name='keywords'/> Dance of the Phoenix: May 2016

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Friday, May 27, 2016

Trust in the Process as Jupiter Squares Saturn and Mars Backs into Scorpio



Despite the fact that many of us are still reeling from the effects of last week’s powerful full moon in Sagittarius, this week we are dealing with the second exact Jupiter Saturn square and retrograde Mars slinking back into Scorpio, where it is extremely comfortable.

The previous Jupiter in Virgo Saturn in Sagittarius square in 16 degrees of each sign occurred on March 23, 2016 on the same day of a lunar eclipse in 3 degrees of Libra. On that day, Jupiter was retrograde and Saturn was direct but slowing down as it prepared to station retrograde on March 25th. But I don’t think it is any accident that both of these squares occurred under the influence of a full moon.

On May 26th Jupiter in Virgo squared Saturn in Sagittarius in 13 degrees of each sign.  It inspired me to tweet:

“Jupiter in Virgo squaring Saturn in Sagittarius today feels like a roadblock to moving forward. Conflict between vision & commitments.”

On May 24th, the day that Venus entered Gemini, I ran across a quote from Panache Desai that resonated for me in terms of describing the zeitgeist of the Jupiter Saturn square:

“A delay isn’t a denial it’s an opportunity to evolve,”

I suppose it you look it at that way, the universe is providing us with ample opportunities to evolve. I know personally what a frustrating time this is on many levels and I hear the same thing from my clients and friends.  The common thread in this theme is that we are experiencing obstacles to moving forward and the opportunity lies in reaching a balance between our visions (Jupiter) and our commitments (Saturn).

The Jupiter Saturn square is also featured in a mutable T-square involving Neptune in 11 degrees of Pisces that started in mid-May and will continue through late June 2016. A mutable T-square challenges our nervous systems and our thinking processes.  It is very common to feel overwhelmed due to the overstimulation that is prevalent. A T-square stimulates drive and courage while simultaneously generating tension and conflict. 

Jupiter in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces while both of these planets square Saturn in Sagittarius, which serves as the focal point of this T-square.  A mutable T-square adds even more restlessness to the mix.  And with Saturn being the focal point, delay seems to be the name of the game. We really need to reexamine the structures in our lives that aren’t working and clear them out.  But Neptune’s presence in this configuration may make it difficult for us to determine what is real.  And with Jupiter in the mix, we really have no choice but to trust the process. 

This particular T-square will heavily impact anyone who has planets or points (as in midheaven, ascendant or nodes) in the middle degrees of the mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.  Officially, I am getting whacked with this one as my moon is in 14 degrees of Gemini and I have a cardinal T-square in my chart, which just amps up the level of my impatience and restlessness.

Venus entered the sign of Gemini on May 24, 2016 and on that day I tweeted:

“Venus enters Gemini today and relationships & finances assume a more social, impersonal & fickle vibe. Emotional unrest.”

Venus will remain in the sign of Gemini until June 17, 2016.  It has a very different feel from Venus in Taurus, which it just left.  We are bound to crave variety and feel more sociable and more communicative.

Retrograde Mars slinking back into Scorpio on May 27, 2016 is also going to be a heavy hitter on the astrological scene.  Mars is comfortable in Scorpio and until the discovery of Pluto in 1930 was considered to be Scorpio’s ruler.  Mars in Scorpio provides a strong sense of resilience—Scorpio is, after all, the comeback kid of the zodiac, and an urge to delve deeply. It will be a time of deeper reflection on how we need to change the way we assert our power and share our values and resources. But Mars in Scorpio can dredge up some pretty unpleasant emotions as it takes us on a trip to our dark side.  It is measured and relentless. 

If you would like to read a really accurate depiction of the depth of feeling and angst involved in Mars retrograde in Scorpio, I highly encourage you to go to Michael Lutin’s site:

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 and can also be described as a spa for the soul to boot!   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:


For my clients who can’t fit Friday into their schedule for a treatment or have difficulty traveling, I have also recently begun doing distance Reiki sessions for them.  I have a conversation with them about what they hope to achieve from a session, we set up a time for the session to take place when they will be in a state to receive healing energy and I follow up with a telephone conversation to discuss their experience and my perception of their blockages.  I have also incorporated a new technique with my distance Reiki treatments since I don’t always have a photo of my client.  I use a teddy bear so that I can scan and focus the healing energy where it is needed.  Talk about regrouping and revising during a Mercury retrograde! If this appeals to you, please feel free to contact me by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205. Additionally, I see clients at my home in Newton, Massachusetts and am generally available on weekends and evenings for your convenience.

