"MISS" COMMUNICATION GRACES (???) US WITH HER UNWANTED PRESENCE ... AGAIN !!!

Whether we like it or not - most will say NOT !!! - Mercury begins its first RETROGRADE journey for 2021 tomorrow, January 30th, at 10:52 AM EST ... I know it seems frustrating and unfair after last years sequence with Mercury, Venus and Mars, but the Universe doesn't cut us much, if any, slack as it always challenges us to learn and grow no matter how irritating or inconvenient it may seem !!!

If you've been following my blogs, then you know pretty much what to expect during a Mercury Retrograde … as always - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED - especially as this first retrograde period occurs entirely in the sign of Aquarius which is ruled by Uranus the planet of the sudden and unexpected !!! ... the last time Mercury was retrograde the entire period in Aquarius was beginning in January of 2008 and beginning in January of 2015 ... it was partially retrograde in Aquarius in 2016 as well as 2020 ... anything come to mind from those periods especially in relation as to what area of life was involved in whichever house or houses of your natal chart the previous retrogrades occurred ???

It is very important to understand that Mercury retrogrades are NOT ALWAYS the harbingers of doom and gloom ... even though it is true they can cause disruption and misunderstandings, we have to realize these are simply Universal "time outs" which give us the opportunity to drop back to rethink and review our actions especially as the energy relates to the current sign that the planet is transiting through ... bottom line - though we often joke about it, retrogrades shouldn't always be feared and dreaded but perhaps approached cautiously ... the Universe is giving us a chance to right our wrongs and redirect ourselves to achieve more beneficial personal and spiritual growth !!! 

Some of you may have noticed the beginning of this backwards energy when Mercury entered its shadow point - the point where it will come out of the retrograde on February 20th - back on January 15th at 11 degrees 1 minute Aquarius !!!

It usually 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 especially as this retrograde is in Aquarius ... purchasing homes can end up producing unforeseen problems and even the contracts can have unexpected difficulties along the way or at closing especially if the closing takes place during the retrograde period .... it is not a good idea to enter into contracts or start new jobs as they will most likely not pan out and end up being dead ends ... and weddings, well I know it takes a long time to plan a wedding and some of them will just have to go on as planned, but if you can avoid a wedding in a Mercury Retrograde - DO IT !!! 

Obviously one cannot put their life on hold, but if there is any way to hold off on these things until Mercury turns direct, it would prove beneficial in the long run ... I have frequently found, though, that in some charts I've done, people born under a Mercury retrograde sometimes seem to thrive during these periods because they innately understand the backward energy and how to work with it !!!

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" !!! ... this first Mercury retrograde journey for 2021 takes place from 26 degrees 29 minutes Aquarius back down to 11 degrees 1 minute Aquarius ... 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 retrograde in the sign of Aquarius yields an emphasis to ones friendships, ideas, and goals in life as those are issues addressed in the 11th house of the natural horoscope which is ruled by Uranus the planet ruling Aquarius ... to that end, there may also be issues with groups to which one belongs, non-emotional relationships, the love one receives, money obtained  from ones profession or business, step children, adopted children and foster children, circumstances in life over which you have little control, and ones humanitarian interests ... the mind can also become filled with many creative, cutting edge ideas as one tries to determine how to incorporate them into ones life !!!

While Mercury retrogrades in an air sign, this time being Aquarius, there is a major focus on how one relates and how we develop relationships and associations with other people !!!

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 ... in Aquarius there could also particular issues in the area of the ankles and the nervous system !!!  

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 (February 20th).

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

Recall - Your mind will wonder back. You will think of people from the past or you will encounter someone from the past. If old lovers show up, don't bet that it will stick. Believe me... it is just for a "review." And you know what, I wouldn't start a new romance during this period either - wait until after February 20th !!!

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 January 31st and February 19th will have this Mercury retrograde energy in their solar return - birthday chart - for the whole year ahead ... the exceptions here being those born on January 30th and February 20th 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 !!! ... 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 November 3rd, 2020 !!!

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 October 13th through November 3rd, 2020 ...  actions taken during previous retrograde periods could come back to haunt us as well - for 2020 that would include June 17th/18th through July 12th, and February 16th through March 9th !!! 

Whatever the case, it is for sure that there will undoubtedly be lights going ON in our heads regarding these actions as well as other lights going OUT as this Mercury Retrograde energy potentially wreaks its cosmic havoc for the next 23 days ... as previously stated, Mercury remains retrograde until Febraury 20th !!!

SO ... slow down, try not to act too impulsively, and go with the universal flow ... don't try to swim up stream in a raging current of cosmic chaos or the day may come in the near future when you live to regret what you did ... be aware tempers will flare and patience may become scarce, but that personal sense of humor, being one of your greatest allies, should be kept very close by and called upon frequently as the Mercury Retrograde merrily wreaks havoc and/or bestows enlightenment !!!

