Category Archives: Retrogrades + Directions

Mercury Retrogrades 29 May 2021 Re-Consider

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Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Inferior Conjunction, Mercury, Mercury retrograde, Retrogrades + Directions, Sun/Mercury Inferior Conjunction

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The Lily Pond, a photograph by American photographer Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr. 1916 {{PD}}

If thoughts seem still as a woodland pond, it may be because Mercury is stationary, ready to technically retrograde at 3:34 PM PDT of the 29th at 24 Gemini 43. (Or, if you can’t seem to light on any train of thought for long, that’s also a Mercurial stoppage of a sort, the kind that sends you round and round through the same ‘network’ of thoughts and offers no definitive satisfactions.)

The Moon in Capricorn will have just quincunxed Mercury shortly before turnaround, giving us the feels and probably making for some frustration: the emotions either seem obvious, sitting right on the surface, or seem to be in the depths, hidden even from ourselves–but most likely is a combination, that comes along with an awareness that, ‘this emotion is right in front of me, but I know I have feelings I just can’t pinpoint!’.

Merc in Gemini prompts some overthinking, and probably a yearning to ‘make progress’ somehow, to make up our minds about things, particularly the matters of the House in the natal chart where the retro occurs–or, we have the need to communicate without really knowing what our message is. There are two tendencies at this point, and you’ll likely choose one: thinking you can think your way through ‘it’, whatever it is, or a personal approach that relies on 1) scattershot attention, so that nothing gets focus, and so nothing gets done/ decided, or 2) turning to others for endless surveys of their opinions, what they would do, etc., which does nothing to move the matter forward.

None of those are wrong, but it is just spinning our Mercurial wheels. A retro in Air asks us to, in broadest terms, re-consider what and how we think of our world, so full awareness of our own subjectivity is highly useful, when we bother to compare it to the facts, the info available, to the prevailing thought on any matter. Again, neither is no viewpoint is inherently more right than any other; it’s in the comparison, the review of our own methods cast against the thinking of the wider world or the group, that we benefit, find mental inspiration, sort the wheat from the chaff.

The Cosmic picture at turnaround sets the stage for the retro period itself, with Mercury roughly three-and-a-half weeks ahead. Here we see Mercury at the point of retrograde pulling back just before, in direct motion, it would’ve conjoined Venus, suggesting a pull back in relationships or financial matters, a wait-and-see, or let’s think about this some more approach. First aspect Mercury in retro will form is a square to Neptune, promising that any fantasies we hope to sustain may hit the rocks on retro review, and also making it difficult to connect to inspiration or the creative ideal, probably because the mind isn’t ready to stick with a single idea, just yet.

Right about the same time Merc will also semi-sextile Mars and square Pallas, warning us: you may get antsy, want to act precipitously, but that wouldn’t be smart, or may be impractical. So don’t indulge in impulse, during this retro time. Inferior Conjunction with the Sun comes on the 11th of June, and should be the starting point for beginning to gather your thoughts. If you’re a wordsmith of any kind, work it and re-work it, and if you’re not, just let the mind sort through things at its own pace, and start paying attention to what occupies your mental space on the 11th. Don’t demand answers until a bit after direction, and you’ll be all the better for it.

Your Week 11-14 January 2021 Echoes From the Future

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‘A Bather (Echo)’ By Jean-Jacques Henner 1881 CC0

On Monday the 11th we have to face where our thinking is taking us, and this can make for distress (fear as we project the current circumstances into the potential future they may bring, or upset generated by compromises to our values and priorities), and for some healing and genuinely inspiring moments, as we get an awe-inspiring glimpse into our true power and the originality and inventiveness we contain as human Beings. It’s a day for deep insight; it’s also a day when things may take on a larger-than-life quality. That should be reassuring: we’ll be seeing into the depths, with components exaggerated in order to draw and focus our attention on what really matters. For some the attention will be on what’s not working; this dissatisfaction will be in direct proportion to one’s honesty about the reality picture and one’s willingness to learn from the past. Expect to face some hard truths about desires and ambitions; also expect some amazing revelations about the Self, some serendipitous occurrences and spontaneous events, and the chance for authentic healing. Note: Mercury, newly entered into Aquarius, the sign of understanding and Higher Thought, will act as apex to a Fist of God with base of North Node square Vesta, offering an unusual depth of comprehension, once we accept the import of living and honoring our priorities and highest values, and the way the results of those commitments may seem to echo backwards from the future; we’ll see that, no matter the source, what we honor will surely shape what comes (Sun sq Zeus, Merc also conj Jupiter, nov Ceres, and sxt Chiron, with Jupiter also sxt the latter, and Mars parallel Uranus).

