The Guff on Supermoons

Her Only Friend the Moon by Alexander Jansson

Hi Everyone, The 'supermoon' has been getting a lot of attention this week, and since the influence of the Full Moon in Taurus is still HOT, I thought I would share a post from my AvaSykes.com site - Thoughts on Supermoons.

'Suppermoons" ... here's the guff.

Hang on. I should say, here's my guff. I don't expect everyone to agree.

There are people who swear by 'supermoons', saying the moon is larger at these times, and yeah, it looks larger, by about 14%. But heads up. It hasn't really changed size.

The appearance changes because the moon has cycles of perigee -- when it's closer to earth. (if you can call 357,000 km close).  The perigee happens 2-3 times every 14 months.

Loui Jover

Social Media gets all excited about it, claiming there is stronger astro effect raining moonbeams down on our heads. Like, get out the garlic and the holy water or something.

Me? I don’t give ‘supermoons’ a thought, basically because it's the New or Full Moon that matters astrologically (the lunations as we call them), not the proximity of the moon to earth via the ecliptic. 

I guess you could argue that because it looks bigger, it does more, but then there’s Pluto, you know? 4.28 billion km from New LA.  Not super close … but super powerful. A Pluto transit trumps a lunar one, super or otherwise, by about a million.

What a 'Supermoon' does is generate hype that doesn’t amount to any actual astrology IMHO - but that could be my North Node in Capricorn talking.

Still, it’s not grounded in ancient astrology, or astronomy, the wisdom passed down for thousands of years. It's a 'pre-new age term that popped up in the late 1970s, an easier handle for the scientific 'perigee-syzygy' (try saying that three times in a row).

It's more meaningful to look at what degree the new or full moon is in, and the sign. ie where's this mojo landing in your chart? 

The most recent SM was on the 14th of November, at 22 Taurus and will have it's 'sway' until the New Moon in Sagittarius at the end of the month. 

Thoughts? I'd love to hear your take. 

Kim Falconer's latest release is out now - The Blood in the Beginning - and Ava Sykes Novel. Find this novel in a store near you.

You can also learn more about Kim at AvaSykes.com, the 11th House Blog, and on FaceBook and Twitter.  

She posts here at the Supernatural Underground on the 16th of every month and runs Save the Day Writer's Community on Facebook. Check out her daily Astro-LOA Flash horoscopes on Facebook. 

Tips for Mercury Rx - Keep Calm

Ian Somherhalder

Mercury the trickster, planet of communication, messenger of the gods, is retrograde until the end of the month. During this time we might stumble, stutter and lose track of our works - always an exciting time for writers, or anyone trying to remember where they put their car keys. But there's a reason for the mania, an it's a good one.

We are asked to rethink, reconsider, review and reevaluate ideas, feelings, plans and promises. Basically, slow it down, and rewind a little. Reflect.

Because Mercury is Rx in Pisces/Aquarius, the energy is about trust - faith in the unknown future. In the house where Mercury is transiting, we let go of ‘shoulds’ and embrace authentic core values. Ask, what constitutes love and nurturing to me? What is my best path to the future that has 'me' all over it? The most primary way you can improve your life at this time is to relax, reflect and do your thing!  

Below are sign by sign tips based on the 'solar houses' sign (your sun sign), or the actual house Mercury is transiting, if you know it. Read both, if they are different. Love to hear of your experiences in the comments!

ARIES: Mercury in the 11th house - Mercury Rx in your 11th house of friends and groups can turn the usual gatherings into a mix of emoticons, all rolling about in different directions. The question is how do you feel? Allow for a new view when it comes to social connections, and find ways to relax amid the tension. Gems emerge when you aren't looking.

TAURUS: Mercury in the 10th house - Career, mission or profession can feel like a dream time journey, with the auto focus weaving in and out! This is good news! For the next three weeks you let go of trying to micromanage your future and 'make things happen.' Let your neurons relax so the universe can open new doors to infinite possibilities! 

