Hurray! Mercury will turn direct

Mercury Direct


As always I am feeling the final hours of Mercury retrograde. How do I know we are in the final hours? Because every cell in my body is demanding for this thing be over!!! And when my molecular structure is feeling it, then that means we are in the final hours. And yes, we are. On Sunday early morning/Saturday late night, Mercury will finally stop and head direct again. Thank god.

Just to go over the details of this Mercury Retrograde—here are the important dates:

26 December 2008 - 6:42:49 EST - Mercury shadow began (21 cp 44'47")11 January - 11:43:38 EST - Mercury stations retrograde (7 aq 45'23")1 February - 02:10:21 EST - Mercury stations direct (21 cp 44'47")21 February - 02:48:58 EST - Mercury shadow ends (7 aq 45'24")

And if you are confused on what shadows and retrogrades mean please go here for more information.

As I indicated I find the Mercury retrogrades in air signs to be less emotional and less volatile than other retrogrades. But it does not mean it is not without its problems. I feel like miscommunication has been near and around me and I have had to make sure all my I’s were doted and T’s were crossed. I also found that my brain just was moving super slowly. Mind you, I had a virus and was punked-- physically speaking but even if I was not flat out in bed for several days I promise you I still felt my brain slow down prior to getting ill.

At the same time all of that has been going on I have found some pressure on my social circles. I feel like I had to step up a bit and make plans with friends as I had gotten sloppy prior to the retrograde and had not made strong enough effort to see people. Truly people I care about and feel a connection with had not seen me in awhile. They needed to see me show that I am still a friend. This is typical Mercury in Aquarius and the fact that it was retrograde was perfect for me to make good.

I mentioned on my New Moon report that I think it is vital for people to pay attention to the synchronicities. You know, you think of someone and then they call. Or you mention some odd ball thing to a friend and they say, “That’s funny you bring that up I was just thinking about that same subject.” I think it is critical to be aware of those moments that would be lumped as coincidental. They are not coincidences in my book.

And with Aquarius energy we have a world of genius and the best way to feel genius is to send your antenna high up in the ethers and see what kind of beeping your homing device locks onto.

Now technically Mercury has moved out of Aquarius and back into Capricorn but we still will have mercury turn direct and head back into genius Aquarius. And if you want the full benefit of the Aquarius Mercury you will need to access the Capricorn. Get practical about stuff. Find the concrete solution to any problem. Then once you get that going you can then fall into genius.

Curiously, I had been quiet for a day and didn’t do much but set up a couple of appointments with friends. Then while I was showering I had this thought out of nowhere come up. The thought basically said, “Hey, call Mr._____ and see if he will donate money to school.” A side note, if you live in the United States you know that our public schools are about to get thrashed by the economy. In my son’s school we learned that we will no longer have money for field trips and I need to put my body in overdrive to help the cause and I like to write to the community for help.

So, there I was in the shower not thinking about anything, basically clearing my brain when this thought popped into my head to call this Big Deal Money guy. So, I called his office and left word with his community outreach guy. Well, the guy called me back and I told him about our situation and he said, “Well, Coincidentally, Mr. ____ said to me last week that he wants to make a donation to a local cause and he even said, a school would be nice.” He continued, “Your timing could be auspicious.”

And I thought, “You bet.” I am waiting until Mercury goes direct to generate the letter but I do think that retrograde Mercury in Capricorn was helpful and will even be more helpful when it turns direct and moves into Aquarius ruler of humanitarian issues.


Carry on.

ORBS

I thought I would take the opportunity of Aquarius New Moon to put up something that is not about astrology but certainly falls under the catagory of unusual..which thus is Aquarius' parish.

I watched this DVD all about Orbs. Orbs are those white balls of light that often show up in photos. They are usually dismissed as dust or water or some other thing that causes the light. I actually went looking for Orb information after photos were taken in my son's school auditorium and orbs were showing up everywhere. Close ups. Wide shots. It didn't matter. And they were around a few specific children. Anyway, someone loaned this movie to me and if you watch it, you will hear a completely different answer than dust or water causes the orbs. It was fascinating and I suggest it for anyone who is interested or anyone who has seen them. It is possible to see them with the naked eye. here's some photos

Aquarius New Moon---Unique Solutions if you are willing

It almost killed me... (sick for four days) but I successfully put up the Aquarius New Moon Report. As always you can find the full report on Margaret Wendt's website here

It is a huge lunar cycle. With possibilities for good and for 'not so' good... cough, cough, if you know what I mean....here's a snippet of the report:

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

With this New Moon and Solar Eclipse we find, the Sun, the Moon, Jupiter and Neptune along with Chiron and the north node in Aquarius. Venus and Uranus are on top of each other in Pisces opposing Saturn in Virgo, which puts an additional spin on the hard work of compassion and help. Mercury and Mars are in industrious Capricorn along with the powerful mobster Pluto. Of the group in Aquarius, the Sun and Moon are holding hands with Jupiter and wherever Jupiter goes it expands and it can bring opportunities.

