EXPRESSING THE "LANGUAGE" OF LOVE !!!

MERCURY  began its transit through the charming, persuasive sign of Libra on Friday, September 21st, at 11:40 PM EDT ... Mercury was last in Libra from September 29th through October 17, 2017... 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 expressing 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 teaches 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 ... as always there are two different kinds of uses with any energy ... as for Mercury in Libra they are:


POSITIVE: agreeable, flexible, diplomatic, prudent, persuasive, charming, well-spoken, communicative, hardworking, disciplined, scholarly, orderly, eclectic, fair judge, good arbitrator, reasonable, team-spirited, principled, honorable, open-minded ...


NEGATIVE: weak-minded, non-committal, turncoat, smooth-talking, insincere, affected, rat-racer, blindly obedient, unoriginal, indecisive, cowardly, phony, boring, illogical, easily swayed, overly sensitive, flighty, superficial ...



Mercury is currently transiting through the sign of Libra with the Sun ... Mercury remains in Libra until October 9th when it enters the dark, delicious sign of Scorpio producing lots of wicked and naughty thoughts in our mind maybe ??? ... for those keeping track, there is only one more complete sign transit left - that being Scorpio - before Mercury begins its third and final retrograde journey for 2018 on November 16th only hours after Venus stations back into direct motion ... Mercury will actually return to the sign of Scorpio as it will get no further than 13 degrees 29 minutes Sagittarius before stationing retrograde ... obviously this final Mercury retrograde period will be a dual sign retrograde going from 13 degrees 29 minutes Sagittarius back to 27 degrees 16 minutes Scorpio where it ends its retrograde on December 6th ... an interesting way to kick off the Holiday shopping season no less !!!



So just how will this transit of Mercury through Libra as well as Scorpio play out ??? ... that remains to be seen ... Venus, the ruling planet of Libra, will begin its retrograde journey for 2018 on Friday October 5th, and it will be in the sign of Scorpio with Mercury during Mercury's entire initial transit through Scorpio ... looks like potentially choppy waters ahead for partnerships, relationships and financial matters !!!



Meanwhile with this current mercurial energy, for all of us this becomes a period of time when we have the ability to learn to speak more graciously and gently through our communications ... and to that end the Universe encourages each one of us to try to -

SPEAK KINDLY AND THINK GOOD THOUGHTS !!!

BRINGING LIFE INTO BALANCE THROUGH THE WAY WE RELATE !!!

The Sun began its transit through the charming, social but sometimes indecisive sign of Libra yesterday, September 22nd, at 9:55 PM EDT   ... also known as the Autumnal Equinox - equal day and equal night - Summer 2018 is officially OVER !!!, at least in the Northern hemisphere (Spring or Vernal Equinox in the Southern hemisphere) - onward to colder weather - YEAH !!! ... OK, do I hear a few BOOS out there ???



The Sun in Libra encourages us to shine through cooperation, diplomacy, competition - one on one, and through aesthetic channels ... Libra is all about bringing things into balance and sometimes the desire to do so can create a situation where one continually bounces back and forth trying to come to a decision accidentally causing indecision or frustration instead !!!

Libra is the 7th sign of the natural zodiac ... it is a masculine, mutable (flexible/changeable), air sign ... its key phrase is "I balance" and its keyword is "Harmony" ... Libra is active, artistic, easygoing, peaceable, admires beauty and harmony, diplomatic, polished and extremely socially inclined ... its symbol is the scales which signifies balance, equilibrium, order and justice ... it is the sign opposite of Aries in the horoscope ... anatomically, Libra rules the lower back and the buttocks, and the kidneys ... natural born Libras are often subject to lower back strain and problems in the lumbar region as well as being subjected to kidney infections !!!

Libra is ruled by the planet Venus - makes sense doesn't it ??? - which is the second sign Venus naturally rules, the other being Taurus  ... Venus represents the social urge as well as sense of values ... Venus rules the throat, chin, cheeks and sense of taste ... Venus is all about relating - not sexually though - as well as being about people, art, emotions, marriage, luxury, possessions, pleasure and appreciation ... its keyword is "AFFECTION" ... if you've had a natal chart run, where you find Venus shows what you truly "love" and enjoy !!!

