One Minute Astrology: The Shadow Side Of Sports - OJ Simpson and Michael Vick

Elsa — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:43:58 EDT

Pluto leaves Sagittarius for Capricorn in January, 2008. What's it mean?
Pluto will leave Sagittarius for Capricorn in January, 2008. Pluto has a 240 year orbit and only changes signs every 10-15 years so this represents a huge shift for the collective.

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

Cancer Frets Over Venomous, Difficult Gemini Girlfriend: Astrology-Based Advice

Elsa — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:34:46 EDT

Hi Elsa, I'm pulling my damn hair out. I'm in a relationship with a Gemini and I'm a freakin' Cancer. Ugh. I hate being a Cancer in this relationship!I don't know how to argue with her. She coolly spits out her venom while I lose it and flail my arms. She insults and lashes out every one of her fears on me. She is so damn stubborn, jealous, selfish and controlling.She is scared of love and life and SELFISHLY proclaims her disappointments and my shortcomings. I work two jobs trying to save money to move back closer to her but she doesn't see this! She thinks I am just "broke" all the time. Uhhh it costs money to save money. Hello? But I forget. How silly am I? She needs to be spoiled and taken on lavish outings. And I'm supposed to know this already, even when she says she likes supporting my money saving. SHE DOESN'T.She thinks my vague and indirect Cancer ways are equivalent to lying. Her possessive, jealous rages are insane and scary! They're enough to cause an ulcer. I think I have one.But... I am a Cancer. My claws are embedded deep and it's tough to let go. My cancer tears are a deep well of worry.How do I show a Gemini my heart and earn her trust?? There's gotta be a way to make this work!??? What is the solution here!? Any advice????Frantic and Fretting CancerDear Frantic,Yikes, man. You've got your hands full, don't you? And apparently you like it. And I am not sure what I can tell you besides this is this gal's nature. And yours. By that I mean, she has Venus and Mars in Aries, so she is going to want to fight. She is not interested in wimps. And you may be a Cancer, but you have an Aries Moon, did you know? So what looks like "home" to you is... her! So sorry, hon. ::smirks::And her Gemini Sun? Well you have Venus in Gemini. Isn't that funny? So who do you love? This flighty chick! Further, she's a Virgo rising and what do you have in Virgo? One, two, three, four planets!! Ha ha ha ha!And you are a Sagittarius rising and she has Sagittarius Moon and I guess you're getting the picture here. Obviously there is a real affinity between you two. Some of these connections are nothing less than superb. However, the pathology is flying in both directions and it's thick. It's thick enough you'll most likely need a referee (a therapist) if you want to make it long term. And while that is outside the scope of this column, I can offer this quick diagnosis.She has Jupiter conjunct her Sun and thinks she know the TRUTH. She also has a Sadge Moon and thinks she can sense the TRUTH. However, Gemini is Gemini (lies all the time) and Neptune is conjunct her Moon, a combination that is known to be evasive. And she may very well be projecting the lying thing, since this is what people with oppositions in their charts do! Live one side and project the other that is.And you? Well you have a stellium in Virgo and you want to FIX everything. Including and especially this gal. And let me tell you something. Gemini doesn't want to be fixed. It's not interesting to them, okay? And if you bore a Gemini and you're history.Sadge likes being fixed even less if this is possible! Because Sadge is inflated, okay? They think they are GREAT to begin with.... so you see the problems here. And obviously they will persist unless both of you get your asses in gear.Good luck.

Elsa writes an astrology-based advice column and various other sundries at ElsaElsa - The Astrology Blog She has also written a book, "Heaven, I Mean Circle K" which will be published this year.
Need advice? Ask here!

Devastating Young Life - Sexual Abuse, Parents Dead: Scorpio Sun Conjunct Saturn: Astrology-Based Advice

