Mercury on the Move

Mercury is finally starting to get back on track and this phenomenon started on January 25^th when it stationed direct at 15 degrees of Capricorn at 4:50 p.m. Many of us have felt that our new year was literally derailed by Mercury Retrograde, which was official from January 5^th through January 25^th.  But as most of you know, I am a firm believer in the “shadow period” of Mercury retrograde, and while Mercury has blessedly stationed direct, it will not be operating at full capacity until February14th, when it is officially out of the shadow in the sign and exact degree of Aquarius that it was when it stationed retrograde.  But just think of how wonderful our Valentine’s Day will be!

The energy of a planet is particularly intense when it stations direct or retrograde, so the wisest counsel is to probably wait at least a few days before embarking on any new endeavors.  The good news with Mercury stationing direct is that at least it is moving forward and there is light at the end of the tunnel that has mucked up communications and transportation for the month of January.  I still wouldn’t recommend purchasing a new car or any electronics until February 14^th.  If you take a new job during a Mercury retrograde or even during the shadow period, be prepared for that job description to change in ways that may not please you.

I have heard from many people that this has been a particularly grueling Mercury retrograde, so when it stationed direct on January 25^th, there was a collective sigh of relief.  One minor example of Mercury retrograde’s frustration was that I had a package scheduled for delivery on January 23^rd, only to find out that the FedEx driver realized he had delivered it to the wrong address and it was rescheduled for delivery on January 26^th, the first full day of Mercury direct. I have also experienced more than my fair share of missed calls, email snafus, delays in the mail and transit woes.

But I was able to share in the collective sigh of relief on January 25^th when I started hearing from people whom I had been missing during the retrograde.  And miraculously, that included some new clients, which is always welcome.

The tricky part of Mercury stationing direct in Capricorn was that it tended to trigger the energies of the infamous Uranus Pluto squares that officially ended in March 2015.  Mercury stationed direct in my 4^th house and squared my Libra ascendant.  We had not heard about some remodeling work on our bathroom and that got resolved on the 25^th.  It will probably be scheduled within the next couple of weeks.  But anyone who has planets or points in the middle degrees of the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn probably experienced some kind of jolt on January 25^th with the Mercury station.  The Uranus Pluto squares may be technically over, but they are still in a separating aspect with a two degree orb through March 2016.  The period of change and transformation is by no means over, mark my words.  If you are really curious about this affects you, consider getting an astrological reading with me.
On January 27^th Mercury and Pluto both trined the moon in Virgo, inspiring me to tweet:

“Virgo moon today trines both Mercury & Pluto in Capricorn.  It can help ground communications and transformation.”

Mercury will be conjunct Pluto in Capricorn on January 30^th and squaring Uranus in Aries on January 31^st, further demonstrating proof of the lingering power of the Uranus Pluto squares.  Mercury’s hookup with Pluto is bound to be intense but it will deliver some powerful insights into our motivations.  And when Mercury squares Uranus on the last day of January, don’t be surprised if some inspired yet unorthodox ideas emerge.  While these aspects may feel a bit unsettling, bear in mind that Mars in Scorpio is sextiling both Mercury and Pluto in Capricorn, so we have an ace in the hole in terms of the courage that Mars in Scorpio will deliver to power us forward.  And Jupiter in Virgo has been conjunct the north node which is also helping us to ground those dreams into reality.  This aspect will continue through the month of February, so work it for all it’s worth.

The north node in Virgo has an underlying theme of service to others.  In that spirit of pursuing my path as a healer, I am channeling that north node and Jupiter in Virgo energy by offering my Reiki services. If you are in the Boston area, please consider getting a Reiki treatment at Acupuncture for Everyone in Copley Square to destress, revitalize and remove blockages to healing.  It’s a perfect way to start your weekend off.  Reiki is the most profound treatment for stress relief because it concentrates on CALMING your body. 