Venus naturally rules the 2nd house - a house of personal values, substance, earning power, inner talents and resources, need for fulfillment, emotional feelings, sense of self-worth, and a house of personal liberty and material debt ... Venus also naturally rules the 7th house - a house of face-to-face relationships and cooperation - or lack thereof, business and marital partnerships/relationships, divorce, contracts, lawsuits, dealings with the public, open enemies, a house showing what you most lack about yourself, and a house representing your grandparents and anyone who acts as your agent or on your behalf !!!

The Sun transiting through Libra teaches us to learn to live and grow through the way we relate - restoring balance or at least trying to do so ... it likes pleasant surroundings, peace and justice, a partner/companion, being gentle and kind, and anything artistic ... it is important to realize under this energy that areas where there is conflict, disharmony or injustice is where the art of Libra energy is greatly needed and ultimately appreciated ... the energy of the Sun in Libra can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: aesthetic, graceful, peaceful, calm, socially oriented, popular, co-operative, amenable, attractive, refined, subtle manner, high principles, idealistic, socially aspiring and aware, diplomatic, harmless, friendly, a good counselor

NEGATIVE: affected, superficial, non-committal, lazy, lacking self-reliance, indulgent, insincere, vain, easily upset, lacking confidence, compromising, peace at any price, elitist, class-conscious, indecisive, ingratiating, discordant

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN ALL LIBRA BORN - THIS IS YOUR TIME OF THE YEAR TO SHINE !!!



One of the key roles of Libra is to engage in social activities that blend the rough with the smooth ... one must learn that sensitivity requires both spiritual strength as well as awareness ... ones outward poise will remain intact as long as one learns to be subordinate to ones inner sense of values !!!

The Sun now joins Mercury in transit through the sign of Libra !!! ... The Sun remains in Libra until October 23rd  ... the next 32 days would be an excellent time to make use of bringing ones partnerships/relationships both public and private into balance and harmony by making sure their foundations are solid ... BUT ... BUT ... BUT ... be aware that Venus, the ruling planet of Libra, begins its next retrograde journey for 2018 on October 5th meaning the last 19 days of this solar transit has the potential to be affected in some form or fashion by this backward energy !!!




Ultimately, during this solar cycle, it would be an excellent idea to take the lyrical advice of Stephen Stills and - "love the one(s) you're with" !!!

THE CELESTIAL "TASKMASTER" RESUMES CLASSES !!!

SATURN - the planet representing authority figures, discipline, effort, sense of order, limitations, the urge for safety and security, tests us by placing obstacles and restrictions in our lives, shows what we are unsure of or truly fear, known as FATHER TIME, and most notoriously known for being the celestial taskmaster teaching us the lessons we must learn in life - stationed back into direct motion Thursday, September 6th, at 7:10 AM EDT ... these lessons we MUST learn through the obstacles we often encounter sometimes are easier but more frequently become extremely challenging and difficult on our journey through this life in order to make us slow down so we can build strong foundations and structures in our lives that are on solid ground !!!

While Saturn has been in retrograde motion since April 17th this year, hopefully we have all been reviewing and trying to restructure systems, programs, organizations, corporations and rules that will allow them to function more efficiently ... we also were given the time and opportunity, if we used it wisely, to become more aware of our own personal authority and power and determine whether or not it fits within society or is actually undermining us and needs adjustment on some level ... in addition, we all should have been reviewing whether or not societies rules and policies are helping to give us needed structure or limiting us in some way thus preventing further personal and spiritual growth !!!

Now that Saturn has resumed direct motion, we should begin to be better able to see where we stand and thus continue building even more secure structures and foundations in our lives individually and as a society as well ... no doubt we may have encountered limitations or restrictions either self imposed or imposed by authority figures during this retrograde period ... and perhaps now the Universe will even throw in yet another road block or two our way to make us realize whether or not we made good use of this retrograde period !!!




This Saturn retrograde period, which began back on April 17th, occurred from 9 degrees 9 minutes Capricorn back down to 2 degrees 33 minutes Capricorn ... if you know in your natal chart in which house or houses these degrees fall, then you may understand where in your life this Saturn retrograde was making its impact - especially if it made any aspects to your natal planets as well as your natal angles - cusps of the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses ... Saturn has been at the 2 degree mark of Capricorn since August 13th and was at an astrological "standstill" around 2 degrees 33 minutes Capricorn since September 2nd yielding the potential for that to have been a very challenging period for many people !!! 

