After 3 years at the helm of The Young Astrologers Association ( YAA), my astro pal Kelly has passed the reigns to me. Meetings will still occur on the third Tuesday of the month and will be held in my home in Western Sydney. Please contact me if you wish to be on my YAA mailing list, even if you can’t attend meetings but would still like to be kept in the loop. The YAA is for the young or young minded Astrologer. No experience in Astrology is necessary, just a desire to learn more. The YAA is supported by the Astrology Association of New South Wales.

The Nodes are a powerful force in the birth chart that unlock the secrets of your souls journey. I am presenting a lecture on the Nodes on Sunday March 2. Further details on this and other upcoming talks, workshops and lectures can be found here.

In the midst of a Mercury Rx in Saturn’s co-ruling sign of Aquarius, a few high profile Australians have terminated their contracts- all in text book Saturn style! Keeping in mind the Rx, we may see these guys a little further down the track.

• Ray Martin, one of the highest paid Aussie journalists ended his 30 year tenure with the Nine network. His television career began in 1978. Interestingly, Pluto is also conjoining his natal Sun.
• Wayne Bennet the NRL’s Brisbane Bronco’s long time and only coach has retired after 20 years with the team. He is at his second Saturn return at age 58.
• Allan Moss, head honcho of the biggest cog in Australia’s money making machine, the Macquarie Bank has stepped down after joining the bank in 1977 back when it was known as Hill Samuel Australia.

After 3 years at the helm, my astro pal Kelly has decided to step down from the YAA. I will now be leading Young Astrologers Association with our third Tuesday of the month meetings being run from my home in Western Sydney- 7pm sharp! If you wish to be added to the YAA email list, please email me to register your interest. If you are unable to attend meetings regularly or at all, still contact me so you can be kept in the young astro loop for other events and random astro happenings.

The YAA is a support group for young or young minded astrologers of any age and level of knowledge, all is required is your enthusiasm to learn more! Being a plate of food along to honour the Taurus in each of us!

Speakers for 2008 will be announced soon!

The YAA enjoys the full support from the Astrology Association of NSW.

Planetary trickster Mercury backs into the Sun today in the mind expanding sign of Aquarius. Information will be exchanged at breaking speeds even if the message gets a bit confused. Be prepared for promises or commitments to change form in some way.

The Moon also dipped into the sign of the water bearer reminding us that despite all that is going on a sense of detachment will be required. A two step forward one step back is the current astro vibe even if Mars is now direct, Mercury isn’t.

The Moon also reminded us that we are now in eclipse season. The luminaries are now within range to the Nodes and at 2:45pm tomorrow (Sydney time) there will be a Solar eclipse at 17 degrees Aquarius. Eclipses are the joker in the deck of cards and not easy to predict so the chart point of 17 Aquarius in your horoscope will indicate the area of life you will feel frustration and stress, manifesting in either a positive or negative way!

I’d love to hear your eclipse/Mars Rx stories! Please email me if you would like to share how the astro scene has played out in your life.

Do you have an interest in Astrology but don’t know where to start? Or would you like to know a little more about your birth chart apart from your Star Sign? I am giving a lecture “The Light in the Night- The Moon” covering what the Moon means in your chart and how this relates to you in your life. Understand how your emotional needs play out in your life and which days to best honour these needs from month to month. Get the most out of life by following the path of the Moon!

Sunday March 2, 2pm Seven Hills, Sydney. Please call Christine 0416 132 751 or email me to reserve your place, which are limited. The cost for the afternoon is $45.

My stash of WellBeing magazines are starting to run low. If you have been thinking about purchasing one but have procrastinated- order your copy here!

The Sydney conference officially wound up on Monday- I think I have now recovered! Being my first conference, I was totally exhausted from all the organising, learning, networking and the intense astro vibe! I am feeling slightly regretful that UAC isn’t on my foreseeable to do list in the upcoming months. A totally WOW experience and many emails of praise and thanks have been forwarded onto the committee. I strongly urge anyone from overseas who has contemplated an Aussie holiday to save their pennies for the next conference in 2010 in sunny Queensland!