The last time Jupiter was in Aquarius was 1997 so you might want to recall any changes that took place then and if there is a recall this year. But more critical in my mind is the fact that the last time there was a Solar Eclipse conjunct Jupiter in Aquarius was January 1618.

Looking backwards, Jupiter provided some opportunity as a few months after
that 1618 solar eclipse Jews fleeing Europe’s inquisition settled their first
community in the New World (Brazil). Imagine how visionary it was for them
to do such a move. Thousands of miles by sea to this unusual new land. But also that year, sadly the expansion side of Jupiter was in effect when the awful slave trade expanded with the arrival of the first slaves to Jamestown. Why couldn’t there have been a visionary abolitionist in Jamestown? Or worse, perhaps there was someone who loathed slavery but was too scared to break status quo and say, “We are a free land no slaves here.” Imagine how that would have changed history. And six weeks after 1618 eclipse, excess zealotry another Jupiter by product ignited when Catholics
and Protestants began to war over whose church was better launching the Thirty
Year War. Again, where were the visionaries to say, “stop this madness?”

Clearly, we don’t have Solar Eclipses in Aquarius conjunct Jupiter often and given its history, I think we need to make sure we get on the right side of it. Can you find your unique voice? Can you break from evil status quos? Do you know how to stand up and suggest a different way?

GO HERE to read the rest

Astrological Notes on Obama's Speech

My beautiful friend and astrologer Carol Tonsing sent me a lovely email where she waxed quite eloquently on how President Obama's Inaugural speech seemed to be answering all the astrological challenges and perks we have in front of us. I asked her if I could post her thoughts here and she graciously agreed. I think you will all appreciate her musings. Thank you, Carol

"I was so struck with the notion of "Destiny" when I listened to the
Inauguration speech. I was overwhelmed with the notion that this guy is
someone really amazing and of other forces being at work. At first, I
had trepidation, because it is a Mercury retrograde, with all the problems that
entails. But the crystal clear weather and the masses of humanity gathered
showed a kind of blessing - I was wondering how he would handle the
Mercury Retrograde and he did it brilliantly. As an astrologer, I was
totally bowled over. He nailed the three biggest astrological trends
exactly, almost as if an astrologer helped him write the
speech!

First, Pluto in Capricorn: "A new era of duty and
responsibility" (the keywords of Capricorn) is likely to be the phrase
everyone remembers. The previous Pluto in Capricorn happened during
the Revolutionary War. He harked back to the old values, to George
Washington's speech during the hard times of the war, by the frozen
Potomac. The tone of his address in general, had all the Capricorn
notions of hard work and pragmatism, to lifting ourselves up by our
bootstraps.

Jupiter in Aquarius (and the sun) was also in his
speech when he referred to America's inclusiveness, reaching out to the
whole world, wanting to be partners with everyone and the epic crowds on
the Mall, the panorama shots of this humungous mass of humanity
(Aquarius). The other amazing thing is that with this mass of
humanity gathered, millions of spectators from everywhere, there was no
violence, no arrests. I kept fingers crossed when they got out of the car
and walked a few blocks. Everyone was so caught up in the magic of the
moment. Security notwithstanding, It could have been such a disaster, but
it turned the opposite way.

He referred constantly to how everyone
must work together. It was all "we" and very little "I" in the speech.
Amazing for a Leo.

Mercury retrograde: The
references to the past, to harking back to old values as we prepare for change
in the future. He managed this paradox beautifully. The
emphasis on "re" words -re-new, re-affirm. He managed to be both
conservative and liberal at the same time.

All, I can say is "Whew"
- how he accomplished this with only a minor glitch in the swearing in
moment was amazing.


Did you notice that
Obama is left-handed. Clinton was also left handed. So were
Al Gore, John McCain, Gerald Ford, Harry Truman, James
Garfield. Gee whatta factoid. They say right or left
handedness is determined in the womb.

I did see some
similarities in the oratory and delivery and comfort in front of the public
between Clinton and Obama. The same ability to speak to the crowd.
That's the Leo, though.

Now let's hope he / we can deliver! "

She also wanted to me to add this late bit of business.

"I would like to add another dose of destiny after reading this morning's
NY Times, which mentioned that Obama took the oath of office AGAIN yesterday
(the 22nd), because of the glitch by Roberts in the wording of "faithfully" when
he took the first oath. I don't have the exact time for the second
oath. BUT I believe the first oath was close to noon on Tuesday, when the
moon was still in Scorpio, void of course! It entered Sag about
12.31 EST. So yesterday's moon in Sag was much more favorable
to Obama and his plans. And an interesting Mercury retrograde note
as well.

