Mars/Saturn Retrogrades

MARS RX - 3/1/14 to 5/19/14

Mars in Libra is a difficult placement for Mars. Libra is opposite of Mars' natural home in Aries, so its placement in Libra is weak.  Assertive Mars finds it hard to take action because the Libra energy insists on balance and fairness. When Mars is retrograde, it depletes the vitality so that it is never a time to initiate. With a new project, new relationship or opportunity it will fizzle out and never really go anywhere. Matters commenced while Mars is retrograde will be frustrated and plagued with disruptions until they finally get tabled. At this time, people become irritated when activities do not run smoothly. The anger may disrupt indirectly and inappropriately, like getting a traffic ticket when you feel annoyed with your job. Mars is Aries natural ruler and the traditional ruler of Scorpio before Pluto was discovered so they find themselves being less aggressive, less pushy and less impatient to have their way in a situation. Mars-ruled types find themselves more inclined to sit back and review matters in a more detached or impersonal way. They feel more patient to wait on circumstances to unfold before they take action. For those of us not by Mars, it may feel quite differently. We may feel more impatient to force matters to a conclusion, to get a project going or to take immediate action. This would be an unwise course of action. Remember, initiating or impulsively taking action will not work to your favor.

SATURN RX 3/2/14 to 7/20/14

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and was the traditional ruler of Aquarius before Uranus came along. Their natural inclination to say, no and maintain the status quo may be tested at this time.  This Saturn retrograde is in mutual reception (swapped signs) with Pluto, so the Scorpio themes of death and rebirth can't be stronger. Don’t be afraid to spend considerable time in your very own underworld. If you prefer the shallow end, this transit will create a considerable amount of stress and pressure to have you look into the bottom of your own fears and insecurities. Saturn-ruled issues may be approaching a tipping point now; one stage of a project might be on the verge of completion, you may be considering ending something/leaving someone/making it official, etc. This retrograde could hit before you get to the finish line. As frustrating as it may feel, Saturn retrograde is meant to push you a bit deeper (Scorpio) before you come to that conclusion. What’s finalized under this transit will be permanent; you have to be sure. For others who have been avoiding Saturn’s lessons, you’ll be in for some revelations. Scorpio is the sign of hidden things, and Saturn’s reversed motion will be like a plow dragged back through the same furrow. If you missed what was churned up the first time, it will now be unmistakable. Saturn will be retrograde until July 20th, so use this time to reflect, process and confront anything that you missed. Retrogrades involve internal exploration, and Scorpio is the most internalized sign, so this period could involve more soul-searching than usual. Don’t look for external results during this time, but don’t be fooled into thinking nothing is happening. Much will be brewing beneath the surface, and it will all come out when Saturn goes direct.

To find out which House in your Natal Chart will be affected by these transits, go to my Store Page and click on the Natal Chart option.

Horoscopes for Valentine's Day 2014

 

What's in store for you lovers?  Take a look and see...

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Your heart may be pounding hard with the outgoing Leo Full Moon in your 5th House of Romance. It's tempting to let your feelings get the better of you, but isn't that what this day of love is all about? Well, just don't be overly extravagant in expressing your feelings because sobering Saturn is part of the day's story. Its hard angles to the Sun and Moon suggest that a bit of self-restraint and patience is appropriate now.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Even if your expectations are high, it's wise to keep them within a reasonable range. Today's Full Moon in Leo could trigger powerful feelings, especially at home, but they can swing dramatically from over-optimism to doubt and fear. Finding a middle course will allow you to enjoy the day without the stress of spending or hoping for too much. Appreciate what you have rather than counting on roses falling from the sky.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