For American readers consider attending UAC or the Blast this year. US speakers such as David Cochrane, Richard Tarnas and Jeff Jawer where absolutely amazing to hear speak, spend time with and learn from! Other overseas speakers such as Branka Stamenkovic from Serbia and Julian Venables from the UK, Lynn Bell from France and Christian Borup from Denmark must also be on your must see list!

The Moon is now in intense Scorpio, with co-ruler Mars moving direct tomorrow morning and Pluto in a new sign- feelings are in a new territory. Past issues that were frustrating and energy sapping are now clear and a more mature approach to relationships will be felt with this intense Moon sign.

Just as the cosmos offers relief from Mars, Mercury is now retrograde in Aquarius. The air triplicity of Aquarius, Gemini and Libra suffer the wrath of mishaps and generally annoying and time consuming mistakes this year. More on Mercury Retrogrades including an article on the current Mars retrograde in Cancer will be posted on the website soon!

Speaking of retrogrades, refusing to admit the sheer exhaustion after the conference I came home to a few bills that needed paying instead of relaxing and letting my brain rest. Most of the bills fortunately were already listed on my internet banking list of accounts and was simply and click and go. I owed a friend some money that I hadn’t had a chance to give to her at the conference so I thought I would just transfer it via the internet. Normally, I wouldn’t even bother emailing a receipt to show payment but for some reason this time I thought I had better. Luckily, she emailed me back saying I got the account number wrong. Even the simple day to day things can go a miss during this time when the winged messenger has some fun! So I called the bank and got it all straightened out- phew!

I’m currently here at the Biennial FAA Conference here in Sydney! The atmosphere here is surreal as hundreds of Astrologers gather from around Australia and the globe. The last couple of days have been spent in meetings and organising last minute details as a member of the committee. Today I am being interviewed on Channel 10, discussing financial Astrology which should appear on the evening’s news!

Basically, the astro line up for finance in 2008 is going back to old school methods of obtaining and keeping money- don’t spend more than you earn and save up for something you want rather than put it on the credit card. Jupiter the big money planet gave a real ‘hot air’ and exaggerated attitude around money where everyone (even the banks) had an unrealistic view of what the REAL situation was in regard to their solvency. McMansions (very large houses on very small blocks built very close to one another for anyone not familiar with the term), easy ability to obtain credit, buy one get one free marketing, low doc and no doc home loans as well as ‘super-sizing’ have all been hallmarks of the over the top Sagittarian style. Now, the dominating factor is conservative earth with a Capricorn and Virgo line up. Simply put, with Virgo’s ability to over analyse- no one will be happy paying too much for anything and Capricorn will look for old school ways to obtain wealth over time. Getting back to basics around money is not always easy, a fabulous book that always stands the test of time in getting me back on the straight and narrow is The Richest Man from Babylon.

As I write this post, I have the pleasure of sitting next to Jeff Jawer discussing Heath Ledger’s untimely death. For the astro download from Jeff, check out Heath’s Venus opposing Saturn with Uranus on the South Node here www.tarot.com

Some limited places are available for the conference and further details can be found on www.faainc.org.au

Don't despair if after one week into 2008 your New Year resolutions have fallen below your expectations. Tonight at 9:37pm (Sydney time) the annual meeting of the Sun and Moon in the sign of Capricorn will renew your determination to see your goal to its end.

The New Moon is always the best time to reflect on the previous month and focus your energy toward what you want for the upcoming one. Your house placement (17 degrees Capricorn in this case) will be the area of life to focus your wishes.

In Capricorn, you can wish for security, greater responsibility, respect and recognition, self- discipline, letting go of controlling tendencies, more ambition, ability to define your goals to name a few.

Where possible, making wishes anytime 8 hours after the conjunction increases the potency of your wishes. Gather a friend or two and make your wishes together, sit outside (Capricorn is an earth sign) and ask for the assistance of the cosmos to turn your affirmations into reality at this most potent time.

I have been making New Moon wishes with a couple of Astro buddies for a couple of years now and the results have been amazing!

For more information on New Moon wishing, Jan Spillers New Moon Astrology is a must have in your Astro book collection

Happy New Year!