In the end my fellow beings of light, as this first Mercury Retrograde period of 2021 is now upon us, the question is will we become the constant victim of Cosmic Chaos, become the recipient of great Cosmic Clarity ... or BOTH ???

THE KEY TO WHAT IT TRULY MEANS TO BE A HUMAN BEING !!!

The Sun began its "electrifying" transit through the bold, progressive sign of Aquarius today, January 19th, at 3:40 PM EST ... it's that time of year when we all have the potential to think outside of the box, become more fiercely independent, unconventional and may experience a great desire to live life on the "cutting edge" !!! ... the Sun in Aquarius allows one to "shine" in various ways :

shining uniquely and inventively - ones avenues for recognition and attention are likely to be unique to oneself, and self-expression is tied to a need for freedom to experiment ...


shining by seeking recognition rebelliously or independently - one may fight against standard methods for "success" or "fame" thus seeking recognition as a rebel ...


shining in a futuristic manner - one is likely to be ego-involved with progress achieving recognition through forward-looking activities or ideas that include working with new technology or anything that is perceived as being on the cutting edge of change ...


shining by being rational - one may achieve recognition for their objectivity, logic and intellectual detachment where creativity could possibly be directed towards innovative approaches to humanitarian causes and social welfare carefully analyzing options without any emotional bias ...


whether you are born under this natal energy or are simply incorporating it into your own natal energy by transit, you will certainly have the potential to be seen as one of the "different ones" !!!

Aquarius is a masculine, fixed air sign ... its glyph is the waves of electricity or to some waves of water ... anatomically it rules the shins, ankles and the circulatory system ... its key phrase is "I KNOW" and its keyword is "IMAGINATION" !!!

Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus - the first modern planet being discovered in 1781 ... it was named after the ancient Greek sky God - the first ruler of the Universe ... its pictorial symbol is that of the Water-bearer - dispensing a gift that flows freely and equally to all representing the creation and the giving of life ... Uranus is the planet which rules the nervous system, inventions, originality, science, electricity, magic, the occult, light, psychology, x-rays, airplanes and insight into the laws of nature, and more importantly ASTROLOGY !!!  ... it is futuristic, humanitarian, intellectual, eccentric, bohemian, egotistical and Utopian ... it governs creative will, sudden change, revolution and dictators, individualism, ingenuity, rebellions and autonomy ... its action is sudden, unexpected and often violent ... it is a breaker of tradition ... recent studies have shown that Uranus is also associated with natural disasters !!!

Aquarius is the sign on the 11th house of the natural  horoscope ... it is a house of group relationships whose keyword is social consciousness ... it reflects your capacity for friendship, your attitude toward  your friends and acquaintances and all non-emotional relationships ... it indicates what you most desire in life, your goals, the love you receive as well as money obtained from your profession or business ... the 11th house also shows step, foster, and adopted children, and also circumstances over which you have little to no control ... it represents your humanitarian interests, the way you see others, large and small organizations, and the clubs you belong to, which may somehow relate to your  career !!!

The Sun sign describes the center of ones being - the Will ... it shows what dwells in or lies close to your heart and what gives your life a sense of creative purpose ... it is symbolic of ones Spirit ... so whether you are a natal born Aquarius or experiencing this energy through a transit, the Sun in Aquarius is teaching us how to live successfully and productively through liberating ... the goal here, being energy of the Water-bearer and Water symbolizing the emotions, is to experience and express ones feelings without getting "wet" - to avoid being emotionally biased, overly attached or becoming upset !!!

The Sun is considered to be in detriment in Aquarius - being opposite the sign it naturally rules in the zodiac which in this case is Leo ... its like visiting where you must conform to rules and regulations which can be very challenging for this energy !!! ... as a result the Will can lose itself in the vast "sky" of ones urge to be free ... more than any other sign, Aquarius holds the key to what it truly means to be a human being ... but most important of all is the seeking of freedom for oneself through developing a greater sense of what life on Earth is all about ... and ironically, one being under this energy is all about discovering the love of humanity while not being so keen on one-to-one relationships ... the energy of  the Sun in Aquarius can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: impartial, cool, broad-minded, fair judge, friendly, gregarious, humanitarian, democratic, reformist, idealistic, inventive, original, unaffected, convincing, intuitive, outwardly calm, clownish, free-thinking, free-loving, open-ended

NEGATIVE: avoids intimacy, aloof, non-committal, emotionally inept, impersonal, anti-social, lacks sympathy, hypocritical, reactionary, impractical, cranky, elitist, mocking, imposes ideas, cutting, secretly anxious, sarcastic, catty, flighty, pointless



HAPPY SOLAR RETURN ALL AQUARIUS BORN INDIVIDUALS - this is the beginning of your new solar year - a fresh start !!! ... Leo born you are beginning a new 30 day lesson of life as your ruling planet, the Sun, transits through Aquarius ... and we all should be learning on some level of our lives as well which actually we should be doing all of the time !!!