While it would be nice to have plenty of leisure time to celebrate this day of love, taking care of business is likely to become your priority. Don't make elaborate plans because the complications involved may not be worth the effort and expense. Enjoying the company of a caring person while attending to your usual tasks can, strangely enough, wind up being more satisfying than dinner in a 5-star restaurant.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Celebrate this special day by making a simple plan and sticking to it. While the Full Moon in extravagant Leo might tempt you to raise your romantic hopes to the highest level, there's something about a meal in a quiet, out-of-the-way place that's likely to arouse romantic feelings. Avoid impulsive behavior because this holiday can add heat to a slow cooking romance, while going too fast could lead to burnout.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

The Full Moon in your expressive zodiac sign should make this a dramatic day. Your emotions can run the gamut from exhilaration to despair and back again. If you enjoy a wild ride on your powerful feelings, you're in for a good time. But if you'd like some peace and comfort, lower your expectations and plan on a relaxed and pleasant experience instead of one that aims to be remembered forever.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

A luxurious evening in a private setting could be a perfect way to celebrate this Valentine's Day. The extravagant Leo Full Moon occurs in your private 12th House where getting away from it all is ideal. Make this a magical time when you're free to be as bold and playful as possible. Avoid crowded and well-lit places to share a dark corner where your imagination creates a secret, out-of-this-world atmosphere.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)

Celebrating this lovers' event with a group might not sound like the most romantic idea, but it makes sense this year. That's because today's enthusiastic Leo Full Moon falls in your 11th House of Friends. Think of this as a time for a party rather than a private experience. Having fun with others is especially desirable because it takes some of the pressure off spending the evening with just one person.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

This Valentine's Day has an aura of seriousness that makes a simple event more desirable than an extravagant one. Sobering Saturn in Scorpio forms a potent 90-degree square to today's brash Leo Full Moon, which can take the air out of a balloon that floats on high expectations. Cooking a special dinner or planning a quiet evening in a familiar setting offers the comfort that expensive gifts are less likely to provide.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

A playful Leo Full Moon adds an extra degree of romance to this special day. This dramatic lunar event occurs in your 9th House of Travel, which makes planning a trip an ideal gift. If you can't do that, take in a foreign movie or eat out in a beautiful ethnic restaurant. Enjoy the evening without making elaborate promises though, because serious Saturn is lurking in the wings to bring the hammer down on unrealistic expectations.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

The expectations of your partner could be extremely high with today's bold Leo Full Moon in your 8th House of Intimacy. This could turn out to be a very romantic time, but you'll probably need to plan it carefully to fulfill your expectations. Surprises are unlikely to prove successful, because knowing exactly what's going to happen will provide a sense of safety and comfort needed to get the closeness you want.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

You're usually a pretty chill and relaxed individual, but that doesn't appear to represent your mood today. A Full Moon in dramatic Leo falls in your 7th House of Relationships to make this a highly emotional day. You or your partner might not want to do anything elaborate and would prefer a quiet evening at home. One big gesture, though, can spur romance without taking too much time or costing too much money.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20)

Your romantic soul should soar on this special day thanks to a Full Moon in dramatic Leo. However, this event occurs in your 6th House of Work and Details, which can complicate your social plans. Take care of all the tasks that you can in advance to free up the time and energy needed to celebrate without distractions. Just don't let a minor problem push buttons that turn it into a mess that makes it harder to have fun.

Mercury Rx in Pisces and Aquarius

“Review, Reflect, Revise”

The first Mercury Retrograde transit begins on February 6th in the sign of Pisces and then on February 12th backtracks into Aquarius until is goes direct on February 28th. What exactly does it mean when a planet is said to be retrograde? A planet is described as  retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. This concept arises in the planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth, with relation to other planets in our solar system. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, it is an optical illusion. During a “reversal,” the areas of life that the retrograde planet rules will feel askew until it catches up to Earth again.

