"ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE ..." - THINKING AND COMMUNICATING DRAMATICALLY AND WITH THE HEART !!!

 

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts" ... to that end the Cosmic "curtain" rose on yesterday, August 9th, at 12:28 PM EDT as Mercury began its dramatically expressive transit through the ambitious, optimistic sign of Leo ... Mercury is now ready to blaze through Leo where the mindset and communicating functions will most likely become "center stage" somewhere in your life for the next few weeks ... as Leo is a fire sign it will bestow Mercury with a lot of creativity ... this Mercury is quite the performer who wants to get your attention along with your admiration any way it can ... Mercury was last transiting through Leo from June 26th through September 2nd, 2025 - a longer than normal period due to a retrograde period, but that will not be the case again this time !!! 

Mercury is considered to be in its "fall" in Leo ... that meaning it is in the sign opposite to the one where it is considered to be in "exaltation", which in this case is Aquarius where it expresses its energy harmoniously with its forces increased and its virtues magnified ... HOWEVER, Mercury in its "fall" in Leo can yield a difficulty in expressing its real nature ... it is said to be like staying in someone else's home and being where you do not really feel comfortable ... Nevertheless, there is a lot of positive potential from this mercurial energy !!!

Mercury in Leo thinks dramatically and always with the heart ... here one can become a visionary and  highly idealistic ... romantic attachments tend to take a major portion of ones concentration ... there is a display of dignity, a sense of innate refinement, and a desire to make good impressions on others ... there is also a desire to be the authority in ones chosen field ... there is ability to solve problems, but sometimes the details are ignored ... ambition abounds under this energy ... and since this is a very dramatic energy for communication it should not be a surprise that every now and then comes the tendency to exaggerate, be self-centered, or tell a little white lie or two !!!

Entertainment could easily be ones forte with dramatic talent being given here - okay all you wannabe actors, now it's time to show us what you got !!! ... this is often the natal placement of those in the entertainment industry ... there could be skills at sales, advertising, promotion or any means of persuading people with ones mind and tongue ... there could also be a desire to have ones thinking or style of communication given a lot of attention ... speech is made with abundant energy, great pride, liveliness and a lot of charisma ... drama and humor is frequently used in communications ... learning is best achieved when one is aroused and excited by a particular topic ... sometimes the ego has a way of getting involved here which could lead to fixed thinking or limited objectivity ... presentations are usually dramatic and magnetic ... one could become interested in power, children, fame and creativity under this energy !!!

Mercury transiting through the sign of Leo teaches us to instill our thinking process with ambition and creativity ... its the idea person ... one is usually proud of their intellectual talents and capabilities ... with the mind being so closely connected to the heart, there is great passion, strength and originality in the mode in which one thinks and communicates ... sometimes insecurity here can lead to one coming on too strong or even cause one to underestimate the power of their mind !!!

Mercury usually functions best when it is cool and detached from the ego, but this can become difficult in the self-conscious sign of Leo where personal aims and intentions appear to be to all-important and other important factors become far less important ... it is wise to realize that people give up trying to help others who always think they know better ... but ultimately, being able to combine ones own creative and enterprising mind with an awareness of others ideas and attitudes that are involved in your personal drama will benefit everyone ... problems are usually approached with great imagination and energy ... learning to use the input of others will allow one to avoid being a one-person endeavor, and then the mind will become a vital spark that will ultimately ignite a larger group endeavor ... the power of Mercury in Leo can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: mentally creative, distinctive verbal style, warmly articulate, identifies with popular ideas, grasps the entire issue, intellectually confident, focused concentration, fixed intentions, enthusiastic worker, convincing speaker, outspoken and optimistic, knows ones own mind, teaching and planning ability, foresight, executive mind

NEGATIVE: mentally conceited, liking the sound of ones own voice, only interested in ones own ideas, overlooks details, mentally arrogant, inflexible mind, stubborn and one-track mind, self-centered, feels superior at work, craves appreciation, verbally over-bearing, talks "AT" others, wrapped up in pet projects and theories

Mercury is now transiting through Leo with the Sun and Jupiter !!!

So exactly what kind of "scene" from what kind of "play" will each one of us be "acting out" during this dramatically expressive transit of Mercury ... new ideas and projects just might have quite a theatrical air about them ... Mercury remains in Leo until August 25th !!!

Only two more complete sign transits, those being Virgo and Libra, ere Mercury begins its third and final retrograde period for 2026, completely in the sign of Scorpio, which will occur from October 24th through November 13th going from 20 degrees 58 minutes back to 5 degrees 2 minutes Scorpio ... and to reiterate one more time it will be embedded completely in the final days of the upcoming Venus retrograde which occurs from October 3rd through November 13th ... Mercury enters its next shadow point on October 4th when it reaches 5 degrees 2 minutes Scorpio !!!

While Mercury is in Leo it is wise to remember that we should teach others what we really want to learn our self ... we stand or we fall by what we say and how we say it ... do not ignore that "small still voice" that is an important part of the greater good !!!

One final word of advice - be aware that whatever springs from your mind, and ultimately from your lips most likely in a dramatic fashion, especially during this extended transit, is only as good and true as that which dwells in your heart !!! 

So, curtain up ... light the lights ... cue applause ... now get out there, take center stage, think big and then communicate with a dramatic flair which for certain people will not be a difficult task at all will it now ??? 

A HIGHLY MENTAL APPROACH TO LOVE AND ROMANCE - THE EMOTIONAL FACTOR OFTEN COMING IN TO PLAY LATER !!!

Venus began its "loving" transit through the charming, sociable sign of Libra on Thursday, August 6th at 3:13 PM EDT ... Venus is very much at home here - considered to be in dignity - as this is one of the two signs it naturally rules - the other being Taurus ... Venus was last in Libra from October 13th through November 6th, 2025... anything come to mind during that ride of emotions, relationships and possibly financial issues ???

Venus in Libra tends to first have a highly mental approach - because Libra is an air sign - to love and romance with the emotional factor often coming into play later ... it enjoys art, harmony, and certainly people ... it can be charming, diplomatic, and graceful in relating to others ... affection is expressed with elegance, charm, and consideration ... fairness, balance and gentleness are qualities used when interacting with others ... sometimes there can be such an excessive desire for peace and tranquility that one avoids having to face issues which ultimately can inhibit intimacy ... there is pleasure found in balance and in beauty ... this energy appreciates symmetry ... the handling of money and possessions is most likely cooperative even though at times there could be a competitive edge ... Venus in Libra wants affection, beauty and ease in love relationships with a need for equal sharing between one and ones partner ... this Venus is also equally concerned about justice and fairness !!!

Venus transiting through Libra is all about how to love through relating with others ... it's the aesthetic ... one can appreciate and understand art and society on their own separate levels ... there is an inner sense of harmony here which yields the ability to see life in terms of beauty and justice ... this ability comes from more of a mental approach rather than an emotional one ... here one recognizes that beauty is important with the question arising whether or not it is more than or simply skin deep ... the ultimate answer is that it is both !!!

Venus in Libra can easily be attracted to ones inner beauty in addition to or rather than their outward appearance ... there is also probably a fear of conflict and disharmony ... ugly scenes, feeling unattractive, uncouth behavior and fake love are strongly disliked ... this energy is likely to attract either popularity or wealth, or both ... social harmony, tastefulness, being in love, beautiful surroundings and true marriage are highly appreciated here ... the energy of Venus in Libra can be expressed in the following ways :

POSITIVE: eye for beauty, strong color sense, good ear, artistic, affectionate, likable, magnetic, fair-looking, refined, graceful, pleasant, socially correct, romantically steadfast, relates well, harmonious, just, empathetic, broad-minded

NEGATIVE: hung up on appearances, oversensitive, music snob, art snob, takes personal liberties, frivolous, seducing, vain, affected, phony, overly concerned with etiquette, superficial, insincere, avoids conflict, indifferent, cold, cynical, social outcast

Libra born individuals, this is your time when the love light of Venus shines on you - even though it usually always does as it is your ruling planet !!! ... and, as always, ask for what you want especially during this period as you might just get it !!!

