natal charts
NEW MOON IN TAURUS: Standing Strong On Shaken Ground
The mantram of the astrologer is: AS ABOVE, SO BELOW. This is my prayer, my incantation; as I serve to translate the divine urging of this sacred juncture that is set before us.
The New Moon arrives at 24 degrees of Taurus on Tuesday, May 15 at 7:47 AM EDT.
The Sun and the Moon are conjunct during a New Moon. They are now communing together side by side. In doing so, the light of the Moon is blocked from view; as with this luminary alignment, the Sun’s light bears no reflection. The night sky appears Moon-less for three days. But Moon-less we are not. Even when we cannot see her, she is present. The darkness facilitates the perfect milieu in which to go within. For it is only our willingness to commune with the darkness of the inner self that we can nurture the chrysalis state of our souls. In doing so, we allow for metamorphosis.
New Moons portend new beginnings. This fresh cycle opens up with tremendous excitement. Our nervous systems are vibrating at extremely high frequencies. There is positive anticipation as well as fearful trepidation. We know on some level that a monumental change is upon us. Even positive change can evoke fear and stress. As with all planetary alignments, we can choose with our own free will as to whether we will cooperate or not. Resistance may be high. While this time is quite uncomfortable, it is an opportunity of seismic proportions. Like The Fool in the Tarot, we muster our courage and prepare to take the leap.
Dynamic times are a perfect opportunity to stir the inner fire as we watch ourselves rise from the ashes. Suppressed rage may boil beneath the surface longing to erupt. Tempers are fragile. Outbursts, shock, and drama may inform our passage. The need for both inner and outer changes has been upon the collective psyche. We now have an auspicious window of time in which to consciously and willingly walk into the unknown. It is a time of tumultuous shakeup on both the inner and outer planes. One can liken this to a Big Bang in our individual lives and upon the earth.
Our nervous systems are taxed. There are inner tremors as the tectonic plates of our inner being are preparing for an earthquake of massive significance. We are awakening for a complete restructuring of our lives. Life as we have known it may never be the same again. These monumental happenings also have the potential to infuse positive change that catapults us into a new dimension of our being; one in which our true selves are emerging into their fullest expression of light filled authenticity. There is excitement; for shakeups also serve to bring us more fully to life. Our greatest gifts can emerge at this time if we allow ourselves to be cracked open by the seismic energy that is within and upon us.
Taurus The Bull is a peaceful and grounded sign. The Taurus New Moon can serve to ground us during this unpredictable period. Our attunement to The Bull can serve us through the eruptions, disruptions, and catastrophe in our lives. Catastrophe can ultimately bring about expansion and renewal. We can perceive such events as disaster, or we can courageously step into the higher dimension of our life experience. Disaster literally means “against the stars.”If we ignore these powerful incantations of the Divine, we may suffer in ways that are unnecessary.
One may liken the physical sensation of our current emotional lives to a hive of bees residing within the heart. There is humming, buzzing, and flighty turbulence. It is from this place that honey is created.
At this time, Taurus the Bull, is attuning us to the inherent values of our soul. In recognizing these values, in questioning whether or not we are adhering to them in our daily lives, we also assess whether or not we are truly in a place of valuing our authentic selves. For it is only when one truly values the self, that we can value another. This Taurean Moon inspires us to value ourselves and each other as we all walk this path together at a most disparate juncture in our collective journey.
Taurus The Bull is a fixed feminine earth sign, ruled by Venus. When the Moon is in Taurus, it is exalted. This is the highest expression of the Moon. The qualities of silence, patience, steadfastness, determination, loyalty, peacefulness, tranquility, sensuality, beauty, nature, musicality and grounding are themes which are quietly beckoning us to their attunement.
Wherever Taurus resides in your natal chart is a distinct area in which you must live closely aligned to your particular values. It is a sector whereby valuing the inherent beauty of the self will only enhance your expression in the world, the positive affect you have upon others and the way in which you view and experience life. In essence, wherever Taurus resides within you, is where you can relax. It is where the theme of your particular brand of peace resides. There, all is well, as long as you embrace your true value in a manner whereby you recognize and embrace your divinity within your own humanity.
“To thine own self be true” This statement can appear as quite the adage, but is much more complicated than the short sentence that sums it all up. During the next three days, it will become apparent in a grand manner where we can no longer tolerate our own inner patterns, relational patterns, and daily patterns. Our world is being shaken up.
When we are standing at the edge of the cliff, we can either take the leap, or fall. Be brave. Welcome to your New World.
