THE CENTAUR'S PRECISELY LAUNCHED ARROW !!!

The Sun blazed its way out of dark, brooding Scorpio and began its joyful transit through the cheerful, optimistic and adventurous sign of Sagittarius yesterday, 11/21, at 10:48 PM EST ... this is probably the most positive sign of the Zodiac ... in Sagittarius we need to shine for our benevolence, shine through our optimism and enthusiasm, and seek recognition for our ideals ... freedom is sought and valued on all levels - mental, emotional, physical and spiritual ... this is the sign of straightforwardness and honesty ... naturally energetic and outgoing, Sagittarius usually attains its goals through the power of positive thinking ... here we have serious thinkers concerned with the well being of mankind as well as their own lives ... often the truth is spoken very frankly and undiluted so it's best to develop a thickened skin with this energy ... there is a desire here to expand into previously undreamed of realms viscerally through experience and the excitement of adventure ... there is strong inward drive to travel far and fast either geographically and/or in thought ... the creative urge is also very strong in Sagittarius which truly can make the Holiday season "the most wonderful time of the year" !!!

Sagittarius is a mutable (flexibility), masculine fire sign ... it's glyph is the Archer's arrow ... it is ruled by the planet Jupiter whose keywords are benevolence, expansion and protective urge ... its key phrase is "I understand" and keyword is "visualization" ... anatomically it rules the hips and the thighs - and there certainly can be the tendency for a lot of "expansion" in those areas of the body especially during this season of the year, right??? ... it is the sign opposite of Gemini ...

Sagittarius is the natural ruler of the 9th house - a house of "life" whose keyword is "aspiration" ... the 9th house denotes your higher mind and the super conscious ... it relates to law, religion, science, ideals, higher learning, philosophy, psychology, profound mental study, personal dreams and visions ... it shows distant travel, foreigners, foreign dealings, commerce, big business, imports and exports ... the 9th house also represents the church - as a spiritual factor, the clergy, in-laws, grandchildren, intuition, ethics and public opinion in general ... it indicates the lessons we learn through living ...

The lesson of the Sun in Sagittarius is learning to live through seeking ... it is the adventurer ... life is seen as an opportunity ... it never really matters how hard the road ahead is because it is still a road to be traveled on and go places ... there is an intuitive grasp here of how life works - this is the "manager" of the Zodiac ... there is great power at ones disposal under this energy - if you let the proverbial "horses run wild" you might end up the victim of a big crash and torn apart ... under control and with a high target to aim at, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!! ... and so the energy to be harnessed can be the following:

POSITIVE: benevolent, generous, enthusiastic, jovial, optimistic, lucky, far-sighted, positive thinker, stimulating, outspoken, colorful, open and honest, able, good judgement, honorable, mobile, expansive, carefree, vital

NEGATIVE: promises too much, excessive, over-zealous, overbearing, blind to details, jumps to conclusions, contentious, inconsiderate, tendency to exaggerate, embarrassing, boastful, moralizing, pompous, volatile, scattered, irresponsible, careless, lascivious

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN TO ALL SAGITTARIUS BORN - this is your time of year to SHINE !!! ... it's the beginning of a new Solar year for you, so you have the chance to wipe the slate clean, to a point, and aim for lofty new goals which is right up your alley!!! ... the Sun remains in Sagittarius until December 21st ... consider the Holiday season technically underway with the excitement of a young child's imagination shifting into high gear, and hopefully the benefit of good will towards each other ...

Holiday shopping could prove interesting as we all get into such a light hearted spirit, but remember Venus entered its shadow point on Wednesday, 11/20, in preparation for its next retrograde journey beginning on December 21st only hours after the Sun makes its ingress into Capricorn ... might be a good idea to get as much holiday shopping in and finished as soon as possible and certainly before December 21st if at all possible ... with all the retailers scrambling to make extra sales due to one week being lost with Thanksgiving so late this year, it's any ones guess as to who will truly "profit" from the Holiday sales, and who will feel like they really got the "value" of what their hard earned money was spent on !!! ... will the person receiving the gift be grateful and appreciate the "value" of what they have been given ??? ... and just how dramatically will Uranus stationing back into direct motion in Aries the final week of the shopping season elevate the "push and shove" usually associated with the frenzy of last minute shopping ???