Venus is currently transiting through the sign of Libra by itself ... Venus will not actually be finished with transiting Libra until December 4th due to its upcoming retrograde period for 2026 ... it will complete the first transit through Libra on September 10th ... once stationing retrograde on October 3rd, it will return to Libra on October 25th where it will complete its retrograde journey ... the upcoming retrograde period will occur from October 3rd through November 13th going from 8 degrees 29 minutes Scorpio back to 22 degrees 51 minutes Libra ... and to add to the "festivities", Mercury will be taking its final retrograde period for 2026 completely embedded in the final days of the Venus retrograde ... Venus will enter its next shadow point on August 31st !!! 

Meanwhile, remember ones personal ideal is something to strive towards and not stubbornly insist upon ... relationships will ultimately prosper on love and understanding of the best AND the worst ... and certainly the undeniable purest expression of Venus in Libra is developing the ability to lend grace where awkwardness exists and to gain understanding in the midst of strife !!!

For now, it's time to seek beauty and learn to appreciate it for what it is ... determine where your passion for the pursuit of justice truly lies ... play nice with the other children ... and ultimately it's time to discover and understand the "true beauty" of partnerships and relationships and how they can manifest positive personal and spiritual growth in your life !!! 

FINDING WAYS TO BE GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL FOR ALL YOU ARE BLESSED WITH - NOTHING IN OUR LIFE JOURNEY IS EVER PERFECT OR GIVEN FOR FREE !!!

    

MERCURY completed its second full retrograde journey for 2026 on Thursday, July 23rd, and stationed  back into direct motion at 6:58 PM EDT at 16 degrees 18 minutes Cancer - do I hear a BIG SIGH OF RELIEF ??? ... I heard from many people this one was particularly challenging, but to be honest I personally believe the final Mercury retrograde for 2026 from October 24th through November 13th may turn out to be the most challenging not only because it will be the third retrograde completely in a water sign, this time Scorpio which everyone knows likes to dig up issues from deep down we might not rather want to deal with, but also because it will be completely embedded in the final days of the upcoming Venus retrograde which occurs from October 3rd through November 13th !!! 

What revelations have you had so far or will you have, either positive or challenging in regards to what you may have done while Mercury has been "scrubbing" over the degrees of this retrograde - 26 degrees 15 minutes  back to 16 degrees 8 minutes Cancer - forwards, then backwards and now forward again as it crosses back over them moving to exit its retrograde zone ... in which house or houses do these degrees fall in your natal chart giving you a clue as to what area of your life this retrograde may have affected you ???

Hopefully, some of the disorientation, confusion, frustration and outright irritation along with the sudden and unexpected issues that may have been produced by this Mercury retrograde will now begin to clear and subside as it becomes time to move forward cautiously into the swing of things on all levels ... have "lights" started to come on, so to speak, or are revelations occurring now that we are 5 days into Mercury being back into direct motion ???

Did any issues and complications or questioning arise from actions and new beginnings taken during the most recent Mercury retrogrades which would include February 26th through March 20th going from 22 degrees 33 minutes back to 8 degrees 29 minutes Pisces, or even from 2025 which would include November 9th through November 29th, 2025 going from 6 degrees 51 minutes Sagittarius back to 20 degrees 42 minutes Scorpio, July 18th through August 11th, 2025 going from 15 degrees 34 minutes back to 4 degrees 14 minutes Leo, or March 15th through April 7th, 2025 going from 9 degrees 35 minutes Aries back to 26 degrees 49 minutes Pisces ??? ... knowing what house/houses these degrees affected could be indicative of where in life these previous issues may have resurfaced per area of life ruled by the house/houses involved  ... and as always, it would not be out of the realm of possibilities to have issues arise from Mercury retrogrades further back than these ... after all, Mercury is known as the "trickster" and you never know what may occur or "resurface" to be dealt with and completed !!!!!! ... it's a sure bet that as Mercury moves forward once again crossing back over the degrees it covered during this retrograde period, issues may begin to arise meaning things begun and actions taken are certainly subject to potential review and revision - a never ending universal process but all for a good reason !!!

Mercury retrograde periods, even though annoying and extremely frustrating at times, are actually a very beneficial thing, especially for those who were strong and fearless enough to dig deep down, as we need to validate, or in some cases invalidate, actions and situations gone awry and deal with them in order to finally release them to produce a calmer, positive and more productive state of mind thus allowing us to move forward to bring about greater personal and spiritual growth !!! ... again, if you've had a natal chart done, you should look to see in which house or houses containing 26 DEGREES 15 MINUTES back to 16 DEGREES 18 MINUTES CANCER fall to determine what issues you may have had to deal with in the areas of life governed by those houses ??? ... how many of you went with the flow and how many of you tried to swim upstream in the raging current of Cosmic confusion ???

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

Relationships may have come to an end especially with this retrograde completely in the sign of Leo ruling the 5th house of romance, creativity and pleasure - some needed to and others may have jumped the gun and you are now wondering, or will be, why did I do that or end things during this period ...  how many of you had relationship issues surface or resurface - extremely likely in a Mercury retrograde - that you thought surely had been resolved or didn't even realize existed ???  ... how many of you began new actions within a relationship, personal or professional without waiting for the retrograde period to conclude ??? ... AND ... how many of you got married during this retrograde period ???

Did anyone make any major purchases - homes, cars, electronics - that now don't seem like the best thought out course of action or that you are beginning to regret or will do so in the days ahead  ... there could be problems regarding any purchases made especially with anything where electrical energy and/or computers were involved ... all of these scenarios are possible as the energy of a Mercury retrograde is one where communications and mental energy is going "backwards" and rational decision making isn't always so sharp !!!

So now that the mental processing facilities are no longer going backwards - at least for most of us if you know what I mean - in regard to Mercury and its functions, it's time to finally RELEASE these emotional holds and allow ourselves to move forward with our lives ... let go of what is best left in the past !!!

Mercury retrograding in the sign of Cancer yielded an emphasis for an opportunity to rethink how we emotionally respond to life ... and being in a water sign, Mercury retrograding in Cancer produces a strong desire to retreat inward ... when Mercury retrogrades in a water sign our feelings and emotions are strongly activated and, as challenging and sometimes even painful as it can be, we MUST address them in order to promote personal healing by making us have to work harder at producing a more stable balance between our emotional and the mental processes ... as waters can run very deep, that is where we most likely are going to have to dive into ourselves to come face to face with our innermost feelings and emotions ... and wherever this retrograde energy occurred by house/houses in your natal chart, actions could have arisen in that area of your life causing you to undergo a careful and hopefully honest examination to determine if these feelings and emotions are producing a positive or negative contribution to the quality of your life !!!

This was also an excellent time to have kept a dream journal to discover what the Universe is revealing to us deep within our unconsciousness ... even though this can be challenging, it can be an excellent time for honest self evaluation if we have the strength, trust and courage to allow the process to unfold ... and to be honest, it really wouldn't be a bad idea to be keeping a dream journal all the time ... the Universe can speak to us just as "loudly" as when we are awake if we are open to receiving the enlightenment provided - you just might be surprised what themes keep getting repeated although in different ways for us to pay attention to !!!

In addition to the "usual suspect" issues which arise during a Mercury retrograde, being in Cancer there was the potential for issues to have arisen which included : your home, parents, family, foundations, psychological roots, personal security, property - houses and/or real estate, for some the closing years of life, and endings of any kind ... these are all issues addressed in the 4th house of the zodiac naturally ruled by Cancer !!!

