ENJOYING "BEING A KID AGAIN" AND COMTEMPLATING WHAT IT MUST BE LIKE TO BE "FOREVER YOUNG" !!!

 

The SUN begins its yearly gallop through the youthful oriented, perceptive, versatile sign of Gemini today, May 21st, at 3:09 AM EDT ... this is the final astrological sign of the Spring season in the Northern hemisphere and the Fall season in the Southern hemisphere ... Gemini energy is all about acquiring knowledge, communicating in a variety of ways, and constantly being on the MOVE ... so ... get ready ... get set ... GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!

In Gemini, the Sun one may gain or seek recognition for their verbal skills and their ability to be highly creative through perceptiveness and the ability to compare, contrast, and find connections between ideas ... there is a need to be versatile - here is a natural drive towards a wide ranging curiosity which could also get you into trouble or end up causing you to be too scattered ... a wide variety of talents, social contacts and hobbies will assist one in their self-expression ... there is also a need for agility and flexibility - one could achieve recognition through their dexterity, adaptability or enhanced eye-hand coordination ... and there is the potential for mental brilliance - one wants to feel proud of their intelligence, rationality and logic ... there is a tendency here to be ego-vulnerable regarding ones mental and communication skills ... pride and shame issues are tied to the mind in this sign ... and ultimately one needs to express themselves verbally and to achieve positive recognition for their intellect !!!

Gemini is a masculine/air/mutable(flexible) sign ... its symbol is the Twins - associated with duality, humanism, versatility and communication ... the picture is that of two figures standing side by side with a line over the top and the bottom - also known as the glyph for the Roman numeral 2 ... symbolically, these two upright lines bounded on the top and the bottom represent wisdom, learning, and the power of the mind to synthesize information ... Gemini's key phrase is "I THINK" and its keyword is "VERSATILITY" ... Anatomically it rules the hands, arms, shoulders and lungs thus making this energy prone to strains and accidents with the arms and hands as well as being prone to bronchitis and respiratory ailments ... Gemini is the sign opposite to Sagittarius in the zodiac !!!

As you are certainly aware of by now, Mercury is the ruling planet of Gemini in addition to the sign of Virgo ... Mercury - the ancient messenger of the Gods ... in astrology it rules travel and communication with its main emphasis being quick cleverness and a nervous temperament ... but it also bestows somewhat of a fickle nature that tends to arouse unexpected anger in others sometimes the depth of which Gemini energy misjudges ... its keyword is "REASONING ABILITY" ... it therefore rules reason, mental and cerebral capacity, ability to communicate, intellect, awareness, dexterity, rationalization, transmission, words, opinion, and sensory perceptions ... its action is quick, uncertain, and volatile ... it deals with travel - especially short trips, brothers and sisters, children, clerking, speaking, writing, bookkeeping, secretaries, neighborhood activities, letters and mailings, means of transportation, trade, and techniques ... in your natal chart the place where you find Mercury shows how and where you communicate the best ... anatomically, Mercury rules the  nervous system, brain, sight, hands and arms !!!

Gemini is the natural ruler of the 3rd house of the horoscope ... this is the house of side-by-side relationships whose keyword is "AWARENESS" ... the 3rd house shows the local environment you live in, your brothers and sisters, and all forms of communication - speaking, writing, and singing ... it indicates all means of transportation including short trips ... it shows the adaptability of ones mind to learning and to new ideas, the ability to relate to ones environment, and ones taken-for-granted skills ... this house shows the conscious and objective portion of ones mind as well as ones primary schooling !!!



The Sun in Gemini teaches us all about living through being able to COMMUNICATE !!!  ... here we have the contact maker ... one who is forever young ... Gemini is famous for its duality and sometimes contrary nature ... word and mind play is an endless source of amusement here ... versatility rules - everything is equally interesting to Gemini therefore making it most likely one of the least prejudiced of the 12 signs of the Zodiac ... Gemini has an extremely lively imagination making it also one of the most artistically creative signs as well ... ironically one can lack the imagination to see that in using ones imagination it draws one into a closer intimacy with life itself, but getting deeply involved is the Twins weakest ability ... ultimately one must realize that the answer to the eternal Gemini questioning lies within the imagination and not the brain !!!