Just keep in mind, there's always a direction in which to head, and as each journey begins with one step forward, look upward and focus on one thing that will satisfy you and keep you on track, and be true to it ... and then - like the Centaur's precisely launched arrow - you will hit your intended mark!!!

"A DREAM IS A WISH YOUR HEART MAKES" !!!

Neptune - planet of the spiritual, the universal, the ethereal, the mysterious and mystical, enlightenment and/or delusion, sensitivity, imagination, escape, release, surrender, sacrifice, compassion, suffering, meditation, healing, artistic inspiration, music, drugs and alcohol, glamour, fantasy, religious drives, romantic love, film , altered states, dissolvement, uplifting experiences, confusion, consolation and dreams - completed its retrograde journey for the year yesterday, November 13th, at 1:43 PM  EST... having been retrograde since June 7th of this year, Neptune has been requiring all of us to look inward and attempt to tune into the collective  unconscious and try to understand how our fears, illusions, confusion, or personal spiritual journey is connected into the energy of what is happening with humanity ... hopefully we have been able to determine whether or not we have been applying our own personal energies in a positive manner in order to develop faith and spirituality ... it is possible that many of us have discovered that we have been aimlessly following a path of escapism and disappointment ... it has been a time to develop a rational objectivity concerning the intangible aspects of life which would include truth, fear, hope and inspiration ... many artists, musicians, poets and those who lead highly spiritual lives may have been able to tap into their higher selves and find inspiration to further their abilities ... hopefully, we have all been paying extra special attention to our dreams as they are sure to have brought us important messages from our unconscious state ... unfortunately there are those who may have been driven into drugs and alcohol as a way to "escape" what is perceived as the pain and suffering of daily life ... people born with Neptune retrograde in their natal chart are usually those who at some point in their lives find the need to question and test all aspects of faith and beliefs ...

Neptune is currently transiting through the sign of Pisces ... below is a review of what the energy of Neptune in the sign of Pisces, which it naturally rules, is all about :

Neptune was last in the sign of Pisces from 1847 – 1862 … some of the events occurring during that time included Brigham Young settling in Utah with the Mormons, John Sutter starting the California “Gold Rush”, Ferdinand de Lessups building the Suez canal, Marx and Engels writing “The Communist Manifesto”, Darwin developing the theory of Evolution, and this period saw the beginnings of the study of oceanography …

Some of the areas Neptune rules include: maritime matters, liquids, movies, stage and television, glamour, dreams, illusion, delusion, spirituality, mystery, anesthetics, love of poetry, color, dancing, drugs, drug addiction, alcoholism, hypochondria, hypnosis and abnormality …

In Pisces, Neptune’s qualities of spirituality and creative genius will be enhanced, especially for those born under this energy, and therefore may produce many great and gifted mystics, artists and spiritual leaders … these people will be deep thinkers with a profound understanding about the meaning of life … their compassion may be enhanced by intense psychic powers … there are many astrologers who think this generation could possibly bring in a period of ultimate self-realization and hopefully be able to bring peace and tranquility into the world … Neptune here does NOT value materialism, so this generation will be interested in exploring the inner man and woman …

In Pisces, for all of us, Neptune produces the potential for great strides and enhanced creative expression for  people in any field of the arts … new medical discoveries will occur … new cultural concepts will be developed … there will most likely be a change on the face of religion in general but not necessarily in a bad way … there will be more of a tendency to explore and develop our inner selves yielding the possibility of attaining the capability of harmony between the physical and spiritual world … this energy will make us potentially more psychic, generous, understanding, responsive to the environment, more mystical and compassionate ... but it could also lead us in the other direction making us more gullible, passive, self-destructive and likely becoming a victim to all kinds of addictions … it is definitely a good time to start paying attention to your dreams as the Universe will undoubtedly be bringing us vital information while we sleep – keep a dream journal close by !!!

The ultimate question here becomes whether we will give in to numerous savior/victim associations becoming separated from reality and runaway into escapism lost in a world of illusion, or will we reach new heights of empathy, compassion and spiritual attainment … If we use this energy positively we indeed will be more compassionate, self-sacrificing, intuitive, artistic and creative … used negatively we will end up melancholy, an escapist, a procrastinator, vague, and likely to become a victim of many forms of addiction including drugs and alcohol …

Pisces born, this is your ruling planet so it is time to "wake up" and begin to move forward on goals, desires, and dreams once again ... what have you been rethinking and reviewing in your life since June 7th of this year that you now understand is productive and what have you discovered that may be a hindrance and detrimental to your personal and spiritual growth ??? ... especially if you know which house in your natal chart Neptune is currently transiting through thus giving an indication where in your life the transformation from this energy is taking place ... the same could be said for the rest of us as well ...

