Mercury Retrogrades in Between Eclipses

Change is coming our way, as the recent lunar eclipse in Aquarius on August 7^th demonstrated. It literally could have manifested as a two-edged sword for many people, inspiring me to tweet on that day:

Powerful #lunareclipse in ♒️ today that opposes Mars in ♌️. Tempers could flare as issues come up with strong full moon energy. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) August 7, 2017

Full moon in ♒️trines Jupiter in ♎️today which can lead to some spiritual breakthroughs if we are willing to go within & release. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) August 7, 2017

I don’t know about you, but I am definitely trying to embrace the concept of change being productive and good, and working on eliminating the fairly common fear of change that most of us harbor. So on the following day I tweeted:

Moon in ♒️today sextiles both Saturn in ♐️& Uranus in ♈️ which can bring productive change after lunar eclipse. #astrology

— Linda Simons (@danceofphoenix) August 8, 2017

It could be that the eclipse in my 4^th house forced me to reexamine some old beliefs that were no longer serving me and is helping me to welcome change because when you are in the thick of eclipse season, you simply can’t avoid it.  Yes, it was conjunct my Mars, but I am proud to report that I didn’t explode at anyone, no one close to me died, and there was no visible damage in my home.

But the week between eclipses is always an awkward time as we tend to feel like we are teetering on the edge waiting for the next shoe to drop.  A lunar eclipse tends to be more emotional on a personal level with some sense of closure while a solar eclipse takes it to a more public level with the sense that sweeping changes and new beginnings are possible.

And adding to the cliff-hanging vibe of the week between eclipses, we have Mercury stationing retrograde in 11 degrees of Virgo on August 12, 2017.  It will station direct on September 5, 2017 in 28 degrees of Leo, which is the exact degree of the upcoming solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. Somehow I don’t think this is an astrological coincidence; it simply seems to reinforce the theme that this American Eclipse, as it is being called, will bring major changes and a very active news cycle.  But for those of us who believe in the concept of Mercury Retrograde’s shadow, we began to feel the effects on July 25^th and we won’t be entirely free from its grasp until September 20, 2017.  That is the day when Mercury clears the shadow of its retrograde station in 11 degrees of Virgo.

When Mercury stations retrograde, it will be opposing retrograde Neptune in 13 degrees of Pisces. It is common knowledge and a good rule of thumb to follow that one should avoid making important decisions and plans, purchasing electronic devices or cars, signing contracts or accepting a new job while Mercury is retrograde. When retrograde Mercury is opposing retrograde Neptune and they are both in mutable signs, the potential for distrust, fear, deception and suspicion in relationships is amplified.  It can be difficult to discern what is real and what is a literal smokescreen of deception with this aspect. But Mercury in Virgo, one of its home signs, does make it easier to review and analyze during this particular Mercury retrograde if that is any comfort.

Venus in Cancer is actually making some pretty interesting aspects these days which will definitely make this Mercury Retrograde quite memorable.  On August 12^th before Mercury stations retrograde, it forms a trine with Neptune in Pisces.  This can provide some much needed compassion and empathy if we are mindful not to over idealize our partners.  On August 15, 2017, Venus in Cancer forms an opposition to Pluto in Capricorn, which can feature an inability to compromise, taking a heavy toll on relationships, finances and values.  And on August 17, 2017, Venus in 19 degrees of Cancer will square Jupiter in 19 degrees of Libra.  Even though this is a square aspect, we may be able to enjoy it because Jupiter will inflate our sense of optimism.  We could really wind up partying a bit too much.  Venus will be entering my 10^th house that day conjunct my midheaven, so I am looking forward to it.

If you are curious as to how these astrological changes are impacting you or 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 by 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 take a peek at the August 2017 eclipses. The August eclipses promise to be heavy hitters because they will occur in the signs of nodes, Leo and Aquarius.   

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

  

The August eclipses are here t and I am offering an Eclipse Special reading to give you a personalized interpretation of how both the lunar and solar eclipse will affect you. It’s not too late to get your personalized eclipse reading!  You can get a heads up on these game changers by purchasing this reading at:

https://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/eclipse-special.html

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

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

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 1^st and a lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 16^th. Both eclipses were hosted by Mercury retrograde, which although technically in the shadow until October 6^th, stationed direct on September 22^nd, affording us some relief.  We were also under the nebulous influence of the infamous Saturn/Neptune square, which was exact again on September 10^th.  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 12^th 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 12^th house, but am eagerly anticipating when it enters my 1^st 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:

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 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:

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 

In the Zone - The Week Between Eclipses

This has been a strange week astrologically speaking. There were no major, mind-blowing aspects like last week's Uranus Pluto square and solar eclipse in the last degree of Pisces on March 20th before the Sun entered Aries. But there has definitely been an undercurrent of highly sensitive energy that is preparing us for the lunar eclipse on April 4th in 14 degrees of Libra. If we are wise, we will tune in to our higher self to facilitate the implementation of the changes that are coming. It is well known that eclipses are the harbingers of massive change and there is usually a two week period between eclipses that afford us the opportunity to catch our breath. It is literally a bridge between two worlds. Michael Lutin brilliantly described the time between two eclipses as: "Swinging between a past it's hard to let go of, and uncertain future, but hey, that's evolution!"

Venus entered the sign of Taurus on March 17th and formed a dreamy sextile with Neptune in Pisces on March 23rd after conjuncting the moon in Taurus the previous day. The vibe on both days was kind of laid back, and people were more in a mood to enjoy themselves. We may have been seeing life through rose colored glasses on the 23rd with that aspect to Neptune. Venus rules Taurus and Taurus does love the finer things in life. So if you engaged in a little retail therapy, fine dining, culture and the arts, or even a massage, blame it on Venus in Taurus. And Venus in Taurus squares Jupiter in Leo on March 27th, which only serves to amplify that theme of too much of a good thing.