If you are interested in learning more about how Reiki can help you, please check out this page on my site:


I have also recently become a member of the Fellowship of Massachusetts Energywork Practitioners.  It is a great resource for those seeking energyworkers.  Please feel free to check out this site at:



The link to my profile is below:


If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight into your life, especially with the recent eclipses in March and the season of retrogrades including Mars, Pluto, and Saturn, please consider getting an astrological reading. An astrological reading can provide valuable insight and tools.  If you are not quite ready for a full blown natal interpretation or a solar return forecast, I also offer one question astrological readings and composite couple readings that offer insight into the purpose of a relationship. And I offer shorter transit readings for three and six months. You can learn more about my menu of astrological services at:



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


Happy Memorial Day and enjoy the long holiday weekend!












Friday, May 20, 2016

Full Moon in Sagittarius Collides with Retrograde Mars and Mercury Direct



The Sun enters Gemini on May 20th and it wastes no time forming a major aspect in the form of a full moon in Sagittarius on May 21st.  The newly minted Sun in Gemini’s curiosity opposing the Sagittarian moon’s quest for truth promises to be a combustible combination.  The full moon in Sagittarius also conjuncts retrograde Mars in Sagittarius, which can boost our confidence, conviction and courage while simultaneously triggering passionate exchanges, especially if you happen to be a Sagittarius or have a moon in Gemini.  My moon in Gemini is quaking already.  Mercury is still retrograde until May 22nd, so this could potentially manifest as internal angst and strife.

There is no doubt that the mind is being energized during this full moon in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the ultimate truth seeker and will leave no stone unturned in its quest for the truth.  A major theme of Sagittarius is the big picture, a visionary view of the future and clearing out old belief systems.  This is a pretty tall order to fill and is further complicated by its conjunction to retrograde Mars in Sagittarius. This is a powerful aspect that could reveal some deceptive intentions and practices by others that pack a hurtful punch.  

Full moons are also associated with endings and are acknowledged as a time of full disclosure.  On one hand, we want to embrace the vision and new big picture that can emerge as a result of this full moon, while on the other hand we also need to be mindful about taking action on it during a Mars retrograde.  Mars only retrogrades about every two years, so it really is a big deal and I am not exaggerating its importance.  It’s a lot feistier and less passive aggressive than it was in Libra back in 2014.  This year’s Mars retrograde occurs in two signs -Sagittarius and Scorpio.  Mars will station direct in 23 degrees of Scorpion on June 29th, marking 2016 as a year when Mars spends 8 months in these two signs.  And one of the most noted qualities of Sagittarius is its tendency to speak and act first before thinking.  This just fuels the volatility potential of this full moon even further. 

I strongly encourage everyone to pay attention to their dreams at this time because they may provide some answers and much needed guidance due to Neptune’s influence. Neptune in Pisces will be squaring that Sagittarius moon on May 22nd when Mercury stations direct. Neptune loves to dissolve, so the veils of illusion could very well be shattered at this time as deception could be revealed.

Mercury will station direct in 14 degrees of Taurus on May 22nd, which will herald a collective sigh of relief around the world.  I don’t know about you, but I think the general consensus is that this has been one tough Mercury retrograde.  It was accompanied by Saturn, Pluto, Mars and Jupiter also retrograde.  Thankfully, Jupiter stationed direct on May 9, 2016.  I am a staunch believer in the shadow period of Mercury retrograde, which means that Mercury is not fully out of the retrograde influence until June 7, 2016 in 23 degrees of Taurus, but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. 

Speaking of light at the end of the tunnel, once Mercury has stationed direct, it will form a Grand Earth Trine with Jupiter in 13 degrees of Virgo and Pluto in 17 degrees of Capricorn.  This aspect can pave the way for constructive communication and plans for future endeavors.  It also holds the potential to attract others who can assist you in your journey.  I’m sure we could all use some help from like-minded individuals who could become part of our new tribe.

On a personal level, when Mercury stations direct at the end of my 7th house it will be still opposing my Saturn and Sun in Scorpio.  Is it any wonder that I have felt like I have literally had to reexamine the structure and purpose of my life recently? What else can one do when Mercury and a galaxy of other planets are retrograde?  Mercury will move into my 8th house on May 28th and will oppose my Venus in the 2nd house in early June.  More fun times, but at least Mercury will be out of its shadow by then. 

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 and can also be described as a spa for the soul to boot!   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:


For my clients who can’t fit Friday into their schedule for a treatment or have difficulty traveling, I have also recently begun doing distance Reiki sessions for them.  I have a conversation with them about what they hope to achieve from a session, we set up a time for the session to take place when they will be in a state to receive healing energy and I follow up with a telephone conversation to discuss their experience and my perception of their blockages.  I have also incorporated a new technique with my distance Reiki treatments since I don’t always have a photo of my client.  I use a teddy bear so that I can scan and focus the healing energy where it is needed.  Talk about regrouping and revising during a Mercury retrograde! If this appeals to you, please feel free to contact me by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205. Additionally, I see clients at my home in Newton, Massachusetts and am generally available on weekends and evenings for your convenience.