Taurus New Moon Blessings Upon You.
“It takes courage…to endure the sharp pains of self discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives.” ~ Marianne Williamson ~
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
~ Alan Watts~
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths”
~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross ~
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find how far one can go.”
~ T.S. Eliot ~
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LEO NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE: Take Heart
The New Moon Total Solar Eclipse arrives at 28 degrees of Leo on Monday, August 21 at 2:30 PM EDT.
The long awaited American Total Solar Eclipse is upon us. There is excitement and exhilaration in the air. For some, this visual splendor is solely an astronomical event. And yet, they can feel the numinous nature surrounding it. For others, we are anticipating far more than a visual spectacle.We imbue upon this physical event the astrological meaning and significance of eclipses as empirically observed for thousands of millennia. This event is the springboard of irrevocable change in our personal lives, setting us upon a trajectory that will align us with the greater self for the explicit purpose of our soul’s evolution.
As the horrors of tragic world events unfold before us, keep in mind that this too is a most significant manifestation of the eclipse cycle. A collective shadow has emerged in full force. Life as we have known it has come to an end. Out of the ashes, the phoenix will rise as we rebirth a more highly evolved expression of the human condition. As we face our own shadow, we contribute to the elevation of light centered consciousness. As we express our genuine heart centered authenticity, expressing our gifts with generosity toward each other, we will undoubtedly contribute to the greater manifestation of profound transformation thus serving the healing and evolution of humankind.
There are two strong components to the eclipse as viewed and experienced esoterically. The first is that eclipses always test our attachments to how we define ourselves on every level. The second is that eclipses speed up time exponentially. These two qualities of experience have been with us long before the actual Solar Eclipse that is upon us now. The Eclipse cycle began weeks ago with the Aquarius Lunar Eclipse. These cycles are in effect weeks, even months, before and after each eclipse. This process is both long and accelerated.
New Moons offer us an opportunity to begin anew. We plant seeds of intention and watch them grow throughout the lunar cycle. A New Moon Eclipse goes much further. It is in essence, a stripping away of significant elements of our life and of our self. It is a new beginning on a much grander scale. It is an initiation. If nothing else, the New Moon Eclipse will test us to our limits regarding our attachments to who we think we are while revealing more of who we actually are.
Leo The Lion is our faithful companion. As we participate fully within this shift in dimension and time, we embody the qualities of Leo; courage, warmth, leadership, strength, and fortitude. One of Leo’s greatest expressions is that of The Heart. Wherever Leo resides in our chart is an area where we purely come from our heart. It is within this very realm, that The Leo Solar Eclipse will open the heart’s essence to full expressive capacity. This heart’s opening will be evoked by our experience of the loss of who and what is being left behind.
The heart resides on multidimensional levels. Our heart may be experiencing one thing on the earth plane and another in the astral world. While we live the manifestation of our life on multiple levels, we sometimes experience confusion. What is the true and actual reality of our heart’s knowing? As A Course In Miracles professes, “Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.”
Healing the heart. Knowing the heart. Feeling the heart. All of it; takes courage. Don’t look back. Let go! The past no longer serves us. We are at this very moment being swept into the present, fully prepared for a grand awakening.
The heart has traveled a long, lonely and bewildered journey. Now, its chamber doors are swung wide open as the compass of our beating heart leads the way. The armor has been cast off. For as tender as we are; we are that strong.
Leo New Moon Solar Eclipse Blessings Upon You.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” ~Nelson Mandela ~
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” ~ Antoine de Saint Exupery, The Little Prince ~
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” Anais Nin
Aquarius Full Moon Eclipse: Embarking Upon The Quest
The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse arrives at 15 degrees of Aquarius on Monday, August 7 at 2:10 PM EDT.
If ever there was a time in which to invoke one’s courage, it is now. Our perceptive abilities are peaked. Look and listen astutely, for we are deep into an eclipse cycle that will serve to irrevocably alter who we are and the life we have been living. We have been catapulted into the fathomless chasms of our psyche. This month long interval of time requires us to rise to our highest levels of self mastery as we prepare for the monumental change that is upon us.
The Aquarius Full Moon Eclipse bears great significance for accelerated change, serving as the preparatory ground for the Leo Total Solar Eclipse on August 21; one which will bring profound re-calibration, both personally and collectively. In the end, we will bear witness to a magnificent remodeling of both our interior and exterior lives.