The Sun now joins Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn already transiting through Aquarius - that's a lot of energy pushing to move forward into the future but hopefully not by being too rebellious ... the Presidential Inauguration could get very interesting and perhaps even intense tomorrow !!!  

The Sun remains in Aquarius until February 18th ... the question now becomes - just how much of a "wild thing" marching to the beat of a different drum during this often unpredictable transit will we allow ourselves to become ???



NOW is the time to be a rebel with a specific cause in ones own unique and individually creative style that is undoubtedly being fueled by something electric in the air  !!!

THE REBEL WITHIN "AWAKENS" - SHOCKING ISN'T IT ???

ZZZZZZZAP !!!! ... and just like that, there was definitely something electric in the air as the planet Uranus completed its retrograde journey for 2021, which began back on August 15th, 2020 and stationed back into direct motion today, January 14th, at 3:36 AM EST at 6 degrees 43 minutes Taurus - definitely an unconventional potential "wake-up" call bestowed upon us by the Universe as we barely have recently entered a New Year !!!

URANUS DOES NOT PLAY AROUND !!! ... it is the planet representing sudden and unexpected change ... it is a shocker ... it gives flashes of insight, rebelliousness and originality ... it represents eccentricity, genius, inventiveness, revolution, intuition and the sixth sense, and everything that happens out of the blue!!! ... Uranus questions and challenges authority, and transcends business-as-usual social and cultural ideas to come to new solutions ... it absolutely insists on freedom but there is also an understanding here that freedom must be learned one step at a time!!! ... it rules electricity, technology, computers, and all things on the cutting edge ... most importantly - at least to me !!! - it is the planet that rules Astrology!!!

While Uranus was in retrograde motion, it was time for all of us to ask what changes are occurring in the world and how we are contributing to or working against these changes - the ability to see the importance between your own personal changes and the ones occurring globally, and the connection between the two, became a strong focal point !!!

Uranus has literally been slowing down to shift direction and hovering at 2 degrees of Taurus since around December 19th, so it may have felt like there was an edginess and restlessness on some level of our lives for the last month adding to the stress of the Holiday season !!! ... since approximately January 9th, it was, from an astrological viewpoint, literally vibrating at a near stand still sending out its potentially disruptive and erratic "electrically charged" energy which may have proved to be a very sensitive point in whatever area of life is ruled by where this degree is in your natal chart !!!

After Uranus stations direct, many may experience some kind of sudden and unexpected occurrence, particularly in regards to any of the previously above mentioned traits, happening to or around them or even perhaps in regards to the area of life ruled by whichever house in your natal chart this change in direction has occurred !!! ... has anything happened perhaps within the last week that was sudden and unexpected in some area of your life or the lives of others you know ??? ... or has anyone felt more edgy and restless without really knowing why ???

There could be a lot of us who experienced elevated tension during this period ... in some cases there was most likely a sudden and unexpected change made out of the blue - or even a confrontational situation arose we were not expecting ... and until the direct motion energy completely settles in, there could be many sudden and unexpected instances of rebellion, disruption, explosions - of many varieties, and confrontations !!!

This Uranus retrograde occurred from 10 degrees 41 minutes Taurus back down to 6 degrees 43 minutes Taurus ... if you've had a natal chart run, then you might get a good clue as to where this Uranus retrograde may have impacted your life especially the day that jolt of energy began moving outward and forward once again !!! ... now that Uranus is direct we can expect the potential for many changes - it's time to start putting those changes in motion in a positive and not confrontational, rebellious or negative manner !!!

As Uranus is currently in the early stages of transiting through the sign of Taurus - where the lesson of this energy is all about "awakening" through learning to stabilize - the Universe has been giving not only Taurus born - who may have especially felt the impact of this retrograde - but everyone a glimpse of things to come and where CHANGE WILL NEED TO BE AND MUST BE ADDRESSED and WILL ULTIMATELY TAKE PLACE while Uranus transits Taurus ... Uranus is considered to be in its "fall" in Taurus as it opposite to the sign it is exalted in which is Scorpio ... in "fall", a planet can have difficulty in expressing its real nature ... it is said that in "fall", it's like the planet is visiting in someone else's house where it does not really feel comfortable ... so does this make its often disruptive, rebellious nature even more challenging or modify it somewhat ??? ... each individual will discover that on their own during this transit !!!

