GETTING THE JOB DONE - THOROUGHLY !!!

Mars began its transit through the responsible, hardworking sign of Capricorn yesterday, 10/26, at 6:43 AM EDT ... this Mars energy is absolutely all about getting the job done and doing so very thoroughly!!! ... Mars was last in Capricorn from November 16th through December 25th 2012 ... there is great energy channeled into professional ambition here ... it is extremely materialistic ... desire for recognition and high status is very intense ... actions are usually well organized and very carefully calculated to achieve concrete results in terms of money and professional advancement ... as a result, many business executives are born with Mars in Capricorn or have Mars in the 10th house - the house of career and public image ...

In astrological terms, Mars is said to be "exalted" in the sign of Capricorn ... every planet has one particular sign, apart from the one it rules, where it expresses itself most harmoniously ... complementary forces are increased and the virtues are magnified ... for Mars it is Capricorn because the organization and discipline of Saturn - the planet which rules Capricorn - makes for the most efficient, practical use of the Mars energy ... here people are more capable of decisive action ... not as much energy may be expended, but the energy that one expends is usually more effective ... there is also a high degree of self-control and discipline, and orders can be taken from those in power and implemented producing positive results ... therefore, it should come as no surprise that many who pursue military careers are born with Mars in Capricorn!!!

Mars in Capricorn bestows pride in doing a job correctly along with a corresponding disrespect for laziness and lack of ambition ... one has to be careful under this energy not to use people for the sake of status and material gain due to a loss of human values in the intensity of ones material ambition ... if Mars in Capricorn is heavily afflicted in ones natal chart with this placement, or the current transiting chart under this energy, there can be a danger of broken bones!!!

Mars in Capricorn signifies force and energy kept under control ... that is, to be used when it is necessary ... ones strength here lies in the ability to endure ... obstacles in ones path are usually run over roughshod ... there is vigor and dynamic force along with quiet self-reliance ... sexual nature becomes earthy and passionate with the element of self-control governing relationships ... sometimes one is hot-blooded, sexy and romantic, and at other times chilly, withdrawn and disinterested ... sexually, passion is expressed only to someone whom you have allowed yourself to become intimately involved with ... ultimately the lesson here is learning not to just indulge in a body for its own sake without appreciating that it houses a Soul ...

The lesson of Mars in Capricorn is about how we get what we want through building ... here we have the master builder, the chief executive ... one goes about getting what one wants with such a deliberate, pragmatic and sure-footed fashion, that whatever you get usually remains yours!!! ... achievements are based on a very firm foundation, and as a rule, short cuts are not taken as one realizes they often become the longer way around ... the key here is to learn to appreciate that one is getting somewhere by trusting that the "building work" is going on even though at times it may be taking place unconsciously or beneath the surface where most foundations are  usually based ...

Mars in Capricorn can often be an indicator of the self-made person due to the ultimate realization, sooner or later, that it may become necessary to have to go it alone ... the ability to delegate and regulate is an essential quality under this energy ... and this apples to both the personal and professional areas of ones life ... this ability results mainly from having a purpose and a plan along with a sense of timing ... one of the greatest gifts of Mars in Capricorn is in learning to pace yourself and not be pressured by others who do not understand the certainty of ultimate success ... so the energy breaks down in this manner:

POSITIVE: persistent, single-minded, nobodies fool, industrious, works according to plan, earthy and practical, authoritative, respects order, disciplined, commands respect, sexually disciplined, capable of celibacy, strong sex drive, self-reliant, energetic worker, decisive, cuts through red tape, inscrutable

NEGATIVE: pig-headed, disagreeable, dog-eat-dog attitude, workaholic, cold and calculating, insists on material results, uses others, lust for control, disregards others' rights, slave-driving, sexually controlling/controlled, suppresses libido, lacking affection, lonely, restless at work, agonizing, bucks the system, self-mystifying

My fellow Capricorn born individuals, as you are probably aware when Mars transits ones birth sign, one is given an extra boost of energy so no doubt we will be using this energy to place those sure-footed steps in place as we continue our climb upwards ... just be careful you don't accidentally "incinerate" someone with the extra fiery energy empowering you !!!

