Mercury Moves into Virgo as Saturn and Pluto Get Busy Stirring the Astrological Pot

Mercury, which is FINALLY DIRECT (drumroll, please) is moving back into the sign of Virgo on September 9, 2017 and it stays in Virgo until September 29, 2017.  And on September 19, 2017, when it hits 11 degrees of Virgo, the degree of Mercury’s retrograde station on August 12^th, we finally clear the Mercury Retrograde shadow.  But I think that many of us are feeling relief already.

Mercury is joining the sun and Mars in Virgo, which entered Virgo on September 5, 2017, inspiring me to tweet:

Mars moves into Virgo today as energy shifts from acting on having fun to getting back to work. Appropriate September vibe. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) September 5, 2017

Venus will join them on September 19^th, which is ironically the day Mercury clears its retrograde shadow.

Think back to what was going on in your life in late July and early August when Mercury was last in Virgo.  Anything that was unresolved can now be worked through as we all have the opportunity for a do-over.  Mercury is very comfortable in its home sign of Virgo (its other home sign is Gemini) and it can feel free to do its thing, which includes analyzing, problem solving, focusing on the details and being precise in speech, thought and process. Our minds are sharper and we are able to communicate with others more effectively. Mercury in Virgo is also very practical, due in no small part to its earth sign placement. It may not be as much fun as Mercury in Leo, but at least it is productive.  And it’s lacking the drama of Mercury in Leo.  It’s not a bad time to be of service to others, which is also Virgo’s domain.  Don’t be afraid to speak out or send out an email or even write a letter about a cause that is dear to your heart.

But with Mercury in Virgo we do need to be mindful of the tendency to be too critical of others or become too picky.  The other potential downfall with Mercury in Virgo is the tendency to block off our creativity because we are so focused and precise. The most productive way to channel that Mercury in Virgo energy is to learn something new by taking a class or reading a book or seeing a movie that sparks your creativity.

Pluto in Capricorn is finishing up its retrograde stint that began on April 20, 2017.  It will station direct on September 29, 2017 in 16 degrees of Capricorn, but it is still pretty busy these days.  On September 8, 2017, Mars in 1 degree of Virgo forms a challenging aspect called a semi-square with Pluto in 16 degrees of Capricorn.  Most of us are very familiar with the blocked energy associated with a square aspect, which occurs when two planets are 90 degrees apart.  Well, a semi-square is exactly what it sounds like: two planets 45 degrees apart.  It also represents deeply blocked energy, but while the square aspect tends to occur on an internal level, a semi-square can manifest as external events.  When Mars and Pluto collide in this kind of aspect, some ugly confrontations are possible.

Mark your calendars for September 9, 2017 because Pluto is the recipient of two other major aspects.  Venus in 16 degrees of Leo forms a challenging, irritating, annoying inconjunct with Pluto in 16 degrees of Capricorn.  The theme with this aspect is that adjustments are necessary on both sides, especially if there is a great deal of mistrust in order to reach common goals.  Sounds a lot like the current American political climate, n’est pas?  But the most optimistic aspect that occurs on September 9^th occurs when the sun in 16 degrees of Virgo trines Pluto in 16 degrees of Capricorn.  This is a very supportive aspect that can strengthen our sense of purpose and help us accomplish our goals.  So work it for all its worth.

Saturn in Sagittarius gets busy on September 12^th and 13^th.  On September 12^th Venus in 20 degrees of Leo trines Saturn in 21 degrees of Sagittarius and this is a very favorable aspect for making a dramatic commitment.  On September 13^th, the sun in 20 degrees of Virgo squares off with Saturn in 21 degrees of Sagittarius and this is one is not so much fun.  It can feel frustrating and present obstacles but it does help ground us.  And at least Saturn is direct these days, so its challenging aspects move on more quickly.

If you are curious as to how the recent full moon and other planetary aspects are affecting you, please consider getting an astrological reading.  The Services Offered page of my site describes the menu of services that I offer. There is something for everyone.

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:

http://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.

