Wednesday 1 March 2017

MARCH 2017 ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW PLUS YOUR HOROSCOPE


Venus moves retrograde on the 4th in Aries and stays as such till April 15th. This definitely suggests for all, the need to pause and take a long hard look at our selves, our planet and our values and to downgrade ego on the altar of the greater good and more humanitarian issues, as opposed to mere economic ones. As the sudden shifts on our planet socio-politically and as climate change issues unfold and their implications, there is inevitably and need for profound reassessment of where we are all going.

 It will also bring a need/desire to review our current relationships, especially romantic ones, and determine their value and also what is not right with them; and with kindness to self and others, a recognition of their reality, strengths and weaknesses and how we may improve ourselves and our relationships. Taking time out for consideration of our needs and the needs of others (as opposed to “wants” maybe) can be necessary and productive.

Jupiter also currently retrograde, points to the need for growth in consciousness, more than mere focus on economic/ material growth.

Neptune in Pisces for the long haul is definitely creating a web of facts and alternative facts and those claiming that we should not listen to fake news, whilst perpetrating it themselves. Social media creates illusions and the whole smoke and mirror effect of what is and is not truth, is blight of our times and for our politics and our planet.

Smoke and mirrors are very strong early month when the Sun and Mercury conjunct Neptune.  In fact, in the first week of this month, when Mars conjuncts Uranus, there is a continuation of the chaos and unpredictability of late last month; and dangerous and volatile it is. Look out for unpredictable and impulsive behaviour from those in power, with unpredictable chaos.

The USA chart has Uranus now starting to square its natal Mercury, bringing much potentially dangerous unpredictability in foreign policy and chaos in communications with other countries. This influence happens every 42 years and exerts its influence approximately for 1 year.  Mercury also rules the US media and unsurprisingly it will be rebellious and its existence in the States will be subject to much upheaval, chaos and uncertainty.

Extreme weather conditions and geophysical eruptions are much in the ether too.  Surprise decisions and events can change the planet quite fundamentally currently.

The whole Brexit and Trump phenomena are just the start. Uranus, now moving through the last decade (10 degrees) of Aries is creating on the planet a mood of the unpredictable and the rebellious child. Very justified anger has led to an impulse to grab any change, but and it can mean we jump out of the frying pan into the fire. However checks and balances are in the air too, as we all freeze a little and take stock and rethink everything of necessity.

 England’s birth chart is coping now with Uranus travelling through its 1st house  (every 84 years). This circuitous, chaotic journey is far from over.

Late month, there is a feel of abuse of power being perpetrated on the planet based on arrogance and sudden decisions maybe regretted by many. There is much hubris in the air, with a nemesis building up for the future.

The 8th/9th however is an input of optimism; a positive regenerative period and around the 14th/15th, there is a note of positivity as sensitive action and emotional intelligence predominates.

The Moon is full on the 12th at 22 degrees of Virgo and is new on the 28th at 7 degrees of Aries. The new Moon augurs well for the birth of the new and regenerative and for starting new projects, and when full it marks the ending of chapters and the eruption of the unconscious forces.


 ARIES   
A time of introspection can be positive, but don’t brood. From the 13th, all of you will be experiencing a sense of a great need to communicate and with a flurry of ideas.  Just try not to be too subjective. 

Venus is in your sign all month.  He goes retrograde on the 4th which means that for many of you, from the 4th through to the 15thApril, will be a period of reconsideration of the relationship with yourself, a dialogue with your own being, based on the principle that we cannot have a good relationship with anyone until we have a good relationship with ourselves.
Meanwhile those born up to April 5th may find this a particularly poignant period for reconsideration of love in general.

Before the 10th, all born after April 12th will be feeling very assertive, ambitious, determined and competitive.  Just be sure it doesn’t turn into over-assertion or aggression.  Equally, many of this group may find that other people are challenging.  Stand your ground, but do not collude with a fight.

For all born after April 8th, Jupiter is encouraging expansion in relationships.  Many people in your life have a sense of extravagance and enjoyment of life and other people may well encourage this and aid and abet it.  Travel is in the air too.

For all born April 15th to 18th, there is a measure of real discipline and maturity in your actions and travel may be for dutiful or educational purposes.   This is a hardworking and productive period. 

