YES ... IT'S "THAT" TIME ONCE AGAIN !!!

 

MERCURY -  began its third retrograde journey for 2022 on Friday, September 9th, at 11:38 PM EDT ... if you've been following my blogs, or most anyone else who writes about this "phenomena", then you know pretty much what to expect during a Mercury Retrograde ... as always - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!!! ... some of you may have noticed the energy beginning to move backwards already when Mercury entered its shadow point - the point where it will come out of the retrograde on October 2nd - back on August 20th when Mercury reached 24 degrees 11 minutes Virgo  ... from now on things somehow just don't seem to go right or as we planned and we often find ourselves RE-DOING things, not only inside the retrograde period, but especially after Mercury stations back into direct motion !!!



This Mercury retrograde is a dual sign retrograde going from 8 degrees 55 minutes Libra back to 24 degrees 11 minutes Virgo !!!



Obviously communications are going to be challenged both to and from others ... partnerships and relationships often hit the skids during these periods ... it is NOT a good time to make major purchases - especially cars - a big NO NO, computers or anything that involves electronics !!! ... purchasing homes can end up producing unforeseen problems and even the contracts can have unexpected difficulties along the way or at closing especially if the closing takes place during the retrograde period .... it is 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 .... 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 ... I have frequently found, though, that in some charts I've done, people born under a Mercury retrograde sometimes seem to thrive during these periods because they innately understand the backward energy and how to work with it !!!

And what about Weddings you ask ... or did you ??? ... NO NO NO - especially with this retrograde partially in Libra which naturally rules the 7th house including, among other things MARRIAGE !!! ... now I know it takes time to plan a wedding and if you have already done so then there is no need to rush and cancel it ... sometimes it is the impromptu weddings that run into serious trouble ... regardless, I would highly suggest you get someone to note when you are pronounced a married couple and then find a reputable astrologer to run an event chart for the "birth" of the wedding relationship in particular to see in which house this Mercury retrograde energy falls ... this would give you a good idea in what area of life you might run into difficulties down the road or certainly where to keep an eye out for potential trouble !!!



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



Mercury retrogrades are simply a time for reviewing and revision ... as the saying goes, "it might be a good idea to drop back and punt" !!! ... during a retrograde journey it can be said that we are in a mental "down time" and often things will not register on a conscious level with us ... it is said that the use of Mercury retrograde cycles are to reconnect the individual with the Universal rhythm ... this is NOT the time to make vast sweeping changes ... rather one should keep an eye open for possibilities that could prove more satisfying once the energy has returned back to direct motion ... and to point out once again, I have found that some people who are born with Mercury retrograde in their natal chart may have the tendency to navigate these often turbulent waters somewhat easier !!!

In Libra, Mercury retrograde challenges us to mainly address our relationships and partnerships both public and private  ... and it wouldn't be out of the question that the need may arise to address personal values and our monetary situation with Venus ruling Taurus - the sign naturally falling on the cusp of the 2nd house which rules how you earn and spend money and personal values as well even though the retrograde is not in that sign !!!

Mercury retrograding in the sign of Libra can bring into focus the areas of life ruled by Venus as well as 7th house matters and also potentially pulling in 2nd house matters as Venus naturally rules these two houses of the horoscope ... so issues could arise regarding art, culture, possessions, partners, beauty, charm, good taste, sweets and sugar, harmony, singing, drama, music, emotional contacts, tenderness, moral character, marriage and unions of all kinds, pleasure and appreciation - all things ruled by Venus !!!

There could also be issues in regards to financial affairs, possessions (excluding real estate), investments, earning power, gains or losses through your own efforts, inner talents and resources, your need for fulfillment, your emotional feelings, your sense of self-worth, sense of values, personal liberty and material debt - all matters represented by the 2nd house !!!

But there is the greatest potential for issues to arise regarding business and marital partnerships, marriage, divorce, contracts, lawsuits, agreements, dealings with the public, open enemies, cooperation or lack thereof with other people, addressing what you most lack in yourself, grandparents, and any people who act as your agent or on your behalf - all matters represented by the 7th house which is the specific sign on the house Venus naturally rules where this Mercury retrograde is taking place ... and because Mercury rules communications, don't be surprised if people seem to lose their manners and tact which is what usually occurs during a Venus retrograde ... I've been hearing they already have done so !!!