Having nearly completed only the second day of the New Year, resolutions and promises of change are on everyone's lips. The Solar passage into January doesn't really mean anything Astrologically, it's simply a calendar shift- a numbers game, from 07 to 08 and so on. If you really are keen to shift certain habits or generate new attitudes and energy into your life- do it next week on the first New Moon of the year. Astrologically speaking, the New Year occurs with the Sun's ingress into Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac. The Moon is now in darkness and is not the optimal time to start anything new. More on the New Moon soon!

A flirtier and more independent vibe permeates relationships now after the intensity of Venus' transit through Scorpio. Holidays now have never felt so good as we enjoy our peak holiday period with Venus in Sagittarius.

Mars continues on his celestial holiday dipping back into Gemini with Pluto in the opposite end of the sky. A battle of wills and needing to get your own way with things will dominate. Venus lends a hand making things a little more light hearted than they could otherwise be.

It's an end of an era for Virgo's and Pisceans (at least for another 19 years). The Moon's karmic nodes have now entered the Aquarius/Leo axis- creating an us vs. me journey for the next 18 months. The spiritual challenge in this is how can you give for the greater good and yet not ignore your own need to be the centre of attention? The Souls journey will continue on a new level for you now and your key can be found in the Aquarius/Leo axis of your chart. For Aquarians, you will feel like you are on the right path and Leo's may need to severe something that is holding you back.

Last week was tough and if you felt tired and uninspired, check out some of last weeks planetary line up! Mercury back tracked through the final degrees of Scorpio, Mars Retrograde and unhappy in Cancer to boot and the Sun in Sagittarius making a square aspect to nasty Saturn.

Mercury has now dipped his wings into the mind expanding sign of Sagittarius. Ideas and thoughts that seemed impossible in Scorpio now appear doable in Sagittarius. Work on some big ideas and new beginnings this week as we approach the annual New Moon in Sagittarius next Monday (3:40am 18 degrees). The sign of the archer's biggest issue is the "gonna do" mentality, great at starting, no so bad at finishing but where did he go in the middle? Off aiming at greener pastures no doubt. Embrace the Saturn in Virgo ability to see the project from start, middle and finish. Allow yourself the luxury of dreaming of exactly where you want to be and get there!

Venus enjoys her last degrees in lovely Libra over the next few days. Make your significant relationship your focus this week, as she won't be back in the sign of the lover til September next year. The Moon will dash into Libra today around 4pm and with all the Sag energy in the heavens, why not try an exotic restaurant for dinner!

As the Solstice nudges ever closer on the 21st and the year draws to an end and focus slowly begins to turn to 2008, 'what will next year hold' is the question burning on everyone's lips come so and find out some more at the next YAA meeting, Tuesday 18 December! I will be presenting a discussion 'From Fire to Earth, what happens when planetary heavyweights change element' as well as checking out other major planetary connections in 2008. We meet in Crows Nest and please contact myself or kelly@kellysurtees.com for more info!

"I feel like the whole world is my best friend." These words were spoken to me on Friday morning just as the Sun was entering Sagittarius- it doesn't get much more optimistic than that!

Things are a movin' now that planetary disciplinarian, Saturn has made is presence felt in mutable Virgo, including our government here down under! John Howard lost his 11.5 year stint on Saturday to Kevin Rudd on the Full Moon. The Full Moon is significant in Australian politics. Of the 25 Prime Ministers to govern Australia (not including Rudd) each one of them was booted from The Lodge (or Kirribilli House for our slightly more extravagant PM- Howard) on the Full Moon! That even includes Harold Holt who drowned and Gough Whitlam who was sacked, again the Full Moon! So not even looking at the birth charts of either of Saturday's contenders or even the chart of the day- the Full Moon was enough. Might be a good idea for Kev to call the next Federal election during another Moon phase.

Much has happened in the Cosmos since my online hiatus, Mars retrograde in Cancer, Mercury and Uranus now direct. The heavens are particularly interesting at the moment. Poor Mars, terribly unhappy in Cancer and now retrograde. If life is frustrating at the moment this is why. You can't turbo charge an engine that just can't go any faster so rest and nurture yourself. Find more positive ways to express your anger or frustration directly rather than the beat around the bush Cancerian way. Christmas shall prove interesting as there is nothing like family (Cancer) to provide fuel for a Mars like fiery outburst- so do your best to be extra patient to your mother in particular.

