Astrology Forecast for November 29-December 5

By Leo Knighton Tallarico

Astrology Forecast for November 29- December 5

Perspectives from the Sky report will be more brief than usual because of the holiday weekend.

As we have talked about before,  2010 will be a big year for change and transformation in the World and in our personal lives.   Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus will be in transition between mutable signs (Virgo, Pisces) and cardinal signs (Libra, Aries).   Since Pluto already is in a cardinal sign (Capricorn), that means that 4 of the 5 outer planets will be in or moving into cardinal signs.

The outer planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto show us by their transits what change from a bigger picture is coming into our lives.    The cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn represent the beginnings of seasons: Aries-spring; Cancer-summer; Libra-Autumn; Capricorn-winter.  As such they represent new beginnings in our collective lives, and for many their personal lives also.

This transition between mutable and cardinal signs represents the kind of energetic change, except on a bigger scale, that happens on the cusp of new seasons.   Weather and energies fluctuate more than usual as we go through seasonal transition.

Symbolically this combination of mutable and cardinal signs is a good metaphor for the bigger shift that is occuring between an old Pisces Age and a new Aquarian Age.   Also 2010 is only 2 years away from the Mayan December 21, 2012 prediction of a New Age.  So we are on the cusp of Ages, of a New Season for the world.   

2010 will challenge us to let go and release old ways of thinking and living, and to let in and embrace new ways to live and think.   Events will occur in the greater world and in our personal lives to prod us into making the needed changes.   

 There is an especially important Lunar Eclipse Grand Cross in late June that reveals an important crossroads/turning point for us all from old world to new world.   Many other important aspects happen all through 2010.    As those events get closer we will write about them more.

An eclipse on New year’s Eve 2019/2010 will set a tone for the coming year.   Another eclipse on January 15 will shake up our world.

This week, November 29-December 5 will bring into our lives some lively aspects 

The Moon is in Taurus on Sunday the 29th and Monday the 30th.  Keeping a lid on feelings and emotions should be easy.    Movement should be slow and methodical, practical and grounded.

Uranus changes from retrograde to Direct on Tuesday the 1st of December.  Energies will be shifting from earthy body awareness to more electrical mental energies.    You could start feeling this shift as early as Sunday or Monday, which would disrupt the tranquility of Moon in Taurus.  Many, however, may not feel this shft until Tuesday when it does actually go direct.

As the Moon on Tuesday moves into Gemini, a mental air sign, it will combine with Uranus to give you a  boost for a couple days.  For some it may feel almost like caffeine.

It is time to let in new inspirations and information and ideas to help you to gain vision for your life, as the Full Moon in Sagittarius/Gemini blows in on Tuesday also.  The Full Moon is at 11:30 PM on Tuesday the 1st on the west coast USA, and is at 2:30 AM Wednesday the 2nd on the East Coast.

This is a very energized Full Moon, especailly good for talking or any kind of communication. If you have felt slow or depressed lately, this combination of a lively Gemini Full Moon and Uranus going Direct will awaken your mind and spirit.

The aura of these aspects could last until Thursday or Friday.  Nevertheless, the Moon will be in Cancer most of Thursday and Friday and part of Saturday, which should help many to find some comfort during the storm of mental activity.

In the greater world, this week of full Moon and Uranus direct will show a shifting of energies, a changing of direction.  There may be breakdowns of old stuck energies and breakthroughs into new territory.   Rebellious and revolutionary movements may pick up confidence now.

See you next week,

Leo Knighton Tallarico

For more writings and information about services see my website at www.spiritualtherapyastrology.com.

What does 2012 the Movie have to do with 2012? And Astrology Forecast for November 22-28

by Leo Knighton Tallarico

Saw the movie 2012, though I knew it would be a Hollywood ripoff of an important subject for these transformational times.    Did anyone who saw the movie really believe that we will face that level of catastrophe in 2012?

I mean the whole world and all humans were dying horribly tragic deaths.  The Earth’s core had over heated, the poles shifted, the Earth was cracking open everywhere, huge Tsunamis were drowning the world. Only those who were going on the Arks would be saved.

Nevertheless there was at least one thing about the movie that rang true:  The privileged and wealthy were the ones who would get to be saved on the Arks.   And some people were able to buy their way onto the Arks.

There was a hopeful moment for humanity when the privileged people on one of the Arks, before takeoff, decided to open the gates of the Ark and let the lowly common folk in.  It was like the people in the castle letting the rabble cross the bridge of the moat to get inside the castle.

How truly important December 21 2012 becomes remains to be seen.  The Mayans said an old world and reality would end then as a New World was being born.  That old Age began in 3113 BC when large human cities first opened up to civilization.  How much change is coming our way before 2012, when Mayan elders say we enter a  new age of global and Universal unity, when telepathy will be our new way of communication?

Whatever will truly happen is unknown now, but there is no doubt in my mind, however, that the next several years will bring huge and intense transformational waves of change to the world.

Those tsunami waves from the movie were actualy great metaphors for the change coming.  The waves of change will be huge.  The world as we know it will be very different over the next several years.  I personally guage the end of 2020 as the biggest ”landmark” of our voyage into a New World. I believe it is the symbolic gateway into an Aquarian Age. 

This does not mean earth shaking events will happen only then.  What it does mean is that much change will happen between now and then.    And how it looks then will be so much different than now.   

Between now and then there will be a great schism between old ways and new ways, like the Earth splitting.  People will no longer be able to straddle worlds.  Some will go down with the old world, others will have the courage to spread their wings and fly with new ways.

At the deepest of levels we are deciding whether we believe all is connected or not.  Are we each a distinct individual, yet part of a greater whole, working together to contribute to the greater community? Or are we each alone, separate from one another, lacking trust in the Universe, ourselves and each other?

Our greater culture now teaches us we are mainly separate.  Even our religions often pit us against other religions, telling us our faith is better.   They also teach us to not trust ourselves by selling us on our original sin.  

Our nations don’t trust other nations and their peoples, even though we all inhabit this Earth together. 

We are one family, whether we admit it or not.   Of course now we are a hugely dysfunctional family.

So the schism between the old world and new will break open over the next several years.    Wars will occur, economies will continue to suffer.  Before long enough people will join those already there who know we are all one, connected in heart, mind and soul; connected in the One body of the Earth.