On the 12th we may face some difficult conflicts, many of them internal, that will require we answer a few questions: what in our relationships hurts us, and are we responsible for that condition? Does the very idea of money carry a wound for us? Do we expect Love to hurt? Do we play games when communicating, and if so, do we believe that withholding info and then springing it on others confers us an advantage? Do we get a thrill out of shocking? Do we resist Higher Thought? Would we rather generate chaos than change our minds about something? All are relevant today (Venus sq Chiron, Merc sq Uranus, Sun semi-sq Juno).

See the report for the Full Moon of the 12th here–

By the 13th we are facing the consequences of our real-world actions, especially those where we misjudged and actually ended up disempowering ourselves. If we use ideals as a guide, we will find valuable answers within spontaneously occurring ideas that are both original and innovative. Focus on the kind of role you want to play in the world, use the power of the creative to craft that role in optimum terms. Make this a mantra: what’s unwise is also unhealthy (Mercury sxt Juno, parallel Saturn, and nov Neptune, Venus trine Uranus, Mars sq Saturn and contra-parallel Ceres, Pallas opp Hygeia).

On the 14th Uranus stations direct, with the likely result a sense of freedom unfolding over the next few weeks as Uranus picks up speed in apparent forward motion–but freedom from what? For the individual this is tied to matters of the House that holds Taurus in the natal chart, and may also show in natal facets ruled by Uranus (bodies or points posited in Aquarius) or in aspect to it natally. Look for a lightening up in attitude and lightning-quick responses, some of which are brilliant–though an overload to the nervous system can definitely cause accidents, if you’re someone sensitive to the electricity Uranus will dump into the ether.

Today we also see examination of many things we’ve recently been avoiding, with the pleasant result that facing the ugly, the hidden, or the embarrassing lays the groundwork for enormous change–so make this purging and re-shaping a positive one (NN nov Black Moon Lilith, Mars semi-sq Neptune, Merc sq BML and parallel Jupiter, Sun conj Pluto).

This ‘n That, On The Way to the Lunar Eclipse of 30 November 2020

24 Tuesday Nov 2020

Posted by in astrology, Configurations, current events in the sky, eclipse, Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse, Retrogrades + Directions, Sabian Symbols

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By Étienne Léopold Trouvelot 1882 Buy prints of his extraordinary work at https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/the-trouvelot-astronomical-drawings-1882

The upcoming eclipse is a Full Moon at 8 Gemini 38 at 1:26 AM PST of the 30th, and as with every Full Moon, we’re likely already feeling a building tension, attached to some matter either in the natal House where the eclipse occurs, or in some Lunar-related area of our lives (and that can be something involving your Lunar placement, something ruled by the Moon in the natal chart, or a Lunar topic in general, such as mothering, intuition, or nurture). This one, though, being an eclipse, brings a wipe-out to some kind of thinking that has become outmoded, shakes up ideas or perceptions, likely through difficult, unusual, shocking events, because of assertions by ‘the group’, or through accidents, serendipities, or sudden insights provided by Higher Mind (the Sun, which is of course opposed the eclipse and the illuminator of the Moon, quincunx to Uranus). With Full Moon events we alter our thinking or perceptions because of emotional or intuitive ‘enlightenment’ of one kind or another.