Also as Cancer is ruled by the Moon, there could potentially have been issues regarding females - mother, sister, wife and women in general, instincts, moods, tides, phases, receptivity, fluctuations, feelings, habit patterns, reflex actions, personal interests, desires, needs magnetism, growth and fertility, the need to touch, impressionability and consciousness, liquids, commodities, sailing, brewing, nursing, tradespeople, and the public in general ... these are all issues governed by the Moon !!!

In regards to overall health, remember Mercury is the natural planetary ruler of the 6th house which rules health, so there could be more chances to have health issues in general during a Mercury retrograde ... retrograding in Cancer there could also have been issues in the areas of the breast and stomach ... the stomach area most likely being activated by emotional stress conflicting with the digestive process ... as well as the left eye of the male and the right eye of the female which are ruled by the Moon !!!

A Mercury retrograde is usually not a good time to have elective 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 !!! ... did anyone partake ??? ... as for emergency surgery, we have no control over that and trying to put that off might have produced catastrophic results !!!

Gemini and Virgo born, yet another period of review and reflection for you has come to an end especially in regards to actions taken since March 20th when Mercury last stationed back into direct motion ... how have you been enlightened and how was your life affected by having your ruling planet Mercury retrograde ??? ... your ruling planet has now resumed forward motion and much to your delight so will you - even though you were probably trying to do it during the actual retrograde ... right, of course right - in fact many of us are doing the same thing !!!

Those born between June 30th and July 22nd will definitely have this Mercury retrograde energy in their solar return - birthday chart - for the whole year ahead ... those born on July 23rd and June 29th may or may not have gotten this energy depending on what time your solar return occured ... some may be lucky enough to escape it for this year - an excellent reason once again to have a natal chart done and then have a solar return chart run for the year ahead by a reputable astrologer !!! ... below is a repeat explanation of what it means to have Mercury Retrograde for the whole year in your birthday chart summed up by Mary Fortier Shea in her book titled "Planets in Solar Return":

"A Solar Return is the time every year that the Sun returns to the same degrees and minutes it was at when you were born - all the more reason to know your birth time now isn't it, hmmmmm????? ... a new chart is run for you at the time your solar return occurs in that given year and it is run for wherever you are at the precise time of your solar return ... this produces a new horoscope chart which shows what energy you may or may not run into for the year ahead - that is from the current birthday until next years birthday ... its energy can be felt from one to three months out before the actual solar return occurs .... often people will relocate for the return time in order to get a particular energy in their solar return chart !!!

Mercury is usually retrograde in a solar return chart every six years ... during this time it's best to be introspective ... you should be learning and thinking on your own rather than depending on others ... the mind is like an overstuffed drawer seriously in need of re-filing and reorganization ... in other words the time has come to "process" !!!

The mental processes are not very receptive to new information at this time ... it's time to go back and re-examine and review things in your life which may have been started but not carried through to fruition or maybe interrupted and suddenly abandoned for some reason ... by focusing inward you might be able to see that your own opinions, thoughts and decisions work best for you rather than those made by others ... at the same time be very receptive to the feedback others are giving you especially if you have missed the mark in regard to some endeavor !!!

Another side effect of this energy is secretiveness where you decide to withhold information or sometimes outright lie ... and why ??? .. because you have secrets that need to be kept or else were you to express your opinions and thoughts outwardly it could cause tension in your relationships ... have plenty of ice cream around to soothe the tongue you are most likely going to have to bite frequently this year !!!

This is a great year to keep a journal and put your thoughts down on paper and also to write original material ... sometimes you can see things differently when thoughts and ideas are written down which is a very helpful way to get organized ... this is a year where you will probably realize old opinions and beliefs are now outdated thus encouraging you to reassess your thinking, reformulate previously developed ideas, and shed new light on something on some level of your life that needs to be addressed !!!

It doesn't really have to be a bad year ... done wisely, fast forwarding to the past and clearing out the "clutter", you can propel yourself further ahead in life than you originally may have thought !!! "

MERCURY now moves forward to complete its extended transit through the domestic, sympathetic sign of Cancer which began on Monday, June1st, at 7:56 AM  EDT ... just a "reminder" of what this energy is all about should you be in a state of confusion and can't remember !!!

Our thinking and communicative processes now turn from a highly intellectual mode towards a more emotional mode of operation as the ruler of Cancer is the Moon which, among other things, rules the emotions ... our thinking and communicating often ends up resulting from how we FEEL !!! ... Mercury was last in the sign of Cancer from June 8th through June 26th, 2025 !!!

Mercury in Cancer has a way of subconsciously picking up signals from everyone else .. the mind becomes as much a receiver as a transmitter under this energy ... here we have a highly intuitive mode of thinking and communicating ... this placement also usually bestows a very good memory along with strong poetic power ... Mercury in Cancer thinks with the heart and often interprets the meaning of others communications through how it "feels" !!!

Mercury in Cancer does not always say everything it is feeling as it tries to avoid hurting itself and others as well with careless ill-spoken comments ... one is very protective of their thoughts ... it likes to nurture ideas and encourage growth before sharing ... one uses emotions as well as logic and often may end up letting sensitivities sway ones decisions ... subconscious fears, habits, or prejudices could inhibit ones objectivity or openness to the new !!!

Mercury in Cancer usually bestows above-average psychic ability ... one learns through absorbing their experiences and making emotional connections ... interest here may include family, the home, the land, the past, the public or security ... Oh yes, we most definitely may find ourselves thinking about food A LOT, and hopefully that thinking doesn't become a nasty habit of overeating causing us to expand in ways we would rather NOT !!!

Mercury in Cancer teaches us the importance of thinking through nurturing ... it is a caring mind ... one has to be careful not to take everything so personally here ... it is important to remember to look at the facts in addition to the opinions of others ... it is also important to remember and be aware that each one of us is our own source of light and warmth ... most importantly it is necessary to make a collection of good memories that will give rise to clear and positive thinking ... the energy of Mercury in Cancer can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: mentally tenacious, good memory, reliable, sensitive mind, poetic, intuitive, agreeable, absorbs information, attuned to public opinion, profound, polite, softly-spoken, discreet, diplomatic, arouses sympathies, emotionally appealing, persuasive speaker

NEGATIVE: mentally habit-ridden, distracted, inflexible, overly impressionable, impractical, irrational, yes-person, too open, taking things too personally, depressive, self-conscious, unclear, incomprehensible, diffuse,  prejudiced, untruthful

Mercury is now currently in transit through Cancer all by itself ... Mercury will remain in Cancer August 9th !!!

While Mercury is transiting through the sign of Cancer, one should realize that the natural ability to influence others is worthy of only our highest motives ... tuning in to ones finer feelings and expressing them is ultimately more rewarding ... and finally, try to focus on what you are after, who you are with and why ... and then stick with that !!! ... and by all means - enjoy the multiple mental trips down memory lane as they will surely "light the corners of your mind" !!! 

Mercury remains in direct motion until October 24th ... it begins its final retrograde journey for 2026 lasting until November 13th ... Mercury enters its next shadow point on October 4th when it reaches 5 degrees 2 minutes Scorpio ... Mercury will exit its current retrograde zone on August 7th when it returns to 26 degrees 15 minutes Cancer the point where it began this retrograde period back on June 29th !!!

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

THE MIGHTY LION ROARS - LEARNING TO LIVE THROUGH THE PROCESS OF CREATING AND BEING CREATIVE !!!

 

The SUN began its "majestic" transit through the dramatic, romantic, proud sign of Leo today, July 22nd, at 3:13 PM EDT ... this solar energy is all about is being acknowledged, appreciated and applauded ... the overly emotional days of processing everything through our feelings lessens greatly now and our unique creative genius takes center stage !!!