But we can't ignore the Sun in Aries. I swear that I can always tell when the Sun is in Aries because I become more impatient and irritable. Waiting in lines at the grocery store nearly gives me a meltdown! I just want to get my food and get it home. We experienced a semblance of ambition on March 25th when the Aries Sun trined Saturn in Sagittarius. It was a good day to start on projects and get some structure going in our lives. I actually accomplished a lot that day with my Reiki, psychic reading and astrology clients.

On March 26th I read a post on Twitter that resonated for me about this energy I was feeling and I retweeted it. It was about becoming aware of old patterns because the Sun is diving into the south node of the moon and releasing people, relationships and past cycles. I subsequently posted a tweet that it's spring cleaning of the soul!  This aspect will be exact on April 1, 2015. What perfect timing as a prelude to a lunar eclipse in the relationship oriented sign of Libra on April 4th! Aspects or transits to the south node are all about letting of what no longer serves our highest good, but most of us have a tendency to cling to them for dear life. Indeed, the south node is our comfort zone, our security blanket. When the south node is activated, we are literally pushed and propelled forward towards our north node, which is our soul's mission. It may not be an easy mission, but it is worthwhile. So let's practice a little mindfulness in this zone that doesn't quite feel real and soon enough we will get to our soul's destination where there will be a new reality.

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

Reflections on Eclipses

Next week there is a lunar eclipse and Mercury goes retrograde a few days later, but this week seems to have less tension than the past month.  I know that some astrologers are referring to October as “Rocktober”, but the calmer energy that I feel this week has given me time to reflect.  The fact that Venus has left the sign of Scorpio and entered the sign of Sagittarius may be partially responsible for my sense of optimism and philosophical bent.

Lunar eclipses are described as supercharged full moons and their effects can be felt for about six weeks before and after they occur.  Solar eclipses are the supercharged new moons and one can feel  their effects for up to three months before and as long as one year afterwards.

I have been reflecting on how the eclipses of the past two years had hit my chart and impacted my life, and there was quite a story.  On July 1, 2011 there was a solar eclipse in 9 degrees of Cancer conjunct the south node of my moon.  I was apprehensive because an eclipse to the south node of the moon can be a predictor of health problems.  I tried not to dwell on that negative connotation and instead I continued my study of Reiki and obtained my Reiki Master certification in late July 2011.  But in October 2011 I suffered excruciating pain in my back and hips which was eventually diagnosed as a bulging disc and sciatica. When physical therapy offered me no relief for the pain, I opted for acupuncture.  It healed me physically as well as emotionally and spiritually. 

The lunar eclipse of June 4, 2012 in 14 degrees of Sagittarius exactly opposed my moon in Gemini in my 8^th house.  This played out for me by getting hired in June to teach my first astrology workshop.  I wouldn’t be teaching the class until February 2013, but that was due to scheduling issues and it gave me ample time to prepare.  But it meant that I was getting paid to teach something I was passionate about and that was encouraging.

The solar eclipse on November 13, 2012 in 21 degrees of Scorpio conjuncted my Sun and Venus in the 2^nd house.  A solar eclipse that conjuncts your sun is a strong predictor of significant changes in your life in the upcoming year. An eclipse to your sun can also indicate health issues coming to light.  As a reaction to increased demands and stressors at work, my health took a significant turn for the worse.  I suffered from headaches, insomnia and what I thought I were chest pains.  My doctor assured me that my discomfort was actually heart palpitations, not chest pains.  I was still not reassured.   I continued with my acupuncture sessions because acupuncture, in addition to meditation, had proved to be a valuable source of spirit calming and stress relief. In hindsight, I can see that this eclipse set in motion, combined with the impact of the Boston Marathon Bombing, the changes that would permanently alter the course of my life.

On May 10, 2013 there was a solar eclipse in 19 degrees of Taurus in my 8^th house exactly opposing my sun in the 2^nd house.  I was totally stressed out at work and frustrated that I did not have the time or energy to devote to astrology.  Ten days later there was the third of seven Uranus/Pluto squares.  Uranus in Aries was transiting my 6^th house of work and health and Pluto in Capricorn was transiting my 3^rd house of communication still conjuncting my north node.  I was feeling the pressure and knew that I had to find a way to get my health back on track and find a way to transform the way I made a living.  That is when I began thinking that I needed to consider accessing my retirement money to support myself while I attempted to launch my career as an astrologer.  It was a leap of faith and it terrified me.  But the reality of feeling stuck and the negative impact on my health were strong motivators for change.  And eclipses are all about change, no doubt about it.

And what about next week’s eclipse?  How will that play out for me?  It will be in 25 degrees of Aries in my 7^th house opposing my Neptune in Libra in the 1^st house.  I am choosing to believe that this will mark yet another spiritual adventure for me.  This eclipse will also be trining my Pluto in Leo, so I am not ruling out an encounter with my shadow side. And it will be squaring my Uranus and Jupiter in Cancer, so I suppose that I should be prepared for quite an adventure and my own personal version of “Rocktober”!

Speaking of adventures, I will be teaching an astrology workshop on October 26, 2013 called Knowledge is Power: Understanding Relationships Through Astrology from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Unity Church in Brookline.  I hope that you can join me.  If you are interested in registering, please go to this link:

 http://tinyurl.com/mrdb9zk