Mercury retrograde is perhaps best known of all retrogrades. Since communication is Mercury's main domain, communication is greatly affected by this planet's pull. When Mercury is in retrograde, expect some difficulty in all forms of communication. Misunderstandings might happen like you’re not being heard or coming across clearly to others. You’ll suddenly find yourself in the middle of a ridiculous argument. Technology can also become problematic, emails could be mis-sent, text messages are misinterpreted or delayed, phones are suddenly not charging, laptops and computers crashing... you get the idea.  In addition, travel and transportation is also affected.  It could be as simple as delays due to a traffic jam or difficulty in getting a cab, but it can be as bad as your car breaking down in the middle of traffic. Since Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, these individuals (and those with these signs prominent in their charts) can feel moody, pensive and out-of-sorts.

On the positive side, retrograde planets draw our attention inward and to the past. Mercury retrograde is a great time to review or finish up an old project, contact an old friend, or clean out the closet. It’s also a good period for introspection, dreaming, and deep thought. We look at the world a little differently--through different filters--and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually re-connect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we're forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves.

This period begins with Mercury in Pisces. Pisces rules our spiritual and intuitive qualities that make our true beliefs seen in the outside world. The viewpoint of about humanity and our attitude about others will be seen as well. If we see ourselves separate than others, then our spiritual attitude is one that only exists within a compartment of church and does not venture out into our day to day lives. Since Mercury is in retrograde in the sign of its fall in Pisces, (Planets in fall are uncomfortable and weak, having much less power to assert their own identity.) this retrograde period creates mental and emotional confusion, with strange dreams and sometimes psychic experiences. Mental processes being entwined with emotions, we find it hard to separate ideas and opinions from passion and idealism. Our mental orientation can be unstable, unrealistic and overly-spiritual, but it also inclines to laziness and increases the urge to consume alcohol. Nervousness and stress, even unfounded fears and paranoia are stimulated, especially from working or living in a hostile environment. Maintain privacy and dignity in the working environment and don't try to read between the lines, when there is really nothing to find. On the 12th, Mercury will enter Aquarius which is a more comfortable placement for Mercury. As an air sign, Aquarius exudes qualities of the intellect and communication, especially to do with invention, new ideas and the pursuit of a higher truth; as a fixed sign, it is also reliable and resolute. Aquarius can also appear contradictory, in that they may be both social and individualistic at the same time; its intellect can appear detached and come from a standpoint of distant objectivity, and at the same time, its need for communication drives it to relate to others. When Mercury retrogrades in Aquarius, it's time to reconnect with old friends, new friends, new ideas, old ideas, and the internet. Check all the details of your connections to make sure they're versatile enough to handle the pace of your innovations and the vision of your creativity. Now that your mind is filled with cutting edge concepts and the latest information, think about how you can integrate and use these new and renewed connections, concepts, and products as everyday tools to help you attain your goals. Today the "glass is half-full and people are too trusting.  That great deal, may not be all it seems, so have a Virgo read over that fine print. It's easy to insist on cutting your way through the confusion only to find yourself more at sea than before. Elusive concepts flee in the face of challenge. This can also manifest in ways that are positive. For example, if a person who is usually depressed finds hope or meaning in their life, it can open them to new possibilities and potentials. Just be aware that the collective exuberance is temporary. I am all for taking a leap of faith, but look very, very carefully before you do.

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Overview for 2014

 

For the most part, things are going to stay pretty much the same in 2014, but there are some bright spots to mitigate some of the "same old".  We are still dealing with the Uranus/Pluto square, that has been instigating the uneasy global conflicts, economic hardships and societal issues that has been going on since 2012.  It comes to ahead in April when there will be  super-charged Grand Cross.  The good news here is the Grand Cross marks the beginning of the end of this energy that will be gone in 2015.

Mercury retrogrades three times, all beginning in water signs of Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, but retrograding back into the air signs of Aquarius, Gemini and Libra respectively. Emotional issues have to be revised and updated to align more with our true inner essence, intuition and awareness. Our feelings, intuition and awareness of our inner connection to the Divine becomes the terrain that must be reviewed, revised and infused with spiritual growth and awareness. Mercury brings important information, which bubbles up to the surface as we accept the inner call to explore the inner aspects of our spiritual essence.