The Sun in Leo is very happy here ... in fact it is in dignity as this is the sign it naturally rules in the zodiac ... when a planet, or luminary in this case, is in dignity, you control the circumstances in whatever area of your life the sign falls !!! ... The Sun is extremely efficient with its energy transiting Leo being dignified in this position ... if you've had your natal chart done, then you may gain awareness on what "stage" of your life this energy may affect you during this 32 day solar transit !!!

The Sun in Leo bestows us with a pronounced craving for attention ... Leo energy usually loves giving and receiving hugs ... The Sun in Leo encourages one  to grow through creative endeavors, seek recognition through risk-taking or exciting activities, extend generosity, and certainly embrace ones own charisma ... this is the ultimate in fire energy - it is very happy, optimistic energy ... and isn't the Sun pretty much at its peak in Summer during July/August (at least in the Northern hemisphere !!!) ??? ... it's easy to see why these native born individuals are so warm and cheerful - unless of course they are modified by some other "darker" energy in their natal chart !!! 

Leo is a masculine/fire/fixed sign which makes it enthusiastic, powerful, expansive and creative, generous and extravagant, dogmatic and VERY FIXED in its opinions ... as previously stated, Leo is ruled by the Sun, so the Sun is extremely happy to be transiting through this sign !!! ... the Sun is the center of our solar system and therefore the most powerful planetary influence which bestows vitality and authority !!!

Leo's symbol is the Lion - regal, brave, dominating, possessing nobility and pride, and sometimes insensitive to pain ... the glyph for Leo represents two valves of the heart ... it is also the Greek symbol for the first letter of Leo ... symbolically, it is two incomplete circles of the Sun joined by a crescent Moon (its tail) which symbolizes that power is derived from both the intellect and the emotions ... its key phrase is "I Will" and its keyword is "Magnetism" ... the Sun is the main expression of the individual ... it shows the qualities of leadership and success ... it represents the masculine principle, the father, husband, and men in general ... it rules health, vital principles, authority and bosses, rank, title, high office, progress, dignity, energy, sense of identity and capacity for experience ... wherever the Sun is located in your natal chart is where you find the life and heart of your horoscope - it is where you truly want and need to shine !!!

Leo anatomically rules the heart, back, spine, the right eye of the male and the left eye of the female ... emotional strain and physical overexertion can cause back and spinal ailments in Leo born people ... sometimes Leo born people can be overbearing and challenging to the point of unknowingly provoking others into impulsive violence !!! ... Leo is the sign directly opposite of Aquarius in the natural zodiac !!!

Leo naturally rules the 5th house of the horoscope ... it is a house of life whose keyword is "Creativity" ... the 5th house represents children, artistic expression, love affairs, romance, pleasure, amusements, holidays, vacations, games, speculation, hobbies and what distracts you from your main employment ... it also represents your emotional attitude, the love you give, your enterprise, sports, originality and creative outlets, shows dramatic, literary or artistic ability, shows publications, politics, the fine arts, social affairs, pregnancy and the education of children ... also represented here are any groups to which you may belong that relate to having fun !!!

The Sun in Leo encourages us to live through the process of creating and being creative ... it is one who is truly a child of the Sun ... it wants to shine and be the center of attention ... even if you are shy or lacking in confidence, you will want to be noticed in some way ... respect is vitally important not only for yourself but from others as well ... respect is dependent on self-respect ... a radiant glow is often physically noticeable !!!

Leo can create an "air of certainty" which makes many things possible ... but for all the apparent confidence streaming forth from ones heart, it can belie the fact that one is highly dependent on being appreciated !!! ... here one must pay special attention to critics and admirers alike to avoid being blinded by ones own light and thus destroying whatever it is that one originally tried to create and maintain - a relationship, ones home, health, profession or even ones own children ... just like the Sun, Leo energy cannot see the shadow it casts ... ultimately Leo must realize that its power and influence shine through it and not from it ... and when that power is wounded or challenged, it is very much like the Sun disappearing behind a cloud - the world becomes a colder and darker place ... the energy of the Sun in Leo can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: noble, confident, generous, gracious, encouraging, commanding, ambitious, enterprising, proud, cultivated, dramatic sense, impressive, self-expressive, wealth of ideas, fun to be with, warm, affectionate, loyal, romantic

NEGATIVE: pretentious, self-righteous, flamboyant, domineering, demanding, intolerant, overestimating, vain, snobby/stuck-up, melodramatic, show-off, self-centered, overbearing, overblown, scorching, affected, fierce, impossible, unrealistic

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN LEO BORN !!!! ... Leo born individuals this is your time of year to SHINE - even more so than you usually do most of the time !!!

For all of us, we should remember that most of those who love us do so for our "inner glow more than our outer show" ... the Sun never tries to shine AND set conditions - THE SUN JUST SHINES !!! ... recognize, appreciate, respect and pardon both yourself and others ... take time to get in touch with your inner child and try to enjoy the simple pleasures of life !!!

The Sun now joins jubilant Jupiter already in transit through Leo ... the Sun remains in the sign of Leo until August 22nd when it moves into Virgo and we become highly focused on daily work and service, health and nutrition and possibly family issues !!!

For now, this larger than life energy compels each one of us to take "center stage" in some area of our life ... and as the lyrics to that famous song goes - "WHAT IS IT THAT WE'RE LIVING FOR ... APPLAUSE ... APPLAUSE" !!! 

OPENING YOUR HEART AND MIND TO DIVINE SPIRITUAL AND CREATIVE ENERGY - OR FALLING TO THE DEPTHS OF ADDICTION, DECEPTION AND ESCAPISM ???

   

NEPTUNE - planet of the spiritual, universal, ethereal, mysterious, mystical, enlightenment, psychic, delusional, imagination, escape, surrender, sacrifice, artistic inspiration, musical ability, glamour, fantasy, romantic love, dissolving, uplifting, confusing, consoling, undermining, drugs and alcohol - began its retrograde journey for 2026 on Tuesday, July 7th, at 6:55 AM EDT ... this retrograde period will go from 4 degrees 25 minutes Aries back to 1 degree 36 minutes Aries - a period of about 158 days ... Neptune was last retrograde from July 4th through December 10th, 2025 !!!

One of the main purposes of Neptune retrograde is to not just have blind faith ... be it personal spiritual quests or the "collective" quest of society, Neptune retrograde energy means a reexamination of hopes and beliefs ... we may all need to individually question and test all aspects of faith - in fact many may experience some kind of crisis of faith during this period ... we begin to question and develop objectivity in regards to the intangibles of life such as truth, fear, hope and inspiration ... when Neptune is retrograde it is closest to the Earth making its function even more intensified !!!

Artists, musicians, poets and those who are leading a highly spiritual life may especially feel the energy of a Neptune retrograde and be truly inspired ... during a Neptune retrograde if we aren't pursuing a spiritual quest we may become confused, disillusioned or full of illusions ... there is a chance that some may fall into drugs, alcohol or other escapist behaviors ... ideally, this is a time to question the ideas society accepts about faith, fears, truth and understanding ... inspiration and potential for spiritual growth can be greatly enhanced ... there is also the potential for confusion, disorientation, unfounded fear, disillusionment, and misunderstandings at the beginning until the retrograde energy settles in !!!

Neptune retrograde periods are a time for everyone to tune into the collective unconscious and realize how our own fears, illusion, confusion or spiritual journey are connected to what is happening with humanity ... this is a time for each one of us to determine whether or not our own individual energies are being used positively to develop faith and spirituality, or if we are simply pursuing a path of illusion, escapism and disappointment ... Neptune retrogrades about 5 - 6 months every year !!!