Another factoid: Apparently Roberts is a grammarian
(Saturn in Virgo!) who dislikes split infinitives. So he may have
resisted the positioning of "faithfully" in the speech. Interesting op ed
in the NY Times on this. He may also have carried a subconscious
resentment toward Obama because Obama opposed his nomination.

And, of course, Caroline Kennedy, revoked her interest in the
Senate position on a Sag moon. With Teddy out of the picture, she
wouldn't have the clout. Don't have Teddy's chart handy -
wonder what Saturn/Uranus is doing to his Sun.

It'll be interesting
to see what this Monday's eclipse brings.

Onward,
Carol"

Aquarius Solar Eclipse--Stephanie Austin

Last week I discussed the upcoming Solar Eclipse which you can find here. I wanted to add something to the piece but I didn't want to add to it before I first spoke with Stephanie Austin.

Stephanie is a contributing astrologer to Mountain Astrologer Magazine (which I seem to be discussing a lot this week!) And on page 104 of the December/January issue you will find Stephanie's article discussing the Aquarius Solar Eclipse. I was especially taken by one of her points and I have gotten her permission to quote her. On talking about the Moon blocking the Sun, she reminds us that it is a time to rewrite or if you will, re-boot the energetic grid. And...

Old programs are erased; new archetypes become available and higher
dimensions more accessible. On January 25, 1990, there was a solar eclipse
at 6 degrees 35 Aquarius. What was happening for you then? What is calling
you now?

I found this especially profound. I encourage all of you to look back at the end of January 1990 and ponder what was going on with you. Especially, anyone who has got a planet that received an aspect from the eclipse.

If you want to read more of Stephanie's article, please go here and order the Dec/Jan issue.

More on Steve Jobs & Apple

Back on January 14, I mentioned HERE that I was curious if we could track a pattern with Steve Jobs and Apple during the current Mercury Retrograde. On January 5, Steve Jobs indicated that there were some complications with his thyroid and it had resulted in a big weight loss. Many speculated that there was more to it.

At that time Mercury was direct but then a week later on January 14 when Mercury had turned retrograde and was nearing the point it was when he sent out the memo on January 5, Jobs then indicated that he would be stepping aside for six months because his health had more complications.

I suggested that I thought we might hear more on Apple and Jobs when Mercury crossed between 4-8 degrees Aquarius again (which seems to be the sore spot for Apple). I said that we should keep our eyes out between January 19-21. Well, today (January 21 )it is reported regulators are checking to see if there was a deliberate misleading of Job's health. For most of us we would think, "Hey, it is personal, why does he need to tell anyone about his health?" Sure, for all of us who are NOT CEOs it is not anyone's business but when you are in charge of the company and health issues are are not revealed, then there is a case for fraud.

Jan. 21 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. regulators are examining Apple Inc.’s disclosures about Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs’s health problems to ensure investors weren’t misled, a person familiar with the matter said.
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s review doesn’t mean investigators have seen evidence of wrongdoing, the person said, declining to be identified because the inquiry isn’t public. Bloomberg News reported last week that Jobs is considering a liver transplant as a result of complications after treatment for cancer, according to people who are monitoring his illness.

The next window of dates to watch for more Apple news at least on this topic will come up again after Mercury goes direct and hits those 4-8 degrees of Aquarius between Feb 19 - 21.

Bill Herbst on Obama & 2010's

As previously noted the latest issue of Mountain Astrologer has a provocative interview with Bill Herbst. When I read his article I almost fell over, his candor takes no hostages. I said to my husband, "I don't think I have read any article by any astrologer about the current period (2008-2015) written as unguardedly. For many of us astrologers we think the next six to seven years are going to be bumpy given the cardinal climax and other tough aspects, but I have to say Bill Herbst's take is very pointed. Ouch! I am not saying he is wrong by the way just when you see it in writing you want to reach for the oxygen mask.

Anyway, the interview inspired me to go to Herbst's website where he has a few discussion about Barack Obama's chart and given the climax that we are building towards makes Obama the most important man in the THE most important astrological aspects for the century.
Please give it a read. There is a lot there to ponder.

Mountain Astrologer on the newstand!

It is here!

Excuse me for my hyperbole but whenever Mountain Astrologer arrives in my house, I must use the ! It is just that welcomed by me.

