The Gemini season-Mercury retrogrades

Mercury enters Gemini on April 30, in the sign of its rulership. Mercury turns retrograde on May 18, and as a result will remain in this sign until July 8, a very long time for the typically fastest moving planet. Thoughts and conversation will pick up speed, and be noticeably lacking in emotion as Gemini is more of an intellectual sign, and in this placement Mercury is very powerful.

Mercury rules speech, communication, conversation, travel and young people.

A retrograde period of Mercury is typically much longer than many people imagine, and the shadow period of this retrograde begins on May 4. People often call me and want to know if it is ok to begin new projects a few days or even a couple of weeks before the retrograde, and the answer is no, not really. Mercurial energy will start to shift during this time, and at the very least it becomes a wild card in the equation-a very wild card! Start something shortly before a retrograde and in my experience it is no different than starting it during the retrograde. The energy is already changing and starting to slow down. I've tested this many times, and the result is always the same. So, it's best to buy your electronic items, cars, and major purchases by the fourth of May, or shortly thereafter, and don't start any new projects if you can avoid it.

Mercury turns stationary retrograde May 18-21, and this is typically when it becomes obvious the energy is changing, glitches occur and we sometimes start to find things out that were previously unknown. It will remain retrograde until  June 12, when it goes stationary direct, until June 16. This is the second most important period of the retrograde when  we often find things out, previously unknown,  and energy once again becomes changeable. The stationary direct and retrograde periods are generally the most important times during a retrograde, especially if these periods of Mercury aspect something in your personal chart. A post retrograde shadow period follows that will last until June 27.  Its only after this date that Mercurial energy will return to normal.

So, what should you do if you get a job offer during the early shadow period of Mercury? Unless you can delay it for a long period of time, my advice is to take it and see what happens. Generally people looking for a job are doing so because they need a job. It's a wild card, but take it anyway, if you need it. Sometimes we just have to do what we have to do. I once started a job on a retrograde Mercury years ago, and it lasted two years.  It didn't pan out as expected, and I left suddenly, but it worked for the time. Start a job on a retrograde and you can expect at the very least, it won't be your last job. But, in this day and time, not many people are looking for their last job.

 I have seen instances where people begin a job on a retrograde Mercury and get into a pattern of accepting and quitting jobs on a retrograde, but this is rare. The cycle generally ends when they accept a job during a time that Mercury is not retrograde.

Don't get married or engaged, buy electronics or big ticket items on a retrograde Mercury or start new projects. If you start a new relationship during this period it will likely not work out, but it depends on your chart. Sometimes relationships that begin on a retrograde resurface only during the retrograde and this includes non romantic relationships as well. This time is well spent in re-doing, re-examining and re-accessing your situations, and this is the natural cycle, it just isn't always on our own personal timing.

  

A retrograde Mercury is often a period we can re-connect with those from our past, but it is not a guarantee. It is what I consider a fated period in some respects. We often find things out that affect our decision making and plans that affect the future. Some relationships experience ups and downs that provide an opportunity to examine what is not working. Some relationships will end, but a retrograde Mercury alone is not enough to typically end a relationship unless it began on a retrograde which makes it more suspect.

On a personal level many of us encounter the consequences or results of a retrograde Mercury when we are not centered in our life and thoughts or not fully aware of what is going on around us and in our personal relationships. Thus, when we find out things are different from what we had hoped we become upset, angry or mad. If we are not aware or conscious of what is really going on, as opposed to what we want to go on, this is when we can feel that we are psychologically impaired or damaged by it. The key is to be aware. Then again, those Mercury retrograde glitches and breakdowns are going to occur to us all, and in that respect we are all in the same boat! During some retrograde periods we can all be caught by surprise with some of the things that transpire. But, awareness is the key, always.

During the latter part of May, Jupiter is moving into a trine to Uranus that becomes exact mid-June. This is a very positive transit, especially if it aspects your chart or planets which would be 16-20 degrees of Aries, Gemini, Leo or Sagittarius.  This can be a very positive time for some, and in some ways this will play out in the world. As these two planets get closer in some ways we can all start to reap the rewards and we will likely get some positive economic news-even if it is temporary.  If things seem to be going well make good use of this energy as it won't be here forever.

