DIRECT, FORCEFUL, AND HIGHLY COMPETITIVE - "THE LEADER OF THE PACK" !!!

MARS - the planet symbolizing raw energy and the urge to get what you want and includes the drive - be it sexual drive, initiative or courage -brought the New Year in with a bang as it began its transit through the fiery, dynamic sign of Aries yesterday, June 27th, at 9:45 PM EDT ... Mars has come home to the sign it naturally rules, and therefore operates extremely efficiently, for good or for challenging, as it is considered to be in dignity in Aries .. it has the greatest potential to be very constructive or extremely destructive when infused with the energy of Aries depending on how the energy is used ... This Mars takes no prisoners !!! ... Mars was last in Aries from December 31st, 2018 - February 14th, 2019 - can you remember taking any action or initiative regarding something in your life, being very aggressive either in a good way or a challenging way to others, or having to stand your ground for some reason during that period ??? ... Mars takes approximately 2 years to journey around the zodiac !!!

Mars in Aries needs to be physically active and tends to be naturally assertive ... it is direct, forceful, and highly competitive ... self-expression is very important here as is the need to do your own thing ... should ones free self-expression be blocked there is the risk of repression - which could lead to some form of illness, projection - which can lead to confronting aggression in others, or displacement - which could lead to fighting with team members ... finding areas where one can be spontaneous is important ... there could be a flair for starting things - which sometimes are not finished after they lose their initial novelty !!! - or there could be mechanical skills !!!

Mars in Aries produces energy that is very good for facing obstacles as well as producing confrontation, and consequently there may be a need to control being too rash or impatient ... one best functions with a lot of freedom, variety, and a chance to be a pioneer ... with this energy comes great restlessness, being willful and a high degree of initiative, sexual drive and physical energy ... sometimes sexual matters may be handled very impulsively ... identity is usually tied to independence and spontaneity ... it has been said that anger and self-assertion are at their most honest here ... this Mars gets mad, gets it out and gets over it !!!

Mars in Aries teaches us that we get the most effective results through active doing ... there is usually a reliable but uncontainable supply of raw energy which must have an outlet and ultimately a direction ... here we have a no-nonsense approach to things ... sometimes it may become necessary to stop and ask oneself "What am I actually after?" ... there is definitely a lot of get-up-and-go as well as ones share of hard knocks ... courage and initiative are usually at the top of the priority list, but love and patience are frequently missing ... one can rather easily spark enthusiasm in others with this energy !!! 

Mars in Aries is very much the "warrior" or "Amazon" ... the best expression of this Martian energy is that of the untiring champion of the underdog using both word and deeds to help promote your cause ... showing people what you can do rather than what they should do can set an inspiring and uplifting example ... the energy of Mars in Aries can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: self-assured, self-willed, independent, survivor, bold, energetic, fighter, fearless, direct, brisk, championing, outspoken, daring, dashing, exhilarating, spirited, leader-type, strong stamina, enthusiastic, self-starting

NEGATIVE: inner doubt, egocentric, uncooperative, selfish, aggressive, pushy, militant, violent, unsubtle, intolerant, quarrelsome, foolhardy, exhausting, ostentatious, bullying, insensitive, insatiable, self-defeating, anger ridden

With Mars in Aries, it benefits one to direct their energies into a worthwhile cause rather than bullying and badgering others ... knowing who and what you are dependent on not only emancipates but supports you !!!

Aries born individuals this is a period for you to be infused with an extra boost of energy even though you probably have more than enough energy to get you through naturally - you could become a force to be reckoned with !!! ... use it constructively and not destructively ... we all will be infused with extra energy especially to make new starts !!!




Mars is currently the only planet transiting through Aries but for now that is probably quite enough with everything else going on in the world !!!

Mars remains in Aries until ... WAIT FOR IT ... January 8th, 2021 ... yes you read correctly and you surely know why by now ... Mars is preparing to take its retrograde journey for 2020 which occurs from September 9th through November 13th completely in the sign of Aries going from 28 degrees 9 minutes Aries back to 15 degrees 14 minutes Aries ... yes, this could be a very challenging retrograde period, well even more so than usual with personal planet retrograde periods, occurring in the sign it naturally rules ... AND it will have the third and final Mercury retrograde period completely embedded in it from October 13th through November 3rd ... all the more important reason to know in which house or houses this warrior energy going forward, backward, then forward again falls ... Mars will enter its shadow point on July 25th when it reaches 15 degrees 14 minutes Aries !!!

