HERE WE GO ... AGAIN !!!

MERCURY began its second RETROGRADE journey for 2016 today, April 28th, at 1:20 PM EDT ... if you've been following my blogs, then you know exactly what to expect during a Mercury Retrograde … as always - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED !!! ... but aren't we already doing that as Mars is currently in its retrograde journey for 2016 which occurs from April 17th through June 29th ??? ... this Mercury retrograde is not a dual sign retrograde and occurs completely in the sign of Taurus ... it will go from 23 degrees 36 minutes Taurus back to 14 degrees 20 minutes Taurus ... Mercury was last completely retrograde in the sign of Taurus from April 17th/18th through May 11th, 2010 going from 12 degrees 38 minutes Taurus back to 2 degrees 40 minutes Taurus ... during that time there were only two other planets in retrograde as opposed to there being four other planets a in 2010 ... anything come to mind from that period in your life ???

It is very important to understand that Mercury retrogrades are NOT ALWAYS the harbingers of doom and gloom ... 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 go back to rethink and review our actions especially as the energy relates to the current sign that the planet is transiting through ... bottom line - though we often joke about it, retrogrades shouldn't always be feared and dreaded but perhaps approached cautiously ... the Universe is giving us a chance to right our wrongs and redirect ourselves to achieve more beneficial personal and spiritual growth !!!

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 Mercury retrograde period it can be said that we are in a mental "down time" and often things will not register on a conscious level with us ... it is also said that the use of Mercury retrograde cycles are to reconnect the individual with the Universal rhythm ... if you've had a natal chart done and know in which house or houses these degrees fall, then you will probably get an idea of where the Universe is asking you to step back and take a closer look at what you are doing in that area of your life as well as indicating to you where mishaps and misunderstandings may occur in your life ...

Some of you may have noticed the beginning of this backwards energy when Mercury entered its shadow point - the point where it will come out of the retrograde on May 22nd - back on April 14th when it reached 14 degrees 20 minutes Taurus ... 

It practically goes without saying that 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 ... 

Obviously communications are going to be challenged both to and from others - partnerships and relationships often hit the skids during these periods ... it is NOT a good time to make major purchases - especially Cars, a big NO NO - and that goes double for USED CARS, as well as computers or anything that involves electronics !!!... 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 during the retrograde period .... it is not a good idea to enter into 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 any way to hold off on these things until Mercury turns direct, it would prove beneficial in the long run ... I have frequently found, though, that in some charts I've done, people born under a Mercury retrograde sometimes seem to thrive during these periods because they innately understand the backward energy and how to work with it ...


As Mercury retrogrades in Taurus, certainly relationships will be given a serious look ... there will be some very deep and serious thinking and rethinking done here ... Mercury in Taurus already "slows" down the mental process with Taurus being an Earth sign, and adding retrograde energy to it just complicates matters ... if you've had a natal chart done and know where 2 to 12 degrees of Taurus lies in your chart, then you may get a good idea as to what the main issues of this Mercury retrograde has in store for you !!! ...  

Taurus is the natural ruler of the 2nd house, a house of substance, of the horoscope ... as such, in addition to the usual suspects of a Mercury retrograde, there is the potential for issues regarding financial affairs, possessions (except real estate), investments, earning power, any gain or loss through your own effort, your inner talents and resources, your need for fulfillment, your emotional feelings, your sens of self-worth, your sense of values and your material debt ...

Venus is the ruling planet of Taurus, so there could also be issues arising as well in the areas of art, culture, aesthetics, partners, beauty, charm, good taste, sentimentality, sweets and sugar, poetry, paintings, jewelry, singing, drama, music, emotional contacts, moral character, marriages, unions of all kinds, sociability, disposition, luxuries, pleasures and appreciation ... and these areas could be even more of an issues as Venus enters the sign of Taurus tomorrow, April 29th, and will be in Taurus for 24 of the 25 days of this Mercury retrograde ... so it could easily be said that this Mercury retrograde in Taurus could strongly effect the transit of Venus through Taurus !!!

In regards to overall health, remember Mercury is the natural planetary ruler of the 6th house which rules health, so there could be more chances to have health issues in general during a Mercury retrograde ...  there could especially be issues with the throat and neck as these are the anatomical areas of the body Taurus rules ...

A Mercury retrograde period is usually not a good time to have surgery as the healing process could be slowed down or there could be the chance of complications resulting in having to go back at a later date and take care of something that wasn't done correctly - especially in regards to cosmetic surgery !!! ... now this applies to elective surgery ... as for emergency surgery, we have no control over that and trying to put that off might produce catastrophic results !!!

Mercury retrograde this time around also has the potential to adversely affect the final 22 days of the Suns' current transit through the sign of Taurus as well as the first 3 days of the Suns' transit through Gemini as Gemini is ruled by Mercury !!! ... and lets add the "menage a trois" between the personal planets - Mercury, Venus and Mars - for today and tomorrow as Mercury is in Taurus, ruled by Venus, and Venus is in Aries which is ruled by Mars which of course is currently in retrograde !!!