This is our Aquarian Age, when a critical mass of people will show the way into our unity.   2012 will likely bring the battles between the two worlds to a climax.   Afterwards we rebuild in the image of an Aquarian Age of liberty for all peoples, equality and sharing in a diverse multicultural world.  In 2020 we will have arrived enough for it all to be quite noticeable.  2009 will be a distant memory. 

In the coming year 2010 change will accelerate greatly.  Put on your seatbelt for that ride.   We will talk more about that in the coming weeks.

Astrology Forecast for November 22-28

The Sun moved into Sagittarius on Saturday night here in the USA>  It will stay there as always unti the winter solstice on December 21.

Sagittarius is the sign of expansion, of rising spirits.  Sag likes to do things in big ways, stretching our aims.   Sagittarius likes to see the best, to feel inspiration, to find meaning in all of life.   It relies on intuiion and spends a lot of time in the higher mind, always searching for greater understanding, for solutions.   Holiday season is a perfect time for Sag, who like celebration and the spiritual and spirited.   It is important for Sagittarius to make faith an important part of their life, as their life never works well without it.

There is a second quarter moon in Pisces on Tuesday.    Second quarter moons represent turning points in the lunar cycle.  The New Moon in Scorpio last Monday began a new cycle.  Now we are challenged to stay on course.   The Pisces Moon suggests we need to add our feelings and compassion to whatever we do now.   The Moon stays in Pisces Wednesday and through most of Thursday, Thanksgiving Day.  Should be a mostly mellow day.

Friday the Moon goes into action oriented Aries, so today and tomorrw Saturday. with the moon still in Aries, are good days to get moving and get things done.  Some will partake in an orgy of consumerism on Black Friday.

Have an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday,

Leo Knighton Tallarico

Please enjoy my website where you can read more articles and find our more about my services including astrology sessions and readings.

Moving Through the Saturn/Pluto challenge and Astrology Forecast for November 15-21

by Leo Knighton Tallarico

The darker heavier energies reflected by the Saturn/Pluto square, which has its first exact pass on Sunday November 15th, can help us in our process of growth and transformation.

Saturn, lord of gravity and definition meets up with Pluto, god of the underworld and the primal instincts.  Together they bring us into places in our psyche that demand attention.   We cannot run away from the often difficult emotional issues they force us to experience.  We must deal with them.

The issues they bring up for us are often our core issues, the ones that tend to evoke fear, anger, resentment, etc.

If we lived a childhood where we fought for our sanity and a sense of well being, then Saturn/Pluto will bring us events that have us feel that same way again.  

Whatever has been coming your way during this Saturn/Pluto aspect needs your deeper attention.  Ask your self these questions:

What do I need  to let go of and release?  What needs to die in my life or in my attitudes or my belief systems?   Do I need to fight or do I need to let it go?  Do I need to toughen up and face this or do I need to surrender to something greater?

President Obama has his natal Venus in Cancer opposed by Pluto and squared by Saturn now, almost exactly.  The closer an aspect is to a natal planet in one’s chart, the more our lives will be affected.  His natal Venus in Cancer shows his natural desire to make close relationship with other people in an intimate way.  It is a sensitive and caring Venus, which seeks to trust others.

Right now President Obama has grave pressures from so many sources coming at him.  He is being toughened up by events coming from the Saturn/Pluto square.    Issues that may be coming his way now could be:

1) Has my desire to make relationship and have dialogue with Iran, North Korea, and Republicans been a good idea? 2) Can I really stay with my core values?   Do I send more troops to Afghanistan because I have learned from my military advisors to be more cynical about the world? 3)  Can I stay with my more  idealistic notions about health care reform? 4) This world is so much more dangerous, corrupt, and horrible than I ever had imagined 5) WTF was I thinking when I decided I wanted to be President of the Unithed States?

He will now need to decide if he will let himself get more jaded and cynical and just play the game, or does he go back even stronger to his idealistic values and fight for them.  The kind of aspect that Saturn/Pluto brings forces one to go one way or another.   Obama can no longer sit on the fence, but will have to choose one way or another.  If you look closesly soon after this aspect you will be able to know.    He could turn us closer to war and our own American decay, or lead the way forward to an Aquarian Age.

Remember Saturn/Pluto brought with it the first and second world wars and the 9-11 tragedy.   This kind of aspect brings us to the brink, to personal “judgement days”.   

The potential is to transform old ways of being and thinking, to move beyond ways that no longer work for us.    Will you now choose to fight harder even if it potentially means war or destructiveness or greater fear and anger, or will you choose to let go to a new way of being? 

Astrology Forecast for November 15-21

Sunday is the first pass of Saturn square Pluto.  The second pass is January 31 2010.  The third pass is August 21 2010.   

 The last time they made major aspect to one another was in 2001/2002 when they opposed one another.  At that time the first pass was on August 5 2001.    It fell close to the Ascendent/Descendent axis in the USA natal chart of July 4 1776.  

The 9-11 tragedy exploded in our lives a little over one month later.  The second pass was on November 2, 2001.  The third pass was on May 25, 2002.   America chose to go into its War on Terror during that time period, which totally transformed our country.

This Saturn/Pluto square makes close aspect both to the USA and President Obama’s natal Venus, as they are both in the early degrees of Cancer.    USA relationships and values will be severely challenged.  There will be grave danger for both the President and the well being of the USA duing this time period between now and September 2010.  

The energies of Saturn square Pluto stay strong much of this week, especially so Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

On Monday there is a new Moon in Scorpio adding to the intensity now.   It is very easy now to fall prey to more primal emotions and outbursts.

It is time to get started on new ventures also as this is a new Moon.  As the Moon goes into Sagittarius on Tuesday there will be stronger energies to go forward with whatever you have recently been contemplating.  The Moon stays in Sag all day Wednesday also.

The Moon goes into Capricorn Thursday, potentially touching off issues you thought you had resolved, as the Moon in Capricorn makes aspect to both Saturn and Pluto.

On Friday the Moon stays in Capricorn and we seek some stability.

Late on Saturday the Sun makes its yearly sojourn into Sagittarius.  It is the entry point into the holiday season.  More on Sagittarius in next week’s forecast.

See you next week,

Leo Knighton Tallarico

Please visit my website for more writings and more about Saturn and Pluto.  You can find out more about readings and services while there also.