Neptune is currently in the very early stages of its transit through the sign of Aries ... it began its initial transit through the pioneering, competitive, impulsive, eager, courageous, independent, dynamic and quick sign of Aries in April of 2025 ... per retrograde motion it returned to Pisces for some last minute business in October 2025 ... then it returned to Aries for its complete transit in January 2026 ... this transit will not be complete until March of 2039 ... check to see what house or houses the 30 degrees of Aries fall in your natal chart to get an idea of where in your life Neptune will be working its "magic" !!!

Neptune in Aries is considered to be radical ... it was last in Aries from 1861 through 1875 ... during this period dynamite was invented as well as the machine gun and the typewriter ... the U.S. Civil War took place during this period, the first Women's Suffrage Law was passed and genetics were discovered !!!

During this period there could be many new religious and philosophical concepts born ... there will be strong imagination and creativity produced ... people may become more self-aware or aware of the self ... on the downside there could be false pride and egotism produced as well as people who crave notoriety ... this energy bestows and intuitive sense of self and encourages one to take an active approach towards their spiritual life ... but also there can be instances where one becomes extremely inconsiderate yielding trouble with regulating ones aggression ... sometimes one can be far to weak and other times to reckless which would certainly include the tendency to be heavily influenced by drugs and alcohol !!!

Pisces born, since Neptune is your planetary ruler, this is your yearly time to review and rethink what has been going on in your life since the last Neptune retrograde ended on December 10th, 2025 !!! ... for everyone, if you have had a natal chart done and know in which house or houses 4 degrees 35 minutes  back to 1 degree 36 minutes Aries falls, then you might get an idea in what area of your life the main thrust of this Neptune retrograde energy will be affecting you ... have you been seeking the "ideal" and been looking at things realistically, or have you been looking at life through the proverbial "rose colored glasses" letting illusion mislead you and not effectively dealing with reality ???

Neptune remains retrograde until December 12th ... it is definitely a good time, if you don't already, to start paying careful attention to your dreams as the Universe will undoubtedly be bringing us vital information while we sleep – keep a dream journal close by and USE IT !!! ... you might be amazed at what information the Universe sends to you in your unconscious state ... your dreams are sure to be enhanced with symbolism and information from the Universe resulting in profitable and/or illuminating and enlightening ideas ... after all, it's been said "a dream is a wish your heart makes" !!!

Now it is time for all of us - those in the light as well as those still in the dark - to become aware of one of the most important themes of Neptune in Aries - SPIRITUAL WARRIORS RISE UP !!! ...the question now is what will you choose to do - Open your heart and mind to divine spiritual and creative energy, or allow yourself to fall into the depths of addiction, deception and escapism and simply become "lost in wonderland" ???

THE "LOVE" OF COMPETENCE, ORGANIZING, PRECISION AND DOING THINGS THE WAY THEY SHOULD BE DONE - CORRECTLY !!!

 

VENUS began its transit through the picky, detailed oriented sign of Virgo on Thursday, September 9th, at 1;22 PM EDT ... Venus was last in Virgo from September 19th through October 13th, 2025 !!!

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 where 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 ... so it's most likely a sure bet that romance, partnerships and relationships, money and personal values are going to be affected somehow by this "fallen" planetary energy !!!

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 encourages 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 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 !!!

Venus is now transiting through the sign of Virgo by itself ... and keep in mind for the first 15 days of this transit, with Venus already not fully functioning in the sign of its fall that Mercury, ruler of Virgo, is retrograde in Cancer ... could be an emotional time in love and monetary affairs !!! ... Venus remains in Virgo until August 6th !!!

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 what you want too much !!! 

One final caveat for those who might be planning a special occasion during 2026 ... Venus will take its next retrograde journey from October 3rd through November 14th ... it will be a dual sign retrograde going from 8 degrees 29 minutes Scorpio back to 22 degrees 51 minutes Libra a sign which Venus naturally rules ... to add to the mayhem, the 3rd and final Mercury retrograde for 2026 will be completely embedded in the Venus retrograde from October 24th through November 13th ... it will be completely in the sign of Scorpio !!!

For all of us now 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" !!!

EXPANSIVE, OPTIMISTIC, CREATIVE AND HIGHLY SELF-CONFIDENT ... GROWTH AND EXPANSION LINKED TO ONES SELF-EXPRESSION !!!

 

JUPITER - planet representing growth; laws; beliefs; ethics; expansion; opportunity; wealth; faith; broadening - knowledge, horizons and understanding; higher education; travel; religion; philosophy; excess and over doing - began its transit through the highly creative, self-assured fiery sign of Leo yesterday, June 30th, at 1:52 AM EDT ... leaving the highly emotional waters of Cancer, Jupiter is now ready to bring a greatly enhanced joy and optimism to this journey we call life ... Jupiter was last in Leo from July 16th, 2014 through August 11th 2015 ... what was going on in your life back then may now surface again to be addressed in some way !!!

Jupiter in Leo yields expansive, optimistic and highly self-confident qualities ... it brings an abundance of energy and usually creates a strong constitution ... growth and expansion are linked to ones self-expression ... creativity abounds and the more one taps into it, the more creative one has the potential to become ... inspiration is rarely absent with this energy ... it yields an enthusiastic zest for life with the desire that it be enjoyed in a big way ... the keyword for Jupiter in Leo is EXUBERANCE !!!

Jupiter in Leo is helpful and highly ambitious normally acting while others merely dream ... it yields a dramatic and often very colorful personality ... here we have a natural entertainer ... it can also bestow leadership ability, dignity, and an incredible ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in others ... it is generous and benevolent but almost always with the expectation of personal admiration and appreciation in return being attached ... being steadfast, reliable and honest are also potential benefits of this energy ... honor and prestige that is well deserved can be conferred by this Jupiter ... here we find an open-hearted person who enjoys including others in their lives ... things are usually done  on a lavish, dramatic grand scale especially parties and social occasions with budgets not being given much consideration !!! ... one might desire to become involved with business involving the entertainment industry, artistic endeavors, sports and education ...  this position often brings great success and as a result, there is a particular affinity for gambling and speculation, but one must guard against overindulgence to the point of bringing about financial ruin !!!

 

Jupiter in Leo can also produce a love of children and interest in their growth - especially their moral development ... here we have the potential for the ability of making excellent teachers, Sunday school leaders and spiritual counselors to the young !!!

The challenges of Jupiter in Leo include conceit because the principle of expansion combined with one of the major downfalls of Leo, egotism, can produce vanity and glory ... one must learn that greatness will eventually come from service to mankind along with cooperation, and not through self-importance ... there is also the possibility of losses in love and romance due to an over inflated ego and excessive pride  ... becoming arrogant, shallow and overbearing resulting in over doing everything is another trap one may fall into ... blowups yielding highly unrestrained displays much like huge, overblown childlike tantrums can occur if one is not careful ... the tendency to get so wrapped up in oneself that one ignores the rest of life is quite possible !!!

Leo naturally rules the 5th house which is considered a "house of life", therefore Jupiter transiting through Leo could potentially bring about expansion and growth in regards to children, artistic expressions, love affairs, romance, pleasures, amusements, holidays, vacations, games, speculations, hobbies, your emotional attitude and the love you give, sports, originality, creative outlets - dramatic, literary or artistic ability, the fine arts, social affairs, and any groups to which you belong which relate to having fun ... in regards to health, there could be issues regarding the back, spine and the heart all being parts of the body ruled by Leo !!!