Neptune remains in direct motion until June 9th, 2014 ... Neptune will not complete its transit through Pisces until January of 2026 ... and no matter what dreams may come - and they will in numbers - know that with Neptune in Pisces, dreams will definitely have the potential to become reality, and hopefully we will all rise to new heights of spiritual compassion and not fall into the depths of despair, deception, delusion and addiction !!! ... and as it has been said that a "dream is a wish your heart makes" - may each one of us find our dreams becoming a reality in our lives !!! ... it is time to immerse ourselves in the "waters" of compassion, creativity and spirituality !!!

TIME FOR MOVING ON !!!

Mercury completed its third and final retrograde journey for 2013 yesterday, November 10th, and stationed  back into direct motion at 4:12 PM EDT - do I hear a BIG SIGH OF RELIEF out there ??? ... hopefully, once again, the emotional disorientation and confusion while Mercury was retrograde in the "water" sign of Scorpio will now begin to clear as it is time to ease back into the forward swing of things on all levels ... this Mercury retrograde may have been especially challenging for many as Scorpio forced us to look deep within ourselves and come face to face with our most intimate and rawest emotions and feelings ... and with Saturn currently in Scorpio this introspection was even more challenging ... over the next few days to the next few weeks or even months, there may be some "a-ha" lights coming on in regard to decisions made during the retrograde period from 10/21 through yesterday 11/10 and possibly as far back as 10/1 when Mercury entered its shadow point - the point where it would come out of the retrograde journey yesterday which was at 2 degrees of Scorpio ... did issues and complications or questioning arise in regards to things done during the last retrograde period from June 26th through July 20th ??? ... or maybe even as far back as the retrograde period from February 23rd through March 17th ??? ... BUT - this retrograde period was actually a very beneficial thing, especially for this who were strong and brave enough to dig deep down, as we need to validate, or in some cases invalidate, our deepest emotions and deal with them, and finally release them in order to produce a calmer and more positive state of mind 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 what house or houses 18 degrees back down to 2 degrees of Scorpio falls - what kinds of issues did you have 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 or were taken against you that you may now be regretting or simply wondering why you chose to do or were the victim of that particular course of action, and why didn't you or the other person wait a little longer or are simply now trying to figure out why it happened ???? .... did you make any major purchases - homes, cars, electronics - that now don't seem like the best thought out course of action ??? ... there could be problems regarding any purchases made with anything where electrical energy and/or computers were involved .... 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 at this point ... and how many of you got married - OOPSIE !!! ... 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 facilities are no longer going backwards - at least for most of us !!! - it's time to finally RELEASE that which must be let go of in order to produce a calmer and more positive state of mind allowing us to bring about greater personal and spiritual growth ...

In addition to all of its regular little annoyances, Mercury retrograding in the sign of Scorpio may have brought focus to the areas of life ruled by Pluto, the ruling planet of Scorpio, and 8th house matters - the house that Scorpio naturally rules ... so issues could have arisen regarding things which are hidden - especially in the unconscious self, the masses, crime, phobias and obsessions, slow growth, birth and death, isolation, coercion, kidnapping, bacteria and viruses, generation/regeneration/degeneration, secrets and things  kept undercover, plumbing, dictatorships and unpopular causes - all of these things ruled by Pluto ... and there could have been issues regarding support one receives from other people - including financial, moral, spiritual and physical, legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, sex, spiritual/physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration and death - both literal and figurative, occult matters, sleep, deep research, investigations, hidden assets, assets of partners alimony, and surgeries - all of these matters represented by the 8th house ... health-wise, there could have been issues with the genitalia and reproductive organs which are the anatomical areas Scorpio rules  ...

Just a reminder of what Mercury can produce as it moves forward to complete its transit through the sign of Scorpio ... Mercury in Scorpio is intense, probing and filled with boundless determination ... this is the placement of the natural born detective always wanting to get to the bottom of things and ferret out information and hidden motives ... it loves tuning into underlying messages ... communication is usually done very passionately and intensely ... a lot of messages are delivered non verbally ... intimate bonds are frequently formed through ones communications ... superficiality is not tolerated ... what is spoken emanates from the depth of ones psyche ... one often thinks about secrecy and silence and sometimes withholds information on purpose ... though the mind is usually thorough and organized, it can be easily swayed by powerful emotions and obsessions ... one seeks the underlying root causes here and is usually unyielding in their quest for information ... detective work might appeal to one here along with anything that looks beneath the surface such as psychotherapy, archaeology and, of course, the occult ...