Other significant transits in May include:

May 3, Mercury opposes Saturn and this is a tiring and often difficult transit. Mercury is communications or thoughts and Saturn has an unyielding side to it. As this occurs just before the full moon, its influence may be marked.

May's full moon occurs on May 3, at 11:42 P.M., EST. This full moon is at 13 degrees of Scorpio and this falls close to the degree of the November 3, 2013 solar eclipse. Events you were dealing with at this time could come back up, or reach some degree of conclusion at this time.

Scorpio is an intense and emotional sign and rules the eighth house of sex, taxes, debt and investments, partners money and change and transformation of all types. As Mercury is still opposing Saturn, there could be a great deal of serious or negative energy and harsh communication.  On May 4, the Sun squares Jupiter, and as this transit is well within orb, things may become blown out of proportion, relative to what they are. This moon will work best for water signs, but as always it depend on what this moon aspects in your personal chart.

This is intense energy that can be used in a positive or negative manner. As Scorpio is the sign ruled by Pluto (regeneration-death) and the Uranus-Pluto square is still within orb, many thing may end. If you want transformation in your life, now is the time. This could be an opportunity to release negative emotions or issues.

May 6, the Sun trines Pluto and this an intense but positive transit when we should be able to find common ground.

May 7, Venus enters Cancer Family issues may come to the fore in some manner or getting together with relatives over this period. Venus in Cancer can be positive for love, but it is a very emotional sign, much different from Gemini. The downside is that some individuals may become needy or needier with this Venus placement. Many people entertain at home, redecorate, or in some way the home can become a center for social activities.

May 11, Mercury squares Neptune and this can be a confusing energy, and the same goes for communication. As we aren't' t thinking clearly, this is not a good day for serious negotiations  and you could be misunderstood or the opposite could occur. If you miss an important communication don't assume the worse. It can also be a discouraging and misleading influence.

May 11, Mars enters Gemini Communication and action takes on a livelier tone, and there will be a great deal of mental energy as Gemini is ruled by Mercury.  As Maras will shortly oppose Saturn the start of this period may seem restrictive.

May 15, Mars opposes Saturn This is a harsh, limiting and restrictive transit and we will see this play out in the world in terms of police and military action. Egos may be out in full force, and this is not the day to force an issue. Things will go best if you do not try and start an issue or antagonize anyone. Best to just let this energy pass uneventfully if possible.

May 16, Venus trines Neptune This is a subtle energy but can be creative or compassionate. Love can seem unreal (positive)or unrealistic. This can be very pleasant, buts its effects are fleeting. Great for creativity and readings.

May 18, May's New moon occurs just after midnight, EST at 26 degrees of Taurus. Taurus is the natural ruler of the second house of money and possessions, and is ruled by Venus.  Taurus is by nature the most laid back of signs. As Mercury goes retrograde this day, events connected with this moon may be delayed by a few days or weeks.

By  8:49 A.M., EST the moon has switched signs and opposes Saturn and we will be aware it is Monday again, all day!

Mercury turns retrograde at 9:50 P.M., EST.

May 21, the Sun enters Gemini for the next 29 days. Gemini is the ruler of the third house of communication, immediate family members and neighbors.

May 21, Venus opposes Pluto Love may become obsessive, possessive and overwhelming. This is NOT a good transit for relationships especially if it aspects your chart. Venus-Pluto is negative overall for women, and indicative of domestic violence and violence toward women if a relationship like this already exists, but it's not enough to cause or create one. At its best, serious relationship problems can be resolved,  but few people have this type of discipline or communication. Best not to force issues at this time and read a good book, rather than try and hunt down the object of your affection. Some relationships will end and you could have an ah ha moment. Regeneration is a theme this day.

May 22, the Sun opposes Saturn and this is a tiring and restrictive transit. Some things may come to an end. If you don't feel you get the credit you deserve just let this energy pass and a better day is around the corner.

May 25, Mars squares Neptune This is a tiring and discouraging transit. The information you give or receive may not be correct and there is an element of the unreal. At its best this transit works well for showing compassion toward others, or spiritual pursuits. We may see water related weather issues.

