First Quarter Moon - Mars and Pluto Mix It Up

Monday, November 4, 2019 brings us the First Quarter Moon.  Most folks are familiar with the New and Full Moons and much is made of these two phenomena but the Quarter Moons are as potent, if not more so.  At these times the Sun and Moon are at a 90 degree angle, in astrological parlance, this is called a square.  Squares are stressful aspects and they make things happen.

The Sun in Scorpio enhances our vision, we see beneath the surface and are sensitive to nuance and mood.  Aquarius Moon, while friendly, keeps it impersonal.  Scorpio Sun wants to get all up into your shit, this Moon in Aquarius, while curious, values freedom and does not have a lot invested in the motivations and secrets of others.  Scorpio Sun is intense, Aquarius Moon intellectual. Water and Air, emotions and intellect, sometimes it is hard for the two to meet.

At this Quarter Moon, Mars and Pluto are in square aspect, becoming exact on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.  This combination can get ugly.  Mars is the warrior, Pluto the transformer.  Both can be very destructive.  Mars/Pluto squares were in range at such horrific events as the Aurora Cinema shooting, the San Bernardino shooting, the RFK assassination.  The energies at this time are powerful, for those on the edge, it can push them over.  On the upside, Oprah Winfrey, Johnny Carson and Margaret Thatcher were all born with this aspect.  This combination can bring you to the heights and to the depths.  Be careful over the next few days.  Mars rules impulsive actions.  Don't run the red light, try not to get impatient with people and remember to breathe.

On Thursday,  November 7th,  the Sun reaches 15 degrees of Scorpio, this is the true Samhain, the midpoint between Fall and Winter.  Some who follow the old ways do celebrate on the correct day and time or celebrate over a period of days.  This is an important point in the wheel of the year as are all points when the Sun reaches 15 degrees of the fixed signs, as it marks the midpoint of the particular season,  Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring.  Our ancestors were great sky watchers, it was their calendar.  At this point in time, they knew winter was closing in and it was necessary to be prepared.  Today we have the 24 hour supermarket, so the need to prepare is not so acute but deep in our being there is a primal response to this turn of the seasons.

During the height of this Scorpio season with Mercury retrograde in Scorpio the energy provides us the opportunity to look at ourselves with complete honesty, no sugar coating.   Look, acknowledge and forgive yourself.   Get ready to release all the negative at next weeks Full Moon.

Be well.

Mercury Snuggles Up With Venus - Exchanging Secrets - October 30, 2019

My morning routine consists of a cup of coffee and a look at the chart for the day.  The timing of this chart varies, depending on when I get up and when I open my astrology software and click "now". This morning I noticed two little tidbits that will have some impact on our daily routine and perhaps beyond. 

Mercury, stationed, (stopped in the sky), preparing to turn retrograde becomes exactly aligned with Venus. The blended energies of Mercury and Venus usually means pleasant conversation, harmony and agreement.  Venus is the social planet, with Mercury, conversation is the key.  But in this particular instance both planets are in Scorpio.  Conversations are going to be deep and penetrating.   This is not idle cocktail party chit chat.  Scorpio digs to the bottom of things.  No one gets off easy here.

Tomorrow Mercury begins retrograde motion until November 20th.  Retrograde periods are a time for reevaluation, review,  recycle all that re stuff.   Scorpio energy provides a platform for deep introspection.  Secrets are revealed, although this may not become apparent until after the 20th.

Venus is the planet of love and money,  Mercury rules all kinds of communication from the text to the text book.  Mercury also rules transactions and transportation.   With Venus, transactions involving money. 

Scorpio rules sex, death, taxes, and interest rates.   With Mercury poised to go retrograde it is best to scrutinize all legal and financial documents.  And while Venus is usually very sweet and pretty, in Scorpio she is not at home and very uncomfortable.  Venus' usual diplomatic strengths are blunted here. 

Relationships do play a big role here and conversations within relationship during these two days will be very important.  Try to avoid being sharp tongued and keep in mind how much words can hurt. The Scorpio sting is usually the result of a deep hurt.   Yes, Scorpio is sensitive, although they will never let you know it. 

Be kind. 

Donald Trump – Howling at the Moon

It’s hard to predict anything about Donald Trump because he is the essence of unpredictability due to his Sun and Uranus conjunct in Gemini.  In astrology the Sun is the core self, the heart and soul of the personality.  Uranus is the planet of the unexpected and at times shocking events.  These energies are connected in his chart and as such are a big piece of his personality. 

Donald Trump is a Full Moon baby, with his Moon in Sagittarius opposing his Sun and Uranus.  While the Sun reflects the outer personality, the Moon is the inner, the emotional component.  A Gemini Sun is always restless, curious and easily bored.  A Sagittarius Moon is also a bit restless and always looking for adventure.  Staid is not a word you would apply to Donald Trump

The upcoming Full Moon on December 13, 2016 falls on his Sun/Moon opposition. In this case the transiting Sun in Sagittarius is on his Moon and the transiting Moon is on his Sun. The energies of this Full Moon will touch his core setting off who knows what. With the Moon ruling the emotions sitting on his Sun/Uranus conjunction the unpredictable and unexpected that is Trump’s signature will be set off. Get ready to hear him howl.

Another big piece of Trump’s personality is his Ascendant, the sign on the horizon at the moment of birth. Trump has Leo rising and Mars in Leo close to his Ascendant degree.  The Ascendant is how the world sees you and is a huge part of your personality.  Leo is the show biz sign and the show must go on at all costs.  Mars is the warrior, the athlete and in a horoscope it is how you use your energy.  On the Ascendant Mars is strong and active, just the way Mars likes to be. Trump reflects this aspect in his often combative, argumentative stances.  He’s going to fight back, whether he needs to or not. This piece of his horoscope also contributes to his tendency to exaggerate and spin things in a way that puts him at the center of the action. Leo is the show biz sign after all and even though Trump lost the popular vote by a wide margin, the show must go on and he will act and behave as if he won by a landslide. This is simply how he rolls.

During the week following the Full Moon Mars in Aquarius will oppose his Mars in Leo and then oppose his Ascendant and move into his 7^th house of partners and open enemies.  Mars will then move into Pisces. All this action will occur from the 14^th through the 19^th. 

Mars in Pisces can signify a spiritual warrior or one on a holy crusade when taking the high road.  When not on that high road deception, illusion and delusion can take place.  This is a position of smoke and mirrors and one cannot always be aware of what is really happening.

