Slowing Down-Five planets are retrograde

Five of the ten planets astrologers use at are retrograde August 12, through August 25.

Things may seem to move at a slower pace, or you may feel like you are fighting a battle to accomplish what you want. Things will pick up shortly, but for now it may be best to use the time to reflect and come up with solutions rather than implementing them. The last time five planets were retrograde was May, 2016.

If you try to fight the tide and keep going at a normal (fast, that is) pace you will experience frustration. I'm not saying to be lazy, but going with the flow of the planets is far easier than beating your head against a brick wall! 

Take a break if you can and smell the roses, and remember that summer won't last forever.

At the time of this post the Sun and Mars are in Leo=ego and energy. It may seem like an ego blow to have to slow things down.

Mercury is retrograde in Virgo, and you may feel like complaining, but that won't help either.

Other retrograde planets include Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto-all of the outer planets! That said, some or several of the outer planets are typically retrograde. The outer planets bring about slow moving change and trends in our lives.

The most significant retrograde is Mercury. Thinking can be foggy or confused, glitches occur, equipment and other things can break down and it can be quite a letdown when suddenly nothing is moving forward as you would like.

Use this time wisely. You may need to rethink certain situations or issues may arise to be solved. You may even change directions.

Saturn turns direct August 25, at 21 degrees of Sagittarius. This will be followed by Mercury on September 5, when it turns direct at 28 degrees of Leo.

At this time things will pick back up and we will start to move forward once again!

The Great American Eclipse of August 21

The August solar eclipse occurs August 21, and falls at 29 degrees of Leo. This is called the 'Great American Eclipse as it is the first eclipse that has crossed the US from coast to coast in 99 years, and it should be visible from all parts of the US. Click here to see the eclipse map. This is the first time since 1257 and eclipse fell exclusively within the borders of the US, which makes it the only eclipse exclusive to the US since the formation of the country. This eclipse cuts the US in half, and its path goes from Oregon to South Carolina. It's interesting that in 2024, another eclipse will cut the country in half again from Texas to Main.

The best city to view the eclipse from is Nashville, TN or one of the following locations: Atlanta, 97%, Boston, 63%, Chicago, 87%, Cincinnati, 91%, Dallas, 76%, Denver 92%, Detroit, 79%, Houston, 67%, Indianapolis 91%, Las Vegas, 72%, Los Angeles, 62%, Memphis 93%, Miami 78%, Milwaukee 83%, Minneapolis, 83%, NYC, 72%, Oklahoma City 84%, Philadelphia, 75%, Phoenix, 63%, Pittsburgh, 81%, Portland 99%, Salt Lake City 91%, Seattle, 92%, Washington, DC, 81%.   If you look at the google map, the closer you are to the eclipse path, the more you will see.  

 Click here for a map to see the duration of the eclipse in your area.

If you are on the path of totality, the sky will go dark, the temperature will drop, and animals will respond as though it is night. The crust of the earth will rise, according to reports. For some, this is the only total eclipse they have seen in their lifetime.

Eclipses are like wildcards, and one of the ways we learn how and what we need to change and evolve. An eclipse can seem good or bad, depending on what it aspects in your personal chart, and often an eclipse is dramatic, or reveals important information if it aspects a significant point in your own chart/life.  An eclipse often brings news pertaining to life's biggest events.

The energy of an eclipse can go for months and in some cases years.

 The energy and events connected to an eclipse can occur before or after the actual eclipse. The energy of an eclipse can generate major circumstances weeks and even months after the eclipse-an eclipse is a predictor of events that can occur before, during and after the actual event itself.

With an eclipse we have both endings and beginnings. A solar eclipse is more like a new beginning, and it is always a new moon. A lunar eclipse can being more news of endings and it is associated with a full moon.

Almost always unexpected information comes to light and at this time something may be eclipsed completely out of your life, or into your life. Eclipses can bring positive or negative events depending on what it aspects in your personal chart.

 This eclipse can clear away the emotional baggage and re-set your emotional life, so to speak. With Jupiter in the picture, we have the potential for personal expansion and a link to happiness of some kind.

The eclipse falls at 29 degrees of Leo. This is known as the Anaretic degree, and considered crisis oriented. Many things, situations and personal cycles can end at this time.

Eclipses can and do bring random events, that you did not expect and are typically beyond your control.

This eclipse falls on the fixed Star, Regulus, one of the Royal Stars of Persia, that also include Aldebaran, Fomalhaut, and Antares.

Ptolemy describes the nature of Regulus as violence, destructiveness, military honor of short duration with ultimate failure, imprisonment, violent death, success, high and lofty ideals and strength of spirit, and makes its natives magnanimous, grandly liberal, generous, ambitious, fond of power, desirous of command, high spirited and independent. (Donald Trump has Regulus on the ascendant conjunct Mars, and the eclipse will bring about significant events in his Presidency).