The energy of the Sun in Gemini can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: amusing, perceptive, witty, eloquent, swift, ingenious, quick on the uptake, mobile, versatile, flexible, adaptable, imaginative, non-dogmatic, sees both sides, light touch, objective, clever mind, informative, resourceful

NEGATIVE: cheap, glib, sarcastic, chatterbox, fly, devious, shifty, evasive, dabbler, two-faced, fickle, "chases rainbows", non-committal, indecisive, superficial, aloof, unable to see the whole picture, bluffer, involved in excessive gossip



HAPPY SOLAR RETURN GEMINI BORN !!! - part of your reason for being here is certainly to not only learn about a lot of different information yourself, but to educate the rest of us as well, keep us on our toes and help us understand that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER when used positively !!!

The Sun is now currently transiting through Gemini solo ... the Sun remains in the sign of Gemini until June 21st ... to that end, respect your own dreams and avoid cutting corners in your pursuit of them ... more importantly, pay attention to the "value" of what you say !!!

Gemini is truly a very youthful oriented energy, so for the next few weeks just enjoy "being a kid again" and think about what it must be like to be "FOREVER YOUNG" ... and with all this energy driving us to pursue so much information from so many places, we may end up feeling as though we are indeed moving at the speed of light !!!  

A HOT, FIERY STREAK WITHIN THAT NEEDS TO FIND SOME FORM OF CREATIVE, DRAMATIC AND/OR ROMANTIC OUTLET !!!

MARS - planet representing the urge to get what you want, physical drive, sexual drive, initiative, courage and raw energy - began its dramatic transit through the romantic, playful, creative and pleasure seeking sign of Leo today, May 20th, at 11:32 AM EDT ... Mars was last in Leo from June 11th through July 29th, 2021 !!! 

Leo, being a Fire sign and ruled by the Sun, is very happy to have the fiery planet Mars, planet of action, initiative and drive transiting through its sign ... kind of a two for the price of one transit with a lot of creative potential if it doesn't get out of control with all the dramatic "flames" being stirred up !!! .... Mars in Leo is naturally dramatic and its actions alone often make a statement without a word being uttered ... having attention and admiration, and being in the limelight are doubly essential here .... energy can be asserted warmly, majestically, radiantly, or sometimes unfortunately extremely arrogantly ... the normal drive is towards having fun, enthusiasm, generosity, creativity, and most definitely having a zest for life !!!



Mars in Leo energy can be quite exciting yielding a strong sense of pride and a drive for recognition ... there is creativity abounding with a pronounced flair, and there is a heightened sense of vitality and just being alive ... ones identity here is tied in to being someone special and increasing self-esteem ... sometimes the urge to express oneself so boldly can lead to being pompous and very pushy, but it can also make one quite the magnetic personality !!!



Sexual drive and physical energy is usually off the charts under this energy and they thrive in an atmosphere of attention ... receiving compliments especially makes one come alive ... many of us may find ourselves becoming more in touch with our inner child - go with it and enjoying being a kid again !!! ... since Leo rules creative tendencies, those in the entertainment and artistic realms usually become quite productive and have the potential to reach a new heightened expression of their work ... regardless of where we use this energy, you can bet while Mars is transiting through Leo there is absolutely going to be a driving passion about something or someone - or both !!!



