FLASHES OF INSIGHT, REBELLIOUSNESS AND ORIGINALITY - OFTEN SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY !!!

ZZZZZZZAP !!!! ... and just like that, there was definitely something electric in the air as the planet URANUS completed its retrograde journey for 2023, which began back on August 29th, 2023 and stationed back into direct motion yesterday, January 27th, at 2:25 AM EST at 19 degrees 5 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, should have become a strong focal point !!!

Uranus has literally been slowing down to shift direction and hovering at 19 degrees of Taurus since around December 10th, so it may have felt like there was an edginess and restlessness on some level of our lives especially with Mercury being retrograde from December 13th through January 1st/2nd !!! ... since approximately January 22nd, it was, from an astrological viewpoint, literally vibrating at a near stand still at the 19 degree 5 minute mark of Taurus 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 151 day Uranus retrograde occurred from 23 degrees 4 minutes Taurus back down to 19 degrees 5 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 especially with Pluto having just reentered Aquarius back on January 20th ... 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 middle 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 as well as having the Sun currently in transit through your birth sign ... what have you been thinking about in your life since August 29th of 2023 that needed some kind of change - major or minor ??? ... what unique things did you discover about yourself, and where have you felt a need to break free from something or someone in order to express your individuality ???

With Uranus having stationed back into direct motion, we have now entered a period where every planet is in direct motion ... this will last until April 1st when Mercury takes its first full retrograde journey for 2024 - and that's no joke !!! ... make good use of all this powerful forward momentum the Universe has bestowed on us ... there is the potential to get a lot accomplished or certainly planned out to take action on at a later date when the universal energy supports the effort being made !!!

Uranus remains in direct motion until September 1st ... this forward motion will take Uranus from 19 degrees 5 minutes Taurus up to 27 degrees 15 minutes Taurus ... 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 - thrust outward - LOOK OUT !!!

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 ???

A TENDENCY TO RELATE SERIOUSLY, FORMALLY, AT TIMES WITH RESERVE - OFTEN PRODUCING A FEELING OF BEING "STARVED" FOR LOVE !!!

VENUS, with stately grace and refined elegance, began its transit through the committed, disciplined sign of Capricorn today, January 23rd, at 3:50 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, 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 December 10th, 2022 through January 2nd/3rd, 2023 !!!

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 on strong, durable foundations ... 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 Mercury - having finally returned to "full speed" when it exited its most recent retrograde zone on January 20th - already in transit through Capricorn ... Venus remains in Capricorn until February 16th most likely insuring a very practical and rather formal and reserved Valentine's Day this year especially as the Moon will be in Taurus that day which is ruled by Venus !!! 

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 ??? ... ask for what you want now as you just may get it ... just  remember the sage advice to "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"!!! 

MARCHING TO THE BEAT OF A DIFFERENT DRUM - WILL YOU BE A "REBEL" WITH OR WITHOUT A SPECIFIC CAUSE !!!

The SUN began its yearly transit through the "electrifying", bold, and progressive sign of Aquarius on today, January 20th, at 9:07 AM 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" !!! ... and this tears Aquarius season could prove to be even more intense as Pluto once again makes its ingress into the sign of Aquarius slightly less than 11 hours after the Sun !!! 

The Sun in Aquarius allows one to "shine" in various ways :

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 


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


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 


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 is currently by itself in transit through Aquarius but will be joined by Pluto very shortly at 7:50 PM EST - and that will be a lot of energy pushing us to move forward into the future but hopefully not by being too rebellious !!!  

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 especially as Uranus is stationing to turn back into direct motion on the 26th/27th of January depending on which time zone in which you live !!! 

EXTENDED CONCENTRATION AND EXCELLENT ORGANIZATION - KNOWING WHAT TO GET AND HOW TO GET IT !!!

MERCURY, now in direct motion since January1st/2nd, reentered to complete its sharply focused full transit through the traditional, reliable sign of Capricorn yesterday, January 13th at 9:49 PM EST ... Mercury originally began its transit through Capricorn on December 1st, 2023, but due to its final retrograde journey for 2023 returned to the sign of Sagittarius on December 23rd, 2023 ... Mercury was last in Capricorn from December 6th, 2022 through February 11th 2023 due to a dual retrograde period where it entered Aquarius but returned to Capricorn before stationing direct ... and once again this is a longer normal than transit due to yet another retrograde period !!!