The articles I really enjoyed were the interview with Bill Herbst (and you will see another posting about that to follow) and all three articles on the North/South nodes or Dragon's head and tail. The triumvirate included Brian Clark's take which focused a lot on the mythic element of the Dragon. Lord of the Ring fans will particularly enjoy his interpretation. In Kathy Allen's article "Re-visioning the Lunar Nodes" she uses empirical data along with observations around something she calls 'bending' points which I found very insightful. And then finally, Linda Johnsen's "Shadow Planets the Lunar Nodes in Vedic Astrology" points out the rich Hindu tradition of Rahu and Ketu and their powerful influences.

Finally, Paul Wright's piece on Neptune and the Economic Turmoil is richly detailed and sure, it makes us all wonder where our money will be by the end of the year!

There's that ! again.

If you can't pick up Mountain Astrologer in your local bookstores then you can order it HERE.

Saturn Oppose Uranus: Of Miracles and their Opposites

It has been 24 hours since US Air Ways Flight 1549 landed on the Hudson River and all 155 passengers and crew survived. During the time that has passed we have learned a lot about geese and other birds who fly into engines (Who had any idea it happened that regularly?) about a pilot who turned out to be the right man at the right time (40 years experience) and that once again, Manhattan can rally like the best of them in times of trouble (Did you see those ferries!) If you would like to see the chart for the accident go to Node-o-rama where Molly has posted it.


I put a little comment on Molly's thread that I thought it was curious that BofA who had been in the news all week regarding an additional bail out (they said they needed) is headquartered in Charlotte, where the flight was destined. Since my post on Nodeorama I have learned that there were 22 BofA executives on the flight. Imagine that moment for them! I don't know about you, but if I were them, I would walk into my office on monday and resign since I would consider, "Life's too short."

Anyway, one thing that strikes me about the accident chart is that Pisces is on the MC and right there at the MC is Uranus in Pisces. Uranus is the planet of the Unusual at the highest point in the chart. Of course, Uranus is right now in opposition to Saturn. And in the case of this chart, it is in the 4th house, the house of family and home. I can not put my finger on this exactly and bear with me but I am struck by something in general. This was a miracle. And miracles are the property of Pisces. An unusual miracle would clearly be Uranus in Pisces. I know everyone must think, "Hey aren't all miracles unusual?" I don't think so. I think there are health miracles every day. Someone wakes up from a coma, someone's deadly disease is no longer an issue, someone is cured of something. Don't we all know or have heard those stories, even people in our own life? Or someone walks away from an amazing car crash or some other dramatic situation. But how often do we hear a plane landed safely on a body of water and everyone lived? This is not your garden variety miracle.

And this is why I am writing about it. Because I have a feeling that we will see a lot of miracles between now and the time Uranus in Pisces and Saturn in Virgo are done with their oppositions (April 2010). And I do not think it is accident, I think we are being asked to look for miracles. If for no other reason to give us hope and something more. In addition, at the same time we will have miracles we will also have other stories. And maybe there is also something in those stories for us to ponder...

For example, Jett Travolta. I was tempted to put up a photo of Jett Travolta because I think his death was a tragic sad loss. The opposite of a miracle. I don't want to put up his photo because it is so sad to me and I just can't. The mother in me won't do it. It is every mom's worst fear--to lose a child. But at the same time do we learn something from both Jett and Flight #1549?

I don't know about you but both stories make me want to hug my loved ones a little more.

I think we are being asked during this Uranus/Saturn cycle questions like the following: Do we value the time (saturn in Virgo) we spend with those who we love a bit more? Or even if we don't love the people we are with can we be with them in a new way that does not get all over us? Sure someone is a total dick, who cares? Don't care about it. Care about the things that are important. Saturn in Virgo is asking us to look at our daily life and says, "How are you spending your days?" And if we seem to forget, I believe we will have these moments to get our attention.

An affirmation you may want to write during this period is:
"I am happy and grateful that I spend my days in the manner and ways that best serves, my family, my world and me."

See what it does for you.

Steve Jobs Reversal

Today, Steve Jobs sent an email to the employees of Apple telling them that he would be stepping down due to complications in his health and he named his replacement who would take over (at least) until June. For some time now people have speculated that his health is in more trouble than reported. Perhaps. What I find interesting is that his first email was sent on January 5. On that date he indicated that had a thyroid condition and that was why he lost weight. Basically, "there is nothing going on here, keep it moving." On that date, Mercury was direct at 4 degrees of Aquarius. Then over the weekend Mercury turned retrograde at 8 degrees (7 and change). It crossed back to 4 degrees of Aquarius on Sunday. Perhaps on monday Mr. Jobs received more information about his condition because here we are now with Mercury at 6 degrees Aquarius with this new information.

I am not sure what is going on with his health but I would guess there could be more important news regarding either his health or Apple when Mercury hits 4 degrees Aquarius around Jan 19 and around the next time Mercury crosses that 4-8 degree Aquarius which will be Feb 19-22nd.