Transformation of the United States and Astrology Forecast for November 8-15

By Leo Knighton Tallarico

The rate of transformational change will accelerate soon.  We are creating new ways of being with one another on the Earth.

Much of what we have come to rely on in the world will begin to shatter.  It actually already has been shattering.

We were lead to believe for many years that the value of our homes would only go up.  We were lead to believe that our 401 Ks would only go up.  We were lead to believe that the economy was rock solid and would always stay that way.

We were lead to believe that if we went to war it would be for good reason, that our sons and daughters who die in war would only die for with sacred meaning.

And now we see our homes depreciating in value, our 401 Ks have lost money, our jobs are not secure.   Over the last 20 years or so we have come to believe that whatever we need materially we can have. If we don’t have the money on hand we can borrow it.  Now it is getting more and more difficult to borrow.

The Iraq war was fought from lies, and many people have died as a result.  Our lives were not threatened by Iraqis.    We invaded and took over a country for no morally justified reason.   People in Iraq not only died horrible deaths, but lost their homes and lives.  For what reason?  So we can live better here in America and the western world?

And in Afghanistan, we invaded another country so we could pay back the the 9-11 attackers.  We never found them.  And why must so many innocent Afghani’s die and have their home life ravaged now 8 years later?

Well Afghanistan has destroyed empires every time they have invaded there.  Britain and the Soviet Union are two recent examples of powerful empires brought to their knees in Afghanistan.

And the USA has begun its downfall.  The Bush administration showed us how decayed we have become.  The Obama administration does often remind us of what the best in America can be, but he cannot stop our slide downward.    What is happening to us is bigger than what any one man or presidential administration can stop.

Soon we will know the economic recovery is not real.  We have to fundamentally change our economy and our lifestyles.  The bailout and attempts at recovery seek to bring us back to what we were.  That will not happen.

What we transform into I do not know, but I do know we must get back to simple basics, to compassion for those who cannot thrive or even survive in a dog eat dog world.  We must learn to take care of those who do not have much money,  and we must find a way to stop unbridled wealth and greed.   We must value and find a way to pay those who provide human services as much as those who know how to sell and make money.

Soon we will have our military stretch beyond just Iraq and Afghanistan.  New fires of conflict will erupt in the Middle East that threaten our military might in the world.   We in the western world must learn to be more humble and see ourselves more as equals with other peoples.

It has been ingrained in us that we are the best in the world, above all the rest, the great superpower.     America is our country, its people our family who we should be proud of in many ways.   We have freedoms unheard of in so many places around the world.  We are a fine example of a melting pot of peoples and religions.  We even elected President a mixed race man.

But are we, in the eyes of the Universe, any better or with more deserved privilege that any one else?

We have been here before!   Great empires have risen and fallen.   Their own decay has been a result of their fallen values and principles, their corrupt ways.     Rome, the first empire of the Pisces Age, rose rapidly and fell in decay.

America is the last of the Pisces Age empires, and is our transition into an Aquarian Age.  We don’t need another Empire.

Aquarius is about equality, liberty, and the God given right to individual pursuit of happiness.  It is part of our American heritage, something to be proud of.   But these values and principles apply to all peoples, not just us.

I believe we will rise again, not as a superpower, but as an equal member of the world community.  I hope it does not take too long for us to get there.

So be ready for big change in 2010.    It will be a year when all of us are tested.  It will not always be easy, and we will need to work in our consciousness so we do not let fear get the best of us.

Do we continue to hang on to old ways that no longer serve our souls’ evolutionary movement?

Or do we let go and embrace our journey into an Aquarian Age?

There is no stopping this train of progress and evolution.  The recent setback of gay rights in Maine was only temporary.

Nothing can stop the movement to greater diversity and equality.  It is written in the stars!!

Astrology Forecast for November 8-14

The first pass of Saturn square Pluto is approaching, and happens on November 15.   The recent mass murders at Fort Hood and in Orlando Florida symbolize the kind of energies Saturn/Pluto can bring.

At Fort Hood, in the processing center for those coming and going from Iraq, a man of Middle Eastern descent went on a rampage of killing.     The symbolism is powerful.    America needs to leave Iraq and other countries we have invaded and taken over.  Saturn/Pluto  brings ruthless energies, and demand our attention.

They bring with them a process of transformation from old ways and forms, to new ways and forms.  Our American military institution needs major transformation.  We can no longer keep our soldiers stationed in places all over the world.   We can adequately protect our citizens from our home territory.  We have more weapons of mass destruction than any country in the world, and have used them.

Iran is the country now in the crosshairs of America, Israel and the western world.    They do not play by our rules.   They are on notice now, and will be attacked before the summer of 2010.

This attack will bring chaos to the Middle East and open up greater war in the world.

In our personal lives Saturn/Pluto will not be so dramatic for most of us.  There is a need, however, to let go of parts of our lives that are toxic.  Those parts of our lives will be revealed to us during this Saturn/Pluto transit, which will last through next summer.   Issues will be brought to the surface.

If there are toxic patterns in your relationship, for instance, they will seem more unbearable during Saturn/Pluto and perhaps will reach a crisis stage.  This will demand your attention, so you can work to transform your relationship.

This week begins on Sunday with the Moon in Leo.  This is your best day to play and have fun this week.    Emotional issues could erupt, however in the evening as the Moon conjuncts  Mars.

On Monday the intensity could get more dramatic at the last quarter Moon in Leo squaring the Sun in Scorpio.

Time to get more efficient and work-oriented on Tuesday as the Moon goes into Virgo.  It will stay in Virgo all day Wednesday also.

Moon in Libra conjunct Saturn and square Pluto brings dark clouds of change blowing in.

Events and energies intensify greatly as the Moon goes into Scorpio  on Saturday, just a day before Saturn squares Pluto.  There is feeling of heaviness and gravity, and world events will likely be intense and grim.

Remember we are ultimately cleaning out old ways of being, to clear the decks for an Aquarian Age.   Keep focused on the world we are creating together, keep your mind, body, spirit, and soul as healthy as possible.  Keep your self spiritually connected and aligned.  You will be where you need to be, doing what you need to do.

See you next week,

Leo Knighton Tallarico

For more information and writings, and to find out more about my readings and services, visit my website.

Transformational energies of Saturn/Pluto, Astrology Forecast for November 1-November 7

by Leo Knighton Tallarico

The first pass of Saturn square Pluto is now in orb (in influence) as Saturn just went into Libra on Thursday the 29th.  November 15 is the actual date of their meeting.

