Thursday, Nov. 15 at 12:24 a.m. (Pacific time) Mars retrogrades at 12 degrees Cancer, which is the Sun sign and degree of both the United States and President Bush.  In the U.S. chart retrograde Mars will also square (a challenge emerges) the U.S. Saturn (rules and regulations). Interestingly, the U.S. progressed Mars turned retrograde (self examination regarding its power) July 19, 2006 and will be retrograde for the next 79 years. Esoterically 12 degrees Cancer is also the degree for Sirius, the blue Ray 2 (Love/Wisdom) star left of Orion where Love originates. What is the significance of Mars retrograde, how long will it last, and what will occur? There are many levels. On the personality-building level Mars is energy, action, desire, sports, things red and fast. Mars is the god of war and aggression. Will the U.S. go to war with Iran? When Mars retrogrades everyone’s energy level moves inward, there is less ability to act outwardly, ambitions falter, focus lessens. Aggression turns within bursting forth unexpectedly. During Mars retrograde it is good to tend to mental and physical health, relax, practice yoga, study, retreat and study the art of patience. Mars retrograde is like a double Mercury retrograde on a physical level.

Mars will retrograde into the New Year, turning direct Jan. 30, 2008 whereupon Mercury will again be retrograde. The next four months will be eventful and interesting. Read more at nightlightnews.com.

Thanksgiving is next Thursday. Let us consider all that we are grateful for. Gratitude brings blessings that are unexpected. Gratitude is a releasing agent and is the hallmark of an enlightened Soul.

ARIES (March 21-April 20) Your inner focus will be on home and family, what your foundation is presently and what you want it to be in the future—good and right, firm and stable, nurturing, well lit, gated, gardened and tended. These apply to your home and your inner self. Above all you want to feel safe, successful and at day’s end, within a sanctuary.

TAURUS (April 21-May 21) So much of your life recently has been upended. Therefore you want those around you to be counted on, grounded, to behave, organized and committed. Well now, this may not occur easily as everyone’s assessing their own lives, trying not to be off-course. Patience will be tested. Consider the past two years’ choices.

GEMINI (May 22-June 20) Keep a very careful eye on finances. Don’t spend much except for the most basic financial needs and responsibilities. This is a time for evaluating your values, searching deeply to understand what is important, what serves you, and previously held future plans that you would do anything for. Are they still worth it?

CANCER (June 21-July 20) Your vitality can be found within and not without. All actions will take twice as long, accomplishments will seem unfruitful, many tasks won’t be completed as expected and everyone will be in the same situation wondering where reality went. Tell them “Mars is retrograde till Jan. 30. Don’t push at anything. It will simply push back with greater force. Patience.

LEO (July 21-Aug. 22) Progress is slow. You’ll experience deep waters and foggy regions of reality where there’s no direction and no map. Every once in a while the fog lifts and a vista bright and clear appears. These are your new internal realities available after the New Year begins. The horizon, though shrouded now, will come into focus after you reorient. Then a major course of action comes forth.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) No one’s to blame for the slow-moving situations occurring, for friendships that can’t seem to find time for each other, for no one sharing the roadway, for the withdrawal everyone is experiencing. It seems no one can come out to play. Somehow everyone will progress through this very internal time of self-evaluation and when they do, the world will look different. The light will have changed.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Libra and Mars are the sign and planet of war and peace. With Mars retrograde there could be internal battles concerning you and relationships (not to be feared). Retrogrades offer us time to assess previous choices and actions. Onto all relationships you will cast a laser beam of inquiry with intimates, friends, partnerships, finances and mother (being one and your own). You will, in the end find your own truth and clarity and establish Right Relations.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You will hibernate in order to explore deep issues underneath the surface of everything, especially your relationship to mother and family. This you will do before you can move into the future. You will listen to inner feelings, impulses, passions and motives before acting on them. Mars will test you more than ever and call you to discipleship. Have courage and have the identity “Warrior I am and from the battle I emerge triumphant.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) You must pilot your ship and steer your steed toward your goals with great care for you will be focused inwardly for three long months. You must ascertain what you are fighting for, what your core values and principles are. Ponder on these through the holidays when your physical activity is low, and should you find unearthed resentments and grudges, bring them out and burn them in the hot fires of gratitude.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 20)  Mars is exalted in Capricorn, Cancer’s opposite sign. That means  it is most comfortable as both Mars and Cap push forward and up toward the stars (successfully). With Mars retro, it is time to rebuild your forces using Goodwill, which generates Right Relationships, which creates peaceful and joyful living. Those Right Relationships you will call upon later when professional changes occur. Don’t push anything.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 18)  Your most important focus each day for three months will be on your health, which may constitute your primary and everyday work schedule. Perhaps you have a job in the world, too. Then you have two priorities, side by side, tending to health along with profession. You can do this. If you do not have out in the world work, then use all medication and alternative methods to assisting creating the healthiest body. You know how to do this. Begin.