Mars in Leo teaches us all about growing personally and spiritually through creating ... here we have a hot and fiery streak that definitely needs to find some form of creative, dramatic, or romantic outlet ... there is determination and confidence and the first impression one gives is most valuable to oneself ... there could develop an overly neurotic need for admiration, but there is also a demand for honor, dignity and ability worthy of respect ... personal power is greatly enhanced with this energy but one must be careful not to become overbearing and end up being feared rather than loved ... the desire nature is in overdrive here ... find what you truly have a passion for and go for it ... when ones sense of glory and achievement goes beyond ones petty, self-centered ego drives, the way in which one goes about becoming genuinely creative becomes a gift instead of a curse ... feeling insignificant, humiliation, losing control and small-mindedness are strongly disliked while taking pride in ones partner, excitement, respect, honesty and being center stage are what one strives for with this energy ... the energy of Mars in Leo can be expressed in the following ways:


POSITIVE: high-spirited, passionate, ardent lover, energetic, dignified, proud, heroic, enthusiastic, vital, speculative, exciting, self-assured, determined, strong-willed, leader, consistent desire, ambitious magnetic, fearless


NEGATIVE: melodramatic, possessive, jealous lover, coercive, pompous, self-righteous, vain, tyrant, offensive, brutal, wild gambler, overly-excited, feels infallible, quarrelsome, domineering, ego driven, overbearing, ruthless, conceited, arrogant



Leo born, enjoy the extra burst of personal energy you are being given wile Mars moves through your birth sign  - as if you really need more fire energy driving you !!! ... for all of us, this could be an extremely creative and productive period but not without its challenges ... and if you are given to gambling and speculation, I would certainly advise great caution - after all, Leo naturally rules the 5th house which includes gambling and speculation so be careful about being influenced by an excessive drive to take too many "risks" !!!



Aries born will also certainly have the potential to feel the effects of this energy as Mars is your ruling planet ... for everyone, if you've had a natal chart done and know in which house or houses the 30 degrees of Leo fall, then you'll get a good idea as to what area/areas of your life this heightened energetic drive will most likely "consume" you !!!



Mars is currently the only planet transiting through Leo ... Mars remains in Leo until July 10th !!!



"ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR" !!!

THE POWER TO STEADILY MANIFEST IN OUR LIVES YIELDING GREATER PERSONAL AND/OR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND EXPANSION !!!

 

JUPITER - the planet symbolizing growth, expansion, laws, beliefs, ethics, opportunity, wealth and faith began its transit through the sign of Taurus today, May 16th, at 1:20 PM EDT … Jupiter was last in Taurus from June 4th, 2011 through June 11th, 2012 ... Jupiter now moves out of the fiery cardinal energy of Aries into the fixed, steady earth energy of Taurus !!!

This Jupiter is all about manifesting things … it values money, possessions, physical gratification and beauty … there is usually a very deep appreciation of sensual pleasures … beliefs often center around being practical and the material world … one may spend a lot of their money and income on books, seminars, the search for knowledge and the collection of art objects … one needs to be careful about putting too much importance on possessions or gratifications … trust is usually placed in what is safe, secure and familiar … one may idealize enjoyment, finances, ownership or perhaps strengthen their faith and trust in life through contact with nature and simple pleasures … growth is achieved through being steady and reliable !!!

Jupiter in Taurus makes one very much at home with financial dealings and very adept at investments and finance … one may do well in working in their own business or working with other people’s money … this energy may produce one who becomes a stockbroker, banker, or one who deals in any field that requires patience and structure …positively used, there is the ability to develop a deep understanding of the true value of life … one truly enjoys the luxuries money can buy as well … this energy also tends to make one quietly stubborn with an intense dislike of being pushed too hard … in addition, there is found concern with justice and orthodox religion … if not careful with this energy, one can become the victim of their expensive tastes leading to over-indulgence, laziness and indebtedness !!!