As Mars begins its transit through Aries, it's time to start making plans for new beginnings and actions by taking charge of and beginning to change something in your life that will result in positive personal and spiritual growth ... you just might want to hold off taking action on your ideas until July 12th after Mercury completes its current retrograde journey ... hopefully this will ultimately enable you, somewhere in your life, to step up and become "the leader of the pack" !!!

LET YOUR LOVE FLOW ... AGAIN !!!

VENUS - the planet representing attraction, how you may give and/or receive love and affection, shows how each one of us perceives beauty and happiness, shows what we value and dictates our personal values, shows how you relate, how you create and appreciate harmony through social and artistic expression, shows how we earn and spend our money, and shows exactly what it is you like - completed its retrograde journey for 2020 and stationed back into direct motion yesterday, June 25th, at 2:48 AM EDT !!!



As the weeks progress you may find little lights coming on in your mind as to decisions made in any of the above mentioned areas since the retrograde period began back on May 12th/13th ... there are an abundance of possibilities within this scope ... a lot of people will realize that a significant partnership or relationship ended, and some of you may now suddenly find yourself having changed your mind or questioning why you made that decision, or the other person did, perhaps too hastily  ... it is also possible the person may come back around and things might look entirely different with Venus moving forward again ... however, if it was time for the relationship to end, then it MUST be let go of  for you to grow personally and spiritually in order to move forward ... for those of you who began significant new partnerships or relationships, ESPECIALLY of the romantic variety, you may discover that they will not have longevity as they were formed when the energy of love and relating was moving backwards ... time will tell ... marriages entered in to during these times often have an added sense of pressure - after all, Venus does naturally rule the 7th house of marriage and partnerships ... unfortunately, also in this economy, this could have been the period where quite a few of you actually had your salary reduced or lost your job and are now job hunting once again !!! ... and let's not forget this little item - how many of you ended up shelling out money on something you had no intention of or no idea that you would be spending money on ???



For those of you who made significant costly purchases, especially of the luxury variety, you may find yourself wondering why you spent so much money or simply realize that what you thought you really desired doesn't hold much attraction (value) anymore or that you have over payed for what you got !!!



As Venus anatomically rules the throat, chin, cheeks and sense of taste, there could have been health issues arising in these areas of the body ... or some could have had to go back and re-address an old issue concerning these areas ... did anyone have cosmetic surgery during the last 6 weeks, hmmmm ??? .. there is a chance that some of you who did may ultimately not be pleased with the results or feel that you didn't get the enhancement you sought and here too feel you may have over payed for the services rendered, or even possibly have to go back at some future date for some kind of correctional procedure !!!


Retrograde Venus in Gemini may have had a great impact in our lives as to how we communicate and interact within our personal/professional as well as public/private relationships ... especially as Gemini is ruled by Mercury which is all about communicating effectively and efficiently ... there could have been many issues which occurred where our words got twisted, misunderstood or not even "heard" correctly by others - sounds like a Mercury retrograde doesn't it ??? ... in a Venus retrograde, it is said we are "less of an actor in life and more of a reactor' ... we may have been trying to figure out just how much we are loved or how much love is being denied to us ... hurts may have tended to get more internalized than when Venus is in direct motion ... frequently there may have been a lot of insecurity arise while Venus was retrograde ... and there may have been a lot of those who experienced a loneliness inwardly ... during this retrograde, a lot of people may have been trying to find out what others truly think of them with the results not being favorable while the energy was going backwards ... our likes and dislikes may have changed in addition to our personal values as we may have realized they no longer truly reflect outwardly who we are inside ... relationships of all kinds may have become confusing and hard to correctly understand ... ultimately we may have found ourselves having difficulty expressing love and affection !!!