Mars remains in the sign of Capricorn until December 4th ... and thus the beginning of the Holiday shopping season is going to be full of shoppers who know exactly what they want and are going to go after it without hesitation, so you might as well get out of their way !!!

TIME FOR MOVING ON !!!

Mercury completed its third and final retrograde journey for 2014 yesterday, October 25th, and stationed  back into direct motion at 3:17 PM EDT - do I hear a BIG SIGH OF RELIEF out there ??? ... over the next few days to the next few weeks or even months, there may be some "A-HA" lights coming on in regard to decisions made during the retrograde period from October 4th through yesterday October 25th and possibly as far back as September 14th when Mercury entered its shadow point - the point where it would come out of the retrograde journey yesterday which was at 14 degrees 46 minutes Libra ... did issues and complications or questioning arise in regards to things done during the last retrograde period from June 7th through July 1st  ??? ... or maybe even as far back as the retrograde period from February 6th  through February 28th ??? ... BUT - this retrograde period was actually a very beneficial thing, especially for this who were strong and brave enough to dig deep down, as we needed to validate, or in some cases invalidate, our deepest emotions and fears and deal with them, and finally release those that are to our detriment as well as taking an honest look at all levels of our relationships/partnerships both public and private and determine which ones needed work and which ones we needed to be let go of thus allowing us to move forward in our lives !!! ... if you've had a natal chart done, you should look to see in what house or houses 2 degrees 19 minutes Scorpio back down to 16 degrees 46 minutes Libra falls - what kinds of issues did you have to deal with in the areas of life governed by those houses ??? ... how many of you went with the flow and how many of you tried to swim upstream in the raging current of Cosmic confusion ???

Of course the recurring question we may find ourselves asking now that Mercury is back in direct motion is "WHY" ??????? ...What actions did you take or were taken against you that you may now be regretting or simply wondering why you chose to do or wondering why you were the victim of that particular course of action, and why didn't you or the other person wait a little longer ... many of us are simply now trying to figure out why it happened ???? .... did you make any major purchases - homes, cars, electronics - that now don't seem like the best thought out course of action ??? ... there could be problems regarding any purchases made with anything where electrical energy and/or computers were involved .... relationships may have come to an end - some needed to and others may have jumped the gun and you are now wondering, or will be, why did I do that or end things at this point ... and how many of you got MARRIED - especially while Mercury was retrograde in Libra which naturally rules the 7th house of partnerships/relationships and thus marriage ??? ... did anyone sign any contracts ??? ... all of these scenarios were possible as the energy of a Mercury retrograde is one where communications and mental energy is going "backwards" ... so now that the mental facilities are no longer going backwards - at least for most of us !!! - it's time to finally RELEASE that which must be let go of in order to produce a calmer and more positive state of mind allowing us to bring about greater personal and spiritual growth ...

While Mercury was retrograde in Scorpio, from October 4th through October 10th, how many had issues  arise regarding things which are hidden - especially in the unconscious self, the masses, crime, phobias and obsessions, slow growth, birth and death, isolation, coercion, kidnapping, bacteria and viruses, generation/regeneration/degeneration, secrets and things kept undercover, plumbing, dictatorships and unpopular causes - all of these things ruled by Pluto ???

anyone have issues regarding support one receives from other people - including financial, moral, spiritual and physical, legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, sex, spiritual/physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration and death - both literal and figurative, occult matters, sleep, deep research, investigations, hidden assets, assets of partners alimony, and surgeries - all of these matters represented by the 8th house ???

and health-wise, were there issues with the eliminating and reproductive systems which are areas ruled by Pluto, and the genitalia which are the anatomical areas Scorpio rules  ???

While Mercury was retrograde in the sign of Libra, from October 10th through yesterday, October 25th, how many encountered issues regarding art, culture, possessions, partners, beauty, charm, good taste, sweets and sugar, harmony, singing, drama, music, emotional contacts, tenderness, moral character, marriage and unions of all kinds, pleasure and appreciation - all things ruled by Venus ???

were there any issues in regards to financial affairs, possessions (excluding real estate), investments, earning power, gains or losses through your own efforts, inner talents and resources, your need for fulfillment, your emotional feelings, your sense of self-worth, sense of values, personal liberty and material debt - all matters represented by the 2nd house ???

were there could be issues regarding business and marital partnerships, marriage, divorce, contracts, lawsuits, agreements, dealings with the public, open enemies, cooperation or lack thereof with other people, addressing what you most lack in yourself, grandparents, and any people who act as your agent or on your behalf - all matters represented by the 7th house ???

and health-wise, there could be issues with the throat, chin, cheeks or sense of taste which are areas ruled by Venus, and the kidneys which are ruled by Libra ???