Gemini and Virgo born since Mercury is your ruling planet, this is your time for personal review and rethinking - especially in regards as to what has transpired in your life since Mercury resumed direct motion back on January 25th !!!


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 (May 22nd).

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 you know what, I wouldn't start a new romance during this period either - wait until after May 22nd  !!!

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.

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 ???

And so it is. Three sometimes four times a year we live with this cosmic "going to teach you patience routine". All and all when this retrograde period is over you may "Realize" 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 born between April 29th and May 21st will definitely definitely be "blessed" with this Mercury retrograde energy in their solar return - birthday chart - for the whole year ahead ... those born on April 28th and May 22nd may or may not get this energy depending on what time you solar return occurs - some may be lucky enough to escape it for this year ... yet another very good reason to know your time of birth if you can find it !!! ... below once again is an explanation of what it means to have Mercury Retrograde for the whole year in your birthday chart summed up by Mary Fortier Shea in her book titled "Planets in Solar Return":

"The significance of having Mercury retrograde in your yearly birthday chart or, as we refer to it in Astrology, a Solar Return ...

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 can 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 ...

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 !!! " 


Gemini and Virgo born, as Mercury is your planetary ruler, once again it is time for you to "try" to slow down and review and reexamine what is going on in your life especially in regards as to what has transpired in your life since Mercury resumed direct motion back on January 25th !!!

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 the last Mercury Retrograde, that being January 5th through January 25th ...  actions taken during previous retrograde periods could come back to haunt us as well - for 2015 that would be September 17th through October 9th - particularly this period as Mercury was retrograde in Libra which is ruled by Venus, May 18th through June 11th, and January 21st through February 11th ... and it would not be out of the realm of possibilities to have something from a previous Mercury retrograde further back than the ones mentioned above come back for some reason that we have to deal with ... also be aware that as Venus is heavily involved in this Mercury retrograde, it is not out of the realm of possibilities to have some issue arise from the Venus retrograde period back on July 25th through September 8th !!! 

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 potentially wreaks its cosmic havoc for the next 25 days ... Mercury remains retrograde until May 22nd !!!

SO ... slow down, try not to act too impulsively, and go with the universal flow ... don't try to swim up stream in a raging current of cosmic chaos 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, but that personal sense of humor, being one of your greatest allies, should be kept very close by and called upon frequently as the Mercury Retrograde merrily, along with great irritation in many instances, wreaks havoc and/or bestows enlightenment ... and also keep in mind that there are now 5 planets currently in retrograde periods and that pushes a lot of energy inward, can slow things down greatly, and in general cause a lot of frustration and aggravation as we seem to be blocked from getting what we are trying to obtain !!!

In the end my fellow beings of light, as this second Mercury Retrograde period of 2016 is now upon us, the question as always is will we become the constant victim of Cosmic Chaos, become the recipient of great Cosmic Clarity ... or BOTH ???

THERE WILL BE CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION !!!

PLUTO - whose cosmic energy has the potential to bring about empowerment, destiny, awareness of obsessions, penetration to divulge hidden causes, to produce profound levels of consciousness, can bring about death - not necessarily of the physical body - rebirth, regeneration or destruction, transformation, harming or healing, depth and insight, and  has the energy to enable us with self-renewal begins its retrograde journey for 2016 on Monday, April 18th, at 3:23 AM EDT ... this Pluto retrograde will occur from 17 DEGREES 29  MINUTES CAPRICORN back to 14 DEGREES 25 MINUTES CAPRICORN ...

As Pluto has been slowing down, astrologically speaking, and vibrating sending out its intense energy of transformation and change - much of which we either hadn't expected or in some cases really wanted needed even if we really didn't want to admit it - the last several weeks ... Pluto has been in the 17 degree area of Capricorn since March 5th !!! ... it has probably produced a lot of intensity and restless tension in many peoples lives somewhere ... if you've had a natal chart done and know where 17 degrees 29 minutes Capricorn falls, then you might understand where in your life this  impending shift was preparing to take place ... check to see if you have any natal planets at 17 degrees or within one or two degrees of that in any sign to determine whether or not Pluto is making a stressful or favorable aspect influencing your life ...

While Pluto is in Capricorn, we can expect deep-reaching transformation of the social order and laws, corporate structures and in the areas of personal responsibility, fulfillment of duties, and general awakening as to personal destiny ... we might also expect some changes in the geographical structure of the earth as well - noticed the increased frequency of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions since Pluto entered Capricorn in January of 2008 ???

Pluto is an outer planet and its energy is directed towards not only personal but generational transformation, so it makes this a time for everyone to step back and review how each one of us is contributing to the future and evolution of mankind and the Earth, or perhaps how we are working towards destroying it ... it’s important to become more conscious of how we individually and collectively impact the Earth and our fellow human beings ... and how willing are you to take an honest look deep within yourself and be open minded and have faith enough to face your inner truth in order to determine where change must take place ???

Scorpio and Capricorn born could be especially sensitive to this shift and what it produces, as well as Cancer born as Capricorn is the sign in opposition to your natal sun placement ... but we will all feel this energy somewhere in our lives both individually and collectively ... keep in mind the tearing down yielding rebirth and change is needed in order to promote further personal and spiritual growth ... in some cases it may be very drastic and challenging while in others it may not have quite the forceful impact ...