May 25, Venus squares Uranus Venus rules love and money and we could hear news of both. If you meet someone new and seem to be getting along, time will tell the tale but know that Uranus is not indicative of stability. Some relationships will end, or take an unexpected turn.

May 27, Mercury conjuncts Mars Be careful traveling, watch your pets and try and avoid arguments. This transit is argument prone and you may experience this in your dealings with people.

May 29, Mercury squares Neptune This transit is prone to confusion, discouragement and confusing or misleading conversations. Check your email address before you hit send.

May 30, The Sun conjuncts Mercury This transit comes across as 'willful,' there could be ego conflicts if you aren't careful and a great deal of communication. Be careful traveling.

May 31, the Sun squares Neptune is the planet of illusion, confusion and delusion. This may be a lazy and tired day, but it is Sunday. Don't take things too seriously. Great for creativity, readings and compassion.

.

Can you say stubborn?

April 22, Mercury conjuncts Mars at 7 :04 P.M. This is a day to be careful while traveling or driving, watch your pets, and watch the way you communicate with others.

Typically Mars-Mercury transits can produce a lot of communication, but they can also produce a great deal of tension, irritation and worry. Stubbornness, agitation and arguments can be expected, especially if this transit aspects your chart. This may not be the day to force issues, confront others, or anything of this sort. If you do, then you take your chances, and decisions made here can have long lasting effects, as can arguments.

There is a great deal of verbal and mental energy at your disposal today. My advice is to direct it in a positive direction. Some possibilities for this type of transit are writing, communicating, sales, meetings or anything concerning communication, but cooperation is called for.

As Venus sextiles Jupiter the possibility is there for success if you don't get agitated.

This energy will be in affect a few days before and after April 22.

A difficult week for relationships, endings and distortions of truth

Venus moves into its opposition to Saturn this week, peaking at 12: 25 A.M., EST on April 14 at 4 degrees of Gemini/Sagittarius. Over the next few days this will not bide well for relationships, social events and in some cases it could involve issues over money. (it is April 15 and for some this means taxes).

Venus-Saturn transits are generally experienced as negative in terms of love, relationships and anything of this sort, especially if it is aspecting your personal natal chart. Some may feel depressed and unloved, lonely, overworked (and underpaid), disappointed, and it will mark a turning point in some relationships, where the dream dies. There is no doubt some relationships will end, but if your relationship is generally solid and healthy you will not have to worry about a break up. That doesn't mean you couldn't experience turbulence. 

This transit is not limited to romantic relationships, but could affect any area of your life in terms of relating to others.

 If this transit is aspecting your chart, you have mutable planets (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces) at 2-6 degrees. For starters this includes an entire generation of those born with Pluto in Virgo-September, October 1957, August 1958-July 1960, February 1961-July 1961. Also those born with Neptune in Sagittarius will be affected, born October 1972-November 1974.

If you were born with Pluto in Virgo you could experience this as obsessiveness, jealousy or a desire to 'get even.' If it aspects your Neptune you may experience it as depressing, confusing or even revealing.

The best course of action is to take no action, or at the very least  don't commit yourself to a course of action you may later regret when the planets move on in a few days. Your perspective could change again at this time, and it becomes harder to walk across a bridge that has been burned down!

The following day, April 16, Pluto turns stationary retrograde and this will amp up this energy, especially if it is aspecting your chart. Retrograde Pluto. Retrograde Pluto energy becomes more internalized, and more powerful and destructive in many cases.

On April 17, a New Moon occurs at 29 degrees of Aries peaking at 2:57 P.M., EST, and this is considered the Anaretic degree which is considered crisis oriented. As this New Moon falls in the 1st/7th house axis, this relates to marriage, partnerships, relationships of all kinds and in some cases may bring up issues with those who generally oppose us.

Aries rules the first house of self and our own personal desires which may be in conflict with others. Some may act aggressive, self centered or domineering. The Moon will quickly move into Taurus at 5:31 P.M., EST and the energies will become much calmer and more laid back.