Mercury will complete its transit through Libra on November 8th ... below is a reminder of what the energy of Mercury in Libra entails:

Harsh words and intimidating comments are seldom or very hesitatingly spoken while Mercury moves through this sign - after all, Libra is ruled by Venus which tends to soften and sweeten things while adding charm ... in many ways this can be considered as the cosmic energy for the "language" of love !!! ... Mercury in Libra produces a mindset that is usually concerned with human relations and psychology and produces a mindset towards balance where both sides of the issue are considered ... it gives an intense curiosity about the thinking and behavior patterns of others - it is very focused on one particular aspect of the mental and emotional plane and that is one-to-one relationships ... good communications and happiness in relationships are essential here ... there is a strong sense of justice which tends to make one very honest in their communications ... communications are generally made in a diplomatic, elegant and balanced manner ... feedback from others is a must in order to clarify your opinions ... mentally striving to support your heartfelt principles is often what inspires others with this energy ...

Mercury in Libra likes to consider all sides of an issue before making a final decision - the trap here is that Mercury, finding it difficult to explore any single idea without devoting equal time and energy to the opposite viewpoint and thus becoming distracted by too many facts, may yield indecisiveness which results in the inability to act on an issue thus getting lost ... Mercury in Libra also gives an interest to the law and the arts ... it bestows one with charm and diplomacy and gives the ability to communicate adeptly, elegantly, impartially and tactfully ... this energy produces natural born mediators and one who has truly mastered the art of whispering sweet nothings into your ear !!!

Mercury in Libra is teaching us to think and communicate through relating to others, and underlying much of this thinking is a desire for agreement ... it likes an honest reputation, refined minds, good manners, moral justice and likes to learn through interaction with others ... it does not like being underestimated, having no one to talk with, and mob mentality ...

Mercury will be back up to full speed on November 10th when it exits its retrograde zone having reached 2 degrees 19 minutes Scorpio, the point where it began this final retrograde journey for 2014 ... Mercury  remains in direct motion until January 21st, 2015 when it begins its first retrograde journey for 2015  in the sign of Aquarius ... meanwhile, once again it's - TIME FOR MOVING ON !!!

LOVE THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER !!!

Venus begins its lusty, sensual transit through the penetrating and sexually charged sign of Scorpio today, 10/23, at 4:52 PM EDT ... this Venus means business kidzz as it is highly emotionally driven !!! ... it enjoys intensity and getting to the bottom of things - in more ways than one !!! ... it can be demanding, forceful, and absolutely unflinching in the way it relates to people ... affection is usually expressed passionately and accompanied with consuming and obsessive feelings ... great pleasure is found in figuring out hidden motives and meanings ... here one needs to penetrate deeply into a relationship in order to feel closeness and develop an emotional bond ... love and social needs can be hindered as a result of secrecy or a reluctance to trust others - an unwillingness to let ones guard down ... sharing the sexual, sensual, and financial areas of life may be difficult due to the need to become overindulgent or falling into the trap of denial ... becoming involved in a give-and-take scenario with others can yield transformational and transmutable energy ... there is also a desire for loyalty and the need to be swept away, seduced, fascinated and totally absorbed in love ... due to deep emotions and very strong and passionate sexual desires, the Be aware the appetite for love here is like a bottomless pit ... when you discover that you cannot get enough, it might be best to turn the tables and start giving all you can give ... it will transform you !!! ... there is also a tendency towards jealousy and being secretive ... sensing other peoples feelings may sometimes be difficult ... one can sometimes be very idealistic, religious or even mystical ... if advances are rejected under this energy, one can be desolated and the love becomes hate ... this Venus can forgive but it NEVER forgets and once scorned you will NEVER get back in as close as you used to be !!!! ... an attribute with this energy is the ability to be financially skilled with an eye for rewarding investment opportunities ...