And finally a word about what Mercury in Scorpio is trying to teach us ... The lesson of Mercury in Scorpio is all about how our thinking is influenced by what we  desire ... it is the super sleuth of the zodiac ... what you desire and what you fear are tightly entangled in your mind ... this mind sees through people and situations ... this mentality rarely misses anything ... a caveat here would be not to fall into the trap of being suspicious of malice of intent when it does not exist ... sometimes this energy can create intrigue just to keep the mind on its toes ... this mind is basically sharp and efficient knowing that there is always something that needs looking into thus constantly exercising the mental muscle ... the sign of real mental power and superiority here is learning when to leave well enough alone which is usually understood here ... insight is sharpened with the ability to watch and wait silently which this energy bestows ... others can often benefit greatly from the penetrating insight found here ... one is happiest here when not overcome by personal fears and phobias as they end up clouding ones judgement ... this energy likes brain-teasers, mental control and intrigues ... it dislikes mental inactivity, weak-mindedness, lack of subtlety and mincing words ...

Mercury will be back up to full speed on November 27th when it returns to 18 degrees Scorpio - the point where it began its retrograde journey on October 21st  - and thus exits its retrograde zone ... however don't forget Venus will have entered its shadow point the day before on November 20th at 13 degrees Capricorn in preparation for its next retrograde journey beginning on December 21st ... could be the Holiday shopping season is going to be even more challenging, stressful and probably filled with a lot of people saying "HO HO HO-NOOOOOO ...  gotta love that holiday "gift" compliments of that Cosmic sense of humor !!! ... regardless it is okay to pursue projects and new beginnings - in fact now would be an excellent time to check out my blog from September 30th entitled "Personal Planet Retrograde Flip Flop" if you haven't done so already - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE !!!  ... as Mercury has kicked this process off, you might find the insight very helpful ... Mercury remains in the sign of Scorpio until December 4th and in direct motion until February 6th, 2014 ... TIME FOR MOVING ON !!!

THE CREST OF THE TIDAL WAVE OF EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS !!!

Jupiter, the planet known as the Great Benefic, and the planet which symbolizes growth, the law, beliefs, ethics, expansion, opportunity, wealth, faith, higher education, travel - long distance, religion, philosophy, joy, goodwill and sometimes excess, began its retrograde journey for this year today, November 7th, at 12:03 AM EST ... transiting planetary retrogrades are often referred to as global wake-up calls ... usually right before a Jupiter retrograde it will be discovered or become apparent that society, organizations and individuals will have "gone too far" in their desires to expand and grow ... often the actions will have exceeded positive limits which necessitates a time for stepping back ...

Jupiter retrograde is a period for everyone to grow internally and prepare themselves for new opportunities that arise when Jupiter stations back into direct motion ... it is very important during this period to look within  and develop a better understanding and awareness which hopefully will enable each one of us to figure out if what is being offered to us is what we really want and/or need ...

People born with Jupiter retrograde in their natal chart usually find that society's religions, beliefs, philosophies, and cultural values are not compatible with their own values ... they have to step back from the "norms" and rethink these things on their own in order to develop their own individual "operating systems" ... needless to say, during a transiting Jupiter retrograde, we may all experience this and those born with Jupiter retrograde may experience an enhanced desire to pursue their natal energy in regard to this area of our lives ... as Jupiter goes retrograde roughly every 9 months for a period of about 4 months, there are obviously a lot of people, like yours truly, born with Jupiter retrograde in their natal chart !!!