April 18, Mars squares Jupiter at 12 degrees of Taurus-Leo and this is a transit of things being blown totally out of proportion. Bragging may be common, and don't take this energy too seriously. There can be a lack of moderation in many things that can include your relationships with others. While things can be blown out of proportion, this is not a totally negative transit and sometimes coincides with change and new projects-situations. Don't be reckless as this transit is also indicative of reckless risk and taking too many things for granted. Once again, all things begun at this time, need to withstand the test of time.

By Sunday, April 19, Venus squares Neptune, and this actually creates a (separating) T-square, which is a configuration that occurs involving the energy of all three planets. Venus-Neptune transits can at times seem ideal, but more often than not, confusing, disappointing, tiring and there is often a lack of clarity and communication. Some of its manifestations can include daydreaming, vivid dreams, lies and deception, and lack of objective reality. Do not take seriously any new contacts or promises made on this day, until they have withstood the test of time.

These transits will play out in the world as well as our personal lives. Venus concerns women in particular and money, and we will no doubt hear news of women. Ideas/news may be vague and confusing and not favorable to women in particular. Venus-Neptune can relate to scandals, lies and deception. 

Mars-Jupiter will relate to propaganda, and those wishing to push their points of view especially in government, and there will be concern with foreigners and foreign governments. Propaganda pitches will be front and center, fear mongering, and there will likely be some adverse weather conditions that will involve water. We will see several negative days in the world.

These transits will have an affect a few days before and a few days after they become exact.

April 2015: A major eclipse affecting relationships, Jupiter turns direct

We begin the month with the Sun trine Uranus, which is a positive transit on April 2, and should help with the many events that are occurring over the next number of days during this pivotal period of time in the world. Relationships will be a theme in April, especially around the time of the eclipse and in the following days as this powerful lunar eclipse falls in the sign ruling marriage and partnerships. It is part of the natural cycle -some things will fall away and other things will begin, but life goes on.

The lunar eclipse of April 4, (see my blog) is all about relationships and our connections with others both in our own lives and in the world. Eclipses repeat themselves every 19 years and the last time an eclipse occurred at 14 degrees of Libra was April 4, 1996. If you can remember this period and it was significant, this eclipse may be significant as well. Events will occur bother before and after this eclipse actually occurs.

This eclipse sets off the Uranus-Pluto square and events will be large in the world, volatile,  and large in our lives if  this eclipse aspects your personal planets in your own chart. If this aspects your chart in a negative way, the events that occur at this time will likely reveal something, potentially unexpected.

 All eclipses are not bad-it all depends on how your own natal chart is aspected. Transformation to a better state is possible. With this eclipse, some relationships will come to an end if they are unstable or troubled.

The days after the eclipse are as significant as the eclipse, falling on the heels of this lunatation, and these transits also set off the Uranus-Pluto square. For some,  these will be trying days and if the eclipse affects your chart, these transits over the next few days will as well. These days may be more volatile than the eclipse, and they are:

April 5, the Sun squares Pluto This will have an effect on this day and the night before. Power struggles and arguments are common, but there is the potential for change. Pluto transits can be compulsive and obsessive, and at its worst violence can occur.

April 6, the Sun conjuncts Uranus and this is prone toward unexpected events. Uranus is about freedom and you or others may not take kindly in being told what to do. Allowing yourself and others plenty of freedom is the key, but some things can end. Mercury also trines Jupiter and this can help matters with a more optimistic attitude.

April 7, Mercury squares Pluto and this is an argumentative transit also prone toward obsession. Some people may be looking for a fight. Be careful traveling as this transit is prone to accidents. We could hear important news in the world and our lives.

April 8, Mercury conjuncts Uranus This is a disruptive transit and our minds may be all over the board. Again, fights will be common, and this is not good for travel. We could hear unexpected news, some situations could suddenly end. It is important to pay attention to things over these days.

Jupiter turns direct April 8, at 12:58 P.M., EST

Finally, the planet of gain and expansion turns direct after a four month retrograde that started on December 8, 2015. Many things that have been delayed will start to move forward again in the days to come. If you've been planning a business, new project, or new anything it will be easier to get started now. Travel will be easier and of course, pick up. While Jupiter is retrograde we grow more in an inner way and when the 'great benefic' moves forward the growth occurs in a more outward manner in the world. We can take what we have learned and discovered now and project it outward.