Jupiter in Taurus is all about growing and expanding through being able to stabilize … there is usually the ability to attract wealth in some way or other … but if not careful one may end up amassing wealth and accumulating material things and then wallowing in it and somehow losing everything or losing control of it … one must remember the Law of Infinite supply which states that in order to maintain wealth one must invest what one has in helping to further others … eventually one may come to realize that a sense of wealth rather than the wealth itself is all that really matters … this energy likes the good things of life, being the provider, material wealth, traditional values and warmth and comfort … it dislikes bare existence, wastefulness, being in debt, scarcity … the energy of Jupiter in Taurus can be expressed in the following ways :

POSITIVE: sound judgment, contemplative, practical philosopher, comfortable, gives stability, steady progress, trusting, jovial, good-humored, generous, good appetite, affluent, money wise, charitable

NEGATIVE: self-opinionated, too cautious, smug, expects too much ease, stick-in-the-mud, cynical, irresponsible, wasteful, gluttonous, greedy, penny-pincher, exploitive, overly status – conscious

Jupiter, now joins the Sun, Mercury and Uranus already in transit through Taurus, and remains in the sign of Taurus until May 25th, 2024 … Taurus born, this is your time, for the next 12 months, where you may discover an extra chance for opportunity, growth, expansion and just plain luck coming your way so keep your eyes and ears open ... Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius born may also benefit somewhat more from this transit as well ... but we all have the potential to do so especially in the area/areas ruled by which house/houses Taurus falls in your natal chart as well as what beneficial aspects Jupiter makes from Taurus to our natal planet placements ... hopefully the expansion and growth will not be all in our waistlines !!! 

We all will have the opportunity to manifest more on the material level over the next year … just make sure to appreciate it for what it is and not flaunt it at others … and ultimately when we are devoted, kind and use sound judgment, and much more importantly realize that there is much more to life than we will ever know about !!!

FORWARD HO ... OFF YOU GO !!!

   

MERCURY - completed its second retrograde journey for 2023 and stationed back into direct motion yesterday, May 14th, at 11:17 PM EDT  - do I hear a BIG SIGH OF RELIEF out there ??? ... for some reason many people found this Mercury retrograde challenging !!! ... hopefully as this 23 day Mercury retrograde concludes, some of the disorientation, confusion, frustration and outright irritation along with the sudden and unexpected issues that may have been produced by this Mercury retrograde will now begin to clear and subside as it becomes time to move forward into the swing of things on all levels !!!

Over the next few days to the next few weeks or even months, there will undoubtedly be quite a few "a-ha" as well as "uh-oh" lights coming on in regard to decisions made or actions taken during the retrograde period from April 21st through May 14th, and possibly as far back as April 7th when Mercury entered its shadow point - the point where it would come out of this retrograde journey yesterday at 5 degrees 50 minutes Taurus ... did issues and complications or questioning arise in regards to things done during the last retrograde period from December 29th, 2022 through January 18th ??? ... or maybe even as far back as the retrograde period from September 10th through October 2nd, May 5th through June 3rd, 2022, or January 14th through February 4th, 2022 ... or retrograde periods further back than 2022 ???

It's a sure bet that as Mercury moves forward once again crossing back over the degrees it covered during this retrograde period, issues may begin to arise potentially sooner than later in regards to whatever was going on the first time it crossed over the retrograde degrees - especially if it was making any aspect to your natal planets or one of the angles which are the cusp of the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th houses !!! ... Mercury crossed over 5 degrees 50 minutes Taurus up to 15 degrees 37 minutes Taurus from April 7th up until April 21st, then went backwards over them during the retrograde, and now moves forward over them once again from May 14th through May 31st  - the good old "scrubbing effect" as we sometimes like to refer to it in Astrology !!!

Mercury retrograde periods, even though annoying and extremely frustrating at times, are actually a very beneficial thing, especially for those who were strong and fearless enough to dig deep down, as we need to validate, or in some cases invalidate, actions and situations gone awry and deal with them in order to finally release them to produce a calmer, positive and more productive state of mind thus allowing us to move forward to bring about greater personal and spiritual growth !!! 