To reiterate, Jupiter in Leo likes gambling, speculation, pageantry, ceremony, drama and grandeur, children, generosity and lavishness ... it does not like anything dull and ordinary, not taking risks, having no dependents, penny-pinching and mean-heartedness ... the energy of Jupiter in Leo can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: big hearted, benevolent, inspirational, prestigious, honorable, noble, self-confident, radiating warmth, energetic, strong stamina, self-assured, generous, an entrepreneur, a big thinker

NEGATIVE: big-headed, pretentious, self-serving, misleading, not keeping promises, hollow, egomaniac, ostentatious, overbearing, intolerant, over-confident, spendthrift, overblown, unrealistic

Leo born, as if you need any more energy to boost your ego and drive the rest of us crazier - love you ... mean it - you are now bestowed with a 13 month period of extra potential for expansion, growth, opportunity and outright luck so keep your eyes and ears open and pay attention - hopefully the expansion won't be just through your waistline !!! ... Sagittarius born, your ruling planet has now moved into a new sign ready to teach you new lessons to further your personal and spiritual growth !!!

As always, if you know what house or houses thirty degrees of Leo fall in your natal chart, then you will be able to get a good idea of what area of your life this exuberant energy for expansion and growth will most likely occur ... Jupiter remains in Leo until July 27th, 2027 !!!

One should be trying to live life to the fullest with a steady, quiet self-confidence which is ultimately what this energy is all about !!! ... to that end, as we all begin to "exuberantly" seek to expand our lives on some level, perhaps we will be blessed by "lady luck" and find ourselves saying, hopefully quite often, whether quietly to ourselves or out loud at the top of our lungs -  JACKPOT !!!

COSMIC CLARITY ... COSMIC CHAOS ... OR BOTH AS MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE ONCE AGAIN !!!

MERCURY - began its second RETROGRADE journey for 2026 today, June 29th, at 1:35 PM EDT ... if you've been following my blogs, in addition to being highly aggravated every time this particular one pops up, then you know pretty much what to expect during a Mercury Retrograde - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED !!!

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

Some of you may have noticed the energy beginning to move backwards already when Mercury entered its shadow point, the point where it will come out of the retrograde on, back on June 12th/13th at 16 degrees 18 minutes Cancer ... this 24 day retrograde period will be completely in the sign of Cancer going from 26 degrees 15 minutes Cancer back to 16 degrees 18 minutes Cancer ... Mercury was last retrograde in Cancer, in fact the entire time again, June 18th - July 12th, 2020 going from 14 degrees 46 minutes back to 5 degrees 29 minutes Cancer ... also to note, this is the second of three Mercury retrogrades completely in water signs for 2026 ... you can bet the emotions are going to be stirred up somehow !!!

It practically goes without saying that things somehow just don't seem to go right or as we planned, and we often find ourselves re-doing things especially after Mercury stations back into direct motion ... Obviously communications are going to be challenged both to and from others - partnerships and relationships often hit the skids during these periods ... it is NOT a good time to make major purchases - especially Cars, a big NO NO - and that goes double for USED CARS, as well as computers or anything that involves electronics ... 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 ... and let's not forget the potential for disruption in anything electrical and/or mechanical !!! ...it is not a good idea to enter into contracts or start new jobs as they will most likely not pan out and end up being dead ends ... and weddings, well I know it takes a long time to plan a wedding and some of them will just have to go on as planned, but if you can avoid a wedding in a Mercury Retrograde - DO IT !!!

Obviously one cannot put their life on hold, but if there is any way to hold off on these things until Mercury turns direct, it would prove beneficial in the long run ... I have frequently found, though, that in some charts I've done, people born under a Mercury retrograde sometimes seem to thrive during these periods because they innately understand the backward energy and how to work with it ... and it is possible that many of you will not be directly affected by the retrograde period, but I can guarantee you that you will know or hear of someone who is affected !!!

To RE-PEAT, Mercury retrogrades are simply a time for reviewing and revision - as the saying goes, "it might be a good idea to drop back and punt" !!! ... during a retrograde journey it can be said that we are in a mental "down time" and often things will not register on a conscious level with us ... it is said that the use of Mercury retrograde cycles are to reconnect the individual with the Universal rhythm ... if you've had a natal chart done and know in which house or houses these degrees fall, then you will probably get an idea of where the Universe is asking you to step back and take a closer look at what you are doing in that area of your life !!!

Mercury retrograding in the sign of Cancer yields emphasis for an opportunity to rethink how we emotionally respond to life ... and being in a water sign, Mercury retrograding in Cancer produces a strong desire to retreat inward ... when Mercury retrogrades in a water sign our feelings and emotions are strongly activated and, as challenging and sometimes even painful as it can be, we MUST address them in order to promote personal healing by making us have to work harder at producing a more stable balance between our emotional and the mental processes ... as waters can run very deep, that is where we most likely are going to have to dive into ourselves to come face to face with our innermost feelings and emotions ... and wherever this retrograde energy falls by house/houses in your natal chart, actions could arise in that area of your life causing you to undergo a careful and hopefully honest examination to determine if these feelings and emotions are producing a positive or negative contribution to the quality of your life !!!

This is also an excellent time to keep a dream journal to discover what the Universe is revealing to us deep within our unconsciousness ... even though this can be challenging, it can be an excellent time for honest self evaluation if we have the strength, trust and courage to allow the process to unfold !!!

In addition to the "usual suspect" issues which arise during a Mercury retrograde, being in Cancer there is the potential for issues to arise which include : your home, parents, family, foundations, psychological roots, personal security, property - houses and/or real estate, for some the closing years of life, and endings of any kind ... these are all issues addressed in the 4th house of the zodiac naturally ruled by Cancer !!!

Also as Cancer is ruled by the Moon, there could potentially be issues regarding females - mother, sister, wife and women in general, instincts, moods, tides, phases, receptivity, fluctuations, feelings, habit patterns, reflex actions, personal interests, desires, needs magnetism, growth and fertility, the need to touch, impressionability and consciousness, liquids, commodities, sailing, brewing, nursing, tradespeople, and the public in general ... these are all issues governed by the Moon !!!

In regards to overall health, remember Mercury is the natural planetary ruler of the 6th house which rules health, so there could be more chances to have health issues in general during a Mercury retrograde ... retrograding in Cancer there could also be issues in the areas of the breast and stomach ... the stomach area most likely being activated by emotional stress conflicting with the digestive process ... as well as the left eye of the male and the right eye of the female which are ruled by the Moon !!!

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

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

"Here is your "Navigational" 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 (July 23rd)...

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 July 23rd !!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Re-examine - Well, just about everything ...

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

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

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

Back to me now ... Those born between June 30th and July 22nd will definitely have this Mercury retrograde energy in their solar return - birthday chart - for the whole year ahead ... those born on July 23rd and June 29th may or may not get this energy depending on what time your solar return occurs ... some may be lucky enough to escape it for this year - an excellent reason once again to have a natal chart done and then have a solar return chart run for the year ahead by a reputable astrologer !!! ... below is a repeat explanation of what it means to have Mercury Retrograde for the whole year in your birthday chart summed up by Mary Fortier Shea in her book titled "Planets in Solar Return":

"The significance of having Mercury retrograde in your yearly birthday chart or, as we refer to it in Astrology, a Solar Return ...

A Solar Return is the time every year that the Sun returns to the same degrees and minutes it was at when you were born - all the more reason to know your birth time now isn't it, hmmmmm????? ... a new chart is run for you at the time your solar return occurs in that given year and it is run for wherever you are at the precise time of your solar return ... this produces a new horoscope chart which shows what energy you may or may not run into for the year ahead - that is from the current birthday until next years’ birthday ... its energy can be felt from one to three months out before the actual solar return occurs ... often people will relocate for the return time in order to get a particular energy in their solar return chart ...