However, if born April 11th to 14th, this period of ongoing change that you have been experiencing over the last year or so is now coming to finalisation.  You awakened to a different consciousness and may well be in a very different place in life; and you’re putting the final touches to that.

Be aware however, if born April 7th to 10th, that you are now embarking on two years of potential struggle within yourself and possibly with another, on a very deep psychological level. You are trying to find your true sense of power and true independence.  This may involve changes and struggles in your professional life, or with authority figures in some context.  Keep calm, do not be coercive, be honest and draw boundaries around those who would be coercive.  Beware of the power of your unconscious during this period.
The Moon is new on the 28th in your sign. Those most affected are born around March 28th.  For these people there is a sense of the enthusiastic embracing of a new chapter.


TAURUS

Friendships and social life may figure strongly and positively this month; and your ability to be a spokesperson for others is strong for all too. 

Venus in Aries in your 12th House, retrograde from the 4th, will also bring a sense of a need for some isolation, withdrawal and contemplation of life and your value system. 

After the 10th, when Mars moves into you sign, all those born up to May 7th will have Mars very much on your case.  For this group, after the 10th it will be important to ensure that you are not over-assertive, but competitive, healthy energy and drive is underlined.  Keep your anger contained, but allow your feelings to be expressed in a rational and reasonable way.  The impact of others on your life may be significant and competitive debate at the very least is in the air. Be careful to look before you leap.  Avoid impulse.

Neptune is truly empowering now for those born May 1st to 4th.  Hypersensitivity is strong, the power of your heart needs acknowledging and the need for spiritual pursuits and creative and artistic pursuits are very much favoured.  Empathy and compassion is accentuated, particularly for friends and you may find that friends become soul mates during this time.  Music, the film world and being near bodies of water are all healing for you now.

If born May 8th to 11th, you are embarking on a period for a couple of years of significant sense of empowerment and focus and a feeling of the ability to fulfil one’s life purpose.  Transformational circumstances that allow you to move forward with courage are in the air.  These particular energies may emanate from long distance travel or long distance contacts; and a revolution in your consciousness can be connected to higher learning or spiritual understanding and insights.  Relationships can also be a source of regeneration and empowerment and other people can bring tremendous opportunities for growth and change. 


GEMINI

Professional issues may be quite testing but you have no choice but to step up to the plate and ensure all your communications, particularly before the 13th, are understood clearly.   After the 13th, your confidence and intellect is more clearly cut and effective.

Venus, this month, is favouring those born up to June 4th.  Friendships and social life can be a source of love, but be aware that after the 4th, the subtler, more spiritual aspects of love and empathy and compassion will resonate and what you can do for other people will be done from the heart and not from the ego. 

Before the 10th, if born after June 13th, wise strong, considered action will help yourself and others in a collective context, attain your goals.  Your courage, both spiritually, psychologically and physically is strong and effective.

Jupiter is now very much favouring those born June 9th to 14th.  He is favouring all recreational activities, creative activities and love life has got a special input of luck attached to it; and travel is particularly flagged up as enjoyable and enhancing of the emotions.

However, Saturn is a little more challenging now to those born June 16th to 20th.  His current opposition position is suggesting that there are challenges from other people or circumstances that are blocking your path and you find this frustrating.  It is a time of reality checks around other people.  You see them clearly.  You will have to work hard at good relationships for improvement.  Basically bad relationships may not survive this particular period.  Much rest is needed as you realise the march of time.  It can take its toll but duty and responsibility and obligation to step up to the plate to what is necessary is in the air. 

For those born June 12th to 15th, Uranus is finalising a period of awakening and a changing of consciousness.  Others have been catalysts for you to look outside the box and to think laterally or divergently and as a result be more awakened to your true potential and understanding. 

A moderate warning is for those born June 1st to 4th.  Neptune is now creating the potential for some illusion or over-idealism or even deceptive circumstances, possibly connected around your professional life.  Check out that you see people clearly, that you read all documents clearly, check the small print and that you don’t put people on pedestals, and that you’re not easily seduced by others’ ideas.  This however is a good time for communing with nature and the arts; and for getting plenty of sleep.  Be however wary of making radical decisions too quickly, that have long term unalterable consequences, as some confusion and smoke and mirrors may be in the air. But also enjoy the power of your heart and sensitivity and emotions, which are currently very strong.  Use it wisely.