Recently I undertook an intensive life purpose coaching training program and became certified as a Life Purpose Coach.  It was an intense, eye-opening experience that changed my life as it caused me to reflect on the story of my life.  But I left it with feelings of hope and light for the future that I want to share with others.  To that end, I am now offering Life Purpose Coaching to my menu of services.  You can read more about it at:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/life-purpose-coaching-service.html

As an astrologer, I have decided to include an interpretation of the north node by sign. Especially with 2017 being a Universal Year 1, this is a marvelous time to navigate a new direction in your life that will fulfill you and your soul’s purpose. If you are feeling stuck and need some help in getting from Point A to Point B in your quest for making positive changes in your life, please email me at lindasim54@gmail.com to schedule a complementary telephone consultation to discover if you are a good fit for this program.  I look forward to hearing from you.

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

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.  I am also offering Reiki treatments in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline on Sunday afternoons.

But the big news is that I have created and launched a new website devoted exclusively to my Reiki practice. Please feel free to check it out at:

www.reikiwithlindasimons.com

I was also featured in the July 3^rd 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/

Additionally, I launched an 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:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/package-deals.html

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

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Mars Moves into Pisces and Mercury Retrogrades

Here comes the drum roll for the end of 2016.  We have just experienced the last full moon of 2016 on December 13^th in 22 degrees of Gemini and on December 19, 2016. Saturn in Sagittarius was quite the heavy hitter in that full moon, as I tweeted on that day:

Saturn's role in this full moon requires us to take personal responsibility & the high road while working the Gemini moon to spread truth.

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) December 13, 2016

Mars will enter the sign of Pisces while Mercury will enter its last retrograde period for 2016 when it stations retrograde at 15 degrees of Capricorn.

This Mercury retrograde should be particularly interesting because while it starts out in Capricorn, the sign of big business, finances and government, it winds up slipping back into Sagittarius on January 5, 2017 and stations direct in 29 degrees of Sagittarius on January 8, 2017.  I find this intriguing because 29 degrees of any sign is known as the critical or anaretic degree.  When a planet or point (like the ascendant, midheaven or node) is at 29 degrees, there are usually unresolved issues to be faced, generally in the area of decision making.  With Mercury spending over a week in the sign of Sagittarius, we are at the end of a spiritual cycle dealing with old belief systems that no longer serve a purpose.  Some astrologers even consider that if a natal chart contains a planet at 29 degrees of a sign, there is an increased sense of urgency to finish learning the lessons of that sign and get it right in this incarnation.

Mercury will be stationing direct in 29 degrees of Sagittarius on January 8, 2017 and re-enters the sign of Capricorn on January 13, 2017 (Friday the 13^th no less).  But for those of us who believe in the theory of the shadow of Mercury retrograde (and I am definitely on Team Mercury Retrograde Shadow), we are not out of the woods until Mercury is back to full speed on January 27, 2017 in 15 degrees of Capricorn.  Mercury actually entered the shadow phase on December 1, 2016 while it was in Sagittarius. It actually inspired me to reply to a tweet on December 10th about the upcoming Mercury retrograde:

@starsmoonandsun It's already in the shadow and some of us are feeling it already!

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) December 10, 2016

And this means that the United States of America will be inaugurating a new President under the influence of a Mercury Retrograde Shadow.  Enough said.

As for Mars moving into Pisces, pardon the pun, but that is a whole other kettle of fish.  It is no big secret that Mars is not very comfortable in Pisces because the natural aggression of Mars is tamped down and its hidden agendas make it difficult to move forward.  The bright side of Mars in Pisces, however, is that it is favorable energy for healing and the arts.

Mars in Pisces is definitely passive but can be prone to indirect aggression because it detests confrontation.  Mars in Pisces can be a time of putting others needs before our own, which can be all right if done in moderation and boundaries aren’t trampled. But Pisces is also the sign of the savior and the martyr, so it can be a tricky transit.  Pisces is a mutable sign that operates by going with the flow while Mars is all about wanting action.  So the key to surviving and thriving with this Mars in Pisces transit through January 28, 2017, is to allow it to happen.

Recently I undertook an intensive life purpose coaching training program and became certified as a Life Purpose Coach.  It was an intense, eye-opening experience that changed my life as it caused me to reflect on the story of my life.  But I left it with feelings of hope and light for the future that I want to share with others.  To that end, I am now offering Life Purpose Coaching to my menu of services.  You can read more about it at:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/life-purpose-coaching-service.html

As an astrologer, I have decided to include an interpretation of the north node by sign and house placement as part of my coaching program.  After all, the north node does represent the soul’s purpose in life, so why not use it as a tool?  If you are feeling stuck and need some help in getting from Point A to Point B in your quest for making positive changes in your life, please email me at lindasim54@gmail.com to schedule a complementary telephone consultation to discover if you are a good fit for this program.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Life coaching that uses north node astrology to discover your life purpose. DM me to schedule complementary phone consult. #lifecoaching

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) October 28, 2016

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 a basic astrological reading that will offer insight into your astrological DNA and the major themes in your life and delving into any pressing issues, 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. If you purchase a three or six month transit reading, I will even look at how September’s eclipses affected you and take a peek at the eclipses of February 2017. An astrological reading also makes a great Christmas gift! 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:

http://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.