Health-wise, there could be issues with the throat, chin, cheeks or sense of taste which are areas ruled by Venus, and the kidneys which are ruled by Libra !!!

As Mercury is the natural ruler of the 6th house, there is always the possibility of issues regarding daily work and service, as well as ones health and nutritional habits !!!

On Friday, September 23rd, Mercury returns to the sign of Virgo ... Mercury retrograding in Virgo will certainly give rise to issues regarding daily work and service, health and nutrition, and possibly family issues ... as Virgo rules the intestinal area in the body, there could easily be issues there as well in addition to other health issues that might arise as Mercury naturally rules the 6th house which includes health and nutrition !!!



As Mercury retrogrades in Virgo, Mercury in Virgo already "slows" down the mental process with Virgo being an Earth sign, and adding retrograde energy to it just complicates matters where there is already the tendency to over analyze everything down to the last detail !!!! ... As Virgo is the natural ruler of the 6th house of the horoscope, one might also expect to encounter issues regarding employment, employees, tenants, servants, pets, dependents, service given to others, routine matters, your clothes and how you wear them, hygiene, interest in food and ones diet, sickness and all conditions affecting your health ... the 6th house also relates to ones aunts and uncles, self-adjustments and ones unconscious mind ... it is important to note that in the 6th house, work and health are linked together !!! 

If you've had a natal chart done and know in which house or houses 8 degrees 55 minutes Libra back to 24 degrees 11 minutes Virgo  lie in your chart, then you may get a good idea as to what the main issues of this Mercury retrograde has in store for you ... this is where you are most likely going to find issues arise particularly for you in the areas of life governed by the house or houses where this Mercury retrograde falls in your natal chart ... A lot to "think" about when the mental processing is not functioning at its best ... once again a good reminder of how important it is to have a natal chart run by a reputable Astrologer !!! 

A Mercury retrograde is usually not a good time to have surgery as the healing process could be slowed down or there could be the chance of having to go back at a later date and take care of something that wasn't done correctly - especially in regards to cosmetic surgery which goes double this time while Mercury retrogrades in the sign of Libra which is ruled by Venus !!! ... now this applies to elective surgery ... as for emergency surgery, we have no control over that and trying to put that off might produce catastrophic results !!!

Gemini and Virgo born since Mercury is your natural ruling planet, this is your time to "try" and slow down for personal review and rethinking - especially in regards as to what has transpired in your lives since Mercury last resumed direct motion on June 3rd !!!

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 (October 2nd).


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. Hold off until AFTER October 2nd !!!


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 in October after the 2nd, you will most likely 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. Smile.


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, sometimes four, we live with this cosmic "going to teach you patience routine". All and all when this retrograde period is over you may "Realize" this simple truth: The flow of the universe is very, very interesting and it is going to have its way with us.


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



Those of you born between September 10th and October 1st will definitely have Mercury retrograde energy in their birthday (solar return) chart for the whole year ahead ... those born on September 9th and October 2nd may or may not get 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 !!! "



For all of us, now 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 May 10th through June 3rd, or, like Gemini and Virgo born, actions we undertook since the last Mercury Retrograde ended on June 3rd ... and it would not be out of the realm of possibilities to have issues arise from previous Mercury retrogrades in particular the retrograde periods from January 14th through February 4th,  or September 27th through October 18th, 2021, which happened to be completely in the sign of Libra - all of these being the most recent Mercury retrogrades ... and in some cases. issues arising from previous retrograde periods further back than those mentioned ... after all, Mercury is known as the "trickster" and you never know what may occur !!!



Whatever the case, it is for sure that there will undoubtedly be lights going ON in our heads regarding certain actions as well as other lights going OUT as this Mercury retrograde energy wreaks its cosmic havoc for the next 23 days ... Mercury remains retrograde until October 2nd ...and just a "fun" fact, there are currently 6 planets - Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - retrograde ... that is a LOT of cosmic energy forcing us to review and re- examine our lives on may different levels !!!

It would be in your best interest to slow down and try not to act too impulsively and swim upstream in a raging current of cosmic chaos or the day may come in the near future when you live to regret what you did ... be aware that tempers will flare and patience may become very scarce at times  ... most importantly, keep that sense of humor close at hand ... it will definitely be needed many times especially during the next 3 weeks !!!

As always my fellow beings of light, when all is said and done, the burning question becomes whether or not will we become the victim of Constant Cosmic chaos, the recipient of great Cosmic Clarity - or perhaps both ???  