CANCER

This is a month that favours study and travel particularly before the 13th if born after June 26th

After the 13th, however, you will all need to be aware of the possibility of misunderstandings and confusion in communications, particularly at work.  Many of you however, may find that if born up to July 5th, your charms can be advantageous in your professional context, but be aware that after the 4th subtlety, empathy and compassion may be powerful forces needed, also in your working context. 

Before the 10th, if born after July 15th, there may be the sound of some war drums in the air, and you have to be very careful around colleagues and bosses as they may well be impatient and easily irritated and you also may feel the same.  Competitiveness, gratuitously so, may not be helpful. 

After the 10th, if born up to July 8th, however, constructive energy and courage works brilliantly in a group context and your leaderships skills should not be underestimated.  Constructive efforts enhance life. 

For those born July 11th to 16th, Jupiter is tempting some self-indulgence, notably on the home front and with family.  Over-reaching and over-extending can be a problem but enjoyment is in the air, you just may regret pushing the boat out a bit too far. 

Form those born July 14th to 17th, Uranus is completing a year’s journey now of bringing some sense of restlessness, change, awakening to new options and ideas; so from now on you should be a little bit more settled but with a sense that you have grown in awareness and made some shifts in life and in your thinking and philosophy, along the way.

Those born July 2nd to 5th are now waking up to a sense that your emotions and sensitivities are getting even stronger than they are normally for your sign.  Spiritual longings and idealism are strong.  Artistic and aesthetic sensibilities really need taking advantage of as they are currently particularly beneficial; and spiritual/religious feelings are likely to be underlined too.  Empathy and compassion is peaking.  Travel and fulfilling some dreams are linked.

However, for those July 10th to 13th, there is a warning that you may be finding that there are some people or circumstances around you that are very challenging or even coercive or manipulative.  Power struggles may well be in the air.  You have to be very careful to draw boundaries around people who would misuse power and walk away; and equally do not tempt others to get into power struggles with you by your own behaviour.  You will be tested for courage and strength to deal with challenges in a very mature and very conscious way.  Keep squeaky clean. Recognise the dark in others, which can also bring out the dark in you.


LEO

This month focuses very much on finances and on communications on them and having to deal with those issues in quite a forensic way.  Travel may also be in the air for many of you notably after the 13th.  Legal issues can also be negotiated then. 

Venus is also possibly connected to enjoyment and love life for you all, in an international or vocational context, notably if born up to August 6th.

However, after the 4th, it will be very important that many of you think in terms of other people’s need, other than one’s own;  and empathy and compassion and a reconsideration of priorities and value systems may well be in the air.  The heart will have to overcome the gigantic ego. 

Before the 10th, for all born after August 15th have the opportunity to show courage, determination and positive energy.  Successful judgement and action is supported,  Energy is high and a spirit of courageous exploration is strong. 

However, after the 10th, if born up to August 9th, there is a definite potential for some competitive and assertive impatience with other people and career issues can be fraught with confrontation and challenge, as can one’s status.  Impatience and irritability is in the air, so count to ten. 

Jupiter is however currently protective of those born August 11th to 16th.  Wisdom is afforded and there is a sense of some protection and luck and communications can be constructive and well thought through; and can bring resolution. 

Also for those born August 18th to 21st, there is a suggesting that some control, discipline, maturity of approach and constructive pragmatism is working very much in your favour.  Honouring one’s obligations and working towards them is also flagged up. 

Also, for those born August 14th – 17th, you are coming to the end of a period of constructive change and evolution.  Your philosophy of life and your intuition has been favoured for the last year, taking you to a new consciousness and awareness that has superseded ego.   You are now a more balanced person with a bigger picture understanding. 


VIRGO

Relationships figure strongly this month as the Sun is in your Solar 7th House of Pisces.  The power of others to guide your life is significant as are the communications that are received from other people.  Without giving your power away, you can still find your life is guided by the input of significant others.  In fact, energy put into issues that are very private and intimate in your connections with others will be powerful this month; and a reconsideration of the real meaning of love and the implications of finances on a profounder level will be important, notably after the 4th

After the 10th, all born up to September 9th may find a lot of energy is channelled into long distance communications, travel, particularly if finances are involved and also much energy will be put into philosophical pursuits and learning.  Study can be underlined.