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:

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

I have recently joined the International Center for Reiki Training Membership Association.

Please feel free to learn more about this wonderful organization at:

www.reikimembership.com

I am also offering my Reiki Holiday Promotion again this year which allows you to purchase three treatments for yourself or as a gift of health for a loved one.  More details are available at:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/reikiholiday-promotion-why-not.html

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.

I have also launched a new endeavor that will deliver my services to you at an affordable cost in the form of package deals.  With the upcoming holiday season, any of these packages makes a great gift. I am offering four options: Silver, Gold, Platinum and a Tarot special for my tarot clients. Please check it out at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/package-deals.html

In the spirit of the holiday season, I am also offering my Holiday Tarot Special, which allows you to purchase for yourself or a loved one a nine card tarot reading which focuses on one particular issue.  It makes a great gift. Check it out at:

Need a special #Christmasgift? Consider giving my Holiday Tarot Special for $10.https://t.co/DNPI3OlPuA A 9 card reading provides insight. pic.twitter.com/8g9Sn0JEYb

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) December 12, 2016

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/holiday-tarot-special.html

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

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix  

Full Moon in Aquarius - The Almost Eclipse

We just experienced a Full Moon in 26 degrees of Aquarius on August 18, 2016.  The astrological community has been of two minds in terms of describing it as a lunar eclipse.  Some astrologers called it a penumbral lunar eclipse, which is more subtle and difficult to observe because only the outer shadow of the earth falls on the moon’s face. But other astrologers are calling it an “Almost Eclipse.” But this full moon may still have the impact of an eclipse in terms of the changes it brings.  It still packed quite a punch because Aquarius is the sign ruled by Aquarius and this full moon sextiled Uranus in Aries, Aquarius revels in being considered unconventional and weird.  Dramatic changes and visions of a new future are highly likely as a result of this full moon. On August 18^th, I tweeted:

“#FullMoon in Aquarius has increased emphasis on wild card energy with its sextile to Uranus in Aries.  Expect lots of changes.”

The full moon in Aquarius also formed a challenging inconjunct (or as fellow astrologer Dietrech Pessin describes it, “Life’s messy, clean it up”) aspect with both Mercury and Jupiter in Virgo.  That inconjunct inspired me to tweet:

“Communications could get a little feisty and critical today as Aquarius #FullMoon inconjuncts Mercury in Virgo. #AlmostEclipse feels like one!”

The full moon inconjunct Mercury and Jupiter in Virgo generated massive amounts of mental tension that forced us to reexamine the details (Virgo loves its details, after all) and fueled the edginess associated with a full moon.  And a full moon in Aquarius tends to bring a heightened need for independence.

Letting go of situations and relationships that no longer serve our highest good was also a major theme of this full moon.  The sticking point with this is that anyone with a preponderance of fixed signs in their chart (Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio) know that this is no easy feat.  Fixed signs are tenacious and do not give up easily. That in itself has its pros and cons.

Saturn in Sagittarius was also a heavy hitter in this full moon.  It recently stationed direct on August 13^th, prompting me to tweet:

“Saturn stations direct today & we have opportunity to release blockages & limitations that have been keeping us stuck for months.”

The response to this tweet blew me away because over 4000 people have seen this tweet in the past week.  Obviously I struck a collective nerve!

Saturn is still involved with an ongoing square with Neptune in Pisces which will be exact again on September 10, 2016.  So the theme of what is real and how to make our dreams a reality still prevails.  Saturn does love to prune away the deadwood, which certainly is a major component of the release theme. Saturn in Sagittarius was also squaring the nodes of the moon on this full moon, which puts more pressure on us to let go of the past (south node stuff) and move forward on our path (north node).   This volatile combination of Saturn, Neptune and the nodes reinforces the theme of busting through our resistance to what the future holds us for us.  And there is a palpable sense of urgency this this because Mars will catch up to Sagittarius on August 24^th and when this conjunction occurs, we will definitely feel like the brakes have been slammed on.

