Venus Enters Pisces for a Wave of Empathy and Full Moon in Leo

It's all about the heart, folks. Venus entered the sign of Pisces, the sign of compassion, on January 27th, where it will reside until it enters the sign of Aries on February 20th. So we should be able to have a very loving Valentine's Day! And we have a full moon in 14 degrees of Leo, which rules the heart, on February 3rd.

On January 27th I tweeted:

"Venus enters Pisces today, the sign of its exaltation. Expect a lot more empathy in relationships but don't be too gullible."

Venus is reputed to be exalted in Pisces because it is more understanding, compassionate, capable of unconditional love and forgiving. It also fosters creativity, inspiration and allows us to get carried away with imagination. Venus in Pisces is a time of increased sensitivity to others and enhanced artistic sensibility. But the flip side of Venus in Pisces is that our idealism can be stronger than realism, our boundaries can get blurred, evasiveness can be prevalent, we need to be careful with decisions about finances (especially during a Mercury retrograde), and we can find it all too easy to assume the mantle of the Pisces stereotypical victim.

As a fellow water sign of Scorpio, I love having Venus in Pisces. It is kinder, softer and less intense than my own natal Venus in Scorpio. But then Venus in Scorpio is considered to be in detriment and Venus in Pisces is exalted. Viva la difference! And the fact that Pisces is the mutable water sign makes it so much easier to go with the flow.

But there are some bumps along the way while Venus is in Pisces. On January 30th Venus squares Saturn in Sagittarius, so we may face a harsh reality check in the form of challenges to our way of approaching relationships and financial concerns. On February 1st, Venus conjuncts Neptune in Pisces. Reality may conflict big-time with our ideals. We desire peace yet must engage in some kind of change in order to achieve it. We may need to release some of our frustration if we are not receiving the unconditional love we desire. And a week later, on February 8th, Venus conjuncts Chiron in Pisces. This aspect can force us to confront our deepest wounds and feelings of victimhood. We need to guard against throwing a pity party on that day. Personally, I am a little concerned about that one because it squares my natal moon. But I am finally coming to the end of a long transit of Chiron squaring my moon, so I think that I will see light at the end of the tunnel.

Interestingly enough, my progressed moon entered the sign of Virgo on January 26th, the day before Venus entered Pisces. So transiting Venus in Pisces has been opposing my progressed moon this past week. How has this been playing out for me? I have felt more emotionally sensitive and I hope it will enhance my healing abilities, especially with my progressed moon in Virgo. The progressed moon stays in a sign for 2 1/2 years, so I will need to focus on health and be even more detail-oriented than I normally am. And being of service to others is also a big part of the progressed moon in Virgo.

The full moon happens on February 3rd in 14 degrees of Leo at 6:09 p.m.  It opposes retrograde Mercury in Aquarius, so there could be a lot of incessant talking and preoccupation with the past that can obscure objectivity. The theme of this full moon is freedom of self-expression (Moon in Leo) as a path of service to benefit others (Sun in Aquarius). Uranus in Aries is also a key player in this full moon because it trines the moon and Jupiter in Leo. Uranus represents what is original and meaningful for us and its trine to both the full moon and Jupiter in Leo is an ideal time to promote yourself and your ideas in a new way.

Personally, this full moon squares my Saturn in Scorpio, so I will probably need to guard against feelings of depression and being too critical. And it also opposes my Mars in Aquarius which is conjunct retrograde Mercury, so I might be roaring like the proverbial Leo lion if anyone crosses me. Communications should be interesting, to say the least, for me on this full moon.

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance. I have also added a one question astrology reading to my list of services for $40 that is an even more intuitive approach based on your natal and progressed charts with transits to both.

Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Aquarius and Pisces Work in Tandem to Facilitate Healing and Letting Go

If any of you have felt caught in the crossfire of the Aquarius New Moon this past week on January 20^th and a deluge of watery, emotional Piscean energy, you were not alone or imagining it.  That is because we have Mars in Pisces, in addition to Neptune and Chiron in Pisces.  On January 19^th I tweeted:

“Mars conjunct Neptune in Pisces today can help us align our ideals with our actions if we apply ourselves.”

Mars is generally not acknowledged as being very strong in the sign of Pisces, but I beg to differ with that theory.  OK, Mars is definitely pretty macho in Aries and Scorpio, but Mars in Pisces is a different kind of warrior because it represents spiritual strength. And it is very creative energy.  The New Moon in Aquarius is all about idealism, innovation, new beginnings, taking risks and making changes so that we can have a fresh start.  In order to have that new beginning, we need to let go of the past and heal.  This is where all of that Pisces energy comes in pretty handy.  Pisces is no slouch in the healing department.