Donald Trump will face opposition but at this time it might not be clear who is enemies really are.  For sure the Clintonistas will oppose any and all of his actions but with Mars in Pisces here it won’t really be clear who is enemies are.  This could mean that those in his own party will be working to undermine him.  It’s no secret that many Republicans did not support him.  And he continues to make statements that the rank and file do not agree with.

To further confuse the issue, as this is all taking place, Mercury turns retrograde on December 19, 2016 at 15 degrees Capricorn.  It will move backwards and oppose his natal Mercury on December 27 2016.  In the horoscope, Mercury rules how you communicate and process information.  Trump’s Mercury is in Cancer.  His communication has a strong connection to his emotions.  He says what he feels at the moment.  In general Mercury has to do with communication, ideas, information processing and all forms of transportation and voting.   A Mercury retrograde period is a time for revising and reviewing.  Also a time of fake outs, false information, and misinformation.  Mercury does not go direct until January 8, 2017.

The day that Mercury goes retrograde is the day that the Electors meet in their respective states to record their votes.  On the 6^th of January, Congress meets in joint session to count those votes. 

When Congress meets in joint session to count the electoral votes there will be a cluster of planets moving through Donald Trump’s 7^th house. Remember, this is the house of open enemies. They are Moon, Venus, Mars and Neptune, this is a lot of energy concentrated in one area of the horoscope, one slice of a person’s life.  As these planets enter his 7^th house throughout the month of December he’ll face continued opposition.  With all these planets in the sign of Pisces things may not be what they appear to be.  While the concentration of energy in Pisces can bring out the Mother Theresa in us all most often folks fall way short of sainthood. The down side can be deception, illusion and delusion. The big danger here is putting on the rose-colored glasses, seeing things as they want them to be, not how they really are.  High ideals also come into play here.  Ideals are wonderful concepts but it takes the practical and the material to get there.

With all this energy activating Donald Trump’s chart we can expect continued drama around him.  With Leo on the ascendant, Trump loves the drama.  But he may not love it so much when it involves the Electoral College. We are in uncharted waters here for in the sky the planet Uranus, the unexpected, opposes Jupiter, legal stuff.  This opposition connects with Donald Trump’s Sun/Uranus opposition to his Moon and pulls in his natal Jupiter as well.  That’s a lot of action and energy. Expect some controversy or issue involving the Electoral College.  It could simply mean protests. With Uranus in the picture, anything goes.

Win, lose or draw the upcoming year for Donald Trump will prove to be a rocky road as the planetary transits to his natal chart bring a time of testing, stress, opposition and unease.  The restrictions placed upon him by the very nature of the office he holds will not sit well with him.  There has been a lot of speculation concerning his tenure as President.  One thing is for sure, he will not do what is expected of him. He will shock friend and foe alike. 

Full Moon Weekend

Wednesday, January 20^th Moon in Gemini welcomes the Sun as it moves into Gemini compatible Aquarius.  Gemini and Aquarius are air signs and deal with the world of ideas, some of it abstract and under the influence of Aquarius, forward looking and inventive.  Sun in Aquarius can rouse the rebel in us all but Aquarius’ co-ruler Saturn retains the inclination to trod the straight and narrow.  Under this influence new ideas emerge to perform the same old, same old. In the afternoon retrograde Mercury in Capricorn squares Aquarius’ more daring co-ruler Uranus.  This can trigger sparks of genius with the ability to manifest that genius in the material world.  Hold on before implementing those ideas until Mercury goes direct on the 25^th.  This aspect can also trigger accidents involving transportation in all forms, auto, air, trains etc.

Leading into the weekend Moon slides home to Cancer on Thursday morning.  Moon belongs here and the emotions rule the next few days.  Instinct takes over on many occasions.   We’re feeling vulnerable, exposed and often overly sensitive.  Folks want to nurture and be nurtured.  It’s easy to go for the comfort food under this Moon.  Remember, it may feel good going down but once it hits the hips, there is where it will stay. 

Mercury gets in the picture before dawn on Friday, the 22^nd when the winged messenger hooks up with Pluto.  Wherever Pluto goes the crap comes to the surface first.  With Mercury involved, it is verbal crap. Once the crap has floated away it is time for some deep, penetrating conversation.  Time to get to the bottom of something, whatever that “something” is in your life.  Retrograde Mercury will come back to Pluto at month’s end after turning Direct, so this conversation, which may have begun around the Winter Solstice, when these two were together in the sky for the first time, may not attain resolution until after the 30^th.

Saturday is Full Moon day. Moon enters Leo at 2:21 PM EST.  Venus enters Capricorn at 3:32 PM EST and the Full Moon is exact at 8:48 PM EST.  Moon rises at 4:45 PM EST and sets the following morning at 7:08 AM EST.  So if the weather is clear you will have ample opportunity to view the Moon in all its glorious fullness.

There is a lot of tension in the Full Moon chart.  These tensions can bring a nudge to move us along into a different or the right direction.  It is a good time to get together with friends, speak from your heart and take a look around to find out where you are at and where you want to go.  Friends may bring some drama into your life or they could simply drag you out of the house for a rollicking good time.  Remember this Full Moon is in Leo and folks like to be appreciated under this Moon so give that compliment or thank that person for whatever.  This is a great weekend for romance if you are so inclined.  Folks want to have fun so let your inner child out to play.

On Monday, Mercury goes direct at 4:50 PM EST.  When planets change direction they are moving very slow and appear to stop then begin to move again.  With Mercury, new information and ideas begin to percolate.  Moon entering Mercury ruled Virgo at 10:45 PM EST brings with it the energy to sift through the various threads, retaining and discarding as you go along. Virgo Moon enhances or powers of discernment.  With waning Moon in Virgo it is a good time to eliminate that which does not serve you. Issues of diet and health predominate.  This is the optimal time to start a diet to lose weight or take that last drag of nicotine.  We are totally aware under this Moon of what is good for us and what ain’t.  Act accordingly.

Winter Solstice and Beyond - A Rock and Roll January 2016

The Sun entering Capricorn is the moment that winter begins. A time of the year that has been celebrated since before recorded history.  This marks the turning of the wheel of the year, it is the longest night and hereafter the days begin to grow longer. It is and has been a celebration of the return of the light. 