For more information on my Reiki services, please see this page on my site:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html

If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight in your life after the recent cosmic roller coaster of planetary activity, you can learn more about my menu of astrological services 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

 

Full Moon in Leo May Reveal Dramatic Truths

The first full moon of 2016 will be roaring into consciousness on January 23^rd in 4 degrees of Leo.  Leo is the sign that rules the heart, and this full moon promises to be more emotional than usual due to all of the recent planetary activity involving Uranus, Pluto, Mercury, Mars and Neptune.   The January full moon is frequently referred to as the Wolf Moon, but some Native American tribes called it the Snow Moon.  I tend to agree with the Snow Moon moniker this year.  The east coast is expecting a snowstorm on the day of the full moon, which could really amp up the intensity of the storm due to the high tides, making it the first big storm of the winter season.

Astrologer Martin Schulman described the Snow Moon as “Ruling from the heart serves the highest good.”  Martin Schulman has written several books on karmic astrology and I was particularly inspired by two of them: Karmic Relationships and Karmic Astrology: Retrogrades and Reincarnation.

Creativity can soar with a full moon in Leo as we seek to shine and strut our stuff, but so can drama and emotion.  We may really need to rely on the detached quality of that Aquarius sun to get us through this full moon.  Remember to breathe! The higher vibration of a full moon is the desire to share with humanity which is what I believe Martin Schulman was describing. 

This past week’s planetary build up has been intense setting the stage for this powerful new moon.  On January 20^th Mercury in Capricorn squared Uranus in Aries, prompting me to tweet:

“Mercury in Capricorn squaring Uranus in Aries today can bring some unexpected communications in a strange way due to #MercuryRetrograde.”

On January 22^nd, Mercury conjuncts Pluto in Capricorn.  This is bound to bring hidden or suppressed issues to light and important messages may surface. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Mars is in Scorpio, but it is still trining Neptune in Pisces.  There is no escape from the Pluto energy but having Mars trine Neptune can give us somewhat of a spiritual edge.  Two weeks ago I described the new moon in Capricorn as being derailed by Uranus and Pluto and the full moon in Leo is also taking a hit from these two powerhouse planets. We are by no means out of the woods yet when it comes to the effects of those seven Uranus Pluto squares from 2012-2015!  But it is further complicated by retrograde Mercury which is doing due diligence in terms of delivering messages that have been hidden and unheard for too long.  This retrograde Mercury is definitely helping us to get to the bottom of things before it stations direct in 15 degrees of Capricorn on January 25^th.

Venus enters Capricorn on the 23^rd, about five hours before the full moon.  The light hearted party days of Venus in Sagittarius are over and we are facing a much more somber tone with Venus in Capricorn.  So don’t expect Venus to cut us any breaks on this full moon.

Another beacon of light with this full moon in Leo is that Jupiter will be conjunct the north node in Virgo on January 23^rd.  So we are being propelled forward in our destiny which may very well involve a healing path.

Many of us were still processing the recent deaths of David Bowie and Alan Rickman when we heard that Glenn Frey of the Eagles died on January 18^th.  It seemed to fulfill the old saying that death comes in threes.  At the time of his death, transiting Saturn in Sagittarius was conjunct his ascendant and Mars in Sagittarius in his first house.  Saturn on one’s ascendant and Mars can bring health challenges while trying to usher in a new cycle of being.  Ironically Glenn Frey released a solo song in 1982 called “I’ve Been Born Again.” The rebirth for him was quite literal on January 18^th with this Saturn transit and with transiting Mars in Scorpio squaring his progressed Mars in Aquarius.  But his musical genius will long be remembered, as evidenced by his Venus Neptune conjunction in Libra and the body of creative work he created that fulfilled his 5th house north node in Taurus.
For those of you who are morning people and are sky watchers, check out the visibility of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter about an hour before sunrise for the next month.  I have no idea what astrological significance this has, but it does seem to be generating quite a lot of buzz.  Enjoy the view if you are so inclined!