For more discussion about his astrological chart pick up the March 2007 issue of Mountain Astrologer and also Lynn Hayes has put up a nice piece.
Good health, Steve!

Solar Eclipse

The Eclipses of 2009


Coming up on January 25 at 11:56pm PT, is the New Moon in Aquarius. And this New Moon is also the first Solar Eclipse of 2009. And in case anyone is counting there will be two solar new moons and four lunar eclipses this year. Wow. Normally we have four but not this year. Gee, why would there be anything remotely close to normal this year?

Just to remind everyone, all solar eclipses are new moons but not all new moons are solar eclipses. Say that twice.

Of course, with anything having to do with Aquarius, and an eclipse is no exception, we are always asking ourselves, “Who is this group that I belong?” “Are we like minded?” “What is friendship?” “We don’t have to have the same opinions about everything, but we better have a common ground about something.”

As you can see that is significant in our personal life. But also, this eclipse is going to put an electrical charge in our group consciousness as whole. All of us will be ‘getting’ something from the ethers. Or perhaps we will be feeling a mental static electricity. I predict sleep patterns to be disrupted during that week.

The fact that Jupiter (and as always north node) is a part of this Solar Eclipse (conjunction) suggests there will be some expansive perhaps far reaching lessons. Who is putting themselves out there for the group? And why is it one guy? Shouldn’t it be more of us? Because in a solar eclipse, the moon is blocking the Sun this eclipse puts the focus on how we let our emotions get in the way of stepping up and reaching for our Ideals. Maybe emotionally we have not wanted to connect to a group or an Ideal and now we will see how that perhaps holds us back in profound ways.

The actual eclipse is only a few minutes long. But the energy of the eclipse colors the whole lunar phase and certainly the waxing period (up to the Full Moon), just in time for the Lunar Eclipse on Feb 9th. What there are two of them? Yep, where there is a Solar there is a lunar.

The eclipses this year are the following:

January 26-Solar
6 Aquarius 30

Feb 9 - Lunar
20 Leo 52

July 7 -Lunar
15 Capricorn 32

July 21 - Solar
29 Cancer 26

August 5 - Lunar
13 Aquarius 35

Dec 31
10 Cancer 20

These eclipses will focus on groups, community and ideals, Strength and courage, responsibilities and infrastructure, family, emotions and feelings, and another round of community and ideals and the last one will bring up family and emotions, feelings again.

I would say that 2009 is all about love of community and building together to create a new family or sense of family.

One thing I find remarkable is that Barack Obama will be have been president for less than a week when the first eclipse of 2009 takes place and the fact that it is in Aquarius is very interesting. Aquarius is a ground breaker and Obama has certainly done that but I was listening to a channeling session by Kryon , (which might not be everyone's cup of tea) and he said something I had never thought before, that Barack Obama is the first Indigo to become president. I know most of us think of Indigos as being younger than Barack but I think there are some that come through ahead of the wave and certainly he could be Indigo. Of course, I thought –“How perfect for the Aquarius Solar Eclipse.”

Cancer Full Moon

FULL MOON—

January 10, 2009
7:27pm PST

21 degrees 02 Cancer Moon

We have been talking since last fall about the tension between Uranus and Saturn. As you remember back on November 4th, (remember that date?) Saturn and Uranus moved into an exact opposition with one another. And even though they are not exact right now, they are close enough to bug. Meaning we are still under their influences.

The next time the two of them are exact is on Feb 5, which means we are building to that point ---and I am sure you are feeling the tension as much as I am! When you talk to people don’t you get this overwhelming feeling that people are between a rock and a hard place?

People want to make changes (Uranus) but they are stuck (Saturn). I hear people who would love to sell their houses but they can’t because they know they will take a loss. Or they can’t move to get their kids in a better school district because it is too far from their work. Or they have a great house and a good interest rate but they think they might lose their jobs.

It is like we are all frozen. No one knows where to go or how to even get ‘going’. Back on the New Moon I indicated that this is the lunar phase (Cap) to get our plans together. To start pondering what new structures can be built to get where we need to go.

We might not know the answer but this is the phase to start mulling it over. Of course this seems like a dichotomy when Cap Lunar phase is the moon to think about where you want to go but Saturn oppose Uranus are holding you back. It is so frustrating. I know, I’m with you on that one.

But interesting we are getting a bit of a perk from this FULL MOON which could be a bit helpful.

I will be the first to tell you full moons are a pain in the ass since our emotions are usually riding high. And this being a Cancer full moon, expect the emotions to flow even harder since it is a water sign. I know I am already feeling it. (Note to self: Never have a friend tell stories about Animal Rescues during Cancer Full moon.) But even if your emotions are a bit raw or sensitive the rub that you feel might have gift in it. Not unlike a pearl in a oyster.