Michael Lutin wrote about Mars, Neptune and Chiron in Pisces being able to initiate major healing by opening old wounds to cleanse them or exacerbating an already inflamed situation in his next week in review section of his site this week.

“Mars Nep Chi can be your personal effort to heal an old wound. It also describes opening
an old sore or even exacerbating an already inflamed situation. One thing is certain:
If a cut as been festering, it must be opened and cleansed. It's sometimes easier
to keep repeating a mistake in an effort to achieve a different result,

Which of course is not only crazy, but leads only to greater frustration and anger. So you can see how there would be a creepy repeat offender aspect to the approach of Mars to Chiron.”

Check it out and your own sign’s weekly forecast at:

http://www.michaellutin.com/nextweekreview.html

The bottom line is that we cannot keep doing the same old thing and expect a different outcome; that literally is the definition of insanity.  The universe is actually providing us with two opportunities to learn this lesson by giving us two Aquarian new moons this year.  They are like bookends.  The first one was on January 20^th at 0 degrees of Aquarius and the second one will occur on February 18^th at 29 degrees of Aquarius.  It occurs three minutes before the sun enters the sign of Pisces.  We are getting two chances to let go of negative influences in our mind and connect with others of a like mind.  Don’t blow it!

I have been experiencing transiting Chiron in Pisces squaring my natal moon in Gemini for some time now and am eagerly anticipating its departure in early February.  Being forced to confront old wounds, even if they manifest in a slightly different shape, has finally taught me that I need to change my emotional approach.  I am slowly learning to be more proactive and less reactive to situations that I have no control over.  By no means am I falling into the Piscean martyr trap that was my comfort zone for so many years.  I am calmly stating my truth and finding that people respond with more respect and kindness than I have encountered in the past.  And this is happening while Mercury is retrograde, to boot!  I guess that the letters RE in retrograde are there for a reason!

My dreams have also been a vehicle of healing for me.  They have been dredging up my worst fears, anxieties and enemies from my past.  On January 21^st, I tweeted:

“Between New Moon and Mercury retro my dreams last night were out of this world.  Talk about a blast from the past!”

The first new moon in Aquarius occurred in my 4^th house, so it is not exactly an earth-shattering surprise that I am dealing with old emotional wounds right now.  But I prefer to think that dealing with the emotional pain from this first new moon in Aquarius will free me up to experience the creativity that will occur with the second new moon in Aquarius in my 5^th house in February. 

There was more Pisces energy this week when the moon entered Pisces on January 22^nd.  I posted these two tweets on that day:

“Moon enters sensitive watery Pisces today and conjuncts Neptune so we can expect kindness, empathy and strong psychic vibes.”

“Feelings of vulnerability are possible today as the moon conjuncts Mars in Pisces and moodiness prevails.  Watch those tempers!”

I was also fortunate to be able to make use of that Moon in Pisces energy on the 22^nd by giving some Reiki treatments.  I think it is a perfect way to make use of that Pisces powerhouse of Mars, Chiron, Neptune and the Moon.  Pisces is powerful emotional, creative healing energy and don’t let anyone try to dissuade you from believing otherwise. The Pisces powerhouse is giving that Aquarius Sun, Mercury and Venus a boost.  But don’t forget that Venus enters Pisces on January 27^th, and Venus is exalted in the sign of Pisces.    So compassion, healing and breakthroughs are entirely possible.  Don’t be afraid of letting go of whatever is not working emotionally for you.

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance. I have also added a one question astrology reading to my list of services for $40 that is an even more intuitive approach based on your natal and progressed charts with transits to both.

Check out my services page on this site at:

 

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

  

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Shifting Gears into the Sign of Aquarius and Getting Unstuck in Spite of Mercury Retrograde

Brace yourself, folks. The Sun is about to move into the sign of Aquarius on January 20th and we have a New Moon to boot on that day. The holidays are officially over and we are dealing with the winter doldrums, a general feeling of a letdown and being stuck. It's been pretty cold on the east coast, but I have no doubt that the sun and moon hooking up in Aquarius will provide some impetus to get us moving and unstuck. I am personally thrilled that this new moon is actually playing nice with Saturn. Saturn in Sagittarius is sextiling both the sun and moon, so it supports our ambitions. A new moon in Aquarius is about new beginnings and Saturn supporting it adds strength and endurance. Do your research for new projects and you will be rewarded.  Aquarius is literally a breath of fresh air and all about expanding consciousness and thinking outside of the box.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Mercury is preparing to station retrograde at 17 degrees of Aquarius on January 21st until February 11th. But those of who believe in the theory of the shadow of Mercury retrograde (and I am definitely a card carrying member of that club) know that the shadow period began on January 6th and won't be complete until March 4th. What does this mean for all of us? Nothing is set in stone so be prepared for things to change. Try not to sign anything if you can help it and by all means read the fine print. Don't count on anything being settled until March 4th to be on the safe side. Use this time to review and reflect before making any life-changing decisions.  Remember the letters RE in retrograde! Research comes under that heading.