In line with that aspect, the stock market went down over 250 points today, and Iran turned down an important UN offer to be a part of its uranium enrichment process, which is instrumental in making a bomb.

The stock market’s retreat is because there was a report showing that consumers were still not spending money.  Americans spending money is the most important ingredient for stoking the fires of the economy.    Not spending and high unemployment show we have a long way to go to get the economy out of recession.

The government and media are trying to convince us that all the signs and reports point to a recovering economy, but polls of average Americans show a much different story.   These recent polls show that people are much less hopeful than government reports.

In the bigger picture, the American and world wide economic system does not serve our human family, as it has caused such a wide discrepancy between rich and everyone else.  In an Aquarian Age, which we are on the cusp of, inequality and inequity will not work anymore.   Saturn/Pluto will help to destroy the old to make way for new economic forms, structures and institutions.

Iran’s refusal to agree to the UN offer brings a dark cloud over the Middle East, which brings dark clouds all over the globe.  Israel is hence getting closer to their bombing of Iranian land, in order to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.

In the bigger picture there will be huge transformation of our world power structure, which begins with it huge changes in the Middle East.

There were two superpowers when the USSR and the USA were at odds with one another.  Since the end of the USSR there has been only one superpower, the USA.

By 2020 when the Aquarian Age will be more fully opened, there will be a more equal distribution of world power.   China, India, Pakistan, Iran, USA, and Europe will be on more equal footing with one another.  It is also possible that we will have many mini-states or city states, like there was in Renaissance Italy, instead of the major nations that currently cover our Earth community

Make no mistake about it, Saturn and Pluto together can bring much devastation in their process of powerful transformation.  They destroy old forms and structures, and clear the way for new birth, new forms and structures.

Saturn was conjunct Pluto the year World War I started (1914); and the year World War II started (1939) Saturn squared Pluto.  Saturn opposed Pluto in August 2001, just before the twin towers were brought down.

Events that dramatic do not always happen when Pluto and Saturn make hard aspect with one another, but more often than not.  Because there are so many powerful aspects in 2010, we can expect dramatic events to unfold, especially so because we are on the cusp now of an Aquarian Age.

So expect explosive events to happen over the next year, as Saturn makes 3 passes in square to Pluto during that time.

In personal lives it is time to let go of that which needs to die in your life and consciousness.  If you hold on it only will cause you more pain and suffering.

It is important to remember that we are each part of the building of a new world, a new age.   Letting go of fear and instead trusting life is most important now.   Death and birth are always swirling around together in our human Earth experience.

Have you not watched as a new baby is born in families, that around the same time someone or some pet dies, or a relationship or job ends?

So each of us is also going through our own changes in line with the changes going on in the world.  I have noticed many friends, family, and clients recently going through many challenging and sometimes traumatic events in their lives.

As Saturn makes aspect to Pluto now, do your best to let go of that which is holding you back from embracing the new world inside of you and in your life.

This new world begins with your caring about your true and authentic self, not the self that has been programmed to fit in and be what others want you to be.

Let go of people and situations that keep you stuck in old ways of being and seeing your self.  Sometimes when someone leaves us or we lose a job, for instance, it means it is time to let go of an old shell of ourselves.

That person or job helped keep us in patterns and reactions that belied who we were becoming, belied our true and authentic selves and belied a life more attuned to a sense of purpose.

As you get more connected to your true self, you also connect to new ways to live, to healthier ways of being.   You care more about our human community and the world we live in.  You care more about how you eat and how healthy your life is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

You see signs and symbols and synchronicities that light your path and give your life direction.  You know you are connected and aligned with your deeper self and the Universe.

So as the walls of our old world fall down, do not be afraid.  You will be guided to where you need to be and what you need to do.

Astrology Forecast for November 1- November 7

We are now two weeks away from the first pass of Saturn square Pluto.  Watch for signs the economy is losing its old sense of normal.  This could mean there are signs the economy is not in recovery mode, as has been reported.   Look for signs that Iran is a place that world powers and especially Israel are considering bombing before spring 2010.

Watch especially the stress and weight of problems being brought to President Obama.  The Saturn square Pluto aspect makes very close aspect to the President’s natal Venus in Cancer.  It will be quite difficult now for the president to feel safe and nurtured.     This aspect portends grave challenges for him during the holiday season and beyond.

On November 1, as we set our clocks back Mercury squares Mars and shows that conversations can be intense and passionate.   Energies are shifting also as we approach a Full Moon.

The actual Full Moon will be in Scorpio/Taurus on Monday the 2nd at 2:14 PM EST and 11:14 AM PST.  Taurus governs “taking in and holding in”, and Scorpio is letting out and releasing.    Taurus holds on, stays calm, and will not give in or react.  Scorpio intensifies emotions and can disrupt tranquility.

The intensity of the full moon is usually a day or two before the full moon until a day or two after the full moon.   With Mars in Leo square the Sun and Moon, this full moon could bring out intense emotions and power struggles.

On Wednesday Neptune goes direct and the inner mysteries of life become more apparent.   It may be more difficult to stay directed, but easier to let go and trust.  Some may even feel more “spacey” now. The more you can go with the flow for a couple of days, the better.

On Friday the Moon moves into Cancer and helps us to feel more safe and nurtured.  The next couple of days, with the Moon in Cancer, find time to escape your normal running around and find cozy comfortable surroundings.

See you next week,

by Leo Knighton Tallarico

Please visit my website for more writings and information about my readings and other services.

Scorpio: Deepening of our experience, and Astrology Forecast for October 25-October 31

by Leo Knighton Tallarico

The Sun has gone down into Scorpio, and our human experience deepens.  We begin to feel and know the deeper reality and truth.  With so many electronic devices in our lives. with so many prescription drugs, with so much time on the internet, with so much running around to get things done, we often do escape the deeper realities.

At Scorpio time the deeper reality often cannot be avoided.  Family dramas arise.   Emotional outbursts erupt.  Thoughts and feelings we thought had been resolved or buried come back into our consciousness.

It is time for our soul to speak louder than our intellect.  We are so trained here in America to mainly respect what our minds tell us, and to give less respect to our feelings and emotions.

Yet our feelings and emotions are the voice of our souls.  They tell us about our longings and desires, our sufferings and our joys, our hopes and our fears, our deeper connections, our loves and our hates.