Saturn, however, is rather challenging currently to those born September 18th to 21st.  There is a feeling of a little negativity and issues to do with home/ real estate issues or family issues can feel blocking or restrictive.  It feels like one step forward, two steps back.  Health needs to be looked after, as one is a little less resilient than usual.  Obligations need honouring, but also reality checks need facing.  Patience and hard work will be necessary.  One should never run away from the demands of Saturn. He a karmic schoolteacher. 

For those born September 3rd to 6th, Neptune is currently opposing your Suns, which happens only once every 165 years.  It has been underway for a year now and will not be over until the beginning of 2018.  You are in the middle of a period of potential over-idealisation of people – seeing through rose coloured spectacles and the possibility of deceptive circumstances around you.  One needs to be very careful in all relationships by checking the small prints and credentials of everybody. Without being too cynical, one has to just be grounded and realistic. But positively, the arts and spiritual pursuits can flourish and it certainly means that your heart centre and empathy and compassion is flourishing, but just don’t be too gullible and certainly avoid over-escapism. 

All those born September 10th to 13th are embarking on a voyage of real regeneration; transformation and an indulgence of life through creative pursuits, the arts and also through romantic connections; and also offspring can prove a transformational force.  This is no time for shyness, but for belief in one’s self; and the coming 18th months will prove that. 
The full Moon on the 12th is in your sign, directly affecting those born around September 15th. For these people this is a period then of some sense of recognition of your inner issues which erupt for you to confront. Understand that closures may be in the air.



LIBRA

Work and everyday routine issues will be a focus this month.  It is a good time for rationalising office, work, procedures and it’s also an excellent time to focus on improving one’s health regime. 

After the 13th, communication with others will be very important for you all and what you hear from others can be significant and enhancing very much of your awareness and knowledge.  It is important to listen, rather than speak. 

Venus in your opposite sign all month will directly impact those born up to October 7th and love and affections will be underlined and communications with others and affections for others will combine to create a great sense of satisfying union.  It is very important to also remember that from the 4th, relationships with others will be comprised of extra empathy and compassion and they will need that which goes way beyond the sexual. 

Before the 10th, however, for all born after October 16th, there is potential for people to be quite assertive and challenging to you and you may well have to defend yourself.  Impulse and daring is in the air in relationships and people are no pushovers. Ensure you maintain your Libran scales of justice in judging others and responding.  i.e. Fairness. 

However, very fortunately, Jupiter currently in your sign, is right now blessing the lives of those born October 12th to 17th.  This brings protection, love growth, as sense of joy in life and the potential for travel being very fortuitous, but because Jupiter is retrograde, it may also bring an inner growth and sense of wisdom and appreciation for the subtler things of life.

Saturn is constructive now for those born October 19th to 22nd.  He is bringing stability in thought, maturity of communication, groundedness and pragmatism and also hard work, which brings respect and progress.  Wisdom is very much in your thoughts and speech. 

However, for all born October 15th to 18th, Uranus is about to about to finish his year long focus on creating some unpredictability, chaos and change and awakening in your relationship zone.  Others have been catalysts, even if at times they have been uncomfortable in their change and in their input.  This is now very much closing as a chapter, and you should be in a slightly difference place, literally, or psychologically. 

Finally, Pluto is embarking on a period for about 18th months of some challenge if born October 10th to 13th.  This a time where there is quite a feeling of an eruption which comes from very deep within, connected to your own identity and the need to prove it and to liberate yourself from the past in some way.  It is important to be very conscious of motive and not to be manipulative or over-reactive, but the end of a chapter is around in your own consciousness and that may manifest in your actual situation.  This is about finding your identity – do it with control and consciousness. 


SCORPIO

This is a month, which does rather emphasise fun, enjoyment, creativity and romance.  The desire to shine is strong, but as for all of us, it will be important from the 4th to also consider the more profound sides of love and affections and also re-figure our value system in reference to money as well. 

After the 10th, when Mars moves into your opposite sign of Taurus, all born up to November 8th may find themselves pitting their wits against others as others pit them against you.  This is potentially a time of irritability and forcefulness and contentiousness.  Patience will be needed and other people will be forces to be reckoned with.  Your sting in the tail will not go unnoticed and unchallenged, so be aware.   Pick your enemies carefully.

