With a day highlighted by a Sun/Neptune opposition, a Venus/Mars conjunction, and Mercury going retrograde, I share with you this AstroPoem:
Dream. Love.
Dream of love.
Love your dreams.
Pursue beauty.
Chase her.
Embrace her with courageous ardor.
Entice desire.
Seduce him.
Capture him in your butterfly net.
Go inside,
Within your mindscape,
Where visions of the heart’s art resides.
The freedom inherent in form.
The growth that comes with persistence.
The understanding that arises with commitment.
These are just a few of the ways that the archetypal energies of Jupiter and Saturn can manifest if they are flowing and integrated. Reflecting upon the dance of these two planets is notably important today since they are in exact opposition (as they were on May 22 and will be on March 28). For more reflections on this planetary pair, see this article that uses the practice of yoga as a metaphor for the insights that can arise when this planetary pair allies.
With the Moon in exploratory Sagittarius making harmonious aspects to Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mars, today may be a glass-half-full day.
Even if that’s not your normal go-to place, consider giving positivity and optimism a whirl and trying this perspective on for size. Ask yourself such questions as:
Given that Mercury and Mars, via their midpoint, are doing the two-step around the Aries Point, our minds may be especially energized today, providing us with the verve we may need to share our findings with others.
AstroPoetry for the Day
Express it.
Don’t suppress it.
Confess it.
Even profess it.
Even if it’s not “the” truth,
It’s yours.
The Moon climbs into Capricorn this morning.
And like she has experienced the past few months, when Luna steps towards and into the sign of the Mountain Goat she is met at the doorway by the planets residing around the beginning of the Cardinal signs. While last month (July 23) had her first meeting Saturn, then Uranus, Jupiter, and Pluto, this month it is Uranus (now in the late degree of the mutable sign of Pisces), then Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto that spells the order of those archetypes with which she meets. Therefore, the early day’s energies may take on the following patterned flow:
Unexpected activities lead to opportunities that are then tested by their realistic coherence, which once they take upon a form may lead to transformative reflections within.
With a day highlighted by a Sun/Neptune opposition, a Venus/Mars conjunction, and Mercury going retrograde, I share with you this AstroPoem:
Dream. Love.
Dream of love.
Love your dreams.
Pursue beauty.
Chase her.
Embrace her with courageous ardor.
Entice desire.
Seduce him.
Capture him in your butterfly net.
Go inside,
Within your mindscape,
Where visions of the heart’s art resides.
Some days, like this one, I feel pulled to use few words in describing the energies.
So I offer you this:
Today, a breakdown in our armoring can lead to deep change, notably if we can honestly look to and accept the places within where our personal wounds reside.
The astrological markers: Sun/Chiron opposition and the last of this cycle’s Saturn/Pluto square (for more detail on the latter, see this post).
Today marks the last day this year that the Sun will express itself through Leo (it moves into Virgo at 10:27 pm PDT). When El Sol resides in this sign of the Lion, we are more strongly able to connect in with the energies and lessons of this magnanimous sign.
As such, take some time today, if the spirit moves you, to reflect upon the last month to see how these expressions came forth in your life. Some helpful questions include:
Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, they way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in related areas of our life. Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place April 17 – May 11.
Mercury represents the bridges and channels that allow us to connect varied pieces of information in order to synthesize them into the whole of understanding. During Mercury retrograde periods, the inherent weaknesses of these conduits may be revealed. As such, this period is known for the breakdown of tools that help us to share information (such as phones, computers, and printers) and well as those that assist us as we move from place to place (such as cars, bikes, and buses); therefore, do what you can to make sure they are in good working order, before Mercury goes retrograde if possible. With data and information transfer stressed, it’s a great time to ensure you’re backing up your hard drive, keeping track of whether you’re due for an oil change, or inventorying your supply of extra batteries necessary for the remote or your child’s favorite toy.
Any planetary retrograde reflects a period where the energy is focused more internally. Therefore, it’s a wonderful time to turn communication inward to seek insights and understanding. Meditation, journaling, and nondominant handwriting are great activities to do during Mercury retrograde to help you find the pieces of the puzzle and the teachings of wisdom that you seek.
While inner reflection is heightened, external communication may be stressed. Therefore, try to avoid misunderstandings by being extra diligent about the words you use, while also making sure to listen even more attentively than usual. Whether it be with writing or speaking, put a little extra effort into dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. Be especially aware of this if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting off doing so if possible), as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or especially clear.
