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

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Friday, September 30, 2016

New Moon in Libra Offers Second Chance This Month for New Beginnings



The month of September has been quite the roller coaster, starting off with a new moon solar eclipse on September 1st and a lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 16th. Both eclipses were hosted by Mercury retrograde, which although technically in the shadow until October 6th, stationed direct on September 22nd, affording us some relief.  We were also under the nebulous influence of the infamous Saturn/Neptune square, which was exact again on September 10th.  But one bright spot during this whirlwind of planetary activity was Jupiter moving into Libra on September 9, 2016.

The piece de resistance of September, the jewel in the crown to speak, is the second new moon of the month on September 30, 2016 in 8 degrees of Libra.  New moons are all about fresh starts and new beginnings, so we are blessed to get a second chance for new beginnings this month that can spill into the month of October. It is a very well aspected new moon in the sign of Libra.  Typical Libra themes are equality, harmony, balance, beauty and unconditional love and idealism in relationships.  The sun and moon in Libra form a close (4 degrees) conjunction to Jupiter in Libra, which is pretty sweet. This conjunction fuels our enthusiasm and hope for the future; we can somehow feel the potential for our dreams to come true and our beliefs are strengthened.  Our dreams for love and money can be brought to fruition under this highly optimistic new moon, which is a welcome breath of fresh air after the two September eclipses. Relief is in sight! The last eclipse on September 16, 2016, was a south node lunar eclipse, which is all about leaving the past behind and surrender.  Surrender is a common theme with Pisces eclipses.  This new moon in Libra also features transiting Neptune in Pisces conjunct the south node, reinforcing the theme of leaving the past behind.  In other words, it’s time to release the things that no longer serve our best interests.

The new moon in Libra also includes some positive aspects involving Saturn and Neptune, which can help us to emerge from the shadow of fear and anxiety that was prevalent during the third and final Saturn/Neptune square earlier this month.  We have literally been feeling the influences of this aspect since November 26, 2015 and it is finally moving into a waning phase.  The Libra sun sextiles Saturn in Sagittarius, providing enhanced stability, patience, perseverance and a strong work ethic.  Jupiter in Libra also sextiles Saturn in Sagittarius, and this signifies a time of cautious expansion.  During this new moon in Libra, Neptune in Pisces is trined by Venus in Scorpio, creating an atmosphere in which spiritual principles can prevail in love and creative endeavors are favored as we engage in more compassionate behavior and living from the heart.

The only inherent danger with this new moon in Libra is that we can literally get swept away in a Neptunian fog of over-idealism and pie in the sky schemes.  This is evidenced by the Libra sun inconjunct Neptune in Pisces, indicating that we may very well require some fine tuning and adjustments between our ego and our goals.  But overall, this new moon in Libra is a fine time to shoot for the moon in terms of attaining those lofty goals.  Whatever you do, don’t forget that Saturn is a key player in this new moon.  Remember to be patience, persevere, be diligent and try not to bite off more than you can chew.  Easier said than done, I know.  We are literally trying to achieve a fine balance between pie in the sky idealism and negative realism, no small feat.

On a personal level, this new moon falls in my 12th house and squares my south node in Cancer and north node in Capricorn.  I am definitely feeling the pressure of this challenging aspect to leave my karmic baggage behind and move forward on my soul’s path.  I am grateful for Jupiter’s presence in my 12th house, but am eagerly anticipating when it enters my 1st house on November 30, 2016 so I can get the full experience of expansion and growth.

If you are curious as to how Jupiter in Libra will impact you in the coming year, why not consider getting an astrological reading?  This is a time of great change and a little astrological insight can give you some much needed tools to make the most of the opportunities which will be available to you during Jupiter’s transit of Libra.  While Saturn is never subtle about the lessons you need to learn and its impact is always felt during a transit, Jupiter has the kind of feel good energy that can be easily ignored and its blessings blown if you aren’t mindful of its potential for growth.  I always say that with Jupiter, if you snooze, you lose.  Food for thought…

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 still channeling that Virgo north node 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. 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:



If you are seeking more spiritual insight into your life, 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 which might help you navigate the rest of 2016 a little easier. If you purchase a three or six month transit reading, I will even look at how September’s eclipses affected you! You can learn more about my menu of astrological services, including the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Twitter at:


A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice.