Jupiter, is currently transiting through the sign of Cancer, and just a reminder, the time has come for emotional healing ... one must find the courage and strength to take an honest look deep within and begin to release and let go of those negative thoughts, feelings and emotions that have been holding us back as well as possibly creating "dis"-ease within in our bodies ... it is now time to address issues within our home and families as well as issues surrounding our sense of security and the strength of our foundations in order to promote personal and spiritual growth ... and as far as our personal health, it's time to begin healing, if needed, in the area of the breasts and the stomach which are ruled by Cancer ... we are also learning to promote growth - both personally and for others - through nurturing ... so now we must take time to slow down and look back as well as inward to determine if we are honestly addressing our emotional needs, as well as others, or if we have allowed them to be blown out of proportion creating stress and disruption in our lives and the lives of others ... for the present time, we have reached the crest of the tidal wave of feelings and emotions we have been engulfed by and riding since Jupiter entered Cancer back on June 25th, and the energy has now turned inward so we all may end up doing a lot of soul searching and have to draw on our personal strength and courage to face the emotions that must be examined and then purged in order to promote further personal and spiritual growth ... what sense does it make to allow ourselves to get so emotionally stressed out that we bring negativity and ultimately illness into our lives ??? ... we might actually get a little assistance with this process for the first four days with Mercury retrograde in Scorpio, as well as from Saturn currently transiting through Scorpio ... and though it may not always be pleasant or easy to digest, it will certainly prove to be a valuable source for transformation and healing if we allow the process to work !!!

Sagittarius born individuals, as Jupiter is the ruling planet of your Sun sign, this is your yearly period of review and reflection ... it is time to step back and reflect on what has been going on in your life since Jupiter last turned direct on January 30th of this year ... where have you possibly over-expanded, and what opportunities for growth and expansion have come your way that you either took advantage of or might well have overlooked or even ignored ???

Jupiter remains retrograde until March 6th, 2014 entirely in the sign of Cancer ... for everyone, if you've had a natal chart done, look at where 20 degrees back down to 10 degrees of Cancer falls and you might get an idea where - based on the house or houses these degrees fall in - this review and rethinking process may take place in your life ... everyone should take a good look at where you have possibly over-expanded, physically or otherwise, and/or gone too far too fast ... keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities for growth and expansion that might come your way - yes, even in a Jupiter retrograde ... take advantage of them when Jupiter resumes its forward motion - be careful otherwise you might find that you have overlooked what could ultimately be that once in a lifetime chance !!!

VALIDATING LOVE THROUGH THE TEST OF TIME !!!

Venus, with stately grace and elegance, began its transit through the committed, disciplined and MOST AWESOME SIGN OF THE ZODIAC, Capricorn, today, 11/5, at 3:43 AM EST ... this Venus has a somewhat more somber and serious nature as it is transiting a sign ruled by Saturn - the taskmaster/teacher who tends to limit and restrict and produce a need for restructuring ... Capricorn is an Earth sign and when Venus transits an Earth sign interactions with others are sought sensually and with practicality ... it seeks comfort and stability ...

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 ... this Venus 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 ...

The lesson of Venus in Capricorn is all about learning to validate love through the test of time ... it is loving through building ... 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

My fellow Capricorns, this is our time to shine as Venus bestows its grace, charm and luck on us ... remember to ask for what you want now as you just may get it ... Venus now joins Pluto currently in the sign of Capricorn ...  we are all going to be taking a serious look as well as doing some serious thinking about something or someone in our lives, our financial situation and whether or not our personal values truly reflect outwardly who we are on the inside ... Venus remains in Capricorn until ... WAIT FOR IT ... March 5th, 2014 ... the usual 24 day transit is being extended out to 4 months as Venus prepares to take its next retrograde journey which begins on December 21st !!!

As Venus lovingly transits through the sign of Capricorn, it will not be unusual that we may frequently find ourselves requiring  proof of worth for the love that is being  "tendered"!!!

THE URGE TO MERGE WITH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING ELSE !!!

The Sun began its transit through the determined, aggressive, shrewd, secretive sign of Scorpio today, 10/23, at 2:10 AM EDT ... we are now being directed to turn inward to face truths about ourselves and what lies beneath  - "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" - OR CAN YOU ??? ... this energy can be extremely intense but also highly transformational ... being a water sign, you can bet the emotions will come into play constantly as opposed to the mental approach of the air sign of Libra ... this energy needs to shine passionately, through its power and resourcefulness, through seeking recognition for its penetration, and maybe through being in the limelight through a compulsive persistence ... Scorpio is rarely passive or neutral about anything ... jealousy, being resentful and vengeance are often expressed through this deep, quite private and reserved energy ... recuperative powers are quite remarkable ... here we have the energy of the truth-seeker who uses keen judgement coupled with penetrating insight which ultimately may empower one to exercise a great deal of authority over others ... science, medicine or any field of investigation could attract one ... willpower and persistence are key factors, and even though one may become rather reticent, when pushed one becomes very outspoken and extremely direct ... Scorpio may forgive but it NEVER forgets !!!

