Mercury Dives into the Ocean of Water Planets

After an extended stay in its home sign of Gemini, courtesy of a Mercury retrograde, Mercury dove into the planetary ocean on July 8^th.  It joined the Sun and Mars in Cancer, Saturn having a final fling in Scorpio, and Chiron and Neptune in Pisces. 

On July 8^th, I tweeted:

“Mercury enters Cancer today for a brief transit of highly emotional communications. A good time to go with your gut instincts.”

“Mars in Cancer trines Neptune in Pisces today giving the green light to pursue our dreams. A nice break from the last 2 days.”

Mercury won’t be spending that much time in Cancer; it leaves on July 23^rd. By that day both the Sun and Mercury will be in the fire sign of Leo and only Mars will remain in Cancer.  Mars will be floating along with Saturn in Scorpio and Neptune and Chiron in Pisces.  But Mercury in Cancer will deliver its message via heartfelt and intimate conversations that will penetrate our very emotional core. Cancer is all about nostalgia family, home and memories, so be prepared for people from your past to resurface.  If there is any unfinished business involving family members, this is prime time for communications with them that can hopefully resolve those matters.

Mercury’s entrance into Cancer came on the heels of a powerfully intense and transformative Sun/Pluto opposition on July 6^th.  A key theme of this aspect was power struggles in relationships, both personal and professional.  That sensitive Cancer Sun opposed Pluto in Capricorn, the sign of business, authority and government.

One example of the power of the Sun Pluto opposition’s hit the news on July 6^th, when court records were released indicating that Bill Cosby admitted that he gave women drugs before having sex with them.  Why is this such a big deal astrologically?  Well, Bill Cosby is a Cancer with his Sun in the 4^th house opposing Jupiter in Capricorn in the 10^th house.  A major part of his public persona centers on his image of the ideal father that he portrayed as Dr. Cliff Huxtable on the Cosby show. And that Sun opposing Jupiter in Capricorn may have contributed to his excessive desires and feeling that he was entitled to have those desires gratified.  Interestingly enough, when I looked at his progressed chart for July 6^th, the day of the Sun Pluto opposition, his progressed moon was in 16 degrees of Cancer conjunct his natal Sun and in the crossfire of the Sun Pluto opposition.  It was also squaring his natal ascendant in 20 degrees of Aries.  Is it any wonder that on that day his admission to giving women drugs before sex became public and his image was tarnished even more? I love it when there is living proof of astrology working!

The universe did give us a little spiritual gift on July 8^th when Mars in Cancer trined Neptune in Pisces.  It was literally a green light to act on making our dreams a reality.  It’s really nice when Mars and Neptune swim in the same direction.  We have an abundance of water energy these days, and sometimes it can be very uncomfortable with all of its intensity, especially if it feels like there are riptides pulling us away from shore and where we are meant to be.  Fortunately, Mars trining Neptune is not one of those aspects.  It supports, guides and assists us on our journey.

The emotional intensity will peak on July 15^th with the New Moon in 23 degrees of Cancer.  The moon will join the other six planets in water signs, so expect there to be a lot of emotional baggage.  If this day feels heavy, blame it on the preponderance of water planets.  Mars in Cancer will also be opposing Pluto in Capricorn on the 15^th, so that will ramp up the intensity to an even higher level by creating more tension.

The new moon on July 15^th will fall in my 10^th house, conjunct my midheaven and Uranus in Cancer.   I will be meeting some new clients next week, which is definitely a nice perk of having a new moon in one’s tenth house. I am literally in my element these days, being a Scorpio with a heavy Cancer influence as well.  But it will also be in direct opposition to my Chiron in Capricorn in the 4^th house, which could trigger some old emotional wounds that still require healing.  On July 7^th I heard some disturbing news about a violent incident involving a family member and I wouldn’t be surprised if more was revealed about that situation near the new moon, especially with the Mars Pluto opposition.  It can be downright dangerous when Mars and Pluto are not in sync. It tends to bring out the more unpleasant Scorpio traits of demanding and controlling behavior accompanied with vindictiveness and possessiveness.  Enough said; just be careful and mindful on July 15^th.

