclipses mean when they affect a birth chart, and what's special about the eclipses of 2020.

December, 2019
Big things are brewing in the stars for 2020! Get the scoop on the highlights and heavyweights, which signs are in the planets' cross hairs and which might have an easier year. Heed the warnings and see the signposts with Janet's guidance.

November, 2019
ASTROLOGICAL COMPATIBILITY
Which signs are most compatible with one another? Which ones, not so much? Although many factors impinge on a relationship (and we'll touch on these), we'll explore the signs more generally, including what strengths and weaknesses each sign brings to a relationship and what is sought in a partner.
Service Special
Someday, when COVID-19 is behind us, you'll want to go places again. This service special was set up before the days of isolation and quarantines. You may want to dream of a future journey, or perhaps you're contemplating relocation. If so, this special is for you!

Discount on Your Travel or Relocation Horizon : a 60-minute look at how life is different for you in different places, where you can accentuate your potentials, what travel would be like to various areas. Birth time required. Regularly $150, now 20% off ($120 after discount), through 3/31/20. Enter GOPLACES at check-out and call Janet at 860-232-4670 or email [email protected] to set up an appointment.
Janet Sightings
No events are currently planned, at least not on planet Earth. Cyberspace is another matter. A podcast may come along before long. Stay tuned!
In closing ...

I hope the information in this newsletter, my blogs and Looking Up shows will help you handle the current and upcoming planetary influences with greater ease and awareness, and use the celestial tides to your advantage!
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Janet Booth | AstrologyBooth.com| 860-232-4670 | [email protected]