My fellow Capricorns, this was our yearly period of review, self-introspection, and rethinking of what has transpired in our lives especially from August 25th, 2017 until April 17th of this year !!!





Saturn is currently transiting through Capricorn with Mars and Pluto - a lot of heavy duty energy requiring us to become practical, responsible and grounded !!! ... Saturn remains in direct motion until April 29th/30th, 2019 depending on which time zone in which you live ... Saturn will complete its full transit through the sign of Capricorn on December 17th, 2020 !!!





Saturn now moves forward to continue its transit through Capricorn which it began back on December 19th, 2017 ... this is the sign that it naturally rules and is therefore considered to be in dignity and operating very powerfully ... Saturn in Capricorn is all about organizing ,,, this placement frequently gives rise to desire for power, prestige and some kind of authority ... it is considered to be an excellent placement for those interested in politics, business, science or any kind of career that brings public acclaim and recognition ... after all, Capricorn is the natural ruler of the 10th house which is concerned with career and public image !!!





Saturn in Capricorn is persistent, calculating, very careful, highly practical and very good at organization with its razor sharp focus ... but it can also yield a rather cold and reserved air at times ... it is often the marker of those born with this placement who had to struggle to gain personal security early in life ... as a result, one is willing and understands the necessity to work hard to achieve in life and expects others to do so as well .. this placement of Saturn can lead one to the highest levels of personal evolution and understanding, or it can cause one to lean towards being overly materialistic and selfish ... one definitely needs to learn to develop a sense of humor as this energy can be so driving and demanding !!!





Usually people are not very happy when Saturn comes into the picture to teach us and make us learn life lessons that are often very daunting and difficult, but we native Capricorns understand how hard Saturn's "weight" can bear down on us ... so its retrograde journey each year becomes an opportunity for everyone else to feel and hopefully come to understand what we have to live with all of our life ... challenging - you bet !!! ... and no one would ever say it is an easy task, but the potential for rewards are unlimited if you open your eyes, ears and hearts, allow the Universe to lead the way and be willing to go the distance ... after all, if you don't learn the lesson the first time, you can be sure the Universe will bring the lessons back around again, and the next time they may end up being even more difficult to deal with in your life !!!





As Saturn is most frequently teaching all of us very difficult lessons, holding firm and staying positive will get us through this stronger and better able to deal with life and its many challenges ... so if you keep your feet firmly planted and try to understand that the "light at the end of the tunnel" usually signifies greater personal as well as spiritual growth, you will definitely come through a much stronger person and able to handle this journey through life more efficiently for the lessons you have taken seriously and made great personal effort to learn from ... you will certainly be better equipped to deal with life and its many constant challenges not just from Saturn's energy !!!

Time for me to once again reiterate a worthwhile observation of mine - as a Capricorn born who will be ruled lifelong by Saturn, I can say that from personal experience the transits of Saturn aren't always a bad thing that should be dreaded ... while its actions can be difficult and challenging, Saturn's main objective is to help us grow and become a better, more highly functional and successful person by finding the courage deep from within to take a serious and honest look at where we are versus where we should be going ... and this is done by making sure our foundations in life are always strong, solid and secure !!!

THE FREEDOM FIGHTER / REBEL RETURNS !!!

MARS reentered the rebellious, progressive sign of Aquarius Monday, September 10th, at 8:56 PM EDT ... Mars began its initial transit through Aquarius back on May 15th/16th ... it got no further than 9 degrees 13 minutes Aquarius when it began its retrograde journey for 2018 back on June 26th ... Mars will make its full transit through Aquarius this time around and is currently moving forward to exit its retrograde zone which will occur on October 8th when it reaches 9 degrees 13 minutes Aquarius once again ... below is a reminder of what this energy is all about in case you forgot due to these personal planet retrogrades coming and going among other things !!!



Mars functions well in Aquarius, perhaps a little too well at times, since it is an Air sign and what does Air do ???? ... that's right - IT GIVES LIFE TO FIRE !!! ... the last time Mars transited the sign of Aquarius was November 9th through December 19th, 2016 - anything come to mind from that period that included taking initiative in getting what you want, sexual drive, using strength and courage in pursuing your desires ... all areas Mars naturally rules ??? ... no telling what kind of aggressive actions will be manifested with Mars being influenced by the energy of the ruling planet of Aquarius - Uranus the planet of the sudden and unexpected !!! ... so now Mars is once again in a "planetary relationship" with Uranus as Uranus is the ruler of Aquarius ... and when this duo gets together - LOOK OUT !!! ... but haven't we been experiencing this recently while Uranus was transiting through the sign of Aries - which it is going to return to briefly during its current retrograde period ???