Astrologers cast a chart for a given location for the moment that the Sun enters Capricorn to ascertain what the season will bring.  This is called an Ingress Chart.  I cast the chart for Providence, RI, which is my neck of the woods. The location gives you the angles, i.e., the cusp of the 1^st, 4^th, 7^th, and 10^th houses. The angles change for a chart erected for a difference location.  In Providence, the Ascendant or cusp of the 1^st house is 0 degrees, 59 minutes of Libra.  A chart erected for Washington, DC has 26 degrees, 29 minutes of Virgo Rising on the Ascendant.  This changes the tone of the chart considerably and moves the planets into a different house than the one set for Providence. If you want to know what is going on in the country you set the chart for the capitol of that country.  If you want to know what is going on in a particular state you set the chart for the state capitol. 

Wherever you set the chart, the planetary configurations remain the same. The Sun, indicating the head of state, Governor/President moves from the third house in the Providence chart to the fourth house in the Washington, DC chart.  Here the Governor sits on the angle so her actions will be more noticeable.  The President with the Sun off the angle into the fourth house will take action that is more foundational.

Overall in Rhode Island and across the country money, debt, interest rates and unexpected action from open enemies will occupy the government and the people.

The first week of January 2016 will start the year off with a bang.  Mars goes home to Scorpio. The warrior is vengeful in this sign. He takes action and cuts to the quick. Mercury and Jupiter go retrograde and the Sun squares off with Uranus.  This is a lot of energy packed into one week.  Jupiter can be a real good guy bringing plenty of pizza and a couple of six packs to the party but he can also bring a lot of hot air.  Folks promising more than they can deliver, exaggeration and a philosophy that says my way or the highway.  Sun, square Mr. Surprise Uranus, lights the torch of anything goes. 

On January 25^th Mercury goes direct.  When planets change direction they slow down and seem to sit in one spot, the energy of that planet is strong at this time.  At this moment of direction change Mercury sits on the degree where Pluto was in the Ingress Chart, the Winter Solstice.  Pluto goes to the extreme, in the 4^th house of the Ingress chart he speaks of extreme weather.  A 60 degree Christmas Day is pretty extreme. But be ready because he can go just as extreme in the opposite direction. At the Solstice there was only 4 degrees separating Mercury and Pluto, this is considered a conjunction.  When two planets are conjunct they energy melds, combines and can be either positive or negative depending on other circumstances.  When Mercury changes direction on that degree we revisit what went on at during the Solstice period.  Weather wise Mercury can be windy, with Pluto strong wind.  The wind could come from the mouths of those who wish to keep societal constructs in place or from those who want to do just the opposite.  Remember Pluto can destroy, but always something better comes after.  But the transition is always tough.

Remember to keep your cool during this period. Don’t fall victim to fear and hysteria and try to maintain compassion.  Not an easy thing to do.  During difficult times it is important to operate on the highest vibration possible.  Get your inner Mother Theresa going. Breathe, meditate and go to your happy place.  Get outside and touch the Earth. Stay grounded and stick to the high road. 

New Year – New Moon January 2015

The First New Moon of 2015 occurs on January 20^th at 8:14 AM with the Sun and the Moon mere minutes into Aquarius.  The horoscope cast for that moment has a Fixed Air signature with not a lot of Earth.  What this means is that there are a lot of ideas floating around, with the Aquarian flavor of radical, revolutionary and new, but with no grounding on the physical plane.  While these ideas may be great without the Earth energy they will be difficult to manifest in the material world. Mercury going retrograde the day after the New Moon further reinforcing this principle.  Mercury continues this retrograde motion through the four major phases of the Lunar cycle.  At the Last Quarter on February 11^th Mercury turns direct again.

Despite these drawbacks this can be a very productive time.  It is at time to revise and review, a good time to fix things and readjust one’s way of thinking.  Great ideas you had in the past may not be working now.  Now is the time to tweak them or dump them altogether.  A little introspection and quiet contemplation creates fertile ground for new ideas to surface.  Wait until after February 11^th to implement them.

Mars running with Neptune in Pisces with Saturn glaring at them both from Sagittarius brings the religious fanatics out of the wood work. The Saturn square Neptune aspect does not become exact until November 2015 of this year but the aspect is in range for quite awhile.  Saturn is about the harsh realities of life, constricting, contracting and conforming.  Neptune runs the gamut from high spirituality to lowdown deception, ruling the saints as well as the sinners.  Neptune is the wild night on the town, while Saturn is the morning after with its brutal hangover.  Fiery Mars in watery Pisces does not function well.  Mars is the action planet and that action is under water.  The spirit it willing but the flesh is weak.

This Piscean energy dovetails very well with the Mercury Retro period.  Look within for the answers.  Pray, meditate and always take the high road.  It’s the only way during this tricky time.

The week of the Full Moon on February 3^rd brings some energy shifts and creates a lot of action, some of it misguided.  Venus has moved into Pisces and caught up with Neptune.  Venus Neptune aspects can make you think you’ve found your soul mate.  If you are functioning on a high level of spirituality, maybe you have.  Be wary of getting involved with someone who needs to be fixed.  True love is a relationship between equals.  Avoid being the savior or being the martyr. 

During this week the Sun shines light upon Uranus.  This is an anything goes aspect.  Bright ideas surface but it pays to think it through before acting.   By Friday the 6^th Mercury the idea planet confers with Saturn getting some practical advice.  The Sun mixes it up with Jupiter making us all feel expansive and on top of the world.  Beware of exaggeration and those who promise more than they can deliver.

At the Last Quarter moon on February 11^th Mercury turns direct.  This is the time to assimilate those ideas and expect new information to pop up over the next week or so that might alter your opinion.   Dark Moon time is still a time of reflection and going within.   Act after the next New Moon on February 18^th when the new phase begins as the Moon once again begins to wax.  

Be Prepared For the Year Ahead - Get Your Mojo Working

I will be giving lectures in January on Hot Dates and 

Significant Degrees of the Zodiac that Sizzle in 2015.

On January 20, 2015 at 6:30 PM in East Providence at 

Positive New Beginnings, 870 Broadway, 401-432-7195.

On January 21, 2015 at 7:00 PM in Providence at Mother 

Mystic, 179 Dean St. 401-353-3099.

The cost is $10.00

There are some major astrological events this year.

Bring your yearly planner so you can note the dates of these major events.  Mercury Retrograde periods, Eclipse dates and important planetary sign changes for the upcoming year are but some of the topics covered.

There’s a lot going on in the sky this year, some of it tumultuous and life changing. It pays to be prepared and plan ahead for life’s ups and downs.

We will select one person, by lottery, and look at their horoscope to pinpoint exactly when and where the major action takes place for the year.

Please join us so you can plan ahead and get your Mojo working in 2015!!