Each of the royal Stars can promise success if a certain attribute is avoided. With Regulus, it asks that we proceed without vengeance, or suffer a fall.

An eclipse at this degree can indicate the fall of an important leader as it did in 1998, (Bill Clinton went through impeachment proceedings) but it does not have to occur on that exact day.

The eclipse is also trine Uranus at 28 degrees of Aries. This can bring about sudden and unexpected events, but as it is a trine, events can turn out well, and be of a positive nature. New ideas, or even inventions may come to the forefront and there can be a sense of excitement in the air.

Mars sextiles Jupiter, which is a positive and enthusiastic transit as well.

There are fifth house connotations to this eclipse as Leo rules the 5th house of love/friendships and children and entertainment. I expect to see many events and situations during and around this eclipse that relate to relationships and love. An eclipse can 'eclipse' something in, or out of your life and sometimes both depending on what it is aspecting in your personal chart.

Mercury is retrograde-While eclipse energies go for at least a month before the eclipse and after, it is often longer. As Mercury is retrograde on this day at 8 degrees of Virgo, we can expect to see some events that relate to the eclipse delayed. By the first week of September, Mercury will hit the eclipse point at 28-29 degrees of Leo where it will turn direct, and I expect many eclipse events to play out then. On September 3, Mars and Mercury both hit the eclipse point, and we can expect to see significant events on this day. As Venus hits the eclipse point  September 19, we may see more events connected with this eclipse.

August 21, 1998 an eclipse occurred at the same degree of 28 Leo. If you are old enough to remember what occurred at this time, you may have an indication as to how this eclipse will affect you.

One of the most significant things that occurred around the time of the last eclipse at this degree was the scandal that occurred involving US President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, that led to Clinton's impeachment. We could see other scandals during this time, and US President Donald Trump's chart is heavily affected by this eclipse as it falls on his ascendant and conjuncts Mars.

Other events of August/September 1998 included:

 -Winnie Mandela sued by the South African government

- Omagh bombing in Northern Ireland, the worst terrorist incident of The Troubles, kills 29 people and injures about 220

- South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission chairperson, Archbishop D. Tutu, releases documents revealing an alleged plot by Western countries to assassinate UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld of Sweden

- The Royal Proclamation of HRH Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah as the Crown Prince of Brunei.

- The Supreme Court of Canada rules that Quebec cannot legally secede from Canada without the federal government's approval.

- U.S. embassy bombings: US military launches cruise missile attacks against alleged al-Qaida camps in Afghanistan and a suspected chemical plant in Sudan in retaliation for August 7 bombings of American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania

- First RFID human implantation tested in the United Kingdom.

- North Korea reportedly launches Kwangmyongsong, its first satellite.

-On September 2, Swissair Flight 111 crashes near Peggys Cove, Nova Scotia. All 229 people on board are killed.

- Google.com is registered as a domain name.

The eclipse literally cuts the US in half. Major events typically are associated in and around the path of totality of eclipses. As the eclipse divides the US, I do not see an change in the political divisions that exist for some time. As another eclipse crosses the country in 7 years the deep divisions may continue for years to come.

In the US natal chart (Sagittarius rising) the eclipse falls in the 9th house of governments, laws and foreign nations-relations. As it opposes the US Moon the people will be agitated-upset. As Mercury squares natal Uranus we can expect to hear sudden and unexpected news that can include healthcare, workers, or the military. News may relate to foreign people/affairs, as well as the dissemination  of information, transit and communication networks to name a few.

Leo rules royalty and we could hear new of royal families now or in the next 6 months. As you can see from 1998 the Crown Prince of Brunei was named. On August 2, Prince Phillip of the UK officially retired from Royal duties, but we could hear more over the next 3 months. In 1998, the royal family was in a state of flux over the death of Princess Diana and investigations into her death were continuing and the British monarchy suffered a crisis of confidence.

We could also hear news of celebrities, actors, and people in the entertainment world.

We could hear cutting edge types of news (Uranus) and on August 2, it was announced deadly gene mutations have been removed from embryos.

Those Most affected by this eclipse will have fixed planets at 29-27 degrees of  Leo, Aquarius, Taurus or Scorpio. If your Sun or ascendant falls one of these signs and degrees the eclipse will bring significant events to your life. 

If you are a Leo or Aquarius, expect the issues to center around relationships. If you are a Taurus/Scorpio, the 4th/10th house axis of home, family and business will be activated.

We are currently experiencing a 'Moon wobble' which occurs when the Sun forms a square to the nodal axis, as the Moon is wobbling in its path by declination. This will continue through August 24.  This will amp up the energy of this eclipse, as emotions are aroused and there is a tendency to act suddenly without thinking things through correctly. Astrologer Carl Payne Tobey coined this phrase after he discovered the moon wobble correlation to natural disasters, fires, loss of life, bad weather and other catastrophes.