In Aquarius, the energy of Mars is expressed on a mental plane ... actions may be quick, but one must be committed intellectually ... this energy makes one very people-oriented and often involved in a wide variety of projects ... usually there is some element of reform or fighting for freedom somewhere in the outlook ... Mars in Aquarius can be high-strung and unpredictable creating a struggle between wanting to do things independently and getting involved in group activities ... one usually tries to deal with sexual relationships here rationally but may swing back and forth between passionate involvement and detachment ... this energy often bestows acute insight into human nature !!!



Mars in Aquarius is naturally independent, unconventional and unique ... being a distinct individual is essential with this energy ... spontaneous inclination is geared towards tolerance, openness, and a willingness to fight for equal opportunity ... identity is tied to progress, the future and anything new and on the cutting edge ... there is a strong need for free expression and broad perspectives ... passion sometimes ends up being sidetracked into a detached or scientific perspective ... physical energy and sexual drive are fueled by variety, mental stimulation, freedom, experimentation and the possibility of something new on the cutting edge that is moving towards the future ... one needs openness and free flow in life here !!!



Mars in Aquarius teaches all about getting what we want through liberating ... this is the freedom fighter - the leader  of the pack !!! ... one is usually willing to go out on a limb to get what they want when inspired by this energy ... what truly motivates one here is having to "buck" some kind of system - be it family, partners, friends or anything that seems to be limiting ones freedom ... without sufficient freedom ones personal vital energies become blocked up inside ... one is often motivated by goals for the common good that often involve benefiting all forms of life in addition to human ... ultimately ones interest in ones self must be aligned with the interest of others ... the ultimate lesson of this energy is that inventiveness and the quickness with which one learns from their mistakes become shining examples of how human beings can best get along in this world!!! ... the energy of Mars in Aquarius can be expressed in the following ways:


POSITIVE: independent, unconventional, complex, original, progressive, reformist, humanitarian, idealistic, resolute, resourceful, group leader, co-operative, surprising, high-spirited, active, stimulating, sexually free, sexually experimental, non-possessive, cool

NEGATIVE: cantankerous, perverse, contrary, peculiar, impatient, rebellious, superficial, escapist, inconstant, loner, uncooperative, erratic, disruptive, indolent, shocking, sexually loose, sexually irresponsible, unfeeling, cold



Aquarius born individuals,  you are being infused yet again with an extra shot of energy - like you really need it !!! ...  you are potentially enabled to get a lot of productive work accomplished - just as long as you don't get too explosive and run over the rest of us!!! ... but the question now becomes what truly will occur as your ruling planet has "slammed" into the sign of Taurus which, being an earth sign, likes to take things at a very slow and steady pace ??? ... Aries born, as well as Aries Moon and Rising sign born, your ruling planet is now once again a "partner in crime" with Uranus so take care not to go too far too fast !!!

Mars is currently the only planet transiting through Aquarius and will finally complete its transit through the sign of Aquarius on November 16th - the day Venus begins its retrograde journey for 2018 !!!



During this extended transit through the sign of Aquarius, perhaps many of us will have come to the realization that the purpose of being alone is to ultimately discover one is for all and all is for one  !!!

MAGNETIC, MYSTERIOUS, BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL - BUT HIGHLY EMOTIONALLY DRIVEN !!!

VENUS began its lusty, sensual transit through the penetrating and sexually charged sign of Scorpio yesterday, September 9th, at 5:26 AM EDT ... Venus was last in Scorpio from November 7th through December 1st, 2017 !!!




Venus in Scorpio is considered to be operating in detriment ... 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 which is so easy to do !!!




THIS VENUS MEANS BUSINESS !!! ... it is highly emotionally driven and 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 ... a desire for loyalty and the need to be swept away, seduced, fascinated and totally absorbed in love may manifest in your life with this energy !!!




There is 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 teaches us how we find 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 the Power of Love usually has its way with you rather than you having your way with it !!!