If you've had a natal chart done, you should look to see in which house or houses 15 degrees 37 minutes Taurus back to 5 degrees 50 minutes Taurus falls ... what kinds of issues, if any, did you have to  deal with in the areas of life governed by that house or in some cases those houses ??? ... how many of you went with the flow and how many of you tried to swim upstream in the raging current of Cosmic confusion ??? 

Of course the recurring question we may find ourselves asking now that Mercury is back in direct motion is "WHY" ??????? ...What actions did you take yourself or have taken against you that you or the other person may now be regretting. or you may be simply wondering why you chose to do what you did or why you were the victim of a particular course of action from other(s), and why didn't you or the other person wait a little longer ...  or perhaps you are simply now trying to figure out why it even happened ???



Relationships may have come to an end - some needed to be released and others may have jumped the gun and you are now wondering, or will be, why did I do that or end things during this period ...  how many of you had relationship issues surface or resurface - extremely likely in a Mercury retrograde - that you thought surely had been resolved or didn't even realize existed ???  ... or how many of you had one or more people come back through your life that you thought you had seen the last of or even forgot about and now most of them are gone or going once again ???  ... and how many of you began a new relationship, personal or professional, without waiting for the retrograde period to conclude ??? ... AND ... how many of you got married - OOPSIE  ???



Did anyone make any major purchases - homes, cars, electronics - that now don't seem like the best thought out course of action or that you are beginning to regret or will do so in the days ahead ??? ... there could be problems regarding any purchases made especially with anything where electrical energy and/or computers were involved ... how many of you accepted or switched jobs during this retrograde period ??? ... all of these scenarios are possible as the energy of a Mercury retrograde is one where communications and mental energy is going "backwards" ... so now that the mental processing facilities are no longer going backwards - at least for most of us - in regard  to Mercury and its functions, it's time to finally RELEASE these emotional holds and allow ourselves to move forward with our lives ... let go of what is best left in the past so you can achieve greater personal and spiritual growth !!!

 

Mercury retrograding in Taurus could certainly cause relationships to have been given a serious look ... there could have been some very deep and serious thinking and rethinking done here ... Mercury in Taurus already "slows" down the mental process with Taurus being an Earth sign, and adding retrograde energy to it can just complicate matters ... as Taurus is a fixed sign, all of the fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius could have felt more of an impact with Mercury retrograde in Taurus ... and of course Gemini and Virgo as well as this is your natural ruling planet ... so that is already 50 % of the zodiac signs encountering potential challenges !!!  

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

Venus is the ruling planet of Taurus, so there could also have been issues arising as well in the areas of art, culture, aesthetics, partnerships - more in particular to personal ones, beauty, charm, good taste, sentimentality, sweets and sugar, poetry, paintings, jewelry, singing, drama, music, emotional contacts, moral character, marriages, unions of all kinds, sociability, disposition, luxuries, pleasures and appreciation !!!

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

A Mercury retrograde period is usually not a good time to have surgery as the healing process could be slowed down or there could be the chance of having to go back at a later date and take care of something that wasn't done correctly - especially in regards to cosmetic surgery ... how many of you had elective surgery, such as cosmetic surgery, etc. ??? ... was the outcome what you expected ??? ... hopefully things will work out so you don't have to go back again !!! ... as for emergency surgery, we have no control over that and trying to put that off might have produced catastrophic results !!!

Gemini and Virgo born, since Mercury is your natural ruling planet, did you "try" and slow down for personal review and rethinking - especially in regards as to what has transpired in your lives since Mercury last resumed direct motion back on January 18th ??? ... what have you learned about yourself in regards to where you are going and whether or not you are proceeding wisely in order to become more successful ??? ... what did you discover that MUST be changed - in fact what did anyone discover that MUST be changed so you are not left stagnant and hanging in limbo ???