Tracy Morgan – Scorpio – From The Depths

Tracy Morgan the well known comedian form SNL and 30 rock was in a horrific car crash on June 1, 2014 resulting in serious injury to him and the death of his long time friend and collaborator James McNair.

Tracy is a Scorpio with Moon either in late Cancer or early Leo depending on his time of birth.  He also had Mars in Libra conjunct volatile, unpredictable Uranus.  Mercury, how he talks and processes information, is in Scorpio.  This Mercury has him questioning everything, digging deep to get at the truth.  His Venus, in freewheeling, fun loving Sagittarius is in a dynamic aspect with his powerful Jupiter/Pluto conjunction in Virgo.

His life reflects these planetary positions. He grew up in the rough and tumble Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. His father, a troubled Vietnam Vet, became addicted to heroin as a result of injuries.  When he was 17 years old Tracy found out his father had aids and ultimately quit school in order to take care of him.  Married to his childhood sweetheart at that time and in need of money he turned to selling drugs to get that money.  He credits his comedy career to a comment made by a friend that he could make it in comedy.  When that friend was later murdered he resolved as a tribute to him to take his shot at comedy. He is known for his erratic behavior and some controversial utterances. 

The Jupiter/Pluto conjunction signifies the underworld, crime and the dark side of society that surrounded him in his early life.  Drugs and death schooled him and ultimately spurred him to take action to improve his lot in life.  By his own words there is no “filter between what he thinks and what he says”. Mercury in Scorpio, like all water sign Mercury’s allows the emotion and feelings to come out.  The Mars/Uranus conjunction provides no governor on his speech and actions.  It’s a safe bet to say that folks around him are continually caught off guard by what he says and the actions he takes.

At the time of the accident, about 1AM, Mercury the planet of cars, roads and traffic was making a station preparing to go retrograde at 7:57 AM. That Mercury in the sky was in an aspect of ease to Tracy’s natal Mercury.  The Moon, at 1degree of Libra was sitting on his natal Mars with a mere 3 minutes away from conjunction.  This triggered his natal combo of Mars/Uranus/Jupiter and Pluto.  This in itself is not unusual as the Moon hits that degree on a monthly basis.  But this month, the planet Saturn, in Scorpio was sitting on his Scorpio Sun which was in turned triggered by his Jupiter/Pluto conjunction.  Jupiter itself in the sky in Cancer was 2 degrees past a benevolent trine to his natal Sun.

This planetary picture is a picture of a life and/or death situation.  Saturn is known as the big bad boy of the Zodiac, bringing restriction, contraction and heavy burdens that must be born.  Saturn rules the bones. Jupiter can bring the transition to a higher plane.  But here it is past the trine to his Sun.  Saturn is the real culprit and unlike Jupiter he is not going to let you go to luxuriate in greener pastures.

Transiting Saturn hitting natal Sun brings hard work, the wish to be someplace else, restricts our movements, whether physically or because of cash considerations or responsibilities.  Saturn says do the job and have fun later when I go away.

After having surgery on his broken leg it has been reported that Tracy Morgan has become “more responsive”.  Although still critical that report is a good sign.  The Saturn transit to his Sun points to a slow recovery, physical therapy etc. while bones knit and the body heals.  Saturn has a way of letting you know what is really important to you in this life.  He is a great one for bringing life’s lessons home.  Although Tracy may be in a deep dark place now, he is a Scorpio and more than any other sign, Scorpio is capable of coming back from those depths. Scorpio is the original comeback kid.

We can help by sending this gifted comedian our prayers and a bright healing light.

 

The Week Ahead- First Quarter Moon – and Muddling Mercury Retrograde

Sunday, February 02, 2014 the Moon is Void in Pisces from 11:34 AM EST until 11:55 PM EST when Moon enters Aries.  Void Moon in Pisces is a great time to kick back and let things gel within us.  Moon in Pisces enhances our psychic impressions.  On the down side Pisces Moon encourages us to escape from reality.  Some do this through meditation and prayer, while others do it by bellying up to the bar for a few shots and beers.  Remember that the hangover is wicked payback. As for the Super Bowl,  Void Moons always promise that things do not turn out as expected.

By Monday morning with Moon firmly in Aries we are ready for action and action is what the Aries Moon calls for.  This is an initiatory Moon, we want to get started and get going. The drawback here is action is predicated on impulse and reason is thrown out the window as we neglect to think things through. Moon goes Void at 6:14 PM EST on Tuesday.

Wednesday morning at 4:46 AM EST Moon moves into stable, earthy Taurus.  If you want to start something that will grow and last start it now while waxing Moon is in Taurus.  Taurus is fertile, and waxing Moon encourages growth.  Beware though, Taurus Moon has a fixedness that will make it hard to get rid of what you started.  So make sure that it is what you want.   Folks get stubborn and dig their heels in under this Moon.

Thursday is the big day this week as the First Quarter Moon occurs at 2:32 PM EST with Moon in Taurus squaring, 90 degrees from Sun in Aquarius.  Quarter Moons shake things up.  Often, more than the Full Moons, the crazies come out.  Any square aspect between planets or the lights, as the Sun and Moon are referred to, brings action.  Things happen under Quarter Moons.

To add weight to this particular phase, Mercury in Pisces stations, or stops, in the sky and turns in retrograde motion.  Retrograde Mercury favors the introverted, those activities that focus on the inner landscape of the human condition.  Meditation, reflection and contemplation are favored while Mercury is retrograde, especially while it is in Pisces.  The energy of Pisces favors the contemplative. This can also bring about confused communication, messages gone astray and delays in travel. 

Whenever Mercury stations whether going direct or retrograde the mercurial energy is strong.  So information is often not reliable or confusing during those times.  Amanda Knox accused of murdering her roommate, Meredith Kercher made confusing statements at the time of her arrest.  At the time of the murder Mercury was stationing preparing to move in direct motion.  Amanda Knox has retrograde Mercury in her natal chart that opposes her natal Neptune.  This aspect is one of confusion.  She’s not clear in her thinking. Questions and answers may not have been understood.  The public may never know what really happened because of misunderstanding and the muddling up of the facts.

For the rest of us during a Mercury retrograde period it pays not to make decisions, sign contracts and prepare for disruptions in plans.  Decisions made now are often reversed after Mercury goes direct.  Information is not available while Mercury is retrograde.  This information pops up after Mercury moves in direct motion. It pays to check and doubled check on appointments, travel plans and gossip that surfaces now.

Moon ends the week in Gemini and remains there throughout the weekend until early Monday morning.  Gemini Moon is a restless Moon. People are talkative, adaptable and willing to exchange ideas and information.  Keep in mind the retrograde Mercury.  There is little danger of being overly emotional while Moon travels through Gemini as rationalization rules the day.