Hotel rooms are booked all over the country, some schools are not going to be in session. Some will take the day off and enjoy the skies. You can google your town to see what the peak time of the eclipse is. Good luck!

Samastha lokaah sukhino bhavanthu - May all the worlds have peace and prosperity.

Surviving and thriving: Mercury is retrograde

Mercury turns retrograde August 11, at 9:01 PM, EST at 11 degrees of Virgo. The ruling planet of Virgo is Mercury and a retrograde Mercury here is very powerful.

Mercury in Virgo will concern work and health, communication, and glitches may occur in any area.

The next three weeks may be a period where things seem at a standstill, especially our outward action. On an inner level however, we can accomplish a great deal.

Mercury turns retrograde 3 or 4 times a year, and generally has a bad name and elicits groans when mentioned.  To an extent this is perfectly understandable, as retrograde Mercury is the planet that causes delays, glitches, breakdowns in computers and equipment, relationships, slowdowns and brings hidden factors to the surface. Plans can be put on hold, miscommunication can occur, relationships can end or change, and cars, computers and other machinery can break down at the most inopportune moment.

All of this will occur, but this period does not have to be the disaster many believe it to be with some basic knowledge ahead of time.  The four most important things are to 1)understand what retrograde Mercury means 2)know what to expect 3) know what to avoid and lastly 4)understand what you can gain from it. With this basic information available, you should be able to make the most of the time, and benefit from the retrograde as oppose to being caught off guard.

The first step is to know what retrograde Mercury means. In the strictest sense of the word, the planet of communication does not actually go backward, it only appears to. This will occur three or four times every year.  A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac, and this is referred to as apparent retrograde motion.  When planets retrograde, their effects on humans are different than when in direct motion. Thinking is deeper, situations often appear to go underground for a time, or change altogether, and sometimes our focus shifts. Mercury retrograde is the most talked about retrograde, because it is a fast moving planet that controls our thinking, speech, travel, and cognitive skills. When Mercury retrogrades, there are several phases.

 

The first phase is the pre-retrograde shadow period which began July 25 This period is where Mercurial energy starts to shift and it is time to start wrapping up new projects for the time being and focusing on what is at hand.

The second phase of retrograde Mercury is the stationary retrograde period, when Mercury starts to shift into apparent backward motion. This occurs August 11-16, when Mercury starts its retrograde. This is the period most glitches start to become evident, and if you have a prominent Mercury in your chart, thinking may become foggy.

Mercury continues to retrograde through September 5 when it turns stationary direct September 5-8.. This is the second period when glitches, breakdowns and changes in direction may well occur.

Mercury begins to move forward again on September 9, but remains in the shadow direct phase until September 19, 2017.  Mercurial energy does not pick up its normal pace until completion of the second shadow period. So, the retrograde Mercury period is actually a much longer cycle than most people understand. Changes will occur at the juncture of each retrograde phase.

The second step in surviving a retrograde is to know what to expect. What you can expect and prepare for are slowdowns, delays, miscommunications, interference with travel and travel plans and appointments, and the breakdown of machinery, situations and even relationships. If your car has been limping along and you have been putting off a repair, know this is the likely time it will become obvious that you have to fix it. If your computer is slow or having problems be sure and back up everything important. (I learned this one the hard way several times!) If you are in a relationship that is tottering on the brink of ending, this may well be the period that can occur, and often does. Of course, I always tell people, ‘Mercury retrograde is a wild card.” Sometimes, relationships can be fixed and problems brought out into the open if it is worth saving. Expect delays, changes of plans and try and not have situations set in stone.  In other words, prepare to be flexible.  Mercury retrograde is often a frustrating time to be looking for a job.  Don’t give up though, just keep plugging on and stay on top of all communication. And make sure you are direct and to the point in your communication with others.  If you don’t understand what someone is telling you, by all means ask for clarification.

The third and perhaps most important step in surviving retrograde Mercury is to know what to avoid. Don’t get married, start a new business, start new projects or begin anything you hope will become permanent during the most important three week phase of the retrograde. Don’t purchase high ticket items, important gifts, paint, or anything you expect to be there for a long time if you can avoid it. Retrograde Mercury is not the time to start new projects, but rather finish up the old, and redo, re-organize or re-work. Go against this advice and you may wish you hadn’t. I chose the paint color in my office on retrograde Mercury just to test it, and as I write this post, I wish I had time to get out a paintbrush today.