Scorpio born individuals, this is your yearly period of review and reflection of what is transpiring in your life, and especially what has transpired in your life since September 24th/25th of last year, that is urging you to release, allow transformation, regeneration and healing to take place in some area of your life - in other words, where must change take place due to a "cracked" or severely weakened foundation that will not support further personal and spiritual growth ??? ... and that goes for all of us as well !!!

If you have a Scorpio Moon or Ascendant you may be more sensitive to the retrograde period as well - Moon people through emotional issues and Ascendant people through issues of how you project yourself out into the world ... also if you know which house in your natal chart Pluto is currently transiting through, that "stage" where life plays out will produce some interesting and possibly challenging energy ... I have also read many times that when an outer planet - Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - shifts directions, a slightly increased number of "souls" tend to leave the  planet ... particularly those who are elderly ... something to watch for especially at the very beginning of the retrograde period and at the end ...

Pluto naturally rules the elimination and reproduction systems of the body so there could be issues there ... maybe, maybe not ... Pluto is also the natural ruler of the 8th house - which includes the support you receive from other people including financial, moral, spiritual and physical ... it addresses legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters and lets not forget "secrets", sex, spiritual and physical regeneration, psychological rebirth and degeneration and death - not necessarily actual physical though .... also occult matters, sleep, deep research, investigation, hidden assets - including the assets of partners and alimony, and finally, surgery - any of these areas are fair game during the Pluto retrograde ...

Pluto remains retrograde until September 26th ... as the harbinger of powerful upheaval, transformation, destruction, "death", rebirth and deep healing, Pluto retrograde certainly has the potential to and will most likely shake things up ... and one thing is absolutely for sure where Pluto is involved whether in forward or retrograde motion - THERE WILL BE CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION !!!

MAINTAINING THE STABILITY OF EARTHLY THINGS !!!

The Sun began its yearly transit through the patient, practical sign of Taurus today, April 19th, at 11:30 AM EDT ... the pace of life slows down somewhat - especially with all the planets that have recently entered their retrograde periods and will do so next week !!! ... the Sun has left the fiery sign of Aries and shifts into a slower mode of energy in Taurus which is an earth sign ... with the Sun in Taurus, we need to shine comfortably, seek recognition deliberately, shine in ones own dependability, and have a drive for recognition which manifests itself through sensuality and/or personal possessions ... this energy is persistent, determined yet cautious ...

Taurus is a feminine, fixed, earth sign therefore its tendency to nurture and comfort through a methodical but slower and more stable course of action ... its key phrase is "I Have" and its keyword is "stability" ... being a fixed sign, Taurus can appear to be quiet, affectionate, patient, stable, determined and practical, stubborn and resistant to change ... its symbol is the Bull and its glyph is the head and horns of the Bull - symbolically the glyph is a half-moon forming a cup that rests on the circle of the Sun ... the cup representing material wealth and power derived through the force of the will (the circle) ... the Bull can be strong, stubborn, plodding, and can be both fierce and gentle ... this energy can be quite headstrong but slow to anger .... HOWEVER ... when it does get angry LOOK OUT because it can become extremely furious !!!

Anatomically, Taurus rules the neck and the throat - there are a lot of Taurus born people that have beautiful speaking and singing voices, but their vulnerability is to colds, laryngitis, sore throats and thyroid problems ... Taurus is the sign directly opposite to Scorpio ...

Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus - the Roman goddess of beauty and the arts, pleasure and the emotions ... Venus bestows an influence towards a love of luxury and exceptional creative ability ... it is NOT the planet of SEX for those of you who think otherwise!!! ... Venus rules the throat, chin, cheeks, and the sense of taste, art, culture, aesthetics, possessions, partners, beauty, charm, good taste, sentimentality, sweets and sugar, color, harmony, poetry, paintings, jewelry, singing, drama, and music ... it governs emotional contacts,  tenderness, moral character, marriage and unions of every kind as well as sociability, disposition, luxuries, pleasure and appreciation ... in your natal chart, the place where you find Venus shows what you really enjoy  !!!

Taurus is the natural ruler of the 2nd house of the horoscope which is a house of substance with its keyword being "values" ... this house indicates financial affairs, possessions (excluding real estate), investments, earning  power, and any gain or loss through your own personal efforts ... it shows your inner talents and resources, your need for fulfillment, your emotional feelings, your sense of self-worth including your sense of values ... since there is a widespread belief that liberty is largely related to the money, the 2nd house is also the house of personal liberty ... it is also considered the house of material debt ...

The Sun in Taurus teaches us to live through learning how to stabilize ... here we have the beauty (Venus) and the beast (the Bull) !!! ... the purpose of the Sun here is to help maintain the stability of earthly things ... one may find it surprising to realize that the important main possessions here are a sense of Earthly harmony and wholesomeness, and not necessarily a substantial amount of money and material possessions ... there is the distinct ability to endure change with this energy ... it is also interesting to note that when change has to be made and something must be let go of, when you let go and endure the change you ultimately discover how much more stable things actually become !!!