If you are interested in learning more about how Reiki can help you, please check out this page on my site:


I have also recently become a member of the Fellowship of Massachusetts Energywork Practitioners.  It is a great resource for those seeking energyworkers.  Please feel free to check out this site at:



The link to my profile is below:



If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight into your life, especially with the recent eclipses in March and the season of retrogrades including Mars, Pluto, and Saturn, please consider getting an astrological reading. An astrological reading can provide valuable insight and tools.  If you are not quite ready for a full blown natal interpretation or a solar return forecast, I also offer one question astrological readings and composite couple readings that offer insight into the purpose of a relationship. And I offer shorter transit readings for three and six months. You can learn more about my menu of astrological services at:



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


Friday, May 13, 2016

Jupiter Moves Direct


Jupiter stationed direct at 13 degrees of Virgo on May 9, 2016 after being retrograde since January 7, 2016.  This can literally make us feel like the year 2016 is finally being launched as we have the opportunity to refine our goals. And it means that one less planet is retrograde.  Granted, we still have Mercury, Saturn, Pluto and Mars retrograde which are intense enough in their own right.  But we do have Mercury stationing direct later this month, which should also lighten the mood.  I am dealing with both Mars and Saturn retrograde in my 2nd house, so my plate is pretty full and I am very grateful for Jupiter moving forward. On that day I tweeted:

“Optimism & good fortune return today as Jupiter stations direct after 4 months retrograde.  We can start to feel forward movement.”

I think that I was especially sensitive to this because I was born with Jupiter stationary direct and it is where I live astrologically.  But Jupiter in Virgo is not the happiest of campers because it is one of its two signs of detriment.  Jupiter is considered to be in detriment in the signs of Virgo and Gemini because they are ruled by Mercury.  And it is in fall in Capricorn because that is the opposite of Jupiter in Cancer, where it is exalted.

Jupiter is frequently referred to as the Great Benefic, but when Jupiter is in Virgo, it makes you work hard for your blessings.  The themes pertaining to Jupiter in Virgo include service to others, paying attention to details, being patient and having faith.  It doesn’t exactly sound like a good time, n’est pas?  I think that many of us are still lamenting the loss of Jupiter in Leo since August 2015, which encouraged us to embrace our creativity and child-like qualities.

Jupiter in Virgo is trining Pluto in 17 degrees of Capricorn, which has a tendency to set off the energies of the infamous Uranus/Pluto square aspect that dominated from 2012-2015. In other words, we cannot deny the need for radical change. It is also opposing Neptune in 11 degrees of Pisces and squaring Saturn in 14 degrees of Sagittarius.  Jupiter’s opposition to Neptune in Pisces demands that we find a practical way to implement our spirituality, which is no small feat. We need to be mindful of over-optimism, risk-taking, gambling and addiction as our spiritual growth is challenged. And Jupiter’s square to Saturn in Sagittarius indicates that we will definitely be tested as we seek to make progress in attaining our goals.  We have to work hard for our money with this Saturn aspect. But Jupiter in Virgo is also trining Venus in Taurus and that is very favorable for love and money.  So try to focus on that aspect, because we have two benefics working in harmony.

Jupiter in Virgo is also squaring my moon in Gemini in the 8th house.  This is playing out for me by trying to balance my enthusiasm for new ideas with caution and practicality.  A certain level of detachment is required, especially with a natal 8th house moon.  And I freely confess that detachment has been and continues to be one of the most difficult lessons that my soul is learning in this lifetime.

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 and can also be described as a spa for the soul to boot!   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:


For my clients who can’t fit Friday into their schedule for a treatment or have difficulty traveling, I have also recently begun doing distance Reiki sessions for them.  I have a conversation with them about what they hope to achieve from a session, we set up a time for the session to take place when they will be in a state to receive healing energy and I follow up with a telephone conversation to discuss their experience and my perception of their blockages.  I have also incorporated a new technique with my distance Reiki treatments since I don’t always have a photo of my client.  I use a teddy bear so that I can scan and focus the healing energy where it is needed.  Talk about regrouping and revising during a Mercury retrograde! If this appeals to you, please feel free to contact me by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205.  Additionally, I see clients at my home in Newton, Massachusetts and am generally available on weekends and evenings for your convenience.