If Jupiter turns direct on a personal planet in your chart this can be a positively significant time, depending on what it is aspecting. Sometimes sales and money can pick up as well.

This should be a significant year for Leo, as Jupiter only enters your sign once every 12 years and it will be in this sign until Augusts 10.

If you are a 10-14 degree Leo this should be a very positive time as Jupiter turns stationary direct. (August 3-7) Or this will benefit you if you have Air or Fire planets being aspected at these degrees.

Jupiter remains in it's important stationary direct period until April 25, when it starts to move forward again and the positive energy picks up steam.

Jupiter in this sign rules the fifth house of love affairs, creativity and children and we will see expansion in these areas.

On August 11, Jupiter will move into the sign Virgo for the next year, not to return to Leo again for another 12 years.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

April 11, Venus enters Gemini and romance becomes more intellectual than
physical. Communication will become more important, and feelings can change quickly. If you were born with a Venus in Gemini you would expect the object of your love to be able to communicate well and socialize with others as needed. This Venus placement is chivalrous.

April 14, Mercury enters Taurus. Thoughts and ideas may slow down but once decisions are made that are lasting. This works best for earth or Water signs, but everything is about balance among the stars.

April 15, Venus opposes Saturn Relationships that are solid may be little affected, but the unstable ones could end. Decisions made on this day can be lasting, but basically it is not a day to plan a party, first date or anything of social significance.

April 16, Pluto turns retrograde at 11:51, EST

Many issues, especially relating to joint monies and investments, partnerships and sex will begin to be internalized during this period allowing us to look at things from a different viewpoint. Pluto is about making deep change that goes beneath the surface. One way of looking at this is destruction of that which is no longer working, which will now become obvious.

Certain issues involving power or power structures may appear to lose steam during this time, but they are not really going away, they are just going under the surface, and in some cases becoming more subversive. When Pluto goes direct long term issues of this type (power issues) will surface again both in our personal lives and the world. But, as Pluto retrogrades we have the opportunity to look at things from a different perspective and effect a transformative change.

On the world stage we will continue to see issues related to nuclear weapons and materials, explosive areas and hot spots around the globe and issues concerning money, shortages, corporate control, taxes, corruption and greed. 

While Pluto is retrograde its energy is often internalized, as opposed to being out in the open. Often this seems to keep certain things hidden, and when it goes direct situations appear to suddenly be revealed. These  situations were there all along, we were just not consciously aware of them. So, when Pluto goes direct (September) it will appear to bring things out into the open.

**********************************************************

April 17, mars squares Jupiter This is a day when situations and issues may be blown out of proportion, and boundaries could become blurred. Egos could be out of control today.

 April 18, this month's New Moon falls at 28 degrees of Aries, almost touching the critical 29th degree. While new moons are about new beginnings, this new moon packs some punch in terms of volatile energy. Within a few hours though it will move into the sign Taurus.

April 19, Mercury sextiles Neptune This is a basically creative transit, but Venus squares Neptune as well, and this will create confusion between the sexes, or potentially with money. Some people may feel discouraged or mislead. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be careful what you agree to and situations could be misrepresented.

April 20, the Sun enters Taurus at 5:42 AM, the second sign of spring. Taurus is the ruler of the second house of money and income. Taurus is ruled by Venus. Energies will become more laid back.

April 21, Mercury squares Jupiter Things can get blown out of proportion, although this is not considered an overly negative transit. Mars trines Pluto and this will give us the ability to work hard to achieve our goals.

April 22, Mercury trines Pluto giving us depth of thinking and communication. Venus sextiles Jupiter, and many may feel the urge to socialize and this is positive for love. However, Mercury conjuncts Mars, and this is prone to arguments, disagreements, anger, and is a negative transit for travel and communication.

April 26, Venus sextiles Uranus and this is positive for love, and social communication.

April 29, the Sun sextiles Neptune Many may have vivid dreams on this one. This is a creative transit, good for psychics or any creative activity.

April 30, Mercury enters Gemini Once again thinking and the way we communicate will change. Thinking and communication becomes faster, changeable and more intellectual.