If you need insight during this intensely emotional period, please consider getting an astrological or tarot reading with me.  You can check out my menu of services at:

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

I am also offering a Summer Solstice Special for only $25 at this link:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/summer-solstice-special.html

This special is literally being offered through the entire summer season and features a two question tarot telephone reading with a look at your astrological chart to see how the summer planetary action is affecting you.

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

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

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Change of Seasons - The Winter Solstice and a Sign Change for Saturn

Once again, folks, there are big things happening astrologically this week. Many of us are still recovering from the recent Uranus Pluto square on December 15th (I know I am), but on December 21st, the Sun and moon move into the sign of Capricorn for a new moon that marks the Winter Solstice and the official beginning of winter. Adding to the mix is the fact that Uranus stations direct at 12 degrees of Aries. Could there be a possibility for things to calm down?

As someone who has Uranus retrograde natally, I am usually quite comfortable with Uranus retrograde, but even I have to confess that the past couple of weeks have been uber frenetic and I am looking forward to a little more stability.

Enter the season of Capricorn. On December 21st, the sun and moon join Mercury, Venus and Pluto in Capricorn. This heralds a more serious tone signaling a time to rest and reflect. It is also a perfect time to set plans and intentions and create goals for the new year. On December 20th, Venus conjuncts Pluto, deepening connections and memories of emotional loss. But on the 21st, the day of the winter solstice, Venus in Capricorn sextiles Chiron in Pisces, so there is room and the opportunity for healing of those painful emotions. That winter solstice creates a healing space for light to shine on those wounds. Bring it on! Mercury will be conjunct Pluto in Capricorn on Christmas Day as well as sextiling Chiron in Pisces, so don't count out a Merry Christmas full of honest, compassionate communication.

But as a true Scorpio, I can think of yet another important reason that Christmas 2014 will be a Merry Christmas. Drum roll, please - Saturn enters the sign of Sagittarius on December 23rd! I'd wager that Scorpios are rejoicing about this across the world after the past two and a half years!

There is definitely a chance for new possibilities with Saturn in the sign of Sagittarius because it is ruled by Jupiter, whose expansive nature tends to lighten up Saturn's restrictive energy. Scorpio is ruled by Mars and Pluto, which tends to create a lot of drama and sturm and drang. And it is no cosmic accident that Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, is changing signs when the sun is in Capricorn.

As Saturn completes its transit through the last degree of Scorpio, a lot of dark thoughts rise up from the depths so that we can release our worst fears. It's important to remember that becoming conscious of our worst fears doesn't necessarily mean that they are real; it makes infinitely much more sense to interpret them as manifestations of our worst nightmares.

I love what Michael Lutin said earlier this week in his Week in Review section on his site:

www.michaellutin.com 

about Saturn leaving Scorpio:

"The departure of Saturn from Scorpio can be that ecstatic moment after a bout with constipation. Everything that has been stuffed inside mercifully comes out. It is a time of healing. The process, however, demands that all the darkest material is also released. Relationships always pass through the MOST scary crisis, mainly because in a couple or partnership or even friend/colleague situation, much time is spent AVOIDING REAL ISSUES and discussing movies, politics, family or everything EXCEPT the real dynamics driving you apart and keeping you from being close. Now only reality is possible."

So could the departing gift of Saturn in Scorpio be reality, an entrance into the light  and the new possibilities that Saturn in Sagittarius will make us work for? Time will tell.

I am also an energy healer and Reiki, in addition to my psychic and astrology work, is another tool at my disposal to help people heal and feel better. But Reiki can actually help you feel better physically, whether you have a headache, backache, muscle spasm, fibromyalgia, or any kind of physical pain. It is a noninvasive, relaxing treatment. If you are in the Boston area, I urge you to consider this as a holiday gift for yourself or loved ones.