When you think of how to approach this period, remember the first two letters of the word retrograde—“re”—and apply it to the activities you undertake. As such, Mercury retrograde periods are a great time to reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, and recommunicate.
During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 19 degrees Virgo to 6 degrees Virgo. While everyone experiences the energies of Mercury retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.
Nondominant handwriting: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question to which you seek an answer, something that you’ve been pondering. Then pick up a pen or pencil and place it in your nondominant hand (the left one for righties, and the right one for lefties) and write out the answer on paper. Write freely and don’t judge what may seem like chicken scratch. The beauty of this exercise is that by using our opposite hand we are able to access more of our subsconcious mind and tap into our intuitive knowingness. What you compose on the paper should provide you with an insightful perspective on your question.
Spring cleaning: Mercury retrograde is a great time to literally clean your closets. That’s because our abilities to reassess, reevaluate, and reconsider are heightened. Cleaning closets can be wonderfully therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps to unburden ourselves of things that no longer best serve us. If your closets don’t need to be cleaned, consider organizing your desk drawers or pantry shelves.
© ALEX CARRILLO
During the Leo New Moon, we have the opportunity to shine. There’s an ebullient child-like energy that draws forth the playful and creative self that resides within. Yet, when doing so care is usually taken since Leo wants to be nothing if not dignified.
The Sun God(dess) sign aligns us with a feeling of wanting to be recognized and embraced for the special being we are. If other’s interactions with and attitudes towards us do not meet with these expectations, issues around wounded pride may arise.
We may have experiences that allow us to see how important it is to be generous in spirit and to radiate our inner light to those around us. We may sense how if we do not let our vital energy flow, we may experience stress and tension in our hearts, bodies, and mind. The Leo New Moon reminds us that we should proudly express our essential self, a being that has great gifts to offer those with whom it orbits.
This month’s New Moon falls at 18 degrees of Leo (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Leo or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.
Leo rules the heart, spine, and hair. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.
Neroli essential oil: This romantic scent from the leaves of the Seville orange tree is a delightful and therapeutic one to enjoy during this New Moon. Neroli helps to inspire a sense of calm and joy. It has cooling properties so if you feel yourself overinflamed in mind, body, or heart, neroli may provide you with great fragrant benefits. Placing a drop above your heart and wearing as a perfume or using in a room diffuser are two ways to enjoy this beautiful scent.
Buttercup flower essence: When you need some support stoking the inner flame of self value, buttercup flower essence may be of benefit. It’s especially good for periods when we are judging ourselves by external markers of success that, in turn, degrade our sense of self-worth. It helps shift the source of light from the unreliable-without to the eternally-sustaining-within. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)
Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, they way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in related areas of our life. Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place April 17 – May 11.
Mercury represents the bridges and channels that allow us to connect varied pieces of information in order to synthesize them into the whole of understanding. During Mercury retrograde periods, the inherent weaknesses of these conduits may be revealed. As such, this period is known for the breakdown of tools that help us to share information (such as phones, computers, and printers) and well as those that assist us as we move from place to place (such as cars, bikes, and buses); therefore, do what you can to make sure they are in good working order, before Mercury goes retrograde if possible. With data and information transfer stressed, it’s a great time to ensure you’re backing up your hard drive, keeping track of whether you’re due for an oil change, or inventorying your supply of extra batteries necessary for the remote or your child’s favorite toy.
Any planetary retrograde reflects a period where the energy is focused more internally. Therefore, it’s a wonderful time to turn communication inward to seek insights and understanding. Meditation, journaling, and nondominant handwriting are great activities to do during Mercury retrograde to help you find the pieces of the puzzle and the teachings of wisdom that you seek.
While inner reflection is heightened, external communication may be stressed. Therefore, try to avoid misunderstandings by being extra diligent about the words you use, while also making sure to listen even more attentively than usual. Whether it be with writing or speaking, put a little extra effort into dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. Be especially aware of this if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting off doing so if possible), as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or especially clear.
When you think of how to approach this period, remember the first two letters of the word retrograde—“re”—and apply it to the activities you undertake. As such, Mercury retrograde periods are a great time to reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, and recommunicate.
During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 19 degrees Virgo to 6 degrees Virgo. While everyone experiences the energies of Mercury retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.