With Uranus in Taurus, once someone decides they want something they usually will stick to their commitment ... there are often extremely strong feelings about money either good or challenging ... it can produce financial ups and downs quite suddenly and unexpectedly ... often one will move towards more concrete, innovative ways of making money ... there is extreme determination and purpose, but carried to extremes it can greatly interfere and slow down ones progress ... it is said that materialistic attachments could limit ones freedom of expression and have a stifling effect on spiritualistic impulses ... and certainly it practically goes without saying, but I will, that knowing the house placement(s) where this transit will occur in your natal chart will be very important to understand where in your life this energy may strongly manifest in your life !!!

Uranus in Taurus has the potential to be very strong and can bestow willpower and determination ... Uranus was last in Taurus from 1934/1935 through 1942 ... this was the period of the worst of the Great Depression as well as the trigger for World War II !!!

Uranus takes roughly 7 years to completely transit through each sign of the zodiac ... it entered the sign of Taurus on May 15th, 2018 ... Uranus will not complete its transit through the sign of Taurus until April 25th/26th, 2026 depending on which time zone in which you live !!!

Aquarius born individuals, you may especially feel the forward jolt or thrust of this powerful energy as your period of "hibernation" is over and it's time to move forward once again ... what have you been thinking about in your life since August 15th of 2020 that needs some kind of change - major or minor ??? ... what unique things have you discovered about yourself, and where have you felt a need to break free from something or someone in order to express your individuality ???

Uranus remains in direct motion until August 19th ... this forward motion will take Uranus from 6 degrees 43 minutes Taurus up to 14 degrees 48 minutes Taurus ... Uranus will enter its next shadow point on May 3rd ... so now we all have this energy - to be different, to be independent, to be rebellious, to have our own freedom and to do things suddenly and unexpectedly - turned outward - LOOK OUT !!!

One caveat here ... Mars entered the sign of Taurus last Wednesday, January 6th, and it is currently moving up to conjunct Uranus which will be exact on Wednesday, January 20th - Inauguration Day here in the United States ... when these two planets meet up there can be some very disruptive, destructive and outright dangerous situations that have the potential to occur ... best to take a deep breath and think twice before acting out which unfortunately a lot of people are not going to do !!!

We are now being "charged up" to boldly and assertively move forward into this New Year to progressively bring about change and independence somewhere in our lives and within the collective in order to promote further personal and spiritual growth - "SHOCKING" ISN'T IT ???

2021: PERSONAL PLANET RETROGRADE PERIODS - FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO BE PREPARED !!!

 

As the Sun is currently in transit through the sign of Capricorn, it seems like an excellent time to be practical and responsible and pull out those Cosmic binoculars and look ahead to address the personal planet - Mercury, Venus, Mars - retrograde periods for 2021 ... this year won't be as tortuous, so to speak, as last year when all three planets took retrograde periods flip flopping back and forth and sometimes even crossing into each other's backward energy ... this year Mercury will take its usual three retrograde period journeys ...  Venus takes a retrograde journey as well but not until mid December meaning we will be entering the New Year with the planet ruling love, money, personal values and partnerships/relationships both public and private going backwards - gives one pause for thought now doesn't it ??? ... the following is a listing of the retrograde periods for those who like to be prepared and perhaps plan ahead ... each of the retrograde periods will be addressed in more detail as it actually occurs !!!

Every planet, no matter which one that is involved in a retrograde journey, goes through a period of influence ... it begins with the approaching backward energy making itself apparent, the actual retrograde period where the energy is indeed moving backwards, and then the energy turning back into forward motion as the planet moves back to the point where it began its retrograde period ... these point are respectively referred to as :

SHADOW POINT - the planet, still in forward motion, reaches the degree where it will end its upcoming retrograde period


RETROGRADE PERIOD - the degrees and sign, or signs in some cases, where the retrograde takes place


EXIT RETROGRADE ZONE - the degree and sign where the retrograde period began to which the planet has now returned to and is passing over ... considered by some astrologers as the planet returning back up to full speed 

Shadow points aren't always thought of as being that detrimental, but they often will produce some kind of energy or event that appears to foreshadow what the upcoming retrograde period will involve ... the retrograde period is the actual time where one should slow down and be careful as to actions being taken especially in regard to which particular area of life the planet, and the sign it is retrograding in, rules or exerts its energy over ... if you've had a natal chart done then you will get an even better idea as to where this backward energy will present in your life for you to deal with in regards to the house or houses it occurs in, natal planets it aspects, and natal planets the retrograde planet crosses back over ... once the retrograde is over the planet has now resumed forward motion and in most cases it is not a problem to proceed with what needs to be addressed in your life, but one just might want to be somewhat more cautious until the planet exits the retrograde zone !!!

The following is a brief description of the general effects of a Mercury or Venus retrograde period ... as mentioned before, they will be dealt with later in more complete detail as they occur !!!