Mercury Retrograde – Election Day

This Election Day the planet Mercury turns retrograde at 6:04 PM EST.  That is the day starts off with Mercury in direct motion and ends with Mercury in retrograde motion.  As Mercury rules the short trip, the neighborhood, voting, and the process of counting those votes the change of direction on this day holds particular significance. On Election Day in 2000 Mercury moved from retrograde motion to direct motion. Hanging chads and a Supreme Court decision to decide the election is just the sort of mischief that Mercury, direct or retrograde, is the master of.

In the  Homeric Hymns  the ancient Greek texts that celebrate the Gods, the hymn to Hermes (Mercury) describes him as  “a child who was a shrewd and coaxing schemer, a cattle-rustling robber and a bringer of dreams,”  He was born in the morning, made and played the lyre at noon and in the evening he stole Apollo’s cattle.  Quick, clever and not entirely honest, that’s Mercury.

Mercury is also associated with the “Trickster” the mythological creature found in many cultures who messes with your head, often behaving in a confusing manner.  As Mercury turns retrograde on Tuesday he is in alignment with another trickster, the planet Uranus. Uranus likes to break down rigid social constructs, create revolution and in general disrupt the normal flow of things.

On Election Day there are many planetary factors in play.  The ongoing Uranus/Pluto square which is playing out all around us in government, business, weather and personal lives is one very important aspect that brings with it change in the culture and the social order.  This election is just a blip in the planetary dance of these two heavy hitters. Saturn’s entrance into Scorpio, a 29-30 year cycle signifies accountability and responsibility.  In Scorpio, the reckoning involves debt and taxes.  Jupiter in Gemini guarantees a huge turnout and in alignment with Venus in Libra says women will be a big factor in this election.

What this Election Day will bring is anybody’s guess but with the type of configurations in play, especially that between Mercury and Uranus, we haven’t got an inkling.  We haven’t heard any hints on the news nor have the polls or opinion pieces given any clues.  Something weird, wild and straight out of left field, with Uranus, if you can think of it, that ain’t it.

A Little Bit of Saturn and A Big Election

Today, October 25, 2012 Sun makes a conjunction with Saturn.  This is the first time that the Sun and Saturn have been conjunct in Scorpio since Saturn was last in Scorpio in the early 80’s. Saturn is the sign of duty, responsibility and accountability.  Saturn restricts and contracts. The sign Scorpio known for sex, death and transformation is also concerned with debt, interest rates and taxes. The death of Scorpio is not the physical death but the death of an old way bringing rebirth and the new.

The fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius will feel Saturn’s restrictive influence most strongly.  All signs of the Zodiac will feel the impact of Saturn in Scorpio on some level. Saturn spends approximately two and one half years in a sign.  In December of 2014 Saturn will move into Sagittarius then due to retrograde motion will slip back into Scorpio in June of 2015 finally leaving that sign in September of 2015. If you are a Scorpio ask your Libra friends what life has been like for the past two years or so.

The houses of the horoscope represent particular areas in the life of an individual.  The first house is the self; the second house is money etc.  The house in your horoscope that Saturn travels through is where it is payback time.  Or if you have done your work, did your homework and accepted responsibility you may find this to be reward time. Saturn gives you what you have earned. If you have been deluding yourself in any area of your life Saturn brings you face to face with the reality of the situation.

Over the next couple of years Saturn will form a trine aspect with the money planets, Venus and Jupiter, in the July 4, 1776 chart of the USA.  At this pre-election moment, Saturn is in harsh aspect to Obama’s Mercury. His ideas and opinions face obstacles and challenges.  His challenger, Mitt Romney has transiting Saturn moving into trine his Mars, the planet of action and energy. Saturn brings focus and the ability to organize and get the job done. He is a formidable opponent at this time.  Concurrently he has Saturn making a harsh aspect to his natal Venus.  This aspect points to the Republicans apparent problem with women.  There may be strains and disagreements within his relationships and a difficulty relating to people.

This election is a difficult one to call for a lot of reasons.  Mercury changes direction on Election Day moving from direct to retrograde.  Mercury was in retrograde motion on Election Day 2000 so there may be some dispute or discrepancy that will take a while to sort out.

The winner of this election will face Saturn’s transit of the USA’s Venus, Jupiter and Sun. The Sun rules the head of state and as mentioned before Venus and Jupiter the money.  Saturn can surely depress the economy but can also bring a certain amount of stabilization.  Saturn in Scorpio can restrict or contract the debt. At any rate, it will be “get your ducks in a row” time and whoever is in the driver’s seat will have their work cut out for them.

For the rest of us Saturn will be very personal according to the house it transits and the aspects it makes to the individual’s chart. A Saturn transit is real and concrete. It manifests in the physical world. Even if you don’t know Saturn from a hole in the wall you can identify where Saturn is by locating where the principles of Saturn are manifesting in your life.  A Saturn transit is a good time to see an astrologer.  Remember no matter how difficult it gets: This to shall pass.

 

April Fools’ Day Let the Fun Begin– Venus in Gemini, Mercury Direct

Before dawn on Sunday April Fools’ Day Moon moves into fun loving, fiery Leo. Everyone’s a star while Moon travels through this show biz sign. People are ambitious, looking for romance and need approval for the next couple of days. Be wary of April Fools’ Day jokes that backfire or have unexpected results when Moon forms a sparkling aspect to Uranus on Sunday afternoon.  This energy favors change, opportunity and independent action.  Get out there and find new friends and new prospects.

 Monday morning Sun and Moon fire up the beginning of the work week. Enthusiasm reigns.  When Moon squares off with Jupiter in solid Taurus, expect a few flies in the ointment.  Especially when it comes to money and any plans to improve the diet, Jupiter comes with a big appetite and often promises more than can be delivered.

Tuesday dawns with purpose, do your job and take care of business as Leo Moon joins forces with sober Saturn. Mid morning Moon and Venus, at odds with one another, bring mood swings and difficulty in relationships.  Moon goes void of course for a big 6 minutes then enters Virgo.  Here Moon retreats from center stage operating more comfortably in the background. Virgo Moon prefers the intellectual over the emotional. Tasks that require attention to detail or organization do well under this Moon.  Use this energy to clean the house, rearrange storage space and sort what is good from what is ready for the dustbin. Before noon Venus moves into flirtatious Gemini.  Sociability increases, folks make many contacts but not many with staying power. Venus in Gemini is easily bored. After lunch, Moon opposes Neptune and relationships hit another snag. Be wary of deception, especially self deception. By evening commute time Moon, in lock step with Mars warns against impulsive actions and outbursts of anger. Chill. 