I have also recently become a member of the Fellowship of Massachusetts Energywork Practitioners.  It is a great resource for those seeking energyworkers.  Please feel free to check out this site at:


The link to my profile is below:


If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight into your life, especially with the recent eclipses in March and the season of retrogrades including Mars, Pluto, Mercury, and Saturn, please consider getting an astrological reading. Or maybe you are just wondering how Jupiter’s direct motion will impact your life in terms of moving forward and experiencing growth. An astrological reading can provide valuable insight and tools.  If you are not quite ready for a full blown natal interpretation or a solar return forecast, I also offer one question astrological readings and composite couple readings that offer insight into the purpose of a relationship. And I offer shorter transit readings for three and six months. You can learn more about my menu of astrological services at:


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


Friday, May 6, 2016

Taurus New Moon Gets a Boost from Grand Earth Trine



The new moon in Taurus on May 6, 2016 in 17 degrees is a very favorable time to plant those seeds for new projects. It is a Super New Moon to boot because of the moon’s proximity to the earth.  Notice that I said plant, not launch.  Mercury and Mars are still retrograde, after all.

A new moon in an earth sign is a perfect time for detoxing and decluttering.  What makes this new moon on May 6th really special is that if forms a Grand Earth Trine with retrograde Pluto in Capricorn, retrograde Jupiter in Virgo and the north node in Virgo.  Talk about a shot of adrenaline with a potential for increased optimism, a chance for new beginnings and a literal do-over for the soul.  It may not still be the best time to act, but it can fuel the inspirational fires and pave the way to some creative resourcefulness.

The icing on the cake with this new moon is that Jupiter in Virgo is preparing to station direct on May 9th.  Jupiter has been retrograde since January 8th, so on some level, we can feel like a new year is beginning with it resuming direct motion.  As an added perk, the Sun is conjunct Mercury in Taurus on May 9th and this provides positive energy for moving forward with new ideas.  On the following day, newly direct Jupiter in Virgo trines Venus in Taurus, expanding the potential for growth in relationships, creativity and maybe finances as well.

This new moon in Taurus falls in my 8th house, so I am prepared for massive reflection.  I’d say that it’s a no-brainer that power issues and challenges to manifesting my desires are up for careful scrutiny.  I am trying to plant seeds and utilize my resources to increase my client base.  The new moon is in opposition to my sun and Saturn in Scorpio, so it’s no wonder that I have been feeling slowed down. Meanwhile Saturn in Sagittarius is sextiling my Libra ascendant and Mars in Aquarius, so I am becoming increasingly aware of the limitations and responsibilities that I face, but I am also focusing on revamping my services.  Stay tuned to see what changes are coming in terms of the services that I provide as the planets station direct.

Personally, I am over the moon that Jupiter is finally stationing direct.  It is sextiling my Saturn which indicates slow growth but it will be entering my 12th house in July, which should be a boon for my work as well as a spiritual balm for my soul.  Jupiter transiting the12th house is a very pleasant, protective influence.

Mother’s Day is on May 8, 2016 and we could see a little astrological turbulence on that day in the form a Grand Cross in mutable signs.  Jupiter in Virgo will be squaring off with Saturn in Sagittarius, Neptune in Pisces and the moon in Gemini.  It will be very challenging to see things clearly and it may feel like nothing goes as planned.  And with Mercury retrograde, I wouldn’t be surprised if restaurant reservations disappear or people get delayed in their destinations for celebrations. Just try to use the positive side of all that mutable energy and be as adaptable as possible to whatever occurs.  HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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 and can also be described as a spa for the soul to boot!   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:


For my clients who can’t fit Friday into their schedule for a treatment or have difficulty traveling, I have also recently begun doing distance Reiki sessions for them.  I have a conversation with them about what they hope to achieve from a session, we set up a time for the session to take place when they will be in a state to receive healing energy and I follow up with a telephone conversation to discuss their experience and my perception of their blockages.  I have also incorporated a new technique with my distance Reiki treatments since I don’t always have a photo of my client.  I use a teddy bear so that I can scan and focus the healing energy where it is needed.  Talk about regrouping and revising during a Mercury retrograde! If this appeals to you, please feel free to contact me by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205.


I have also recently become a member of the Fellowship of Massachusetts Energywork Practitioners.  It is a great resource for those seeking energyworkers.  Please feel free to check out this site at:


The link to my profile is below:



If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight into your life, especially with the recent eclipses in March and the season of retrogrades including Mars, Pluto, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter, please consider getting an astrological reading.  If you are not quite ready for a full blown natal interpretation or a solar return forecast, I also offer one question astrological readings and composite couple readings that offer insight into the purpose of a relationship. And I offer shorter transit readings for three and six months. You can learn more about my menu of astrological services at:



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