PADs for Parkinson’s of San Juan Island would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for a $1,500 grant from the San Juan Island Lions Club. These much-needed funds will be used to support the 20 dogs of PADs in their training program.

PADs for Parkinson’s is the first program in North America to train dogs to detect an odor associated with Parkinson’s Disease, and the only program providing unrestricted canine assessment and research findings to the Parkinson’s community.

I mean, really. Really?! For my fellow Game of Thrones fans, did you also equate the Seven Kingdoms with the G7? Who would be whom in this regard? Play with that. Indeed, the game has shifted and now a new dimension of trouble has charged onto the world stage, but how bad is it, really? It’s nasty and messy, yes. But as in Game of Thrones, even the Night’s Watch and the Wildlings can become friends when faced with a common enemy greater than either of them alone. This is where we are, and I think it would be a good idea for the left and right to quit quibbling and name calling and being all ugly with each other when the common enemy is way bigger and more deadly.

The common enemy is the consciousness of our society as a whole. While there are more good than bad people and more agreeable than disagreeable people, it seems that all we hear about is the angst and the fear and the threats, but this stuff sells. It sells for many reasons; products for disasters, meds for anxiety, insurance for whatever, things we never knew we needed but get nagged to buy because we really do need it (think FitBit), etc. All of this noise convinces us that we don’t know ourselves. The force of it wishes to shift us away from our values.

It does no good to fight it, try to shout it down, ban it, make it illegal or try to “educate” others out of it. The most effective manner is to simply not participate. This doesn’t mean bury our heads in the sand; it simply means observe and take note, then stop there. We don’t have to be all outraged at each other and saying conservatives are wingnuts and liberals are libtards. Let’s just stop it.

One good way to shift these bad habits aside is to take note of the Lunar Eclipse on Friday. This is the first eclipse of 2020 and not visible from North America but the energy of it will be available to use. The eclipse will occur in the sign of Cancer, so this sign and water signs in general will feel it more than most. All can use the cleansing power of an eclipse to bring something to an end, especially hair-trigger emotional reactions. This eclipse will be good for altering our own behaviors. Let’s do it.

Project for the week: Share a meal with someone on the opposite fence politically than you. Don’t talk about politics. That’s the only rule. Then report.

Have a good week and keep looking after each other!

Aries (March 21- April 19): Your sector of Career/Social Network is still loaded, making you wish you were three people right about now. Mars in your sector of Expansion gives you the ability to not only delegate but make it fun, giving you the ability to move ahead more smoothly. Not only that, the partial Lunar Eclipse on Friday galvanizes your resolve to rid your home of negative or worn out energy that has been lingering. While not visible for us in North America, the effects of an eclipse hold and as the weekend approaches you’ll have a list of achievements already accomplished so that you can engage in your favorite activities with no dragging anchors. And go!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): While you may be appalled at the goings-on out in the wild, you also have the good sense to make yourself comfortable through it. Mars in your sector of Shared Assets/Partnership forms an energetic alignment with unpredictable Uranus in your sign, so be careful when you’re out and about because an impulsive move could cause an accident. You may be excited about something or otherwise distracted; while not your norm, the current prevailing energy could have you amped up. Be sure to ground yourself and don’t forget the whipped cream on top! This same energy drives you to achieve more, faster than normal.

Gemini (May 21- June 20): You may be going through the flibberty-gibbits now with so much energy asking you to stay on task and Mars in your sector of Relationships, beckoning you to go out and play and to heck with the consequences. Time spent paying attention to details is torture for you unless the details involve something you really love; even then, you have been known to lose it if something gets snarled. Do try to focus on one thing or three that can hold your attention and be aware of where you are and what you are doing and why! Your fine mind can run rings around even you and right now level headed people are needed. The Lunar Eclipse on Friday urges you to spend less money on sparkly things and save for something important.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): You want nothing more than to huddle at home and ride out the storm (whatever storm is yours) but out you go, waving your claws, taking on anyone that dares to cross you and yours. You may feel as though you’re on a mission now, with a sense of resolve. Nothing can stand in your way with all the support the planets in Capricorn are giving you, not to mention Uranus in your sector of Friends/Goals receiving lovely signals from them! During this period, the more activity there is on the outside, the more you’re determined to plow through it. The Lunar Eclipse on Friday brings you some closure.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): There is so much stuff that needs to be done, you feel you need to clone yourself five times over! You’re not the best delegator since you’re a “want it done right, do it yourself” personality, but to accomplish what you need to, you’re going to have to hand out some tasks. Just be discerning with who does what and you’ll be fine. You tend to want to see the best in people and they do respond to that, so expect that things will get done and be sensitive to your helpers’ needs (within reason). Uranus in your sector of Career is making you think different and being in the sign of Taurus, it’s just as stubborn as you are. Don’t try to buck it because you’ll hurt yourself. Stay tuned to happy Mars in your sector of Creativity and carve time out for pleasant tasks that relax you.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21): You’re moving right along, and Mars in your sector of Home is giving you the energy and impetus to clean out that catchall closet or room. Only you know where your personal corner of chaos is and you need that because even though you’re a stickler for being organized, you’re a mutable sign and that little bit of controlled chaos gives you the sense of rebellion that makes you tolerable to yourself. Friday’s Lunar Eclipse brings a transformation to a friendship or common goal; some stuff will be tossed, other stuff will be kept in order for things to flow more smoothly. You’re a lovely sign, don’t forget to be good to yourself!

