Venus Retrograde — Turning Love Around

Scarlet Figments by Kate Rodrigues

Venus — the planet associated with love, romance, beauty, money, material possessions and personal values — will be retrograde from December 21st until January 31, 2014 (or February 1, 2014 in some parts of the world).

From an astrological perspective, retrogrades motivate us to review, revisit, refine and resolve challenges that are holding us back from progressing in the area related to the planet involved.

They may relate to unfinished business from past lives, or they may refer to repeating patterns in our present lifetimes. Either way, the presumption when that planet is Venus is that the challenges faced are love and relationship challenges. This includes the entire spectrum of “relationships”: romantic, familial, social, etc.

Mars in Libra — December 7, 2013-July 26, 2014

Mars moves into Libra on December 7, 2014 at 20:41 UT (3:41pm EST). Mars is in detriment in Libra, as the polarity point of the sign it naturally rules, Aries.

What this means is that it’s not comfortable in Libra, as the diplomatic, peace-loving Libran archetype is strained when filtered through the Martian natural aggressive, dynamic energy.

With that said, there are many Mars in Libra natives who handle this energy beautifully:  they epitomize grace and charm, like Nicole Kidman, Bill Clinton,  Anderson Cooper and Prince William; they know how to make people laugh, Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Sarah Silverman, Fran Drescher, Seth Rogen, Jason Alexander and Will Ferrell; and they know how to use their unique talents, skills and voices to appeal to the masses, like J.K. Rowling, Elvis Presley, Arianna Huffington and Bill Gates.

If Mars represents what we’re compelled to “do” — what we are willing to fight for — Mars in Libra people strive for harmony, balance, fairness and most of all peace (think Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama).

Mercury in Sagittarius — Dec 4, 2013

mercury in sagittarius

Mercury, the planet that relates to thoughts, ideas, words and communications in general is now moving into Sagittarius. This is an upbeat, optimistic and expansive placement for any planet — but when it comes to Mercury, the expression of those qualities are most evident through the sharing of thoughts and ideas.

Mercury in Sagittarius people tend to be honest, direct and outspoken. They’re not known for tact or diplomacy: they generally say whatever’s on their mind without regard for the consequences.

They’re broad-minded and expressive: they have big (sometimes grandiose) ideas that they want to share with others. They tend to be interested in philosophy, spirituality (or religion), politics, social sciences, culture and foreign affairs.

They’re always looking to broaden their horizons — often through travel or the pursuit of a higher education. They’re life-long students and are usually voracious readers. They want to know about and learn about everything.

Jumping Jupiter! Another Planet Goes Retrograde!

Jupiter Retrograde

Jupiter — the largest planet in our solar system is now retrograde.

Astrologically Jupiter is said to relate to benefit, gain and fortune. It’s the planet of abundance and extravagance; of philosophy, spirituality, travel, foreign affairs, personal expansion and higher education.

Your natal Jupiter will describe where you do things in a big way or the area of your life where you might go overboard. It’s where you’re naturally confident and optimistic and where things tend to come more easily to you.

When it retrogrades by transit, depending on the sign and area of your natal chart it’s moving through, you can expect to go through a bit of a renaissance, as you review, revisit and refine your own personal belief systems.

Venus in Capricorn — November 5, 2013 – March 5, 2014

Greta Scacchi

Venus enters Capricorn on November 5th, 2013. If you were born with this Venus, you probably understand the value of hard work, dedication, perseverance and discipline.

You’re responsible and reliable — with money, in your career, in your relationships with loved ones, and especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

There’s usually a soulful quality about Venus in Capricorn people and a classic, timeless beauty: think Greta Scacchi, Scarlett Johansson or Faye Dunaway; or an ageless, sophisticated air, such as with Rock Hudson, Richard Burton and Paul Newman.

Venus in Capricorn people tend to be wise beyond their years and yet they’re also known to be late bloomers. Why? Because they know that good things come to those who wait, aw well as to those who take their time nurturing and developing their characters, rather than racing to the finish line.

MORE ON MERCURY RETROGRADE — November 2013

Mercury Retrograde

This period began in October 2013 and no doubt many of you are feeling the effects of it. So how has it been for you? I, for one, can attest wholeheartedly to having a dreadful time during this period.

You name it… I’ve experienced it!

Of course the 2 eclipses also happening during this time have not helped at all. I’ve become an expert at chasing my tail around in circles trying to get things fixed and when one thing seems as if it is sorted another pops up to take its place.

