The Aesthete

Say A Prayer

Tensions and fevers rise as Venus and Mars Heat Up Midweek

by Shelley L. Ackerman

9.26.12: Day of At-One-Ment

It’s doubtful that the Jewish New Year was big on the radar in New Orleans on September 30th, 1924 when Libra cultural and literary icon Truman Streckfus Persons (known to us as Truman Capote) was born. That year, the 30th of September fell on the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah. Annually, the 10 days that begin at the Jewish New Year and culminate on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) are known as the High Holy Days. It’s when the faithful believe that “we” (let’s include everyone) are called upon to reflect, take stock and commit to being better human beings as we ask the Almighty for another year of life on the planet.

By most accounts, Truman Capote had little to nothing to do with organized religion, but much of his work focused on “truth and consequences” and the “right and wrong” of deeply flawed characters as well as the themes of decay, crime, punishment and, in some cases, redemption. He also indulged his personal upset at the absence of honor and authenticity in the upper class. With Answered Prayers, his tell-all book that betrayed his nearest and dearest in the very “high society” social strata that embraced him, he set his own social demise in motion – and never fully recovered.

As was the case with many of his characters, Capote himself was gifted but immensely flawed. He had the Moon and Saturn tightly conjoined in Scorpio (about as emotionally difficult a picture as one can have), and Venus and Neptune tightly conjoined in Leo, making for glorious and regal taste and a colossal imagination, but an idealistic expectation of people and personal love/attachment anchored in fantasy that was next to impossible to fulfill or sustain on Earth.

In many ways, Capote embodied the extremes of Libra. His legendary Black and White Ball (Libra is so much about the chiaroscuro of dark and light), held at the Plaza Hotel on November 28th, 1966, captured the essence of Libra at the height of the cultural revolution of the mid 1960s: the social glitterati living it up in the midst of a turbulent world in transition.

This past week, the numbers in the news were not about the one percent versus the 99 percent, but the 47 percent that GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney referred to as paying no taxes and who consider themselves victims. Just as was the case in the mid 60s when Uranus and Pluto were tightly conjoined, we are once again in turbulent times of transition (with Uranus and Pluto in hard aspect through early 2015). Personally and collectively, we’re evolving quicker than we realize, and sometimes the absurd choices made by one individual can compromise the safety and comfort of many, as was the case with the unflattering video of Mohammed the prophet posted on YouTube some weeks back. Similarly, bad timing and poor judgment have given the green light for posters in support of Israel and negative on Jihad to line the subways and buses just in time for the United Nations General Assembly in New York all of next week and for Yom Kippur, which takes place on the eve of the 25th and day of the 26th. Freedom of speech is one thing, but this is an invitation for disaster.

Thankfully, the planets of communication, Mercury and Jupiter, are in a cooperative flow on the 26th. And as we weather the horrendous traffic (courtesy of the visiting dignitaries from around the world), Venus and Mars are in steamy alignment, making it very interesting and potentially creative if used positively. The week culminates with a dramatic full moon in fiery Aries involving those agents of change, Uranus and Pluto. Saturday Night Fever indeed! 


HOROSCOPES FOR SEPTEMBER 24TH TO SEPTEMBER 30TH

Note: Saturn is now at the last degree of Libra, and several selections this week center on the complexity of romantic, familial and professional relationships.

ARIES: Superb communication mojo starts the week and allows you to get an agreement nailed down to your satisfaction. Stay present until all is signed on the dotted line. As the week progresses, containing and keeping intense passion and volcanic energy under control is quite the challenge and it all can morph into crazy fun when handled well. The caution is to stay away from those whose sexual proclivities can slide into the danger zone — you don’t need any of that now. Saturday night’s full moon will be especially intense for you, so choose your company wisely and with the understanding that should you start turning into a werewolf, you may leave with no further explanation.

ARIES Go To: If nearly three years of Saturn in your 7th house of partnership you’re still on the fence about the virtues of a committed relationship, then you’ve no choice but to get to the Clurman Theatre for the Stephen Sondheim revival of Marry Me a Little playing through October 27th.

TAURUS: The potential to do yourself A LOT of good financially on Monday is so wonderfully strong, and you’re urged to see what you can build quickly and effortlessly. The climate goes from lukewarm-ish to steaming hot on Wednesday night with a partner or new “challenger” who won’t take no for an answer. You’ve been through this before. Perhaps you’re being tested to see if you can resist anything but temptation. The battle presented on Saturday night’s full moon may be an internal one. There may be one more dragon to slay on that rich inner plane of yours.