Below is a reminder of how the energy of Mercury in Capricorn has the potential to express itself :

Mercury in Capricorn is the energy of a highly organized mentality ... it is a hard worker that stores up facts and figures for future practical use ... it is cautious and highly methodical as it knows what it wants and exactly how it plans to get it ... the mind as well as the tongue are serious and sensible ... communication is made cautiously, and for those born with this energy in their youth there could be doubt as to ones mental ability therefore yielding a need to prove ones self as having a good mind ... there is sometimes this doubt associated with limited educational opportunities in childhood that may be overcome by further study in adulthood ... words here are usually not spoken until they are well thought out unless, of course, MODIFIED by something else in the natal chart !!!



Mercury in Capricorn can make one appear to be rather formal, authoritative, reserved and self-sufficient which can sometimes inhibit communications with others ... natural logic and cautious planning are oriented towards material success and/or personal responsibilities ... thinking is well-organized ... learning is achieved through persistence, dedication, and steady progress ... one might become a little pessimistic under  this energy by mistakenly focusing on limits rather than potentials ... here we have a Mercury/Saturn (ruler of  Capricorn) relationship that will ultimately give a very structured, organized and well thought out quality to the mind and communicating especially if there is no other energy adversely modifying it !!!



Mercury in Capricorn can make one ambitious, careful, calculating and very patient ... one excels at handling detail and rarely loses sight of the overall picture ... people born under this energy often obtain positions of leadership due to their dependability and their air of authority ... one must guard against becoming too dictatorial though ... the darker side of life is often viewed under this energy, yet a redeeming trait would be the very dry sense of humor bestowed here !!!



Mercury in Capricorn teaches us how to think and communicate through what it is we are "building" in our lives ... the mind rules the matter ... it's the organizer ... there is the capability of extended concentration and excellent organization ... one becomes realistic rather than idealistic in the approach to their goals ... little of practical consequence escapes ones attention due to a keen sense of awareness ... think of Mercury in Capricorn like a laser beam - pointed and locked on exactly what it wants and it will know exactly how to get it ... ultimately it is not the facts that ones mind contains that determines its quality - it is how you use your mind and what you use it for that counts ... another essential lesson of Mercury in Capricorn is to learn to USE concrete facts but NOT be weighed down by them ... when you achieve this, you realize how ridiculous it is being enslaved to material status and belongings ... the energy of Mercury in Capricorn can be expressed in the following ways:


POSITIVE: good timing, mentally cautious, not easily fooled, retentive mind, methodical mind, orderly mind, serious when necessary, level-headed, clever, discriminating, shrewd, profits from little, employs others, sober, clear and deliberating mind, strong concentration, painstaking, patient


NEGATIVE: procrastinating, slow learner, skeptical, mentally overloaded, lacking originality and imagination, given to melancholy, boring and rigid, suspicious, devious, avaricious, uses others, stern, dry minded




Use this energy well and you will never lose sight of what really counts the most - your resourcefulness ... be sure to give your mind a break when it needs it, or IT may break !!! ... help to inspire others with a goal that you are able to see more clearly than they can !!!

Mercury now joins the Sun, Mars and Pluto already it transit through Capricorn ... and that is a lot of highly focused energy determined to make sure foundations in ones life are strong and solid on which to build for personal and spiritual growth and success !!!

No doubt my fellow Capricorns and I will come up with some truly scathingly brilliant ideas as it passes through our birth sign and eventually transits over some of our natal Sun placements ... perhaps during this lengthy back and forth transit of Mercury many of us may find ourselves summing it up by the very well known phrase made famous from the television series Dragnet - "JUST THE FACTS MA'AM" !!! 

FORCE AND ENERGY KEPT UNDER CONTROL - STRENGTH LIES IN THE ABILITY TO ENDURE !!!

MARS began its transit through the responsible, hardworking sign of Capricorn yesterday, January 4th at 9:58 AM EST ... this Mars energy is absolutely all about getting the job done and doing so very thoroughly !!! ... Mars was last in Capricorn from January 24th through March, 22nd 2022 ... Mars is back now ready to teach Capricorn born yet another lesson as well as the rest of us ... but also the other cardinal signs - Aries, Cancer and Libra - have the potential to feel the effects of this energy more strongly as well !!!

In astrological terms, Mars is said to be "exalted" in the sign of Capricorn ... every planet has one particular sign, apart from the one it rules, where it expresses itself most harmoniously ... complementary forces are increased and the virtues are magnified ... for Mars it is Capricorn because the organization and discipline of Saturn - the planet which rules Capricorn - makes for the most efficient, practical use of the Mars energy ... here people are more capable of decisive action ... not as much energy may be expended, but the energy that one expends is usually more effective ... there is also a high degree of self-control and discipline, and orders can be taken from those in power and implemented producing positive results ... therefore, it should come as no surprise that many who pursue military careers are born with Mars in Capricorn !!!