The greatest indication of values is beauty which is something that cannot be owned but only appreciated ... this energy likes stability, being attracted, natural things, time to think, and comfort and pleasure ... it does not like disruption, being pushed, being hurried and sensory deprivation ... the energy of the Sun in Taurus can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: earthy, sensuous/artistic, productive, practical provider, steadfast and stable, unruffled and calm, even-tempered, soothing, self-trusting, loyal, persevering, trustworthy, appreciative, admiring, affectionate, aesthetic, physically comforting, magnetically healing, attractive

NEGATIVE: materialistic, gross and extravagant, plodding and ponderous, sluggish and lazy, boneheaded, boring, self-satisfied, possessive, stubborn, bigoted/fanatical, self-gratifying, idolatrous, lecherous, aloof, unaware of the "unseen", sucker for good looks, easily attached

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN TAURUS BORN - you are beginning a new Solar year !!! ... this is your time to "SHINE" while all of us try to incorporate your natural born energy into our daily lives and learn through experiencing it ... and true to the cosmic sense of humor the universe often bestows, every last one of you will get the current Mars retrograde energy, the Sagittarius portion, in your solar return chart for the whole year ahead  - might want to go back and read my blog about the current Mars retrograde just in case you ignored it yesterday ... un-huh !!!

We are all now being challenged to try to discover our truest, deepest and highest values and then realize how well we can express them physically ... hopefully one will come to the realization during the next thirty days that the value of Earthly things is simply that they serve to keep bodies happy and  healthy ...

The Sun now joins Mercury currently grazing its way through Taurus ... but keep in mind that Mercury begins its second retrograde journey for 2016 next Thursday, April 28th ... it will be completely in the sign of Taurus and occur during the final 23 days of this solar transit which just might cause issues that irritate old "Ferdinand" !!! ... nevertheless, that hectic pace of  the Sun in Aries begins to diffuse and slows down to a point hopefully allowing our feet to be more firmly planted beneath us as we strive for security and stability in our lives - the success of which may largely depend on how the five planets in retrograde affect this otherwise peaceful and normally laid back transit of the Sun ... the Sun remains in Taurus until May 20th ...

Now let's all get out there and grab that "bull" by the horns - OLE !!!

MY GET UP AND GO GOT UP AND WENT ???

MARS - the planet representing the urge to get what you want, sexual drive, initiative, courage, raw energy and desires - began its RETROGRADE journey for 2016 yesterday, April 17th, at 8:14 AM EDT ...

The purpose of a Mars retrograde ultimately is to evaluate what it is that motivates you and for you to determine if you are on the correct path to achieving your goals, and if you are doing what you should be doing to get there ... inside a Mars retrograde, it is time for all of us to adjust our actions and aggressive instincts to ensure that ones intent is accomplished in a positive manner... this often includes going back over previous actions and having to redo them or let them go in order to move forward ... also, old resentments and personal issues that haven't been resolved in the past have a tendency of resurfacing during this period yielding the awareness that the time has come to develop new strategies and approaches for dealing with issues, personal anger and whether or not we express it in a healthy manner, and to learn positive assertiveness ... sometimes we prefer to drop back and let others take the lead for awhile even though it is a good bet that we will not be satisfied in the end with that course of action ... also it is possible that a male figure from ones past may come back around that one may need to settle some form of unfinished business with ...

Mars makes a retrograde journey for about 9 - 10 weeks out of its 26 month cycle ... Mars was last retrograde from March 1st, 2014 through May 19th, 2014 ... it was completely in the sign of Libra going from 27 degrees 32 minutes back to 9 degrees 2 minutes ... anything come to mind from that period in your life ???

This 26th month cycle becomes significant as we are used to Mars energy moving forward since it takes about two years to return to its natal position in ones birth chart and thus spends about two months in each sign ... the direct and retrograde stationing movement of Mars occurs most frequently in Cancer, Leo and Virgo, and least frequently in Sagittarius and Aquarius due to its eccentric orbit around the Sun ... Mars could be considered a "double twin" of the Earth as it tilts on its axis in almost the same way as the Earth, but Mars has 4 six month seasons instead of 4 three month seasons like we have here on Earth ... the Earth orbits the Sun in 1 year and Mars in 2 years thus the Earth finally catches up with Mars roughly every 2 years and 2 months = 26 month cycle ...

Frequently Mars retrogrades will bring issues of frustration or hostility to the surface we have deliberately suppressed due to their disruptive qualities which can cause forward movement in our lives to be temporarily delayed ... sudden reversals of interest and drive may occur, as well as the termination of a long term goal as it may become apparent that the effort exerted is inappropriate or non productive ... also old wounds, hurts and frustrations may arise seemingly out of context but usually there is a purpose for this ...

During a Mars retrograde it is usually a good idea NOT to undertake any major new beginnings especially per contract or verbally since the energy often isn't there to carry it through ... obviously you can't just "sit tight" for nearly two and a half months, but there are good reasons, if at all possible, to hold off as the waiting may ultimately prove to be a blessing in the long run ... often things begun under a Mars retrograde may begin to run into problems when it stations back into direct motion - that being June 29th, at some point during the next two years, as a result of another personal planets' - in this case being Mercury and Venus - retrograde energy, or perhaps when Mars takes its next retrograde journey which will be in June of 2018 !!!