The fourth step to surviving retrograde Mercury is to understand what you can gain from it. Know that retrograde Mercury is part of the natural cycle of life and it is not anything out of the ordinary. Everything serves a purpose and the point of a retrograde Mercury is to slow down a bit, reflect, rethink, re-do, re-plan and reorganize and reconsider. It is a period of correction. Rather than starting new projects it is time to look at what is on the drawing board. Often during a retrograde, thinking changes direction and a more appropriate course of action can be mapped out. Often new information comes to the surface that must be considered.  Sometimes secrets are revealed, and the truth comes out into the open.  The truth may not be what your want to hear, but it can set you free. Retrograde Mercury is a time to plan, work on you, and delve into the spiritual side of life. Sometimes important contacts with people from our past can be initiated, and there is generally a focus on the past or past situations that can come back up to be resolved. Just focus on what is at hand rather than starting new situations.  If you are forced to start a job during a retrograde, it could be altered when Mercury goes direct, or you may not have all the facts. If you begin a new relationship on a retrograde, it may end or change when Mercury goes forward, time will tell. 

All in all, retrograde Mercury is a period where we should reflect on our current state, and plan rather than initiate new ventures. Reconsider your options, re-write, re-organize, and re-think. If you follow these basic principles, I can’t guarantee you won’t experience frustration, but you will survive the retrograde and perhaps come out of it better than you had believed possible.

Venus opposes Pluto: love, obsessions and other significant events

Venus is moving into an opposition to Pluto that becomes exact Tuesday, August 15, at 17 degrees Cancer-Capricorn. This energy will be felt before the transit is exact and in the few days after.

Venus opposing Pluto is a harsh aspect, and some relationships and situations will end. Others, with work, could be transformed in some way, but the path will not be an easy one.

Significant events can occur or things can reach a peak, and this does not have to all be negative. For example, some could close real estate deals, or other projects could come about, typically with a great deal of work.

Pluto is an obsessive planet and its nature is to push, dig and in some cases bully.

Venus rules love, money and values, and Pluto rules sex, obsessions, bullies, jealousy and the darker emotions, as well as transformation of all kinds.

Venus is transiting through Cancer, the ruler of the 4th house of home and family and Cancer is concerned with home and family, security and feelings.

This transit typically relates to obsessiveness in relationships, extreme jealousies, obscure dramas, endings, indiscretions, compulsions, irrational behavior, emotional meltdowns, manipulation and issues over sex or money. 

You will be affected more than others if you have a personal planet in your chart at 16-18 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. To an extent however, we will all be affected.

As Venus is in Cancer this could involve situations that include family members, and with Pluto in Capricorn it  could involve business relationships, or any other type of relationship, not limited to romantic ones.

Typically this shows a power struggle of some type  that could get ugly and this transit does not fare well for women, overall.

 At its most extreme Venus-Pluto transits show domestic violence and abuse/violence against women.

 If you are in a healthy relationship that is not riddled with issues and jealousies you have little to fear. How you handle issues may be more important at this time than what the issues actually are.

As Mercury will be retrograde, you may not have your facts correct, and this is a period you would do well not to initiate issues or force change on anyone.

 This transit will play out on the world stage. There are some very ugly things happening in the world that aren't going away any time soon. We could hear news about women/finance and it won't be pretty. Human trafficking also comes to mind, along with forced marriages and issues concerning women. Pluto rules those in the world who try and force their will upon others, and Pluto rules nuclear situations.

This transit is prominent in US President Donald Trump's chart, and can play out on many levels. It is not impossible that N. Korea could be a part of the equation, as Mars conjuncts Pluto in the N.K. natal chart in the days before. Either way, we will hear significant news.

Prelude to the eclipse in Aquarius

As we head into Monday's lunar eclipse, events related to the eclipse will begin to play out. The energy of an eclipse is significant both before and after the event.

Friday morning the Moon opposes Venus and this can cause some emotional upsets. This should change by afternoon.

The early morning hours of Saturday can be fraught with tension as the Moon conjuncts Pluto.(EST) By evening things can become changeable or unpredictable as the Moon squares Uranus in Capricorn/Aries. This combined with the eclipse energy, may make some prone to sudden, rash and impulsive action.

With the Sun and Mars in Leo some people have, and will continue to act out their frustrations or be hard to deal with. After all Leo is a FIRE sign, prone to drama and dramatic situations.

The Moon enters Aquarius (The sign of the lunar eclipse) at 8:16 AM, Sunday morning (EST). Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Uranus, and Uranus is the planet of unpredictable events.

Monday's eclipse peaks at 2:11 PM, EST, and its trine to Jupiter (evening)is positive, although Jupiter can blow things out of proportion. This Moon also opposes Mars in Leo (6:41 AM, EST) an this is harsh, argumentative energy. All full Moons oppose the Sun and it is this aspect that typically sets emotions on edge in a polarizing way, and people tend to act out their emotions.

Eclipses reveal and brings things to light that may have been previously unknown.  Issues being revealed for what they really are can only be positive in the long run, even if difficult in the short term. Eclipses coincide with life's most important events, and changes.