The eclipse is apex to a loose Fist of God with base of Pluto-Zeus, suggesting that eclipse revelations (another Uranian concept!) may bring resolution to conflicts between ambitions and desires (Zeus) and matters of Power (Pluto), now held, recently lost, or currently sought. It’s an equation arising from clashes, upset as catalyst to an answer that doesn’t just allow emotional satisfaction or relief, but that changes how we think, how we process ideas of Power and our own wants, as well.

If we really want to be loose with our numbers (and who doesn’t, once in a while, in the name of recognizing the flow of energy?) we can find the eclipse as part of the base of a Finger of God with a wide sextile to Chiron, apex a Venus that’s not really quincunx Chiron, but is linked via the Lunar event. The Finger implies if we can heal something about our own ego, our expression of Will, our actions and choices (which might mean forgiving ourselves for something we’ve done), or heal some concept we have around our own aloneness, whether literal or existential (all Aries, linked to Chiron’s current location), and do this in tandem with or prompted by eclipse events, then we can harmonize some schism, unite in relationship or via aesthetics, or discover some vital Truth (Venus in Scorpio).

Our Sabian for the Full Moon is, ‘A Quiver Filled With Arrows‘. The events of this eclipse arm us, give us plenty of chances to ‘hit the target’; whatever occurs, then, offers a kind of resource, something that facilitates our own activity. The Sun, light-giver and reason for the apparent eclipse phenomenon in the first place, has the Sabian, ‘A Mother Leads Her Small Child Step By Step Up A Steep Stairway’. Are we the mother, or the small child? I see this as the Universe being the mother, showing us the way, assisting us as we try to do better, as we try to climb. That means, then, that if you are knocked back a bit by eclipse events, that the larger flow is telling you that whatever you were trying or after isn’t for you–at least not right now. Taking a warning is always better than ignoring one, wouldn’t you agree?

For a little something on possible effects of eclipse contact to your natal chart, you can take a look here–

Before the Eclipse

The 25th-29th brings hurtful thinking (or possibly thinking that works at solving the kinks inherent to utilizing our skills), but also circumstances that firmly support our personal authority and expression, and this sets a success dynamic in place through the eclipse. If we dwell on slights we short-circuit the positive impetus, but if we examine hurt in light of how to heal, how to prevent further damage, and/ or for the part we played in its creation, we empower ourselves significantly, and open the door to both skill utilization and surrounding conditions that facilitate our intents.

Look at it like this: there’s a lot of good mojo available to those who 1) aren’t afraid of their own power, and at the same time willingly embrace genuine responsibility (and that latter is as opposed to saying one is responsible but not actually dealing with a matter); 2) those who actively value the most original and unique parts of themselves (and by extension, who accept those things in others); 3) who wield power in areas that are specifically appropriate to who and what they are (in the largest, Universal sense, not in the worldly ‘labels and qualifications’ kind); and 4) those who are both honest with themselves AND able to listen to instincts (being honest means the instincts are indeed instincts–not wishful thinking or personal propaganda–and so can be trusted). Center efforts on something meaningful to you at a Soul level, and you just might make significant progress at this time.

During this period we also see Neptune turn around in his home sign of Pisces (late afternoon PST of the 28th)–and he does so poised to make his first contact (excluding Lunar ones) by square to the Nodal axis. That suggests we all might get a dose of reality through our efforts to either move forward (NN), resolve the past (SN), or in trying to maintain continuity of past circumstances into the future (SN/NN axis). Generally, this direction should ‘lift the fog’, or otherwise allow more access to the creative (but also, make the pitfalls of the deceptive or deceitful more prominent, and so more difficult to recognize, as well).

Have yourself a merry little Thanksgiving!

This Weekend 13-16 November 2020 Invest

12 Thursday Nov 2020

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Retrogrades + Directions, Weekend Astrology

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‘Le Bal des Marins‘ By
Eugène Jansson 1912 {{PD}}

It’s Friday the 13th and Mars stations direct! At long last, the Warrior resumes apparent forward motion. Direction happens without any direct contact to other bodies–and so may feel disconnected from surrounding events. That is, we may feel a ‘loosening up’ of energy and a resumption of forward motion, especially in matters of the House in the natal chart where Mars is currently transiting and in matters of the natal House Mars rules, but otherwise these may not connect to current happenings in our lives. At this point it may be a ‘So what? That doesn’t help!’ feeling, or one where the potentials for gaining momentum remain theoretical, for now.