Due to deep emotions and very strong and passionate sexual desires, 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 may exist a feeling that something is desperate or fated about ones love life ... there is also a deep desire to find 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 Jupiter currently transiting through the sign of Scorpio - a lot of energy driving us deep within to face who and what we are and whether or not we have the courage to change what is necessary and allow growth to take place !!!




Venus remains in the sign of Scorpio until ... WAIT FOR IT ... January 16th, 2019 ... Venus will get no further than 10 degrees 50 minutes Scorpio when ti begins its retrograde journey for 2018 which occurs from October 5th through November 16th, a dual sign retrograde, going from 10 degrees 50 Scorpio back to 25 degrees 14 minutes Libra ... Love may truly become afloat on a tempest tossed sea !!!




Scorpio born, the universal love "light" now shines on you, at least for the next 26 days - go after, which you usually do anyway, and ask for what you want as you just might get it ... but move cautiously because when Venus stations retrograde you may change your mind and then once again after it stations back into direct motion on January 16th, 2019 or even when it returns to Scorpio on December 2nd !!!




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 you think 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 the open-minded and freedom loving sign of  Sagittarius making it release it's unrelenting grip in the matter of the affairs of the heart !!!

DETAILS ... DETAILS ... DETAILS - CAN YOU SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES ???

MERCURY - began its transit through the highly focused sign of Virgo yesterday, September 5th, at 10:39 PM EDT ... thinking and communicating processes now shift from what was a fiery, highly creative energy to being more rational and efficient sometimes to a fault  ... and even though Virgo is an Earth sign which is somewhat prone to slower movement,  Mercury is dignified in this position, very happy and very much at home here and functions well as this is one of the two signs it naturally rules - the other being Gemini ... Mercury was last in Virgo from July 25th through September 29th, 2017 - a longer than normal transit due to a retrograde period being involved but that will not be the case again this time around !!! 

Mercury in Virgo usually gives the mind a rather precise, thorough and analytical ability ... communications and thinking can be logical, helpful, critical, negative, skeptical, practical or humble ... one is apt to put their mind to work doing their job ... this intellect is excellent for writing or technical crafts, and converting ideas into a tangible form ... there is a talent for organization, but sometimes the discriminating and highly focused mind could get mired in too many details and become excessively critical ... one of the challenges of this energy is to learn to step back and look at the bigger picture in addition to avoid getting immersed in all the fine details ... learning is best achieved in an organized sequence and a logical presentation !!!

Concern for details can often lead to the syndrome of "not being able to see the forest for the trees" ... there is also likely to be an interest in health, nutrition, competence and ones day to day work ... this Mercury says exactly what it wants to say - no more no less ... to quote a familiar television phrase,  this energy wants to know "Just the facts Ma'am" !!! ... it has a quick, dry wit, bestows a fine eye for detail, and usually produces very neat and readable handwriting ... this energy can also make one very skilled with their hands and often craftspeople are born with this energy in their natal chart !!!

Mercury in Virgo is very impartial and gets to sorting through all the details to where the logic and precision can discover the heart of the matter ... with this fine intelligence, systematically clarifying and refining information received and understanding the patterns comes naturally ... here we have a logical, practical mind that produces a quick learner ... on the challenging side, Mercury in Virgo can make ones mind so very active with all the extraneous processing that it is sometimes difficult to quiet and still the mind yielding restlessness and/or the inability to sleep ... just ask someone born with Mercury in Virgo !!!

Mercury in Virgo teaches us to learn to think through analyzing ... it's the pure mind ... the ability to reason functions very well here ... a big challenge though is to not live totally in your mind and understand there is a big difference between knowledge and actual experience ... this energy also can help one assist others in seeing things more clearly - in forms such as writing, editing, counselling, teaching, drawing and translating ... there is the ability to assimilate vast amounts of complex information !!!