Elsa — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:15:05 EDT

Dear Elsa,I have had problems in my life since as long as I can remember. My parents died when I was young, I was sexually abused as a child, I never lived in a place for more than two years, and I ran away at 16. However, I remained a fairly happy child through all this. Now, as an adult, I'm constantly fighting fits of depression or incredible anger. One moment I'm fine, the next I'm blowing up at my husband because he pronounced a word wrong (or something else small like that). I feel like I'm never truly happy and I don't know how it that is, now that I have everything I've wanted for so long (a family and security).I also have a tendency to pretty much live in the past. I just can't let it go. Is there something wrong with me or is it part of my destiny to suffer?In PainDear In,No, I don't think it is your destiny to suffer, I think it's your destiny to heal and beyond that to help others heal. Who better for that than you? With your vast experience of suffering you are uniquely positioned, don't you think? I do. But let me address some of these other things.Your experience is common for survivors of abuse. That is, it's when you finally get yourself to a place where you have a modicum of security that the shit hits the fan. Prior to this time, you are functioning in some sort of survival mode. Functioning highly too, something you should be proud of. But now it's time to heal.Think of it like a broken bone. Or in your case, twelve or fourteen broken bones. And at the time they were broken, there was no help available. So what happens?What happens is they heal all jacked up. And you absolutely will walk around like that for the rest of your life it you do not get treatment. Make sense?So basically you have to go in and re-break these bones. And that's going to hurt. But once broken, your limbs and various parts can be set with the loving care you deserved the first time around. This time when you heal, it will be for real and for permanent. So obviously I think you need to find a counselor. However, I also think your prognosis is excellent and I'll tell you why. It's because your problems are so profound. This serves you and I will explain:You're 21 and find yourself in this very painful place. And you think your peers, the other 21 year old girls out there do not have to deal with problems of your ilk. And you're right! Most of them still have their parents, for starters. So they have no idea what you cope with on a daily basis. But here's the trick.It's because your problems are so large that you are finding that you are simply going to have to deal with them. You're just not going to be able to function if you don't and so off you go to therapy to emerge in a year or two or three (or whatever it takes, because you're worth it), feeling whole and healed. And meanwhile, what about your peers?I'll tell you what happens to them. They suffer at a low level. It's not quite enough to send them to therapy, though. They can fake it, see? And fake it they do, until they are thirty or forty or fifty and this is when it hits them. "Crap! I just lived my whole life compromised!" And at that point it's too late. Too late to get that 30 years back, that is. Meanwhile, you've spent the last 30 years, on your feet, knowing who and what you are and living true, all courtesy of the investment you made in your 20s. So you've got Saturn conjunct your Sun in Scorpio and that is exactly how you should think of it too. Invest in your psychological health.And just remember this: Every curse is a gift... in exact proportion. Much love and good luck.

Young Woman With Toddler Very Unhappy In Relationship -- Double Pisces: Astrology-Based Advice

Elsa — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:10:27 EDT

Dear Elsa, I've been in a relationship for about four years with a Capricorn and we have a three year old son together. I haven't been happy with him for at least the past three years and I feel like I need to move on... but I don't know whether it's the right thing to do, since we have a child together. I feel like it would be too selfish but then I feel like if I don't then I will never be able to live my life to the fullest. I feel like he holds me back because he is so pessimistic and controlling. He never shows me any kind of love other than supporting us. I feel so empty, like I'm just wasting my life away. I've always told him that I need more affection but he never changes. I'm always the one initiating the affection and he just quickly shrugs me away from him. What do you think should I do?? If I left him do you think I would be happier... and would it be justifiable? Young WifeDear Wife,I may as well state it plainly. I believe in divorce! For your sake, for his sake and for the sake of your child. Apparently you're not even married, but you get my point. I think you have responsibility to your partner and even more so to your child but in the big picture, I believe your primary responsibility is to yourself.Further, I believe that when you take care of yourself, you not only take care of your child, but also act in the best interest of everyone on this planet. Yes! Close to home, your son is watching you and your partner, and learning how things are in the world from you. So right now he's learning things are pretty shitty. People aren't happy and people don't love each other. And if this is all he is exposed to, what do you think his odds are of creating a different type of life for himself? They're not good. In the larger picture, what are you doing for the collective? Well you can't be doing much, feeling as lousy as you do. And is that right? What would you be producing in this world if your circumstances were different?So you see what I think. Not only do I think you have a right to leave. You have a responsibility not to "waste your life", as you say. And you're 23 years old. Do you realize you may live another 50 years? And your son another 70 or 80? That's a lot of years! To suffer or thrive, that is. So with that in mind, I'd suggest you transcend the tendency to sacrifice yourself that comes so naturally to Pisces, and commit to carving out and creating a life that will satisfy. Good luck.