Without the feelings and emotions of our souls we are mind driven robots.

So even though Scorpio time of year can seem too emotional or intense for some, it does bring us deeper into our souls, which brings us into our true humanity.

In the greater world some of the latent challenges and troubles will come to the surface to be confronted.   More troubles with the economy will surface this Scorpio month and people will get more worried that we are not in recovery.

The deeper animosity between the western world and Iran will surface with events around Iran’s nuclear program.    Israel will be in the lead to push the world toward war.    Obama is in the lead to find a logical and peaceful solution.

In Pakistan/Afghanistan things will get more intense also, and Obama will likely be pushed to send more troops there.

The battle for health care will heat up even more as we get closer to a united bill.     The Public Option will be included in that bill.

Events and emotions will intensify even more greatly as we get to the middle of November, when we are in the last days of Sun in Scorpio.  On November 15 Saturn will square Pluto and on the 16th will be a Scorpio New Moon.

These aspects will take us deeper into our emotions as events play out that stoke these deeper feelings.    Often under Scorpio influence we figuratively blow our tops like a raging volcano, and in mid to late November this tendency will be at its zenith- especially for people with Scorpio planets or a strong Pluto in their charts.

Astrology Forecast for Oct 25-Oct 31

Emotions intensify during this Scorpio time of year and will intensify even more when there is a new Moon in Scorpio on November 16.

Scorpio is a misunderstood sign and is feared by many people.   Scorpio is most associated with the planet Pluto.  Pluto is the mythological guardian of the underworld, of Hades.   And our modern world is so removed from its natural energies.    Scorpio is the intensity, power, and passion of our instinctual emotions.

In a mostly civilized world it is often feared because it reflects our true feelings and desires that cannot be easily expressed.    So Scorpios often keep their true desires and thoughts to themselves.  But since they are so deep, passionate, and mentally penetrating, they often have to keep powerful emotions suppressed inside.   This is why so many Scorpios seem mysterious.

As guardians of the underworld they see the shadow side of life, the darker motives of other people.   They often cannot stand to be around more superficial people, people who do not seem real to them.

Scorpios will often, and sometimes quite unknowingly, sting a person emotionally in just the place that will upset and hurt  that person the most.  Sometimes arguments will then ensue and all the negative emotions will be expressed.   This can result in a catharsis, almost like a sexual climax, which will leave both parties more angry with one another, or will result in a deep healing experience.

Scorpios, as they are connected to the shadow side of life, are also often quite compassionate people.  They do understand emotional pain.

The second quarter of the lunar cycle begins on Sunday with the Moon in Aquarius square to the Sun in Scorpio.   This can create situations on Sunday and Monday that require us to decide between using our heads or letting out our emotions.

On Tuesday there is less drama as the Moon makes aspect to Jupiter and Neptune.  On Wednesday things deepen again as Mercury leaves harmonious Libra for intense Scorpio.  The Moon in Pisces adds more feeling and depth to the day.

On Wednesday- into Thursday, a Mars square Sun in Scorpio aspect signals anger and confrontation.  Friday also has intense aspects, as the Moon goes into frank and assertive Aries.   That Moon in Aries makes challenging aspect to Uranus, Saturn and Pluto.  Thursday and Friday  could be the most eventful days of the week.  Watch for news in the world that is about major confrontations, battles and disagreements.

Also on Thursday Saturn moves into a sign it feels most comfortable in.  In most of the next 2 and a half years Saturn will be in Libra.  It begins to get into orb now of its square to Pluto.   We are being taken into more fear-based challenges.

It is wise to keep up with spiritual practices now so you can stay out of fear.   All is happening as it must now and is setting us up for the transition between ages.  Look for signs and symbols from the Universe, watch for meaningful synchronicities that show you where to go on your life path.  The Universe is always there to help us on our way. Stay aware of its presence.

Our human family is coming up to place it has been in many times before.   As we change ages we need to decide whether we are all one, no matter our differences.   If we choose instead to see other peoples as our enemies we will bring a much different future to ourselves.

We are all one family if we choose to see it that way.  We are all enemies if we choose to see it that way.    It does seem that we will, as always, be taken to the edge before we choose.

See you next week,

Leo Knighton Tallarico

Please visit spiritualrenaissance for more information and writings. Please visit my personal website for more forecasts and information about my readings and services.

The Obama Sacrifice? Astrology Forecast October 18-24

By Leo Knighton Tallarico

Obama’s presidency has brought with it hope in America and around the globe for a better world.  And have no doubt that a better world is in the making as we slowly move more solidly into an Aquarian Age.    

Perhaps the last several years have made many people think that we have been going backwards into more greed and more hatred for those who are different from us.    Many people were getting more and more cynical about our world and about America.   We seemed to be moving further and further away from our American principles and values.

Obama truly has givin people that hope he preaches about.  He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prized because of that hope, not on what he has accomplished.     

And as Obama pushes us further forward into a world that learns to share the wealth of the Earth, pushes us further forward into a world of more equality between peoples, pushes us to learn to accept all peoples regardless of race, national origin, sexual preference, gender,, etc;  he also pushes the buttons of people who do not want the world to change in those ways.

Perhaps we have forgotten about Martin Luther King Jr. or Bobby Kennedy or John Kennedy or even John Lennon?

They all were pushing us forward to those same values stated above, and they were all assassinated!  Make no mistake about it.    Obama’s life will be increasingly in danger as he pushes harder and harder for those dreams to come true.

Our Aquarian president Abraham Lincoln also pushed us forward by emancipating the slaves and holding firm with our American and Divine principle of all being created equal.    And he also was assassinated!

Obama has been angering many progressives when he tries to make compromises or stays in wars or appears to be weak with his principles.  But he may be wise to be moving slowly, so as to blunt the knives of anger from his detractors.

And of course our Military-Industrial system and empire are so tightly and securely bound that it is difficult to make real changes very fast.

But remember that the Universe is so much bigger than human foibles.   Nature is more powerful than our will.   We reside within the Universe, on the Earth.  We are guests, not rulers of the world.

And the planetary cycles that turn the wheels of our Universal experience on planet Earth keep churning even as we make our own personal dramas so important.

And a big cycle, one that lasts 2150 years is coming to a close.  The Pisces Age, begun maybe 100 or so years before the birth of Christ, is ending and the Aquarian Age is being birthed.