GEMINI: Mercury in the 9th house -Travel or study plans turn into the trickster's playground for the next three weeks. Deep breaths. Remember, it's not about forging ahead right now, but finding peace and serenity in the midst of contrast. Take time out to reconsider your world view. Is it what you think, or what you are expected to think?

CANCER: Mercury in the 8th house - Mercury Rx in your house of shared resources has you reconsidering any joint financial arrangements, both income and debt. As you sift through possibilities, you’ll discover creative ways to organize and restructure the boundaries to your liking. You decide, but not yet. Let it marinate for a while. Go have fun.

 LEO: Mercury in the 7th house - Communication with partners, practical or intimate, goes a bit zany– muddled and/or blurred! It's not the best time to come to any conclusions as wires get crossed. Use your gut feelings to make choices that can't be delayed, and ask what you believe about partnerships. Rethink your relationships, without judgement.

 VIRGO: Mercury in the 6th house - Mercury Rx through your 6th house of well-being says reconsider your lifestyle. Is this really what you want, or are you there because of circumstances ‘beyond your control?’ (ha!) Take stock of your nutrition, exercise, healthy care, comfort zone and routine. Start with what you believe about your body! More Self-Love!

LIBRA: Mercury in the 5th house - This is a time to go into cruise control on the creative realm and practice the art of allowing. Think play, recreate and relax. Consider where you can expand your beliefs and live more in the 'now'. The goal is to drop judgment and experience life in the red hot moment. And it will be red hot! 

SCORPIO: Mercury in the 4th house - Thoughts turn to home life, family and symbiotic connections. Give yourself enough ‘me’ time to appreciate recent inner growth and development. Ask what family means to you. Home? Is there anything you believe that could be limiting your experience of others? Listen. Love. Reflect!

SAGITTARIUS: Mercury in the 3rd house - The Mercury Rx puts the Trickster in control of your tongue. You say one thing and they hear another. Emails, sans body language, get misconstrued. Don’t even think about sending text msg without punctuation. But it's excellent for revising manuscripts or creative projects put on the back burner. Go there!

CAPRICORN: Mercury in the 2nd house - Use this Mercury Rx to get in touch with what really gives you a sense of peace and happiness, then let go of the outmoded core values and actions. Awareness is the first step. It will lead to skill and talent development that is more authentic than you ever though possible. Expect a clean fresh $$ Vibe 

AQUARIUS: Mercury in the first house - Mercury Rx meanders through your home, work, Self and relationship life. Everything! Best reflect on what you believe about what you do, where you do it, whom you do it with. How? Just set an intention to notice the things you like about your life and smile. Exhale and limitations are going, going, gone.

PISCES: Mercury in the 12th house - With Mercury Rx in your solar 12th house, it's time to go 'in' and listen to your dreams. Not daydream fantasies of achievement, goals, challenges and actions, but really sink deep into the depths of your soul. What messages are welling up from there? Watch for synchronicity, tune into feelings, receive.


Kim Falconer is a Supernatural Underground author writing paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA and epic science fantasy novels.

You can find out more about Kim at kimfalconer.com or on the 11th House Blog. She posts here at the Supernatural Underground on the 16th of every month. Her latest release is"Blood and Water" in Supernatural Underground: Vampires Gone Wild.

Celebrate the Solstice

Celebration Posters by Keith Mallett

Celebrate this mid-winter or mid-summer solstice with joy, optimism and excitement for the future!

It's a turning points, symbolic of endings and new beginnings, and with Jupiter so close to the sun, and about to cross this solstice point for the first time in twelve years, whatever you intend is magnified a hundred fold!


June 20/21 SOLSTICE times:

LA – Thursday - 10:03 PM
NY – Friday - 1:03 AM
LON - Friday - 6:03 AM
SYD - Friday - 3:03 PM


Here are some hints for setting powerful intentions on the Solstice. What are you doing to celebrate?