Astrology-Based Advice: Engaged To Be Married - Fiance Addicted To Porn: Sun Venus in Cancer

Elsa — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 20:37:14 EDT

Dear Elsa,I recently found out my live in fiance is addicted to porn. At first he was "mad" that I found out... then said he was glad I knew. My problem is, how do I deal with it? Do I try and make him accountable for his every move on the computer? Do I "shut off" the computer? Put on a porn blocker? If I take away the computer somehow, what do I do when he "gets mad"? Please help... this is now controlling my every thought.Obsessed FianceDear Fiance,You can block and restrict and whatever else you may think of, and none of it is going to do any good. For one thing, in spite of your Sun Venus in Cancer, you are not this guy's mother. And even if you were, it still wouldn't work! And it may help you understand if you take the 'porn" out of the equation and just think in terms of "addiction" because they all work the same. So lets do that.Does hiding the bottle from the alcoholic stop them from drinking? It doesn't. Does hiding the donuts help the overeater? No. Does screaming at someone, "Quit smoking those fucking cigarettes," do any good? It does not. It doesn't work when the addict is 16. And you're 40. So I assume your man is of similar age and what he has is a problem.He has a problem that you cannot affect in any way at all. Figuring this out... coming to understand this and accept this is your problem. Beyond that, deciding what you want to do is your problem. Do you want to marry a man who is addicted to porn? Personally, I think you should postpone that decision and go educate yourself and I have some leads. Specific to porn, there is a book out there, "Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, and Our Families"; which is a comprehensive unbiased look at this subject. The whole book is excellent, and includes very good information specific to porn addiction.Now once you read that book you're going to know exactly what you're dealing with and if you still want to deal, then you are going to have to learn about boundaries and co-dependency. Check the Al-Anon model. "I didn't cause it, I can't cure it and I can't control it..." Because this is the reality.Now it's possible your man may decide to get help, or to help himself but you know addicts....Or maybe you don't but I do. So I'll tell you. Some of them get sober but many never do. Most never do. And the ones who do manage do so with tremendous struggle and in their own time. And their own time could be years. Or decades! For example your man may lose you and three more like you before he decides to confront his addiction. Or he may decide relationship is too much trouble just on principle and opt to just stick with his porn for the rest of his life. After all he's forty-ish, yes? Old habits die hard.I am sorry I don't have better news. However I am confident thse ideas will get you moving on this issue... in whichever direction you decide is best.Good luck.

Dad Confides in Daughter Unbeknownst To Mom - Daughter Aggrieved, Double Capricorn, Cancer Moon: Astrology-Based Advice

Elsa — Wed, 6 Jun 2007 13:00:10 EDT

Elsa,Tonight I was placed in the middle of my parent's dispute. Behind my mother's back, my dad approached me to discuss financial problems. This bothers me very much because for years they have not allowed me or my sister to be included in such discussions. Both my parent's agreed when we were very little not to include us in any of their finances and it's worked, until now. I am extremely pissed at my dad by putting me in such a position without my mother's consent. Had it been both of them, I would have accepted whatever they said. I talked to my sister, who is younger than I am (she is 19) and she is equally angry. Together, my sister and I, went down and got my mom and dad together and told them that we did not appreciate the way that we found out and the position that my dad placed us in. I feel like I did the right thing by telling my mother what my dad had done, because they are the ones that are married and it seemed cheap for him to do that to our mom. Our meeting wasn't pleasant, to say the least, but I did not want to be privy to something that important but not able to discuss it with both parents. It's been a few hours since we ended the family meeting and now I don't know what to do. I don't know what to say to my dad since he had come to us in confidence. Did I do the right thing by sacrificing his trust in us to keep a secret like that? On the same level, we are his children and problems he has with my mom and their finances should not be our problem. I just don't know what to do now. Do you have any advice for me?SplitDear Split,Although I appreciate your distress, I do not feel you did the right thing by betraying your father's confidence - and I imagine on some level you agree with me, or you would not be so agitated. It's the old "two wrongs don't make a right." If you were upset at your father, then you should have confronted him and let it play from there.Instead, you brought your mother (and your sister) into this and why did you do this? Well let me take a guess.You are a double Capricorn with a Cancer Moon. In other words, you're a control freak. You want to call all the shots! So when your father did something you deemed "inappropriate"... something outside the lines, well God help him. His daughter is going to come down on from on high, and I think you can figure out the rest. Here's my advice:Apologize to your father. Tell him you made an error in judgment and promise that in the future you will exercise more restraint. Further, your mother and sister also deserve an apology. See, whatever your father confided in you... well obviously you didn't like it. But it was you who got the whole family embroiled and for this you need to take responsibility.Next time? Try something along these lines:"Dad, why are you telling me this without Mom's knowledge?"And then listen. Because you're not "little" anymore, okay? And there is no excuse for one adult to betray another.Good luck.