Ironically, when it comes to expressing something close to ones heart, this energy can make one obscure it in a lot of irrelevant references ... this energy makes it necessary to thoroughly grasp a specific subject as without training or education one is more likely to suffer greater than others from being unemployed, underemployed or unemployable ... the ultimate goal with this energy is to appreciate that what gets in the way of understanding life is thinking way too much about it - a totally clear mind is really no mind at all !!!! .... the energy of Mercury in Virgo can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: analytical, objective, systematic, logical, discerning, precise, meticulous, clever, eloquent, well-read, well-informed, accurate, retentive memory, fast learner, highly efficient, good worker, modest, helpful, practical

NEGATIVE: unfeeling, remote, clinical, cold and dry, hypercritical, trivial, worrisome, wordy, bookish, intellectual snob, misses the point, greedy mind, impatient, high strung, workaholic, self-critical, skeptical, slave to reasoning, pointless

Virgo born individuals, no doubt you will be infused with plenty of practical ideas as Mercury passes through  your birth sign ... for all of us, with Mercury in Virgo we should remember that the point we are trying to communicate should be remembered, researched, rehearsed and then expressed ... make the best of what you actually know ... what's the use of knowing everything and feeling nothing ???

Mercury now joins the Sun already in transit through the sign of Virgo ... Mercury will hop, skip and jump as it remains in Virgo only until September 21st ... and just for those who are curious enough, Mercury has one more retrograde period to go for 2018 which will occur from November 16th through December 6th ... in fact it will begin rough fourteen and a half hours after Venus completes its retrograde journey for 2018 !!!

For roughly the next 17 days, the thrust of Mercury's mission in Virgo boils down to encouraging us to analyze and scrutinize every piece of information, and to ultimately make sure we have crossed every T and dotted every I  .... over and over again which ironically is just what Mercury loves to do in Virgo anyway whether in direct or retrograde motion !!!

"EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD" !!!

MARS, the planet representing the urge to get what you want, sexual drive, initiative, courage, raw energy and desires, completed its RETROGRADE journey for 2018 on Monday, August 27th, at 10:05 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 achieve your goal, 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 effectively ... 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 which yields the awareness that the time has come to develop new strategies and approaches for dealing with issues, anger and learning assertiveness ... Mars takes a retrograde journey for about 9 - 10 weeks out of its 26 month cycle !!!




Mars retrograde could have brought 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 have occurred, as well as the termination of a long term goal as it may have become apparent that the effort was inappropriate for the long term ... 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 new beginnings per contract or verbally since the energy often isn't there to carry it through ... now sometimes you can't just "sit tight" for nearly two and a half months, but there are good reasons, if at all possible, as the waiting may ultimately prove to be a blessing in the long run ... often things begun under a Mars retrograde will run into problems when it stationed back into direct motion on August 27th, at some point during the next two years, or even when Mars takes its next retrograde journey in September 2020 !!!




This Mars retrograde was a dual sign retrograde going from 9 degrees 13 minutes Aquarius back to 28 degrees 37 minutes Capricorn ... if you have had a natal chart done, you can look to where these degrees fell by house and/or houses in order to see if  you had to rethink some kind of action you may have taken or where you might have encountered delays and frustrations and had to shift into a different direction in whatever area of life the house or houses rule where these degrees fell ... if you were born with your natal Sun between 9 degrees 13 minutes Aquarius and 28 degrees 37 minutes Capricorn, at some point Mars crossed back over your natal Sun and, among other things, there could have been a few days when you felt as if someone unplugged your energy outlet - many of us may have had that feeling off and on during the entire Mars retrograde cycle !!!




If you have any natal planets in the signs of Aquarius and/or Capricorn within these degrees you probably experienced some kind of energy produced in relation to the planet and the area of life in which house it is placed when Mars backed over that planet ... also Mars may have produced some action if it made an aspect to 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 may have found 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, and they are also frequently in competition with themselves ... Many would agree this Mars retrograde, with a Mercury retrograde completely embedded in it became especially challenging and frustrating !!!

Mars spent the first 48 days of this retrograde period in the sign of Aquarius in which it began its initial backward transit on June 26th ... Aquarius is the natural ruling sign of the 11th house of the natural horoscope ... this is the house of group relationships whose keyword is social consciousness ... in this house exists the capacity for friendships, your attitude toward your friends and acquaintances as well as all non-emotional relationships ... this house indicates what it is that you most desire in life, your personal goals, the love you receive, and the money you obtain or obtained from your profession or business ... the 11th house also represents step-children, foster children, and adopted children ... it also concerns circumstances over which one has little control in life ... it is the human addressing humanitarian interests, the way one sees others, large and small organizations, clubs one may belong to, which all may somehow relate to ones career  !!!