I have to announce that one very progressive Aquarian thing happened to me last week just after Mercury in Aquarius entered the shadow period. One of my Reiki clients informed me that her employer approved her claim for flexible spending reimbursement for her Reiki treatments. How cool is that? I love that alternative forms of healing are finally getting the recognition, acknowledgement, respect and approval that they deserve.

On January 21st we also have Uranus in Aries conjuncting the south node of the moon and opposing the north node. This is bound to bring up stuff from the past to propel us forward on our soul's path by giving us a new perspective. And the added bonus is that the moon is still in the sign of Aquarius on that day!

While we will have the Sun, Mercury and Venus in Aquarius, we are also dealing with Mars in Pisces. We have just survived a Mars Saturn square on January 15th and we should be getting acclimated to the energy of Mars in Pisces. How does Mars in Pisces manifest? Well, Mars in Pisces is undoubtedly the most impressionable sign for Mars to be in. Mars will conjunct Neptune in Pisces on January 19th, and while this may not be the most favorable time for achieving ego directed goals, it does smile on spiritual endeavors. Mars in Pisces is in a mutable sign, so it helps us adapt to fluid realities. We just need to be careful not to fall prey to blurring the boundaries of the self, especially with Neptune and Chiron also in Pisces. The bottom line is that we need to learn how to have a peaceful, productive coexistence with the air sign of Aquarius and water sign of Pisces. 

Before we know it, both Venus and the Sun will be in Pisces as well.  Venus enters Pisces, where it is exalted, on January 30^th and the Sun follows suit on February 18^th.  Mercury joins them on March 12th.   I can attest to the fact that while it may be challenging sometimes to achieve a peaceful coexistence with water and air signs, it can happen. I have a Scorpio Sun, Black Moon Lilith, Pallas Athena, Saturn and Venus in addition to a Cancer south node, midheaven and Jupiter and Uranus in Cancer.  I have a Libra ascendant, Neptune in Libra, Mars in Aquarius and Moon in Gemini.  I have learned how to integrate these diverse energies, and I think that everyone can benefit from air’s mental gifts and water’s emotional bounty.

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance. I have also added a one question astrology reading to my list of services for $40 that is an even more intuitive approach based on your natal and progressed charts with transits to both.

Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Mars Swims into Pisces and Pluto Squares the Nodes

Mars leaves Aquarius, the sign of the rebel with a cause, and swims into the watery sign of Pisces on January 12th. How will that affect us? It will be a marked contrast from Mars in Aquarius, which leads with a cool, detached mind and fights its battles mentally because it is an air sign. Trust me, I know this personally because I am a member of the Mars in Aquarius tribe; I have it natally.

Mars in Pisces is a much more artistic Mars that leads with its heart and will be more focused on creative and spiritual matters. Vulnerability is a major theme with Mars in Pisces, as it is prone to rescue victims and addicts. Mars in Pisces is idealistic, compassionate and selfless. It definitely has a tendency to put others' needs before its own and dislikes confrontation, which can make it inclined to go with the flow until a clear, definitive opportunity emerges. Pisces, along with Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius, is a mutable sign. What I love about Mars in Pisces is that it can help us transform compassionate feelings into meaningful action. It needs a creative outlet to make its dreams come true or it can succumb to passive aggressive tendencies. This will be especially true on January 19th when it conjuncts Neptune in Pisces. Don't throw yourself a pity party on that day or become a victim. And don't get too caught up in trying to rescue everyone.

Mars in Pisces will form a challenging aspect to Saturn in Sagittarius on January 15th when it squares Saturn. This is another aspect that I am all too familiar with because I have my natal Mars in Aquarius squaring my Saturn in Scorpio. How does this one play out?  Frustrations and delays are part and parcel of this aspect, in addition to blockages and an overwhelming feeling that duty calls. This is not a slacker aspect, that's for sure. Mars in Pisces may appear to be laid back and craving escapism, but its square to Saturn will deliver a hard reality check. The only saving grace with this tough aspect is that both Mars and Saturn are in mutable signs, so it may be a little easier to adapt and make whatever changes are necessary.