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

My astrological readings are being offered at a 20% discount through the month of December to assist you in your holiday shopping. For more details please see this link:

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

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance. I have also added a one question astrology reading to my list of services for $40 that is an even more intuitive approach based on your natal and progressed charts with transits to both.

Check out my services page on this site 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

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Cardinal Grand Cross

The Cardinal Grand Cross has been in full force this holiday week.  Jupiter is in Cancer, representing joy, expansiveness, and opportunity and has been opposing Pluto in Capricorn, representing transformation and empowerment.  Then we have Mars in Libra, representing self-confidence and ambition, opposing Uranus in Aries, which symbolizes change and liberation.  And Pluto and Jupiter are squaring Mars and Uranus.  This has been one wild ride!  Let’s not forget that Mars in Libra is activating the Uranus/Pluto square which will continue through 2015.  These two are irrevocably intertwined.  The next date of the Uranus/Pluto square being exact is April 21, 2014 and the Cardinal Grand Cross will be exact on April 22-23, 2014. 

What are the themes of a cardinal grand cross?  We need to take appropriate action and either change or cease the way we go after things.  The key to understanding the cardinal energy is the knowledge that all four of these signs like to take action. Tension, volatility, blow-ups, relationship issues, power struggles breakdowns in shaky structures and feeling repressed and bullied all feature prominently.  Overreaction is common, courtesy of Jupiter in Cancer’s propensity for blowing things out of proportion.  How can we deal with this—step back and detach as much as possible, take a time out, count to ten, do  whatever it takes to breathe and chill out!

On Christmas Eve Mercury entered the sign of Capricorn, which only added to the cardinal mix, along with the Sun and the other four planets involved.   And on Christmas Day Mars in Libra directly opposed Uranus in Aries.  I find it difficult to believe that anyone escaped this holiday without some conflict. Long-term resentments probably reared their ugly heads in many families.  The solution to surviving this energy is the ability to be flexible, which comes naturally to the mutable signs of Pisces, Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius.  It can be a lot rougher on those of us who have a lot of fixed energy in our charts: my fellow Scorpios, as well as Taurus, Leo and Aquarius.

On December 29^th the Sun and Mercury in Capricorn will be squaring Uranus in 9 degrees of Aries.  How will this play out?  There will be attachment to old goals those conflicts with new needs.  It is important to remember to LET GO!  Letting go may pave the way for surprising new solutions to appear.  On December 30^th Mars in Libra will be squaring Pluto in Capricorn.  This one definitely pulls a big punch—it is pure energy with strong forces at work.  Ambitions may be thwarted or resisted.  Frustration builds.  It can be an accident prone time and violence may erupt.    And on New Year’s Eve, December 31^st, Mars in Libra will be squaring the Sun, Mercury in addition to Pluto.  Watch what you say and do and don’t get too attached to a big over the top celebration on New Year’s Eve.  This is one year where small and low-key may be the safest, wisest and happiest way to ring in 2014.

The year 2014 starts off with a supercharged new moon in 10 degrees and 57 minutes of Capricorn.  It continues the theme of the cardinal grand cross by reinforcing the theme of taking the initiative to change.  Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, so it is a good time to develop discipline, set goals, do your due diligence and be methodical.  This is not the time for shortcuts!

If you have procrastinated in buying someone a holiday gift, I would like to remind you that I am offering a 20% discount on all of my services through the remainder of December. You still have few days to take advantage of this offer.   An astrological reading is a thoughtful, unique gift and the insight it imparts can keep giving throughout the coming year.  Please review my Services Offered page and go to this link to learn more about this special offer.

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

You will need to contact me directly by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205 to receive this special discount.

  

Happy New Year!