What we uncover during this lunar eclipse will unleash tremendous personal power as we clear away the discarded emotional debris from our psyche and release it to the light. Emotions are tender and raw. Let the tears flow. They are tears that are pushing their way through the upward channels and canals from the volcanic depths of our emotional bodies. They are hot lava tears shedding themselves in order to clear the cluttered path that has been preventing us from our soul’s longing. Finally, we wholly recognize our true nature. We have embarked upon the quest of our authentic self. In doing so, we greet and embrace our soul’s deepest longing.
Emotions are riding high as we brace ourselves for recognition, release, reconciliation, and renewal.
Aquarius The Water Bearer is visiting upon us to facilitate the transition between who we think we are and who we really are. Now is the time to let go of old outmoded attachments to identities which no longer serve the emerging authentic self; the self who is ready to step into the new paradigm. This is a natural transitional juncture, though it may feel destabilizing; as any perception of leaving ourselves behind is frightening and unsettling. We are, however, only leaving behind aspects of the self which no longer serve us or fit the new patterns of consciousness into which we are emerging; patterns of a regenerated self that will greatly assist the world as a result of marching to the beat of our own drum in fulfillment of the inner quest.
The cacophonous drums of the outer world have drowned us out long enough. Now we have an orchestral timpani section that is drumming us into a new rhythm, one in which we can keep step to as we unravel our new self into a new life; a life uncharted. A true quest offers no map. Our only compass is faith.
Eclipses act as portals. For those who have read and enjoyed Harry Potter, eclipses act as a Portkey! They propel us from the familiar to the unknown in the blink of an eye; in one fell whoosh! Eclipses are like that; they transport us in tornado like fashion from our established sense of order, no matter how uncomfortable or unhappy we are with it, to a new awareness, breakthrough, and reality. We may not recognize ourselves or our lives once the process is completed.
Aquarius is our guide and harbinger of hope for this arduous task!
Aquarius is often mistaken for a water sign, when in fact, it is an air sign. The Water Bearer is an archetype that brings solace to the masses with the purification waters of the stream of life; washing over us so that we may cleanse and dissolve the calcified energy of old habits, issues and thought forms.
Aquarius speaks to the masses, caring deeply for the collective; always striving toward that which serves the greater good in lieu of personal gratification. As a fixed air sign ruled by Saturn and Uranus, Aquarius possesses strong factors of loyalty, discipline, steadfastness, devotion, stubbornness, will, revolution, authenticity and individuality. As air rules the mind, the higher mind as well as the intellect, Aquarius offers us the gift of detachment from that which weighs us down and stultifies us.
We are being offered the opportunity to stand back as a member of our own audience and view the drama that has been unfolding in our lives. Rather than having the stage, we are witness to the drama unfolding upon the stage. In this manner, we have the ability to gain perspective from outside of our limited view and ingrained habitual patterns. We have a first row seat to the frustration and helplessness regarding what we wish to change. From this detached point of view, we see the truth of the matter. In doing so, we release ourselves from old scripts that only serve to keep us stuck, treading water, and running in circles.
Aquarius defies anything that compromises the authentic self. This lunar eclipse will bring to the surface the emotional matter that has inspired great suffering and for which we have not known how to emancipate ourselves from. Aquarius will grace us with the gift of intelligent discernment and recognition of a detached view which in essence will free us from our self-imprisonment.
Let go. There is no escaping the gravitational forces that are propelling you. Celebrate the opportunity to lose the self that holds you back. Embrace the authentic self that is biting at the bit to follow your own quest.
Wherever Aquarius falls in your natal chart is where the Lunar Eclipse will land. Dive into that house and resurface as a renewed creature. Open the door. Welcome yourself as the guest.
Aquarius Full Moon Blessings Upon You.
“If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.” ~ Joseph Campbell ~
“If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.” ~ Joseph Campbell ~
“If you are falling…dive.” ~ Joseph Campbell ~
“You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you.” ~JosephCampbell~
Donna Greco, Astrologer
WWW.COSMICCONSULTATIONS.COM
Astrology Lecture by Donna Greco: AS ABOVE, SO BELOW: A Stargazer’s View
NEW MOON IN ARIES: “To Thine Own Self Be True”
The New Moon arrives at 7 degrees of Aries on Sunday, March 27 at 10:57 PM EDT.
New Moons offer us a three day window of time in which to embark upon a new emotional cycle. As life unfolds before us each day, our emotions like the Moon, wax and wane; like the ocean, ebb and flow. We are after all, liquid beings. Our physical bodies are 50-65% water. The Moon is the harbinger of oceanic tides as well as the steward of human emotions.