Venus in Scorpio is considered to be operating in detriment in the sign of Scorpio ... that means it is transiting through the sign opposite to the one it rules which in this case is Taurus ... it is also considered to be in detriment in Aries which is the sign opposite to the other ruled by Venus and that is Libra ... in detriment, the planet is said to not be operating at its full power taking on more of the sign's rather than the planets "coloration" ... it's like visiting somewhere that you have to conform to others rules and regulations ... however, this is no less of a powerful transit for Venus - as long as it doesn't get out of control !!!

The lesson of Venus in Scorpio is learning about how we love through what and/or whom we desire ... it's all or nothing ... harmony created through conflict ... with Venus in Scorpio comes a necessity to control ones strong emotional awareness of what turns people on or off ... ultimately the Power of Love is what Venus in Scorpio is about - and it usually has its way with you rather than you having your way with it !!! ... Be aware the appetite for love here is like a bottomless pit ... when you discover that you cannot get enough, it might be best to turn the tables and start giving all you can give ... it will TRANSFORM you !!! ...  there is the possibility that there exists a feeling that something is desperate or fated about ones love life ... there is also a deep desire to find love - a true genuine love that purges you and transforms your life towards its destiny ... love may be withheld in order to control a partner with this energy due to the inability to handle the depths of  your own emotions and vulnerability that accompanies them ... Venus in Scorpio likes heartfelt emotions, gutsy experiences, sexual revelation, a depth of aliveness ... it dislikes superficial beings, lack of soul, a boring lifestyle and exposure to ridicule ... inevitably the expression of Venus in Scorpio leads to an unavoidable intimacy with ones self ... the energy of Venus in Scorpio came be expressed in the following ways :

POSITIVE: sexually aware, sensuous, colorful, rapturous, stimulating, magnetic, influential, sultry, subtle, self-controlled, self-sacrificing, dignified, confiding, secretive, intimate, faithful, passionate, gives all, intense

NEGATIVE: sexually obsessed, blue, depraved, hurtful, bitter, hateful, poisonous, immoral, underhanded, manipulative, self-destructive, tight-lipped, not forthcoming, possessive, jealous, expects everything, fanatical

Venus, now joins the Sun and Saturn, already in Scorpio, and remains in the sign of Scorpio until November 16th ... Scorpio born, the love "light" now shines on you for the next 25 days - go after, which you usually do anyway, and ask for what you want as you just might get it !!! 

Venus in Scorpio is magnetic, mysterious and breathtakingly beautiful ... it sees, it stalks, it conquers ... it can change your life forever ... but be aware you just might discover that what truly stirs your passions during this transit may not be what you really wanted once this transit is over and normal unbiased reasoning returns when Venus moves into open-minded and freedom loving sign of  Sagittarius !!!

"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" - OR CAN YOU ???

The Sun begins its transit through the determined, aggressive, shrewd, secretive sign of Scorpio tomorrow, 10/23, at 7:57 AM EDT ... we are now being directed to turn inward to face truths about ourselves and what lies beneath  - "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" - OR CAN YOU ??? ... this energy can be extremely intense but also highly transformational ... being a water sign, you can bet the emotions will come into play constantly as opposed to the mental approach of the air sign of Libra ... this energy needs to shine passionately, through its power and resourcefulness, through seeking recognition for its penetration, and maybe through being in the limelight through a compulsive persistence ... Scorpio is rarely passive or neutral about anything ... jealousy, being resentful and vengeance are often expressed through this deep, quite private and reserved energy ... recuperative powers are quite remarkable ... here we have the energy of the truth-seeker who uses keen judgement coupled with penetrating insight which ultimately may empower one to exercise a great deal of authority over others ... science, medicine or any field of investigation could attract one ... willpower and persistence are key factors, and even though one may become rather reticent, when pushed one becomes very outspoken and extremely direct ... Scorpio may forgive but it NEVER forgets !!!

Scorpio is a feminine/fixed/water sign ... it is the 8th sign of the natural zodiac ... its key phrase is "I Desire" and its keyword is "Intensity" ... anatomically it rules the genitals - Scorpio born are often susceptible to infections of the urinary system and venereal disease ... in addition the inclination towards volatile emotions is the cause of exhaustion and ill health ... Scorpio is the sign directly opposite to Taurus in the natural zodiac ...