Everyone should try and think back to the period between October 5th through November 15th/16th, 2018 - is there something you may have begun in regards to any of the above mentioned areas Venus rules that became an issue for you during this Venus retrograde period ??? ... it is very common for this to occur ... to that end, anything begun during this current Venus retrograde period that just ended may yield problems in the days, weeks or months ahead, or lie dormant until the next Venus retrograde period begins !!!

Taurus and Libra born individuals, your period for inward reflection and review - especially of what has transpired in your life since the end of the last Venus retrograde on November 15th/16th 2018 - is now over and once again you start moving forward to pursue new avenues of personal and spiritual growth and maturity ... there could have been some significant insight, if you were paying attention during the last 6 weeks, that enlightened you as to what, where or who was no longer serving you and was not truly reflecting who you are on the inside as well as preventing personal and spiritual growth ... and this also is a possibility for all of us !!!

Venus stationed direct at 5 degrees 20 minutes Gemini ... although now direct, Venus remains in it's retrograde zone -  the beginning degree at which Venus actually entered its retrograde journey back on May 12th/13th, which was 21 degrees 50 minutes Gemini  , and must come back to - until July 28th/29th ... then Venus will be considered back up to full speed once again ... but is this retrograde energy completely over yet ??? ... and don't forget if you had a birthday from May 12th/13th through June 24th/25th, you have got this Venus retrograde energy for the whole year ahead per your solar return this time around  ... however, those born on May 12th/13th or June 24th/25th may or may have not gotten this energy  in their solar return depending on the time your solar return actually occurred this year ... now you can understand why it is so important to have a natal chart run for reference as to how the cosmic energy personally affects you on your journey through life ... and one last point to bring up - EVERY Gemini born got this Venus retrograde energy in their solar return chart for the year ahead so obviously the Universe is dictating there are issues for all of you to address for the coming year up until your next birthday in 2021 ... below I have re-posted the significance of Venus retrograde in your solar return chart for your convenience to refer to and refresh your memory !!!




The following is what astrologer Mary Fortier Shea has to say about having Venus retrograde in your birthday chart for the whole year and it may be helpful in understanding what you may be dealing with :

"Venus retrograde indicates a time of comparison and contrast. Your increased ability to distinguish and value inner qualities separate from external situations signals an opportunity to compare and contrast the importance of each. Relationships, finances, and priorities should all be reassessed on the basis of the inner qualities they exhibit in comparison to the external pleasure or stress that they generate. Your focus on internal values will tend to overshadow your need for external manifestation; consequently, you will make adjustments in your pursuit of materialistic and external goals.

Relationships are always more important for the love you give and receive than the external trappings; however, this issue will become more evident during this year. You may be in love with a special person who treats you wonderfully, but refuses to consider marriage. If you were attracted to this person because of his or her inner qualities, it is important to appreciate your feelings for one another, and not get hung up on the legalization process. During this year you will tend to assess relationships you see or experience for the inner and outer qualities which they possess or lax. You can always find others who have the external trappings you desire without genuine caring. (Example: a verbally abusive marriage.)

External, artificial indicators of affection are meaningless. It is the inner and sometimes less apparent qualities that are important. Your attention to this issue will make the incongruity more obvious to you. Part of this discernment process can involve frustration with personal involvements which do not conform to your external expectations of what a relationship or partner should be. Love does not necessarily occur in neat little storybook packages, and frustration results from close attention to external storybook details which cannot truly satisfy internal needs. Outer limitations stress the importance of inner beauty. Because third parties may not easily see the qualities that you appreciate in your loved one, they may criticize your choice. Their criticism will encourage you to further define the inner beauty that attracts you. Those relationships which possess no redeeming inner qualities will seem void and unfulfilled. They can be discarded regardless of the external advantages they supply.

Values must be more closely attuned to the individuals aesthetic appreciation and therefore may be less consistent with societal preferences and standards. One can see unique beauty in what might appear ordinary to others. Your taste in material objects might depend on the emotional qualities associated with those objects. Price or status is unimportant.