I say this because on this FULL MOON, the Moon in Cancer is making a beautiful sextile to Saturn in Virgo. And The Sun in Capricorn is making a beautiful sextile to Uranus in Pisces. While at the same time the Moon in Cancer is trining Uranus in Pisces and the Sun is Trining Saturn in Virgo. These are fantastic aspects.

Basically, Saturn and Uranus who have been in court fighting like dogs have just now, (during the FULL MOON) gotten two new lawyers to broker a deal. The Sun and the Moon are communicating with them saying, “Okay what do you need?” “Will you accept___?” or, “Have you considered this perspective?”

It is very curious that this Full Moon is helping them out before they go into court again on Feb 5.

Now when you add the fact that tomorrow Mercury goes retrograde it makes me think a lot of us are going to be looking backwards a bit and re-evaluating some things that might have come up, perhaps things that came up since Nov 4 when Uranus/Saturn faced off.

Maybe there is another way to look at our situation that makes it seem less like a rock or a hard place. Or maybe it is even more Rock and Hard place but during the full moon our creative juices (Uranus) are up high (Moon) and practical solutions (Saturn) are starting to seem like a possibility (Sun). I am not suggesting our problems are over, gosh, no, they are NOT! But there might be some softening occur for the next three days that warms us up with possibilities.

See if you feel better about someone or something. Or don’t be surprised if you start to question some of your moves and opinions. Maybe there is a little something out there that inspires you in new ways and like I said softens you....

It is worth noting that this is the first SuperMoon of 2009. You can read more about them HERE and the Sabian symbol are:

“A woman awaiting a sailboat” & “A general accepting defeat gracefully”


I don’t about you but I need a lovely moon. Thank you, Spirit!

Mercury Retrograde 2009

This weekend we will be experiencing the first Mercury Retrograde for 2009 and it seemed to me a perfect time to refresh ourselves with what it all means.

Going backwards, sort of…

Retrograde means, “going backwards”. In astrology all planets retrograde except for the Sun and the Moon (which technically aren’t planets --but we’ll save that topic for another day) Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, etc, they all appear to move backwards. But usually it is Mercury that captures most of our attention. We use the word “appear” because if we could fly through space and land on Mercury or any of the other planets we would see that they don’t technically turn around and go backwards they only appear to go backwards because of Earth’s rotation. However, this appearance is very real, astrologically speaking, and retrogrades can cause some sort of shift, occasional chaos and sure, a bit of mayhem.

Why do we care about Mercury?

Actually, we care about all retrograding planets. But there is a special zest with Mercury due to the fact that it is the fastest moving planet and when it goes backwards its own quickness adds to the mayhem.
In contrast, when the slower moving planets retrograde they have more time to unwind and although they can cause some shifts and maybe a tinge of mayhem, they just aren’t as messy.

It is the difference one might experience on a super brisk day where wind knocks down wires and trees versus a day when a big tornado hits. Velocity is important and Mercury’s own speed adds to the chaos. Additionally, Mercury is the planet of communication. It is the planet that rules how we talk, how we think, how we write, how we give information and how we receive it. It is also the planet of small journeys. Pretty important stuff , right? So, if the planet that rules communication and thinking is going backwards, you can imagine why things can go haywire quickly.

How often are there Mercury Retrogrades?

Usually there are three or four retrogrades a year and their influence is for several weeks each.

What happens during the retrograde?

Traditionally this is a time when letters get lost, computers crash, cars break down, the need for big household purchases can occur, although it would be nice if you can delay it until after the retrograde. It is when an off-handed comment to a friend or family member causes a big ol’ uproar totally confusing everyone. A little comment like, “Are you going to eat that cookie?” could cause World War Three during a retrograde. People’s sensitive sides are on steroids during a retrograde and even the simplest of comments sting to the heart. Remember Mercury rules thinking and people just get weird during Mercury retrogrades.

Specifically, the tone of the retrograde will be determined by the sign that Mercury is in. For example, Mercury retrograde in Aries with its fiery nature and short fuse is completely different than a Mercury Retrograde in a stubborn and fixed sign like Taurus. While the Mercury retrograde in Aries means lots of fights and slammed doors or phones, a Mercury retrograde in Taurus can feel like a constant money blood letting with one items after another breaking down.

Advice during a retrograde?