MERCURY - Mercury goes retrograde 3 and sometimes 4 times a year ... it governs our thinking and how we communicate naturally governing the 3rd house (Gemini) of the horoscope ... it also governs the 6th house (Virgo) thus making its retrograde period a time when work and health issues arise especially in regard to the sign or signs it takes its retrograde journey in ... as a rule, 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 - that goes double for USED CARS, computers or anything that involves electronics ... purchasing homes can end up producing unforeseen problems and even the contracts can have unexpected difficulties along the way or at closing especially if the closing takes place during the retrograde period .... it is not a good idea to enter into contracts or start new jobs as they will most likely not pan out and end up becoming 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 !!!



VENUS - Venus goes retrograde roughly every 18 months for a period of about 6 weeks ... Venus naturally governs the 2nd house (Taurus) which addresses money, how you earn it and how you spend it, as well as personal values ... it also naturally governs the 7th house (Libra) which addresses face-to-face partnerships and relationships ... during a transiting Venus retrograde, old lovers or friends may resurface - some hoping to reconnect while others are only in and out for "pass and review" so to speak ... relationship issues, both personal and professional/ public and private, come to the forefront thus causing all types of contracts and partnerships to be reconsidered especially if they have become difficult or challenging ... this is also a time when our personal values get reconsidered - both material and spiritual - to see if they still make sense or need adjusting somewhere ... the main purpose of a Venus retrograde is to reconsider relationship and acquisition needs as these change over time for all of us ... it becomes very important during this time to get in touch with ones present values, wants and needs, and to become clear about exactly what you want to attract ... it's NOT a good time to purchase "luxury " items if you can wait because when Venus stations back into direct motion you might well find yourself thinking "Why did I spend THAT MUCH on something I really didn't need or want", or you may simply feel you did not get the anticipated value for what you spent your hard earned money to purchase ... often in a Venus retrograde money can become low and scarce and we could also end up having to spend money we hadn't counted on spending, but in some cases one may end up getting money "coming back" to them from one source or another!!! ... it is not usually a good time to begin a new job if you can wait because you may never get the money you expected out of the job, and the job might not pan out down the road for some reason ... that being said, unfortunately as a Venus retrograde can indicate the "tightening of the purse strings", salaries could be cut back or the job may be terminated for one reason or another ... we also tend to become a little less sociable and often forget our manners ...  ABOVE ALL ELSE, weddings are most certainly a huge NO-NO as this is the planet which rules romance, love and affection - do you really want that energy going backwards on the day you say "I Do" ???

MARS - has no change in direction in 2021 as it will not begin its next retrograde journey until October 30th, 2022 !!!

The following are the actual dates of the upcoming personal planet retrograde periods in case you would like to mark your calendar or make a note in order to be prepared ... and for the sake of once again saving excessive typing these are the following letter abbreviations to note the period of the particular retrograde ... SP = Shadow Point ... RX = Retrograde Period ... ERXZ = Exit Retrograde Zone :



MERCURY -

SP : 1/14 or 15 ... 11 degrees 1 minute Aquarius

RX : 1/30 - 2/20 ... 26 degrees 29 minutes Aquarius back to 11 degrees 1 minute Aquarius

ERXZ : 3/12 or 13 ... 26 degrees 29 minutes Aquarius




MERCURY -

SP : 5/14 ... 16 degrees 7 minutes Gemini

RX : 5/29 - 6/22 ... 24 degrees 43 minutes Gemini back to 16 degrees 7 minutes Gemini

ERXZ : 7/7 ... 24 degrees 43 minutes Gemini




MERCURY -

SP : 9/6 ... 10 degrees 7 minutes Libra

RX : 9/27 or 26 - 10/18 ... 25 degrees 28 minutes Scorpio back to 10 degrees 7 minutes Libra

ERXZ : 11/2 ... 25 degrees 28 minutes Scorpio




VENUS -

SP : 11/17 ... 11 degrees 4 minutes Capricorn

RX : 12/19 - 1/22/2022 ... 26 degrees 29 minutes Capricorn back to 11 degrees 4 minutes Capricorn

ERXZ : 3/1/2022 ... 26 degrees 29 minutes Capricorn

Now you have a basic idea of what to expect during 2021 in regard to the backward motion and resulting influence of these two planets ... transiting retrogrades affect everyone because the energy we feel from the retrograde planet is "different" while it is, so to speak, moving backwards ... it doesn't mean it is all doom and gloom and something that should be dreaded ... sometimes a retrograde period may come and go with side effects barely noticeable while other times it could prove extremely challenging ... but that of course is going to depend on where you are in life and what is going on around you ... for those born with any of these planets retrograde in their natal chart, I sometimes have found these clients seem to navigate these often choppy waters with less stress and aggravation ... and you have to keep in mind that these particular energies aren't the only ones producing influential energy down here below ... there are always many different energies in play "upstairs" at any given time which results in the universal energy affecting one through transits around their natal chart, progressions to their natal chart, solar returns, lunar returns and a vast array of other cosmic influences which can usually be deciphered for you by a reliable astrologer !!!