Scorpio is the natural ruler of the 8th house whose keyword is "regeneration" ... it is a house of endings ... many things are addressed here such as joint finances, legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, secrets, sex, spiritual and physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration and death and surgery ... it also shows types of illness ...

Scorpio is ruled by Pluto - a planet representing destroying or reforming urges and fusion ... its keyword is "transformation" ... it governs things which are hidden from view as well as the masses, subversion, crime, phobias, obsessions, slow growth, birth and death, isolation, coercion, disappearance, bacteria and viruses, plumbing and unpopular causes ... its action is slow and inevitable ... if you've had your natal chart run, where you find Pluto is where you'll find complexity and where you'll have to solve problems on your own and without assistance ...

While the Sun is in Scorpio, we are being shown how we live our daily lives through pursuing what it is we truly desire ... it is the urge to merge with someone or something else ... it is considered the most powerful sign of the zodiac ... it can usually sense what is going on beneath the surface of most situations ... this ability can make one prone to influence, manipulate, corrupt, purge, harm or heal ... this energy is unchallenged in the ability to bring to the surface the cause of trouble - whether it is heartache, disease, financial problems, etc. ... there is a great understanding as to what sex is for and about ... this energy can easily cause us to get under others skin .. there is also a great intimacy with life itself ... the power of Scorpio can appear as a truly magnetic charm making one totally disarming, or it can be downright cruel running over others and striking quite unexpectedly ... there is ability to raise something or someone from the depths or throw them down there ... there are deep and genuine emotions here that are often hidden from the surface ... the greatest gift comes when one is able to let go of the fear and hesitation and allow something or someone in - then there is a magical transformational effect which can lead to great healing ... Scorpio likes total involvement, rooting out hidden causes, being persuasive, meaningful work and the untarnished truth ... it dislikes superficial relationships, only scratching the surface, feeling as though someone got one over on them, demeaning tasks and flattering and flattery ... the energy of the Sun in Scorpio can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: intense, loyal, passionate, faith-inspiring, dynamic, regenerating, compelling, magnetic, penetrating insight, scrutinizing, shrewd, resourceful, compassionate, strong and deep, brave, powerful, healing touch, self-sacrificing, intimate

NEGATIVE: obsessive, possessive, fanatical, emotionally draining, coercive, degrading, forces allegiance, seductive, suspicious, cunning, revengeful, self-punishing, cruel, overly rigid view, corrupt, manipulative, jealous, resentful

The Sun transiting through Scorpio now joins Saturn with Venus shortly to follow in about 9 hours ... tomorrow will be a very busy, intense day compliments of the Universe - in addition to Venus entering Scorpio, there will be a Partial Solar eclipse New Moon in Scorpio as well ... obviously there is a lot of cosmic energy driving us inward and forcing us to take an honest look at what lies deep within ourselves and how we project this to the outside world - are you strong enough to rise to the challenge ??? ... are we outwardly reflecting who we truly are inside ???   

The Sun remains in Scorpio until November 22nd ... remember, power comes through YOU: hate, and power kills ... love, and power heals ... the greatest strength here is forgiving weakness ... if you look deeply enough into someone or something you may ultimately find yourself and discover your personal power ... then reaching the point where you are no longer after something, you may suddenly realize what it is you are truly after ... for the next 31 days we all have the universal power placed in our hands to produce transformation, change, rebirth and healing in our lives as well as others ... or will we sink to the level of vengeance, destruction and ruin ???

TAKE A DEEP BREATH !!!

Mercury begins its third and final RETROGRADE journey for 2014 today, October 4th, at 1:02 PM EDT ... if you've been following my blogs, then you know pretty much what to expect during a Mercury Retrograde - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!!! ... this is yet another dual sign Mercury retrograde going from 2 degrees 19 minutes Scorpio back to 16 degrees 46 minutes Libra ... once again there could be more than the usual number of "misfires" as this backward energy takes in two signs instead of one ... some of you may have noticed the energy beginning to move backwards already as Mercury entered its shadow point back on September 14th - the point where it will come out of this retrograde period on October 25th at 16 degrees 46 minutes Libra ...

