Everything has a moment of birth, everything! Ideas, buildings, people, plants, even countries and that means that everything has a birth chart. If you have never dabbled in the fun of astrology you are missing the wonderful insights available (very quickly, I might add) into the essence of everything around you. Nowadays, the birth chart is used less for predicting the future and more for understanding, after all, most fear is the result of ignorance and astrology has a wonderful way of bringing insights in a way that most systems of psychological orientation can do, but not quite as quickly.

The Republic of Italy was born on June 10, 1946 in the communicative sign of Gemini, the symbol of the Twins. That's why you feel so understood the moment you enter her country. Gemini loves to connect with the world around them, an almost insatiable appetite for understanding, but that's not what calls you to Italy in the first place, her power is in her presentation, what astrologers call The Rising Sign.  

The Rising Sign is the makeup we wear when we go out in the world, it's how we want others to see us and Italy is blessed with the Rising Sign of Libra. Libra is the sign of Beauty and Grace and has an amazing ability to see the beautiful parts in all of us even when we have a difficult time seeing it in ourselves. It's the Siren's call, the hypnotic acceptance that brings us to her because we feel beautiful when we are in her presence. The interior decorator with impeccable taste is the Libran gift, just look at the beauty of this country's architecture, Rome was, after all, the epicenter of the entire world.

If you are a Gemini or an Air Sign (Gemini, Libra or Aquarius) you will find great comfort in the diversity that this country holds dear, yet ALL signs will appreciate Italy's accommodating presence and encouragement, it's what makes Air signs so enviable, their innate ability to connect with our essence by looking past our superficial exteriors. We find that not only do we feel more refined in Italy, we WANT to be refined, we want to better ourselves just by being there.  

Gemini loves diversity and thrives on being the bridge that allows for different languages and different forms of expressions to co-exist! BUT (there's always a 'but')  

Gemini is a twin and, like all twins, there is the desire for each twin to have full expression. The light and playful part of Italy is readily available for all to see, but don't be surprised if your heart is suddenly open and you feel this incredible bittersweet feeling, almost like you have been here before, many times! This is the emotional expression of the other twin and when you have that experience (and believe me, you probably will) you'll know you have been taken in by the whole Italian phenomenon. Like all Gemini's, you know you have been accepted when you've seen these two parts, it's a form of trust and built in excitement.

Italy's secret passions are really no secret. Everyone knows the reputation of the Italian Lover and her chart gives this secret away. Italy was born with a Scorpio Moon, the sign of passion and secrets. Like the Vegas tagline, 'What happens here, Stays here'; Italy holds true to this motto. Scorpio Moon lets us know that behind her flattery and charm lies a truth and commitment to those that are honest and real. Italy nurtures you and accepts your inner secrets, and demands respect in return. Whatever you want to uncover about yourself in Italy, you can do without fear because you feel protected by her embrace!

Gemini is a true air sign and that means they don't appreciate being put in a box. If you have expectations of your human Gemini friend, then you'll likely get let down. It's not because they can't meet them, it's really more rebellious than that, they don't want to meet your expectations because it denies them their freedom. Italy is similar, erase from your mind any expectations of this beautiful country, let spontaneity be your guide and in true Gemini form, it will have you laughing throughout your whole journey, reminding you of your timelessness in both age and body. Italy makes for an appealing best friend, the kind that listens to your secrets and then shows you the 'So What' in your 'What's So' .

Let's take a look at the astrological weather while you're on your trip! You couldn't have picked a more wonderful time!

Saturday October 22: It's an all day Cancer Moon, the sign that rules the home and our emotions. Cancer Moons want us to feel nurtured and supported and is the perfect day to start your cooking class (Cancers Own the Kitchen). Surprisingly, this is one of the most wonderful days of the year thanks to a connection between the Sun and Jupiter (the fortune planet). This is also the last day of Libra and a perfect day to be social, gracious and accepting of Italy's hospitality. Libra's are the artful cooks, the recipes you learn today will bring your competing friends to their knees! You may feel that you need some adjustment time, so after class, sit back and take in the wonder of their Wine Country! Get some rest tonight, tomorrow introduces you to a whole other kind of energy!

Sunday October 23: Happy Birthday, Scorpio! The depth of Italy cannot truly be felt without some Scorpio in the mix. After all, it is the Moon of Italy and it is the sign that will ignite your passions for the rest of your stay. The Cancer Moon is still in filling the air with nostalgic memories, perhaps your previous times in Italy! Call your family and let them know you are fine, then remove your attention and your inhibitions, you are ready to take in the depth and breadth of this gorgeous country!

Monday October 24:This is your adjustment day. You are almost completely in the Italian embrace but it won't kick in until this evening. Your mind is probably JUST accepting the fact that you are actually here while your heart is catching up! It's fine to move slower today as the moon finds it's way into Leo this evening, that's when the real fire ignites. Take a deep breath and let it in, you ARE in Italy, Bravo!

Tuesday October 25: An all day, optimistic Leo Moon awaits you! Throw away your worries, your dreams have come true and they are in front of you. Today, you'll have a chance to open your heart but be warned, falling in love is one of the predominant themes tonight. Jupiter is entering the Sign of Scorpio of a full year, passions are sure to explode; luckily, you are in Wine Country!!

  Wednesday October 26: Not only are you lucky enough to have another all day Leo Moon, the dreamy planet Neptune is stopping in its tracks and preparing you for a real week of fantasy. Remember, falling in love is permitted in this Gemini Country but like all Gemini's when it's time to leave, you must leave with grace and charm. The love will be there when you return.

  Thursday October 27: You'll be waking up to a Virgo Moon and may find yourself wanting do laundry or organize some part of your trip. Virgo reminds us that we are part of a perfect plan and sometimes puts us in situations where have to remember that 'All is Good'. This is a helpful sign, so if one of your tour group needs a hand, give them one; it'll feel particularly good!

  Friday October 28: More Virgo Moon in store for you today and you are also being visited by Venus, in what may be seen as an intensity that you may have not anticipated. Perhaps you have the sudden realization that this is your last weekend and your mind may worry whether you are going to WANT to leave. But please, don't worry, when the Libra Moon arrives tomorrow, you'll be crystal clear, that 'All is Well'.

  Saturday October 29: How fitting that the Virgo Moon ends today and enters the Sign of Libra, Italy's rising sign. Perhaps you are remembering the beauty of her countryside and the feeling you felt when you first entered her embrace. It's the perfect time to get your body pampered. Get to the spa and let all your mental meanderings go. This is the LIFE!!

  Sunday October 30: Surprises abound today! Mercury is entering the inspirational sign of Sagittarius and the Sun is bringing in excitement that you didn't expect. Play today, dream about how you want things differently when you come back home and do something spontaneously. This is pure magic at it's best!! Say your proper goodbye's tonight, remember the friends you met, get their addresses, you guys are going to be doing this again!

Monday October 31: It's Halloween and it's time for your return. The moon is in Libra when you leave and remain so for the rest of your trip. How perfect! You enter with a Cancer Moon embrace and you leave with the grace and charm of Libra. This is one trip you will cherish. When you get home, after you have rested, write it down, the Scorpio Moon will remember every morsel of this fabulous adventure.