 During the wee hours of Wednesday, April 4^th in the Eastern Time Zone Moon connects with Pluto and dreams reveal some deep psychological issue.  As the Sun rises, Mercury stations and begins to move in direct motion. Hurray and halleluiah! Projects on hold begin to move along, information flows and facts previously unknown are revealed. Virgo Moon, making nice, nice with Jupiter promises good opportunity for those on the lookout.

 Moon goes void of course at 1:37 AM EDT Thursday making a last aspect with newly direct Mercury setting the stage for the revelation of new facts.   Moon slides into Libra at 11:32 AM EDT ending the void period.  Libra Moon highlights partnerships, harmony, and social gatherings.  This is not the time to “go it alone”; Libra Moon encourages interaction with others, preferably in pleasant surroundings.  In the afternoon Moon and Libra’s ruler Venus form a harmonious blend. This is a good time to try and resolve any difficulties and disagreements in relationships.  All is peace, love and goodwill.  Complete any discussions before Moon faces off with unpredictable, unconventional Uranus around 8PM EDT.   Moon/Uranus combinations are volatile and disruptive.  Libra Moon wants to join forces while Uranus craves independence.  Later Venus squares Neptune an aspect of tension. Venus with Neptune can lead one to believe they have found their true soul mate. The reality is usually quite different.  There is a real danger here of overindulgence in intoxicants of all kinds in order to escape reality. Venus/Neptune contacts offer great opportunities to escape through music, art, prayer and meditation.

Moon squares off with Pluto during the small hours of Good Friday and we wake up to some deep revelation. At 3:19 PM EDT the Full Moon perfects, Libra Moon opposes Aries Sun.  This Full Moon brings eruption, disruption and other assorted shocks.  Thinking is quick, words leap to the lip without any consideration of the havoc those words may create.  Outrageous news and scandalous behavior mar the Easter/Passover weekend.

 Early Saturday morning Moon joins Saturn in an effort to sober everyone up and put them on a more stable track as Moon goes Void of Course.  Entering Scorpio at 11:18 AM EDT, Moon evokes passion and desire.  Intense moods and heightened suspicions create complications when communicating with others.  Throughout the day Moon moves along connecting with Neptune then Mars sparking an overly active imagination, doubt and distrust. Passions ignite when Venus squares off with Mars Saturday night.  Sexual desire demands as all romance gets thrown out the window. This does not sit well with some. Harmony and cooperation becomes difficult.  Take a breath, take a break, and try to relax. Realize that all this discord arises because there is a need under Scorpio Moon to merge with others on a deep, emotional level. We want to feel. Allow passions to cool don’t make a decision in the heat of the moment.  Don’t throw out all that peace and good will generated earlier in the week.  Slow down and try to think dispassionately. What is really going on here?

What’s Up This Week? Where’s That Moon?

On Saturday, March 24, 2012 Moon goes void of course in Aries at 1:17 PM until 5:43 PM when the energy shifts as Moon moves into Taurus.  During the hours that Moon is void of course it is best to avoid making major decisions. Things never go as planned when Moon is void. Wait until the fiery impulsiveness of Aries gives way to the more staid, solid, stolid energies of Taurus. Folks get more cautious and conservative while Moon travels through Taurus. A note of stubbornness creeps in. Before this changeover, the Sun in Aries joins forces with Uranus in Aries. Sudden, surprising events upset the routine. Pay close attention to the news and trends of this weekend as these are a preview of things to come. Saturday evening when Moon connects with Neptune inspiration and imagination rule.  Avoid excess use of drugs and alcohol.  Escape through music, meditation, or art. Sunday morning Moon greets the day with a positive aspect to retrograde Mars in Virgo.  Mars is energy, Moon is emotion. This is a good time to work on home projects.  Throughout the day Moon connects with Pluto then Jupiter.  Strong emotions bring about strong reactions. Expect emotional eruptions. Try not to get pulled into the dark and snarly emotional baggage of others. By Monday afternoon Moon makes nice nice with Venus. Venus at home in Taurus is strong now. This is a good time for romance, a party or any social gathering.  Moon’s last aspect before going void of course is with retrograde Mercury at 12:35 AM EDT Tuesday morning. This is a blend of the mind and emotions. People say what they feel. Lines of communication are open; it’s a good time to clear the air.  Moon enters flirty, chatty Gemini at 6:43 AM EDT.  More communication, exchange of news and information and true to Gemini’s dual nature, some difficulty in making up one’s mind or changing one’s mind. Gemini’s airy nature brings with it restlessness and people get antsy if they start to get bored. Midmorning fantasy runs head on into the reality of the daily routine when Moon agitates nebulous Neptune. The evening commute brings a few surprises as Moon bounces off Uranus and Mars. Watch out for road rage.  Don’t let traffic jams push you over the edge. Remember to breathe. By late evening Sun and Moon form a congenial aspect and harmony and peace reign.  Wednesday Gemini Moon makes no exact aspects but expect to be busy under this Moon. Thursday morning Moon squares off with Gemini’s ruler Mercury. Retrograde in fuzzy Pisces, Mercury brings rumor, innuendo and unclear messages.  Be wary of signing or starting anything. Do some reviewing and revising.  The afternoon brings a nice Mercury/Venus contact that offers an opportunity to smooth troubled waters. Trouble could be due to a misunderstanding, go back and have that conversation to clear the air. When Moon connects with Saturn, the conversation gets serious and some solid information emerges. Then Moon goes void of course.  Before Moon slides home to the sign of Cancer, the Sun makes a bold, brassy aspect to the power broker, Pluto. This is another one of those moments that provide a glimpse into the future. The headlines will tell the tale. Moon, in Cancer, after 7:07 PM EDT gets mystical and intuitive with Neptune before midnight, now is the time to dream the dream. Be sure to see things as they really are not how you wish them to be.  On Friday Cancer Moon is busy making aspects with those heavy hitters, Uranus, Mars and Pluto before squaring off with the Sun bringing us to the First Quarter Moon phase. Quarter Moon time is a time of crisis and action. A decision has to be made. At this Quarter Moon it will be difficult to maintain peace. Don’t fly off the handle, get the facts and see the picture clearly before taking any steps that might make the situation worse. Let Venus in Taurus, (at the top of the Quarter Moon Chart here in New England) rule the day. Think beauty, peace and harmony.