Suffice it to say that during a Mercury retrograde things somehow just don't seem to go right or as we planned and we often find ourselves re-doing things especially after Mercury stations back into direct motion ... it is also not unusual to have people from our past come back around but it frequently ends up being for only what I refer to as a "pass and review" ... There is always the chance that something we have done in a previous Mercury retrograde may come back and "bite" us thus requiring that we address the issue and resolve it or take a different course of action ... Mercury was last retrograde from June 7th through July 1st, before that February 8th through February 28th ... and yes even Mercury retrogrades prior to this year could now produce some unexpected issues to arise and stare us in the face during this retrograde period ...

It is very important to understand that Mercury retrogrades are NOT ALWAYS the harbingers of doom and gloom even though things do frequently go off kilter ... and even though it is true they can cause disruption and misunderstandings, we have to realize these are simply Universal "time outs" which give us the opportunity to drop back and rethink and review our actions ... especially in regards to the areas of our lives governed by the house, or houses, in which this retrograde energy takes place ... BOTTOM LINE - even though we often joke about it, Mercury retrogrades shouldn't always be feared and dreaded but rather approached somewhat cautiously ... the Universe is giving us a chance to right our wrongs and redirect ourselves in order to achieve more beneficial personal and spiritual growth !!!

Communications are going to be challenged both to and from others - partnerships and relationships often hit the skids during these periods - some ending prematurely others needing to be brought to a conclusion ... it is NOT a good time to make major purchases - especially Cars, a big NO NO - that goes double for USED CARS, computers or anything that involves electronics ... also purchasing homes can end up producing unforeseen problems and even the contracts can have unexpected difficulties along the way or at closing especially if the closing takes place within the retrograde period .... it is also not a good idea to enter into any kind of contracts or start new jobs as they will most likely not pan out and end up being dead ends ... and weddings, well I know it takes a long time to plan a wedding and some of them will just have to go on as planned, but if you can avoid a wedding in a Mercury Retrograde - DO IT !!! .... obviously one cannot put their life on hold, but if there is anyway to hold off on these things until Mercury turns direct, it would prove beneficial in the long run ... if you must take certain actions during the retrograde, just make sure you move slowly and carefully to hopefully prevent complications down the road ... and even that might not be enough - but life must go on !!! ...  I have frequently found, though, that in many charts I've done, people born during a Mercury retrograde sometimes seem to thrive during these periods because they innately understand the backward energy and how to work with it ...

To RE-PEAT, Mercury retrogrades are simply a time for reviewing and revision ... as the saying goes, it might be a good idea to "DROP BACK AND PUNT" !!! ... during a retrograde journey it can be said that we are in a mental "down time" and often things will not register on a conscious level with us ... the ultimate most proficient use of Mercury retrograde cycles is to reconnect the individual with the Universal "rhythm" ...

Gemini and Virgo born, as Mercury is your planetary ruler, it is now once again time for you to step back and review and re-evaluate what has been going on in your lives especially since July 1st which was the end of the second Mercury retrograde ...

In Scorpio, Mercury retrograde challenges us to find the courage and honesty to go deep within ourselves, facing our own inner demons, in order to bring about transformation and change in our lives in order to promote further personal and spiritual growth !!!

Mercury retrograding in the sign of Scorpio can bring focus to the areas of life ruled by Pluto, the ruling planet of Scorpio, and 8th house matters - the house that Scorpio naturally rules ... so issues could arise regarding things which are hidden - especially in the unconscious self, the masses, crime, phobias and obsessions, slow growth, birth and death, isolation, coercion, kidnapping, bacteria and viruses, generation/regeneration/degeneration, secrets and things kept undercover, plumbing, dictatorships and unpopular causes - all of these things ruled by Pluto ...

there could be issues regarding support one receives from other people - including financial, moral, spiritual and physical, legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, sex, spiritual/physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration and death - both literal and figurative, occult matters, sleep, deep research, investigations, hidden assets, assets of partners alimony, and surgeries - all of these matters represented by the 8th house ...

health-wise, there could be issues with the eliminating and reproductive systems which are areas ruled by Pluto, and the genitalia which are the anatomical areas Scorpio rules  ...

On October 10th, Mercury will return to the sign of Libra ... In Libra, Mercury retrograde challenges us to address our relationships and partnerships both public and private, as well as our personal values and our monetary situation !!!