Mars stationing direct this summer inspired me to launch a new endeavor that will deliver my services to you at an affordable cost in the form of package deals.  I am offering four options: Silver, Gold, Platinum and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:


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


Friday, September 23, 2016

A Change of Season with Fall Equinox, Mercury and Pluto Direct and Mars and Venus Changing Signs






The eclipses may be over, but September is still abuzz with astrological activity. Uranus in Aries continues to be a very active key player in the September 16th lunar eclipse.  It received a trine from Mars in Sagittarius on that day and on September 17th, Venus in Libra opposed it.  Changes, breakthroughs and heated exchanges in relationships were a small part of the fallout of this eclipse.  I sense that the effects of this lunar eclipse will linger for a full six months and it will be interesting to see where we are in March 2017, especially after the February 2017 eclipses. 

The best news this week occurred on September 22, 2016 when Mercury stationed direct in 14 degrees of Virgo. Communication and transportation snafus will slowly lift as Mercury picks up speed and moves forward.  We also experienced the Fall Equinox on that day when the sun entered Libra. With the sun in Libra, the energy will shift to a more social atmosphere.  I love the season of fall and consider it to be my own personal new year, when the air is crisp and the energy ripe for new beginnings. The sun and Jupiter in Libra were also conjunct that day, fueling the fires of optimism.  And the moon was in Gemini, so it was all about communication.  We just need to be mindful not to take on more than we can handle with that connection to Jupiter, given Jupiter’s penchant for doing things in a big way.  Another perk of Mercury stationing direct on September 22nd is that it conjuncted the north node in Virgo.  This is a very positive, auspicious aspect because it empowers us with the ability to analyze our next steps and move forward on our soul’s path.

We are also the beneficiary of two trines this week from Mercury in Virgo to Pluto in Capricorn.  The first occurred on September 20th when Mercury was still retrograde, inspiring me to tweet:

“Mercury in Virgo trining Pluto in Capricorn today is a boon for clearer communication & ability to focus. Our words have power.”

On September 23rd, Mercury direct trines Pluto in Capricorn again, so make the most of this energy of this potentially productive trine between analytical Virgo and powerful Capricorn.  This is our second hit this week and its potential shouldn’t be wasted.

On September 23, 2016 Venus exits its home sign of Libra and plunges into the watery depths of Scorpio, where it will remain until October 18th.  The emotional vibe in relationships will take on a more intense, all or nothing, obsessive quality.  Make no bones about it, Venus in Scorpio does not have the lighthearted social butterfly quality of Venus in Libra.  It craves intimacy, emotional depth and is quite adept at purging and detoxing in relationships.  I have my Venus in Scorpio and I can attest to its totally accurate description of still waters running deep.

The sun may be in Libra, but the Scorpio energy gets kicked up a notch when its ruling planet Pluto stations direct in 14 degrees of Capricorn on September 26, 2016.  Pluto has been retrograde since April 18th, so we can start to reap the benefits of the confrontation of our shadow side (especially our desire for power) and revisiting old hurts so that our transformation can move to the next level.  And with Pluto direct in Capricorn, just maybe we can make some progress in transforming our government in a constructive manner.

Mars is finally changing signs, entering Capricorn on September 27, 2016. Mars stays in Capricorn for about six weeks, entering the free -wheeling sign of Aquarius on November 9, 2016. Mars has spent most of 2016 in Scorpio and Sagittarius due to its extended retrograde period from April 17th through June 29, 2016.  It’s very interesting that both Mars and Pluto, co-rulers of Scorpio, stationed retrograde so close to each other. And they are headed for a conjunction in Capricorn on October 19th, which could result in some major bullying.  More on that later…

But what can we expect from Mars in Capricorn? Mars in Capricorn will lack the fiery enthusiasm of Mars in Sagittarius, as it has a more disciplined, determined demeanor with a focus on making slow and steady progress. It is a cautious, reserved Mars. The perk of Mars in Capricorn is that we can take those ideals that surfaced during the long Mars in Sagittarius transit and make them a reality.  Transiting Mars in Capricorn will be conjunct my natal north node on October 10, 2016 and the sun enters my first house that day as well, so I am eagerly anticipating an adrenaline boost of energy.

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 still channeling that Virgo north node 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. 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:



If you are seeking more spiritual insight into your life, 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 which might help you navigate the rest of 2016 a little easier. If you purchase a three or six month transit reading, I will even look at how September’s eclipses affect you! You can learn more about my menu of astrological services, including the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Twitter at:


A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice.

Mars stationing direct this summer inspired me to launch a new endeavor that will deliver my services to you at an affordable cost in the form of package deals.  I am offering four options: Silver, Gold, Platinum and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:


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



Friday, September 16, 2016

Powerful Lunar Eclipse in Pisces


Can you feel it?  Today is the long-awaited last eclipse of 2016 and it is packing quite a punch.  It is a lunar eclipse in 24 degrees of Pisces and it is particularly potent because Chiron in Pisces and Mars in Sagittarius are major players.  Pisces is the uber emotional water sign and relationships will feel the impact of this eclipse as the full moon opposes retrograde Mercury in Virgo and inconjuncts Venus in Libra.

The full moon is conjunct Chiron in 22 degrees of Pisces, which is really stirring the emotional pot by fully exposing (that’s what lunar eclipses are all about, folks) old emotional wounds so they can heal.  Chiron’s influence is painful and an upsetting part of the transition we are all facing.  On September 15th, the sun in Virgo was in direct opposition to Chiron, inspiring me to tweet:

“Virgo sun opposing Chiron in Pisces today could trigger some old emotional wounds for healing.  Prelude to Friday’s lunar eclipse.”
There is no denial that this eclipse’s connection with Chiron has a major theme of healing as all of us are forced to confront our oldest, deepest emotional wounds.  Pisces is also a sign that represents spirituality and faith, but as I have previously commented on numerous occasions, trusting in the process is extremely difficult but very necessary

Mars in Sagittarius is not making this eclipse any easier to deal with.  It forms an uncomfortable T-square with the sun and moon in Virgo and opposes Chiron in Pisces.  Mars squaring the moon can really push our buttons and force the issue on releasing some karmic baggage.  Anger can erupt quite suddenly in relationships if unexpected events occur due to the fact that Uranus in Aries is also opposing Venus in Libra.  And Uranus in Aries is trining Mars in Sagittarius, which can provide courage and drive to make the right moves and get unstuck.  Trust Uranus to get involved in the mix and make this lunar eclipse even more interesting by adding the element of the unexpected. But the trine to Mars is a positive aspect. There is massive potential for self-reflection during this eclipse and lots of angry reactions.  But what are we really angry about? We may find ourselves lashing out or projecting our anger for something totally unrelated.

I am definitely not immune from the effects of this lunar eclipse.  My chart is a veritable land mine and I have been feeling extremely emotional, irritable and exhausted for the past week.  We are just bouncing back from the last Saturn Neptune square on September 10th and I went into eclipse mode on September 11th, the 15th anniversary of 9/11.  Why is this eclipse impacting me so strongly?  For starters, it is opposing my progressed moon in Virgo and sextiling my natal Chiron in Capricorn in the 4th house.  It’s hitting pretty close to home and bringing a lot of old emotional wounds up for review. It is also trining my sun and Venus in Scorpio, as well as my midheaven, Jupiter and Uranus in Cancer.  When a lunar eclipse forms a grand water trine with your natal chart, it’s bound to be a highly charged emotional time. If you are curious as to how this eclipse or the solar eclipse on September 1st is affecting you, I highly recommend getting an astrological reading now to obtain greater insight during this intensely transitional time.

Earlier this week I was watching a very inspiring video with Henry Seltzer on this lunar eclipse.  Check it out at:


Just click on the image of Henry’s face to watch it.

Henry’s video featured a chart of the eclipse.  Being a Scorpio, I was struck by the fact that the ascendant for the eclipse chart was 26 degrees of Scorpio.  But then I realized that the chart was for Pacific Daylight Time and I immediately constructed a chart for Eastern Daylight Time.  That gave the eclipse an ascendant of 7 degrees of Capricorn and Pluto was in 14 degrees of Capricorn in the 1st house.  So my feeling that this eclipse has the potential to be very transformative and Scorpionic was right on the mark.  That eclipse ascendant is also conjunct my north node, so I am definitely hoping that this eclipse will be instrumental for me in ushering in a regenerative period of transformation and growth.

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 still channeling that Virgo north node 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. 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:



If you are seeking more spiritual insight into your life, 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 which might help you navigate the rest of 2016 a little easier. If you purchase a three or six month transit reading, I will even look at how September’s eclipses affect you! You can learn more about my menu of astrological services, including the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Twitter at:


A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice.

Mars stationing direct this summer inspired me to launch a new endeavor that will deliver my services to you at an affordable cost in the form of package deals.  I am offering four options: Silver, Gold, Platinum and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:


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



Friday, September 9, 2016

Jupiter in Libra and Saturn Neptune Square Take 3





Despite a Mercury retrograde in Virgo, September is proving to be quite the active month.  Sandwiched in between two eclipses on the 1st (a solar eclipse in Virgo) and an upcoming lunar eclipse in Pisces on the 16th, Jupiter changes signs on the 9th and we have the third and final Saturn in Sagittarius Neptune in Pisces square on September 10, 2016.