Fear! Capricorn Rising With Saturn, Moon, Mars T-Square Suffers Saturn Return: Astrology-Based Advice

Elsa — Sun, 3 Jun 2007 14:24:49 EDT

Hi Elsa,I'm going through some rough and tense time. In April I got out of a very difficult relationship where I was emotionally unfulfilled. We didn't quite relate in matters of planning the future, values, money, etc. He seemed very self-sufficient, detached, and unwilling (or fearful) of commitment to any plan or vision - for me these things are normal for a couple to build and pursue together. It was very hard for me to let go. Nevertheless, I was relieved and eventually very happy being alone, spending more time with family and friends, contemplating on my past issues, and developing my career. A few weeks ago I met this new guy with whom I instantly clicked. Although we didn't spend much time together, we were very drawn together and astonished about how similar we are in our views, tastes, humor. The problem? I feel I need some time for myself right now and on the other hand I wish I could be in a beautiful, solid relationship, which I can very well imagine with this man. I fear that I will fall in love too quickly, expect too much too soon, or that I will be exposed to the same negative experiences as with my ex. I sometimes feel I have to fight my own battles first (especially build my self-confidence and develop my talents) and the romance could or should wait. And then I think this is very selfish and cowardly, because I cannot plan everything in life and some 'things' just happen! I tell myself I should loosen up a bit and try with this new man, but somehow it is hard for me to loosen up right now. What do you think, is there hope for me, or maybe for us? SufferingPS: I apologize for mistakes. English is not my native language.Dear Suffering,Yes of course there is hope! The core issue here is your fear -- of everything. Fear of going too fast, fear of making a mistake, fear of trusting your feelings, of doing the wrong thing, of being wrong, selfish, a coward, etc. And my fear is that if you don't address this, you're simply going to continue to suffer no matter what you do. So obviously I think you should focus on the fact you are fear-based and at this point, frozen in fear. Not so you can beat yourself up, but so you can begin to heal.Now I don't know who jacked you up so bad. I don't know who gave you such a profoundly strong message that there was something wrong with you, but at this point you are an adult and this is your problem to solve and I'll tell you how to start to go about this. You have got to become your own parent, and an exemplary one at that. Now I think I'm a pretty good parent so let me tell you what I tell my kids. I tell them to do whatever they want, as long as it doesn't hurt others. I tell them to always trust and honor their feelings. I tell them that love is always a good thing. I tell them to respect other people, always. Their space, their time, their feelings. When they're afraid, I sympathize, but ultimately I tell them that it doesn't matter how scared they are. If they don't face their fear and do the thing they are so scared to do their life will be very compromised and very painful. I tell them that what they fear will happen almost never does and even if it does, so what? "It won't end you," I say. "You'll still be here and you'll be a person who knows how to live."And I think you ought to start giving yourself similar messages. And it will take time, but you will slowly see improvement. I would also recommend you read everything you can find concerning fear, and conquering it. Gift Of Fear by Gavin DeBecker is my favorite.Do this! Because I can tell you for sure, if you head down this road you will see things improve -- your relationships included, of course. And one more thing:Your English is excellent. It's better than mine, I am sure many would agree. Take care and good luck.

Lost Her Sex Drive - Saturn Transit To Sun, Moon, Venus in Leo: Astrology-Based Advice

Elsa — Tue, 22 May 2007 22:20:42 EDT

Dear Elsa,I am going through the first serious sex drought of my life. I just don't get it - in both senses of the phrase, if you get my meaning! I am in the best relationship of my life and happily married, although my life is more conventional and settled than it has ever been to date. I am married to an Aquarian. He is very kind and we get on well on so many levels. It's not that it's bad when we do make love - I usually have a great time and he's considerate. It's just that I don't feel desire in between. I have never been like this before. I have put on lots of weight since we got together 5 years ago and given up socializing, getting dressed up and drinking. Surely I don't need all that superficial stuff to feel sexy?! Help!!Sex Drive MIADear Sex Drive,I have to disagree with you. Considering you are a Double Leo with Venus in Leo, I think your appearance is actually acutely important to you. And if you doubt that, then just ask yourself why you mentioned it in a post about sex?Now it sounds like you used to be Queen and further, this is your natural state! And since you no longer dress, take care of yourself or hold court (socialize), I would have to say you are depressed - if not in a clinical sense, then in a sense sense. You know. Where's your shine, babe? You need to get it back. Now here's the astrology, which is brilliantly clear by the way: Saturn is in Leo... transiting conjunct your Sun, Moon and Venus. That's a hard core transit and I'll tell you something else.You have Saturn (suppress) square your Mars (sex drive) in your natal chart and the transit of Saturn has brought this out to live, big time. And I can tell you right now, if you don't work at this... well it's going to get worse and worse and worse and lead you right into depression. However, do not despair! Because as soon as you commit (Saturn) to action (Mars), you will see immediate relief. And the more you "act", regardless of how difficult it is, the more relief you'll see. And if you really kick ass, guess what?End of this Saturn transit: you, your ego, your vanity, your love, and your emotional life will be in the best shape it's seen in almost 30 years!So here's my advice. Get on top the weight gain and for godsakes go shopping. You need to look good (Leo) if you want to feel good (Moon), be vitally alive (Sun) and love well (Venus).Good luck.