Though we all will probably experience some kind of effect or see it somewhere in our lives from these retrograde periods, those that may be more sensitive to these retrograde periods include Aquarius, Gemini, Scorpio and Libra born as these are the actual signs in which the respective retrograde periods will take place … Gemini, Virgo, Taurus, Libra may be equally as sensitive to these retrogrades as these three are your ruling planets : Mercury = Gemini and Virgo, Venus = Taurus and Libra !!!

Ultimately retrograde periods are simply Universal time outs put in place to slow us down and give us the opportunity to get back in sync with the Universal rhythm thus making them thought of as global wake-up calls ... so why try to swim upstream in a raging current … go with the flow - adjust and adapt … and, most importantly, in trying to determine what is going on around you due to planetary energy interplay and influence, and as nothing is set in stone, it is always a good thing to keep in mind a phrase my astrology teacher, Lyn Hammond Gray, used to stress over and over, from the very first day of class : when synthesizing the overall astrological energy at any given moment in time, always remember to consider this possibility - "MODIFIED BY WHAT ???"

"Everything must change ... nothing stays the same ... everyone must change ... no one stays the same ... "

SEEKING LOVE THAT WILL LAST THE TEST OF TIME !!!

 

Venus, with stately grace and refined elegance, began its transit through the committed, disciplined sign of Capricorn, today, January 8th, at 10:41 AM EST ... this Venus has a somewhat more somber and serious nature as it is transiting through a sign ruled by Saturn the taskmaster/teacher who tends to limit and restrict and produce a need for restructuring and can sometimes even make us doubt whether we truly love someone or are lovable ourselves !!! ... Capricorn is an Earth sign and when Venus transits an Earth sign interactions with others are sought sensually and with practicality as well as sought after for comfort and stability ... Venus was last in Capricorn from November 25th through December19th/20th, 2019 !!!

Venus in Capricorn enjoys being responsible, practical, and competent ... there is a tendency to relate seriously, formally, and at times with some reserve ... affection is expressed cautiously and soberly ...   there is pleasure found here in self control and therefore sometimes there is inhibition in pleasure or love needs due to fears, limitations and inner doubts - all compliments of Saturn no doubt !!! ... here achievement of material wealth and status in the world gives one the feeling of emotional security ... ambitions, status or a conservative approach may affect love and social urges ... handling of money/possessions usually is very businesslike, pragmatic and very well organized ... predictability and fidelity are a must in love relationships !!!



Venus in Capricorn wants to be "sure" ere it makes any commitments in partnerships but will work hard to make sure the relationship endures once formed ... Venus in Capricorn is a dedicated love ... this transit produces an elegant side of Venus - the one that loves dressing up, expensive accessories, and social affairs ... there is an interest in antiques found here which includes anything, or anyone for that matter, that has been around long enough to show its worth ... Venus in Capricorn is often starved for love ... OK everyone - GROUP HUG HERE!!!



Venus in Capricorn often seeks to improve its status ... proud and reserved in public behavior, this Venus dislikes overt public displays of emotion and affection which can yield an apparent dignified air which is resented by others as it becomes perceived as snobbishness ... emotions and sexuality can be repressed here, but in private there can be great sensuality ... though not openly demonstrative, there is great loyalty and steadfastness due to an innate sense of personal responsibility in important relationships !!!



Venus in Capricorn teaches us all about loving through building ... the test of time becomes a requirement ... the revelation here is that love is indeed not a business and if one wants a deeply spiritual kind of love relationship, the heart must be opened up and surrendered ... to that end, the energy of Venus in Capricorn may be expressed in the following ways:


POSITIVE: committed, serious lover, steadfast, constant, cautious, trustworthy, disciplined, objective, genuine affections, modest, cool exterior, reserved, dignified, sense of composure, self-controlled, upright, practical, resourceful, affluent, self-made


NEGATIVE: possessive, jealous, inflexible, self-righteous, inhibited, distrustful, stern, indifferent, undemonstrative, mean, cold manner, unfeeling, snobbish, too formal, self-contained, stiff, materialistic, money-grubbing, penny-pinching, selfish

Venus now joins the Sun and Pluto, which began its transit through Capricorn back in January 2008 ... no doubt we are all going to be taking a serious look and doing some serious thinking about the true value of something or someone in our lives during the next three and a half weeks of our lives ... Venus remains in Capricorn until February 1st !!!