This year will be a deciding one for relationships, since we have both a Mars and Venus retrograde this year. Many outdated, outworn and outmoded ones will finally end while new and fulfilling ones will begin. Get out and network the second half of the year. You simply won't believe the potential and possibilities that those efforts will attract.

Saturn continues its long journey through Scorpio. This serious planet in this serious sign will bring a time of reckoning. Those individuals and companies who are in heavy debt will need to acknowledge that this has to be dealt with and cannot be ignored any longer. Expect to see more businesses going bankrupt, more job losses due to this and more people asking for professional guidance on how to sort out their finances.

Some good news is with Neptune in the early degrees of Pisces, those working in psychic fields such as carrying out psychic research will have the benefit of new techniques that are being developed to record paranormal phenomena. People working in alternative medicine and who deliver alternative therapies will find there is increasing demand for their services.

Another major shift will be July when Jupiter moves from Cancer to Leo and it becomes about fire, passion, joy, creativity and opening our hearts. Jupiter has not been in Leo for 12 years and this truly is going to be a year of passion and letting go of much of the fear based mentality and moving into action for many of us.

Creativity will take center stage during this transit and you will find inspiration in the most unlikely places. You can expect to meet interesting, creative and successful new people. And as per Leo's penchant towards infatuation, there is possibilities for new romances either short or long terms.

Sun Enters Capricorn

 

On December 21st, the Sun moved into tenacious, determined Capricorn. As an earth sign and with the goat as its archetype, Capricorn portrays the enduring and irrepressible spirit of nature. In ancient times the goat was a symbol of courage, of high aspirations and a surefootedness that enabled them to climb higher than any other animal. Goats can survive anywhere and on even the scarcest of vegetation. They are true survivors and can endure short term sacrifices and harsh conditions. The feature of the goat deserves special attention in our understanding of this sign. The name 'Capricorn' comes from the Latin caper (“goat”) and cornu (“horn”), literally “the Goat's horn”. In the ancient world horns were symbols of royalty, strength and power, as well as fertility and abundance. The goat's horn thus stands as a representation of the elemental energies of the earth.

Capricorn, being a Cardinal sign, initiates and begins the winter season, a time of scarcity and survival. This energy has to be smart, but also practical. It is earth energy and accomplishes by actions, not words. It has the patience of “time” itself and understands the natural order. We could never have the new life of spring, without the death of winter. All are part of the natural order and Capricorn rules the natural order of life itself.  We are all marched through a process where we reassess our goals, do closure and manifest our hard worked plans.  With its ruling planet Saturn, this sign is associated with structure, priorities, results, endurance, pragmatism, obligation, duty and authority. To most of us, this is a rather formidable list. Capricorn, as a force in our lives, has a reputation for being demanding and lacking in humor, but few of us appreciate Capricorn for being a teacher of valuable lessons which enable us to achieve and progress. Saturn and Capricorn also provide the structure, stamina and endurance that enable us to pursue a dream to its manifest conclusion, but this ability is acquired piece by piece. Saturn has an agenda; to lead us into the experiences that force us to reckon with the necessities and realities of life. His purpose is to challenge us to grow. Saturn, along with Capricorn forms a hierarchical puzzle; each brick of achievement is balanced upon the layers below it.  Later lessons are built upon the foundation of previous ones. If we have not done our homework, we can become lost or mislead when faced with the tests of later learning. The maturation process requires that we have enough of what we need to progress, but sometimes the experience of doing without for a time can strengthen us. We see this when a pruned back tree springs back with stronger or when we build up our muscles through vigorous exercise. Saturn can force us to work harder than usual at something so that we become stronger in that area. The natal house where Saturn resides is often the area where we feel the weakest, yet it’s often where we excel the farthest because we've worked so hard to compensate.