Nondominant handwriting: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question to which you seek an answer, something that you’ve been pondering. Then pick up a pen or pencil and place it in your nondominant hand (the left one for righties, and the right one for lefties) and write out the answer on paper. Write freely and don’t judge what may seem like chicken scratch. The beauty of this exercise is that by using our opposite hand we are able to access more of our subsconcious mind and tap into our intuitive knowingness. What you compose on the paper should provide you with an insightful perspective on your question.
Spring cleaning: Mercury retrograde is a great time to literally clean your closets. That’s because our abilities to reassess, reevaluate, and reconsider are heightened. Cleaning closets can be wonderfully therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps to unburden ourselves of things that no longer best serve us. If your closets don’t need to be cleaned, consider organizing your desk drawers or pantry shelves.
Today is the last of the three Saturn/Pluto squares that have colored recent times. (The first took place on November 15, 2009 while the second occurred on January 31, 2010.) While these dates signal the exact 90-degree relationship between these planets, the energetic pattern that this alignment reflects extends throughout.
Saturn is the creator of structure. It instills a honoring of the natural laws necessary for crystallizing form to make things “come to life.” Its focus, on some level, is continuity.
Pluto is the master of transformation. It requires us to let go in order that we may uncover the depths and powerful resourcefulness of who we are.
These two planets seem, on the surface, to be at odds. After all, Saturn likes the as-is while Pluto cherishes the that-which-will-become. Saturn is known for holding on and appreciating a sense of certainty. Pluto, on the other hand, inspires us to give in and release control, having faith that the Phoenix will rise from the ashes.
This alignment can evoke tension. Saturn may exert its rigidity and hold back Pluto’s natural process while Pluto may cause a breakdown in the structure that Saturn worked so hard to create.
Yet, Saturn and Pluto can work gracefully as well. Saturn can provide a container that can help to give true form to Plutonian transformation. Pluto can breakdown some of the Saturnian rigidity that may have restrained the expression of joy and individual authenticity.
During this Saturn/Pluto alignment, consider, for example, whether there are any aspects of your life—situations, relationships, attitudes, habits, et al.—that you are tightly holding on to but which you know, in your heart of hearts, don’t really serve you. You may be holding on to them because of comfort, because of fear, and/or because you identify yourself with them.
Whatever the reason, assess whether they truly align with your inner joy and sense of being. If they don’t, see how you may release them so that you can make space in your life for things that better match your authentic self. This Plutonian change need not be quick nor rash. In fact, it’s important to honor Saturn here and be thoughtful and diligent in your approach. This will help assure that the changes you make are lasting ones that help to inspire your sense of personal empowerment.
During today’s planetary alignment, Saturn is at 3 degrees Libra while Pluto is at 3 degrees Capricorn. While the energies of this celestial event can be felt collectively, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around these degrees of Libra or Capricorn or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Cancer—it may impact you more intensely.
While these suggestions may be especially beneficial around the time of the exact squares—such as today—they may also prove helpful throughout the whole time that we are exposed to this planetary pattern.
Jatamansi essential oil: A relative of valerian, jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) is also known as Himalayan spikenard. It is an amazing essential oil for instilling calm, reducing anxiety, and promoting sleep. Jatamansi is also prized for its use in alleviating the grief associated with loss as well as releasing subconscious trauma. To use, place a few drops on your palms, rub them together, and then inhale the fragrance. Massaging jatamansi mixed with plain massage oil into the soles of the feet promotes nighttime relaxation and is said to quell insomnia.
Deep tissue massage: This type of bodywork focuses on the unwinding of the fascia connective tissue as well as the release of deep muscles. It allows for the break up (Pluto) of crystallized tension (Saturn) and lactic acid reservoirs that may be caused by stress and/or physiological patterns of misalignment. Deep tissue work can reduce chronic pain and lead to freer motion and greater structural integration. If this type of bodywork isn’t available or of interest, even getting a traditional Swedish massage can be of great healing benefit.
The Virgo/Pisces Full Moon can be an auspicious time for healing. We have at our disposal the ability to connect to the body (Virgo) and our intuition (Pisces). If your health has been less than abundant, or you’re just looking to feel even more vital, taking the time to focus in how to enhance your wellness during this Full Moon may prove very productive.