And what does this mean, happening on Friday the 13th? Absolutely nothing! Our numbering of the days isn’t related to anything, other than the whole ‘365 in a year, and a leap day once every 4 years’, marking the actual movement of the planet around the Sun. Other than that, the numbering of days, as well as the naming of days of the week, are simply human constructs, and hold no meaning. The reality is, if you look for negative events, anticipating something because of an arbitrary negative designation, you will surely find them–but that in no way suggests that the designation is the cause of the negative event.

The 13th also promises rewards, if we play it right, and offers one pitfall. The pitfall first: rigidity in values expression and/ or in thinking can be misleading and cause unwise decisions (Mercury sesq Neptune, Vesta sesq Pallas). And the rewards? Those are obtained by valuing the future (acting with the idea that you’re building what’s to come–Venus trine NN), exercising creative agency (Neptune trine Juno), and by adding the unique voice and viewpoint in those areas where your commitment is solid (Uranus trine Vesta). Overall for today, take a positive attitude, one where you’re willing to invest in what really matters–and let everything else go.

On the 14th the rubber meets the road, as they say, and that promises that, if we remain focused on positive and productive change that centers on ambition fulfillment, we get very good results (Sun sxt Pluto and Jupiter, Venus conj Zeus). Those ambitions you’ve put genuine and legitimate work into will pay off–if you don’t get the expected benefit, you can be sure it’s because you only thought what you were doing was an adequate investment–let this be your warning that something in your thinking, assessment capability, or method must change (Mercury sesq NN).

Too, what has changed of late will be glaringly apparent–the Sun spotlights things so they can’t be missed (unless all our energy goes into not seeing)–so be invested in responding to this ‘new’ reality, rather than trying to cling to the past.

The 15th brings conflict in relationships or over finances (Venus sq Pluto and Jupiter). We may find transformed circumstances that call for our sensitive and responsive-to realities adjustment. Our choices are: face the need for changes, or set up a stand-off. Be aware of a couple of things: thinking is off right now, influenced by hurt and so alienated from our highest values–meaning judgment at this time is off, as well; and what’s smart will be highlighted, pointed out to us, or otherwise be prominent–so take the hint (Mercury qnx Chiron and contra-parallel Vesta, Sun sxt Pallas).

By the 16th we have to face it: some facet of our financial stance or in our attitude in one or more relationships has to change; allow values to guide, in spite of the way they may point out how we’ve been at fault (Venus sq Pallas and semi-sq Vesta).

Post on the New Moon of the 14th to follow tomorrow.

Mercury Retrograde 13 October 2020 Feeling It

12 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by in astrology, Consciousness Explored, current events in the sky, forecast, future events in the sky, Mercury, Mercury Direction, Mercury retrograde, Retrogrades + Directions, Sun/Mercury Inferior Conjunction, Transits and Cycles

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The Messenger (and Trickster) enters apparent retrograde motion at 6:05 PM PDT of the 13th at 11 Scorpio 40–and his first move will be to reapply by opposition to Uranus, which is also retrograde. That aspect last perfected on the 7th, and perhaps offers a glimpse into this Water (Scorpio) into Air (Libra) cycle.

‘Mercury Sent to Admonish Aeneas’ By JMW Turner http://www.artuk.org/artworks/mercury-sent-to-admonish-aeneas-202360 {{PD}}

Mercury always means review: re-visiting, re-considering, reflecting, and perhaps going over plans or making plans to ‘try again’. We start that period in emotional, intuitive Water, and will initially be asking ourselves, “What am I feeling, and what do I think about that?”