AVOIDING THE TENDENCY OF LETTING THE OBJECT OF OUR AFFECTIONS BECOME THE "TARGET" OF OUR AFFECTIONS !!!

  

VENUS began its transit through the picky, detailed oriented sign of Virgo on Monday, September 5th, at 12:05 AM EDT ... Venus was last in Virgo from July 21st through August 15th/16th, 2021 ... Venus in  Virgo is considered to be in its "fall" and therefore its effectiveness can be greatly challenged ... being in its "fall", Venus is opposite the sign it is exalted in which is Pisces ... it does not work all that efficiently because this position makes it difficult to express its true nature ... a planet in "fall" is like having to stay in someone else's home where you do not really feel all that comfortable !!!

Venus in Virgo, which produces a highly discerning type of love, enjoys competence, precision, and doing things the way they should be done - CORRECTLY !!! ... it is exacting, discriminating and/or critical when relating to other people ... affection is usually expressed in a manner of doing things for people or serving them in some way ... it is also expressed modestly and/or timidly ... pleasure is achieved by functioning efficiently and being helpful especially in repairing things, situations or people !!!



Venus in Virgo enjoys analysis, precision and organizing details ... logic and common sense makes this Venus very comfortable ... the handling of money and possessions is usually practical and thrifty ... there is a desire for common sense and for a willingness to work in love relationships ... this Venus can be more sincerely affectionate than any other sign, can manifest a very strong business sense, and knows exactly what is does and does not want !!! ... it often has a tendency to get so involved in details it becomes overly critical and demanding !!!



Venus transiting the sign of Virgo teaches us to learn to determine what it is we truly love through detailed analysis ... ultimately one discovers that eventually you must surrender to the mystery of love and art - or objects thereof - and no longer analyze ... this energy can acquire a finely tuned sense of social, emotional, and artistic values ... one must also learn to be discriminating about being discriminating ... one must resist the temptation to tamper with what is already simply attractive ... this Venus likes a spotless reputation, good manners, sexual hygiene, and pure or natural art ... it doesn't like relationships that have no mental stimulus ... the energy of Venus in Virgo can be expressed in the following ways :


POSITIVE: knowing what you like, discriminating, fine sense of aesthetics and design, artistic, sincerely affectionate, simple and clear, quietly charming, strong character, impartially kind, coolly detached, helpful, precision worker, specialist worker, painstaking, pure and modest lover, high moral sense, socially discerning, privately sensuous


NEGATIVE : critical of partners, fussy and nagging, easily dissatisfied, artistically neurotic, inhibits affection, undemonstrative, dry, socially stiff, hides sensitivity, emotionally absent, cold exterior, too exacting, retreats into work, indecisive, restrained, feeling sexually inferior, puritanical, social misfit, self-effacing



Venus is the natural ruling planet of Libra and Taurus, and as such, love, partnerships/relationships, personal values and how we earn and spend our money, in addition to our dedication to our daily work and service, health and nutritional habits as well as some family issues will be thoroughly examined under the cosmic microscope while Venus is in the precision, detail oriented sign of Virgo which is naturally ruled by Mercury ... keep in mind that Mercury is currently in its shadow point about to begin its third retrograde journey for 2022 beginning on Friday, September 9th which also means the last 20 days of this Venus transit will have the planet it is transiting through in retrograde ... and the final seven days of this transit, Mercury will have returned to the sign if Virgo per retrograde motion ... so how will this affect the already challenging energy of this Venus transit ???



Venus now joins the Sun currently transiting through the sign of Virgo  ... Venus remains in Virgo until September 29th !!!

Virgo born, don't forget the "love light" is now shining on YOU - play it right and you might just get what you want if you DON'T over analyze and obsess over it too much and if Mercury doesn't interfere with its retrograde antics !!! 

For all of us it would be very wise not to let the object of our affections become the "target" of our affections while we are all being encouraged by the Universe to be out there "looking for the perfect AHHHHHH" !!!  

APPRECIATION OF AN HONEST REPUTATION, REFINED MINDS, GOOD MANNERS, AND MORAL JUSTICE LEARNED THROUGH INTERACTION WITH OTHERS !!!