PISCES (Feb.19-March 20) You will experience a greater sense of the Will to Serve. Although you will turn to your family for their care and tending another call will be heard and you will learn how to do both tend to personality daily realities, and to those of the Soul/Spirit. Whatever it is you need, call upon your creative imagination to bring it forth in form and matter. Gratitude and blessings are the keys, always. You know this.

This is a new Scorpio moon week, the Hindu festival of Diwali (Light) and a conference Evoking the Soul of all Nations. Every human and each nation is influenced, looked over and controlled by two rays (stars in the Big Bear)—the personality ray (dominant, potent and the main controlling factor at this time) and its Soul Ray (sensed by disciples and aspirants). As the personality ray helps us be in the world of form, it is the Soul ray that will bring forth the unity and love, Goodwill and Right Relations the world needs at this pivotal historical point in time. While the personality ray is inherent and potent, the Soul ray must be called forth and evoked in order that it comes into increasing function. Invoking (calling forth) the Soul must come from the New Group of World Servers (NGWS)—one of our main objectives and tasks.

With this and directive in mind, and appropriately during the months dedicated to the Soul (begun at Autumn Equinox), on Saturday Nov. 10 and occurring in the three major spiritual inlets - New York City, London, and Geneva—a symposium entitled “Evoking the Soul of the Nations” will be held.

The annual meeting of the organization World Goodwill focuses on the “application of the spiritual energy of Goodwill to world conditions and human problems.” The focus is concerned with how the “dynamic creative power of Goodwill can bring forth a new approach to issues of global concern” to humanity everywhere.

For more information and to participate in person or on inner levels see lucistrust.org/en/meetings_and_events/symposium. For the week’s Celestial events, the new moon, and the Hindu festival of Diwali, go nightlightnews.com. Note: Mars begins a three-month retrograde next week.

ARIES (March 21-April 20)  Tend to money matters. Things perhaps were hidden or you forgot things or you simply couldn’t face something while Mercury was retro. Now it’s apparent that you need to and you can and will. Make peace with family members this week. And create a new financial agenda for saving.

TAURUS (April 21-May 21) It’s most important that communication be open and truthful and emotions and expectations be shared with those close to you, especially intimates. Perhaps feelings have been harbored for too long. If this continues resentments could grow. You have one week to get thoughts and feelings out into the open. Everything will go into slow motions next week.

GEMINI (May 22-June 20) Tend to others around you. Be the one who brings cooperation forth. Exhibit goodwill so Right Relations occurs. People will imitate you. That’s the purpose. It may be that there’s confusion in the minds of those you work with. You’ll be the one with clarity, the ability to nurture, and the ideas that create right thinking. In the marketplace, buy only essentials this week.

CANCER (June 21-July 20) You need a little escape, a little magic and a lot of inspiration. Ask yourself what you want to research, pursue, find, shop for? And for whom? This week notice your energy level. Do what you’ve been putting off. Next week notice your energy level. It will have changed. This is not a Zen koan.