In Scorpio this kind of review involves digging, getting to or acknowledging secrets, assessing our feelings about change and determining what further change we might want. It also encompasses those situations where Power is in play, and any relationships or situations where passions have been stirred, or betrayals have occurred (and remember, the concept of betrayal is seldom objective, when it comes to personal interactions–often it can be a matter of perspective, and this retrograde may bring consciousness of this to the fore).

With the re-visit to the Uranus opposition the first aspect, we may find that something we ‘knew’ (especially something Higher Mind or academically. i.e. fact-oriented) is overturned. We are likely to be surprised by some discovery we make, or shocked at something we witness, perpetrated by others in our direction or by ourselves unexpectedly, that latter as we ‘explode’ from accumulated pressures or act erratically in a bid for freedom. It could be that we wrap our minds around some spiritual concept for the first time (something we may have sensed or ‘known’ but been unable to put into mental forms like words), or we may find that accident illuminates our feelings about something–and so changes our perceptions.

House matters that come forward for this retrograde always have the chance of involving the subjects and energies of the natal Houses Mercury rules, and we must typically add to this the House where Mercury is currently transiting. That gives you some idea of where to be on the lookout for change, research, and re-thinking, as well as the potential ‘surprise’ factor of this particular retrograde, and can offer a head start if you know present circumstances in one or more of these realms are dicey.

The Inferior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury (‘Inferior’ referring to Mercury’s retrograde status) occurs around the 25th-26th of October, marks a point I would characterize as a ‘birth’ point, where some attitude or mental choice takes form and perhaps is decided upon or simply becomes conscious, and this is based on what’s been revealed so far during the retro. Just remember not to act, yet.

Fountain with head of Mercury on Mercury Street in Pompeii watercolor by Luigi Bazzani from the book “Pompeii”, by Amedeo Maiuri (Pompeii superintendent from 1924-1961) {{PD}}

We re-align our passions, explore what we’ve been hesitant to think about or to really know what we feel about it, and then Mercury retros into Libra–and all the focus moves to our relationships, or, less probably, to financial or aesthetic matters. This occurs in the final few days of October, and is characterized by a back-and-forth square of Mercury to Saturn, which happens one more time after Mercury turns direct (on November 3rd, with the final square very close the 4th-7th).

This back-end bookends the retro period with a hard reality check for each of us, concerning all that we’ve reviewed and concluded over the cycle. Our present realities, as well as any boundaries, limitations, and requirements of duty or obligation come into direct conflict with at least some facet of our thinking–and this is a good thing, meant to show us where we might have slipped into thinking that doesn’t take into account where we really are or what we’re actually surrounded by or must deal with.

Use this retro period to see where you can transform the thinking or perceptions about those things you feel passionate about, have an overwhelming curiosity over, or need to investigate for what’s been hidden from you, and how this can constructively be applied to relationships with those you care about–and be ready for revelation, that can spin the whole game in another direction. The usual admonitions apply, with no signing or buying of major items, unless you’ve already pre-retro thoroughly inspected conditions and agree to them, and with the expectation that any agreements reached or conclusions drawn will likely need review or revision after Mercury goes direct.

Pluto Grinds Into Gear

05 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by in astrology, Cardinal Activity, current events in the sky, Finger of God, Retrogrades + Directions, T-Square

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Pluto spends so much time retrograde each and every year (roughly six months) that it tends, in whatever direction it’s exhibiting apparent movement, to become like background noise, a steady, grating grind, often convincing us that the conditions it offers are unavoidable, inevitable, ‘just the way it is’, simply because they take shape and then, because of Pluto’s snail-quick movement, stay that way. This is especially true at points of retrograde and direction; the circumstances around both Power and Change seem cemented in place, even as deep and scary changes well beyond our control appear unavoidable. So, simultaneous feelings of being stuck, accompanied by a sense that all will soon be flung into chaos from massive change.