Mercury is usually retrograde in a solar return chart every six years ... during this time it's best to be introspective ... you should be learning and thinking on your own rather than depending on others ... the mind is like an overstuffed drawer seriously in need of re-filing and reorganization ... in other words the time has come to "process" ... the mental processes are not very receptive to new information at this time ... it's time to go back and re-examine and review things in your life which may have been started but not carried through to fruition or maybe interrupted and suddenly abandoned for some reason ... by focusing inward you might be able to see that your own opinions, thoughts and decisions work best for you rather than those made by others ... at the same time be very receptive to the feedback others are giving you especially if you have missed the mark in regard to some endeavor ... another side effect of this energy is secretiveness where you decide to withhold information or sometimes outright lie ... and why ??? .. because you have secrets that need to be kept or else were you to express your opinions and thoughts outwardly it could cause tension in your relationships ... have plenty of ice cream around to soothe the tongue you are most likely going to have to bite frequently this year !!! ... this is a great year to keep a journal and put your thoughts down on paper and also to write original material ... sometimes you can see things differently when thoughts and ideas are written down which is a very helpful way to get organized ... this is a year where you will probably realize old opinions and beliefs are now outdated thus encouraging you to reassess your thinking, reformulate previously developed ideas, and shed new light on something on some level of your life that needs to be addressed ...

It doesn't really have to be a bad year ... done wisely, fast forwarding to the past and clearing out the "clutter", you can propel yourself further ahead in life than you originally may have thought !!! "

Gemini and Virgo born, as Mercury is your planetary ruler, once again it is time for you to "try" to slow down and review and reexamine what is going on in your life especially since the last Mercury retrograde ended back on March 10th - perhaps we all will have to do this ... but also Aries born and Gemini born may be especially challenged as Mercury, ruling planet of Gemini, will be retrograde for 24 days of the current Mars transit through Gemini !!!

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 February 26th through March 20th or possibly actions taken during previous retrograde periods could come back to haunt us as well - for 2025 that would include November 9th through November 29th, July 18th through August 11th and March 15th through April 7th ... and perhaps even Mercury retrogrades even further back than these three !!!

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 25 days ... Mercury remains retrograde until July 23rd at 6:58 PM EDT !!!

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

In the end my fellow beings of light, as this second Mercury Retrograde period of 2026 is now upon us, the question once again is will we become the constant victim of Cosmic Chaos, become the recipient of great Cosmic Clarity ... or BOTH ???

SPONTANEOUS, CURIOUS WITH A STRONG DESIRE TO INCREASE PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE AND TO TALK A LOT - BEWARE OF FOOT IN MOUTH DISEASE !!!

MARS - the planet representing the urge to get what you want, personal drive, desires, sexual drive, initiative, courage, and raw energy -  begins its transit through the expressive, intellectually curious sign of Gemini on Sunday, June 28th, at 3:29 PM 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 transiting in Gemini from July 20th, 2024 through September 9th, 2024 !!!

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 second extra burst of get up and go, as if you really need it anyway, for roughly the next six weeks but remember that Mercury, which rules Gemini, will be retrograde for 25 days during this transit ... so be careful not to "incinerate" anyone else with this added "fired" up energy while it is blazing through your birth sign even with your ruling planet retrograde for a large portion of this transit !!! 

Mars now joins Uranus already transiting through the sign of Gemini and given its highly driven energy here, the overstimulation will most likely be in excess wearing one out mentally and physically ... Mars remains in Gemini until August 11th !!! ... again, just a word of caution, Mercury, ruling planet of Gemini, will be retrograde for 25 days of this Mars transit which is June 29th through July 23rd !!!

Two more caveats here ... first, Uranus is in the very early degrees of Gemini which means these two aggressive planets will meet up in a conjunction, that is they will be at the same degree of Gemini that being 3 degrees of Gemini, which occurs on July 4th at 2:08 am EDT - check your natal chart as this could potentially be a "hot spot" for you in the area of life wherever this conjunction occurs in regards to the house position it falls ... the 4th of July holiday in the United States could be quite "explosive" in more ways than one as a result ... second, caution should be taken this whole week ahead, June 28th through July 5th, as Mars moves up to make its conjunction and tension builds should this energy not be expressed positively, there could be a lot of problems on many levels ... best to "drop back and punt" and certainly bite your tongue if you feel rage, anger and rebellion stirring up from inside !!!

One more complete sign transit to go ere Mars takes its next retrograde journey ... Mars will take its next retrograde journey from January 10th, 2026 through April 1st, 2027 ... this will be a dual sign Mars retrograde going from 10 degrees 25 minutes Virgo back to 20 degrees 55 minutes Leo ...  it would be a very wise idea to find out in which house or houses per signs and degrees in your natal chart this lengthy retrograde, 81 days, will take place so you get an idea where in your life the main thrust of this Mars retrograde may make its presence potentially felt ... Aries born especially, but also Virgo and Leo born may potentially be more affected but we all might be to some degree !!!

For now - let's all take a deep breath and get out there and, in one way or another, BUST A MOVE - INTELLECTUALLY ... PHYSICALLY ... OR BOTH  !!! 

LIVING THROUGH NURTURING ... THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME !!!

 

The SUN began its transit through the emotional, nurturing sign of Cancer today, June 21st, at 4:24 AM EDT heralding the arrival of Summer in the Northern hemisphere ... also known as the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year - the days now begin getting shorter each day until the Winter Solstice - which began in the Southern hemisphere today - in December in the Northern hemisphere ... the Sun, now "swimming" through Cancer, a water sign, hopefully ensures the slowing down of a very hectic pace of life that potentially occurred roughly within the last 30 days while it was racing through the high strung sign of Gemini !!!

We now begin to process life through a more emotional rather than an intellectual filter ... with the Sun in Cancer one needs to grow through nurturing warmth, through protection, through attracting others through sympathy/dependency, and through family, ancestry or roots !!!

Cancer is the sign whose key phrase is its need to give and receive emotional warmth and security, to feel and to give devotion ... Cancer born individuals are warm and understanding but they can be very touchy at times ... wound them or befriend them and they will never forget ... they love to keep in touch and usually have a remarkable memory ... this is probably the most sensitive sign of the Zodiac but it is also often the least likely to let you know what they are feeling deep inside !!!

Cancer is a feminine/water/cardinal(beginnings) sign ... its symbol is the Crab - possessing an impenetrable exterior which covers soft flesh below ... the glyph of Cancer is the claws of the Crab which are also representative of the human breasts ... symbolically, the glyph shows two circles of the Sun that are connected to two crescent Moons ... these two Moons represent the Cancer desire to store memories and possessions, and the circles tied to the Moons represent the force which is expressed through the emotions and the imagination ... Cancer rules the breasts and the stomach which explains why Cancer born usually love to eat and often fight the battle of the bulge - unless modified by other energy in the natal chart !!! .. they are also subject to digestive ailments resulting from tension and emotional stress ... anatomically, Cancer also rules digestion, the left eye of the male and the right eye of the female !!!

Cancer is ruled by the Moon - maybe you can now understand why Cancer born individuals seem to go through many mood changes so quickly - after all, the Moon does change signs about every 2 to 2 and a half days ... it takes roughly 28 days to complete a spin around the entire zodiac ... the Moon represents the female principle - mother, wife and women in general ... it also represents the public in general, along with instincts, moods, the tides, phases, receptivity, fluctuation, habit patterns, reflex actions, personal interests, desires, needs, magnetism, growth, fertility, the need to touch, impressionability, consciousness, liquids, commodities, nursing, tradespeople !!!

Cancer is the natural ruler of the 4th house of the horoscope ... the 4th house shows property - houses and real estate - and all that is secluded ... it is the house of endings, the closing years of life, the ending of all matters, fame after death and place of burial ... it represents the parent who has greater influence on you as a child, your subjective self, and the foundation on which you build your own unique character ... as a child one may perceive this house as relating to both parents but as one learns through growth and understanding, the 4th house will ultimately reflect the nurturing parent !!!