TAURUS Go To: In the battle between you and your sweet tooth, who always wins? But all is not lost. This week’s hot (or should we say “ice cold”) discovery can be found “illuminating” a number of healthy food spots around town, including a new pop-up (for pops!) in the Plaza at 450 Park Ave at 57th Street. Enlightened ice cream pops are only 70 calories, gluten-free and have 8 grams of protein. I’m in love with their creamy chocolate.

GEMINI: Don’t let the transportation madness going on the city this week derail you as there’s much supporting you to successfully get your point across no matter what or who’s in the way. Monday night is charmed, so keep that in mind as a good time to be social and available for conversation that can advance your many agendas. Flirtation is at an all time high on Wednesday, but be sure that the cad in the office or behind the desk at your local service center isn’t a snake in the grass in disguise. He or she will be incredibly seductive. Finally, while there’s usually safety in numbers, Saturday night’s full moon is no time for crowds.

GEMINI Go To: If you’re up for braving the United Nations traffic (or can get to West 16th Street on foot), Monday Night’s Ultimate Pop Trivia Night hosted by Pat Kiernan at The Highline Ballroom is guaranteed to engage and entertain that busy mind of yours. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to play one-on-one trivia onstage with Kiernan with the chance to win tickets to quintessential New York City experiences, including Broadway and off-Broadway shows, tours, special events and more! 

CANCER: There’s sexy drama midweek — good for hormones, not great for building your platform this season. Enjoy, but watch your purse and/or wallet. The theme of home base vs. career/attending to professional and/or public demands vs. family has been and will continue to be ongoing for the foreseeable future. One aspect of it reaches a head on Saturday night’s full moon with the possibility of a rambunctious type behaving as if she or he were the only person that mattered. How do we handle those types? Let ‘em act out and keep your response low key and to a minimum.

CANCER Go To: “Global Warming for a Cold Family” reads the headline for the New York Times review of If There Is I Haven’t Found it Yet starring Jake Gyllenhaal. At the Laura Pels Theatre on West 46th Street, should appeal to tribal Cancerians in search of connecting to the big picture.

LEO: Carpe diem on Monday when the terrific mental flow between friends, teammates and neighbors merge: Your ability to sway nations is beyond extraordinary. So what say you? Then as Venus and Mars square off midweek, we might ask, “Is the sexy, magnetic and demanding demon at home worth the effort?” Only you know for sure. And as the weekend nears, don’t push an underling or a staffer to cooperate 100 percent. They’re distraught, unreasonable and unreachable for the moment, but that will shift in a matter of days.

LEO Go To: Diana Vreeland (a Leo) was THE arbiter of fashion for most of the 20th century, and now the subject of a new documentary Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel. The film is at the Angelika through September 27th.

VIRGO: Hit the ground running and get as many calls and emails out of the way and working for ya by the end of the day so that the week’s business is set in motion under the best possible aspects. By midweek, things heat up, and while the intense energy is creative, it could easily escalate into confrontation mode if one isn’t careful. The same is true over the weekend when Saturday’s Harvest Moon lights up the sky (and your money/earning axis). The square from Pluto in your 5th house of love affairs, speculation and fun could point to something hidden in an investment or “deal” that’s proposed. If there ever was a time to look before you leap, this is it!

VIRGO Go To: Heartbroken about your favorite designer leather bag, wallet or briefcase in need of cleaning and/or repair? Fret no more, as Art Bag on Madison Avenue and 84th Street is here to help. There’s a selection of gorgeous classic bags to ogle over, and while you’re in the hood, stop into Caffe Grazie at 26 East 84th Street for a civilized and leisurely lunch.

LIBRA: A cleric, legal or professorial type gives a nod to an idea of yours on Monday encouraging you to go forward and flesh the thing out. Don’t be lazy or procrastinate as the time is ripe. And the money mojo barrels ahead midweek (as does the sexual energy). However, be mindful to not step on a good friend’s toes (or those of her mate’s) as you climb up the ladder and/or seek adventure in between the sheets. The full moon this weekend pits your desires against those of a partner and/or your family’s. Balancing this sucker out is no picnic, but something that must be dealt with.

LIBRA Go To: For those who eternally seek justice: Through November 4th, The Culture Project at 45 Bleecker Street presents The Exonerated. According to the NY Times, “Ten years after its NY premier, The Exonerated still has the power to unsettle. This documentary play recounts the tales of six former death-row inmates, using their own words, from court transcripts, interviews and letters…” Several big names participate in rotation. Lyle Lovett is on board from September 25th-30th. Along similar lines, another option: “A good relationship is worth a good fight” is the tagline for Cockfight at the Duke theater on 42nd Street through October 6th.