On January 15th, we also have transiting Pluto in 13 degrees of Capricorn squaring the north node of the moon in Libra and the south node of the moon in Aries. And Uranus in Aries is only one degree away from an exact conjunction to the south node of the moon. This is going to trigger a lot of the same issues we have been dealing with pertaining to the notorious Uranus Pluto square that began in 2012. The last of the seven squares is exact on March 17th in 15 degrees of Aries and Capricorn. I am a little more optimistic about this final hit because both Uranus and Pluto will be direct this time. This hasn't happened previously. Maybe I shouldn't be quite so optimistic because my Libra ascendant will be in the line of fire, as will anyone who has planets or points in the middle degrees of the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. The bottom line with Pluto squaring the nodes on the same day as Mars squaring Saturn is that we can expect control issues to emerge in close relationships. Enough said; don't say I didn't warn you if this proves to be a challenging day.

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance. I have also added a one question astrology reading to my list of services for $40 that is an even more intuitive approach based on your natal and progressed charts with transits to both.

Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Happy New Year - 2015 Starts with a Bang!

We are officially done with 2014 and 2015 is here. I am sure that there has been a collective sigh of relief heard round the world as the year 2014 drew to a close. I could totally relate to what astrologer Penny Thornton so eloquently stated on her www.astrolutely.com site:

"On Wednesday we bid goodbye to 2014 and welcome in 2015, and if you had a year like I did, you'll enjoy giving the boot to 2014."

Michael Lutin also had some astute perceptions on the legacy of 2014. As we all know Saturn left the sign of Scorpio on December 23rd, and he observed that:

"Either you or someone close to you is healing from a devastating experience. Loss can be a prevalent theme."

Michael Lutin went on to describe the transition from Saturn in Scorpio to Saturn in Sagittarius as one of primitive unconscious instincts towards an awareness of greater meaning and purpose.

The first major aspect of 2015 was Mars in 22 degrees of Aquarius opposing Jupiter in 22 degrees of Leo. On that day I tweeted:

"Mars in Aquarius opposing Jupiter in Leo today starts 2015 with a bang by inspiring us to take action pursuing bug dreams."

This is definitely a big, over the top aspect because Mars in Aquarius is seeking freedom and independence while Jupiter in Leo seeks personal fulfillment. Don't underestimate the power of that Mars in this and its desire for freedom and independence - I have my natal Mars in Aquarius and I have literally marched to the beat of a different drummer my entire life. How else do you explain my becoming a healer, psychic and astrologer?

But exuberance ruled the first day of 2015 with Mars opposing joyful Jupiter. The only fly in the ointment with this aspect was a tendency for tempers to flare. I personally was fortunate enough not to experience it (thank you, generous Jupiter), but if anyone did experience some outbursts, now you know the astrological explanation.

Venus moves into the sign of Aquarius on January 3rd and Mercury follows suit on January 4th, the day of the full moon. The sign change of these two planets supports the theme of having your views supporting your dreams and the potential need for changing or tweaking your perceptions.

The full moon in 14 degrees of Cancer on January 4th promises to be a highly emotional one because it will activate the energies of the Uranus Pluto square. The next and final square will occur on March 17, 2015 in 15 degrees of Aries and Capricorn. Be prepared for this full moon to be somewhat irrational. A full moon in Cancer is inclined to bring awareness of our urge for a secure home versus making a contribution to humanity. Any repressed feelings that we have will come to a head and spill out. Astrologer Molly Hall said that:

"There can be emotional catharsis at this full moon."

I have no doubt that what she says is true. Relationships can grow stronger from the raw truths that are exposed. It's also a good time to nurture ourselves and those we love. Be true to your feelings and don't fear vulnerability. It's time to soften that hard Cancer shell!

This Cancer full moon is opposing Pluto in Capricorn as well as the Sun in Capricorn. The theme of this aspect is to eliminate the things that prevent you from being yourself and to become more at home in our own skin.

And don't forget that both the Sun in Capricorn and moon in Cancer square Uranus in Aries. This potent configuration denotes a powerful time for awareness and transformation. Change is the theme. Uranus delivers awareness and Pluto is the messenger of transformation. Hopefully, this full moon in Cancer will empower us to embrace that change.

Personally, I am in favor of adopting astrologer Janet Sparrow Moon's interpretation of 2015. She observed that:

"Looking ahead, 2015 is going to be a ray of sunshine for most of us. It is going to be so much easier than the past few years. Uranus and Pluto will be finishing their conflict this year, and we do not have any other Superior planetary conflicts (except for Jupiter) happening in 2015."

I don't know about you but I can definitely live with an easier year than the past few years. Happy New Year, everyone!

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance. I have also added a one question astrology reading to my list of services for $40 that is an even more intuitive approach based on your natal and progressed charts with transits to both.

Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix