Mars Retrograde, Venus Enters Aquarius and Neptune Goes Direct in Pisces

 

We have yet another week of heavy astrological action ahead of us.  On December 6, Mars stations retrograde in 6 degrees of Leo.  Mars is retrograde approximately every two years, and we can expect delays in our progress towards our goals and desires when it occurs.  Mars retrograde can also deplete our physical energy. The last time that Mars was retrograde occurred from October 30, 2022 through January 12, 2023 and it was in Gemini the whole time. I remember that period well because I contracted COVID for the second time on October 31, 2022.

This Mars retrograde will be a bit more complicated because it starts out in Leo, but moves back into Cancer on January 6, 2025 before it stations direct in 17 degrees of Cancer on February 22, 2025.  It doesn't help matters that we are undergoing a Mercury retrograde at the same time. When Mars is retrograde, we need to review and reassess our relationship with aggression and drive.  Frustration abounds as we are confronted with all of those things that have been aggravating us recently.  Like it or not, we need to surrender to the moment and accept that progress is not going to happen on our timetable.  Mars is more comfortable in the fixed fire sign of Leo, but it will be opposing Pluto in 1 degree of Aquarius on January 3, 2025, which can set the stage for some ego clashes, power struggles and obstacles.  Mars will be in Cancer from January 6, 2025 through April 18, 2025.  Mars was previously in Cancer from September 4, 2024 through November 3, 2024, so don't be surprised if issues from that period resurface.  Simmering emotional resentments are common when Mars is in Cancer, as is passive-aggressive behavior.  Mars is not a happy camper in the cardinal water sign of Cancer and could be described as a whiny warrior.  Family issues could set us off while Mars is retrograde in Cancer, so try to use this transit constructively to set healthier boundaries with relatives.  And it goes without saying that anyone with Aries rising or Sun will feel the brunt of this Mars retrograde because Mars rules Aries.  The same can be said for Scorpio rising and Sun too because Mars was considered the ruler of Scorpio until Pluto was discovered in 1930.  Mars is still very closely associated with the sign of Scorpio.

On December 7, we have two more major astrological events.  Venus enters Aquarius at 1:13 a.m. and Neptune stations direct in 27 degrees of Pisces at 6:43 p.m.  When Venus is in Aquarius, we are drawn to more unconventional relationships and crave freedom of expression.  Friends can become lovers and there is an air of emotional detachment present.  Venus will also be conjuncting Pluto in Aquarius on the 7th, so don't be surprised if the urge for an intense conjunction is stronger, but be mindful not to be too possessive, jealous or obsessive.  Then Venus in Aquarius will be opposing Mars in 6 degrees of Leo on December 12, which can increase the level of sexual tension and physical desires.  If you don't have a sexual partner, try to release the tension through exercise or creative endeavors.  Venus will be in Aquarius until January 2, 2025.

Neptune has been retrograde in Pisces since July 2, 2024 and when it stations direct it is time to allow compassion and selflessness out into the world.  But there could be even more confusion and a desire for escapism. That is the way Neptune in Pisces rolls.  Whenever a planet stations, either direct or retrograde, its power is magnified.  And since Neptune has such a nebulous quality, you never know if it will manifest as confusion or the higher levels of spirituality.  It should be interesting...

I would also like to announce that I am no longer posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), but I am posting daily on Blue Sky Social as danceofphoenix@danceofphoenix.bsky.social. There is an astrological community starting there called AstroSphere. The link is https://bsky.app/profile/danceofphoenix.bsky.social.

If you are curious as to how all of this planetary action is affecting you, please consider getting an astrological consultation with me. Check out my menu of services at:

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

I am also offering private astrology lessons by telephone or video, such as FaceTime, Skype or Zoom.  Please feel free to contact me at lindasim54@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about astrology.

I have been doing more work with tarot readings, which I love, so I decided to create a combination reading which offers the option of a 30-minute astrology consultation with a one-question tarot reading for only $50. There is something for everyone and my menu of services can accommodate any budget. I also have a one-question tarot reading for only $15. 

My site also offers the opportunity to provide a donation in the amount of your choice to demonstrate your support for my blog and daily astrological insights on Blue Sky Social at: 

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

 A contribution in any amount is deeply appreciated as gratitude is a daily part of my spiritual practice. If you prefer to send a donation through Venmo or pay for a reading through Venmo, my handle is Linda Simons @Linda-Simons-7.  Or you can send a contribution using Zelle and my phone number 617-304-2205.

Additionally, I am available for tarot readings by telephone.  I use the Celestial Tarot Deck, which I love because it contains so many astrological symbols.  A tarot reading is another great option for obtaining insight and clarity. I offer a 24-card tarot card reading for $50 which incorporates the twelve houses of the horoscope.

I am still experiencing technical difficulties with the Buy Now buttons on the Services Offered page of my site.  In the meantime, please feel free to send payments through PayPal to my email at lindasim54@gmail.com. Just let me know which type of consultation you want with your birth date info.  Or you can send a payment to my Venmo account at Linda Simons @Linda-Simons-7 or Zelle using my phone number 617-304-2205.

In 2020, I added a Monthly Horoscopes section to my website. December horoscopes are up now and I have a link to my monthly forecasts at Horoscope Junkie.  Check it out at:

https://thehoroscopejunkie.ca/monthly_horoscopes.html

I have also joined Facebook.  I don’t post as frequently as on Blue Sky Social, but I am on Facebook now at https://www.facebook.com/linda.simons.75098

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

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

The coronavirus outbreak caused me to increase the number of distant Reiki sessions I do because people were concerned about the spread of the infection. I have decided to suspend my in-person Reiki sessions until further notice, so all of my Reiki sessions will be distant Reiki sessions for the foreseeable future. But a distant Reiki session is the perfect opportunity to safely build up your immune system and if you have contracted coronavirus, you can be treated safely from the comfort of your home. My procedure is to have a conversation with a client 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 do miss seeing my clients, so I am now offering Zoom consultations/intakes before the session so that we can see each other. 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. The cost for distance Reiki sessions is based on a sliding scale of $30 -$50. For your convenience, I accept Venmo and Zelle for payment. Zelle payments can be sent using my telephone number 617-304-2205. I have also written an article about distance Reiki, which is available at:

 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-distance-reiki-can-help-you-during-coronavirus-linda-simons

If you are interested in learning more about how Reiki can benefit you, please feel free to check out my Reiki site at:

 www.reikiwithlindasimons.com

I urge everyone to engage in massive amounts of self-care and follow the protective measures of washing your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, wearing a face mask when necessary and staying home if you are sick. And get a vaccine. The newest vaccine is available and I encourage you to get it to protect yourself. I repeat, you do not want to get this virus! I speak from personal experience and consider myself very fortunate to have survived Coronavirus twice. Stay safe and healthy, everyone! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mars Enters Aries for an Extended Stay and Jupiter Conjuncts Pluto in Capricorn

This may be the week between eclipses but it is hardly a quiet one.  We did experience a major solar eclipse on June 21, 2020 when I tweeted:

The moon enters Cancer today and conjuncts the sun for a #SolarEclipse in Cancer. It may be somewhat uncomfortable emotionally in terms of getting needs met due to its inconjunct to Saturn in Aquarius. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) June 21, 2020

We have two major astrological aspects occurring before the next lunar eclipse in 13 degrees of Capricorn on July 5, 2020.  The first happens on June 27, 2020 when Mars enters Aries, the sign it rules.  This is no ordinary Mars in Aries transit, however, because this year we will experience a Mars retrograde transit, so Mars will remain in the sign of Aries until January 6, 2021.  Mars will station retrograde in 28 degrees of Aries on September 9, 2020 and will station direct in 15 degrees of Aries on November 13, 2020.  We haven’t experienced a Mars retrograde transit in Aries since 1988 and we won’t have another one until 2067, so this is a really big deal.  I certainly won’t live to see the next one.

Since Mars rules Aries, it is truly comfortable and at home here. Don’t forget that Mars is a warrior and will give us the courage to implement changes in our lives. If you have been feeling sluggish the Mars in Aries transit should revitalize you and provide you with an assertive jolt of energy. The shadow side of Mars in Aries involves a certain amount of impatience and irritability. Mars in Aries will affect everyone, but anyone who has planets in the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will bear the brunt of it.  It all depends on which house or houses Mars in Aries will be transiting in your chart as to how it will play out in your life.   For me, Mars will begin its transit in my 6^th house of health, work, service to others and daily routines and then enter my 7^th house of partnerships in late July, but it will backtrack into my 6^th house from late October through mid-November. It also goes without saying that the Mars retrograde period from September through mid-November is not the best time to implement major changes, as we could feel stymied and held back from making progress.  Be mindful of that retrograde period.

Mars in Aries will also be squaring Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. Mars in Aries will square Jupiter in Capricorn on August 4, 2020 and again on October 19, 2020. Mars squaring Jupiter could manifest as a judicious figure trying to pacify impulsive and hot headed individuals.    Mars in Aries will be squaring Saturn in Capricorn on August 24, 2020 and again on September 29, 2020.  This aspect could play out in bitter struggles to break free of the status quo.  And last but definitely not least, Mars in Aries will be squaring Pluto in Capricorn on August 13, 2020 and again on October 9, 2020 and December 23, 2020. This aspect has all of the earmarks of epic power struggles and confrontations.  People who have more power will tend to have the upper hand during this transit, so it is wise to avoid using underhanded and ruthless tactics because they could very well backfire.  By all means feel free to strive for success while Mars is squaring Pluto, but be careful not to alienate anyone in the process.

On June 30, 2020, Jupiter and Pluto will be conjunct in 24 degrees of Capricorn.  This is the second of three Jupiter Pluto conjunctions in 2020.  The first one occurred on April 4, 2020 in 24 degrees of Capricorn and the final one will happen on November 12, 2020 in 22 degrees of Capricorn.  Jupiter conjunct Pluto in Capricorn signifies a time of growth and catharsis as we seek to regenerate.  Jupiter and Pluto are strange bedfellows indeed, no doubt about it.  Jupiter wants to expand while Pluto wants to purge for a rebirth to occur.  Pluto will cause whatever is weak to crumble but Jupiter will bestow with the natural optimism to rebuild. Jupiter and Pluto conjunct in Capricorn has strong themes of maturity and responsibility.  Hopefully by the third time this aspect is exact in November, we will have learned enough to make the adjustments necessary to achieve more maturity and responsibility as we seek to transform our goals.

Jupiter conjunct Pluto can also create a new sense of purpose in our lives and a sense of spiritual self-development that allows us to have a sharper focus and offers us hope in these challenging times. The Jupiter Pluto conjunction can put us in touch with deeper levels of truth as we peel the layers of the onion to discover more about the purpose of our soul’s journey.

I am pretty stoked about this Jupiter Pluto conjunction because it is conjunct my natal Chiron in 24 degrees of Capricorn in my 4^th house and it is also conjunct my progressed sun in 25 degrees of Capricorn.  I am anticipating making major changes in my life and healing work as a result of this Jupiter Pluto conjunction.  And I am very grateful that we get three shots at mastering this aspect.  It goes without saying that I am thankful that we didn’t experience three Saturn Pluto conjunctions in 2020 because one was more than enough to generate the Coronavirus.  I contracted and survived the Coronavirus, but a part of me believes that having my progressed sun in Capricorn forming a supportive sextile to my natal Venus in 24 degrees of Scorpio helped to save my life.

If you are curious about your progressed sun or how all of these planetary changes will be affecting you, please consider getting an astrological reading. These are very challenging and unique times; an astrological reading could provide some much needed clarity and guidance.  Check out my menu of services at:

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

I have also added a new reading to my menu of services, a Clues to Compatibility reading, which is designed primarily for non-romantic relationships and utilizes synastry to determine your connections with friends, family members and business associates. Additionally, I have also decided to offer private astrology lessons by telephone or video, such as Skype or Zoom.  Please feel free to contact me at lindasim54@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about astrology.

I have been doing more work with tarot readings, which I love, so I decided to create a new combination reading which offers the option of a 30 minute astrology consultation with a one question tarot reading for only $50. There is something for everyone and my menu of services can accommodate any budget.

My site also offers 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:

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

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

I am also available for tarot readings by telephone.  I use the Celestial Tarot Deck, which I love because it contains so many astrological symbols.  A tarot reading is another great option for obtaining insight and clarity. I offer a 24 card tarot card reading for $50 which incorporates the twelve houses of the horoscope.

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

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

The coronavirus outbreak is causing me to increase the number of distant Reiki sessions I do because people are concerned about the spread of the infection. I have decided to suspend my in-person Reiki sessions in order to practice social distancing.  A distant Reiki session is the perfect opportunity to safely build up your immune system and if you have contracted coronavirus, you can be treated safely from the comfort of your home. My procedure is to have a conversation with a client 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. The cost for distance Reiki sessions is $30.  For your convenience, I accept PayPal and Venmo as forms of payment.  I have also written an article about distance Reiki, which is available at:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-distance-reiki-can-help-you-during-coronavirus-linda-simons

If you are interested in learning more about how Reiki can benefit you, please feel free to check out my Reiki site at:

www.reikiwithlindasimons.com

I was also featured in the July 3, 2017 edition of Boston Voyager, an online publication that runs a section called Inspiring Stories about local entrepreneurs on its home page.  The Scorpio moon was trining the Cancer sun and Neptune in Pisces on that day, so my story certainly debuted under fitting aspects.  Please feel free to check it out:

http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-linda-simons-reiki-linda-simons-coolidge-corner-brookline/

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

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

I urge everyone to engage in massive amounts of self-care and follow the protective measures of washing your hands frequently, maintaining social distancing, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, wearing a face mask when going outside your home and staying home if you are sick.  I repeat, you do not want to get this virus! Stay safe and healthy, everyone! 