Listen, you are going to piss someone off during a retrograde, or you are going to get pissed off during a retrograde, there usually is no escaping it. But what you can do is learn something during the retrograde. How did you piss off the person? Or why did you get ticked off? Did you say something you have wanted to say for awhile but now you had the guts? Or did someone finally have enough of you? Okay, all is fair in love and war and retrogrades. But perhaps next time you won’t wait so long to make the changes that you should have made a lot earlier. Or maybe you can also manage your tongue and learn a thing or two about finesse. Shakespeare may have said the world is a stage and we are just mere players…but for goodness sake, “It’s in the delivery!” And also, what about those things that break during a mercury retrograde. The car that breaks down has usually been in need of a repair for a long time. Now, during a retrograde the buck stops and you have to do the fix. This is also great time to retire old ideas that no longer work or serve. It is a great time to call old friends whom you have not spoken to in years. Finally deal with some of the paperwork that has been in need of your attention. Sometimes you have to sign important papers during a retrograde but if it comes back to need more work after the retrograde you can just blame silly Mercury. Stuff happens.


How long is the influence of the retrograde?

The best way to understand the influence is by setting up a visual.
Imagine Mercury is a car and this car is leaving Seattle and heading for NYC. So, the car leaves Seattle and heads East… this is called MERCURY DIRECT. The car continues on its trip and it goes by Chicago continues on the road but as it gets close to Indianapolis it starts to slow down…and just as it hits Indianapolis it stops and turns around. The Slow down is called MERCURY STATION and the Turn around of course is called MERCURY RETROGRADE. Now the retrograde car is heading west again and heading back to Chicago. When it finally gets back to Chicago it slows down and turns around and now heads east again returning back on its journey to NYC this is MERCURY DIRECT. The car will continue on its journey and this time when it goes by Indianapolis it doesn’t stop it just continues on its merry way to NYC.

What is significant is that the road between Chicago and Indianapolis will be seen once, then twice (going backwards) and then a third time (when it goes direct again). This road between Chicago and Indianapolis is the SHADOW PERIOD. This means the very first time we see Chicago we are put on alert that there is a Retrograde ahead and so be prepared we may see this landscape again.

To continue the analogy.. On December 26th we drove by Chicago. We will be turning retrograde on Jan 11th (reaching Indianapolis) and then going all the way back to Chicago until Feb 1st where it will turn around and head again for Indianapolis and finally passing it on Feb 20th.
As you can see from shadow point (Dec 26h) to shadow point (Feb 20) is about 2 months. That doesn’t mean it will be all rocky during that time. No, not at all. The rockiest times will probably be during the actual retrograde (Jan 11 – Feb 1) but we will most likely revisit topics that come up in the time between the two month shadow dates.


In 2009 there are 4 Retrogrades.

Jan 11 Aquarius
May 6 Gemini
Sept 5 Libra
Dec 26 Capricorn

As you can see the first three retrogrades are in the air signs. Which means that these retrogrades are going to challenge our thoughts and how we think. We will be processing those thoughts that either work for us or jettison those ideas and thoughts that no longer serve. Because the first retrograde is in Aquarius---the area where our thinking will be acutely challenged is around groups of people. Many will be looking at the group of people that they hang out with and will be asking, “Do I still belong with this group?” Do they match where we are heading? Many of us will also want to shake up our world a bit since Aquarius likes to do things unusual and relishes things that are unique. There is a bit of risk taking so we might stretch ourselves in ways but that could come back and kick us in the butt. However, the center of attention should not be on the result but more on the stretch. Ask yourself if your need to stretch comes from your need for ‘air’. As we progress down the year we will discuss each air sign and its greater meaning during the Mercury Retrograde.

Note to self: Timing is Everything. No really, "Everything!"

I know that you can't draw a huge astrological connection here...but when I read this article I thought how perfectly PLUTO SAG VS PLUTO CAP. Evidently on November 1, Donald Peters walked into his local convenience store and prebought several lottery tickets for drawings that would take place during the next month. Included in his purchases were tickets for the Dec 2nd lottery.

After he made his purchase, placed his tickets in his pocket, returned home and tackled some yard work---he promptly died of a fatal heart attack.

Man dies of heart attack, as sad as that event is for a family it is not exactly news. However, in Peters' case the news is that his prebought ticket for the December 2nd lottery was a winning ticket. A big winner---10 million dollars!

His family is now completely taken care of for the rest of their lives. Truly a gift of security from the other side. But what struck me about this story is that when he purchased the ticket Pluto was still in optimistic and boyant Sag but when the lottery actually took place, Pluto had moved into cold, conservative and scrooge-like Capricorn. Of course one should not scoff at security and SECURITY is a big Capricorn word so, in that case, Peters ticket is a huge blessing. But even his own son said that if his father could have said something about having the winner after he died it would be ---"figures"... My guess Peters probably has a Saturn conjunct something in his chart!

Go here for more of the story:

Earth Signs---Are you feeling the energy yet?