The north node in Virgo has an underlying theme of service to others.  In that spirit of pursuing my path as a healer, I am channeling that north node and Jupiter in Virgo energy by offering my Reiki services. If you are in the Boston area, please consider getting a Reiki treatment at Acupuncture for Everyone in Copley Square to destress, revitalize and remove blockages to healing.  It’s a perfect way to start your weekend off.  Reiki is the most profound treatment for stress relief because it concentrates on CALMING your body. 

For more information on my Reiki services, please see this page on my site:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html

If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight in your life after the recent cosmic roller coaster of planetary activity, you can learn more about my menu of astrological services 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

 

Venus and Jupiter Rally to Give Us a Boost of Optimism and Hope



Venus in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Virgo have been doing their best to cheer us up this past week to combat the travails of Mercury retrograde and the rather complicated New Moon on January 9^th that conjuncted Pluto and squared Uranus in Aries.  This is no small feat, considering that Jupiter is considered to be in detriment in Virgo and it is retrograde to boot.  Let’s face it, if you want expansion and growth with Jupiter in Virgo, you need to work hard and have a strong ethic.  No free rides or parties with this Jupiter placement!

 

But on January 12^th, Venus in Sagittarius trined Uranus in Aries, inspiring me to tweet:

 

“Venus in Sagittarius trining Uranus in Aries today can bring unexpected financial gains, love and creativity.  Nice fire energy.”

 

On January 13^th, Jupiter in Virgo trined the Sun in Capricorn, boosting our self-confidence by assisting in the grounding process as we attempt to make our dreams a reality.  Venus in Sagittarius also squared Chiron in Pisces on January 13^th and we all know that squares are not exactly the most fun aspects.  But this square may very well have forced our hand for change in relationships, values or finances because my money is on the healing piece of this rather challenging aspect.  On the following day, January 14, 2016, Jupiter in Virgo trined Mercury in Capricorn.  This easy flowing aspect provided a jolt of optimism and humor to our communication and thinking, despite the fact that both planets are retrograde.  We probably felt more supported in presenting our ideas as a result of this aspect. The Sun also conjuncted Mercury on January 14^th and this favored reexamining our long-term goals but cautioned us against taking action because of Mercury being retrograde.  It’s referred to as an “inferior” conjunction because of Mercury’s retrograde position and is bound to bring up issues from the past.  But sometimes introspection is not such a bad thing…

 

Jupiter in Virgo is also favoring us during January and February of 2016 with its close conjunction to the north node in Virgo.  The north node represents our soul’s path, so when Jupiter conjuncts it, it’s a big deal.  Jupiter conjuncting the north node gives us a green light to pursue our path.  Of course, the hitch with Virgo is that you have to work for it, but isn’t it nice to know that our efforts will be rewarded?

 

I am by no means an expert on numerology, but it is common knowledge that 2016 is a Universal 9 year numerologically.  A 9 year is a year of endings, completion, and is considered to be very karmic.  It is indeed a time of revisiting the past and offers the potential for spiritual growth.  I mention it here because of the effect of Mercury and Jupiter retrograde.  Both of these planets are aspecting my Chiron and facilitating my healing process.  I wish the same healing path be open to all of you.  

 

Think back in your own life to what began for you in 2008, the last 1 year numerologically.  On a larger scale, it was the year that Obama was first elected president and the year of the stock market crash.  If anything is no longer serving your highest good, don’t be surprised if situations manifest that release you.  Don’t try to resist these changes and try to have faith that a new beginning will emerge in 2017, the next Universal 1 year in numerology. 

 

In 2009 an astrologer told me that 2017 would be a wonderful year for me and I groaned at the thought of having to wait so long for it due to my natural impatience, but now that it is within reach, I can see the wisdom and merits of that prediction.  She predicted that on the basis of my progressed Saturn being conjunct my Sun in 2017.   She also predicted that I would probably leave my job in 2013 to pursue my real work as an astrologer and psychic, which did happen.  But the point is that back in 2009, it was a Universal 2 year and that was a time when I sorely needed patience as I was slowly developing awareness of patterns of behavior in myself and others.  It has been quite a journey and it appears that for all of us 2016 will be a year of tying up loose ends and taking care of unfinished business to prepare for a whole new cycle of growth in 2017.