At this point in time, ‘America’s Laxative’ might be exactly what Pluto is! Antique bottle of “Pluto Water” from French Lick Springs. From a display of memorabilia and antiques at the West Baden Springs hotel, French Lick Indiana.
Photo by Geoffrey A. Landis CC BY-SA 3.0

This time, the first aspect it makes after direction will almost be inadvertent; as Pluto shifts its apparent direction (while still at the same 22 Capricorn 29 position), Mars in retrograde motion in its own sign of Aries slips toward a square, perfecting on the 9th of October–and what do we get from Cardinal squares? Action! Change! And no small amount of conflict, fiery pushes to express, and temper. It’s almost as if these two don’t mean to meet, as neither is in actual forward motion–and that can imply that the conflicts engendered aren’t ones we look for, but stem instead from more compartmentalized energies that happen to find themselves at odds. BUT, Mars will be moving retro, and Pluto will still be at the station position–and that could signal regressive upsets (that is, ones springing up, re-ignited, from the past), old territory of resentments, grievances, and Will thwarted, clashing with an entrenched power position or entity that is both immovable and seemingly permanent–yet here is the lesson of a square: that the particulars, the specific circumstances of each body, speak of the actual situation from which the conflict will arise–so that the anger may have a difficult time knowing where to go, that actions may be timid or find us ‘holding back’, and that the stock-still and apparently impenetrable nature of power matters at present is not at all the reality–things are on the brink of changing.

We may get some of the story, of both the square repercussions and the overall disposition of energies, if we examine a few other contacts on and around the 9th. At that point we actually see Zeus in Libra step in opposed Mars, forming a tight T-square with our heroes just as their contact reaches perfection. That implies that what we see aflame will be fueled by frustrations or denials around ambitions and desires. We also see that Pluto will be quincunx, Mars sextile, and Zeus trine the North Node=creation of our future comes directly from pursuing those ambitions, with success dependent on how well we adjust to and are able to modify the power situation, or to create change or even to change ourselves.

But perhaps most telling about the atmosphere may be a Finger of God with base of Venus-Juno, apex Chiron. This suggests that for each of us the power situation may feel very personal, but that with some effort, we can actually heal some significant facet of things (and this is so no matter the frustrations of the square/ T-square, though we should note, these matters aren’t necessarily the same–they could exist in two completely separate situations). We use our talents, our assets, what we care about, our relationships, or our values, applying them to the power we currently hold, even if that power seems inadequate to address a larger situation. (This is one of those times when doing what we can ends up multiplying its effect, being far more potent than we imagine possible). Putting into action what we have, doing what we can, opens the door to healing a personal wound (Chiron in Aries) around the Self, the identity, the ability to act as an individual, and around expression of the Will. Sound familiar? This may be a further expression of what occurred at the recent Full Moon, building (Pluto in Capricorn) on new, different, necessary changes to the power landscape, ones that will in time reveal Truth, and in doing so offer transformation of one kind or another to each individual.

Good Day To . . . 28 September 2020 Out of Love

27 Sunday Sep 2020

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Retrogrades + Directions, Saturn

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‘The Triumphs of Caesar, 5. The Elephants’ By Andrea Mantegna c1490 {{PD}}

The 28th Is A Good Day To . . . adjust our surroundings so that the figurative elephant sitting on our figurative chest doesn’t drain us of creativity or make us so tired and distracted that we do something rash. That elephant is Saturn stationing direct, and it may seem that the state we find ourselves in will last forever, but it won’t, so know that anything uncomfortable, that restricts or binds us, or that appears to block or deny us something, will pass, and so will in some way a situation that seems secure or a state that seems permanent. In these latter circumstances, it becomes about awareness that time itself is change, and that we must appreciate what we have even as we know it will become something else someday, just like we will.

The one thing working really, really well today is a female-male kind of dynamic, anything where complementary energies can cooperate or work together, thanks to Venus trine Mars. This can translate in many ways, including taking the right actions in Love or Money, making a move to gain, profiting from our choice, or doing out of Love. Strangely enough, we might also see aggression stirred in competition for Love or Money, or a ‘Me First’ grab for assets or rewards, with Mars in Aries. But, we also have Venus in Leo, suggesting that any move toward absconding with assets or taking ‘too much’ could muster a fiery defense of the need to share, or the right of the original owner to keep their fair share–so don’t worry, Venus will defend herself! Moving in the positive ways that we can and doing what we’re empowered to right now will take our focus off the places where we may be temporarily stuck, and help us relax in that area that, just for now, is refusing to budge from the current status quo (Thanks, Saturn!)