Uranus is the planet which rules the sign of Aquarius ... it is the planet which represents the urge for freedom often referred to as "divine discontent" and whose keyword is the "awakener" ... anatomically it rules the nervous system ... Uranus also rules inventions, originality, science, electricity, magic, the occult, light, astrology, psychology, x-rays, and airplanes ... it is futuristic, humanitarian, intellectual, eccentric, egotistical, and utopian ... Uranus governs creative will, sudden change, revolution and dictators, individualism, rebellions and autonomy ... its actions can be sudden, unexpected and often violent ... it likes to break tradition ... it is also said to be associated with natural disasters !!!




There may have been potential for any or a combination of all of the previous areas mentioned to have 11th house and/or Uranus related issues to arise in your life or someone you know when Mars was retrograde in Aquarius !!! ... and keep in mind that during that period Mars was in a "relationship" with Uranus and there was the potential for things to be quite disruptive and explosive ... or was the effect lessened in some cases with Mars being in retrograde motion ???




Mars reentered the sign of Capricorn on August 12th where it spent the final 16 days of its retrograde period ... Capricorn is the natural ruling sign on the 10th house of the natural horoscope ... this is considered to be a house of substance ... its keyword is honor ... this house relates to ones profession, reputation, and standing in the community ... it shows ones ego, status, fame, ambition, business and social activities, ones employer, and the government or any other authority over you ... it also represents ones achievements, how the world sees and evaluates you as well as the influence you exert in your own circle ... the 10th house also represents the church as an organization and the opposite parent from the one represented by your 4th house or the parent you may have grown up with in a situation where there was only a single parent !!!




Saturn is the planet which rules the sign of Capricorn ... it is the planet which represents the urge for security and safety and often referred to as the "teacher" ... anatomically it rules the skin, the skeletal system - which includes the teeth, the knees, left ear and auditory organs ... Saturn rules form, discipline, responsibility, organization, ambition, capacity for a career, limitations and delays ... it governs theories and scientific laws, older persons, depth, patience, timing, tradition, conventionality orthodoxy, and productive use of time ...it represents the principles of truth, , contraction, solidification of wisdom and of aging ...its actions are slow and lasting !!!




Once the emphasis of the Mars retrograde shifted, there was the potential for any or a combination of all of the Capricorn/ 10th house issues to arise in your life or someone you know ... but there still could have been issues from the initial period of this retrograde of Mars ... once Mars returned to Capricorn, it was considered to be in a "relationship" with Saturn which is very different from that of Uranus as Mars/Saturn can often produce a stop/start energy ... but did Mars drive being in retrograde motion dilute some of the stop/start energy ???




Finally, 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 ... its keyword is identity ... the 1st 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 !!!




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 were 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 were the external reproductive organs, head and face !!!




Since Mars was last retrograde from April 17th through June 26th, 2016, what actions were possibly begun then that now had to be readdressed, readjusted, reworked, or simply had run their course, ran out of "steam" 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, including the issues encountered from May 11th up until the retrograde period as Mars now moves forward over those degrees up until it exits its retrograde zone on October 8th !!!




ARIES born - this was 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 had been going on in your life especially in regards to what may have transpired in your life since June 29th, 2016 when Mars, being your ruling planet, last stationed back into direct motion !!!




Even though Aries born individuals in addition to Aquarius and Capricorn born - since Mars was retrograde within your birth signs - may have been more sensitive to the reversal of energy, we all may have experienced it or possibly witnessed it somewhere in our lives or others lives, and lights may have begun to come on in our heads as we may have discovered that perhaps we should either have waited a while longer before taking a particular course of action or possibly realizing we should have never taken that course of action to begin with in certain situations !!!




Mars remains in Capricorn until September 10th when it will reenter the sign of Aquarius to makes its complete transit through that sign which was initially begun back on May 15th/16th ...Mars will exit its current retrograde zone on October 8th and remains in direct motion until September 9th, 2020 when it begins its next retrograde journey which will take place completely in the sign of Aries - the sign it naturally rules which could add some extra "punch" to that retrograde period !!!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES - which hopefully you have already done since August 27th !!! ... but be careful not to put the pedal to the metal and start going too far too fast just yet ... perhaps you might want to take some advice from Dorothy and her friends and simply "ease on down the road" !!!