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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Astrologically speaking, most people know their Sun signs. You’ll hear people say “I’m a Leo” or “I’m a water sign (referring to Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces Sun signs),” or “I was born on the Virgo/Libra cusp.”
And many believe that that’s all there is to it. Nothing could be further from the truth!
The Moon sign is not only just as important as the Sun sign, sometimes it’s even more important.
Eastern astrologers, for example, are more interested in Moon signs than Sun signs, and in many areas almost everyone knows their own Moon sign from an early age.
Sun sign astrology (horoscopes) became popular because the Sun’s zodiacal position is the only one that can be determined by birth date alone. The Sun occupies the same relative position in the zodiac on the same day every year. That makes it easy for laypeople to know their own Sun signs, without having to consult an astrologer or navigate the complicated waters of in-depth astrology.
Even though the Sun is over 400 times the size of the Moon (another reason some place more importance on it), it’s also over 400 times further away. This is why they appear to be relatively the same size from our vantage point. It’s also why we have Solar and Lunar eclipses.
Most of us have heard about “Mercury Retrograde,” and mostly in an unfavorable light. In general it’s said to relate to delays, challenges and missteps in Mercury-ruled areas.
These include plans, contracts, agreements, communications — both verbal and written — as well as communications devices (phones, televisions, radios, computers, fax machines, etc.). In addition, cars, trains, bikes and motorcycles — anything related to short-distance or local travel — are all also under the Mercury umbrella and likely to be affected.
Mercury retrograde carries with it so many negative connotations — probably because most of us don’t handle sudden upsets or unexpected changes to our carefully-made plans. But people win lotteries under Mercury retrograde. They fall in love. They get married. They have babies. They launch successful businesses.
Starting on April 25 and going through to May 25 we have 3 eclipses due to cross our paths affecting some of us more than others but giving all of us a chance to use the heightened energy of the Sun and Moon that is around at these times.
However you choose to use these important dates keep this in mind. Eclipses tend to have a way of throwing you off your guard, situations may happen that send you reeling and circumstances whether good or bad have a way of showing up in your life in a way that reminds you of fated or coincidental events.
There’s been a lot of press about the roles of Venus and Mars in soulmate relationships, but what exactly does that mean in the true astrological context?
Are these two planets the primary indicators of relationship compatibility, or are they just one small part of what makes up a good connection between partners?
Venus and Mars are actually relatively minor factors for determining relationship compatibility, and are rarely “karmic indicators.” They’re good for determining attraction (by sign) but little else.
They’re usually present when there are strong sexual sparks or chemistry at the onset of a relationship, but don’t say much about exclusivity, longevity or commitment.
In the coming weeks, we’ll delve into Venus and Mars from a deeper, more comprehensive perspective. If you’d like to read more about how these planetary energies are expressed for men specifically, you can check out this companion piece: Men are from Mars (and Venus): Astrology, Men and Love.
Brace yourself — You may be in for a Bumpy Ride! Have you been feeling a shift in your energy levels lately? Find yourself focusing on what you want to achieve and analyzing the steps you need to take you to your goal?
Mars is currently travelling through the logical and analytical sign of Virgo for quite an extended time November 18 to July 4 to be exact.
Mars in Virgo is highly disciplined, it also gives you the ability to separate your emotions and aim hard towards your goals. It is a time of hard work to achieve what you desire and gives you the ability to get a great deal done.
To help you with the Mars energy over the next few months keep an eye on the following dates and adjust your actions/thoughts to use this energy wisely whilst remembering Mars is the planet of war, it rushes in without fear… however, during the next few months a retreat in action may give you your best outcome.
They say that a “change is as good as holiday” and it may be wise to meditate on these words this Thanksgiving given that there is an eclipse on the new moon in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is usually a sign known for its humor and ability to have fun, however, an eclipse is usually anything other than a lot of fun!
Whilst it is true it will affect some of your more than others you can never be sure it will not affect you directly… or indirectly through others. For example, you may not have many planets which are affected but your partner may and therefore you will be affected as their own issues hit off and you are then left dealing with what you are going to do next. Sound familiar?
There’s a kind of hush…. well I wouldn’t bet on it! Mercury is retrograde in Sagittarius from November 24 to December 14 which means anything but peace and quiet and if you were thinking you can just ride this period out then think again.
Sagittarius is all about the bigger picture, grand plan, larger than life experiences and with Mercury retrograde in this sign you can be sure that if anything does go wrong it may do so in a big way!
If you are the quiet, patient type you may be a bit surprised to find yourself just blurting something out of the blue which leaves others aghast and yourself wondering where those words came from.