Venus retrograde symbolizes an emphasis on the quality of life over the desire for financial gain. The money you earn should not be as important as the quality of your working environment and your satisfaction while on the job. Focusing on your inner need for contentment and fulfillment allows you to let go of a large salary, and search for an enjoyable employment position even though it may involve a pay cut. If you continue to work at a stressful job because of the pay, you may be very unhappy. Materialism will not bring you true happiness this year or any year. If you must remain in a stressful job, develop a strong belief in yourself and your abilities. Set goals that are rewarding and doable. Do not focus on your inability to perform at your best when conditions are at their worst. Some work environments are dysfunctional. Financially, this is generally a time to be conservative with funds. You cannot make good decisions about the quality of your life if you are more concerned with your monetary situation.

Social contacts and involvement in social activities are not emphasized while Venus is retrograde in the solar return. You need more time to focus inward and may withdraw from some or all social functions because you welcome the time alone. You might no longer enjoy these functions, or you might realize that certain social relationships are too difficult and unrewarding to maintain. For those individuals who require counseling, this can be a time of isolation. Withdrawal is common with Venus retrograde, but generally any time alone can be put to good use. You could want to be alone with one special person."



AND .... least we forget,  Mercury is currently in its second retrograde journey for 2020 which began on June 17th/18th at 14 degrees 46 minutes Cancer, and, since Mercury naturally rules Gemini, for many it may feel as if the Venus retrograde isn't entirely done with yet with the possibility that some of the issues that arose during the Venus retrograde may still be lingering or come back up again especially if they were ignored and not taken care of adequately with the confusion and disorientation Mercury can cause in retrograde motion and it will not station back into direct motion until July 12th !!!

Taurus and Libra born you obviously have a lot to be processing during this time ... but more apparent is the fact that the Universe is trying to get every one's attention in regards to something in these areas that has to and MUST be addressed !!!




Venus now moves forward to once again to complete its journey through the sign of Gemini ... below is a reminder of what this energy is all about in case you have been too distracted to remember :

VENUS  - the planet representing love, affection, attraction, beauty, happiness, value and values, indulgence, superficiality, social and artistic expression, and harmony - began its transit through the charming and versatile sign of Gemini on April 3rd, at 1:11 PM EDT ... This Venus is both lighthearted and emotionally objective, and Gemini,being an air sign, encourages Venus to move about a lot - an activity that is greatly restricted for the time being unfortunately - and variety is indeed the spice of life which includes objects, foods, experiences, and most importantly PEOPLE ... this transit of Venus could prove to be very challenging in more ways than one this time around ... Venus was last in Gemini from June 8th through July 3rd, 2019 !!!

Venus in Gemini likes intellectual stimulation as much as romance ... there is a tendency towards a lack of commitment as Gemini makes Venus way too lighthearted to remain in one place for too long and can cause it to be very flirty ... often there is literary talent along with a love of language as well as sociability ... it enjoys mental stimulation as well as learning ... there is a pronounced casual air in relating to people ... this Venus just loves good ideas ... affection is expressed playfully, youthfully, verbally and lightheartedly ... the handling of money and possessions is usually objective and logical !!! 

Venus in Gemini is extremely oral, so to speak, as it thrives on good communications and intellectual give-and-take in love relationships ... flirting and engaging in superficial relationships could occur due to the desire for a lot of variety and new stimulation as well as a desire to keep things cool and steer clear of too much emotional intensity ... intelligence and quick wit is highly attractive here ... this Venus enjoys being amused and entertained, otherwise there will be the tendency to look over ones shoulder at whoever is passing by ... Venus in Gemini is frequently drawn towards younger partners !!!

Venus in Gemini teaches us that the most effective way we learn to love is through communicating ... it can be a sparkling personality ... there is a strong desire here to prevent stagnation and maintain fluidity so if you fall in love under this energy blindly expecting security and predictability you could be in for great disappointment ... Venus in Gemini is a budding love rather than love in full bloom so it has to be allowed to develop ... loving through communicating means letting the one you love know it rather than sitting on your feelings ... this Venus likes to get around - it is said that sexual or family ties are your "heart", but it is the diversity of social relationships that are the "lungs" which breathe life into your very being ... being a sign of duality, Gemini will cause Venus to be more aware of what it wants than what it thinks it wants ... it is most likely that under this energy one will only attract what they truly desire ... the energy of Venus in Gemini can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: amusing and friendly, coolly affectionate, light-hearted, emotionally objective, socially at ease, emotionally buoyant, stimulating company, lively conversationalist, ear to the ground, good-humored, expressive, agile and witty, socially adaptable, emotionally flexible, well-connected, charming, courteous, tactful, co-operative