ARIES: Clean the house, wash the windows, clear the air, especially with family. Ask: is your home a true reflection of you? All new things are coming in this area of life. Cherish your body too!
TAURUS: Start a new course of study, join a community project, get friendly with the written or spoken word. Ask: is there anything you’d like to learn, teach or share? New ideas are coming in. Communicate!
GEMINI: Indulge in all your core values, develop your talents and be MORE of who you are. Ask: Are you letting the abundance in? It’s enrichment time. Think more self-sustaining. A hobby turns into a career!
CANCER: This is a new chapter in your life. Open the door to your dreams by showing up! Ask: is your life an accurate reflection of who you want to be? Change is easy now. The universe has your back!
LEO: Commune with your unconscious. Take time to record and reflect on your dreams. Ask: are you deep in the well of your creative heart? There are opportunities pouring in. Be ready!
VIRGO: Friends and like-minded others are a source of inspiration if you’re hanging out with your own kind! Ask: are these birds really of your feathers? Plant your hopes and wishes for the future in fertile soil. Now!
LIBRA: Your career takes a turn for the better with a chance to carry more responsibility for a much greater reward. Ask: Do you light up in a smile when you think of your life work? This is the time to take a risk.
SCORPIO: Take your mind, body or spirit somewhere it’s never been before – meditate, travel, read, learn. Ask: are you holding yourself back from your real dreams? Best not, as chance of a life time offers pour in.
SAGITTARIUS: Intimacy and intensity is what will light your fire now. Go ahead and take a leap in the dark. Ask: are you playing it safe with your emotions? Express, purge. Make room for incoming love.
CAPRICORN: Partnership is the focus and you will benefit by assessing the relationships in your life. Ask: do you feel free to be who you are? Time to connect to the part of you that is brilliantly authentic and true.
AQUARIUS: Putting energy into the body, health and physical well being brings great results! Ask: are you getting enough exercise every day? It’s time to listen to your body, really listen, and respond.
PISCES: Creativity springs from a well of romance. Write, play, choreograph, sing, act. Ask: are you allowing for love in your heart? Be ready to let the inner child out and the opportunities in!

Kim Falconer is a Supernatural Underground author writing paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA and epic science fantasy novels. She also co-directs Good Vibe Astrology, an astrology and law of attraction school.

You can find out more about Kim at kimfalconer.com or on the 11th House Blog. She posts here at the Supernatural Underground on the 16th of every month. Her latest release is Supernatural Underground: Vampires Gone Wild.  

Venus in Taurus Guide to Abundance

La Naissance de Venus by Eugene Duval

Venus glides into Taurus, one of the two signs she rules, and all is right in the world . . . as long as we honor this transit. That means, show some reverence. Respect. When we do, our hearts light up and relationships go smoother, finances become more abundant and creativity pours forth in passionate waves of originality.

All we need do is place a bouquet of appreciation on her alter, metaphorically, or literally. Tangible displays count double. We want to make this real!

Taurus is an earthy, fixed and sensual sign, ultra potent when it comes to the physical and sensual responses to our emotions and feelings. When we become aware of our 'affections' (know what we love, be it food, art, relationships, pets, the environment, health and fitness, creative goals or intellectual abstractions) and demonstrate them in some way, the goddess of love smiles - meaning, we touch a core value, express it and feel more whole, more complete, in the process.

Taurus wants to brings things 'down to earth' so this is our chance to:

1) identify our desires
2) appreciate them
3) live them out

It doesn't have to be a huge production, this 'living them out.' Baby steps work fine. For example, if you're really into health and fitness, and want to work toward a renewed goal, doing one fresh thing in the name of your core value can start the snowball rolling. You might adjust your eating habits, or renew a commitment to the exercise that you love, appreciating your body as it is, in this red hot moment. If you have a core value around gardening and want to live in the midst of a botanical paradise, pot a fern, start a herb garden, plant one tree. If one of your core values is creativity but you 'don't have the time' you can honor Venus in Taurus by making Fridays (the day of Venus) your 'creation day'. Even if it's just for an hour, you commit to getting out the clay, sketch pad, guitar or word processor and let your artistry come alive.