Our emotional body is an entity unto itself, exerting influences which bare great significance upon each and every area of our lives. Attuning to the lunar cycles coupled with astute awareness of where they appear in the natal chart, greatly assists us on our soul’s journey. The Moon is a prolific reminder that life is in a continuous state of flux. During each New Moon, we are washed ashore to a new landscape which offers us a new horizon yet unseen. Upon our arrival, we are filled with aspiration.
As the Spring Equinox is the astrological New Year, the Aries New Moon is a prolific time in which to embrace one’s nascent self. We are now as seedlings, pushing up through the earth, emerging as a new life form. Aries is the instinctual life force! Aries is the will to exist.
Aries The Ram is a cardinal fire sign embodying the archetypes of The Pioneer, The Warrior, The Daredevil, The Loner and The Survivor. Aries exudes the qualities of individuality, assertiveness, innovativeness, independence, courage, aggression, passion, ferocity and leadership. Keep in mind, that often times an Aries person does not naturally possess these characteristics, but rather, has come into this incarnation to explore and learn them. As with every sign, there is an evolutionary scale. While we possess the inherent potential and soul knowledge, some of the qualities and characteristics of a sign are still in process. We strive to bring those hidden areas of ourselves, both the flawed and the virtuous, into consciousness; for consciousness itself is the great emancipator.
Along with the Sun and Moon in Aries, these luminaries are accompanied by Venus, Mercury and Uranus, also in Aries. Thus we are endowed with a potent infusion of the fire element providing an optimization of our life force in which exuberance, determination, optimism, faith, confidence and courage are ever present as we embark on the next leg of the journey. Follow the path. It is a road not yet taken. It is solely your own.
We must be true and brave to the core of our being. Our own unique instinctual brilliance is our vital life force. When we deny our true nature, when we ignore our instinctual knowledge, anger explodes as lave from a volcano. While we may believe we are angry at a person or a situation, we are in fact really angry at the self.
Where have you been untrue to yourself? Aries challenges us to face this awareness as an impetus for change so that we may purely express our true nature from the core of our being.
Light your torch. Shed your own light. There is nobody such as you.
Aries New Moon Blessings Upon You
“To thine own self be true.”- Polonius in Hamlet, William Shakespeare
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the road less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
– Robert Frost –
“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have the capacity at the beginning.” – Mahatma Gandhi –
” Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson –
WWW.COSMICCONSULTATIONS.COM
ARIES FULL MOON: BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE
The Super Full Moon arrives at 23 degrees of Aries on Sunday, October 16 at 12:23 AM EDT.
A supermoon is a term coined in modern astrology to define an event in which a full moon or a new moon makes the closest approach to the Earth on its elliptical orbit. During such events, these already powerful lunation phases are intensified by the astrological themes which accompany them. As this Supermoon is forming a partnership with Uranus, the passionate and volatile nature of Aries is accompanied by a fierce drive to break out of stagnated areas of our lives driving us to break through to a higher expression of our soul’s inherent authenticity.
At this juncture, emotional momentum builds toward heightened states of feeling and visceral awareness. This particular moon is prickly to say the least, However, it is a lunation which will catapult us from our proverbial comfort zone into new and daring territory that has been longing for our unique inhabitance.
At the fore; anger, passion, intensity and anxiety are prime indicators that our world both personally and collectively is being shaken to the core. We are on the brink of leaving behind myriad aspects of the life we have intimately known. There is palpable electrifying anxiety. Our nervous systems are exhausted.
What is most needed at this time? Courage.
Aries the Ram dares us to recognize the places within us where we stand entirely alone. Along the way, we may encounter some turbulence and butt a few heads. This is a moon of the fierce inner warrior. We are the foot soldiers of our interior world as we meet the arduous territory of exterior life while the familiar ground of the current paradigm shifts incredulously before our eyes.
Aries is a cardinal fire sign, ruled by Mars. Courageous in nature, Aries instructs us in the areas of our lives where we need to act alone, thus affecting change that only we can bring about through the unique expression of our authentic selves.
Wherever Aries resides in your natal chart is where you embody the deepest sense of the existential dilemma. It is where your most sensitive trigger points are regarding stimulus from others and the events of the outer world. This realm is where your optimal instinct resides. It is where the most heightened sense of the survival instinct emerges, where the fight or flight instinct acts out and where at the same time you embody deep levels of courage. It is a place of high energy, passion and consummate life force. Wherever Aries lives in you, is where you will meet the qualities of faith, optimism, daring, inspiration, excitement and pioneering.