Just a reminder, those born between April 22nd and May 13th definitely gt Mercury retrograde in their solar return - birthday chart - for the year ahead ... those born April 21st and May 14th may or may not have gotten this retrograde energy depending on what time their solar return occurs 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 !!! "

Mercury now moves forward to complete its entire transit through the sign of Taurus on June 11th - a transit which originally began back on April 3rd ... below is a reminder of what this energy is about in case you need a "refresher" :

Our mode of thinking and communicating shifts from the rapid fire energy of Aries into the slower and more methodical energy of Taurus ... Mercury was last in the sign of Taurus from April 10th/11th through June 13th, 2022 due to a retrograde period which began after it had already made its ingress into Gemini and then returned to Taurus !!!

The keyword for this energy is "factual" !!! ... here the mind and tongue work deliberately and steadily with the tendency to sometimes get stuck in mental ruts ... this energy can be highly practical and grounded ... business skills or any activity that incorporates the use of common sense usually accompanies this energy ... often there can be learning through tactile contact or actual physical manipulation of the world ... perceptions can often be limited due to a desire to learn slowly and carefully ... there is a desire to bring ideas down to earth, and there are usually interests in money, sensuality and physical comfort  !!!

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

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

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

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

Mercury is currently with the Sun and Uranus already in transit through Taurus !!!

Mercury moves forward to exit its retrograde zone which will occur on May 31st ... Mercury remains in direct motion until August 23rd when it begins its third retrograde journey for 2023 occurring from August 23rd through September 15th ... it will be completely in the sign of Virgo with the retrograde period going from 21 degrees 51 minutes Virgo back to 8 degrees Virgo ... Mercury enters its next shadow point on August 3rd/4th when it reaches 8 degrees Virgo ... for those of you who like to be prepared, Mercury will be retrograde during the final 12 days of the Venus retrograde in Leo - two personal planets retrograde together ... AGAIN !!!

for now  - FORWARD HO ... OFF YOU GO !!! 

WHAT LIES DEEP WITHIN - WILL IT FINALLY SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY AND WILL YOU ALLOW FOR HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION ???

   

PLUTO - whose cosmic energy has the potential to bring about empowerment, destiny, awareness of obsessions, penetration to divulge hidden causes, to produce profound levels of consciousness, can bring about death - not necessarily of the physical body - rebirth, regeneration or destruction, transformation, harming or healing, depth and insight, and  has the energy to enable us with self-renewal began its retrograde journey for 2023 on Monday, May 1st, at 1:09 PM EDT ... Pluto was last retrograde from April 29th through October 8th, 2022 ... this Pluto retrograde will occur from 0 DEGREES 21 MINUTES AQUARIUS back to 27 DEGREES 53 MINUTES CAPRICORN and will last for 162 days !!!



As Pluto has been slowing down, astrologically speaking, and vibrating sending out its intense energy of transformation, upheaval and change - much of which we either hadn't expected or in some cases really needed to happen even if we really didn't want to admit it - the last several weeks ... Pluto has been in the 0 degree area of Aquarius since March 23rd !!! ... it has probably produced a lot of intensity and restless tension in many peoples lives somewhere ... if you've had a natal chart done and know where 0 degrees Aquarius falls, then you might understand where in your life this major impending shift was preparing to take place ... check to see if you have any natal planets at 0 degrees or within one or two degrees of that in any sign, and particularly one of the cusps of the Angles which are houses 1,4,7,and 10 - to determine whether or not Pluto is making a stressful or favorable aspect influencing your life !!!