MERCURY  began its initial transit through the, social, charming, persuasive sign of Libra on Thursday, August 25th at 9:03 PM EDT ... Mercury was last in Libra from August 30th through November 5th, 2021 - a longer than normal transit due to a retrograde period and that will be the case again this year as well !!! ... harsh words and intimidating comments are seldom or very hesitatingly spoken while Mercury moves through this sign - after all, Libra is ruled by Venus which tends to soften and sweeten things while adding charm ... in many ways this can be considered as the cosmic energy expressing the "language" of love !!!

Mercury in Libra produces a mindset that is usually concerned with human relations and psychology and produces a mindset towards balance where both sides of the issue are considered ... it gives an intense curiosity about the thinking and behavior patterns of others - it is very focused on one particular aspect of the mental and emotional plane and that is one-to-one relationships ... good communications and happiness in relationships are essential here ... there is a strong sense of justice which tends to make one very honest in their communications ... communications are generally made in a diplomatic, elegant and balanced manner ... feedback from others is a must in order to clarify your opinions ... mentally striving to support your heartfelt principles is often what inspires others with this energy !!!



Mercury in Libra likes to consider all sides of an issue before making a final decision - the trap here is that Mercury, finding it difficult to explore any single idea without devoting equal time and energy to the opposite viewpoint and thus becoming distracted by too many facts, may yield indecisiveness which results in the inability to act on an issue thus getting lost ... Mercury in Libra also gives an interest to the law and the arts ... it bestows one with charm and diplomacy and gives the ability to communicate adeptly, elegantly, impartially and tactfully ... this energy produces natural born mediators and one who has truly mastered the art of whispering sweet nothings into your ear !!!



Mercury in Libra teaches us to think and communicate through relating to others, and underlying much of this thinking is a desire for agreement ... it likes an honest reputation, refined minds, good manners, moral justice and likes to learn through interaction with others ... it does not like being underestimated, having no one to talk with, and mob mentality ... as always there are two different kinds of uses with any energy ... as for Mercury in Libra they are:


POSITIVE: agreeable, flexible, diplomatic, prudent, persuasive, charming, well-spoken, communicative, hardworking, disciplined, scholarly, orderly, eclectic, fair judge, good arbitrator, reasonable, team-spirited, principled, honorable, open-minded ...


NEGATIVE: weak-minded, non-committal, turncoat, smooth-talking, insincere, affected, rat-racer, blindly obedient, unoriginal, indecisive, cowardly, phony, boring, illogical, easily swayed, overly sensitive, flighty, superficial ...



Mercury is currently the only planet transiting through the sign of Libra ... Mercury will not complete its full transit through Libra until ... WAIT FOR IT ... October 29th !!! ... and you know why ... Mercury will get no further than 8 degrees 55 minutes Libra when it begins its third retrograde for 2022 which occurs from September 9th through October 2nd going from 8 degrees 55 minutes Libra back to 24 degrees 11 minutes Virgo ... Mercury will return to Virgo on September 23rd per retrograde motion and once it stations direct on October will reenter Libra on October 10th to complete its full transit ending on October 29th ... Mercury has been in its shadow point since August 20th when it reached 24 degrees 11 minutes Virgo !!!

Meanwhile with this current mercurial energy, for all of us this becomes a period of time when we have the ability to learn to speak more graciously and gently through our communications ... and to that end the Universe encourages each one of us to realize -

THE KEY TO MANIFESTING POSITIVE PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN LIFE IS TO SPEAK KINDLY AND THINK GOOD THOUGHTS !!! 

DISSECTING AND ANALYZING - PERHAPS OVERLY SO - ALL OF THE FACTS TO OBTAIN THE ULTIMATE TRUTH !!!

The Sun began its "highly efficient" transit through the methodical, discriminating sign of Virgo on  Monday, August 22nd, at 11:16 PM EDT ... the cosmic solar energy now lowers the curtain on the flamboyant and dramatic energy of Leo which can produce so many overblown egos and has shifted into a slower, more highly work oriented mode of operation ... with the Sun in Virgo, one likes to shine through their competency, through their work and/or health, through being pragmatic, and through their tendency towards discretion !!!

Virgo is a feminine/earth/mutable(flexible) sign ... it is reserved, modest, practical, very discriminating and industrious, highly analytical and painstaking, and always seeking to know and understand ... its key phrase is "I ANALYZE" and it's keyword is "Practicality" ... its glyph is the Greek spelling for the word "virgin" ... anatomically it rules the nervous system and the intestines - this energy can make one prone to illness caused by stress and nervous tension ... it can also make one highly prone to ulcers ... it is the sign directly opposite of Pisces in the natural zodiac where one can be dreamy, given to imagination, self-delusion and escapism ... Virgo is the sign of work and self-improvement yielding a perfectionist nature which will dissect and analyze - often over-analyzing - all of the facts in order to obtain the ultimate truth and gather all available information !!!

Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury ... this is the second sign Mercury naturally rules - the other being Gemini ... Mercury is the ancient God of communication and commerce ... Mercury rules intelligence and reason, and tends to give one a rather high strung temperament ... Mercury represents the intellectual urge, reasoning ability and all avenues of expression ... so naturally it would rule mental capacity, dexterity, rationalization, sensory perceptions, travel - in particular short trips, brothers and sisters, children, speaking, writing, bookkeeping, secretaries, neighborhood activities, letters, mailings, means of transportation, trade and techniques ... where you find Mercury in your natal chart is the place which shows where and how you best communicate !!!

Virgo naturally rules the 6th house of the horoscope ... it is a house of duty and substance ... it relates to ones work, health and habits ... it shows employment, employees, tenants, servants, pets, and dependents ... it also shows service to others, routine day to day matters, ones clothing and how it is worn, hygiene, interest in food and health, sickness and all conditions that would affect ones health ... this house also shows aunts and uncles, self-adjustment, and the unconscious mind ... in this house, work and health are tied together !!!

The Sun transiting Virgo teaches us to learn how to live productively through rational analysis ... here we have the perfectionist ... through constant analysis we are seeking a state of purity ... this energy must have some kind of work or be of some kind of service for life to make sense ... it is energy that is continuously preparing for something ... there is a need here to perfect some kind of technique through vigorous study and training and through this one can reduce the everyday wear and tear on the nervous system and the intestinal  area ... proper rest, retreat and good diet are a MUST here ... serve your body well and it will serve you and others well in return !!! ... the energy of the Sun in Virgo can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: thoughtful, analytical, lively mind, observant, scholarly, precise, pure intentions, discriminating, helpful, problem-solving, wholesome, health-conscious, industrious, methodical, efficient, reliable, modest, considerate, pure

NEGATIVE: over thinks, skeptical, worrier, critical, dry, fault-finding, interfering, problem-making, fussy, hypochondriac, workaholic, inflexible, overly mechanical, spoil sport, unsure, stand-offish, sterile, petty, melancholy, picky

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN VIRGO BORN !!! ... the Sun is now transiting through Virgo by itself with Mercury having left on August 25th ... there's a lot of energy that is focused like a laser beam on being exact, precise, paying attention to every detail and being very discriminating !!!  ... The Sun remains in the sign of Virgo until September 22nd !!!



During this solar transit through Virgo, we will be immersed in facts, figures, daily work and service issues, health and nutritional issues, and possibly family issues on some level ... and keep in mind the last 13 days of this solar transit, Mercury will be in it's third retrograde journey for 2022 which occurs from September 9th through October 2nd ...  we will have to be careful about all of the above mentioned issues and not move too fast as Mercury is currently in its next shadow point !!!


Time to learn to step back and look at the larger picture which is a very difficult and challenging task under this energy  ... if something is working, DO NOT TRY TO FIX IT !!! ... help where it's not needed becomes a hindrance ... understand that true perfection consists of being able to accept life's imperfections and not worry so much about picky, petty issues ... think of the mind as a "lens" with the ability to focus on what is not only close up but far away as well !!!

So what is there left to say ??? - JUST WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK ... WORK ... WORK !!!  

QUICK TO THINK ... QUICK TO ACT ... AND THEN QUICK TO MOVE ON AS DESIRES AND FOCUS CHANGE FREQUENTLY OR GET LOST BY SO MUCH STIMULI !!!

MARS - the planet representing the urge to get what you want, personal drive, desires, sexual drive, initiative, courage, and raw energy -  begins its extended transit through the expressive, intellectually curious sign of Gemini on Saturday, August 20th, at 3:56 AM EDT ... as Mars usually represents fiery actions and Gemini is an Air sign, Mars has the potential to function extremely well and forcefully here ... and why ??? ... because AIR GIVES LIFE TO FIRE !!! ... in fact, it may work too well and too fast at times in Gemini ... Mars was last in Gemini from March 3rd through April 23rd, 2021... what was going on during that period in your life in regards to getting what you wanted, taking initiative, or even your sexual drive ???