NEGATIVE: overly flirtatious, flippant and flighty, makes light of others feelings, emotionally distant, social butterfly, superficial values, lack of commitment, meaningless banter, shallow gossip, empty gestures, verbose, restless and fickle, double standards, inconsistent partner, social opportunist, insincere, easy come - easy go

Gemini born individuals, this is your time to "glow" and become more "attractive" - the "love light" is shining on YOU ... as always, you should seek out and ask for what you want ... you just might get it !!!

During this extended transit, try your best listening to your heart and not your own voice as well as other peoples voices ... others will appreciate you if you truly appreciate them ... expressing your feelings verbally, without being overbearing, will open new doors both socially and emotionally ... time to get out there and experience the reality of variety truly being the spice of life - which again this time around will be greatly limited until further notice ... and while you're at it, you just might become proficient at speaking the "language" of  LOVE !!!

Venus is currently the only planet transiting through the sign of Gemini ... Venus remains in the sign of Gemini until August 7th ... as previously mentioned Venus will exit its retrograde zone on July 28th/29th depending on which time zone in which you live ... Venus remains in direct motion until December 2021 at which point it will take its next retrograde journey completely in the sign of Capricorn from December 19th through January 29th, 2022 - aren't we excited at the thought of that my fellow Cappies ??? 

As for this Venus retrograde period being complete, it's time to try to live, laugh and let your love flow but somewhat cautiously to begin with, and hopefully Cupids arrows will now be flying back on target towards lovingly piercing your heartstrings instead of impaling you in ya BUM - well maybe not until after Mercury stations back into direct motion on July 12th !!!

LOOKING INWARD TO RE-EXAMINE HOPES AND BELIEFS BY QUESTIONING AND TESTING ALL ASPECTS OF FAITH !!!

NEPTUNE - planet of the spiritual, universal, ethereal, mysterious, mystical, enlightenment, psychic, delusional, imagination, escape, surrender, sacrifice, artistic inspiration, musical ability, glamour, fantasy, romantic love, dissolving, uplifting, confusing, consoling, undermining, drugs and alcohol - began its retrograde journey for 2020 yesterday, June 23rd, at 12:31 AM EDT ... this retrograde period will go from 20 degrees 57 minutes Pisces back to 18 degrees 9 minutes Pisces !!!

One of the main purposes of Neptune retrograde is to not just have blind faith ... be it personal spiritual quests or the "collective" quest of society, Neptune retrograde energy means a reexamination of hopes and beliefs ... we may all need to individually question and test all aspects of faith - in fact many may experience some kind of crisis of faith during this period ... we begin to question and develop objectivity in regards to the intangibles of life such as truth, fear, hope and inspiration ... when Neptune is retrograde it is closest to the Earth making its function even more intensified !!!



Artists, musicians, poets and those who are leading a highly spiritual life may especially feel the energy of a Neptune retrograde and be truly inspired ... during a Neptune retrograde if we aren't pursuing a spiritual quest we may become confused, disillusioned or full of illusions ... there is a chance that some may fall into drugs, alcohol or other escapist behaviors ... ideally, this is a time to question the ideas society accepts about faith, fears, truth and understanding ... inspiration and potential for spiritual growth can be greatly enhanced ... there is also the potential for confusion, disorientation, unfounded fear, disillusionment, and misunderstandings at the beginning until the retrograde energy settles in !!!



Neptune retrograde periods are a time for everyone to tune into the collective unconscious and realize how our own fears, illusion, confusion or spiritual journey are connected to what is happening with humanity ... this is a time for each one of us to determine whether or not our own individual energies are being used positively to develop faith and spirituality, or if we are simply pursuing a path of illusion, escapism and disappointment ... Neptune retrogrades about 5 - 6 months every year !!!