Use your discerning, critical eye (Virgo) to deduce how different physical and emotional factors may be combining to paint the current picture of your health. Then, sit quietly with these insights (Pisces), allowing conscious knowingness to emerge from a place deep within you and inform you on ways to proceed. The combination of Virgoan and Piscean energy can be a powerful elixir for our health as well as provide solutions to dis-ease in other areas of our life.
Be aware, though, that during a Virgo/Pisces Full Moon, we may be pulled toward feelings of melancholy, to sensing whispers of sorrow caused by disillusionment. After all, both Virgo and Pisces yield a desire for perfection and idealism, and “reality” oftentimes doesn’t match up to how we desire life to be. It’s especially important during this celestial event to remember to practice compassion—for yourself and others—and to accept that even in imperfection, beauty and grace reside.
This month’s Full Moon falls at 2 degrees of Virgo (Sun) and Pisces (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Virgo, Pisces, or the other mutable signs—Gemini and Sagittarius—it may impact you more intensely.
Virgo is associated with the small intestines and digestive system while Pisces rules the feet, immune/lymphatic systems, and pineal gland. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.
Reflexology: As Pisces rules the feet, when the Moon is in this sign, reflexology can be an especially lovely activity to engage in. The massaging of pressure points on the feet can help to circulate energy and quell Virgoan-inspired anxiety. Additionally, working on the digestive system points, concentrated between the ball of the foot and the heel, can support Virgo-associated gastrointestinal health.
Prayers for healing: With the Moon in spiritually oriented Pisces, it’s a wonderful time to invoke the power of faith in the promotion of healing. This need not be a complex activity nor one necessarily infused with religious meaning. Rather, just focus upon yourself—or another whose health could benefit from assistance—and say a prayer of hopes and wishes for betterment. If it feels right, invite others to join a prayer circle. Prayer may seem simple, yet it can be so very powerful.
Mercury ends its current retrograde period today, May 11, at 3:27 pm PDT. The retrograde period was a great time for harnessing insights gained from inner reflection rather than external focus. Did new ideas spring forth from inward contemplation? Did you discover novel ways to communicate ideas? Did you realize better ways to utilize technological equipment/systems to transfer information to others? (Provided, of course, that they didn’t completely break down during this time, which in this case means you’re still likely to have gleaned the characteristics of those that may better suit your needs.) If you want a refresher on what Mercury retrograde is about, see this post.
Now that Mercury is direct, you can transform your insights into actions. Please remember, though, that we are still under the transit’s “shadow period”—which lasts until May 28—where the energy of the retrograde still exists, although in a much more diluted and subtle fashion.
PHOTO © SOPHIE HARTSTEINMercury ends its current retrograde period today, May 11, at 3:27 pm PDT. The retrograde period was a great time for harnessing insights gained from inner reflection rather than external focus. Did new ideas spring forth from inward contemplation? Did you discover novel ways to communicate ideas? Did you realize better ways to utilize technological equipment/systems to transfer information to others? (Provided, of course, that they didn’t completely break down during this time, which in this case means you’re still likely to have gleaned the characteristics of those that may better suit your needs.) If you want a refresher on what Mercury retrograde is about, see this post.
Now that Mercury is direct, you can transform your insights into actions. Please remember, though, that we are still under the transit’s “shadow period”—which lasts until May 28—where the energy of the retrograde still exists, although in a much more diluted and subtle fashion.
The Taurus New Moon yields a great opportunity to look within and see what it is that brings you comfort and a greater sense of security. Taking the time today to examine what activities and earthly delights yield pleasure can help you discover a sense of rootedness that can serve you well in the coming year. As part of this exercise, think about your routines and habits: Do they actually serve your personal needs for health and happiness or is the pleasure they provide mostly linked to their familiarity?
As Taurus is a very sensual sign, it’s a good time to go to a concert, buy yourself some fragrant flowers, work for hours in the garden, or engage in other experiences that give you pleasure. Your kinesthetic senses may be especially heightened today and can serve as an additional tool to tune into how you feel about certain situations and people. For example, if you’re wondering whether you should pursue a certain project, let the idea of it sit within you and tune into how your body feels. Do you feel relaxed and comforted or jumpy and agitated? Your body may be able to help you filter truths that your mind is unable to clearly perceive.