A keyword for Mars in Gemini would certainly be "spontaneous" ... under this energy one is mentally active and naturally curious with a very restless mind and tongue ... one can assert themselves flexibly, cleverly, and with many talents ... verbal expression and learning is important ... in fact the desire to talk and communicate is so strong that one may talk incessantly and we may find ourselves thinking or perhaps forced to blurt out - SHUT UP ... unfortunately this is why gossip and rumors have the potential to spread like wildfire !!! ... in addition, having variety and being on the move is necessary ... energy flows very easily here into mental pursuits and/or skill with the hands ... there is often a display of great dexterity and manual skills ... there is a drive towards learning more, developing new skills and making additional connections between people and/or concepts and ideas ... there is usually versatility and adaptability but there is always the risk of being easily distracted as ones focus and desires change quickly and frequently or get completely lost being influenced by so much stimuli ... think of the phrase "ONCE IS ENOUGH" !!!



Personal identity is tied to ones thinking and communication or to ones manual skills ... sexual drive and physical energy are affected by what one sees, thinks, new ideas, and by conversations ... under this energy if someone is ever ticked off, you can forget about getting a word in at all !!! ... as for partnerships and sex, this energy frequently requires more than one partner for total fulfillment !!!



Mars in Gemini teaches us to learn how to get what we want through communicating on all levels ... it's the live wire ... it's touch and go ... in fact it is a real go-getter - quick to think, quick to act, and then quick to move on ... if you want to know something, it won't be too long before you simply go and ask ... the desire nature, the tongue and the nervous system are all wired together here ... attaining the object of ones desires and satisfying them is usually achieved quickly ... there is a need with Mars in Gemini to learn to slow down in order to see what is really happening in order to discover what it is your heart truly desires ... and this can be challenging as Mars energy, especially in this sign, DOES NOT like to slow down ... know anyone born under this planetary energy ??? ... I rest, so to speak, my case !!!



The contact ultimately to be made under this energy is with ones self - until you are able to concentrate your attention and learn to distinguish between what you want, what you have, and what you can't have, you will fall victim to your nervous system running in overdrive and dictating what you do ... these high strung energies need a constant outlet ... and when you run into someone who frustrates your energies, it becomes necessary to determine what it really is about that person that is driving you - up, down, forward, backward, wild or plain crazy - and you may ultimately discover it is something inside of YOU !!! ... the energy of Mars in Gemini can be expressed in the following ways :


POSITIVE: sharp-witted, humorous, stimulating, ingenious, dexterous, resourceful, adaptable, quick, agile, lively, mobile, eloquent, inquisitive, communicative, contact-maker, versatile mind, flexible, full of ideas, multi-talented

NEGATIVE: sharp-tongued, sarcastic, irreverent, argumentative, mischievous, meddlesome, unreliable, hasty, jumpy, unable to relax, restless, verbose, nosy, rambling, gets wired crossed, scatters thoughts, changeable, lacking in perseverance

GEMINI BORN - enjoy this extra long burst of get up and go, as if you really need it anyway, for roughly the next six weeks - be careful not to "incinerate" everyone else with this added "fired" up energy while it is engaged productively without influence from any other universal force of energy in play at the present time !!!

Mars is currently the only planet transiting through the sign of Gemini and given its highly driven energy here, that is probably enough for now ... Mars remains in Gemini until ... wait for it ...March 23rd, 2023 ... a much longer than usual transit and you know why !!!

Mars will take its next retrograde journey from October 30th through January 12th, 2023 completely in the sign of Gemini going from 25 degrees 37 minutes back to 8 degrees 8 minutes Gemini ... it would be a very wise idea to find out in which house or houses this lengthy retrograde, 74 days, will take place so you get an idea where in your life the main thrust of this Mars retrograde may make its presence especially felt ... Aries born and Gemini and even Virgo, being ruled my Mercury, born may potentially be more affected but we all might to some degree ... Gemini is ruled by Mercury, already in its shadow point as of yesterday, August 20th ... Mercury will take its third retrograde journey from September 9th through October 2nd ... it will then take its fourth and final retrograde journey for 2022 from December 29th through January 18th, 2023 and that one will be completely embedded in the final 15 days of the Mars retrograde ... the rest of 2022 could be somewhat bumpy and challenging to navigate with two personal planets switching back and forth in shadow points and retrograde periods ... as well we will enter a New Year under both a Mercury and Mars retrograde in progress ... Mars enters its next shadow point on September 3rd !!!