Younger Sagittarius Man, Older Sagittarius Woman: Can It Work? Astrology-Based Advice

Elsa — Thu, 17 May 2007 17:55:33 EDT

Elsa,I haven't been in a relationship for several years. I'm a Sagittarius and can't seem to find anyone who seems interesting enough for the effort it takes to go out. I returned to college several years ago and have a year left until completion (and have several children). My question is: I have intense chemistry with one of my former professors. He is also a Sadge and eight years my junior. What is your opinion about that: younger, Sadge, same sign, and a former professor?Thanks,Ex StudentDear Student,I don't see any problem. You're nearly 45... he's mid-thirties, so you're both adults. As for the age difference, so what? There are as many benefits as there are problems. He's your ex-professor? Big deal. He taught you some things, now you can return the favor! As for the general question of two people in a relationship being the same sun sign, in my experience it either works very well or the people bore and repel each other. You know. Yick! He/she is way too much like me! Makes me sick to look in a mirror like that! Get me the hell out of here!More specific for Sagittarius, on the upside you can understand each other's need for freedom. But I'll tell you something I notice about Sadge. Some of them seem to be looking for someone to (try to) tie them down. You know. They want someone who will try to stick a wild horse in a corral and why is that? So they can jump the fence, of course. So if you (or he) is of this ilk... well, you're going to let each other down by not trying to contain and restrict.Bottom line, if I were you I'd call this guy up and get a date. You have every reason in the world to do this and absolutely no reason not to. And from there, provided he signs on, you're two people on an adventure. Sound good? Sounds good to me.Good luck.

Wants A Peaceful Joyful Life With Friends: Capricorn With Moon Conjunct Neptune: Astrology-Based Advice

Elsa — Tue, 15 May 2007 14:19:34 EDT

Dear Elsa,I have never found a good support at my office and a good true friend. All through my life, I feel like I'm struggling amidst uncertainty. Would I will be able to lead a peaceful and joyful life? When my life will turn for better?WonderingDear Wondering,There comes a point when you have to take stock of your life. You have to look at how it's going and how it's always gone... and come to terms with some of the conditions and limitations that are apparently in place. Now that may sound depressing, but this is all perspective. The fact is, there are certain cards we are dealt. And it's no different than being born with black hair, blonde hair, brown hair, or whatever. So let's say you have black hair. Your black hair is hard-wired, but you have choices around how you wear it. Will you comb your black hair, and keep it clean? Will you have a cut that flatters you? Or will you sit in your room and wait for your hair to turn red or blue or purple or orange? Do you see what I'm saying?Your life is going to get better when you start to work at it, rather than waiting passively for something to come in that will save the day and salvage your life. Now specific to your chart, just forget about "uncertainty" going away because it's not going to happen. Fact is, your Moon is conjunct Neptune and then some... and consequently, you live on sand that shifts. So while it's fruitless to wait in hope of solid ground, it would be very fruitful to contemplate how you might exploit this quality.For example, take that person who is stable. That's fine, but they lack all kinds of things you have in abundance. Things like your incredible emotional sensitivity. And if you begin to think in these terms, perhaps you will start to see it's not so bad to live in flux. Would you rather be nailed flat and bland? Probably not.And when you start to understand, accept, and embrace your nature, it is very interesting how others begin to follow suit. So next thing you know you'll have both the friends and the support at work that you crave. So this is my advice:Take a good long look in the mirror. Look at your black hair... at your nature and the conditions you live under. Keep looking until you can see your beauty and then work to manifest it in the very best way you can. Do that, and people will flock to you. Seriously. Because there is nothing wrong with you (your chart). It's just that you're doing yourself in, when you need to be doing yourself up.Good luck.