 

MERCURY RETROGRADE AND THE ECLIPSES (October and November 2013)

It’s enough to make your hair stand on end!

Mercury turns retrograde in Scorpio on October 21, 2013 bringing with it not only the usual culprits of miscommunication, phones, electrical devices, computers going haywire but also a few days before it turns retrograde there is an eclipse on October 18 at 25 degrees Aries and during the retrograde period another eclipse on November 3 at 11 degrees Scorpio.

So with all that in mind you’ll have to be doubly careful in navigating your way through the next few weeks. 

Mars in Virgo — Oct 15, 2013-Dec 7, 2013

Mars moved into Virgo today. Mars represents energy, action, drive and assertion – in other words what we are compelled to “do” (among many other things). Virgo is analytical, efficient, productive and resourceful.

In this context, the Mars in Virgo energy is all about making yourself useful, putting your energy into helping others and making the world a better place.

If you were born with Mars in Virgo, you’re probably very detail-oriented and precise. You may not be organized, but you’re always organizing. Making lists: “things to do today;” refining and perfecting your surroundings; and pitching in to help others wherever you may see yourself as useful.

There are never enough hours in the day for Mars in Virgo people. They can’t really sit still: they have to be doing something all the time – usually two or three things at a time.

They’re good with facts and figures, have a great eye for detail and are quick to point out where improvements can be made.

Ace of Wands — Following your Bliss

Ace of Wands - Thoth

 

Follow your bliss.
If you do follow your bliss,
you put yourself on a kind of track
that has been there all the while waiting for you,
and the life you ought to be living
is the one you are living.
When you can see that, you begin to meet people
who are in the field of your bliss,
and they open the doors to you.
I say, follow your bliss and don’t be afraid,
and doors will open where you didn’t know
they were going to be.
If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you
that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.

                          ~ Joseph Campbell

Venus in Sagittarius — Oct 7, 2013 – Nov 5, 2013

Jude Law

Venus enters Sagittarius today! If you were lucky enough to be born with this Venus, you’re probably generous, vivacious, outgoing and expansive.

You’re known for being up-beat and optimistic, always seeing the glass as half-full, and always up for a good time.

Venus represents “love” among other things. Sagittarius is related to personal growth and expansion, travel, religion, philosophy, higher education and ideas.

Venus in Sagittarius people tend to love all of these things, even though they’re prone to engage in heated debates about them. They tend to be spontaneous, adventurous and happy-go-lucky.

They say what’s on their mind and in their heart — often at the most inappropriate times! They’re know for putting their feet in their mouths,but are usually very good natured. They can laugh at themselves and can take a joke, as long as it’s told without malice.

Men are from Mars (and Venus): Astrology, Men and Love

We hear so much about men being “from Mars” — and in a lot of ways this is true, at least astrologically.

In general, they tend to relate more to their natal Mars positions and project their Venuses out onto the women (or male partners, if gay) in their lives.

This is in line with the Jungian concept of anima/animus (inner woman or inner man) projections that each of us embody. But this also tells us a great deal about what men are looking for in a mate.

A man’s natal Venus sign placement describes not only what he’s attracted to, but how he’s likely to conduct himself in relationship. It tells us how he expresses love and affection, how he receives love and affection from others, and how he relates to his partner in a one-on-one relationship.It tells what he’s looking for in a soulmate and how capable he is of investing himself emotionally in soulmate relationships.

Top 10 Things to Consider When Getting a Psychic Reading

Let’s face it: there are a lot of bad psychics out there. Or more accurately, a lot of bad people masquerading as psychics.

There are those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our society by either failing to tell them the truth (after all, they make a lot more money feeding into people’s fantasies), or telling them outright lies for the exact same reason.

The word “Psychic” comes from the Greek work psychikos and means “of the mind” or “of the psyche.” It does not refer to mind-reading or fortune telling or similar mind-blowing parlor tricks.

Unfortunately these are popular misconceptions, based on media mockery and the unscrupulous practices of some who use them to make a quick buck.

Psychic readings can be tremendously valuable, provided that you approach them with both an open mind and a healthy sense of logic.

Your session should involve some give and take, and will suffer when either of these falls out of balance. If your psychic asks too many questions, you’re likely to question whether the information you’re provided is “real” or is just a natural assumption based on what you’ve already revealed.