Mercury retrograding in the sign of Libra can bring into focus the areas of life ruled by Venus, the ruling planet of Libra, as well as 7th house matters and also pulling in 2nd house matters as Venus naturally rules these two houses of the horoscope ... so issues could arise regarding art, culture, possessions, partners, beauty, charm, good taste, sweets and sugar, harmony, singing, drama, music, emotional contacts, tenderness, moral character, marriage and unions of all kinds, pleasure and appreciation - all things ruled by Venus ...

there could also be issues in regards to financial affairs, possessions (excluding real estate), investments, earning power, gains or losses through your own efforts, inner talents and resources, your need for fulfillment, your emotional feelings, your sense of self-worth, sense of values, personal liberty and material debt - all matters represented by the 2nd house ...

and there could be issues to arise regarding business and marital partnerships, marriage, divorce, contracts, lawsuits, agreements, dealings with the public, open enemies, cooperation or lack thereof with other people, addressing what you most lack in yourself, grandparents, and any people who act as your agent or on your behalf - all matters represented by the 7th house ...

health-wise, there could be issues with the throat, chin, cheeks or sense of taste which are areas ruled by Venus, and the kidneys which are ruled by Libra ...

and as Mercury is the natural ruler of the 6th house, there is always the possibility of issues regarding daily work and service, as well as ones health and nutritional habits ...

As if all of the above mentioned areas weren't enough to have to consider where possible issues could arise,  keep in mind if you've had a natal chart done, then look and see where you find 2 degrees 19 minutes Scorpio back to 16 degrees 46 minutes Libra ... this is where you might most likely are going to find issues arise particularly for you in the areas of life ruled by the house or houses governed by where this Mercury retrograde falls in your natal chart ... A lot to "think" about when the mental processing is not functioning at its best !!!



Below I have re-posted the "Mercury Retrograde Survival Manual" written by my teacher Lyn Hammond Gray ... hopefully it will help out :

"Here is your Survival manual: Mercury retro always creates a repeating action. The Re-Words are common. Some re-words that you will notice during this time are:

Repeat – The action you are making during the RX period you will probably repeat again during the period or later.

Repair – The need for repair will arise. If possible, put if off until Mercury turns direct (October 25th).

Reverse - You will be amazed at how many times you change your mind or reverse your thinking during this time. Watch out for that race car driver that is driving in reverse down the emergency lane on the freeway. Yikes!....

Recall - Your mind will wonder back. You will think of people from the past or you will encounter someone from the past. If old lovers show up, don't bet that it will stick. Believe me... it is just for a "review." (And if it does last, I want to be the first to know about it. E-mail me and let me know). And you know what, I wouldn't start a new romance during this period either - wait until after October 25th !!!

Review - If you are reading instructions, you may find it necessary to review repeatedly because they simply don't make sense. Sometimes the publisher has actually left out a step. It happens!

Regroup - In corporations, it is a common experience during the Rx to hear the boss say, 'Alright, we are going to rework this thing and get it right.' Later when the period is over, they go back to the old way doing things. It is a laugh a minute. Stand back and watch the comedy.

Reboot and Revise - The computer world is a definite place to watch the comedy. It is common for one to suddenly, without fore thought, decide to revise their system during the Rx. Oh! Mercy! That revised system may never function in the normal way. Oh, please! Do wait until the period is over. However, it is fine to do your shopping for the new components during the Rx. When you do go to purchase your parts after November 10th, you may find better deals and buys.

Return - Now here is a good one. You'll find that this period is a popular time for family or class reunions. Should you stay are home? Absolutely not! You go because this is a review that you don't want to miss. But funny thing is that in spite of the fact that you tell these people 'lets stay in touch' it will become lip service and  you won't live up to your suggestion.

Rebirth – Often one will go back into the past and bring up old creative projects to work with during this time frame. Sometimes it sticks and sometimes it doesn't. Only you will be able to activate the discipline to keep it going once the retrograde period is over.

Recover - You can bet that you will dig into your files, boxes or storage to recover something that you need…you can also bet it won't be an easy find. It is likely that you will be looking for a legal document· While it is possible that you may not find what you are looking for, you may find something that you would like to put back in to use. Fun!