Scorpio is a feminine/fixed/water sign ... it is the 8th sign of the natural zodiac ... its key phrase is "I Desire" and its keyword is "Intensity" ... anatomically it rules the genitals - Scorpio born are often susceptible to infections of the urinary system and venereal disease ... in addition the inclination towards volatile emotions is the cause of exhaustion and ill health ... Scorpio is the sign directly opposite to Taurus in the natural zodiac ...

Scorpio is the natural ruler of the 8th house whose keyword is "regeneration" ... it is a house of endings ... many things are addressed here such as joint finances, legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, secrets, sex, spiritual and physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration and death and surgery ... it also shows types of illness ...

Scorpio is ruled by Pluto - a planet representing destroying or reforming urges and fusion ... its keyword is "transformation" ... it governs things which are hidden from view as well as the masses, subversion, crime, phobias, obsessions, slow growth, birth and death, isolation, coercion, disappearance, bacteria and viruses, plumbing and unpopular causes ... its action is slow and inevitable ... if you've had your natal chart run, where you find Pluto is where you'll find complexity and where you'll have to solve problems on your own and without assistance ...

The lesson of the Sun in Scorpio is learning how we live our daily lives through pursuing what it is we truly desire ... it is the urge to merge with someone or something else ... it is considered the most powerful sign of the zodiac ... it can usually sense what is going on beneath the surface of most situations ... this ability can make one prone to influence, manipulate, corrupt, purge, harm or heal ... this energy is unchallenged in the ability to bring to the surface the cause of trouble - whether it is heartache, disease, financial problems, etc. ... there is a great understanding as to what sex is for and about ... this energy can easily cause us to get under others skin .. there is also a great intimacy with life itself ... the power of Scorpio can appear as a truly magnetic charm making one totally disarming, or it can be downright cruel running over others and striking quite unexpectedly ... there is ability to raise something or someone from the depths or throw them down there ... there are deep and genuine emotions here that are often hidden from the surface ... the greatest gift comes when one is able to let go of the fear and hesitation and allow something or someone in - then there is a magical transformational effect which can lead to great healing ... Scorpio likes total involvement, rooting out hidden causes, being persuasive, meaningful work and the untarnished truth ... it dislikes superficial relationships, only scratching the surface, feeling as though someone got one over on them, demeaning tasks and flattering and flattery ... the energy of the Sun in Scorpio can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: intense, loyal, passionate, faith-inspiring, dynamic, regenerating, compelling, magnetic, penetrating insight, scrutinizing, shrewd, resourceful, compassionate, strong and deep, brave, powerful, healing touch, self-sacrificing, intimate

NEGATIVE: obsessive, possessive, fanatical, emotionally draining, coercive, degrading, forces allegiance, seductive, suspicious, cunning, revengeful, self-punishing, cruel, overly rigid view, corrupt, manipulative, jealous, resentful

The Sun transiting through Scorpio now joins Mercury, currently in its final retrograde journey for 2013, and Saturn which began its roughly two and a half year transit of Scorpio in October 2012 ... there is a lot of cosmic energy driving us inward and forcing us to take an honest look at what lies deep within ourselves and how we project this to the outside world - are you strong enough to rise to the challenge ??? ... are we outwardly reflecting who we truly are inside ???   

The Sun remains in Scorpio until November 21st ... remember, power comes through YOU: hate, and power kills ... love, and power heals ... the greatest strength here is forgiving weakness ... if you look deeply enough into someone or something you may ultimately find yourself and discover your personal power ... reaching the point where you are no longer after something, you may realize what it is you are truly after ... for the next 30 days we all have the universal power placed in our hands to produce transformation, change, rebirth and healing in our lives as well as others ... or will we sink to the level of vengeance, destruction and ruin ???

TIME AGAIN TO "DROP BACK AND PUNT" !!!

