Hello, dear friends,

I have been trying to write this email for a few days now. I wanted to talk to you about Neptune entering Pisces, but since Neptune started his grand entrance, my mind has been a muddle - as has been the case for many people I have spoken to. Turns out muzzy-headedness is a side affect of Neptune entering Pisces.

I wanted to talk to you about all the calls I got last week from people with divided hearts and heads. Folks who are embarking on a new path and are happy about it - but something in their mind is doubtful. Even my 8 yrs old daughter was crying last week - she sees herself growing up and in many ways she is excited to be BIG, but on the other hand, she is worried that she won't get to run and play with her friends so much when she gets older. She is afraid that all she has to look forward to is making money "and that's HARD!" she said through the tears.

For some of us, these feelings are due in part because Mercury changed signs - moved into changeable Aquarius on the 27th of January. For some, it has more to do with Saturn opposing Jupiter - that push-pull feeling between responsibility and expansion will lessen, as this aspect is nearly over (mercifully). For others it is Neptune moving into Pisces. Pisces is a very sensitive sign and it's about connectedness, community, spirit, inspiration and compassion. Pisces is more about feelings than practicality - and those sensitive Piscean feelings can be hurt easily. Pisces can also be about martyrdom and escapism - and Venus in Pisces lately can encourage us to suffer over our suffering in many ways. At this time when we are all taking on new things, it can seem difficult - like we will never have fun again - but that's not really true or the point. The point is working through the difficulties to reach that new wonderful state of being - and Saturn in Libra is doing all he can to help inspire us to do the work and to be responsible.

I think it is fitting that Neptune returns to Pisces this year. He will stay for 13 years and it takes about 164 years for him to complete his trip around the zodiac. At this time, we will have the idea of oneness on our minds. Compassion, group concerns and creating a fulfilling life for all. Pisces is the Age we are leaving, as we begin the Age of Aquarius, and it is almost as if the Universe wants to be sure we do not forget the important lessons we have learned in the last Age - so we get 13 more years with a strong Piscean feel. This will help us do the work we intend to have done by December - helping us feel more connected and more compassion for our fellow man.

Another interesting thing about Neptune in Pisces is suddenly lots of people are talking about water. Reading up on the healthy benefits of water or getting new water purifiers (I love my new Zero pitcher, by the way). Our town is talking about a community pool - other people I know are planning trips to (or by) water. Neptune rules the seas - and while everyone is talking about water, let me get my 2 cents in... Did you know that most headaches are caused by lack of water? Many symptoms we experience every day can be alleviated by drinking enough water each day. How much is enough? Take your weight - divide it in half. That is the number of ounces of water you need to drink each day to stay properly hydrated. Add an ounce of water for each ounce of coffee, tea or alcohol that you drink, because they are dehydrating beverages - and drink even more water if you are athletic and lose fluids in perspiration. Not Gatorade. Not Crystal Lite. Not juice or soda. Water. Clear, pure water. So very important. My grandmother (Omi) used to call it her best beauty secret - it is said drinking enough water will even decrease lines in your face!

Neptune in Pisces bodes well for the economy - especially real estate, wine, drugs, farming, and restaurants. Interestingly there are 2 new herbal supplements that has the autistic community excited - and wouldn't that be wonderful to have some real health breakthroughs at this time. We may need to be extra careful about limiting our excesses while Neptune is in Pisces - a good reason for this to happen while Mars is retrograde in Virgo, already focusing us on our health. Our dream life may become richer, with Neptune in Pisces, too. One more interesting thing I came across. My software says "This generation (the one being born with Neptune in Pisces) may possess the ability to be at-one with God. They may be able to express their spirituality through visions and art. They may also be inspirational teachers, conscious of wholeness." That sounds very interesting.

So it's an exciting turn of events and an exciting time. Today we have the Full Moon I've been talking about, as Venus moves into Aries and Saturn in Libra turns retrograde. That's a lot of changes for one day and powerful changes. Firstly, the Sun and Mercury are conjunct (it may be hard to us to listen and we can be overbearing at such a time) and Venus is not comfortable in Aries (the most female planet in the most masculine sign). When Saturn goes retrograde we may find extra delays or upsets and unfinished business could come up unexpectedly. We could find extra responsibilities or commitments that keep us away from our normal routines and forward progress may seem on hold. What we need to do is sort of open our eyes and then open them again to really clearly see where we are - to re-evaluate and strengthen our current position. That responsible energy turns inward and we have a chance to examine our own inner workings and to mentally clean house, as it were.

Saturn will be retrograde for about 4 1/2 months (turns Direct June 25th), which is again, fortuitous in my opinion. We are already looking toward the Summer for Mars to move out of Virgo (July 3rd) and Jupiter to move into Gemini (June 11th). Seems like things are really going to move forward in early July, so the planets are really guiding us to make good use of this time.

Lastly, I'd like to say that Full Moons very often bring something to light - extra moonlight helps us see better - and it is possible that many of us will find new information with in a day or 2 of this one. If that is you and you are happy about it, I am very glad for you. If that is you and you are not happy about it, it is likely that things will settle down over the weekend with that balancing Libra Moon, checking in with responsible Saturn while she is there. And we will keep moving forward - one step at a time. While Jupiter is in Taurus it may seem slow going, but at least we are thoroughly dealing with these issues and looking forward to a better overall feeling, as the fruits of our labor, come July, when Jupiter gets into speedy Mercury ruled Gemini.

Wishing you all the very best, my friends. Peace!

Carole