Neptune is currently transiting through the sign of Pisces - the sign it naturally rules ... In Pisces, Neptune’s qualities of spirituality and creative genius are noticeably enhanced ... Neptune here does NOT value materialism ... there will be more of a tendency to explore and develop our inner selves yielding the possibility of attaining the capability of harmony between the physical and spiritual world ... this energy makes us potentially more psychic, generous, understanding, responsive to the environment, more mystical and compassionate ... but it  also has the potential to lead us in the other direction making us more gullible, passive, self-destructive and likely becoming a victim to all kinds of addictions especially with this energy turned inwards during its retrograde period ... If we use this retrograde energy positively, we have the potential to become more compassionate, self-sacrificing, intuitive, artistic and creative … used negatively we will end up melancholy, an escapist, a procrastinator, vague, and likely to become a victim of many forms of addiction including drugs and alcohol !!!

Pisces born, since Neptune is your planetary ruler, this is your yearly time to review and rethink what has been going on in your life since the last Neptune retrograde ended on November 27th, 2019 !!! For everyone, if you have had a natal chart done and know in which house or houses 20 degrees 57 minutes Pisces back to 18 degrees 9 minutes Pisces falls, then you might get an idea in what area of your life the main thrust of this Neptune retrograde energy will be affecting you ... have you been seeking the "ideal" and been looking at things realistically, or have you been looking at life through the proverbial "rose colored glasses" letting illusion mislead you and not effectively dealing with reality ???

Neptune remains retrograde until November 28th ... it is definitely a good time, if you don't already, to start paying careful attention to your dreams as the Universe will undoubtedly be bringing us vital information while we sleep – keep a dream journal close by and USE IT !!! ... you might be amazed at what information the Universe sends to you in your unconscious state ... your dreams are sure to be enhanced with symbolism and information from the Universe resulting in profitable and/or illuminating and enlightening ideas ... after all, it's been said "a dream is a wish your heart makes" !!!

So now the question is what will you choose to do - Open your heart and mind to divine spiritual and creative energy, or allow yourself to fall into the depths of addiction, deception and escapism and simply become "lost in wonderland" ???

LIVING THROUGH NURTURING ONESELF AS WELL AS OTHERS !!!

The SUN began its transit through the emotional, nurturing sign of Cancer on Saturday, June 20th, at 5:44 PM EDT heralding the arrival of Summer in the Northern hemisphere ... also known as the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year - the days begin getting shorter each day until the Winter Solstice - which began in the Southern hemisphere on June 20th - in December ... the pace of life now takes on a somewhat slower tempo than the hectic pace it had while the Sun was racing through Gemini !!!

We now begin to process life through a more emotional rather than an intellectual filter ... with the Sun in Cancer one needs to shine through nurturing warmth, through protection, through attracting others through sympathy/dependency, and through family, ancestry or roots !!!

Cancer is the sign whose key phrase is its need to give and receive emotional warmth and security, to feel and to give devotion ... Cancer born individuals are warm and understanding but they can be very touchy at times ... wound them or befriend them and they will never forget ... they love to keep in touch and usually have a remarkable memory ... this is probably the most sensitive sign of the Zodiac but it is also often the least likely to let you know what they are feeling deep inside !!!

Cancer is a feminine/water/cardinal(beginnings) sign ... its symbol is the Crab - possessing an impenetrable exterior which covers soft flesh below ... the glyph of Cancer is the claws of the Crab which are also representative of the human breasts ... symbolically, the glyph shows two circles of the Sun that are connected to two crescent Moons ... these two Moons represent the Cancer desire to store memories and possessions, and the circles tied to the Moons represent the force which is expressed through the emotions and the imagination ... Cancer rules the breasts and the stomach which explains why Cancer born usually love to eat and often fight the battle of the bulge - unless modified by other energy in the natal chart !!! .. they are also subject to digestive ailments resulting from tension and emotional stress ... anatomically, Cancer also rules digestion, the left eye of the male and the right eye of the female ...