Mercury began its third and final RETROGRADE journey for 2013 today, October 21st, at 6:29 AM EDT ... if you've been following my blogs, then you know pretty much what to expect during a Mercury Retrograde - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!!! ... this Mercury retrograde will take place entirely in the sign of Scorpio going from 18 degrees of Scorpio back down to 2 degrees of Scorpio ... some of you may have noticed the energy beginning to move backwards already as Mercury entered its shadow point back on October 1st - the point where it will come out of the retrograde on November 10th at 2 degrees of Scorpio ... and just for the record, 18 degrees Scorpio is where Mercury ended its final retrograde journey for 2012 ...  suffice it to say that during a Mercury retrograde things somehow just don't seem to go right or as we planned and we often find ourselves re-doing things especially after Mercury stations back into direct motion ... this is the third water sign Mercury has been completely retrograde in during 2013 - first Pisces and then Cancer ... obviously we all have had to deal deeply with emotional and spiritual issues during the year ... Mercury retrograding in a water sign is a time to rethink the quality of life and gives us an opportunity to rethink old habit patterns and how we emotionally respond to life's challenges ... in Scorpio, Mercury retrograde challenges us to find the courage and honesty to go deep within ourselves in order to bring about transformation and change in our lives in order to promote further personal and spiritual growth !!!

Obviously communications are going to be challenged both to and from others - partnerships and relationships often hit the skids during these periods - some ending prematurely others needing to be brought to a conclusion ... it is NOT a good time to make major purchases - especially Cars, a big NO NO - that goes double for USED CARS, computers or anything that involves electronics ... also purchasing homes can end up producing unforeseen problems and even the contracts can have unexpected difficulties along the way or at closing especially if the closing takes place during the retrograde period .... it is also not a good idea to enter into contracts or start new jobs as they will most likely not pan out and end up being dead ends ... and weddings, well I know it takes a long time to plan a wedding and some of them will just have to go on as planned, but if you can avoid a wedding in a Mercury Retrograde - DO IT !!! .... obviously one cannot put their life on hold, but if there is anyway to hold off on these things until Mercury turns direct, it would prove beneficial in the long run ... if you must take certain actions during the retrograde, just make sure you move slowly and cautiously to hopefully prevent complications down the road ... and even that might not be enough - but life must go on !!! ...  I have frequently found, though, that in some charts I've done, people born under a Mercury retrograde sometimes seem to thrive during these periods because they innately understand the backward energy and how to work with it ...

Mercury retrogrades are simply a time for reviewing and revision ... as the saying goes, it might be a good idea to "DROP BACK AND PUNT" !!! ... during a retrograde journey it can be said that we are in a mental "down time" and often things will not register on a conscious level with us ... the ultimate most proficient use of Mercury retrograde cycles is to reconnect the individual with the Universal "rhythm" ...

Mercury retrograding in the sign of Scorpio can bring focus to the areas of life ruled by Pluto, the ruling planet of Scorpio, and 8th house matters - the house that Scorpio naturally rules ... so issues  could arise regarding things which are hidden - especially in the unconscious self, the masses, crime, phobias and obsessions, slow growth, birth and death, isolation, coercion, kidnapping, bacteria and viruses, generation/regeneration/degeneration, secrets and things kept undercover, plumbing, dictatorships and unpopular causes - all of these things ruled by Pluto ... and there could be issues regarding support one receives from other people - including financial, moral, spiritual and physical, legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, sex, spiritual/physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration and death - both literal and figurative, occult matters, sleep, deep research, investigations, hidden assets, assets of partners alimony, and surgeries - all of these matters represented by the 8th house ... health-wise, there could be issues with the genitalia and reproductive organs which are the anatomical areas Scorpio rules  ...

If you've had a natal chart done and know where 18 degrees of Scorpio back down to 2 degrees of Scorpio lie, you may find additional insight as to what area, or areas, of your life may be more affected by this retrograde, and obviously whether it will involve one or two houses during the retrograde period ...

Below I have re-posted the "Mercury Retrograde Survival Manual" written by my teacher Lyn Hammond Gray ... hopefully it will help out :

"Here is your Survival manual: Mercury retro always creates a repeating action. The Re-Words are common. Some re-words that you will notice during this time are:

Repeat – The action you are making during the RX period you will probably repeat again during the period or later.

Repair – The need for repair will arise. If possible, put if off until Mercury turns direct (November 10th).

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

Recall - Your mind will wonder back. You will think of people from the past or you will encounter someone from the past. If old lovers show up, don't bet that it will stick. Believe me... it is just for a "review." (And if it does last, I want to be the first to know about it. E-mail me and let me know). And you know what, I wouldn't start a new romance during this period either - wait until after November 10th !!!