A Good Day To . . . is based on the aspects perfecting on each day, Pacific time.

Good Day To . . . 12 September 2020 Big Opportunity–Jupiter Direct

11 Friday Sep 2020

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‘Jupiter’ By Hans Thoma {{PD}}

The 12th Is A Good Day To . . . see that the powers-that-be are offering you something good–it might take a little effort, a little hard work, but you’re being dealt into the game–and to refuse to play, for whatever reason, will be like shooting yourself in the foot–you can blame it on someone else, but you picked up the gun and pulled the trigger. It’s a day when you really don’t want any of the typical excuses we as individuals use to avoid engagement with others, that stop us uncritically applying ourselves, or that make us feel righteous in withdrawing from the social expectations or larger public arena, from ruining what could be a genuine and highly fruitful opportunity. We have to be ready to accept new ideas into our thought-bubble, to adapt to fresh information or surprises, to proactively shape the aftermath of an accident or revelation to make the most of it–but doing so will benefit us in large and largely unanticipated ways.

So much of this is connected to Jupiter’s turnaround in Capricorn, freeing up the generous impulses of those empowered by the status quo, benefiting those who follow the rules (or those who previously balked at them, and now find the rules are changing in their favor). The first aspect Jupiter will move forward to form is a sextile to Neptune, signaling that it’s the season for creative endeavor, especially when that’s centered in hard work and serious effort, but also that it may be easy to succumb to the fabled ‘alternative facts’ if we aren’t committed to reality in an unbiased way.

A Good Day To . . . is based on the aspects perfecting on each day, Pacific time.

See discussion of the recent Mars retrograde here–

Good Day To . . . 9 September 2020 Mars Retrograde: Inside the Vehicle

07 Monday Sep 2020

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Mars Retrograde, Retrogrades + Directions, T-Square, Voids

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Alexandre Louis – Album de photo de Marcel Louis 1910 {{PD}}

The 9th Is A Good Day To . . . keep your limbs and head inside the car! Were you ever driving along on a road trip that seemed to last forever, driving, driving, and idly put your hand out the window to watch it caught and buffeted by the wind, and had an adult (for you were only a child, just trying to stay occupied) yell at you, ‘Get your arms inside this car! Do you want them cut off as we pass that truck?!’ That’s this Mars retro in a nutshell: the perpetual threat of sudden limb (or is it head?) loss, over re-visiting recent issues surrounding temper, aggression, assertion, recent choices or actions, or Will. The vehicle is ourselves, and Mars is the fuel, deploying it the issue. And of course, losing your Aries-ruled noggin can have two forms: one is if others come at us and ‘take our heads off’ over something, and the other is if we lose control of ourselves. Both are distinct possibilities.

I like to look at the point when a body officially turns retrograde, as it seems to give us a snapshot of what the course of the retro promises (particularly what the early part holds in store). This happens at 3:23 PM PDT of the 9th at 28 Aries 08, but we’ve probably already gotten a preview as Mars slowed to a crawl then standstill in recent days. Late in Aries, his own sign, Mars is likely already beginning to chafe without the anticipated retro; the stress of reaching the end of the window for perfect personal expression, the kind that recognizes no boundaries and no need for cooperation or thought of others, and having that window shut (sending Mars into Taurus, a realm where Will matters not nearly so much as material reality and security) would have in any case have been causing excessive unrest, especially if one is feeling that the ‘I Am’ statements or expression of the Will hasn’t been as complete or successful as hoped. So, there would be a bit of an issue anyway, and along comes apparent retro status to offer the dissatisfied and over-anxious a chance to re-visit choices and efforts–which situation inevitably adds its own stress, as individuals feel the pressure of just one more chance to get ‘it’ right.