On a personal level, I have been treating this full moon as a full blown lunar eclipse.  It fell in my 5^th house of creativity directly opposing my Pluto in Leo in my 11^th house.  It also squared my Venus in Scorpio in my 2^nd house.  It is bound to usher in major changes for me in the areas of finances, values, creativity, aspirations, and group relationships and affiliations. 

I confess to having a very real fear of losing control of my financial destiny as I await the outcome of Massachusetts Senate Bill S2461.  Will I lose my ability to practice Reiki in 2017 if this bill is passed? I may need to devise some new tools for generating this portion of my income as a healer.

If you are interested in learning more about this bill, I strongly encourage you to go to this link:

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/Senate/S2461

If you live in Massachusetts and are interested in opposing the threat to Reiki in Massachusetts, I urge you to go to this link:

http://www.reiki.org/BroadcastEmailGraphics/EblastAlert_OpposeSB246Final.pdf

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 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

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:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/how-reiki-can-help-you.html

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 summer 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:

http://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.

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:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/package-deals.html

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

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

A Frenetic New Moon in Gemini Aided and Abetted by Mutable Grand Cross

If you feel like you are being pulled in at least four different directions these days, it’s not your imagination and you are not alone.  We have a new moon in 14 degrees of Gemini on June 4, 2016 that is also part of a Mutable Grand Cross. A major theme of a mutable grand cross is a lack of focus.  The literal definition of frenetic is frenzied and frantic, and I would wager that most people these days are feeling this type of energy. The number of mutable planets interacting at this time can feel like we are being swept around and uprooted like a tornado is upon us.

The Sun, Moon and Venus are conjunct in Gemini, which is pretty sweet energy for developing loving thoughts and transitioning from the mind to the heart in a heart-centered way. So we have the potential to shift from thoughts and obsessions from the past (don’t count out that retrograde Mars in Scorpio which is opposing Mercury in Taurus and energizing us) to enter into a higher consciousness. There is definitely hope for gaining a new perspective.

But the Sun, Moon and Venus in Gemini are forming a mutable grand cross with Jupiter in Virgo, Neptune in Pisces and Saturn in Sagittarius. We also have Chiron in Pisces and the north node in Virgo adding to the mutable mash. Jupiter, which rules expansion, is duking it out with a square to Saturn in Sagittarius. This can manifest as extreme vacillation between optimism and pessimism as we attempt to seek a balance between Jupiter’s love of risk-taking and Saturn’s natural caution. Then we have Saturn in Sagittarius squaring Neptune in Pisces making us wonder what is real and what isn’t.  This is a definite challenge to our sense of reality as we run the gamut from feeling Neptune’s heady inspiration one minute to Saturn’s depression and disillusionment the next minute.  Neptune in Pisces also opposes Jupiter in Virgo, which can leave us feeling very mystical and spacey while also being inspired to be of spiritual service.

Let’s take a look at the key players in this grand mutable cross and their functions.  Neptune in Pisces can confuse, distort or inspire us.  Addictions could run rampant with this kind of energy. Saturn in Sagittarius is all about revealing the truth and outworn patterns while maintaining a vestige of responsibility. But it also holds the potential for problems with authority figures. Jupiter in Virgo helps us to feel blessed enough to fix our problems if we aren’t disillusioned by its opposition to Neptune in Pisces or depressed by its square to Saturn in Sagittarius.  And the sun, moon and Venus in Gemini are ripe for problems with love and money with all of the choices that such mutable energy represents.

This new moon in Gemini and the mutable grand cross are harbingers of major changes coming down the pike. If you have planets or points anywhere between 11-16 degrees of the mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, your life is being reconfigured.  Change is unavoidable, so your best bet is to forgive, release the past and move on.  This new moon especially emphasizes mental faculty and thinking processes. We need to be aware and mindful of our thinking and release our negativity  Meditation can be an invaluable tool in finding a center point of stillness so that we can mentally reboot and embrace a more expansive reality.  I know that the buzz words for describing mutable astrology signs are “go with the flow”, but this is one time when that advice needs to be followed.  Most of us find it extremely difficult to let go of our need to control, but this is prime time for adopting that philosophy if we intend to survive and prosper.