While the Sun transits Cancer, the Universe encourages each one of us to learn to live through nurturing oneself as well as others ... it's holding on with Love - the instinct for survival ... Cancer has also been often referred to as the "Lighthouse of Welcome" ... the ultimate lesson here is that ones family is the Human Race itself ... emotional awareness is more acute here so use it constructively ... determine and perform your responsibilities generously ... learn to trust in the Universe and understand that all things must pass, and realize each day is a new day a new beginning ... the energy of the Sun in Cancer may be expressed the following ways:

POSITIVE: emotional, feeling, receptive, sensitive, psychic, gentle, tender, vulnerable, sympathetic, nurturing, providing, caring, protective, maternal, feeding, domestic, patriotic, shy, retiring, collecting, tenacious, oriented toward the past, retentive, emotionally encouraging, thrifty

NEGATIVE: insecure, moody, defensive, devious, over-emotional, non-trusting, hypersensitive, touchy, brooding, smothering, clinging, consuming, over-protective, dependent, fearful, timid, clannish, withdrawn, grasping, stuck in the past, afraid to let go, anti-social, argumentative, apathetic

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN CANCER BORN - this is your time of the year to SHINE even though a lot of you will get Mercury retrograde in Cancer in your solar return chart for the year ahead ... and have a good cry if  you're feeling really emotional - maybe a lot of us will under this energy !!!

The Sun is now transiting through Cancer with Mercury and Jupiter - a lot of emotions have the potential to surface for each of us to deal with in order to move forward by promoting further personal and spiritual growth ... the Sun remains in Cancer until July 22nd ... a gentle reminder that Mercury will be retrograde in Cancer for the final 24 days of this solar transit beginning on June 29th !!!

Obviously our feelings and emotions will be heightened and challenged ... be prepared to become more in touch with them whether it be through a fleeting glimpse or a deeply profound experience with something or someone near and dear to you ... and, as the Crab always carries its home - its shell - on its back wherever it goes, we all might as well click our heels 3 times and repeat what Cancer energy, as well as Dorothy Gale, so lovingly makes us aware of - 

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME !!!

ROMANTIC, PASSIONATE, ARTISTIC, PLAYFUL, FUN TO BE WITH - THE LOVE OF GOOD OLD-FASHIONED ROMANCE !!!

VENUS begins its "roaring" transit through the very dramatic and intensely romantic sign of Leo Saturday, June 13th, at 6:47 AM EDT ... Venus was last in Leo from August 25th through September 19th, 2025... Venus is now in a "relationship" with the Sun, ruling planet of Leo which naturally rules the 5th house of romance, creativity and pleasure - the potential possibilities could be limitless !!!

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 is all about learning to 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

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 !!!

Venus is transiting through the sign of Leo by itself ... 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 July 9th !!!

Heads up for those who might be planning a "special" occasion in 2026 and like to be prepared ... Venus will take its next retrograde journey from October 3rd through November 13th, 2026 going from 8 degrees 29 minutes Scorpio back to 22 degrees 51 minutes Libra ... and least we forget, the last Mercury retrograde, completely in the sign of Scorpio, will be embedded in the final 20 days of the Venus retrograde - take it away Pat Benatar ... "LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD" !!! 

SUBCONSCIOUSLY PICKING UP SIGNALS FROM EVERYONE ELSE ... ENJOYING THE MULTIPLE MENTAL TRIPS DOWN MEMORY LANE !!!

  

MERCURY began its extended transit through the domestic, sympathetic sign of Cancer on Monday, June1st, at 7:56 AM  EDT ... our thinking and communicative processes now turn from a highly intellectual mode towards a more emotional mode of operation as the ruler of Cancer is the Moon which, among other things, rules the emotions ... our thinking and communicating often ends up resulting from how we FEEL !!! ... Mercury was last in the sign of Cancer from June 8th through June 26th, 2025 !!!

Mercury in Cancer has a way of subconsciously picking up signals from everyone else .. the mind becomes as much a receiver as a transmitter under this energy ... here we have a highly intuitive mode of thinking and communicating ... this placement also usually bestows a very good memory along with strong poetic power ... Mercury in Cancer thinks with the heart and often interprets the meaning of others communications through how it "feels" !!!

Mercury in Cancer does not always say everything it is feeling as it tries to avoid hurting itself and others as well with careless ill-spoken comments ... one is very protective of their thoughts ... it likes to nurture ideas and encourage growth before sharing ... one uses emotions as well as logic and often may end up letting sensitivities sway ones decisions ... subconscious fears, habits, or prejudices could inhibit ones objectivity or openness to the new !!!

Mercury in Cancer usually bestows above-average psychic ability ... one learns through absorbing their experiences and making emotional connections ... interest here may include family, the home, the land, the past, the public or security ... Oh yes, we most definitely may find ourselves thinking about food A LOT, and hopefully that thinking doesn't become a nasty habit of overeating causing us to expand in ways we would rather NOT !!!

Mercury in Cancer teaches us the importance of thinking through nurturing ... it is a caring mind ... one has to be careful not to take everything so personally here ... it is important to remember to look at the facts in addition to the opinions of others ... it is also important to remember and be aware that each one of us is our own source of light and warmth ... most importantly it is necessary to make a collection of good memories that will give rise to clear and positive thinking ... the energy of Mercury in Cancer can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: mentally tenacious, good memory, reliable, sensitive mind, poetic, intuitive, agreeable, absorbs information, attuned to public opinion, profound, polite, softly-spoken, discreet, diplomatic, arouses sympathies, emotionally appealing, persuasive speaker

NEGATIVE: mentally habit-ridden, distracted, inflexible, overly impressionable, impractical, irrational, yes-person, too open, taking things too personally, depressive, self-conscious, unclear, incomprehensible, diffuse,  prejudiced, untruthful



Mercury now joins Venus and Jupiter currently in transit through Cancer ... Mercury will remain in Cancer until - WAIT FOR IT - August 9th and you know why !!!



Mercury ere it takes its second retrograde journey for 2026 occurring from June 29th through July 23rd completely in the sign of Cancer going from 26 degrees 15 minutes back to 16 degrees 18 minutes Cancer ... this is the second of three Mercury retrogrades completely in water signs for 2026 ... the final one will be October 24 through November 13th completely in the sign of Scorpio as well as being completely embedded in the ending of the upcoming Venus retrograde which takes place from October 3rd through November 13th - what a way to end the year !!! ... Mercury enters its next shadow point on June 12th/13th, depending on which time zone in which you live, when it reaches 16 degrees 18 minutes Cancer !!!

While Mercury is transiting through the sign of Cancer, one should realize that the natural ability to influence others is worthy of only our highest motives ... tuning in to ones finer feelings and expressing them is ultimately more rewarding ... and finally, try to focus on what you are after, who you are with and why ... and then stick with that !!! ... and by all means - enjoy the multiple mental trips down memory lane as they will surely "light the corners of your mind" !!!  

THE DESIRE TO NURTURE AND/OR BE NURTURED IN ONES LOVE RELATIONSHIPS - THE NEED TO HEAR THE WORDS "I LOVE YOU" ... OFTEN !!!

  

VENUS - the planet of love, affection, attraction, social interactions and desires as well as the ruler of the 2nd and 7th houses of the natural zodiac - began its emotional swim through the nurturing, intuitive sign of Cancer on Monday, May 18th, at 9:05 PM EDT  ... Venus was last in Cancer from July 30th through August 25th, 2025 !!!  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venus now joins Jupiter currently transiting through the sign of Cancer ... Venus remains in the sign of Cancer until June 13th !!!

Once again for those who might be planning a "special occasion" this year, a reminder that Venus will take its next retrograde journey, a dual sign retrograde, October 3rd through November 13th going from 8 degrees 29 minutes Scorpio back to 22 degrees 51 minutes Libra ... and to add potentially more drama, the final Mercury retrograde of 2026 will be completely embedded in the Venus retrograde as it will occur at the end of the Venus retrograde from October 24th through November 13th completely in the sign of Scorpio - the more you know !!!

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

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