Jupiter moving out of the sign of Virgo, its detriment, into Libra, is the best news of the month!  I don’t know about you, but for the past year I have felt literally exhausted from having to work so hard for expansion and growth.  Jupiter didn’t exactly feel like Santa Claus as far as I was concerned.  Jupiter in Libra has a kinder, gentler vibe because it has more of a tendency to attract beneficial growth through help from others.  Libra is the sign of partnerships and fairness.  Let’s not forget those scales of balance, either! Jupiter in Libra will help bring some balance to love.  Saturn in Libra from 2009-2012 may have tested and broken up many long-term relationships, but I would wager that Jupiter in Libra will see a major growth spurt in new marriages and committed relationships.

Jupiter in Libra also brings some much-needed relief and blessing to the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn after the pummeling they have received as a result of the Uranus Pluto squares of 2012-2015. Libra gets the biggest boost from Jupiter in Libra because sun sign Libras will experience a Jupiter/Sun conjunction during the Jupiter in Libra transit that lasts until October 10, 2017. But Libra rising folks like myself will also benefit through new opportunities and attention to the self.  Jupiter will conjunct my ascendant and enter my 1st house on December 1, 2016 and I couldn’t be happier about that!  Anyone with Jupiter in Libra will really hit the astrological jackpot, so to speak, because they will experience a Jupiter Return, which only comes around every 12 years. Think back to what was going on in your life the last time Jupiter was in Libra, September 2004- October 2005.

Even the square and opposition aspects with Jupiter in Libra will be relatively benign because they tend to provide a gentler kick in the butt to get us moving and make our own luck. I promise you that it is not like Saturn’s relentless prodding and restrictive nature. The caveats with Jupiter are that if you snooze you lose, so you have to take advantage of opportunities and anyone with a sun, moon, ascendant or Venus in Libra may be prone to weight gain because Jupiter loves to expand in these areas of life and let’s face it, Libra loves the finer things in life.  If you are not sure if you have any planets in Libra, please consider getting an astrological reading now to see what goodies Jupiter in Libra could be bringing you in the next year.

On September 10, 2016 Saturn in Sagittarius will square Neptune in Pisces in 10 degrees of the respective signs.  This is the third and final square of these two planets.  Their dance began with the first square on November 26, 2015 and the second one occurred on June 17, 2016.  The Saturn/Neptune square is also the last phase of a cycle that began in 1989 with their conjunction in Capricorn.  Back in 1989 the Berlin Wall came down and human rights issues surfaced in Tiananmen Square. Global events took on a huge significance back then, as they are now.

This aspect is an awkward, difficult dance between these two planets because they are so inherently different.  Saturn tests our physical reality by placing limitations in our path and in the sign of Sagittarius our beliefs are facing tests of that faith that tend to manifest in fear and anxiety.  Neptune in Pisces, on the other hand, opens us up to new levels of compassion, forgiveness and serenity.  Neptune rules Pisces and we can’t afford to forget that during this aspect; Neptune in Pisces has a tendency to see things through rose-colored glasses, be overly idealistic and escapist. The Saturn Neptune square does offer us the opportunity to release and dissolve old patterns of being the martyr or victim.  But it requires hard work and therein lies the rub.  I swear that a key theme of this aspect is to trust in the process.  And this is something easier said than done for most of us.  The fact that this aspect occurs in mutable signs contributes to the amorphous feeling, the sense that we can’t put our finger on what is real and how to implement those much needed changes.

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 still channeling that Virgo north node 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. 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:


If you are seeking more spiritual insight into your life, 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 which might help you navigate the rest of 2016 a little easier. If you purchase a three or six month transit reading, I will even look at how September’s eclipses affect you! You can learn more about my menu of astrological services, including the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Twitter at:


A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice.

Mars stationing direct this summer inspired me to launch a new endeavor that will deliver my services to you at an affordable cost in the form of package deals.  I am offering four options: Silver, Gold, Platinum and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:


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


Friday, September 2, 2016

A Complicated September with Two Eclipses and Mercury Retrograde



September 2016 promises to be a complicated, challenging month that was preceded by Mercury stationing retrograde in 29 degrees on August 30, 2016.  Then we had a solar eclipse in 9 degrees of Virgo on September 1, 2016.  We also have a lunar eclipse on September 16, 2016 in 24 degrees of Pisces.

There is no doubt that Virgo energy prevails during the first half of September.  The solar eclipse on September 1st had a strong focal point on health, work, service to others and getting the details right while still seeing the big picture.  A pretty big order to fill.   And Jupiter is still in Virgo until September 9th. This solar eclipse also conjuncted the north node in 12 degrees of Virgo, which provided a strong impetus to move forward and shed that karmic baggage.  But that may have been easier said than done with Mercury retrograde.  While solar eclipses are a harbinger of massive changes, Mercury retrograde has an annoying tendency to dilute the eclipse’s urge to implement something new.  It is a very frustrating, push-pull vibe that can be accompanied by an apparent lack of good choices.