Neptune, however, is very much your friend if born November 3rd to 6th.  He is currently very much emphasising the need for empathy, compassion, sensitivity in all areas connected to offspring, love life and creative inspiration.  Your heart centre is much more vulnerable, but in a positive way and compassion for others is strong and understanding of other people’s sensitivities is enhancing your affections and an appreciation of the beauties of nature and spiritual pursuits are underlined.  The arts are particularly rewarding and your own gifts in that area should be developed.  You will seek an ideal love connection based on a spiritual and soulful union, more than just a sexual; and children can bring real inspiration to your heart.

Pluto is currently embarking on a 18th month period of really enhancing the best of the Scorpio qualities in you, if born November 9th to 12th.  Your forensic insights and your thinking a communications is especially sharp and this will evolve and develop.  Your intelligence and healing abilities are also now blossoming.  What you say and think can travel far and impact others positively.  Use this once every 124 gift for the greater good and you will be very much rewarded.


SAGITARIUS

There is a lot of focus on home this month, particularly before the 13th when communications with family members will be important, but ensure there is clarity to avoid misunderstanding, particularly if born after November 27th

After the 13th, all of you will enjoy lively and animated connections, romantically and creatively and writers will flourish. 

After the 4th Venus moves retrograde and stays so until mid-April and this month, all born up to December 5th will feel the power of love very intensely and affections are returned, not least from offspring, but after the 4trh there is a need for a more sensitive review of the subtler aspects of relationships. 

Before the 10th, Mars, also in Aries, will be inspiring the energies and giving courage and determination and ambition, particularly creatively and romantically, if born any time after December 14th.  Your enthusiasm is infectious. 

Jupiter is currently blessing the lives of those born December 10th to 15th.  Friendships and collective goals flourish and leadership skills are strong, as is wisdom and a general sense of luck.  Working for others is the best use of this Jupiter, 

However, Saturn is still marching through your sign and for this month, he is directly impacting by conjunction, those born December 17th to 20th.  This group will feel blocks, restrictions and maybe feeling old, the march of time and reality checks.  Much discipline, hard work, focus, concentration is needed to achieve what you need.  It is also a time to review situations and people with a great sense of reality and humility and do what is necessary.  Look after your health, but know this is a time of growth, hard work and courage if you so choose.

Uranus, by contrast is inspiring and bringing the new and the exciting and the desire for great adventure and adrenalin for all those born December 13th to 16th.  This has been around you for about a year and now you’re bringing it to a close as you realise that you have actually liberated yourself in many respects and been awakened by the power of love, creativity and possibly because of children; and your understanding of life is much more big picture now.

However, if born December 2nd to 5th, you are possibly struggling with a feeling of a little bit of confusion and uncertainty.  You are floating and not sure of your direction.  You are dissolving ties, hypersensitive, but not seeing clearly and needing grounding people around you to give you good advice.  Make no irrevocable decisions; check the small print in everything and the credentials of everybody.  Enjoy nature however and take it easy.  This is an evolutionary process.  Let go and float.  By the beginning of 2018 you will be on another shore, even though you don’t know where that is just yet.


CAPRICORN

Your mind is very alert and communications are important to you, particularly before the 13th.  After the 13th, many of you will need to be aware that communications at home are powerful, but there is room for some misunderstandings, so be clear.

Venus is, for all born up to January 4th, inviting some self-indulgence and extravagance, particularly towards home and family, but be aware that after the 4th, when Venus turns retrograde, until mid-April, there will be a need for a deeper, more profound empathy and compassion for family members; and also for one’s self. 

However, if born after January 13th, before the 10th, there is a tendency to feel a little like you are a bull in the china shop at home; and other people may be contentious and no pushover.  Impatience and impulsiveness is not a good idea, so stop and count to ten before you think or act in the family and home environment and don’t push your luck with exercise or risky physical activity. 

After the 10th, however, all born up to January 7th will feel a strong feeling of constructive progress, intelligent action, particularly creatively and romantically.  Energy is strong and successful. 

Jupiter is tempting many of you born between January 9th and 14th to be a little over-confident and over-reaching in certain areas, particularly career wise.  Enjoy, but with a bit of humility and caution.