 

I  am sure that I am not the only one who was saddened to hear about the death of David Bowie on January 10, 2016.  As an astrologer, I couldn’t resist looking at his chart.  What was happening in his chart on that day?  Plenty.  For starters, his progressed moon was in Aquarius conjunct his Aquarius ascendant, symbolizing a rebirth period for him.  Transiting Mars in Scorpio was conjunct his natal Chiron in Scorpio in the 8^th house, and transiting Pluto in Capricorn was conjunct his natal Mars in Capricorn in the 12^th house.  All of these themes were present in the lyrics of his haunting song Lazarus:

 

“Look up here, I’m in heaven.”

 

“I’ve got scars that can’t be seen.”

 

“I’ll be free.”

 

While David Bowie may not have had control over the time of his death, he did manage to convey its message with Lazarus.  His Neptune in the 8^th house allowed him the opportunity to use his art to deliver a final message about his impending death and rebirth while his progressed Venus in Aquarius in his first house ensured that he will long be remembered and respected for his artistic work.  The musical Lazarus at the New York Theatre Workshop in the East Village is serving as a memorial to David Bowie.

 

The north node in Virgo has an underlying theme of service to others.  In that spirit of pursuing my path as a healer, I am channeling that north node and Jupiter in Virgo energy by offering my Reiki services. If you are in the Boston area, please consider getting a Reiki treatment at Acupuncture for Everyone in Copley Square to destress, revitalize and remove blockages to healing.  It’s a perfect way to start your weekend off.  Reiki is the most profound treatment for stress relief because it concentrates on CALMING your body. 

 

For more information on my Reiki services, please see this page on my site:

 

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html

 

If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight in your life after the recent cosmic roller coaster of planetary activity, you can learn more about my menu of astrological services 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

 



 



Capricorn New Moon Derailed by Uranus and Pluto

We have our first new moon of 2016 in 19 degrees of Capricorn on January 9, 2016 but this will not be the typical go-getter, charge ahead Capricorn new moon.  In fact, it may feel downright stalled in terms of moving forward.  The reason for this is the interaction of this new moon in Capricorn between Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries.  We may literally feel derailed by these two planets.

The notorious seven Uranus Pluto squares that were exact between 2012 and 2015 may be over, but their legacy continues as they remain within two degrees of each other through March 2016.  As I write this, Uranus is in 16 degrees of Aries and Pluto is in 15 degrees of Capricorn.  A major theme of the Uranus Pluto squares was transformation by dismantling the structure and patterns that no longer serve us.  The planetary action this past week leading up to this new moon triggered that Uranus Pluto energy and set the stage for more change to occur.

Technically, Uranus and Pluto are in a separating aspect because they are slowly moving away from each other and a separating aspect is not considered to be as strong as an applying aspect because they aren’t moving closer.  But we all know the old saying that breaking up is hard to do and this particular separating aspect has to do with the past, so it can powerfully affect the present and future.

The dramatic prelude began on January 5^th when the Sun conjuncted Pluto and Mercury stationed retrograde in Aquarius.  On that day I tweeted:

“Sun in Capricorn conjunct Pluto today setting off #UranusPlutosquare aspect.  Themes of empowerment and ambition prevail.”

“#MercuryRetrograde officially starts today in Aquarius but back in Capricorn by weekend. Be prepared for delays in transit & communications.”

On January 7, 2016, the Sun in Capricorn squared Uranus in Aries.  This further triggered the Uranus Pluto square energy by bringing the potential for abrupt changes and feelings of rebelliousness.  And to further complicate the mix, Jupiter stationed retrograde at 23 degrees of Virgo for the next four months.  On January 8^th, Venus in Sagittarius conjuncted Saturn in Sagittarius, providing a major reality check in values.  Is it any wonder that we feel stuck and somewhat held back?