Where in your life do you long for change? Are you being who you really are? Are you angry? From where has this anger originated? How can you navigate this anger in a manner that does not hurt you or others, and yet ultimately allows for the provocation of the necessary changes you are striving to make? How can your own personal courage inspire, motivate and assist others as they face the fears of their own self-imposed limitations? What are your most inspiring characteristics?
Over the next 3 days, and especially tonight, the energy is high. Excitement is in the air. Ultimately, all change offers the potential for a positive shift in life direction.
This is a time of breakout, breakthrough and prolific self-expression. A new freedoms is upon us. It is time to draw the curtain and allow our light to shine forth.
Be brave.
Aries Full Moon Blessings Upon You.
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4
Mercury Retrograde: Life Goes On
It seems that even for those who do not commune deeply with the language of astrology, Mercury retrograde cycles make a distinctive impression. During chaotic, confusing, disorganized and turbulent times, when there is no logical reason for the unexpected occurrences of one mishap after another, “Mercury’s retrograde!” is often the exasperated phrase upon the lips of those trying to make sense of it all. Mercury the Trickster is indeed recognized as the culprit.
Mercury turns retrograde on August 30, 2016 at 29 degrees Virgo. Mercury turns direct on September 22, 2016 at 14 degrees Virgo. The houses which embody these degrees in your natal chart will be significantly affected. The manifestation of Mercury’s influence is can be potentially challenging and enlightening.
Let us consider the definition of retrograde motion; retrograde is a “planetary condition characterized by an apparent backward motion through the sky.” This perceived backward movement is a result of Mercury slowing down in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. The Earth continues spinning on its axis, thus moving ahead of the slowed planet. Against the backdrop of other celestial bodies, a slowed planet appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
All of the planets have retrograde cycles throughout various times of the year. As each planet represents different realms of human consciousness and activity, these retrograde cycles will offer each it’s own unique instruction.
Either a planet is direct or retrograde. Particular points in time and space before the planet resumes either condition is referred to as stationary. Thus, when the planet stations, either before turning retrograde or turning direct, it offers an even more potently challenging effect upon us. For this reason, the allowance of several days before and after a Mercury retrograde cycle before refraining from or proceeding with matters at hand is advised.
The Mercury retrograde cycle occurs approximately 3 times per year, lasting 3-1/2 weeks in duration. There is no escaping Mercury’s unruly influence. However, embracing and understanding this challenging cycle rather than resisting and avoiding it, will facilitate a more benevolent experience, one which may even produce benefits.
Upon our awareness of accurate time frames for this cyclical event, we are given the proverbial heads up in anticipation of it’s arrival, thus allowing for the necessary emotional, mental and psychic preparation for our intended navigation. A Mercury retrograde cycle will proceed more smoothly if we abide by the essential Do’s and Don’ts that this challenging period of time demands. Via the astrologer, we have the distinct advantage to observe and outline the planetary cycles and their potential influence upon humankind.
There is ample information regarding the specific time lines of Mercury retrograde cycles. Take note of these and write them into your personal calendar. As you plan ahead throughout the year, pay specific attention to these intervals of time. Strive to work around them. Consider the necessary aspects of your life which may need particular attention. Strategic planning can greatly inhibit the encounter of obstacles upon the arrival of a retrograde cycle.
Mercury represents the distinctive way in which we think, learn and communicate. Also included within Mercury’s domain are written communication, language, study, appliances, travel, siblings, the immediate environment in which we live, contracts and agreements. These areas are more vulnerable to mishap and misunderstanding when Mercury is retrograde.
Our immediate impression and understanding of each encounter and experience resonates with Mercury’s particular activity. The way in which we assimilate these experiences will depend upon the nature and condition of Mercury’s influence. While planetary cycles will always affect us collectively, the direct experience of such a cycle will pertain to us individually as well. This of course depends upon which area of the natal chart it traverses.
As Mercury rules thought, the retrograde cycle creates an inverted intellectual function. While creative and abstract thought may flourish at this time, our capacity to reason regarding the more tangible and practical matters in life seems to elude us. We become clouded with confusion and frustration. As a result of this, misunderstandings, mistakes and misjudgments are more likely to occur.