My fellow Capricorns, this is our time to shine when Venus bestows its grace, charm and luck on us - but aren't we usually charming and elegant in a somewhat understated manner anyway ??? ... remember to ask for what you want now as you just may get it ... just remember the sage advice "be careful what you wish for" - and that goes for everyone !!!



And while love may not actually be for sale here - well at least in most situations - the proof of its value and worth must certainly be "tendered"!!!

INTELLIGENT, CUTTING EDGE, OFTEN SHOCKING AND REBELLIOUS THINKING AND COMMUNICATING !!!

MERCURY begins its initial transit through the intellectual, highly unconventional sign of Aquarius tomorrow, January 8th, at 7:00 AM EST ... Mercury is considered to be in "exaltation" in the sign of Aquarius meaning it is in a sign other than the one it rules - in this case being Gemini and Virgo - where its energy is expressed very harmoniously and its forces are increased as well as its virtues are magnified !!! ... Mercury's last complete transit through Aquarius occurred from January 16th through March 16th, 2020 - a longer than normal transit due to a retrograde period and that will be the case again this time around !!!

Mercury in Aquarius makes the mind and tongue tend to be unconventional sometimes to the extreme of shocking other people ... yours truly was born with this placement and I can vouch for the truth of this statement !!! ... communication is made intelligently, objectively, openly, and independently... language used can be very individualistic and sometimes rebelliously ... one thinks for them self and usually resists other people's answers ... learning is best done through questioning authority and seeking out unique experiences ... the mind is experimental, innovative, and future oriented ... one wants to explore all possibilities while keeping options open ... there is the tendency to jump from idea to idea resulting perhaps from an intuitive flash or brainstorming ... one must be careful not to become a victim of fragmented or erratic thinking ... there are usually excellent verbal skills here ... one can be quite objective allowing them to talk with just about anyone ... connections are best made on an individual basis ... interests usually include anything new age - oh say like astrology, numerology and tarot - and anything unusual, different, technological or progressive ... this energy frequently gives one the mind of a computer as well as the soul of a rebel !!!

Mercury in Aquarius usually indicates a fine and clever mind that is accurate, inventive and inquisitive ... people born under this energy - like yours truly !!! - often take a great interest in other people and have excellent judgment of human nature ... there is a love of analyzing character and motivation, and the finely tuned powers of observation that accompany this energy allow one to predict accurately how someone will react in a given situation ... Mercury here makes one a rather notorious people-watcher, and gives one a broad and emotionally detached outlook ... Aquarius is known as the sign of the truth-seeker and that characterizes the way this mind works ... sometimes one may seem eccentric as the ideas are so advanced ... and one may also enjoy saying things simply to shock other people - absolutely priceless, right ???


Mercury in Aquarius gives the mind the need for a lot of stimulation and activity ... interests are pursued thoroughly because of the capability of pursuing a train of thought for very long periods ... one is also capable of great inventive originality ... there is a desire to understand how the Universe is linked together ... one must be careful here of the powerful tendency toward abstraction causing one to become too detached and end up living in a mental environment that may be a long way from the reality of others around you ... also one may find that the thoughts speed so fast that one forgets to finish sentences - thinking others will understand where your thoughts were going - or one finishes other people's sentences for them in order to get on to the next topic ... a benefit of this energy is becoming aware that the individual mind is ultimately NOT separated from the Universal mind !!!



Mercury in Aquarius teaches us to learn to think through liberating ... one perceives things mentally in a manner that seems to others as highly unlikely or even odd ... there is a definite streak of stubbornness running through the mind which is a result of having a sense of the "Truth" and understanding how things really  are ... one has to be careful of the inherent blind spot which is detached objectivity to the point of missing the emotional factors in a given situation ... one of the main challenges of this energy is to learn to communicate ones vision and help others see life from a point beyond their personal hopes and fears ... the energy of Mercury in Aquarius can be expressed in the following ways :


POSITIVE: original thinker, inventive, unorthodox, comprehensive, scientific, objective, concise, well-informed, unable to be shocked, open-minded, truth-loving, perceptive, progressive thinker, Utopian, reformist, socially aware, intuitive, cosmically aware, telepathic and inspiring mind

NEGATIVE: way-out thinker, cranky, irrelevant, disjointed, clinical, lacks warmth, abrupt, unfeeling, indifferent, fixed opinions, contrary, emotionally blind, out of "time", unrealistic, reactionary, anti-social, scatterbrained, spaced out, overactive mind



Mercury now joins Jupiter and Saturn already transiting through Aquarius and will be joined by the Sun for the "rebellious and often unpredictable" party on January 19th !!! 