Prepare to Surrender for Maximum Healing as Mars Retrogrades

I think that many of us are still reeling from the effects of the Aries New Moon of April 7^th in 18 degrees of Aries.  It had quite a buildup earlier in the week, especially on April 6^th when the Sun in Aries squared Pluto in Capricorn.  On that day I tweeted:

“Aries sun squaring Pluto in Capricorn today has the potential for major power struggles.  Past conflicts could reemerge.”

I know that I have been pretty emphatic recently about how change is coming and that we need to embrace it. But the Sun Pluto square on April 6^th also set off the infamous Uranus Pluto square of 2012-2015, so issues of control are bound to surface.  Uranus will also play its part in triggering the Uranus Pluto square on April 9^th when it conjuncts the sun in Aries.  Those seven squares ruled the astrological climate for the first five years of this decade, and their effects are not going away anytime soon.

I think that I finally had an AHA moment this week when I realized that as much as I want change, I have no power to control how it will manifest in my life.  And that is one tough lesson to learn. I don’t do unpredictable very well, and a preponderance of planets in fire signs, especially a new moon in Aries aspecting both Uranus and Pluto tends to rock my fixed Scorpio core.  Saturn in Sagittarius was prominently featured in this new moon because it trined that new moon.  Trines are easy, flowing aspects, so it was definitely a good thing.  Saturn’s grounding influence should allow us to adapt to the massive changes that are coming a little easier.  But Saturn is also known for its delays and its endless need to test our faith.  

During the past week I have sensed a general slowing down of energy in my business.  I am still getting inquiries, but people are taking their time to consider what I have to offer them. This is not a new occurrence and in the past people have subsequently booked either Reiki sessions or astrology and tarot readings after an initial inquiry.  I’m trying not to take it personally, as I am well aware that Mars will be stationing retrograde on April 17^th. It stations retrograde in 8 degrees of Sagittarius and winds up back in Scorpio on May 28^th.  Mars stations direct in 23 degrees of Scorpio on June 29^th and reenters Sagittarius on August 3^rd.  The Mars retrograde is in my 2^nd house, so no wonder I am feeling this way.  My values in addition to my finances are already feeling the hit. We all know that planets tend to slow down before the retrograde actually occurs which encompasses the shadow period.  When Mars stations direct in August it conjuncts my Venus in the 2^nd house, so I expect that I will reap the harvest then.  I have implemented some changes in the services that I offer but I was very mindful to do so before Mars retrogrades.

Mars only retrogrades every two years, so it literally is a big deal when it happens.  What are the themes of Mars retrograde?  Well, the most important thing to remember is that when Mars is retrograde it tends to deplete vitality, so it is definitely not a good time to initiate new ventures.  Mars retrograde also cautions against buying anything mechanical if you can help it.  So don’t be surprised if computers break down or office machinery malfunctions.  Since Mars rules both Aries and Scorpio, these signs and anyone with planets in these signs will feel the effects.  But I would surmise, based on my own personal experience of coming to terms with the need to slow down and reassess, that Aries and Scorpio natives will find themselves having a little more patience to wait on circumstances, sitting back and reviewing matters in a more detached way.  This is where the concept of surrender comes into play.  It’s time to slow down and reevaluate so that healing can occur to pave the way for change.  There will be plenty of time and a sense of renewed vitality to initiate changes when Mars stations direct this summer.  If you don’t have a lot of Aries or Scorpio energy in your chart, conversely, you may feel more impatient to force matters to a conclusion.  This is NOT a wise move because if you do, things may fall apart.

Healing is very much on my mind these days because I am also attending a Celebration of Reiki conference on April 10^th.  The moon will be in Gemini that day and I am looking forward to some lively conversation with a diverse group of healers.  I am certainly open to learning new things about Reiki and the healing process.

I would also like to include a post that resonated big-time for me from fellow astrologer Robert Ohotto’s site www.ohotto.com

“Healing has to be understood as a verb:

It is a constant process of retrieving our spirit from where it has been frozen, locked in a time warp, then releasing it into the moment, and that’s when you recover.”

Healing is a big component of my soul’s path and after undergoing a challenging Chiron square transit to my moon during the last couple of years, I am now able to feel more empowered by having transiting Chiron in Pisces trining my natal Venus in Scorpio and sextiling my natal Chiron in Capricorn for the next couple of years.  So I do think that Robert Ohotto definitely captured the zeitgeist of the current astrological climate. 

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:

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

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:

http://www.maenergyworkfellowship.com/

The link to my profile is below:

http://www.maenergyworkfellowship.com/#!directory-page-2/qp4zw

If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight in your life, especially with the recent eclipses in March and all of the action in April with the new moon in Aries, and Mars, Pluto and Mercury going retrograde, you can learn more about my revised 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