Great energy is channeled into professional ambition here ... it is extremely materialistic ... desire for recognition and high status is very intense ... actions are usually well organized and very carefully calculated to achieve concrete results in terms of money and professional advancement ... as a result, many business executives are born with Mars in Capricorn or have Mars in the 10th house - the house of career and public image !!!

Mars in Capricorn bestows pride in doing a job correctly along with a corresponding disrespect for laziness and lack of ambition ... one has to be careful under this energy not to use people for the sake of status and material gain due to a loss of human values in the intensity of ones material ambition ... if Mars in Capricorn is heavily afflicted in ones natal chart with this placement, or the current transiting chart under this energy, there can be a danger of broken bones !!!

Mars in Capricorn signifies force and energy kept under control ... that is, to be used when it is necessary ... ones strength here lies in the ability to endure ... obstacles in ones path are usually run over roughshod ... there is vigor and dynamic force along with quiet self-reliance ... sexual nature becomes earthy and passionate with the element of self-control governing relationships ... sometimes one is hot-blooded, sexy and romantic, and at other times chilly, withdrawn and disinterested ... sexually, passion is expressed only to someone whom you have allowed yourself to become intimately involved with ... ultimately the lesson here is learning not to just indulge in a body for its own sake without appreciating that it houses a Soul !!!

Mars in Capricorn teaches us about how we get what we want through building on strong foundations ... here we have the master builder, the chief executive ... one goes about getting what one wants with such a deliberate, pragmatic and sure-footed fashion, that whatever you get usually remains yours!!! ... achievements are based on a very firm foundation, and as a rule, short cuts are not taken as one realizes they often become the longer way around ... the key here is to learn to appreciate that one is getting somewhere by trusting that the "building work" is going on even though at times it may be taking place unconsciously or beneath the surface where most foundations are  usually based !!!

Mars in Capricorn can often be an indicator of the self-made person due to the ultimate realization, sooner or later, that it may become necessary to have to go it alone ... the ability to delegate and regulate is an essential quality under this energy ... and this applies to both the personal and professional areas of ones life ... this ability results mainly from having a purpose and a plan along with a sense of timing ... one of the greatest gifts of Mars in Capricorn is in learning to pace yourself and not be pressured by others who do not understand the certainty of ultimate success ... the potential energy of Mars in Capricorn might manifest in your life in the following ways:

POSITIVE: persistent, single-minded, nobodies fool, industrious, works according to plan, earthy and practical, authoritative, respects order, disciplined, commands respect, sexually disciplined, capable of celibacy, strong sex drive, self-reliant, energetic worker, decisive, cuts through red tape, inscrutable

NEGATIVE: pig-headed, disagreeable, dog-eat-dog attitude, workaholic, cold and calculating, insists on material results, uses others, lust for control, disregards others' rights, slave-driving, sexually controlling/controlled, suppresses libido, lacking affection, lonely, restless at work, agonizing, bucks the system, self-mystifying

My fellow Capricorn born individuals, as you are probably aware when Mars transits ones birth sign, one is given an extra boost of energy so no doubt we will be using this energy to place those sure-footed steps in place as we continue our upward climb ...  just be careful you don't accidentally "incinerate" or "step" on someones toes accidentally with the extra fiery energy empowering you !!!

Mars remains in Capricorn until February 13th ... just in time to give Valentines Day an unexpected and even "kinky" boost of love and passion !!! ...  Mars now joins the Sun and Pluto currently in transit through the sign of Capricorn - what a dynamic combination of planetary energy that has the potential to produce great achievements, growth and advancement, or possibly great ruin and destruction depending on how you harness this very powerful energy !!!

For those of you keeping track and like to be informed, Mars will take its next retrograde journey beginning the end of this year occurring from December 6th through February 23rd/24th, 2025, a 79 day retrograde period, going from 6 degrees 10 minutes Leo back to 17 degrees Cancer ... Mars enters its next shadow point on October 5th !!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024 - FINALLY !!!

    

MERCURY completed its fourth and final retrograde journey for 2023 on, Monday, January 1st, at 10:08 PM EST - once again, do I hear a BIG SIGH OF RELIEF ??? ... I heard from many people this retrograde was particularly irritating and challenging ... what revelations have you had or will have, either positive or challenging in regards to what you may have done while Mercury has been "scrubbing" over these degrees - 8 degrees 29 minutes Capricorn back to 22 degrees 10 minutes Sagittarius - forwards, then backwards and now forward again as it crosses back over them ... in which house or houses do these degrees fall in your natal chart giving you a clue as to what area of your life this retrograde may have affected you ???