Most unfortunately, this Mars retrograde occurs during two of the most popular months for couples to say "I DO", that being May and June, and marriage during a Mars retrograde is a huge NO-NO and even more so this time as there will be a Mercury retrograde embedded in it during part of the time !!! ... if you are curious about how the Mars retrograde energy has the potential to affect your marriage, have someone mark the time you are pronounced as married and consult a reputable astrologer who can run a natal chart for the marriage to determine in which house retrograde Mars falls and therefore in which area of life the challenge may rise for the two of you ... needless to say, it is NOT a good idea to being a major new romantic involvement as it could prove to be constantly challenging, fall apart rather quickly or have major issues arise during the next Mars retrograde which will bring it to an end once and for all !!!

This Mars retrograde is a dual sign retrograde period going from 8 degrees 54 minutes Sagittarius back to 23 degrees 3 minutes Scorpio ... if you've had a natal chart done, you can look to which house or houses where these degrees fall and get an idea of where, in your life, you might be rethinking some kind of action you have taken or where you might encounter delays or even shift into a different direction ... if you were born with your natal Sun between 23 degrees 3 minutes Scorpio and 8 degrees 54 minutes Sagittarius, at some point Mars will either station and/or cross back over your natal Sun and, among other things, there could be a few days when you feel as if someone unplugged your energy outlet - even though many of us may feel that anyway during the retrograde period ... Normally Mars crossing over ones natal Sun would have the tendency to infuse them with an excess of energy !!!

If you have any natal planets in the signs of Sagittarius and Scorpio within the retrograde degrees, you will probably experience some kind of backward or off-kilter energy produced in relation to the planet and the area of life in which house it is placed as Mars retrogrades over or in aspect to that planet ... Mars retrograde energy has the potential to produce some action if it aspects other planets in your natal chart regardless of sign but still within the same range of degrees ... as with Mercury retrograde periods, sometimes those born with Mars retrograde will find this period more productive since they are already comfortable and have a better understanding of this backwards energy ... in a natal chart, those born with Mars retrograde are said to have actions in the current life that are recreations of the past to deal with, they probably abused the principles of aggression and personal initiative, and they are frequently in competition with themselves !!!

Mars will spend the first 41 days of this retrograde period in the sign of Sagittarius in which it began its initial transit back on March 5th ... Sagittarius is the natural ruling sign on the 9th house which is considered to be the house of Life ... the 9th house represents the higher mind, the super conscious, the law, religion, science, ideals, higher learning, philosophy, psychology, profound mental study, ones dreams, ones visions, long distant travel, foreigners, foreign dealings, commerce, big business, imports and exports, the church as a spiritual factor, the clergy, in-laws, grandchildren, intuition, ethics, the public opinion in general, and the lessons we learn through living ... the ruling planet is Jupiter which rules wealth, leisure time, optimism, height, growth, morality, prosperity, indulgence, aspirations, sports, luck, hunting, fondness for animals, health and growth ... there is potential for any or a combination of all of the previous areas mentioned to have issues arise in your life while Mars retrogrades in Sagittarius ...

Mars will reenter the sign of Scorpio on May 27th where it will spend the final 33 days of its retrograde period ... Scorpio is the natural ruling sign on the 8th house which is considered to be a house of Endings ... the 8th house represents the support you receive from other people - including financial, moral, spiritual, and physical ... it represents legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, secrets, sex, spiritual and physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration, death, occult matters, sleep, deep research, investigation, hidden assets, assets of partners, alimony, surgery and shows types of illness ... the ruling planet is Pluto which rules the underworld and that which is hidden from view including the unknown "worlds" within your submerged or subconscious self, conception, printing, the masses, waste, subversion, atomic power, crime, phobias, obsessions, slow growth, birth and death, isolation, coercion, disappearance, kidnapping, bacteria, viruses, generation/regeneration/degeneration, that which is developed secretly or undercover, plumbing, dictatorships, and unpopular causes ... these are all areas where potential issues could arise once the emphasis of the retrograde period shifts ...

Mars is the ruling planet of Aries which is the natural ruling sign on the 1st house, or Ascendant, which is considered a house of Life ... the first house represents your personality, your natural disposition and tendencies, your individuality and the way you express yourself, how people see you and the way you want others to see you, the way you "package" and "market" yourself, your physical body, your health, early childhood years, your approach to life, your worldly outlook, your appearance and the beginnings of all enterprises you under take ... to reiterate, Mars represents your animal nature, desires, sexual energies, assertiveness, force, power, construction, work, strife, competition, surgery and operations, weapons, war, accidents, inflammations, wounds, cuts, burns, scalds, violence, tools, iron and steel, actions that are sudden, self-assertive and disruptive actions, and energy that can be used destructively and angrily or with courage and strength ... all of these areas are vulnerable to issues during the entire retrograde period as it is Mars which is in retrograde ...