The Pisces Age of sacrificial saviors and organized religion is coming to a close.   The Aquarian Age of personal responsibility for a healthy world community begins.

And how does President Obama fit into all this change?  He appears to so many as another savior and if he is, he is our last.

It is so sad to think he will be assassinated.  It is so sad to think he is a sacrifice for the Aquarian Age.

But as you listen to people like Limbaugh or Beck and realize how many thousands of people they speak to and represent, you realize what a large segment of our society is against and even hateful of our President Obama.

And there are among those hateful a large handful who are deranged in their rage.    And perhaps one who lurks in the shadows of horrid fate.

2010 will bring much change and accelerate our movement forward into an Aquarian Age.  But at the same time as we move more quickly into this New Age, horrible destruction will bring the ashes from which a phoenix will rise from, to birth our Aquarian Age.

We pray that this soul we call Obama will be a new archetype, one of the Aquarian Age, beyond the need for saviors anymore.  Perhaps he is this new Aquarian soul who shows us we no longer need saviors to carry all the responsibility for us and die for us.  Perhaps instead he will lead us to ourselves and the knowledge that “we are the ones we have been waiting for”-  we the people.

Astrology Forecast for October 18-24

Our week begins with a New Moon in Libra on October 17/18.  It is at 10:30 PM on the 17th on the west coast of the USA, but at 1:33 AM on the 18th on the east coast.

Libra shows us peace and grace and civility.  It sometimes is so much so this way as to preclude our ability to be real.

So for now whatever is simmering under the surface in the underground of Scorpio emotions, will wait before it surfaces.    The beauty of autumn leaves similarly temporarily hides the coming starkness of bare branches and darker and colder days ahead.  

But for now enjoy the relative harmony of your experience as we experience this New Moon in Libra, the beginning of our new lunar month.  Concentrate on your relationships and how to communicate with others in a way they can truly hear you.  Be aware of their presence and of the importance of making your relationship work well for you both.

On Sunday the Moon goes into Scorpio for a couple days of deepening our awareness and our emotional expression. 

The Moon is in uplifting Sagittarius on Wednesday and Thursday and it is a good time to find answers and meaning to what you have been questioning recently.

On Thursday the Sun moves out of Libra and goes into its annual journey through Scorpio.     Mid way through this Sun in Scorpio things will intensify greatly in your personal world and in the greater world when Saturn makes its first of three passes in square to Pluto.  This will be happen on November 15.

Scorpio deepens our experience and helps us to see inside the superficial outer layers of life.    Scorpio also deepens our emotional state and helps us to release what needs to be released.       If you know any Scorpios you know how intense they can be and how they seem to hold in so much.  But it will come out in time, and the longer they wait to express it the better chance it will come out like a volcanic eruption. 

See you next week,

Leo Knighton Tallarico

Please enjoy more writings and our online publication at www.spiritualrenaissance.com.

Please find out more about my services and readings at www.spiritualtherapyastrology.com.

Peace Prize and War and Astrology Forecast for October 11-17

by Leo Knighton Tallarico

President Obama  received the Nobel Peace Prize, and I am sure it is because he has changed the tone emanating from the United States to the rest of the world.    He tries to talk and work things out with others, as he has done with Iran.  But of course we are still fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and there is no real attempt to extricate us from these catastrophes.

Iraq was an unjust war from the beginning, an invasion of a sovereign country who was not directly threatening the USA.   The invasion of Afghanistan was a reaction to the 9-11 tragedy and an attempt to get back at Al Qaeda there.     We have been there for 8 more years and there are not many Al Qaeda  there anymore.    Of course there are all sorts of military strategic reasons for being there, but so was there in Viet Nam, which was a horrible nightmare for all concerned.

We are still playing an old game, from a dried up paradigm of a passing Age.  It is a King of the Hill, dog eat dog game.    It is about building an Empire and ruling the world.    With nuclear weapons in the world,  it is a very dangerous game.

To his credit President Obama has talked about the need to rid our world of these weapons, but we are a very long way from this becoming a reality.   He is a very well intentioned, sincere and bright human being.    But this Empire and this Old Paradigm are way too large for an one person to transform on their own.

And the Pisces age of saviors is coming to a close.    Nature and the Universe will be in charge of the transformational conditions that will assist us on our journey from a Pisces to an Aquarian Age.

Events will play out in the world to challenge the way we have been living in this old paradigm, to break down old ways and instittutions that do not serve our human condition anymore.    We have much clearing before an Aquarian Age is basically formed in 2020, at the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn at 1 degree of Aquarius.

Late this year and especially in 2010 the transformational change accelerates greatly.  There will be many earth shaking world events.

President Obama will be greatly challenged in mid November this year as the first of three passes of Saturn square Pluto occurs.   This square brings darker energies to America and Obama.    This could happen in many different ways.  A worst case scenarion would be a terrorist attack or an attack on the life of President Obama.  Other possiblities are worse news on the economy; war drums for Iran; tide turning more dangerous in Afghanistan; or something not anticipated right now.

Whatever happens from late October through February is in part a result of this Saturn/Pluto aspect, as it makes its second pass in late January. In between those 2 Saturn/Pluto passes are 2 powerful eclipses on New Year’s eve and January 15 2010.

By the way have you noticed how many really big earthquakes have erupted recently?    And pay attention to what happens with the USA dollar.  It has been rumored that Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia among others are considering using other currency for oil transactions besides the dollar.  This would cause huge trouble for the American economy.

Please always keep in mind that at he same time as these powerful events play out, we are also shown the way to the Aquarian Age, in our consciousness, in our lifestyles,and  in our relationships.   We do personal healing that helps us release old programming and dramas that keep us confined in the old Reality of an old Age.

If we are looking we are given signs and symbols and synchronicities to light our path.   We are more able to move through all the challenges and walk through sacred and meaningful passages of our lives.

As we change we attract better and better situations and people to our selves and our lives.  And we feel more and more a part of something greater, with purpose and function in our world community and Universe.

Astrology Forecast October 11-17

Most of Sunday the 11th will have Moon in Cancer, so time is best spent nurturing one’s self and maybe being home as much as possible.   On Monday the 12th positive feelings and energies grow as Jupiter is slowing down to go direct Tuesday.