Pluto has only given us a foreshadowing of what is to come during its transit through the sign of Aquarius ... Pluto was last in Aquarius from 1778 through 1798 ... this Plutonian transit will last until January of 2044 when it begins its complete transit through the sign of Pisces ... Pluto is moving out of an Earth sign into an Air sign ... obviously thinking and communicating will undergo a massive "rebirth" ... there will be shifts in the global power structure, rebellion and revolution, major shifts in the collective consciousness dealing with humanitarian causes, shifts within communities, groups, associations, and our friendships ... our goals, hopes and desires will also undergo change and transformation ... technology growth will make major advancements ... no doubt a lot of you may be aware of all the conversations regarding the advancement of AI ... and most certainly there will be major advancements within metaphysics ... more people will be drawn to those areas, and those already working in that field can expect great change, transformation and growth ... those with the Sun, Moon or Ascendant in  Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and/or Scorpio may feel more of a direct impact as Pluto goes from Capricorn to Aquarius !!!

That being said, Pluto is not quite done with Capricorn yet as it will return to Capricorn on June 11th per retrograde and once direct will reenter Aquarius on January 21st, 2024 ... then when Pluto takes it retrograde journey for 2024, it will return once again to the late degrees of Capricorn from September 2nd through November 19th when it will officially begin its full transit through Aquarius ... so if you have anything Capricorn - Sun, Moon, Ascendant, planets in Capricorn and in late degrees of other signs - from the 27 to the 29 degree of Capricorn, the Universe has some last minute business to deal with you in some capacity !!!

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

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

Scorpio and Capricorn born could be especially sensitive to this retrograde shift and what it produces, as well as Cancer born as Capricorn is the sign in opposition to your natal sun placement ... but we will all feel this energy somewhere in our lives both individually and collectively ... keep in mind the tearing down yielding rebirth and change is needed in order to promote further personal and spiritual growth ... in some cases it may be very drastic and challenging while in others it may not have quite the forceful impact ... it should not be something to be feared, unless you have been doing something extremely counterproductive, but rather embraced with a willingness to accept change ... after all, what is the Universe ALWAYS doing - EXPANDING AND CHANGING !!!

Scorpio born individuals, this is your yearly period of review and reflection of what is transpiring in your life, and especially what has transpired in your life since October 8th of 2022, that is urging you to release, allow transformation, regeneration and healing to take place in some area of your life - in other words, where must change take place due to a "cracked" or severely weakened foundation that will not support further personal and spiritual growth ??? ... and that goes for all of us as well !!!



If you have a Scorpio or Aquarius Sun, Moon or Ascendant you may be more sensitive to this retrograde period - Sun people through your vitality and life source, Moon people through emotional issues and Ascendant people through issues of how you project yourself out into the world - Pluto transiting through your 1st house is always a period of profound and significant change in your life, and believe me I know from experience while it was transiting through my first house from 2000 through 2018 !!!  ... also if you know which house in your natal chart Pluto is currently transiting through, that "stage" where life plays out will produce some interesting and possibly challenging energy ... I have also read many times that when an outer planet - Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - shifts directions, a slightly increased number of "souls" tend to leave the planet ... particularly those who are elderly ... something to watch for especially at the very beginning of the retrograde period and at the end !!!



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

Pluto remains retrograde until October October 11th ... as the harbinger of powerful upheaval, transformation, destruction, "death" - not necessarily physical, rebirth and deep healing, Pluto retrograde certainly has the potential to and will most likely shake things up ... and when it changes directions either stationing direct or retrograde, it has the annoying habit of bringing things from deep within, especially secrets and wrongdoings, that we would prefer to be kept there ... and one thing is absolutely for sure where Pluto is involved whether in forward or retrograde motion - 

THERE WILL BE UPHEAVAL, CHANGE, TRANSFORMATION, REBIRTH AND HEALING !!! 

THE DESIRE TO NURTURE AND/OR BE NURTURED IN ONES LOVE RELATIONSHIPS AS WELL AS THE HEIGHTENED LOVE OF FOOD AND "OTHER" THINGS !!!

 

VENUS - the planet of love, affection, attraction, social interactions and desires as well as the ruler of the 2nd and 7th houses of the natural zodiac - began its emotional swim through the nurturing, intuitive sign of Cancer on Sunday, May 7th, at 10:25 AM EDT  ... Venus was last in Cancer from July 17th/18th through August 11th, 2022 !!!  