In regards to health, the areas subject to issues for the entire retrograde are the external reproductive organs, head and face ... the most vulnerable areas for the first 41 days would be the hips, thighs and liver, and the final 33 days would be the genital area, the elimination and reproductive systems ...

This Mars retrograde period could end up being even more intense and challenging as Jupiter, ruling planet of Sagittarius, and Pluto, ruling planet of Scorpio, are both retrograde, as well as the very challenging influence Mercury retrograde completely within the Mars retrograde has the potential to produce !!!

As Mars was last retrograde from March 1st, 2014 through May 19th, 2014 completely in the sign of Libra, and it made its last first complete direct transit through the sign of Scorpio from January 3rd through March 5th, and began its transit through Sagittarius on March 5th but did not complete it due to the retrograde, it is most likely that many issues will arise in regards to actions taken during those periods ... what actions were possibly begun that now must be readdressed, readjusted, reworked, or simply have run their course and come to a necessary ending needing to be released, or concluded but not by our choice, in order to promote further personal and spiritual growth ??? ... and undoubtedly you may be readdressing some of these issues again once Mars stations direct up until it exits its retrograde zone on August 22nd !!!

For those of you born between April 18th and June 28th you will get this Mars retrograde energy somewhere in your astrological birthday chart - known as a solar return - for the whole year ahead ... however, those born on April 17th and June 29th may or may not get this retrograde energy depending on the time of your solar return for the current year ... all Taurus and Gemini born will definitely get the Mars retrograde energy in their solar return chart this year !!! ... below is what noted astrologer Mary Fortier Shea has to say about having Mars retrograde in the birthday chart - also known as the Solar Return:

"When Mars is retrograde in the solar return chart, the individual must work with the process of self-motivation. This is a good time to work on a long-term project, especially one involving the need to repeatedly push yourself  toward achievement. You are the motivating force. No one else can get you to move. It is very unlikely that you will be motivated by others since personal goals will seem more important than the conflicting goals of others. If you cannot motivate yourself or direct your energy in a useful manner, you will feel listless and tired. This is an extremely useful retro gradation for those who are goal-oriented; unfortunately, it can be a very counterproductive placement for those who are not.

The way you choose to handle anger is symbolized by Mars retrograde. Usually, there is a desire to avoid confrontation and conflict. You may be unable or unwilling to express anger outwardly. Furthermore, you might find it difficult to be openly aggressive or even assertive given the situations you are involved with. If this is so, you could resort to passive-aggressive behavior or manipulation if it seems impossible to deal with a present situation on a rational level. For example, if you are taking care of a cantankerous and senile relative, confrontation and rational discussion will not improve your relationship, but refusing to engage in conflicts and stressing the humor of the situation may. You can manipulate your way around the old coot with love and understanding in your heart. Having Mars retrograde in a solar return chart signals the need to reassess the appropriateness of anger and conflict in certain situations where it may actually be totally useless. It is not the answer to all situations and you can learn to use other tactics.

If you are involved in difficult circumstances, you may not defend yourself against the criticism of others. And  in fact, you could see yourself as responsible to some extent for the situations you are involved in. This is a time when you are more apt to get in touch with the role you, yourself, play in creating stress. You could blame yourself and be very self-critical of your own behavior. Positively, we can look upon this year as a time when you are more apt to see self-defeating situations and take corrective action. It is fairly common to realize the existence of at least one self-defeating situation or personality pattern during the year.

Mars retrograde, at its worst manifestation, can have a self-destructive interpretation. It is possible that you will place yourself (through your own doing) in a situation that causes you difficulty or pain. You will have the ability to withdraw from the situation, but might choose to remain throughout the solar return year. This may sound like a horrible manifestation, but it is not necessarily so ... The house placement of Mars will relate to the self-defeating or self-destructive attitudes and may symbolize this negative behavior in relationships, career practises, financial responsibility, etc. If one concentrates on the issues, solutions can be found and there will be no need to remain in compromising situations."

ARIES BORN - this is your period to slow down and in some cases stop - WHICH YOU DO NOT LIKE TO DO AT ALL !!! - in order to review and rethink what has and what is going on in your life especially in regards to what has transpired in your life since May 19th, 2014 when Mars, being your ruling planet, last stationed back into direct motion ... Even though Aries born individuals in addition to Sagittarius and Scorpio  born - since Mars is retrograding through your birth signs - may be more sensitive to this reversal of energy, we will all experience it or surely witness it somewhere in our lives and lights may begin to come on in our heads as we discover that perhaps we should have either waited a while longer before taking action or possibly never have taken a particular course of action to begin with in certain situations ...

Mars remains retrograde until June 29th ... and as frustrating and challenging this energy has the potential to be in our lives, the universe is not going to let us off easily because the second Mercury retrograde period will be completely embedded in this Mars retrograde from April 28th through May 22nd ... in addition, many may feel along the way that there is something making them restless, edgy and irritable and they are simply not able to pin down the cause - this is usually the case when Mars
transits ones natal 12th house !!!

As it is said that in a Venus retrograde we often become somewhat less sociable and frequently forget our manners, during a Mars retrograde we may become somewhat less "warlike" and that our energy can repeatedly hit a lull ... over the course of the next 74 days as energy rises and seems to fall just as quickly, we may become all too personally and frequently associated with that famous saying - MY GET UP AND GO GOT UP AND WENT !!!