Mercury remains in Aquarius until - WAIT FOR IT - March 15th and you certainly know why ... Mercury will get no further than 26 degrees 29 minutes Aquarius when it begins its first retrograde journey for 2021 on January 30th ... this retrograde will obviously be completely in the sign of Aquarius going from 26 degrees 29 minutes Aquarius back to 11 degrees 1 minute Aquarius where it will end its retrograde journey on February 20th ... no doubt many will come up with some scathingly brilliant ideas during this transit that we may have to think about and then rethink about ... Mercury enters its first shadow point for 2021 on January 15th when it reaches 11 degrees 1 minute Aquarius !!!

During Mercury's transit through Aquarius, try thinking with a very open mind and remember that the truth often awakens like a flash of lightning - are you  prepared to be struck by it ???

THE "SLOW-BOILER" OF THE ZODIAC !!!

 MARS - finally completes its transit through the sign of Aries which began back on June 27th and  begins its plodding transit through the methodical, persistent sign of Taurus today, January 6th, at 5:25 PM EST ... Mars energy is challenged here as now being in the sign Taurus, which is ruled by Venus which rules Libra, and Libra is the sign  directly opposite to the sign Aries which is ruled by Mars ... Mars is therefore said to be in "detriment" in Taurus thus not operating at its full power, and it appears to take on more of the sign's rather than the planets coloration ... it is said that if a planet is in detriment, it is visiting where it MUST conform to rules and regulations ... and what happens when a fiery planet transits through an earth sign ??? ... there can often be "burning" and "scorching" involved !!! ... Mars was last in Taurus from February 14th through March 30th/31st, 2019 !!!

The energy of Mars in Taurus is likely to be naturally sensual and it appreciates the physical gratifications of life ... determination and endurance are often quite strong ... one can assert themselves steadily and stubbornly ... being grounded is very important ... results MUST be tangible ... the energy moves towards consolidation or physical beauty ... one is happiest when they can control a situation and achieve material success through ones own particular personal method ... identity is tied to pleasure, possessions and comfort - too much material focus here will lead to possessiveness and/or overdrive ... sexual drive and physical energy can be very enduring - after all Mars is passing through the sign represented by the Bull !!! - and it can be influenced by a deep appreciation and savoring of the physical senses ... this energy is also frequently referred to as the "slow boiler of the zodiac" as it puts up and up with a situation until you think there will be no anger expressed, and then all of the sudden you see one who is ready to charge at something or someone and meet the situation head on !!! ...  there is good earning power here but one is usually very particular about how one spends their money ... even though one may judge others harshly under this energy, one will usually fight injustice to the bitter end !!!

Mars in Taurus teaches us all about getting what we want or need through stabilizing ... here one is able to progress easily and steadily in the material sphere of life ... however, sometimes one can get stuck dogmatically moving in the same direction unable to change direction ending up spending ones energy in a meaningless and frustrating manner ... the key here is the ability to establish what actually constitutes stability rather than blindly conforming to an overly materialistic society ... the decidedly sensuous nature may also find appealing the idea that ploughing back into the Earth what one has gained from it - in the form of possessions, pleasures or experiences - will naturally produce newer, fresher "fruits of labor" ... this energy likes wealth and comfort, concrete results, being dominated or dominant, taking its time and planning and foresight ... it dislikes wishy-washy relationships, being pushed and changes that are brought about suddenly ... the energy of Mars in Taurus can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: capacity for work, earning power, productive/industrious, methodical, practical, persistent, patient, close to nature, crafts person, mechanically skilled and able, dependable, sexually attractive, sensuous, passionate, executive ability, formidable, powerful reserves of strength

NEGATIVE: materialistic, greedy, wealth for wealth's sake, plodding, boring, slow to change, slow to act, brutish, mechanical and thick-headed, jealous and possessive, smoldering, carnal, intense, vindictive, bullying, violent when pushed

Mars in Taurus needs to identify its "beast" and re-channel its energy and transform its nature ... Taurus born individuals, enjoy this period of that extra burst of energy and use it for something constructive and productive ... just be careful not to "charge" at and knock down others with your boosted personal power !!! ... Taurus born, you are now infused with this energy to move faster and more aggressively than you normally like to ... it can be a challenging period of push/pull which may ultimately prove how truly grounded and focused you are - stay strong, as you naturally are, and remain on course no matter how often you might get pulled into another direction !!!

Mars now joins Uranus already transiting through Taurus - what a dynamic duo to be transiting through the same sign together - and you just might witness the potentially explosive nature of these two in conjunction around the 19th and 20th of this month !!! ... Mars remains in the sign of Taurus until March 4th !!!

Everyone should now try to focus on how your material awareness and/or position could end up being of benefit to others ...  oh yes, and be aware you just might end up running into a lot of horny people or finding yourself in the same frame of mind during the next eight weeks ... or will you ??? - "Ole" !!!