Hopefully, 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 cautiously into the swing of things on all levels especially with Mars having resumed direct motion as well ...  this is a lot of energy and incentive encouraging us to get "unstuck" and move forward on some level of our lives ... in fact we might all could finally say "HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024" !!!

Did any issues and complications or questioning arise in regards to things done during the last retrograde period from August 23rd through September 15th, 2023 ??? ... or maybe as far back as April 23rd through May 14th, 2023 ... or even December 29th, 2022 through January 18th, 2023 ??? ... and 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 meaning things begun and actions taken are certainly subject to potential review and revision - a never ending universal process but all for a good reason !!!




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 !!! ... again, if you've had a natal chart done, you should look to see in which house or houses containing 8 DEGREES 29 MINUTES CAPRICORN BACK TO 22 DEGREES 10 MINUTES SAGITTARIUS fall to determine what issues you may have had to deal with in the areas of life governed by 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 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 ???  ... how many of you began new actions within a relationship, personal or professional without waiting for the retrograde period to conclude ??? ... AND ... how many of you got married ??? 




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 ... all of these scenarios are possible as the energy of a Mercury retrograde is one where communications and mental energy is going "backwards" and rational decision making isn't always so sharp !!!

So now that the mental processing facilities are no longer going backwards - at least for most of us if you know what I mean - 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 retrograde in Capricorn was retrograde in an earth sign ... these retrogrades are mainly focused on practical matters ... Saturn was the planetary ruler of this Mercury retrograde ... the areas potentially affected with Saturn ruling the retrograde were : form, discipline, responsibility, organization, ambition, limitations and delays ... Saturn governs theories and scientific laws, older persons, depth, patience, timing, tradition, conventionality, productive use of time ... Saturn represents the principles of truth, the solidification of wisdom and of aging ... its action is slow and lasting !!! 

Certainly this retrograde had the potential to affect ones career and/or public image as Saturn rules Capricorn which the natural sign on the 10th house cusp ... there may have been some very deep and weighty thinking and rethinking done here ... along with profession, reputation and standing in the community, other areas where issues might have arisen that needed reviewing and rethinking may have included the following : ego, status, fame (or lack of it), promotion, ambition, business or social activities, ones employer, the government or any other authority over one, personal achievements, the way the world sees and evaluates one, the influence one exerts in their own circle, and the parent who is considered the authoritarian if both parents are still here, or the parent who remains should there only be one !!!

Mercury returned to the sign of Sagittarius, a sign ruled by Jupiter which is also the planet that is the natural ruler of the 9th house, on December 22nd/23rd ... areas that may have had issues to arise in included: the law, religion, science, ideals, higher learning, philosophy, psychological issues, mental studies, our dreams and visions, long distance travel, foreigners, foreign dealings, commerce, big business, imports and exports, spirituality and the church, the clergy, in-laws, grandchildren, intuition, ethics, and lessons we learn through living as sometimes we just have a difficult time being able to perceive the bigger picture ... all above mentioned areas being ruled by the 9th house !!!

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 Capricorn, again ruled by Saturn, there could have been more potential to have health issues with the bones, joints, knees, the skin, the skeletal system including the teeth, left ear and the auditory organs ... in Sagittarius, again ruled by Jupiter, health issues could possibly have arisen in the areas of the liver, thighs and hips !!!

 

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 !!! ... now this applies to elective surgery ... as for emergency or urgent surgery, we have no control over that and trying to put that off might produce catastrophic results !!!

Gemini and Virgo born, yet another period of review and reflection for you has come to an end

especially in regards to actions taken since September 15th when Mercury last stationed back into direct motion ... how have you been enlightened and how was your life affected by having your ruling planet Mercury retrograde ... your ruling planet now resumes forward motion and much to your delight so will you - even though you were probably trying to do it during the actual retrograde ... right, of course right - in fact many of us were doing the same thing !!!

Those of you born between December 14th and December 31st definitely got Mercury retrograde energy in their birthday (solar return) chart for the whole year ahead ... those born on December 13th and January 1st/2nd may or may not have gotten this backward energy depending on the time of your solar return ... below is a repeat explanation of what it means to have Mercury Retrograde for the whole year in your birthday chart:



The significance of having Mercury retrograde in your yearly birthday chart or, as we refer to it in Astrology, a Solar Return, is summed up below by Mary Fortier Shea in her book titled "Planets in 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 transit through the sign of Sagittarius ... below is a repeat explanation of what this energy is all about should you now need a refresher course so to speak !!!