Tuesday Oct 13- Jupiter Direct

It is time to shift gears as Jupiter changes from Retrograde to Direct.   Look for inspiration on expansive projects and visualize what new adventures or travels.  It is time to begin to engage in more positive life expression.  Jupiter’s expansive energies stay direct (manifesting) until July 2010.

Friday Oct 16- Mars enters Leo

Mars leaves nurturing Cancer for success oriented Leo on the 16^th. It is time to leave your protective cocoon, and begin to express the shine of confidence that gives hope to your life for better days.  Mars usually stays in a sign about a month and a half, but will stay in Leo this time until June 2010. The reason is because Mars will go retrograde on December 20, just before the winter solstice.

Saturday/Sunday Oct 18 New Moon in Libra 1:33 AM EDT

The New Moon in Libra brings diplomatic energies out front and center.    It is time to get in touch with what will bring people together, not separate.  Libra is a sign of gracefulness and finesse, being civilized and socially conscious.   But sometimes it can feel phony or snobby.   Take time now to listen to others so more harmony can be made.

See you next week,

Leo Knighton Tallarico

Please visit my website to find out more about autumn 2009 and to check out services and readings.

Colder Winds of Autumn, and Astrology Forecast for October 3-10

by Leo Knighton Tallarico

We are now fully into Autumn, and here in New England the trees are becoming so beautiful with leaves of many colors.   It is Libra time of year, when on the surface all is aesthetically pleasing and harmonious.  But below the surface, waiting patiently for darker Scorpio times, trouble brews.

The Western “Powers that Be” have used Libran diplomacy to soften the situation with Iran.   Israel’s hunger for war has only temporarily subsided.   And the economy, pronounced by those same Powers that Be to be in recovery mode, is showing signs of wanting to burst downward some more.    Scorpio time of year will show us more truth about this economy and about the trouble simmering in the Middle East.

The Sun moves into Scorpio on October 23, over two weeks away.   After that, as the pretty leaves fall faster from the trees,  the stark bare branches show more naked truths.   In mid November Saturn makes its first of three square passes with Pluto.    Together these two planets represent destruction of old forms ready to die, to make room for new beginnings and a new human season.    Saturn and Pluto were making close aspect to one another when World War I and World War II began and when the 9-11 tragedy in America happened.

We are moving forward into new and better times, but many blockages and toxins lie in the way.    Saturn and Pluto clear the way, so we can then meet our future  while connected and aligned with our authentic selves and the grace of the Universe.    Magic comes with the connections. Our separations from Self, others and the Universe keep us alone and in fear.  The coming cleansing process cuts us from old beliefs, attitudes, and addictions that impede our evolution into these new times.

If you hold on fiercely to people, places, and work that are ready to be let go; then you keep your self chained to the past.   It is important soon to let go of that which gives false security, so new waves of healthy change can move in.   The holding on will bring more pain and deep sense of loss.   The coming ride, in late 2009 and through 2010, will be intense and will accelerate our growth and change.

After Saturn and Pluto square each other on November 15 2009, they still make 2 more squares to one another in 2010.   Many other very important, explosive, and transformational aspects will be bursting onto our human stage in 2010.  We will be writing much about this in succeeding blogs, but please look at www.spiritualtherapyastrology.com for more info on Saturn/Pluto, Autumn 2009 and 2010.

The Aquarian Age is on our doorstep, in my estimation beginning late in 2020 as Jupiter conjuncts Saturn at 0+ degrees of Aquarius.  The Mayan New World begins in December of 2012, only 3 short years away.

If  indeed a New Age, a New World, a New Paradigm is being born; then can you imagine how much old ways must be put to an end for this to truly occur?

But what is to happen can be seen only if you are looking closely.    Western and American powers are losing their dominance of the world and will continue to do so.   One of the most important traits of Aquarius and hence of an Aquarian Age is equality.

South America is rapidly gaining power; China and India are getting stronger all the time; Muslim countries seek more power; and Africa is on the verge of becoming more unified.  Soon the United Nations will need to be transformed, as it does not represent equally all the nations of the world.   The Security Council, which contains five countries who own the nuclear bomb and have vast wealth, has veto power over the wishes of the many countries all over the world.

The worldwide economic system is unfair to the many peoples all over the world.     It is a system that perpetuates great wealth and privilege of the few, poverty and voicelessness for the many.    Slowly this is changing and the current economic downturn is much more than a cyclical turn.  It is the beginning of a great transformation of the world economy.   Some different combination of capitalism and socialism is coming our way.    Worldwide transformation is coming our way.  And 2010 is a great gateway in that direction.

Skies will darken and cold winds will grow stronger this autumn in the northern hemisphere.  We will begin to see the truth of what lies directly ahead of us.  As we get closer to the first Saturn/Pluto square on November 15 things greatly intensify.   President Obama has a very difficult connection to this Saturn/Pluto square, from his natal chart.   His natal Venus is closely aspected by this Saturn/Pluto square.  This portends very heavy and grave times ahead for him.  The USA Venus, so close to his, is also affected.

The Lunar Eclipse on New Year’s Eve 2009/2010 gives us the tone for the New Year ahead.  The Solar Eclipse of January 15 2010 propels us forward forcefully into the new year’s transformational changes.

Astrology Forecast for October4-10

Mercury is now clearly direct and almost back to speed.  If you have been putting off decisions in order to first have more clarity, you may be ready now.

There is a Full Moon on Sunday October 4 at 2:10 AM EDT.   The Full Moon consists of the Sun in Libra and the Moon in Aries. In personal lives togetherness (Libra) versus independence and freedom (Aries) may play out.  Or being civil (Libra) versus being frank and direct (Aries) may play out.  In greater world affairs diplomacy civility versus voices of conflict plays out.  The Full Moon effect continues into Monday as the Moon moves into Taurus, but activity slows.

Mid Wednesday the moon moves into mercurial Gemini and mental activity increases.  There may be need to “talk it out” with others.  Late Wednesday into Thursday can bring some worrying as Mercury conjuncts Saturn in Virgo.

A Sun/Jupiter aspect Friday/Saturday lifts spirits going into the weekend.

See you next week,

Leo Knighton Tallarico

To look at the services I offer, please visit my web site

Autumn Turn of the Wheel and Astrology Forecast for September 20- October 3

by Leo Knighton Tallarico

I will be taking a break next week from this forecast and blog, as I will going on a short autumn vacation to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage  and climate here in New England.   The current forecast, therefore, will be for the next 2 weeks.