LEO (July 21-Aug. 22) Newness may begin to occur at home. Perhaps you will tend to home with more tender care. You will think about your mother. You may speak with family members, remembering the past, creating with them a different future. Things not spoken of before may emerge. This is good. As something ends something better begins. Later on you’ll be hiding away for awhile.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Do you volunteer? Do you walk your neighborhood keeping a watchful eye? Are you speaking with siblings and relatives? Are you gardening to make your environment more beautiful, fragrant, and inviting? Are you tending your health with consciousness and care? All these tasks have the purpose of keeping you in touch with the heart of all matters. Which makes you happy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) As you drive, walk, work, attempt to fall asleep and wake up in the mornings thoughts will occur to you about what you value in your life and what you have chosen to do, be and live based on those values. You have made some very specific choices. You will evaluate if these choices remain appropriate, if they serve you, and most of all if they radiate from you goodwill and Right Human Relations - your Soul’s tasks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You will speak and be heard. You will act and be observed for leadership. You will find a new inner self and others will feel inspired. You will aspire to nurture more and in a greater field of service. Others will be served by you and their lives changed by your actions. Your mask is dropping, fears also, replaced by courage, innovation and praiseful speech.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) Life itself is clearing away anything not useful for your upcoming years. You may feel limited in your life now. But you aren’t. A new definition of self is emerging. It’s like a birth with all the pain and suffering coming into this world entails. Tend to yourself with care and notice compassion for others emerging. Tend to them, too. Then you’re safest.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 20) Friendships, colleagues, new acquaintances, hopes, wishes and dreams for the future are in your thoughts and piercing your heart. You realize your love for your friends. Truth and closeness with them will later on bring more success to your profession. You seek true recognition of your gifts and you want them to spread, serving and helping others. Keep this vision within your heart. Everything we ask for comes true.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 18) Ask what you can do for others, and not what they can do for you. But, should you be in need, do ask them for help, assistance, food, shelter, sanctuary, retreat, friendship, care, sustenance and love. Asking always has a response. What do you need. We are here, listening.

PISCES (Feb.19-March 20) As we begin the season of gratitude, plan all that you will give, whether it’s communication or gifts. There is a learning curve occurring either through travel (most likely), study, education, research or contact with others, different and unusual. They provide revelations concerning your future. It’s a very important time. Observe carefully and offer gratitude ceaselessly.

Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at Gateways Bookstore, an esoteric colleague and New Yorker, Kathy Newburn kathynewburn.com ), will read from and sign her new book “A Planetary Awakening: Reflections on the Teachings of the Tibetan in the World of Alice A. Bailey.” I invite all those interested in esoteric teachings to attend this booksigning and welcome Kathy to our town. Tell her Risa sent you.

We turn our clocks back this week (Sunday early morning). Let us pray for all those (the kingdoms human, animal, plant) displaced from the fires in and around Los Angeles, heart chakra of the United States. We are also grateful for the many who served humanity as these fires burned. There is always “love (and purpose) that underlies the happenings of the times” but in distress and dire circumstances it is difficult to understand that love and purpose till long after. This situation will create a mass migration eastward. Fires bring about purification, and transforming change.

Thursday Mercury is direct, it's Leo (identity through creativity and children) Moon and All Saints Day where we honor our ancestors and the saints in heaven (including the Hierarchy). Thursday, the first day of Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), honors infants and children (angelitos) who have died.  Friday, the second day of Dia De Los Muertos, honors adults who have died. Our group honors our inner esoteric group. We remember Rochelle, Joanne, Steve, Michael, the Jims, Philomena, Alice Bailey, Maria Montessori and the Roosevelts, etc. Ohm Mani Padme Hum.  Friday morning is revelatory. Saturday's Virgo moon's a perfect day to prepare the winter garden. Before retiring Saturday night, set clocks back one hour. As darkness continues to fall in the coming months, the Festivals of Light begin.

ARIES (March 21-April 20) What were your relationships like this past three-weeks of Mercury retrograde? Were there complications, miscommunications, inability to understand issues? As Mercury slowly moves forward what was not clear become clarified. This includes personal relationships, business concerns, all collaborations and communications. You do your part, too. Step forward and explain fully.

TAURUS (April 21-May 21) Daily life work, tending to health, and asking what your next level of service is to others (first to self, please) will present themselves to you now that Mercury is direct. There have been breakdowns this past month and a feeling of not moving forward. Now you will sense a swiftness of activity coming from a realization of purpose. Keep tending to the home. It is your foundation.