Solar Eclipse, Retrograde Mercury, Occupy and Other Good Stuff

We kick off this Holiday Season with a Retrograde Mercury and a Solar Eclipse.  The Eclipse is in Sagittarius; the sign of philosophies, religion, publishing and the judiciary. Mercury sits at the bottom of the chart set for Washington, DC so we can count on mixed messages, confusion and outright obfuscation coming from that quarter. The failure of the Super Committee to do what it was designed to do may actually be a blessing in disguise as actions taken under a Retrograde Mercury usually have to be revised and done over. Eclipses are powerful and their influence last longer than the usual New Moon to New Moon cycle. This Eclipse stresses an already stressed monetary system. The Euro is under pressure and the family of nations that comprise that union may be looking at divorce as some countries may opt out. Here in the United States the Federal Reserve and the money planets of the United States face tension and strain.  We can expect more confusion. Financial matters and the huge debt facing nations and municipalities continue to threaten as the power brokers struggle to maintain the status quo. In the upcoming months expect financial surprises and secret deals. When those secrets are revealed it will bring the downfall of a famous person. The Occupy movement will continue to focus the lens on the excessive corporate, big money influence on Congressional affairs. The politicians, pundits and power brokers are trying to figure out this movement so they can turn it to their advantage. They don’t get it. This movement resonates with lots of people and cuts a wide swath through society touching many people at many levels. Most importantly, they are committed. This movement is in its infancy and is not going away. From an astrological standpoint it is part of the great 126 year cycle of Uranus and Pluto.  In the early 1930’s they were in a closing square aspect moving to conjunction.  This was the depression era and the time of the Bonus Army, the WWI veterans who camped out in DC because they wanted the bonus that was promised to them.  From that 90 degree closing square Uranus and Pluto moved into conjunction, together in the sky in the mid-sixties, planting new seeds of social revolution. Now we are approaching the waxing square between these two, the first of which occurs on June 24, 2012.  From June of 2012 to March of 2015 they move back and forth forming a series of seven exact squares.  This period of time holds the flavor of the thirties and echoes of the sixties.  The slower moving planets stimulate broad social change. Uranus represents revolution and rebellion. Rules are made to be broken. Pluto brings about deep transformation and he is not above destroying an existing system to bring that transformation about.  For the near term, it will pay to check all facts and don’t take anything on face value. Do your research and always get a second, even a third opinion.  Amuse yourself by watching the Politicians dance a jig around the hard truths so they can maintain their relevance in a changing world.

Last Quarter Moon - Incorporate, Assimilate and Meditate.

Moon in Taurus keeps us grounded and cautious. We get emotional about our money, possessions and sense of security. Our “stuff” takes on greater importance. Venus ruled Taurus indicates a time to enjoy beautiful things of an earthly nature, sunrise, sunset and moonrise. Moon goes void of course on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 7:13 PM EDT and enters Gemini about an hour later at 8:19 PM EDT. Air sign Gemini moon lightens things up a bit; we are motivated by the intellect rather than the gut. It is easy to see both sides of the picture and because of this we often have difficulty making up our minds. There is a certain busyness, a talkativeness and restlessness about this moon. This moon is great for writers and communicators. The Last Quarter Moon occurs on Wednesday, September 1, 2010. Quarter moons are times of crisis and action. The waning phase is a time for introspection and assimilation. This current cycle began with the New Moon in Leo. The New Moon plants the seed, at the Full Moon that seed is in full blossom. Now as the moon wanes we incorporate what we have learned and prepare for the next phase to begin. Completion is the key word here. Finish what has been started rather than beginning something new. Wait until the New Moon on September 8, 2010 to initiate the new. The Gemini Moon goes void of course on Friday, September 3rd at 1:40 AM EDT until 2:50 AM EDT. At this time Moon slides into the welcoming arms of Cancer. This is where moon belongs, home base; the emotional nature of the moon flourishes here. We become a little more sensitive, tend to get weepy and sentimental and need to nurture or be nurtured. This is gut reaction time where the intellect takes a back seat. Beware of the over stocked Buffet line while moon travels through Cancer as food brings a great deal of comfort to the sensitive soul. On Friday, sun conjoins a retrograde Mercury, so be sure to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. On Saturday, Venus makes a lovely trine, an aspect of ease, to Neptune. This could be true love, soul mate time or bring the great deceiver into play. Be sure you are seeing things as they really are not how you want them to be. A concert, a visit to an art gallery or a meditation brings the positive qualities of this aspect to the fore. This is a great week to quietly adjust to any recent changes in your life and to prepare for the New Moon and upcoming planetary shifts in store for next week. Stay tuned.

Moon in Sagittarius – Capricorn and a TGIF You Won’t Forget

Things lighten up a little when moon moves into Sagittarius early Tuesday morning, August 17, 2010 at 1:34 AM EDT providing some relief from the intense Scorpio energy experienced over the last few days. Sagittarius moon brings the influence of Jupiter to the fore, ruler of Sagittarius. A warm, friendly attitude prevails. We see the big picture and may get a little restless as we need independence and freedom of movement. Interest in the spiritual peaks and we are curious about other’s viewpoints and philosophies. By Thursday, August 19, 2010 we will have had enough of this exuberant Sagittarius moon and will be ready for the shift into the Capricorn mode when moon steps into Saturn’s domain at 10:17 AM EDT. We get down to business under Capricorn moon being concerned with the material aspects of life and with a need for security. This need sparks our ambitions and prods us to “get ahead”. We sometimes become insensitive to the feelings of others as we work our way up the ladder. This is a good time to organize and work on the tasks at hand. Friday, August 20, 2010 the annual opposition between the sun and Neptune takes place. The energy of Neptune can be murky and difficult to pin down. The sun shining bright beams on this mysterious planet may reveal some secrets and expose deceit. There is much going on behind the scenes and the revelations may come as a shock. Before the day is through, Venus and Mars will get up close and personal and Mercury will begin its retrograde motion. On Saturday, the last of the Saturn/Pluto squares takes place and they both are in aspect to Jupiter and Uranus. This is the famous cardinal t-square that is stressing the horoscope of the United States, July 4, 1776, as well as the horoscope of the Federal Reserve. In the US chart, the money planets Jupiter and Venus are getting whacked and the t-square is dead on the Pluto/sun opposition in the chart of the Fed. The Mercury station retrograde point at 19 Virgo sits on the Mars of the New York Stock Exchange. On the world stage it is all about money and power. Those that have it don’t want to let it go. People are clamoring for change and are not getting it. On a personal level, you love him/her, you hate him/her, you can/can’t live without etc. etc. The job sucks, I need the job, I can’t get a job, I quit this job. All kinds of fun and games are going on and trying to figure out where you stand, where you want to go and what you want to be and who you want to be with is a full time job in and of itself. The retrograde Mercury period from August 20th to September 12th is an opportune time to reflect, review and meditate. This too shall pass.