MERCURY began its transit through the philosophical, visionary, idealistic, inspirational sign of Sagittarius on Friday, November 10th, at 1:25 AM EST ... Mercury was last in Sagittarius from November 17th through December 6th, 2022 !!!



Mercury in Sagittarius is in a sign opposite to one of the signs it naturally rules - that being Gemini - and is therefore said to be in "detriment" ... it is considered less "visible", appearing to not operate at its usual full power, but not less effective though ... it is visiting a sign where it must conform to rules and regulations that it wouldn't normally have to do in certain other signs !!!



This Mercurial energy learns by gaining an overview of the Big Picture ... it wants to know everything !!! ... it can use way too many words and use great hand gestures sometimes knocking things over, and talk much too loudly at times !!!



But for all its challenges, this Mercury can be quite funny, bluntly honest, and entertain so well that you might find it appealing ... here we have a sincere energy with a great sense of humor ... sometimes things are blurted out without considering the consequences ... there can be highly intuitive flashes of truth ... there is also such an overabundance of varied interests that one can scatter their mental forces too thinly ... here the mind does not need sharpening, only good direction ... generous, progressive and honest, this Mercury does not like deception on any level !!!

Mercury in Sagittarius can produce great interest in higher education, philosophy and religion ... intellectual status is admired and one could become a non-stop talker ... there is a love of travel of any kind found here - foreign places, cultures and people can inspire ones mindset ... the mental approach is broad and quick ... communication is made enthusiastically, openly and optimistically ... the desire to be direct, truthful, generous and broad-minded aids in connections with other people ... thinking and reasoning are usually influenced by long-term goals rather than specific or short-term desires and needs !!!

Honesty is usually a major focus with this energy ... one is likely to be quite articulate and gregarious ... there can be a tendency to leap to conclusions, overgeneralize and possibly over exaggerate ... one can inspire others through their ideas ... there is a natural inclination to learn and to teach other people what one knows ... there could also be an interest in writing or the law as well !!!



Mercury in Sagittarius teaches us to learn to think and communicate through what it is we are SEEKING ... its the eternal student ... the mindset is broad and active and capable of cultivating itself and being aware of a variety of life's aspects ... there needs to be a focus here otherwise the knowledge and experience can yield a personal philosophy that is merely a scattered collection of ideas and thoughts that are disconnected ... here we have a seeking mind that is looking for the meaning of life and how we are a part of that !!!

One usually speaks their mind yielding a refreshing clearing of the air in order for one to see where they stand with others, and where others stand with you and themselves ... getting things off ones chest is important with this energy - left unsaid it could lead to difficulty with communications and evening with breathing !!! ... here is a mind filled with wonder at all this world has to offer - everything is there for the finding ... mental freedom, a good hot debate, laughing and joking, great thoughts and the promises of life are liked ... not so well liked are an overabundance of ideas, long sad faces, small minded people and those who are wet blankets ... the energy of Mercury in Sagittarius can be expressed in the following ways :

POSITIVE: frank, sincere, open-minded, speaks ones mind, versatile mind, speculative, intuitive, noble-thinking, thinks big, learned, clever, far-sighted, philosophical, fair judge, sees truth, enthusiastic, cultured, eclectic, informed, well-connected

NEGATIVE: indiscreet, irreverent, overly talkative, scattered mind, irrelevant, illogical, poor concentration, overly-grand ideas, too academic, impractical, short-sighted, sermonizing, opinionated, self righteous, trendy, conceited, pompous

Mercury now joins Venus and Mars currently transiting through Sagittarius ... Mercury remains in Sagittarius until January 13th !!!



Sagittarius born, we anxiously await all of the scathingly brilliant ideas you are going to come up with while Mercury transits your birth sign !!! ... however, we all may come up with some as well !!! 

During this time, each of us has the potential to enhance our native born intelligence with formal training if we choose ... we should look AND listen ... gear your thoughts to an end that is lasting or even a cause that will inspire and enlighten others, and to what is the ultimate truth one can learn while Mercury transits through Sagittarius ... by opening your mind you will surely come to understand one very important fact of life - KNOWLEDGE IS TRULY POWER!!!

Mercury remains in direct motion until April 1st when it will take its first full retrograde for 2024 completely in the sign of Aries going from 27 degrees 13 minutes back to 15 degrees 58 minutes Aries !!!

Move forward and try to find ways to be grateful and thankful for all that you are blessed with even though there may be some difficult challenges occurring as well ... the Universe never lets us have anything "perfect" or "for free" because we are supposed to be in a constant state of enlightenment and illumination promoting personal and spiritual growth !!!