SCORPIO: There’s good Mars and then there’s baaad Mars. Good Mars uses his power wisely and with finesse. Bad Mars is an indulgent, dangerous punk. This week, as Venus and Mars square off, you can choose to be the king or queen of seduction, so go for what you want no matter what (and think about the karmic consequences later) or strike an elegant balance between personal gain and serving the public with grace and aplomb. Jackie Onassis was brilliant at this: she always looked good no matter what. Take a lesson from the former First Lady and think twice before you speak on Saturday night’s full moon. Your silence and just the right glance are far more powerful than words.

SCORPIO Go To: Two fascinating exhibits at the Allegra Viola Gallery at 197 East Broadway struck me as being of interest to Scorpios: The first, Yes, Yes, Yes, Now, Now, Now by Shawn Bitters (Worlds of Scientists and Shamans collide in Bitters’ tumbling paper sculptural forms…), and the second, works by Sandi Slone, Quick Mettle Rich Blood, the title of her show taken from Whitman’s sumptuous poem O Magnet-South. It is filled with “longing and polarities” of feeling for the light and darkness of a "glistening perfumed" South by a magnetic Northerner.

SAGITTARIUS: It’s such a good feeling when a partner (romantic or business) and your community at large align and support one another, so gather ye assorted rosebuds while ye may and use Monday’s positive vibes to your best advantage. A hard to-put-your-finger-on but powerfully intense agenda midweek could be tugging at you from beneath the surface. Don’t unleash frustrations at a female (from another culture?) who may innocently trigger a heated response. Finally, you may be tempted to overspend on a creative impulse and/or a love interest. On this weekend’s Harvest Moon, less is more.

SAGITTARIUS Go To: On September 29th at 5 p.m. in Central Park, hours before Saturday Night’s Hot Harvest Moon, go solo or gather your favorite teammates for Global Festival 2012, which features Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Foo Fighters. The Black Keys, Band of Horses and K’Naan. Tickets are free but drawn by lottery.

CAPRICORN: Co-workers and staffers put their best foot forward on Monday and you’re positioned to conquer the world. Stay positive and avoid any tendency to control the situation among friends and colleagues during the week and to not allow any of them to interfere with your free will either. Abrupt but timely changes in and around the homefront and involving family members are probable manifestations of this weekend’s full moon. It’s one thing to be an immovable anchoring influence and another to get in the way of progress. Be alert as to how you might inadvertently interfere with letting nature take its course.

CAPRICORN Go To: To celebrate the last teeny bit of your ruler, Saturn in Libra, treat yourself to September 24th’s Opening Gala at The Metropolitan Opera, L’Elisir D’Amore, touted as “one of the greatest comic gems in opera.”

AQUARIUS: On Monday, be at the ready to jot down any inspiring creative input from on high and weave it into whatever you’re working on. Most important, however, is as your co-ruler Saturn completes a nearly three-year transit of your 9th house of foreign and legal affairs, think about what, if any, wisdom or specific truth you’ve learned and imparted since 2009. There are about 10 more days to nail it as you ready for the career pinnacle that awaits when Saturn changes signs on the 5th. Traffic craziness this week and at the weekend’s full moon is to be avoided like the plague. If a neighbor or sibling is on a rant, don’t get involved.

AQUARIUS Go To: For some uplifting highbrow entertainment, the word on The Stravinsky-Balanchine Collaboration at The NYC Ballet Theater is “thrilling.” Many good seats are available for $29. Check out the offerings from the 25th to the 30th.

PISCES: Monday is “Effortlessly Move Dem Mountains” day, when the flow between the energy/ folks at home base and the individuals empowered to say “yay” or “nay” about financials are in sync. Midweek, during the height of the U.N. extravaganza, decline involvement in political discussions: Someone in the mix has no sense of humor (or flexibility), and he or she could really be a downer. On the weekend, innovative ideas on how to expand earnings are met with a thud in a group. Again, keep those embryonic ideas safe and incubated until the time is right.

PISCES Go To: Treat your feet (and your entire system) to the wondrous cleansing of an Ionic Footbath at SanaVita near Gramercy Park. It’s amazing to see those toxins in the basin. And if, like most Neptunians, you’re gaga for cinema, the 50th annual NY Film Festival gets going on September 28th and runs through October 14th.