Mercury Retrograde, FEMA and Rhode Island Politics

Mercury goes retrograde at 12:06 AM EDT on Sunday, April 18, 2010 and remains so until Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 6:27 PM EDT. Mercury is all about communication, information, transportation and commerce. In a Natal Horoscope, Mercury indicates how we think and communicate. It rules our siblings and our immediate neighborhood. Mercury Retrograde throws a spanner into the works of all things governed by Mercury. This is why it is advisable during Mercury Retrograde periods to check all your facts, reread documents, and be clear when communicating. If you’re traveling be sure to confirm all train, bus, plane schedules before setting out. Projects initiated under a Retrograde Mercury tend to develop in unexpected ways. It pays to be flexible now as disruption, delay and detours are the norm. Those born with a Mercury Retrograde generally do not suffer these pesky little problems as the prevalent energies are theirs, they own it and work with it. Lincoln Chafee, Elizabeth Dennigan and Jim Langevin all have Retrograde Mercury so we can expect to hear from them and that their message will be effective. For Dennigan and Langevin, who are competing for the same position this will serve to clarify their positions. It will give Elizabeth Dennigan a needed boost in her campaign giving her additional name recognition. For Chafee it may well provide him with an edge over his opponents. On another front, FEMA was created by Presidential order on April 1, 1979. For many, especially those in New Orleans, this would turn out to be the cruelest April Fool’s joke of all time. Here in Rhode Island as our citizens begin to recover from this historical flood, flood victims are quickly learning that FEMA is not the fairy godmother coming to wave her magic wand and fix it all. It should come as no surprise that FEMA was “born” with a Retrograde Mercury in water sign Pisces no less. Retrograde Mercury in Pisces is great for a musician, a poet or a meditating monk. This Mercury is intuitive, inspired and imaginative. Not the best Mercury for organization, practical matters and methodical thinking. Now as Mercury begins Retrograde motion the energies harmonize with FEMA’s energy so the road blocks to recovery for those suffering should be removed. The misinformation about what FEMA does and does not do will be cleared up. And for many, those much needed checks will start to arrive. It is still necessary for people to save all receipts, review all documents and ask pertinent questions in order to clarify. It pays now to be able to roll with the punches because disorder, interruption, and interference rule the day.

John J. Loughlin, Patrick Kennedy, Jon Brien, and the 2010 Election

Republican John J. Loughlin II, a Pisces, formally launched his campaign for Patrick Kennedy’s seat in Congress. According to the Providence Journal he did so Thursday morning, “outside the office park where his Lincoln grade school used to be.” What significance the location has is anyone’s guess. Loughlin is pro-life and thinks we should maintain the ridiculous “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. His announcement was made under a waning, void of course Moon. Presidential candidates Al Gore and John Kerry received their nominations while Moon was void of course, as did Thomas Dewey, Richard Nixon (1960), Goldwater and McGovern. Nixon was re-elected under a Moon void of course. Couple the void Moon with a waning Moon, which is a great time to make things disappear, things don’t look too bright for Mr. Loughlin. Not that someone is not going to give Cancer Patrick Kennedy a run for his money given the current anti-incumbent sentiment. There is talk of, Scorpio, Democratic State Representative Jon D. Brien of Woonsocket entering the ring. Primary day is an interesting day and where all the action will be. In the days leading up to the primary, Mercury is in retrograde motion, changing to direct on the Sunday before the primary election. We need to be aware that information and polls are not always accurate under retrograde Mercury. Mercury retrograde is master of the fake out. On the day of the primary, Pluto changes direction and Mars moves into his home sign of Scorpio. Patrick Kennedy experiences a Mars return, a two year or so cycle, around that time as well. He will be fighting and aggressive. Brien, if he chooses to run, has some favorable aspects on his side. He too will be experiencing a Mars return around that time. (Funny that, the opposing parties have the same Mars in Libra, and that Mars is jazzed up and ready to roll, combat time.) On primary day, Moon, the people, will be rolling over Brien’s Sagittarius Mercury, the vote. It could give him a bit of a bump up. So it should be interesting. I will be keeping my ear pinned to the ground to make note of any official announcements and for birth times of Loughlin and Brien.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury enters its retrograde period Saturday, December 26, 2009 and continues retrograde until Friday, January 15, 2010. It is best to avoid beginning new projects or signing important papers while Mercury is retrograde. Things have a way of turning out different than expected. Indecision and changes in plans rule the day. Expect disruption of communication, transportation and matters involving business and the exchange of goods. This period is good for research, revising, editing and completion of projects started before the retrograde period began. Geminis and Virgos often have a difficult time getting organized and making decisions. Things that get held up now or reach an impasse will move along once Mercury goes direct. It is best to remain flexible during these periods. Try and maintain the ability to adjust your schedule if need be. Check your appointment book to be sure you have the right time and place recorded. A quick phone call or email to confirm often saves the day.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury, closest planet to the Sun has an orbit of 87/88 days. In astrology, Mercury represents the intellect, ruling thought, language and communication. Trains, boats and planes fall under Mercury’s jurisdiction. Mercury bridges the gap between the subconscious and the conscious. He’s a busy little fellow and covers a lot of ground. About three times a year Mercury goes retrograde. It looks like it is going backwards, it isn’t really, it merely looks that way from here on Earth. When Mercury is retrograde expect delays, communication snafus, lost letters, lost keys, and computer crashes. Don’t begin projects or sign anything during a Mercury retrograde period. They don’t turn out the way expected and often there is information you don’t know about that surfaces after Mercury goes direct. It is a good time to revise and review, to tweak projects already begun. Old ideas, projects or plans have an uncanny ability to resurface and require attention while Mercury is retrograde. During retrograde periods check and recheck your facts. If you have a lunch date with a friend it is a good idea to call and confirm the time and date. The right church, wrong pew scenario belongs to Mercury retrograde. Shortly after midnight on Labor Day, Mercury stations, stops dead in his tracks, and makes ready to turn retrograde until September 29th when he stations again, getting ready to move forward. We can’t hide under the bed for three weeks; we have to go on with our lives. Forewarned is forearmed, be prepared for delays, disruptions and remain flexible for the inevitable change of plans.