Mars is itself Void at this point, as it would make no other aspects (though we do observe that the Moon would soon sextile it, it matters not, as the Moon, too, would be Void by then). Void status adds a huge amount of stress as it signals energy in stasis, a status doubly difficult for a Self-starter like Mars. The implication is that while traversing the sign a Void body did all it could in that sign–and now must wait for a new ‘style’ (the next sign) to once again find expression. Mars, then, begins his retro highly frustrated–and looking for outlets.

The first aspect made by the retrograde body seems to ‘set the tone’ for the retro period. Here it’s an opposition to Juno in Libra that suggests empowerment within partnership or cooperative arrangements will face a climax or crisis point, when who has the ‘right’ (a very Aries word!) to do what within the situation is sorted out. Straightforward enough, yes? Then we see a quincunx to the Sun on the 19th, suggesting what’s been revealed so far during the retro requires adjustment to what we pay attention to, matters of identity, or both. Right after the Sun moves into Libra (relationships are great! isn’t everything pretty? don’t we all get along wonderfully!?) and less than a week after the quincunx Mars conjoins the Black Moon Lilith point, suggesting that our optimism about working it all out with others may have been overly rosy, premature, or just plain wishful thinking.

But it’s the next thing, a Cardinal T-square with Mars-BML opposed Mercury and all square Saturn in Capricorn, that brings it all home. Those things about our choices or actions that we’ve ignored, been in denial about, or that have been perpetrated out of suppressed rage (or that have stirred rage in others) is communicated from without (probably directly from others with whom we are in relationships or cooperative arrangements–Merc in Libra), and it makes for real-world conflict (especially with authorities or established entities that are seen as ‘legitimate’ or supported by the status quo), crises over boundaries, restrictions, or rules, or bottom-line practicalities we can’t get around that may generate ‘next steps’ and/ or arise from our actions and others’ reactions to them.

By Nasjonalbiblioteket from Norway – Livet paa Mars / Life on Mars, No restrictions, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60741535

So, hands, arms, and especially heads inside the car; know that your ‘drive’, whether literal or figurative, needs special care and attention, particularly when it comes to interaction and responsibilities shared with others. Being honest with ourselves about our own and others’ prerogatives, territory, and motivations will go a long way toward keeping us safely on the road, avoiding any fiery, temper-induced upsets.

If it’s any consolation, on the 9th the Sun also trines Jupiter=reach out, take opportunities, be optimistic, learn from what comes at you, and enjoy the day. We’ll have plenty of others that will be not-so-smooth, so rest and celebrate while and what you can.

A Good Day To . . . is based on the aspects perfecting on each day, Pacific time.

A Good Day To . . . 12 July 2020 Dare to Be Wise

11 Saturday Jul 2020

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Mercury Direction, Retrogrades + Directions

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Man with a full back tattoo, ‘Michael and the Dragon’, adapted from Die Bibel in Bildern (Revelation) engraving. Enlightenment motto “Sapere aude” is tattooed in the upper back, meaning ‘Dare to know’ or ‘Dare to be wise’. Tatoo: Anton Ivkin, Photograph: Alexander Kuzovlev CC BY-SA 4.0

The 12th Is A Good Day To . . . make important plans, and to get very clear on what you want. Mercury goes direct in Cancer, and the Sun trines Neptune, freeing the mind so that suddenly it all falls into place. By ‘all’ I mean what you care about, and with the Sun’s spotlight on our ideals, our dreams, and our creative goals, we’ll be able to picture exactly where we want to go, and probably how to get there, as well. But, there are a couple of cautions: don’t share with the social order–they won’t offer support; the facts may not seem to support your aims right now, but don’t worry, they will eventually; and don’t think that somehow what we might refer to as ‘The Laws of Wisdom’ are suspended at this point–what you know to be wise or smart still needs to be taken into consideration with your planning and prepping. But otherwise, dream, love, create, and visualize away!

A Good Day To . . . is based on the aspects perfecting on each day, Pacific time.