Cancer is ruled by the Moon - maybe you can now understand why Cancer born individuals seem to go through so many mood changes so quickly - after all, the Moon does change signs about every 2 to 2 and a half days ... it takes roughly 28 days to complete a spin around the entire zodiac ... the Moon represents the female principle - mother, wife and women in general ... it also represents the public in general, along with instincts, moods, the tides, phases, receptivity, fluctuation, habit patterns, reflex actions, personal interests, desires, needs, magnetism, growth, fertility, the need to touch, impressionability, consciousness, liquids, commodities, nursing, tradespeople ...

Cancer is the natural ruler of the 4th house of the horoscope ... the 4th house shows property - houses and real estate - and all that is secluded ... it is the house of endings, the closing years of life, the ending of all matters, fame after death and place of burial ... it represents the parent who has greater influence on you as a child, your subjective self, and the foundation on which you build your own unique character ... as a child one may perceive this house as relating to both parents but as one learns through growth and understanding, the 4th house will ultimately reflect the nurturing parent ...

While the Sun transits Cancer, the Universe encourages each one of us to learn to live through nurturing oneself as well as others ... it's holding on with Love - the instinct for survival ... Cancer has also been often referred to as the "Lighthouse of Welcome" ... the ultimate lesson here is that ones family is the Human Race itself ... emotional awareness is more acute here so use it constructively ... determine and perform your responsibilities generously ... learn to trust in the Universe and understand that all things must pass, and realize each day is a new day a new beginning ... the energy of the Sun in Cancer may be expressed the following ways:

POSITIVE: emotional, feeling, receptive, sensitive, psychic, gentle, tender, vulnerable, sympathetic, nurturing, providing, caring, protective, maternal, feeding, domestic, patriotic, shy, retiring, collecting, tenacious, oriented toward the past, retentive, emotionally encouraging, thrifty

NEGATIVE: insecure, moody, defensive, devious, over-emotional, non-trusting, hypersensitive, touchy, brooding, smothering, clinging, consuming, over-protective, dependent, fearful, timid, clannish, withdrawn, grasping, stuck in the past, afraid to let go, anti-social, argumentative, apathetic

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN CANCER BORN - this is your time of the year to SHINE - or have a good cry if  you're feeling really emotional !!!

The Sun now joins Mercury, currently retrograde until July 12th, in Cancer ... the Sun remains in Cancer until July 22nd !!!

Be aware your feelings and emotions will be heightened and challenged ... be prepared to become more in touch with them whether it be through a fleeting glimpse or a deeply profound experience with something or someone near and dear to you ... and, as the Crab always carries its home - its shell - on its back wherever it goes, we all might as well click our heels 3 times and repeat what Cancer energy, as well as Dorothy Gale, so lovingly makes us aware of - THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME !!!

COSMIC CLARITY ... COSMIC CHAOS ... OR BOTH AS MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE ONCE AGAIN ???

MERCURY - begins its second RETROGRADE journey for 2020 on Thursday, June 18th, at 12:59 AM EDT ... if you've been following my blogs, in addition to being highly aggravated every time this particular one pops up, then you know pretty much what to expect during a Mercury Retrograde - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED !!!


It is very important to understand that planetary 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 drop back and rethink and review our actions being generated by the planet which is retrograde, especially as the energy relates to the current sign that 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 !!!

Some of you may have noticed the energy beginning to move backwards already, not only as Venus is currently still retrograde in the sign of Gemini which is ruled by Mercury, but also when Mercury entered its shadow point, the point where it will come out of the retrograde on, back on June 2nd at 5 degrees 30 minutes Cancer ... this retrograde will be completely in the sign of Cancer going from 14 degrees 46 minutes Cancer back to 5 degrees 30 minutes Cancer !!!

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 ... and let's not forget the potential for disruption in anything electrical and/or mechanical !!! ...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 ... and it is possible that many of you will not be directly affected by the retrograde period, but I can guarantee you that you will know or hear of someone who is affected !!!

To RE-peat, Mercury retrogrades are simply a time for reviewing and revision - as the saying goes, "it might be a good idea to drop back and punt" !!! ... during a retrograde journey it can be said that we are in a mental "down time" and often things will not register on a conscious level with us ... it is 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 !!!