Re-examine – Well, just about everything !!!

Reduction – Over the years, I have been amazed at how many times a company or person decides to eliminate a job or to leave a job during the retrograde. It is my experience that a job changed during this period is 95% of the time regretted. Can you wait until the period is over, dear heart?

And so it is. Three times a year we live this cosmic "going to teach you patience routine". All and all when this retrograde period is over you may "Re-alize" this simple truth: The flow of the universe is very, very interesting and it is going to have its way with us.

Good luck and may the Universe bestow upon each one of you a special wisdom and unique insight into your journey through this life at this point!!! "


Back to me now ....Those of you born between October 4th and October 25th will have Mercury retrograde energy in your birthday chart - also known as your Solar Return - for the whole year ahead ... however those born on the 4th and the 25th may or may not depending on what time your solar return actually occurs ... below is a repeat explanation of what it means to have Mercury Retrograde for the whole year in your birthday chart:

A Solar Return is the time every year that the Sun returns to the same degrees and minutes it was at when you were born - all the more reason to know your birth time now isn't it, hmmmmm ????? ... a new chart is run for you at the time your solar return occurs in that given year and it is run for wherever you are at the precise time of your solar return ... this produces a new horoscope chart which shows what energy you may or may not run into for the year ahead - that is from the current birthday until next years birthday ... its energy may even be felt from one to three months out before the actual solar return occurs .... often people will relocate for the return time in order to get a particular energy in their solar return chart ... below is what astrologer Mary Fortier Shea says about having a solar return Mercury Retrograde -

"Mercury is usually retrograde in a solar return chart every six years ... during this time it's best to be introspective ... you should be learning and thinking on your own rather than depending on others ... the mind  is like an overstuffed drawer seriously in need of re-filing and reorganization ... in other words the time has come to "process" ... the mental processes are not very receptive to new information at this time ... it's time to go back and re-examine and review things in your life which may have been started but not carried through to fruition or maybe interrupted and suddenly abandoned for some reason ... by focusing inward you might be able to see that your own opinions, thoughts and decisions work best for you rather than those made by others ... at the same time be very receptive to the feedback others are giving you especially if you have missed the mark in regard to some endeavor ... another side effect of this energy is secretiveness where you decide to withhold information or sometimes outright lie ... and why ??? .. because you have secrets that need to be kept or else were you to express your opinions and thoughts outwardly it could cause tension in your relationships ... have plenty of ice cream around to soothe the tongue you are most likely going to have to bite frequently this year !!! ... this is a great year to keep a journal and put your thoughts down on paper and also to write original material ... sometimes you can see things differently when thoughts and ideas are written down which is a very helpful way to get organized ... this is a year where you will probably realize old opinions and beliefs are now outdated thus encouraging you to reassess your thinking, reformulate previously developed ideas, and shed new light on something on some level of your life that needs to be addressed ... "

It doesn't really have to be a bad year ... done wisely, fast forwarding to the past and clearing out the "clutter", you can propel yourself further ahead in life than you originally may have thought !!!

For all of us, this becomes a time to review and rethink what is going on in our lives and especially what may have been started or done during previous Mercury Retrograde periods ... we must look and see what is now running into problems, falling apart, or what simply will not work out and needs to be let go of and ended so we can move forward when the retrograde period is over ... one more item of interest - those born roughly between October 8th and October 26th may be impacted in some special way as retrograde Mercury will pass backwards over their natal Sun placement ... 

Whatever the case, it is for sure that there will undoubtedly be lights going ON in our heads regarding these actions as well as other lights going OUT as this Mercury Retrograde energy wreaks its cosmic havoc for the next 22 days ... so slow down and try not to act too impulsively or the day may come in the near future when you live to regret what you did ... be aware tempers will flare and patience may become scarce ... HOWEVER ... that personal sense of humor, being one of your best allies, may need to be called upon frequently as the Mercury Retrograde merrily produces disruption and misunderstanding !!! 

So the lingering question remains - will we become the constant victim of Cosmic Chaos, become the recipient of great Cosmic Clarity ... or BOTH ??? ... it is most definitely NOT time to try and swim upstream in a raging current of cosmic confusion - TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND GO WITH THE FLOW !!!