GEMINI (May 22-June 20) Relief and freedom are felt. Mercury, your own sign of communication (it belongs to you), moving forward lets you come out and about, sweet talk, everyone, gather and disperse data, and generally be the coyote you really are. Mercury retro's task of organizing information gathered the last three months prepares you to collect and accumulate more information in the next three. What will that consist of?

CANCER (June 21-July 20) What are you and your family talking about? Were there difficulties during the retro? Were you trying to make sense of where your home is and where to live? Whatever you were doing, stop. Where you live now is most important. Tend to it with care, consciousness, love and concentration. The first step is cleanliness, then order and organization. Your home will respond with gratitude in the form of light.

LEO (July 21-Aug. 22) Have you been thinking and feeling a lot the last three weeks yet not communicating any of it to others? That was appropriate. But now it's not anymore. Harbored and unspoken thoughts and feelings always need to come forth, be heard, and accepted. Find someone who loves you and who listens without interruption. Talk with them. Reveal your most important secrets. You will find freedom is released which then uncovers creativity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) As Mercury, your ruler, moves slowly forward it informs you that all that you give, which is a great amount on all levels, is recognized and appreciated on inner levels. And all the intentional energy of giving returns one hundred fold. This is a universal law. You feel this week calmness and kindness, fun and play, quieting your constant sense of responsibility. The past slowly recedes.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You may have been thinking of how to help those in sorrow, who need care and thoughtfulness, kindness and understanding. In the month to come you will reach out to those in need in a more spacious manner. All judgements of others, especially family members, you will find are not useful to you. Nor are they Right Human Relations. Something teaches you this.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You, like Libra, sense the sorrow of others and want to find ways to help. Because you and the United Nations are both Scorpio, you would find that ways to assist others through the UN are understood. Your heart opens toward others in need because you know what that feels like. Begin in the UN Meditation Room (un.org/Depts/dhl/dag/meditationroom.htm) and move outward from there into the actual work of the UN. You will find a like-mindedness you have always been seeking.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) A more clarifying vision of your future becomes available in weeks ahead. You may find that most of what you're seeking is not a reality and where you are is where you must be at present. This is not a disappointment. You have a task to perfect, people to lead, visions to share with others so theirs expands. You are not lost, nor are you imprisoned. You are a disciple where you're most needed. Ohm.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 20) New structures and disciplines emerge, communication clears, little trips here and there are to be taken, so different perspectives are understood. You and others you work with or for talk of important things. Clearly you have the information and abilities they need and this is recognized. Simultaneously you have something else cooking concerning the future. Keep that in focus. It comes on little cat's feet.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 18) Try not to make decisions without seeking further details, second and third opinions, consulting various disciplines to find the correct answers dedicated to you, your health, welfare and finances. A new study of some type may be needed. Pace yourself, don't overdo (worrying or playing), and know there's a Plan for your life. Your task is to discover it.

PISCES (Feb.19-March 20) A greater mental power comes forth but not before previous ideas break down. The tests will continue and their purpose is to direct you upon the Path, your path so that a one-pointedness can again be assumed. This focus is so you can continue to gently transform and build and grow people's minds which direct them toward spirit. What else is a Pisces to do?

Ellen DeGeneres (Aquarius Sun) wept on TV this week for Iggy, her Brussels Griffon mix (girl dog). We checked Ellen’s chart and  she has Chiron (wound) conjunct Moon (emotions, attachments, tending and nurturing principles) in her 1st house of self-identity. Also, in her natal chart, with Sag rising, Ellen has Virgo (the sign of tending the animal kingdom) at her midheaven (area where our gifts are used for the world—our world work). Ellen wanted originally to be a veterinarian. Ellen has a highly-developed sensitivity toward animals (and children). Her crying was due to her frustration and incredulousness concerning the way she was treated by the Mutts and Moms organization. The situation isn’t over. Mercury (communication) will retrograde back to Ellen’s Neptune (incomprehensible information).  There are two ways to behave in the world. The “that’s our policy” way, or with understanding, compassion and loving practicality. Which is best?

To read about Scorpio, Ray 4, an important new book, the Full Scorpio Hunter’s Moon (Thursday, 9:51 p.m. Pacific time), choosing between Scorpio or Virgo Paths, and the week’s Celestial Events, go to nightlightnews.com . Happy Halloween, everyone. Let the veils fall and gather marigolds for the altars.