A new moon in Gemini is so heavily invested in mental energy that we would be doing it a disservice and not reaping its benefits by staying quiet and hiding out.  Yes, I realize, especially as a private, reserved Scorpio the need for introspection, but this new moon is literally demanding that we engage and interact with others.  Gemini likes to talk and share its opinions, so get out there and find your tribe.  You might be surprised by what you learn from others. 

My astrology teacher once described Gemini as the “most democratic of all the air signs” and that saying has always stuck with me.  I know that she meant that they could relate to and learn from anyone. Of course, she had a Gemini moon and so do I.  As a matter of fact, this new moon is exactly conjunct my moon in the 8^th house, which means that I am quite familiar with the issue of finances, authority, inspiration, reality checks and transformation. I am hoping to achieve spiritual growth and a more expansive reality a result of this new moon and I know that you can too.

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

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:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/how-reiki-can-help-you.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 into your life, especially with this powerful new moon in Gemini, the March eclipses 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:

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

Reality Bites as Jupiter and Neptune Tango While Mercury Retrogrades in Libra and Saturn Moves into Sagittarius

The period between eclipses is jam packed with astrological activity that culminated in some major turning points on September 17^th.  The day got off to an early start at 2:54 a.m. with Jupiter in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces.  Jupiter in Virgo is very service oriented but is also prone to finding fault and worries too much while Neptune in Pisces has a tendency to be reclusive and engage in escapist behaviors.  Under most circumstances, this aspect would be very challenging; hey, it’s an opposition, after all.  Jupiter in Virgo is also inclined to be judgmental and having the Sun in Virgo doesn’t help matters.  I have found myself to be very critical lately, both with myself and others. It may still be technically summer, but all of that carefree Leo energy feels like ancient history to me these days. 

But the Jupiter Neptune opposition got a huge boost from the moon in Scorpio that day. That Scorpio moon sextiled Jupiter in Virgo and trined Neptune in Pisces in the wee hours of the morning.  On that day I tweeted:

“#Scorpiomoon saves the day’s Jupiter Neptune opposition by providing determination to achieve spiritual goals.  Love that sextile and trine!”

It literally served as a ballast for those two planets that were engaged in such a challenging aspect and may have served to mitigate any damage, especially in the workplace.

At 2:09 p.m. on the 17^th, Mercury stationed retrograde in 15 degrees of Libra.  Many of us have been feeling the effects of Mercury retrograde already.  In the past week, I have endured printer problems and a frozen tablet.  And this was while Mercury was still in the shadow and hadn’t officially stationed retrograde!  All of the Mercury retrogrades in 2015 have been in air signs, and with this one in Libra, you can rest assured that relationships will be affected big-time with this Mercury retrograde. Be aware that relationships may need to be reevaluated at this time, but try to hold off on signing anything during the retrograde.

This Mercury retrograde is in my 12^th house, but conjunct my Libra ascendant. Mercury retrograde always feels like a loss of control in matters pertaining to communication and transportation, but I am particularly leery of this one happening in my 12^th house.  I also have the Sun in my 12^th house until October 10th, so I am more anxious than usual. I hope everyone backed up their computers and we all will have to allot more time to reach our destinations between now and October 9^th when Mercury stations direct at 0 degrees of Libra.

The third astrological hit of September 17^th occurred at 10:49 p.m. when Saturn moved into Sagittarius, where it will stay through December 2017.  As a Scorpio, I was THRILLED at this occurrence.  Having Saturn back in Scorpio since June after that lovely little reprieve with Saturn’s first foray into Sagittarius before Christmas 2014 has not been the most fun time for me or anyone else with planets in late degrees of Scorpio, so this literally felt like a weight had been lifted.

Saturn in Sagittarius has a very different feel from Saturn in Scorpio, thank God. If you haven’t checked out Michael Lutin’s site recently, I strongly encourage you to do so at:

www.michaellutin.com

The following is an eloquent description of the Saturn in Scorpio experience:

Saturn in Scorpio teaches us
how to survive
what is impossible to survive,
after which
we end up one way or another
on the other side of life.
We learn how to heal ourselves
as it teaches us healing power
by revealing hidden metaphysical truths.
we need our courage to accept.

Everyone on Earth has been touched.
It's as if some creature
has come along
and slashed you
with a big knife,
and as it casually walks away,
it casually tosses over its shoulder,
"Grow up!"