Venus transiting through a WATER sign such as this, ruled by the Moon, takes on an even more emotional rather than an intellectual connection to everything it is attracted to ... Venus in Cancer enjoys home, food, nurturing and/or dependency ... it can be very sensitive and protective in relating to people, and it appreciates emotional warmth and attachments ... affection is expressed protectively, tenaciously and in a nurturing manner ... pleasure is found through security ... ones comfort level may well depend on feeling like part of a "family" !!!



Venus in Cancer produces a preference to share within a very closely attached group ... if one should lack faith under this energy, there could be a result of moodiness, shyness, over protection - including self and others, and stinginess which could interfere with the potential for closeness and the ability to enjoy life ... money and possessions are usually handled cautiously ... there is a desire to nurture and/or be nurtured in ones love relationships ... closeness involves dependency, care taking and receptivity ... this Venus energy can be somewhat thin-skinned and truly needs to hear the words "I love you" often !!!

Venus in Cancer shows us to learn to love oneself as well as others through the process of nurturing ... it believes that home is indeed where the heart is ... the expression of love here is tied into the need to give or receive comfort and security ... there is the trap to become so concerned with receiving love that you forget the quality and quantity of love you actually give ... this love is usually of the most instinctive kind ... there is a romantic leaning towards the sentimental ... there also comes a rather changeable nature in showing or accepting affection which usually is a result of doubts about ones own attractiveness ... home and family are central to ones happiness here ... there is the possibility that one possesses cooking, decorating, or other domestic skills under this energy ... sometimes the fear of change and/or disruption within the home and family produce worry which physically expressed manifests in the form of stomach or throat problems ... the  energy of Venus in Cancer can be expressed the following ways:

POSITIVE: gentle, kind, tender, romantic, sentimental, sensitive, compassionate, dreamy, devoted, loyal, unselfish, dependable, caring, protective, motherly, sympathetic, home-making, reassuring, comforting

NEGATIVE: timid, gooey, fawning, easily hurt, moody, muddled, clingy, too attached, weak-willed, dependent, fussy, shy, insecure, fears unfamiliar, gluttonous, vulnerable, taking others for granted, emotional threatening, inhospitable



Cancer born individuals, this is your time to "glow" as Venus moves through your birth sign and shines its "love light" on you ... be nice and kind enough and you just might get what you ask for !!!

Venus now joins Mars currently transiting through the sign of Cancer ... Venus remains in the sign of Cancer until June 5th !!!

And now for some "lovely" news ... this is the last full sign transit of Venus ere it takes its retrograde journey during 2023 ... this will be a 42 day Venus retrograde period completely in the sign of Leo occurring July 22nd through September 9th going from 28 degrees 36 minutes Leo back to 12 degrees 12 minutes Leo ... Venus will almost get through Leo but not quite ... Venus will be in the sign of Leo from June through October a much longer than normal transit for Venus ... and just a reminder Leo naturally rules the 5th house which, among other things, includes romance, creativity and pleasure, hmmmmm ... Venus will enter its next shadow point on June 19th when it reaches 12 degrees 12 minutes Leo !!!

For the 30 days while Venus transits the sign of Cancer, try to relax and enjoy as the Universe is guiding us and teaching us how to gently navigate through the emotional "waters" of love ... perhaps we all now could try and use Mother Nature as a "role model" for how to nurture and nourish ourselves as well as others ... allowing others to sometimes lean on you will help prevent you from continuously leaning on others too much ... by admitting to our hopes and what hurts us we can ultimately encourage others to do so as well !!!

ONE IMPORTANT CAVEAT HERE - with the potential for the love of food, along with "other" things and you know exactly what I am talking about, being greatly heightened, as the old saying goes, ONE WHO INDULGES - BULGES ... in the case of this particular "loving" energy transit, it could be in more than one way, right ???