The solar eclipse on September 1, 2016 was further complicated by the T-square it created by its square to Saturn and Mars in Sagittarius and opposition to Neptune in Pisces.  Many people, myself included, were extremely anxious in the days leading up to this eclipse and found it damned near impossible to determine what is real and how to transform those dreams into  a reality.  We are still in the throes of the Saturn/Neptune square, which will be exact for the third time on September 10, 2016 in 10 degrees of Sagittarius and Pisces.  Saturn and Neptune aren’t done confusing and unsettling us, not by a long shot!  The sun in Virgo also squared Saturn in Sagittarius on the day of the eclipse, which contributed some obstacles and limitations and lent a rather depressing vibe to the mix.

My tweets on September 1, 2016 reflected the complicated energy of this eclipse:

#SolarEclipse in Virgo today squares Mars and Saturn in Sagittarius while opposing Neptune in Pisces.  A major challenge to reality.”

#SolarEclipse in Virgo today trines Pluto in Capricorn.  We may get some practical insights into power but it’s tough to move forward.”

Solar eclipses are renowned for triggering upsetting changes, but the stage may have been set weeks ago because the effects of solar eclipses can be felt up to three months before the actual date and as long as one year afterwards.  Anyone with planets or points in the mutable signs of Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces will be facing major changes that trace their origins to the solar eclipse on March 8, 2016 in 18 degrees of Pisces.  I am definitely in that camp with my moon in 14 degrees of Gemini.

The effects of an eclipse will be felt most profoundly in the house it falls in your natal chart, as well as any planets or points that it forms aspects to. The solar eclipse of September 1st in 9 degrees of Virgo fell in my 11th house of friends, group associations and aspirations.  It also trined my north node in Capricorn in my 3rd house. 

How did that play out for me?  Well, on August 31st when the Leo moon was trining Uranus in Aries, I received an e-mail from Celebration of Reiki that Massachusetts Senate Bill; S2461, which had been a threat to all Reiki practitioners in Massachusetts, had been redrafted and was now H4595. The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing redrafted the bill to exclude the misleading language about Reiki.  A few weeks ago I joined my colleagues in the Reiki community and made some phone calls and wrote some letters to Senators and Representatives.  It was my first foray into political activism and it yielded some very positive results.  And it definitely involved some positive communication (3rd house) regarding my group associations and aspirations (11th house).  I love it when astrology proves itself in daily life!

As for the solar eclipse in Virgo, it also got me thinking about adding another skill to my toolbox as a healer. I am researching coaching programs to add that to my menu of services.  While I am definitely not prepared to sign off on anything while Mercury is retrograde, it is an optimal time to do the research on programs.

I’d also like to do my due diligence as an astrologer by extending a word of warning to everyone out there by cautioning people to be very careful about accepting any job offers while Mercury is retrograde or even leaving a job when Mercury is retrograde. A job that is accepted when Mercury is retrograde may turn out to be very different from its job description. I know people that accepted jobs while Mercury was retrograde and lived to regret it.  And leaving a job while Mercury is retrograde can cause problems in departure and even in obtaining money owed in terms of that final paycheck, including vacation and retirement funds.  Mercury stations direct on September 22, 2016.  If you can afford to wait a little longer, I strongly advise waiting until October 6th when Mercury is finally out its retrograde shadow.  Mercury enters Libra on October 7, 2016 and hopefully by then this Mercury retrograde will be a distant memory…

I will be writing more about the lunar eclipse on September 16, 2016 in the future, but I will leave you with some food for thought as to where 24 degrees of Pisces falls in your chart. The lunar eclipse falls in my 6th house and trines my Venus in the 2nd house, so it should be an interesting time for me on the work, health and financial fronts. If you need help in understanding how this upcoming lunar eclipse will affect you, please consider getting an astrological reading with me.

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 still channeling that north node and the last days of 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. 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:


If you are seeking more spiritual insight into your life, 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 which might help you navigate the rest of 2016 a little easier. If you purchase a three or six month transit reading, I will even look at how September’s eclipses affect you! You can learn more about my menu of astrological services, including the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Twitter at:


A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice.

Mars stationing direct this summer inspired me to launch a new endeavor that will deliver my services to you at an affordable cost in the form of package deals.  I am offering four options: Silver, Gold, Platinum and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:


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


Happy Labor Day weekend!