ARIES (March 21-April 20) I hear that for some Aries, last week’s information on the need for closeness wasn’t, well, quite accepted. Or perhaps the road leading to your heart has been incrementally closing for awhile. I will, however, continue with this theme. As Mercury retrogrades in Libra it’s quite appropriate for Aries to review and evaluate all relationships, especially your truthfulness, ability to love, and heartfelt authenticity in them. For Halloween, be a relationship!

TAURUS (April 21-May 21) There’s lots of thinking going on concerning your environment and how to make it more comfortable, easy to maneuver in, have more nurturance, care and beauty. For this to occur, things need to be moved out, be gone and banished forever to make room for the new, the Aquarian, the unrestrained. For Halloween you can’t decide what or who to be. Wear several identities at different times. You’ll be a jolt of Gemini polarity.

GEMINI (May 22-June 20) You’re concerned about finances and attempting in every way to find, create, work for, and summon more resources than you presently have. An excellent way to manifest something is to be that something. For Halloween be a million-dollar bill. In your heart you know that money (a bit more) would make you happy and ease a few issues. May your trick and treating be lucrative.

CANCER (June 21-July 20) Wearing red for your Halloween costume would be most appropriate. It brings focus to your newly revealed fiery nature, your plans to go out on your own, your hopes to be independent, to quit any and all situations not to your liking and to give yourself the freedom needed and desired. Be sure to allow others their own choices as you make yours. Remember you are not all others. You’re simply yourself.

LEO (July 21-Aug. 22) The Full moon finds you at home, hiding away somewhere, from the piercing eyes of others, writing perhaps in a journal ensuring that the serious journey of your life is recorded for posterity (even though no one will ever find your journals in the end). If this Halloween, you do venture out and about, hide yourself behind a nun or monk’s dress. It very much speaks of your precious inner life at this time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Let’s see, what would the Dweller on the Threshold’s costume be like? But then you’d have to attend (or create) an esoteric party to be understood. I know! The other side of the Dweller is the Angel of Presence. You could be an Angel this year, bringing help and comfort to all those who are sorrowful, wounded and in need. This is really what your Virgo chart shows so what I’ve written is real. You could also be Mother Theresa.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) So much past is and will be showing up for the purpose of assessing and re-evaluating previous choices, beliefs that carried you this far, and actions that propelled you to where you are now. Many people tell you how things should be. But you know what your true heart says. I pray that you have will and courage, endurance and strength to go where you need and do what you must. You will. Dress as Paradise for Halloween.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You’re seeking distant horizons, far away and high up places in order to make sense of your direction in life, how to climb the ladder, where to get shoes strong and safe enough, and how your life will work out years from now. For Halloween, dress up as your goals.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) You just feel hidden away, behind the scenes, a curtain of work, indecision, and clouds. It’s OK to be there awhile. It allows the stars propelling (or stabilizing) your life to work without interference. Don’t fall or be befuddled with the nine tests presented this month. You can manage them, traverse beyond them, and discover your aspirations at the end of the rainbow. For Halloween be pirate’s booty. Grrrr.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 20) Each month, before paying any bills or buying foods, put a little money away somewhere as a savings for later times. Do this first, create a good habit of it, and don’t miss a month (or week or whenever the money comes in). Over the years this will build up to a surprisingly large amount. Don’t tell anyone. Just do it. For Halloween either be Pluto or Persephone. Winter’s coming.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 18) You want to have fun but you’re worried most of the time. Aquarians worry about the past, the present, the future, money, family, home, and if anyone really loves them. They carry Saturn around, which makes them fearful, too. Things are going to ease up slowly. The next couple of months will need patience as you progress through a depth of feelings. Ask for what you need. Ask again. For Halloween, be Jupiter.

PISCES (Feb.19-March 20)  The hidden aspects of your life will begin to be revealed. This will allow for the newer reality to be divined and then understood. Change keeps occurring. Each day another challenge must be met. Your mind will clear soon and revelations will occur. You’re in a state of purifying. It’s very difficult. Stay true to yourself. For Halloween, be the home that you want and actually need.