Libra (September 22 – October 23): Mars touring your sector of thinking/communicating puts a twinkle in your eye and a spring to your step and people wonder what you’re up to! You may have a case of the happies for no particular reason and you can thank Mars for this. While aware of what’s happening out in the wild, you’re able to distance yourself from it and focus on your own microcosm. Uranus in the sign of Taurus (who shares your ruling planet Venus); your artistic side may turn to a substantial medium such as clay or rock or glass now. Your sign shares rulership of The Arts with Taurus, and you air signs are usually bent toward music and drawing/painting, but during these chaotic times you may need to get your hands into something more substantial.

Scorpio (October 24 – November 22): So much going on in your sector of thinking/communication with all these planets in Capricorn…don’t break your brain trying to solve the mysteries! You have little fear of things and a way of soothing others who are afraid, so this is a handy skill to have these days. Mars touring your sector of Finances gives you the chance to make a frivolous purchase, even though that isn’t your normal mode of behavior. Sometimes a little retail therapy doesn’t hurt at all, and whatever it is you have your eye on isn’t completely frivolous; it’s something that will make your life easier or more enjoyable. Friday’s Lunar Eclipse occurs in your fellow water sign Cancer and boosts your psychic abilities. Watch for interesting dreams toward the end of the week and the weekend! .

Sagittarius (November 23 – December 20): Mars in your sign makes you more determined to conquer something posthaste, even if it seems impossible. You feel extra lucky right now, but use caution anyway because of all those planets (including Saturn the Restrictor) in your sector of Finances right now. You sometimes have a “have money, will spend” attitude but for now focus on the “have money” part and come up with fun ways to save it or even play with some penny stocks. Friday’s Lunar Eclipse falls in your sector of Shared Assets/Partnership; this will bring a change to a situation that needs to be repaired, giving you an opportunity to mend a fence, give/accept an apology or simply reach out. All in all a good week for forward movement.

Capricorn (December 21 – January 20): You’re still in the spotlight, and that will change presently as the Sun and Mercury will sail out of your sign in a couple of weeks and give you some relief. Hopefully whatever is going on now won’t be expensive, but if so, Uranus in your fellow earth sign Taurus (known for abundance) will be at the ready to help you out. You’ll have to do a lot of outreach then let the cards fall where they may. Whatever falls out for you will come from an unexpected source. You’re one of the most skeptical signs in the zodiac but Mars flying through your sector of Endings/New Beginnings beckons you to consider that other worlds besides what is tangible do indeed exist and it’s good to walk with one foot in each world sometimes. Friday’s Lunar Eclipse in your sector of Partnerships brings an opportunity to refresh your ties with those closest to you.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 20): With so much still happening in your sector of Endings/New Beginnings, you’re dancing in the energy of Venus in your sign and Mars in your trusty playmate Sagittarius. This pair is getting along famously right now and you’re feeling downright social and ready to engage in some adventures. You’ll find your spirit renewed being with like-minded others; you can’t fly in the face of the opposition all the time and stay happy for very long! The humanitarian in you is overwhelmed with the state of the world right now, but stick to what you can do and do it well. Friday’s Lunar Eclipse in your sector of Work/Health may precede a pivot in your current job.

Pisces (February 21 – March 20): Ears to the ground, Fishie! Secrets are to be given up and the one listening will hear them! Once you hear them, then what?! Hand it over to a Scorpio for analysis, haha! Truly! While you want to refrain from occupying every waking moment analyzing stuff or creating conjecture or speculation, it’s fun to have a good chinwag about how things came about and where they might go. It isn’t all negative, nothing is. Sometimes a little singing and dancing in the landscape of the imagination is needed to keep the flow going and you from wanting to deep dive and not come up until it’s over (since you’re one of the fun people, it’s sad to see you disappear). Friday’s Lunar Eclipse occurs in your fellow water sign Cancer; this will be in your sector of Creativity and give you a chance to uncover a hidden talent!