NOW - let's all get out there and, in one way or another, BUST A MOVE - INTELLECTUALLY ... PHYSICALLY ... OR BOTH  !!! 

THE LOVE OF BIG ENTRANCES, HIGH DRAMA, AND OUTRIGHT GOOD OLD-FASHIONED ROMANCE !!!

VENUS began its "roaring" transit through the very dramatic and intensely romantic sign of Leo Thursday, August 11th at 2:30 PM EDT ... Venus was last in Leo from June 27th through July 21st, 2021 !!!



THIS VENUS CARES - IT REALLY CARES, and will make darn sure you know it !!! .. this energy loves big entrances and high drama ... ultimately, it just outright loves good old-fashioned romance ... it enjoys the limelight, attention, admiration and applause ... it gives a natural magnetism and sex appeal ... others often find the expression of this energy down right exciting ... affection is expressed dramatically and wholeheartedly ... it can make one magnanimous, loyal, playful and magnetic in love ... the handling of money and possessions is usually generous, extravagant, and speculative ... there is a desire for zest, enthusiasm and an adrenaline rush in ones love relationships ... ones pride and urge for recognition affects ones capacity for closeness ... clothes and appearance are also very important with this energy !!!



Venus in Leo teaches us about how we love through what we create ... this is where love "shines" ... it is important to give some form of creative expression to your feelings and passion in relationships ... and even though one is very  enthusiastic, there ironically may exist a deep-seated "doubt" of ones own ability to be loved which others cannot detect outwardly from you ... artistic sense is very strong ... life is frequently viewed as an ongoing creative experience !!!



At some point, one must ultimately go looking for their inner beauty ... one thing you can be compared with is your self-respect ... what each of us has to give is priceless ... channel the larger than life energy here into larger than life pursuits or pastimes ... love and allow yourself to be loved in return ... this energy likes admiration, mutual respect, lavish parties, showing off ones partner, and old fashioned classic courtship ... it dislikes even the slightest rejection, behavior that is insulting, being "shown up" by others, and a lack luster love ... the energy of Venus in Leo can be expressed in the following ways:


POSITIVE: romantic, ardent, passionate, loyal, artistic, dramatic, entertaining, fun-loving, radiant, outgoing, warm, openly affectionate, charming, attractive, benevolent, gives a lot, social pride, personal pride, fun to be with


NEGATIVE: unrealistic, sexually obsessed, consuming, too loyal, prima donna, overbearing, demanding, inappropriate, self-centered, showy, brassy, flirtatious, seducing, flaunting, expects too much, snobbish, vain,  competitive, game-playing



Venus is currently transiting through the sign of Leo with the Sun ... we now have a chance to discover and face what is truly in our hearts and how to genuinely and creatively express that in our partnerships and relationships, or perhaps change something in order to make our partnerships and relationships more beneficial and provide more positive and spiritual growth in our lives ... Venus remains in Leo until September 4th/5th depending on which time zone in which you live !!!

Leo born, the social and romantic spotlight is now shining brightly on you - enjoy the flames of passion and love ... just be careful not to incinerate yourself or anyone else with it !!!

For those of you who might be planning a "special" occasion during 2023, just a heads up ... Venus will take it's next retrograde journey July 23rd through September 4th, 2023 going from 28 degrees 36 minutes Leo back to 12 degrees 12 minutes Leo ... so we will have the planet of love and affection retrograde completely in the sign of Leo which rules romance, creativity and pleasure ... makes one go hmmmmm now doesn't it ??? ... please don't blame the messenger for the message !!!

As I always like to point out with this particular transit of Venus that Madonna, a Leo born individual herself, probably best summed up this energy in her famous song  "Burning Up for Your Love" - and that is exactly what we all could potentially be doing for someone or find someone doing for us during this 25 day transit ... maybe !!!   

A DISCRIMINATING, HIGHLY FOCUSED, DETAIL ORIENTED MINDSET - BUT CAN YOU SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES ???

MERCURY - began its initial transit through the highly focused sign of Virgo today, August 4th, at 2:58 AM EDT ... thinking and communicating processes now shift from what was a fiery, highly creative energy to being more rational and efficient sometimes to a fault  ... and even though Virgo is an Earth sign which is somewhat prone to slower movement,  Mercury is dignified in this position, very happy and very much at home here and functions well as this is one of the two signs it naturally rules - the other being Gemini ... Mercury was last in August 11th - August 29th, 2021 !!!