New Moon in Sagittarius

We had a new moon in 11 degrees of Sagittarius on Monday, December 2^nd and I had been eagerly anticipating it.  Sagittarius is well-known for its qualities of optimism, honesty, sense of humor and search for knowledge and wisdom.  I was looking forward to seeing the bigger picture after weeks of all that heavy Scorpio energy, courtesy of the north node of the moon, Saturn, and Mercury in Scorpio.  And let’s not forget that solar eclipse on November 3^rd.    I was also hoping that it would amplify my sense of humor. 

But the day just did not pan out that way.  It simply was not a feel-good day for me.   I discovered that I needed a new prescription for my eyeglasses at my routine eye exam, which was an unanticipated expense.  I had sensed the possibility of that because it has been getting more difficult to read but obviously on some level I was in denial.   Thank you, moon square Neptune!  The result was that I needed a stronger reading prescription. And I was told that I still had to come back in six months to monitor my risk for glaucoma.   In order to see the bigger picture, I would need to shell out more money.  I failed to see the humor in that one.  OK, I have to admit that this new moon was in my 2^nd house opposing my natal moon in the 8^th house of shared resources.  It appeared that the only thing being expanded was my expenses, not my income! I was definitely feeling the effects of that new moon squaring Mars in Virgo by being upset about finances.  The fact that this new moon also squared both Neptune and Chiron in Pisces triggered my victim mode even more by opening up old wounds and insecurities regarding my health and finances.

The next day I received an email that I would need to attend a hearing to resolve a financial legal matter that I had been dealing with privately for the past three months.  It was scheduled for December 19^th, which would be two days after the full moon in Gemini in my 9^th house.  As an astrologer, I should have been better prepared for the anything can happen energy of a Sagittarius new moon.  But more importantly, I was nearing a resolution in a matter pertaining to my finances and that was the purpose of this new moon’s influence on my chart. Ironically, I had to reschedule a doctor’s appointment for my annual physical that conflicted with the hearing.

But I did have a couple of a-ha moments.  Michael Lutin made me laugh again when I read his site on December 5^th urging us to stay in the light of the new moon in Sag and resist the urge to fall into deep pessimism, which is pretty much my natural state of mind as a Scorpio.  I swear that my moon in Gemini keeps me laughing and alive during the worst of times. His site even featured a photo of Gene Kelly from the movie Singin’ in the Rain.  As Michael so aptly stated, in true Sagittarian fashion, you can remain focused, face the music, and still dance in the rain.

I also started thinking about the concept of planets in mutual reception.  While Saturn and Pluto are not known for being astrological “lightweights” (structure and transformation) , they are considered to be in “mutual reception” these days because Saturn rules the sign of Capricorn, where Pluto will be residing until 2023 and Pluto rules Scorpio, where Saturn will be for roughly another year before it enters Sagittarius on Christmas Eve of 2014.  Basically, mutual reception means that the two planets that are in each other’s signs of rulership will have their energies strengthened and provide assistance to each other.  

I thought back to my first Saturn Return when Pluto was in Libra and that was not the case.  While I cannot honestly say that I enjoyed my second Saturn Return this past year, I will confess that my first Saturn Return was far more difficult.  Until my early 50’s, I referred to my first Saturn Return as the worst year of my adult life.  So I realized that this week’s new moon in Sagittarius was in mutual reception with Jupiter in Cancer.  The moon rules Cancer and Jupiter rules Sagittarius, so it looks like hope can spring eternal! And Saturn in Scorpio is trining Jupiter in Cancer, which is a good thing because restriction and expansion don’t play well together if they are making harsh aspects. It’s like having the icing on the cake with Saturn trining Jupiter and Saturn in mutual reception with Pluto.  I didn’t miss out on that optimistic Sagittarian new moon energy after all.

As I prepare for the holidays—I even bought some Christmas cards this week on sale, I would like to remind you that I am offering a 20% discount on all of my services during the month of December.   An astrological reading is a thoughtful, unique gift and the insight it imparts can keep giving throughout the coming year.  Please review my Services Offered page and go to this link to learn more about this special offer.

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

You will need to contact me directly by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205 to receive this special discount.