Back in the first week of November I posted HERE that in the next couple of months, Taurus and Virgo should start to feel a positive wave of energy come their way. In particular those who are born the first few days of the signs. Of course, when I wrote that piece we were still in the heady Post Election days and many of us were gearing up for the holidays and I would guess a lot of Virgos/Taurus sun signs didn't even have time to consider Pluto's opportunities in Cap. Anyway, I thought now at the beginning of the year it would be nice to give those Virgos and Taurus a chance to get their head around what is coming and perhaps since Pluto has already made it to 1 degree of Cap they have started to feel and even see some new positive results. Of course, Pluto can clear out stuff before the good arrives so there might be what appears to be a tiny stumble, but hang in there. As my friend used to say---"there has got to be a pony under all that shit." She had Sag rising so you know she had a mouth on her. But the point is that there is good going on. You just have to be a bit patient and it will show up.

Remember the waxing moon!

I don't know about the rest of you but I have been caught in a "Time Rip Tide" where I keep feeling like I'm caught in a current and I can't get out.

For the last two weeks I have been sucker punched by the holidays. I think it has something to do with the fact that Christmas Eve was on a Wednesday and Christmas was on a Thursday followed by New Years' Eve on a Wednesday and New Year Day on a Thursday--this broke up the weeks right in the middle giving (me, at least) the impression that I had a weekend in the middle of the week!

I feel like I have had 4 weekends in a 2 week period and it has made my ryhthm cuckoo.

If this is a similar case for you, I think I need to bring to your attention that we are still in the Waxing phase of the moon. In fact, as of today (Sunday 1/4) we are just beginning First Quarter Moon. This means we are in a time of action. Any seeds we planted back on the New Moon, which was between Dec 27 and Dec 31, may need some support now. Of course, if you are like me and have had this whirl wind of 'weekends' you probably don't even remember what you did back then. Well, take a moment right now and think about it. I know my husband and I did some major purchases of items that we needed (desperately) between the 27 and 31st. Including a new mattress. Which I thought was so perfectly Capricorn because when we bought the mattress the guy who sold it to us said, "It has a 25 year guarentee" and I joked to my husband--- 'gee, I might die on this mattress.'

I certainly I hope I live longer than that but my psyche noted the time and length and I think it was so perfectly Capricorn to think about something that would be in my life that long. Remember, Cap is all about investments. Even beds.

Anyway, go back to your actions on New Moon and if you need to flesh it out further do it now. Or if you feel you did not make the kind of moves that you wanted to do then, do it between now and the full moon (1/10). I really want to help you guys with your rhythm especially since this upcoming weekend will have a Mercury retrograde and if you are out of wack now, imagine what you will be during the retrograde!

Find your inner compass and plant some good old seeds. If you are stuck, go back to my Cap New Moon Article for inspiration. I love Capricorn for many reasons, but in particular I like to conserve my energy and plan ahead.

Gold, Anyone?--Perhaps now is the time?

As many of you know, I am a big fan of Ray Merriman. Back in October I mentioned that I really appreciated his take on Pluto. Which surprise, surprise is all about the economy..cough, no kidding..cough. Anyway, last week I was watching CNBC as I often am, early in the morning and I was scratching my head as the market climbed and gold did not go down. This caught my eye because I have been watching gold all year and the pattern has been---the market drops and gold goes up.
The market goes up and gold goes down--When one goes up the other goes down. Of course, I know that is the rule (if there are rules on Wall Street anymore). But in my gut I have suspected that there will come a time when Gold will make its move up and it will not be tied to the market or the US Dollar. And it would have to do with Pluto's move through Cap. Let's face it, Pluto in Cap is about the "ring of a real nickle." And while a dollar is tied to all kinds of goofy things, oil up or down, real estate goes bezerk, a man named Madoff MakesOff with dough.. shoot, the wind blows 35 miles an hour ----it influences the dollar. But Gold..that is different because Gold is valuable on every continent. Gold has merit on its own. Gold is old. For heavenake, Gold is in the bible! Look at those words "Valueable" "Merit" "Old"...those are the words of Capricorn. So, if anything has a real ring, it is gold. And in my mind, that would make Capricorn sing. So I am venturing that Gold has begun to separate from the dollar and is beginning its long climb up. Even Merriman had a moment on it in this week's predictions:

As T-Notes declined (and interest rates began to rise), the Dollar predictably became stronger against other currencies. The Euro currency, for instance, has fallen from a high of 1.4719 exactly on December 18, to 1.3837 as of Friday. Strangely enough though (not really), Gold prices did not come down as the Dollar strengthened. Gold has made a new monthly high of 892 on December 29, up over $200 since its 680 low of late October. On Friday, Gold was still testing the 890 level, near its highest point of December 29.

You can read his whole take here. Anyway, I am not a financial advisor and I could not even play one on TV, but I think many might want to take a moment to consider diversifying and folding in Gold. If I was a betting person, I would guess it will be quite high in 2009.