Mercury retrograding in the sign of Cancer yields emphasis for an opportunity to rethink how we emotionally respond to life ... and being in a water sign, Mercury retrograding in Cancer produces a strong desire to retreat inward ... when Mercury retrogrades in a water sign our feelings and emotions are strongly activated and, as challenging and sometimes even painful as it can be, we MUST address them in order to promote personal healing by making us have to work harder at producing a more stable balance between our emotional and the mental processes ... as waters can run very deep, that is where we most likely are going to have to dive into ourselves to come face to face with our innermost feelings and emotions ... and wherever this retrograde energy falls by house in your natal chart, actions could arise in that area of your life causing you to undergo a careful and hopefully honest examination to determine if these feelings and emotions are producing a positive or negative contribution to the quality of your life !!!



This is also an excellent time to keep a dream journal to discover what the Universe is revealing to us deep within our unconsciousness ... even though this can be challenging, it can be an excellent time for honest self evaluation if we have the strength, trust and courage to allow the process to unfold !!!

In addition to the "usual suspect" issues which arise during a Mercury retrograde, being in Cancer there is the potential for issues to arise which arise include : your home, parents, family, foundations, psychological roots, personal security, property - houses and/or real estate, for some the closing years of life, and endings of any kind ... these are all issues addressed in the 4th house of the zodiac naturally ruled by Cancer !!! 

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 ... retrograding in Cancer there could also be issues in the areas of the breast and stomach ... the stomach area most likely being activated by emotional stress conflicting with the digestive process !!! 

A Mercury retrograde is usually not a good time to have surgery as the healing process could be slowed down or there could be the chance of 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 !!!

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 (July 12th).

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

Recall - Your mind will wonder back. You will think of people from the past or you will encounter someone from the past. If old lovers show up, don't bet that it will stick. Believe me... it is just for a "review." (And if it does last, I want to be the first to know about it. E-mail me and let me know). And you know what, I wouldn't start a new romance during this period either - wait until after July 12th !!!

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 times a year we live 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 June 18th and July 11th will definitely have this Mercury retrograde energy in their solar return - birthday chart - for the whole year ahead ... those born on July 12th and June 17th 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 - an excellent reason once again to have a natal chart done and then have a solar return chart run for the year ahead by a reputable astrologer !!! ... below is a repeat 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 since the last Mercury retrograde ended back on March 9th ... but you've also already had to be doing that since Venus began its retrograde journey for 2020 back on May 13th - or have you ???

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 February 16th through March 9th or possibly actions taken during previous retrograde periods could come back to haunt us as well - for 2019 that would include October 31st through November 20th, July 7th through July 31st and March 5th through March 28th ... and perhaps even Mercury retrogrades even further back than these three !!!

Whatever the case, it is for sure that there will undoubtedly be lights going ON in our heads regarding these actions as well as other lights going OUT as this Mercury Retrograde energy wreaks its cosmic havoc for the next 25 days ... Mercury remains retrograde until July 12th at 4:26 am EDT !!!



As previously mentioned in my post on February 1st, the Personal Planet Retrograde Flip Flop Sequence is in full force !!! ... you probably should go back and read, or in some cases reread for those of you who liked to be informed, that highly informative post !!! ... just a reminder the sequence will goes as follows - Mercury, Venus, Mercury, Mars and then Mercury for its third and final retrograde period for 2020 which will be completely embedded in the Mars retrograde ... fun times ahead no doubt - or just outright frustrating and/or irritating ??? ... you will certainly find out during the course of this personal planet retrograde flip flop sequence ... and one other note of interest (?) is that those of you born between June 18th and June 24th will get both Mercury and Venus retrograde in your solar return chart, while those born on June 17th and 25th may or may not once again due to what time your solar return should occur this year !!!

SO ... slow down, try not to act too impulsively, and go with the universal flow and 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 this Mercury Retrograde merrily wreaks havoc and/or bestows enlightenment ... you just might be very surprised at what you are enlightened about during the retrograde - the Universe has a reason for everything !!!

In the end my fellow beings of light, as this second Mercury Retrograde period of 2020 is now upon us, the question once again is will we become the constant victim of Cosmic Chaos, become the recipient of great Cosmic Clarity ... or BOTH ???