SEEING IS BELIEVING !!!

MERCURY, steadily and with a precise logical progression, begins its highly focused and concentrated transit through the sign of Taurus today, April 5th, at 7:10 PM EDT ... our mode of thinking and communicating will now shift from the rapid fire energy of Aries into the slower and more methodical energy of Taurus ... the keyword for this energy is "factual" ... here the mind and tongue work deliberately and steadily with the tendency to sometimes get stuck in mental ruts ... this energy can be highly practical and grounded ... business skills or any activity that incorporates the use of common sense usually accompanies this energy ... often there can be learning through tactile contact or actual physical manipulation of the world ... perceptions can often be limited due to a desire to learn slowly and carefully ... there is a desire to bring ideas down to earth, and there are usually interests in money, sensuality and physical comfort ... Mercury was last in Taurus from April 14th through April 30th, 2015 ... 

Mercury in Taurus loves to read - ANYTHING !!! ... time is taken in order to arrive at all decisions ... this Mercury likes to "sleep on it" and needs solid, tangible, physical proof in order to really believe in anything ... the thought pattern is developed in terms of worth thus making "value" the ultimate selling point ... there is usually an excellent memory bestowed by this mercurial energy and it makes one a good observer but ironically one is apt to listen inattentively as their mind is almost always already made up and will rarely be changed !!! ... even though there is a love of reading, it is ultimately realized that experience teaches one the most valuable lessons in life ...

Mercury in Taurus teaches us to think through stabilization ... it's all about the concrete mind - SEEING IS BELIEVING !!! ... the mind here likes to chew things over and over in order to acquire a true depth of knowledge ... and frequently because this energy takes longer to reach a decision, opportunities may be missed ... this energy has its definite likes and dislikes ... there is more of a taste for the traditional rather than the abstract and the avant-garde, and one finds it is steady working habits that produce thorough and solid results ... ultimately there is a gift given here to see how any plan will work out in physical terms ... the energy of Mercury in Taurus can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: sound mind, thorough, patient, cautious, shrewd, resourceful, sensible, realistic, good concentration, mentally sure, deliberating, practical thinker, sense of form, steady mind, enduring, mentally laid-back, docile, undemanding

NEGATIVE: slow minded, plodding, tardy, guarded, mean-minded, money-grubbing, boneheaded, one-track-minded, overburdened, limited thinker, stubborn mind, lazy-minded, dumb, misses the point, couch potato

Mercury is the only planet to be currently transiting through the sign of Taurus, but the Sun will join the party on April 19th - and what a train wreck it's liable to become between the Sun and the personal planets - Mercury, Venus and Mars - with Mars already retrograde followed by Mercury stationing retrograde on April 28th, Venus currently in Aries and moving into the sign of Taurus on April 29th !!!

Mercury remains in the sign of Taurus until - WAIT FOR IT - June 12th and you know why !!! ... Mercury begins its second retrograde journey for 2016 on April 28th which will be completely in the sign of Taurus going from 23 degrees 36 minutes back to 14 degrees 20 minutes Taurus ... Mercury is already "slowing down" and will enter its shadow point on April 14th when it reaches 14 degrees 20 minutes Taurus which is the degree where it will conclude its next retrograde journey on May 22nd - more about that retrograde period when it begins ... AND ... just a reminder once again, this Mercury retrograde period will be completely embedded in the Mars retrograde period which begins on April 17th - things could get very challenging and frustrating !!!

Taurus born individuals, are you beginning to feel the tempo picking up in your thinking and communicating somewhat even though Mercury is "slowing down" ??? ... now is your chance - along with the rest of us - to get a lot accomplished and get our minds anchored to a firmer foundation of rational and practical thinking with this earth energy ... 

Ironically this particular energy of thinking and communicating will be influencing us until the retrograde begins and then rethought, and, once Mercury stations direct, rethought again as Mercury moves forward to exit the sign of Taurus in June ... but isn't this thinking and rethinking exactly what Mercury in Taurus naturally likes to do ??? ... perhaps not under these set of circumstances however ... gotta love that cosmic sense of humor and that is no "BULL" !!!

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT - BUT WILL IT LAST ???

THE THRILL OF THE CHASE ... I'VE GOT IT ... IT’S OVER - GOODBYE!!!!! ... and just like that, what we thought we so passionately and romantically desired suddenly loses its initial appeal ... moving right along - NEXT !!! .... get the picture ??? ... that is what many of us will experience on some level in our lives as Venus "burns" its way into and begins its transit through the the fiery sign of Aries tomorrow, April 5th at 12:51 PM EDT ... Venus will now be in a "relationship" with Mars which rules Aries and that often causes multiple problems on many different levels in our lives ... Venus is considered to be in detriment in Aries as it is in a sign opposite the one it naturally rules - in this case Libra ... in detriment a planet is not really operating at full power ... it's like visiting where you must conform to rules and regulations thus hindering your natural expression ... Venus was last in Aries from February 20th through March 17th, 2015 ...