Review - If you are reading instructions, you may find it necessary to review repeatedly because they simply don't make sense. Sometimes the publisher has actually left out a step. It happens!

Regroup - In corporations, it is a common experience during the Rx to hear the boss say, 'Alright, we are going to rework this thing and get it right.' Later when the period is over, they go back to the old way doing things. It is a laugh a minute. Stand back and watch the comedy.

Reboot and Revise - The computer world is a definite place to watch the comedy. It is common for one to suddenly, without fore thought, decide to revise their system during the Rx. Oh! Mercy! That revised system may never function in the normal way. Oh, please! Do wait until the period is over. However, it is fine to do your shopping for the new components during the Rx. When you do go to purchase your parts after November 10th, you may find better deals and buys.

Return - Now here is a good one. You'll find that this period is a popular time for family or class reunions. Should you stay are home? Absolutely not! You go because this is a review that you don't want to miss. But funny thing is that in spite of the fact that you tell these people 'lets stay in touch' it will become lip service and you won't live up to your suggestion.

Rebirth – Often one will go back into the past and bring up old creative projects to work with during this time frame. Sometimes it sticks and sometimes it doesn't. Only you will be able to activate the discipline to keep it going once the retrograde period is over.

Recover - You can bet that you will dig into your files, boxes or storage to recover something that you need…you can also bet it won't be an easy find. It is likely that you will be looking for a legal document· While it is possible that you may not find what you are looking for, you may find something that you would like to put back in to use. Fun!

Re-examine – Well, just about everything !!!

Reduction – Over the years, I have been amazed at how many times a company or person decides to eliminate a job or to leave a job during the retrograde. It is my experience that a job changed during this period is 95% of the time regretted. Can you wait until the period is over, dear heart?

And so it is. Three times a year we live this cosmic "going to teach you patience routine". All and all when this retrograde period is over you may "Re-alize" this simple truth: The flow of the universe is very, very interesting and it is going to have its way with us.

Good luck and may the Universe bestow upon each one of you a special wisdom and unique insight into your journey through this life at this point!!! "


Back to me now ....Those of you born between October 21st and November 10th will most likely have Mercury retrograde in your birthday chart - also known as your Solar Return - for the whole year ahead ... below is a repeat explanation of what it means to have Mercury Retrograde for the whole year in your birthday chart:

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 may even 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 ... below is what astrologer Mary Fortier Shea says about having a solar return Mercury Retrograde -

"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 !!!

For all of us, this becomes a time to review and rethink what is going on in our lives and especially what may have been started or done during the last Mercury Retrograde, that being June 26th  through July 20th, or even actions we undertook since the Mercury Retrograde period before that of February 23rd through March 17th ... we must look and see what is now running into problems, falling apart, or what simply will not work out and needs to be let go of and ended so we can move forward when the retrograde period is over ... one more item of interest - those born roughly between October 25th and November 10th may be impacted in some special way as Retrograde Mercury will pass backwards over their natal Sun placement ...

Gemini and Virgo born, it is once again time for review and reflection of what is going on in your lives since Mercury is your ruling planet !!!

Whatever the case, it is for sure that there will undoubtedly be lights going ON in our heads regarding these actions as well as other lights going OUT as this Mercury Retrograde energy wreaks its cosmic havoc for the next 21 days ... Mercury will remain retrograde until November 10th ... so slow down and try not to act too impulsively or the day may come in the near future when you live to regret what you did ... be aware tempers will flare and patience may become scarce, but that personal sense of humor may need to be called upon frequently as the Mercury Retrograde merrily produces disruption and misunderstanding - it will certainly be one of your best allies !!! ...

Mercury is the first personal planet - those being Mercury, Venus, Mars - to take a retrograde journey in what I previously addressed as the "Personal Planet Retrograde Flip Flip", a process which takes place until July 21st, 2014 ... if you STILL HAVE NOT READ my blog from September 30th concerning this process, now would be an excellent time during the Mercury retrograde to "GO BACK, READ AND REVIEW" !!! ... Mercury remains retrograde until November 10th and after that it will soon be time for Venus to begin its next retrograde journey - during the Holiday season no less ... Meanwhile,will we become the constant victim of Cosmic Chaos, become the recipient of great Cosmic Clarity ... or BOTH ??? ... and certainly it would be an excellent time not to try and swim upstream in a raging current of cosmic confusion - GO WITH THE FLOW !!!