A Classic Mercury Retrograde Blunder

In writing about the Moon’s waning phase this week and the jangle of energy winging its way along as the night sky darkens; in true Retrograde Mercury fashion I neglected to mention one of, if not the most important shift of the week. That is the Sun’s entry into Virgo on Tuesday morning at 7:21 AM EDT. As mentioned in the prior post, Monday evening Sun opposed Neptune in Aquarius. (This is the last aspect the Sun makes before moving into a new sign and will be kicking up some dust.) The Sun’s annual trek through Virgo signals the end of summer and prompts preparation for the upcoming Autumn and Winter. This is the harvest time. Sun in Virgo is discerning, able to differentiate between the wheat and the chaff. The Sun’s energy brought to bear in Virgo enhances our ability to differentiate between what is valuable and what is junk.  Virgo will achieve the most while doing the least because of a natural bent towards efficiency.  The Virgo energy of astute perceptiveness may be hampered while Mercury continues in Retrograde motion. But rest assured once Old Murky goes direct it’ll be clear sailing. While Sun remains in Virgo get rid of the useless, clean out closets and cupboards and get organized.  Virgo Sun will send those bright beams down and help you tackle the sometimes difficult task of parting with possessions that no longer serve. An assist we can all use.

Winter Solstice - Full Moon - Lunar Eclipse - Quite a Combination

This Winter Solstice occurring on the heels of a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is a jumble and a jangle of elements, inner tensions, and fluctuating opinions. Politicians be warned, the natives are restless. Astrologers use the Solstice chart to get a handle on the political, economic and social trends that will predominate for the season. As such, the Solstice charts are a valuable tool in forecasting. The Lunar Eclipse at the 29^th degree of the Sagittarius/Gemini axis, the Galactic Center, accompanying this Winter Solstice brings extra potency to an already strong planetary alignment. While there is some debate about how long the influence of Eclipses are the influence of the Solstice chart is in effect until the changing of the season. At this Solstice we find Retrograde Mercury in a stressful square aspect, to Jupiter and Uranus. This combination screams shocking, unexpected, wildly distorted, big news or events. The Sun in Capricorn in the 6^th house along with Mars, Pluto and the North Node emphasizes the working class, the armed forces, and public health. Common public needs and institutions like the water supply, the school system, Police and Fire Departments move to the forefront and the issues associated with these institutions are complicated and not easily solvable. It will take more than political hot air to resolve.  Labor Unions, workers, civil servants, employment/unemployment push the emotional buttons of the general public. Earthquakes, explosions, hurricanes and other weather related events affect agriculture and food supplies. Immigration, emigration, international diplomacy or lack of create situations ripe for distortion. Remember Retrograde Mercury and wait until the dust settles before you rush to judgement. Covert military action, hostage situations, and basic human rights hit the headlines. There are opportunities to work with the opposition, with people who do not agree with you. It will not be easy, will take listening on both sides but compromise and agreement can be reached. Hammered out is the phrase that comes to mind. Often when these great planetary alignments occur we do not see the manifestation of these energies for months, even years to come. It is like a person who is overweight; making the decision to get on the healthy track of good diet and exercise. The decision is made while under a particular planetary configuration the results of which we don’t see until months have passed. Actions taken now will have far reaching effects/affects. When in doubt, always take the high road. Usher in this winter season with a meditation on healing, peace and serenity. Spread the light!