Traditionally, a new moon is considered to be an auspicious time for making new starts.  But this particular new moon conjuncts Pluto in Capricorn and squares Uranus in Aries, triggering the tumultuous energy of the notorious Uranus Pluto squares.  We are also dealing with the complications of Mercury and Jupiter retrograde.  So this is not the best time to make a new start and we may feel as if our New Year’s resolutions have been cast aside. The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Pluto, Jupiter and the north node are all in earth signs, which tends to be slow moving energy.  This is not a fire energy infused time, to say the least.  The theme is more of a slow and steady approach to achieving our goals with lots of stops and starts along the way.

Jupiter is not all that comfortable in Virgo to begin with, and with it being retrograde for the next four months, it won’t make us particularly lucky, so we will have to work hard.  We need to cultivate the retrograde energy of Jupiter and Mercury by reevaluating our dreams and developing patience (GROAN—not my strong suit) to implement the changes we want to see in our lives.  On the plus side, Pluto and the new moon in Capricorn are trining Jupiter and the north node in Virgo, so we may just have some cosmic assistance in developing that faith and patience to see the bigger picture before we impulsively charge forward like the Fool tarot card.  Ironically, the Fool card is associated with Uranus, which pertains to abrupt changes.  I personally love the Celestial Tarot deck because of its rich astrological symbolism.

 

How is this new moon in Capricorn going to play out for me?  It happens in my fourth house and conjuncts my Chiron for starters.  It’s a good idea for me to release some burdens and negativity regarding family issues and wounds while contemplating setting some healthier traditions and getting grounded.  It’s a tall order to fulfill and I have my work cut out for me.  This new moon also directly opposes my Cancer midheaven, so I sense that there may be some frustrations regarding my career.  I need to be prepared for more delays with both Mercury and Jupiter retrograde.  Although I am fortunate to have Jupiter trining my Chiron to assist in the healing process.   But this new moon is also squaring my Libra ascendant, so I may need to watch for any tendencies to get all judgmental with others.

The north node in Virgo has an underlying theme of service to others.  In that spirit of pursuing my path as a healer, I am channeling that north node and Jupiter in Virgo energy by offering my Reiki services. If you are in the Boston area, please consider getting a Reiki treatment at Acupuncture for Everyone in Copley Square to destress, revitalize and remove blockages to healing.  It’s a perfect way to start your weekend off.  Reiki is the most profound treatment for stress relief because it concentrates on CALMING your body. 

For more information on my Reiki services, please see this page on my site:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html

If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight in your life after the recent cosmic roller coaster of planetary activity, you can learn more about my menu of astrological services 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

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Planets on the Move and Mercury Retrograde



Happy New Year, everyone!  The year 2016 is off to an auspicious start as three big personal planets change signs.  What are the personal planets?  The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are considered personal planets because they are the closest to the earth and to our physical being.

Venus entered the sign of Sagittarius on December 30^th, inspiring me to tweet:
“Venus enters Sagittarius today, creating a lighter, flirtier, more affectionate vibe just in time for New Year’s celebrations.”

How fitting that Venus started the New Year’s festivities early in such a playful, fun-loving sign.  It is much lighter than Venus in Scorpio, and Venus will remain in Sagittarius until January 25^th.

Even the moon joined the party when it entered the sign of Libra on January 1, 2016 at 1:41 a.m.  As an added perk, it sextiles Venus in Sagittarius.  Social gatherings are favored, people tend to be in a good mood, and there is a love of beauty and the arts.  Let the good times roll!