Uranus is coming to end of a year-long period of some sense of disruption and uncertainty and a need for change if born January 12th to 15th.  Domestic circumstances may have been disrupted, a lack of settlement as to roots is in the ether, but now that period, which will have brought some change, is giving way to a more stable sense of continuity.  Meanwhile, this month, know what changes you should consolidate and know which may not have been such a good idea. 

Neptune is enhancing the sensibilities of all those January 1st to 4th.  Your thinking is more emotional, your heart combines with your brain, your communications are more empathetic and sensitive and your visual and spiritual senses are enhanced.  Creatively this is great for the writer and music is a healer for you..

However, if born January 8th to 11th. You are now undergoing a major and once every 248-year transit that will not be completely over for two years.  This can be very empowering and there is a sense of destiny growing.  You have a mission and there is a sense of needing to regenerate or transform some situation for others as well as self; and the important lesson is not to use the power for self-gratification, but for the greater good.  Motive is everything.  You are not the power; you are the agent of it.


AQUARIUS

Financial matters may need some focus this month and after the 13th, many of you will be feeling much more confident in your communications and the power of positive thinking.

If born up to February 2nd, your charms win people over, but note, that after the 4th, when Venus moves retrograde, a need for emotional sensitivity is great and thought cannot be without deep and intelligent emotions. 

Before the 10th, if born after February 11th, you are passionate – a bit of a bible thumper about you believe in; and the power of your speech and writing has impact, which can be very constructive. 

However, after the 10th, if born up to February 5th, beware that your energies and actions at home and with family may be a little bit over-assertive or clumsy and people with whom you share living space may be no pushovers either.  There is war drums audible is some way.

Jupiter, however, is casting a benevolent glow over the lives now of those born February 7th to 12th.  He is encouraging travel with long distance, international benefits, Wisdom and academic and intellectual insights and successes are around. Philosophical thoughts of a very constructive and wise kind are yours. 

Meanwhile, those born February 14th to 17th have now the wise, guiding power of Saturn.  Obligations, duty and hard work are yours, but you take them on with dignity and success.  Loyalty and duty is rewarding for you currently. 

Also, those born February 10th to 13th, have Uranus rubber-stamping a past year of the ability to really express your unique Aquarian qualities.  Your insights and intuitions have catapulted you into even greater awareness of bigger picture knowledge than ever before.  You are now more true to yourself than ever.


PISCES

Your month and you can shine and people will listen to you and get good advice.  Many of you, after the 4th, may find that you need to think differently about finances and get a better balance in your value system.  What really matters and what doesn’t.  Much emphasis will be put into sorting finances out for many of you before the 10th.

After the 10th, for all born up to March 7th, your courage in action, speech and thought will be noted; and you will be more assertive and constructive than usual in achieving things and getting people to listen.

Saturn is however, weighing rather heavily on the lives of those born March 16th to 19th.  Obligations, duty and hard work, as well as blocks and restrictions are in the air.  It is a time when you may feel the march of time and need to respect the needs of the body, so take care.  Reality checks around domestic or family issues are strong and it’s a time to reconsider tactics and how you deal with people, particularly on the home front.  Humility is needed and wisdom to understand how you should step up to the plate and make changes that need to be made and doing what needs to be done.

Neptune, your ruler, is currently really emphasising the powerful Pisces characteristics that are archetypal to your sign, if both March 1st to 4th.  This has been around you since early 2016 and will be really strong for another year.  The positive side of this is that it’s truly inspiring spiritually.  Those who have artistic inclinations can really flourish and your imagination is powerful.  Your sensitivity and compassion is so powerful, that it could almost be painful and you need to use this positively to drive other people up rather than allow people’s problems to drag you down.  Your psychic side should not be underestimated and your ability to experience energies and entities that you normally don’t is marked.  Being near the sea and around music is truly healing.  Negatively, you have to be very careful about escapism, deceptive circumstances, over-idealism and seeing through extra rose coloured spectacles.  Keep grounded.  You need sleep, but excessive escapism will do nobody, least of all yourself, any good. 

Those born March 8th to 11th have Pluto very much starting to impinge very positively on your energies.  The power of regeneration and transformation of your being in a fated way, for the greater good of others, is now landing on your doorstep.  The time has come to show your true colours and your power to be there for other people to improve their lives, and by so doing, your own.  Friends are powerful and regenerative to you too, just as you are to them.  This transit is going to be with you for about two years, so get used to it and enjoy; and step up to the plate.