Now that we have all survived the transformative energy of Saturn in Scorpio, we get a major dose of reality with Saturn in Sagittarius.  Sagittarius at its most enlightened is all about truth, honesty, our life’s work and our belief systems. Our work with Saturn in the mutable fire sign of Sagittarius involves finding practical applications for our beliefs and it can test our faith and moral sense.  Saturn is not all that comfortable in Sagittarius, which is ruled by Jupiter.  And we all know that Jupiter is prone to excesses, so with Saturn in Sagittarius our appetites may face a major reality check.

Venus is still in Leo until October 8^th due to the retrograde. If you are curious as to how this extended Venus retrograde in Leo period affected you, please consider getting an astrological reading with me.  A little insight is always a powerful tool.  Just ask for the Venus Retrograde Special, which will be $25 through the month of September 2015. Contact me directly at lindasim54@gmail.com.

If you are contemplating an astrological reading to obtain more insight during this shaky month of September that includes two eclipses, Mercury retrograde and Saturn moving back into Sagittarius, 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

Saturn and Pluto Mix It Up to Manifest a New Reality

The prevailing reality for many people these days is a sense that something major is about to happen which will change their lives forever.  That is the message I am hearing from my clients. The reason for this feeling is that we are headed for the seventh and final Uranus Pluto square on March 17^th, to be followed by a solar eclipse three days later in 29 degrees of Pisces.  And we have a lunar eclipse on April 4^th in 14 degrees of Libra, which will set off that last Uranus Pluto square.  So relax, folks, you are not paranoid or imagining things.  Major change and a new reality are inevitable.

This week started off with Saturn in Sagittarius squaring the Sun in Pisces on February 23^rd and on that day I tweeted:

"Major reality check today as Saturn in Sagittarius squares the Sun in Pisces. We can’t escape so accept the challenge."

This played out in a very sobering way for me that day.  I received a phone call from the sister of a friend who had moved to Florida several years ago informing me that my friend had just died.  I hadn’t spoken with her over a year and at that time she mentioned that her breast cancer had returned.  I sent her a Christmas card this past year telling her that I would love to chat with her to catch up when she had the time.  Her sister told me that she had gone to see her in December and watched her health deteriorate rapidly.  My friend did not want to reach out to anyone outside of her family and she died in hospice.  I was touched by her sister’s compassion in reaching out to me to let me know of her passing.  I was grateful to be considered someone close to her; my friend was only 68 and her breast cancer had metastasized to her bones and liver.  I was saddened by the news and felt somewhat guilty that I had not reached out more to her during the last year of her life.

I was still reeling from this news when I went to retrieve my mail an hour later and received a card from another friend informing me that her sister’s endometrial cancer had returned and had been told by doctors that she had at most two years left to live.  I have known her sister for almost 40 years and was close friends with her in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s until she moved to California.  I had just gotten an email from her a week ago, and she had never mentioned that she had cancer.  My friend said her sister didn’t want anyone to know she was sick, but she lived in New York and was trying to encourage her sister to seek out alternative forms of healing, and she was asking me I had any suggestions on how to get through to her.  She was clearly frustrated that her sister was not being more proactive with her care options and tired of her hiding the truth about her health.  We had a long talk and I think that it was probably the first time that we both honestly discussed the reality of her sister’s situation.  I had been friends with both women for years, so I had always been wary of saying anything critical about one to the other.  But the stark reality of one of them dying dissolved that pattern.  I kept wondering what was the deal with having two sisters delivering such devastating news on the same day?  Thank you, Saturn square the Sun!  On a very personal level, this aspect was manifesting for me by giving me a reality check that my friends and I are getting older and that we will have health issues.  We won't live forever, but we can make the most of  our time here by living a meaningful life and being mindful.

Saturn in Sagittarius was on a roll.  It has trined both Venus and Mars in Aries this week. Saturn trined Venus in Aries on February 24^th and Mars in Aries on February 25^th. On February 24^th I tweeted:

“Venus in Aries trining Saturn in Sagittarius today bodes well for love, self-worth and finances.  The universe supports efforts.”

When Mars in Aries trined Saturn in Sagittarius on February 25^th, I tweeted:

“Mars in Aries trining Saturn in Sagittarius today provides lots of energy for accomplishing goals. Go for it!”