The Sun is shining bright now over the horizon, Mercury is well past his shadow soon too will be expanding his mind speaking the truth, Mars stays at home learning that even the strong can find strength in weakness, Venus in her rulership commands beauty peace, fairness and extra love, Jupiter offers the bounty of endless wisdom and Saturn offers us the discipline for dreams to come true, then the world can truly be your best friend!

Now that Uranus is direct, find some new Astro Friends this Saturday. The Astrology Association Christmas Party is on this Saturday at the Gladesville RSL club! Come and have a lovely lunch and plenty of Astro chat as well as a lecture afterwards. Please email Cecily for further details at cecilyb@tpg.com.au ASAP as the cut off for attendees is this Tuesday due to catering! Love to see you there!

Now that Mercury is picking up speed in the heavens all Retrograde blips will begin to iron themselves out. With the Moon currently in Mercury ruled Virgo- sorting out issues on hold will be will be done with ease thanks to this attention to detail sign. A trine aspect between the Sun and Mars will offer the right dose of energy to complete the task. Water signs in particular will shift into fifth gear especially if they have let themselves get bogged down in emotional woes.

Now that Mercury has completed his third and final hiatus for 2007, (next retrograde in February 2008 in Aquarius- 2008 retrogrades occur in the Air triplicity) how did you fare up? Despite being (technically speaking) retrograde in Scorpio, Mercury dipped back into Libra creating mutual reception between himself and Venus, making the chaos a little sweeter. Mutual receptions occur when planets ‘receive’ each other. In this case Mercury received Venus as she was in his sign- Virgo. Venus received Mercury as he was occupying her sign of Libra. Despite Venus being ill placed in Virgo, she has been given a helping hand by Mercury and Venus in turn made the Retrograde a little more pleasant to deal with. Note- Mutual receptions are particularly spectacular to witness in relationship charts.

An exciting time ahead for fire signs especially for those with birthdays on the 18-21st of their respective month. Jupiter is swiftly making inroads to join the Prince of Darkness, Pluto. This aspect in the form of a conjunction perfects on 11 December where the Moon will briefly make an appearance before slipping into Capricorn. Something that was hidden or hard to obtain will present itself in a spectacular fashion offering inspiration, wealth and optimism about the future.

Hard Work and Good Times  

A bit of a planetary mix up today. Responsibility is called upon with a Sun/Saturn sextile but a Venus/Jupiter link makes all the hard work feel worthwhile.
As Mercury begins to wind up his backward tenure for 2007, spend today doing the classic ‘RE’ that is so akin to a Mercury Retrograde period. Where have you gone a little haywire in relationships over the last few weeks? What would you have done or said differently. What important details have you overlooked?
Today’s Sun Saturn sextile offers what my astro friend Kelly would describe as ‘streamlining’- her Saturn in Virgo phrase. Streamline your life where Mercury’s havoc has been run. Organise, re think and re plan so you are better off next time. If you are doing too much or taking on too much responsibility (Sun/Saturn) take a moment to stop and think if all this activity is really serving your best purpose.
Venus squares Jupiter this evening making whatever you want, value or desire somewhat exaggerated. A Moon in Gemini offers a fun social catch up or an important conversation. Promises made tonight may be best left to fall on deaf ears considering Mercury’s current condition. Saturn’s presence shows commitment however, it may take a while to deliver. Plan to finish what you start or what you promise someone (or even yourself) today.

Mercury Retrograde is a period of reflection and making pending decisions once he turns direct again. As of this Thursday 1 November, my website will be no longer as it is being remade. So once Mercury is direct again and fully out of his shadow the site will be in its new form sometime around mid-November. My email will still be active and I can be contacted via cassandra@cassandratyndall.com

Your Astro*Cass updates will be sent through Outlook in the meantime. I will do my Mercury Retrograde best to do one more post before Thursday!

Some of you have found me on Facebook! Thanks! There are some interested Astrology networking groups that communicate through there that are worth checking out!