Maybe relationship is the area of life that feels neglected. Venus is here to support your authentic goals in tangible ways, so if you want more from a partner (or more free time away from them, or maybe an actual partner to start with) get clear on what you want, relax and follow Venus's lead because the goddess of love knows just how to make your life more sumptuous when it comes to love, and of course, sex.  

Taurus is the #1 sign of love making. Keep that in mind :)

You might find that treating yourself the way you want 'them' to treat you is your most powerful tool. So have a candle bath, enjoy fine foods, settle in with a favorite film, novel or audio book. Treat yourself like gold! It's the fast track to improving all your relationships!

If you aren't sure how you want to leverage this energy to make your life more enriched, go to where Taurus is in your chart and track Venus's transits there. What area of life is activated? That's your playground. Go mix it up! (see a key word list for the houses below) If you need help, see 'creating your chart online' or ask for support in the comments!

From Swiss Ephemeris - The positions of Venus for the next 25 days
  Date          |    Venus    |
----------------------------
15 Apr 2013  | 29 ar 37   

The Venus by Michael Parkes

16 Apr 2013  |  0 ta 51   
17 Apr 2013  |  2 ta  5   
18 Apr 2013  |  3 ta 19   
19 Apr 2013  |  4 ta 33   
20 Apr 2013  |  5 ta 48   
21 Apr 2013  |  7 ta  2   
22 Apr 2013  |  8 ta 16   
23 Apr 2013  |  9 ta 30   
24 Apr 2013  | 10 ta 44   
25 Apr 2013  | 11 ta 58   
26 Apr 2013  | 13 ta 12   
27 Apr 2013  | 14 ta 26  
28 Apr 2013  | 15 ta 40   
29 Apr 2013  | 16 ta 54   
30 Apr 2013  | 18 ta  8   
01 May 2013  | 19 ta 22   
02 May 2013  | 20 ta 36   
03 May 2013  | 21 ta 50   
04 May 2013  | 23 ta  4  
05 May 2013  | 24 ta 18   
06 May 2013  | 25 ta 32   
07 May 2013  | 26 ta 46   
08 May 2013  | 27 ta 59   
09 May 2013  | 29 ta 13   
10 May 2013  |  0 ge 27   


Venus in Taurus is also our connection to Mother Earth. It's a time when we can take a moment an show reverence our for all life. There is so much to appreciate on this beautiful planet Earth. Pour forth some love, and respect, out into the world, and all living things.

Have a wonderful transit of Venus through Taurus,  Everyone!

* Reference for the houses*

The meanings of the houses are deep and rich with metaphorical and literal content but here is a quick list to get you started.

1st house – Appearance, personality traits, outlook on life
2nd house - $$$, resources, talents, peace of mind
3rd house – Teaching, learning, writing, talking, connecting
4th house – Home, family, ancestors, emotional ground
5th house – Creative expression, offspring (books/kids etc), romance
6th house – Health, pets, daily routine, employment, magic
7th house – Socially significant relationships, contracts
8th house – Sex, death, taxes, shared resources, trust
9th house – New horizons, travel, beliefs, WWW
10th house – Career, mission, profession, public relations
11th house – Friends, goals for the future, groups
12th house – Unconscious, dreams, giving and receiving, meditative states

Remember, if you need help, see 'creating your chart online' and go to where Taurus is in your chart, or just ask for help in the comments! Easy done!


Kim Falconer is a Supernatural Underground author writing paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA and epic science fantasy novels. She also co-directs Good Vibe Astrology, an astrology and law of attraction school.

You can find out more about Kim at kimfalconer.com or on the 11th House Blog. She posts here at the Supernatural Underground on the 16th of every month. Her latest release is Supernatural Underground: Vampires Gone Wild.