Saturn in Sagittarius trining both Mars and Venus in Aries can help us manifest our desires if we remember to be totally honest with ourselves so that we can create this new reality.  Mars and Venus in Aries are infused with enthusiasm and impulsive energy while Saturn is all about the hard work and effort required to make things happen. Saturn always tests us and teaches us; in the sign of Sagittarius that lesson involves seeking the truth and being totally honest.

And now we move on to Pluto in Capricorn.  On February 27^th, Pluto in Capricorn inconjuncts retrograde Jupiter in Leo.  This aspect is all about making adjustments.  The major theme is dealing with insecurities which can cause us to come across as overly self-confident.  We need to make adjustments in life to justify our knowledge.  We are being challenged to use our talents to do something constructive to transform our world.  Jupiter in Leo loves the attention and shining those talents, but Pluto in Capricorn needs to transform our structures.  I have a feeling that this aspect will also have a profound impact on me because I have my natal Pluto in Leo, and my generation is renowned or infamous (depending on your point of view of the “ME” generation) for transforming the world through our creativity. I also have my natal Jupiter in 29 degrees of Cancer, which I have finally figured out tends to manifest more as a Jupiter in Leo than a Jupiter in Cancer.  Talk about justifying my knowledge of astrology!

We are never exempt from Pluto’s influence, but we are nearing that last Pluto Uranus square on March 17^th, so Pluto in Capricorn will not be denied.  It’s time to clean up our attitudes.  Or as fellow astrologer Dietrech Pessin aptly describes the inconjunct: “It’s life’s messy, clean it up aspect.”  Pluto demands nothing less!

If you are confused during these challenging times and need some guidance in empowering you to move forward, please consider getting an astrological reading.  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

Saturn in Sagittarius for Three Years

It's official, folks and quite fitting, I might add, that Saturn entered the sign of Sagittarius in time for Christmas. It entered Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, the planet of luck, growth, expansion and limitlessness at 11:33 a.m. on December 23rd. On that day I tweeted:

"Christmas comes early today as #Saturn enters Sagittarius. A day of rejoicing worldwide as #Scorpios feel lighter and freer."

Astrologer Jessica Adams brilliantly captured the feeling when she tweeted on Christmas Day:

"Astrology! Saturn leaves Scorpio and solutions and healing experiences emerge. One frozen department of your horoscope is thawing."

Saturn will remain in the sign of Sagittarius until December 19, 2017, with the exception of its brief retrograde foray back into Scorpio from June 14th through September 17, 2015. I'm not that worried, however, because Saturn will only be revisiting the last two degrees of Scorpio, as I truly believe that most Scorpios have learned some hard lessons in the past three years and won't be adversely affected  by that transit.

Saturn in Sagittarius feels infinitely lighter than Saturn in Scorpio. It is the mutable fire sign following the deep fixed water of Scorpio. Sagittarius is the sign of luck and Saturn is the planet relating to work and is also known as the Great Teacher. On the surface, this combination may seem incongruous. How are these two strange bedfellows going to play together? I believe that the lessons to be learned from Saturn in Sagittarius will be associated with the nature of excess. Saturn in Sagittarius is also about living authentically. Sagittarius is renowned for its love of honesty. I predict that we can expect more of a focus on truth, our belief system and attitude, as well as knowledge, wisdom and education, all of which are Sagittarian issues. And Saturn in Sagittarius will bring changes in education, even more religious and  political scandals (no escaping that one, folks, especially with the 2016 election) and the potential for more Internet threats.

So the bottom line is that we literally have Jupiter, the planet I like to refer to as Santa Claus and the ruler of Sagittarius, playing in the sandbox with Saturn, which I have frequently referred to as the astrological counterpart of Scrooge. Sorry, but I couldn't resist the analogy to the Christmas season. As a Scorpio, I am positively giddy with the shift in energy that I have detected since December 23rd. Maybe I am overindulging in excessive optimism, but I am going to ride this pony for as long as I can. The year 2014 was extremely difficult and challenging for many folks, so I say let's grab the brass ring that Saturn in Sagittarius promises for 2015 and beyond.

I hope that everyone experienced a joyous, Merry Christmas. If you still need to purchase a holiday gift or would like to gift yourself with a little knowledge about what 2015 holds in store for you, there is still time to take advantage of my 20% discount on astrologically readings through the month of December. For more details, please go to this link:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_719.html


Check out my services page on this site at this link:

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

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

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Happy New Year, everyone!