On January 3^rd, Mars enters the sign of Scorpio.  Mars was considered to be the traditional ruler of Scorpio until Pluto was discovered in 1930.  Mars will be a lot more comfortable in Scorpio than it was in Libra because it thrives on that undercurrent of emotional energy.  Mars in Scorpio is assertive and possesses a great deal of focus and determination.  Scorpios will literally feel energized by the entrance of Mars into Scorpio.  Of course, the flip side of Mars in Scorpio is that we could be prone to some rash behavior, especially with the upcoming Mercury retrograde.  Mars will enter the sign of Sagittarius on March 6, 2016 but it will station retrograde in 9 degrees of Sagittarius on April 17^th and will re-enter Scorpio from May 28^th through August 2, 2016.  That means we will get a heavy dose of Mars in Scorpio energy.  And Mars will remain in Sagittarius until September 26, 2016.  Scorpios and Sagittarians should have an uber energizing year with Mars spending 9 months in these two signs.

Personally, I am excited that Mars in Scorpio will be conjuncting my sun and Venus, but I am not so thrilled about its conjunction to my Saturn.  Talk about putting the brakes on your action plan!  And Mars in Scorpio will also be squaring my Mars in Aquarius and opposing my Pluto in Leo, so I know that I have to be realistic about whatever challenges, frustrations and power struggles that emerge during this long transit.

Mercury enters the sign of Aquarius on January 1, 2016, but will station retrograde in 1 degree of Aquarius on January 5^th.  Mark the day—the official start of Mercury retrograde.  The official end will be January 25, 2016, but for those of us who believe in the shadow effect (and I am a big believer), Mercury will be out of the shadow on February 14, 2016 when it returns to the sign of Aquarius.  Happy Valentine’s Day!  But the big news with this Mercury retrograde is that it returns to Capricorn on January 9^th and stations direct in 15 degrees of Capricorn on January 25^th. 

Mercury’s return to Capricorn will give us an opportunity for extended reflection and self-promotion.  Capricorn is not a slacker sign, so we should be motivated to hone our communication skills in a more practical manner. We may find ourselves becoming more calculating, precise and methodical.  Structure and order will become more important, but we may need to guard against becoming too judgmental. 

The bottom line with Mercury retrograde (or any retrograde planet) is that we have a chance for a do-over if we didn’t learn our lessons the first time around.  I swear that is why planets retrograde and believe that most of us just don’t get the lesson of the planet the first time around, so the universe is giving us another chance.  Remember that long Venus retrograde last summer?  How many of saw relationships change during between late July and early September 2015?

Jupiter is not a personal planet, but it will be the next planet to turn retrograde on January 7, 2016.  It will station retrograde in 23 degrees of Virgo and remain retrograde until May 9^th when it stations direct in 13 degrees of Virgo. When Jupiter stations retrograde it will be conjunct the north node in Virgo.  This can lead to our true calling and path in life if we are willing to engage in service to others and deal with issues of health and efficiency.  Personal and global healing can occur if we embrace this energy. The deal with Jupiter transits is that they are easy to overlook and it’s kind of a snooze you lose situation if you don’t take advantage of it while it is present.  It is very different from Saturn, which can literally force you, kicking and screaming, to learn its lesson.  I personally think that is why many of us (myself included) don’t reap the full benefits of a Jupiter return while we tend to bemoan the effects of a Saturn return.  Jupiter is easy to miss and we just tend to expect it all to fall in our laps.  The promise of Jupiter is that it will benefit us if we grab for that brass ring.  We have to make an effort.

The north node in Virgo has an underlying theme of service to others.  In that spirit of pursuing my path as a healer, I am channeling that north node and Jupiter in Virgo energy by offering my Reiki services. If you are in the Boston area, please consider getting a Reiki treatment at Acupuncture for Everyone in Copley Square to destress, revitalize and remove blockages to healing.  It’s a perfect way to start your weekend off.  Reiki is the most profound treatment for stress relief because it concentrates on CALMING your body.
 
For more information on my Reiki services, please see this page on my site:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html

If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight in your life after the recent cosmic roller coaster of planetary activity, you can learn more about my menu of astrological services 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