There is the potential for many of us to become impassioned about someone or something or both ... we will pursue it with total dedication and determination ... and if we finally get it, we could find ourselves ultimately asking the question WHY especially after it loses its initial appeal and novelty !!! ... of course some of us may also find ourselves outright overly horny, some more so than usual that is, as we are "burning with desire" !!! ... Venus in the fire sign of Aries will seek its interactions with others and pursue things passionately, romantically, excitedly and adventurously ...

Venus represents our social urge and our sense of values ... it rules the signs of Taurus and Libra and is the natural ruler of the 2nd house - a house of substance representing your emotional need for fulfillment and feelings, your values, your sense of self-worth, your inner talents and resources and your earning power .... its the house of material debt .... Venus is also the natural ruler of the 7th house - a house of face-to-face relationships where the keyword is cooperation which might be somewhat lacking while Venus moves through Aries as we tend to be a little slack with our social graces at times along the way .... it represents both social, business and personal relationships ... its a house of open enemies and you may well find them during this transit so best to think twice before speaking which makes this transit very challenging ... the 7th house also indicates what you most lack  about yourself being opposite the 1st house, and you might find an increased desire to fill that void wherever it is perceived ... Venus is the anatomical ruler of the throat, chin, cheeks and sense of taste - there could be issues here with Aries ruler Mars possibly causing symptoms to  "boil up" with its fiery attributes ...

Venus in Aries is demonstrative ... we love the thrill of the chase of the person and/or object of our desire ... it is very outgoing and enthusiastic to the point of ending up sometimes becoming too aggressive and overwhelming ... most of the time it will be YOUR feelings and values that are center most on your mind instead of others .... it likes the novelty and newness of things and once that is over it can become very fickle and ready to move on ... it’s attracted to people who are independent, those with a lot of initiative, and certainly those who are creative with their originality ...

Here pursuit of passion is the name of the game but once the object of your attention has been captured, you, the hunter, may move on by viewing it as another trophy to put on your Venusian shelf of love and desire ... one of the biggest misjudgments made under this energy is mistaking sex for actual love over and over ...

Venus in Aries teaches us all about learning to love through doing - it's frequently referred to as energy that can easily produce love at first sight !!! ... this Venus likes a partner who is independent, the actual "chase", the social whirl, spontaneous and unexpected affection, and romance that is very bold ... it dislikes people who are too clingy and those who tend to be socially inactive ... the energy of  Venus in Aries can be expressed in the following ways :

POSITIVE: erotic, winning style, passionate, playful, demonstrative, outgoing, straightforward, popular, sparkling personality, generous, appealing, having a childlike charm, a romantic idealist, persuasive, warm-hearted, quick to move

NEGATIVE: overly flirtatious, lustful, irresponsible, blunt, inconsiderate, coarse, not subtle, wanton, a teaser, naive in love, easily hurt, clueless, too pushy, self-centered, impatient in love

If you know which house or houses the sign of Aries occupies in your natal chart, then you will most likely figure out where and how this transit of Venus may play out in your own life in addition to your relationship to society as well ... for those born with the Sun in Aries, at some point during this Venus transit, it will pass over your natal Sun giving you a day to just enjoy the world, your friends, your creative efforts, and simply being alive !!!

ONE CAVEAT - Venus is the natural ruler of the 2nd house and therefore money earned as well as money SPENT ... you should be careful about "burning" through your personal money while Venus is in Aries as the purse strings will be significantly loosened and expanded by this "heated" energy and you may find yourself wanting to increase your material holdings and also be drawn towards the purchase of big ticket or luxury items only to find yourself thinking at the end of this transit - "AND I SPENT THAT MUCH MONEY BECAUSE ...??? " ... also, as Venus naturally rules the 7th house of partnerships and relationships both personal  and professional, you might also find yourself thinking that you may have accidentally "incinerated" some of these as well !!!

Aries born, the love light is now shining on YOU - take advantage of the added possibility of getting what you may so passionately ask for !!!

Venus will now join the Sun, Mercury - for roughly 6 hours until it begins its transit through Taurus at 7:10 PM EDT tomorrow, Mars and Uranus - what a hot mess - already transiting through the sign of Aries !!! ... So the question becomes - Will sparks of romance or the emotional "daggers" of vengeance be flying as a result ???


Venus remains in Aries until April 29th ... but HEADS UP - Venus will only have been in Aries for 13 days when Mars begins its next retrograde journey on April 17th and that could potentially disrupt its transit through Aries as if it really needed any more challenges here ... the final 13 days of this transit of Venus will occur during the Mars retrograde so the sage advice of "DON'T MAKE ANY MAJOR NEW BEGINNINGS - ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA OF RELATIONSHIPS" would be best heeded as those new beginnings have extra potential to "burn out" and go absolutely nowhere fast !!!

When Venus leaves the sign of Aries, in addition to wondering if the means of the thrill of the chase truly justified the ends of what we did or did not get, we could find ourselves summing up our experiences of Venus in Aries in one of three ways - "My Love is On FIRE", "Loves Labours Lost" or a "Total Eclipse of the Heart" !!!