Becoming knowledgeable of Mercury’s specific cycles and it’s areas of influence within your own nativity, offers more detailed assistance in planning ahead, setting the stage for the avoidance of such turmoil. There are distinct activities and engagements which must be avoided when possible. As we never have complete control over our lives, there are going to be times when one must forge ahead no matter what. After all, the world does go on during Mercury retrograde cycles. Knowledge of this time will at the very least, help us to become more mindful and attentive of our goings about. Keeping that in mind, let us see what we can avoid when possible, making the most of educated foresight.
The following is an inventory of what to avoid and where to proceed with caution while Mercury is Retrograde:
Signing of contracts
This includes areas of employment, business, mortgaging and real estate closings.
Elective surgery, diagnostic testing and dental work
If your condition is not critical, choose a time when Mercury is direct for optimal treatment and healing. Keep in mind that accidents and health crises can arise at any time. It is important to remain positive. Do not fear or neglect any necessary treatment. Consider the appearance of your condition as a gift, for sometimes during these cycles, hidden conditions come to light offering opportunity for bodily repair, healing and restoration.
Travel Planning
Traveling one way or another is necessary to daily life. It is the planning of an extended trip during these cycles which can lead to errors resulting in frustration and inconvenience later while travelling. Confirm and reconfirm travel reservations. Take note that there are more car accidents, airplane crashes, traffic jams, delays and inconveniences when traveling during retro cycles as well as in the day to day commute. Extra caution is warranted.
Beginning a new endeavor or venture
This includes jobs, relationships, projects, classes, diets and exercise plans etc. All matters in which the desired outcome is lasting would be best initiated during Mercury Direct.
The purchase of new or used vehicles, appliances and computers
The Lemon Law was invented for times like these; but who needs the hassle?
Computer maintenance
Back up your files and tend to other customary maintenance prior to the retro cycle. Avoidance of making any changes to the computer is also recommended; even if it is something that is quite basic.
Making and finalizing important decisions
Thorough consideration of such decisions during this time is beneficial. This is an opportune to in which to process. However, final decisions regarding important life matters are bound to backfire on you.
Conversations and confrontations
If something is on your mind regarding a loved one or co-worker, let it wait if at all possible. Take this time to process your thoughts and feelings, so that when the time is right you can proceed with clarity and sensitivity. When Mercury is direct, there are fewer occurrences of misunderstandings.
Household Maintenance
Do not install new electrical or plumbing systems, hire contractors, or initiate major home improvement projects. Make sure the stove is off, the iron is unplugged, the candle is out.
Pet Care
Mercury also rules small animals. Postpone spaying and neutering or other procedures that can afford waiting. Take extra care to make certain that your beloved pet is safe; gates fastened, leash secured, doors closed etc.
The following is an inventory of opportunities and positive engagement while Mercury is Retrograde:
Self-reflection, introspection and attunement
As the retro cycle lends itself to introversion, allowing greater access to the inner self, one has opportunity for sorting out matters and issues which may be difficult to sort out and balance under ordinary circumstances.
Journaling thoughts, feelings and plans
This is an excellent time in which to process your desires, intentions and plans, as more insight is afforded. When Mercury goes direct you can put those plans into action with greater awareness of details and thorough direction.
Slowing down and getting grounded
As everyone is struggling with disarray regarding one matter or another, we are highly susceptible to distraction which leads to accidents, mistakes and lost items. Take your time.
Attention to details
Check, double-check and triple-check as the necessary matters of everyday life are easily overlooked. Examples include blowing out the candle, locking the door, setting the alarm clock and turning off the stove. Overlooking small matters often has consequences.
Meditation
Mercury retrograde cycles are stressful. A sitting practice will facilitate relaxation and mindfulness.
Unfinished business
Incomplete tasks can include just about anything: cleaning out drawers, finishing a painting, editing an essay, revisiting a musical composition, reorganizing your address book.
Keep track of appointments
This is a time in which forgetfulness can take hold. Do not rely upon your memory for your daily schedule, particularly if you have a profession which keeps appointments. Remind clients of their scheduled times. Don’t take it personally if someone misses your lunch date!
Manage Banking Activity
Checks often bounce, deposits are not made etc. Make sure your financial records are accurate and in good order.
As Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, these signs, particularly Gemini, are greatly affected by the retrograde cycle displaying heightened sensitivity and disorganization.
Those who are born with Mercury retrograde, often function at optimal levels during this time.
The gift of astrology is awareness. While we do not want to hide beneath the bed covers during the more turbulent planetary cycles, we can cooperate more consciously with them. When we befriend a challenge we grow and expand. Our lives flow more smoothly. We find that each challenge is an opportunity.