Mercury in Virgo usually gives the mind a rather precise, thorough and analytical ability ... communications and thinking can be logical, helpful, critical, negative, skeptical, practical or humble ... one is apt to put their mind to work doing their job ... this intellect is excellent for writing or technical crafts, and converting ideas into a tangible form ... there is a talent for organization, but sometimes the discriminating and highly focused mind could get mired in too many details and become excessively critical ... one of the challenges of this energy is to learn to step back and look at the bigger picture in addition to avoid getting immersed in all the fine details ... learning is best achieved in an organized sequence and a logical presentation !!!

Concern for details can often lead to the syndrome of "not being able to see the forest for the trees" ... there is also likely to be an interest in health, nutrition, competence and ones day to day work ... this Mercury says exactly what it wants to say - no more no less ... to quote a familiar television phrase,  this energy wants to know "Just the facts Ma'am" !!! ... it has a quick, dry wit, bestows a fine eye for detail, and usually produces very neat and readable handwriting ... this energy can also make one very skilled with their hands and often craftspeople are born with this energy in their natal chart !!!

Mercury in Virgo is very impartial and gets to sorting through all the details to where the logic and precision can discover the heart of the matter ... with this fine intelligence, systematically clarifying and refining information received and understanding the patterns comes naturally ... here we have a logical, practical mind that produces a quick learner ... on the challenging side, Mercury in Virgo can make ones mind so very active with all the extraneous processing that it is sometimes difficult to quiet and still the mind yielding restlessness and/or the inability to sleep ... just ask someone born with Mercury in Virgo !!!

Mercury in Virgo teaches us to learn to think through analyzing ... it's the pure mind ... the ability to reason functions very well here ... a big challenge though is to not live totally in your mind and understand there is a big difference between knowledge and actual experience ... this energy also can help one assist others in seeing things more clearly - in forms such as writing, editing, counselling, teaching, drawing and translating ... there is the ability to assimilate vast amounts of complex information !!!

Ironically, when it comes to expressing something close to ones heart, this energy can make one obscure it in a lot of irrelevant references ... this energy makes it necessary to thoroughly grasp a specific subject as without training or education one is more likely to suffer greater than others from being unemployed, underemployed or unemployable ... the ultimate goal with this energy is to appreciate that what gets in the way of understanding life is thinking way too much about it - a totally clear mind is really no mind at all !!!! .... the energy of Mercury in Virgo can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: analytical, objective, systematic, logical, discerning, precise, meticulous, clever, eloquent, well-read, well-informed, accurate, retentive memory, fast learner, highly efficient, good worker, modest, helpful, practical

NEGATIVE: unfeeling, remote, clinical, cold and dry, hypercritical, trivial, worrisome, wordy, bookish, intellectual snob, misses the point, greedy mind, impatient, high strung, workaholic, self-critical, skeptical, slave to reasoning, pointless

Virgo born individuals, no doubt you will be infused with plenty of practical ideas as Mercury passes through  your birth sign ... for all of us, with Mercury in Virgo we should remember that the point we are trying to communicate should be remembered, researched, rehearsed and then expressed ... make the best of what you actually know ... what's the use of knowing everything and feeling nothing ???

Mercury is currently the only planet transiting through the sign of Virgo !!! ... Mercury will actually complete its first transit through Virgo on August 25th ... however due to its third retrograde journey for 2022 Mercury will return to the late degrees of Virgo on September 23rd and then complete its final  transit through Virgo on October 10th !!!

Just a reminder, the third Mercury retrograde for 2022 will occur from September 9th through October 2nd going from 8 degrees 55 minutes Libra back to 24 degrees 11 minutes Virgo ... this will be a 22 day day Mercury retrograde period ... Mercury enters its next shadow point on August 20th when it reaches 24 degrees 11 minutes Virgo !!!

The thrust of Mercury's mission in Virgo boils down to encouraging us to analyze and scrutinize every piece of information, and to ultimately make sure we have crossed every T and dotted every I  .... over and over again which ironically is just what Mercury loves to do in Virgo anyway whether in direct or retrograde motion ... hope everyone  wont lose too much sleep while the mind is now racing and analyzing so much information !!!