Well by all measures, the summer will be over this week, as is the Summer of 2009 eclipses.  The passing  3 eclipse summer was a set up for more shifting tides coming this autumn and winter, and then even bigger changes coming spring and summer 2010.

For now we get to appreciate the Autumn Equinox, a time metaphorically equivalent to the sunset time of day.   Dark, night minutes of the day are equal to light, day minutes at the equinox, which is on Tuesday this week the 22nd at 5:19 PM EDT and 2:19 PM PDT.

But immediately after that equinox moment, we then see dark minutes of the day increase more every day until winter solstice, when dark minutes are at their zenith.  Winter Solstice is equivalent metaphorically to midnight.

But at Autumn Equinox, we feel the sunset of the year, a beautiful time that slows us down and begins to prompt us to reset our life priorities.    Inner and outer events help us to look beyond our sometimes frantic strivings,  and instead to look around at the people who mean a lot to us.

We are reminded of the transitory cycles of life, and how the passion and youth of summer passes so fast.  We know, even as we appreciate the beauty of early autumn, that the cold breath and darker days of winter are close behind.    We appreciate our friends and mates more than ever, and want to hold closer to our hearts that which we appreciate most in our lives.

This past summer of eclipses took so many important and iconic people from our lives.   Especially the people who were so well known to us, so famous around the world, so close to us in our younger days, died.

Walter Cronkite was the most respected and listened to newsman of his day.

Ted Kennedy was one of the most respected Senators in American history, and he also reminded us of the Kennedy mystique.    And of course his brother John Kennedy was president of USA and assassinated in 1963.  And his brother Robert was a great hope for change in America, and then he was assassinated in 1968 as the revolutionary ’60s intensified.   Martin Luther King had just been killed two months previous in April 1968.

And Michael Jackson also died in the summer of 2009. Michael was quite arguably one of the most well known entertainers of all time in America and the world.  And of course his life story was full of high drama,, from his beatings as child, to his strange appearance, to his idealistic creations to make the world a better place, to the accusations of pedophilia.

And many others who died were household names also, most notably Patrick Swayze and Farrah Fawcett.   And Les Paul was well known to guitar enthusiasts, and Robert Novak to political junkies, and Ed McMahon to so many people who watched the Johnny Carson show every late night.

Especially Baby Boomers have been affected, but many of the people who died influenced many more than that.

This summer showed us that times of the past are fading memories now, that we are sadly saying goodbye to old times, to old friends.

The coming autumn will let us know even more that the old days are gone.  We are quite likely to soon face up to the truth that our economy is not on the way back to normal.    The economic cheerleaders telling us the worst is over will be proven wrong. Events are coming our way that will soon let us know differently.

The Saturn/Pluto square in mid November and the 2 eclipses on December 31 2009 and January 15 2010 are messengers of darker days for our trusted old paradigm and its institutions.

We will need to keep our focus on the new world we are building.  It is a world where we learn more and more that all is connected, not separate.

And we all, all over the world are connected, not separate.    Especially since the 20th century began, we have been more and more reminded that we are all so connected.

We have built networks of commerce, and networks of transportation, and networks of communication and mind that link us all together as one.

We have also had two world wars that brought us together in destructiveness.  And these wars should be teaching us we can destroy one another and need to find ways to get along.

And relatively recently, the development of weapons of mass destruction show us we are on the edge of mass destruction if we do not learn ways to share this Earth and find peace in our hearts for one another.

And the global recession, soon to be Depression, should be teaching us we need to find an economic system that is not set up for the few who have wealth and privilege while so many others suffer.

As the changes accelerate and soon flood in, we are given the chance, at this changing of Ages, to find ways to make our human condition on Earth more livable and satisfying for all.

We are given the opportunity to see the common humanity in each and every one of us, and to create a better world, one of equality, liberty, fairness and justice for all.

As the darker times for a dying world roll in  for 2010, many of us will instead be focusing on the light of a new world being born.

Astrology Forecast for September 20- October 3

On Sunday the 20th of September the Moon in Libra brings waves of Autumn energies in , as Libra is the sign of the beginning of Autumn.  But official Autumn does not yet begin for a couple days yet.

Also on Sunday Venus leaves showy Leo for demure Virgo.  Heart energies soften and sensitize, and relationships begin to get back to the basic truths.    Venus stays in Virgo until October 14.

Emotions intensify on Monday as the Moon moves into passionate Scorpio.   And on Tuesday is one of the 4 sacred turning points of the year.

The Sun moves into Libra to open the gates to our Autumn Equinox.  It is fall season now, as the leaves of our trees begin to turn color, as hair begins to turn gray in the autumn of our human years.   It is time to take concentration from self and our own needs alone, and turn to thoughts of our mates, our friends, and community.   We leave other more selfish concerns to think of some of our social principles like fairness and justice.

Autumn is arguably the most lovely of all seasons, and peace and grace feel as if they are in the air.

On Wednesday, as the moon goes into Sagittarius ad the Sun squares Pluto, we feel more enthusiasm for life. The Moon stays in Sagittarius through Friday.  On Saturday is the second quarter Moon in Capricorn, with our Moon a half- lit Moon in the sky.   We are half way to a Full Moon and we pause to make sure we are on the right track in our lives.

The Moon stays in Capricorn on Sunday and opposes Mars in Cancer.  This day is susceptible to arguments if we are not careful.

Mercury is now slowing down as it is about to go Direct again after 3 weeks of being retrograde.   It actually goes direct on Tuesday the 29th, and any strangeness you have been feeling should begin to be lifting.  Clarity wants to form, but full clarity is about a week away.

On Thursday and Friday, with the Moon in Pisces, we lay back and begin to surrender to the approaching Full Moon.

The Full Moon in Libra/Aries is on Saturday/Sunday the 3rd/4th of October. It is at 11:10 PM the 3rd on the USA west coast, and 2:10 AM the 4th on the east coast.   This Full Moon usually brings up relationship issues that can be understood in the context of independence versus togetherness.    Making a balance between these two extremes can be done now, but perhaps only after discussion or argument.

See you in two weeks,

Leo Knighton Tallarico

Please visit my website for more information.  In a a few days  you will be able to read our Spiritual Renaissance publication. If you would like to consider an astrology reading please visit my website.