With the New Moon square Mars, our desires may not seem to inherently align with what we perceive as nurturing and essential. If you find yourself in conflict, try to take a step back for a moment; within that space of distance and detachment, see if you find the path for channeling your will so that it can help you achieve what you need to feel safe and secure.
This month’s New Moon falls at 23 degrees of Taurus (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Taurus or the other fixed signs—Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.
Taurus rules the neck, throat, inner ears, and thyroid gland. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.
Cow pose: Do a few rounds of the yoga asana Cow Pose to open up the energy in your neck and throat. Here are simple how-to instructions: Place your hands and knees on the floor in tabletop (knees under hips, and elbows and wrists below shoulders) with your neck in a neutral position and your eyes gazing towards the floor below. While inhaling, lift your chest and sitting bones towards the ceiling while dropping your belly to create a gentle arch in your back. Lift your head and look straight in front of you. Hold for several seconds. Exhale, moving your spine back to tabletop position for several seconds. Repeat sequence twelve times.
Honey and lemon tea: Enjoy a soothing cup of honey and lemon tea. Its warmth is nurturing while the honey and lemon serve as wonderful balms for the throat. If possible, use raw honey, which has more antioxidants, and juice from a fresh lemon rather than a bottle. For more throat support, add a tea bag of slippery elm or marshmallow root, two herbs known for their palliative qualities.
During the Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon, we are often compelled with a need to know. We strive to collect facts and figures not only because of intellectual curiosity but also because they are the vital ingredients that can provide us with the deeper sense of understanding that we seek. Maintaining a balanced appreciation for the pieces and the whole is emphasized today. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.
The experience of travel—whether it be a weeks-long journey to a foreign land or a weekend road trip out of town—often coincides with this Full Moon. Even if exploration via a plane, train, or automobile isn’t in your plans, use this time for surveying new ideas or cultures; for example, read a book set in another country, flip through National Geographic magazine, or see a foreign-language film. All can magnetize to you enhanced understanding and a broader perspective on life.
Keep in mind that this Full Moon occurs on the same day that Uranus moves from Pisces to *Aries. As Uranus changes signs about every seven years, this portends a pivotal moment. Today (as well as previous and upcoming days) may be filled with intense energy, out-of-the-blue events, headstrong yet unexpected assertions of will, and bursts of creativity.
This month’s Full Moon falls at 7 degrees of Gemini (Sun) and Sagittarius (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Gemini, Sagittarius, or the other mutable signs—Virgo and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.
Gemini is associated with the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system while Sagittarius governs the liver, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.
Collage project: Even for those who consider themselves not artistically inclined, a collage project can be a wonderfully therapeutic and relaxing activity to partake in on this Full Moon. Not only is making a collage a creative expression, but it can be a great vehicle for inventive problem solving. For this aim, just focus on a situation in your life that you are being challenged by and for which you seek a solution. Holding it in your mind’s eye, cut out words and images from old magazines and newspapers that reflect aspects of the situation as well as its potential resolution. Glue these to poster board adding fabric, shells, rocks, or other small bric-a-brac in an arrangement that makes sense to you. Remember that there is no right or wrong here; just use your imagination and allow for your creativity to flow in your quest for discovery.
Exercise: Schedule in some time to exercise. It need not be vigorous—in fact, gentle may be the name of the game today with a leisurely walk, restorative yoga class, gardening session, or tai chi practice some possibilities. The reason: the day may be rife with bursts of energy and push/pull dynamics that if left to settle in our bodies may cause tension and stress. Doing gentle exercise can help us to circulate the energies and impart relaxation. If exercise doesn’t seem to be “what the doctor ordered” then schedule in some time to meditate, do creative visualization, read, or write in a journal: whatever it is that helps you to feel centered and release excess tension.
* Uranus it will dip back into Pisces on August 14, 2010. It will stay there until March 11, 2011, at which time it will re-enter Aries where it will reside until 2018.
As the Moon’s in Gemini again today, we may have a natural inclination to connect in with the tools that help us to communicate. This isn’t a bad thing, since given that it’s the first full day of Mercury retrograde, it can give us an opportunity to ensure they are in working order. If you haven’t backed up your hard drive yet, gotten that long-overdue oil change, or replaced the weak battery in your cordless phone, today may be a good day to do so.
For more on Mercury retrograde, see this post.
Let’s communicate,
Satiate need to inform
Chit-chat, and call back.
After all, Moon’s in
Gemini. The Twins like to
Share the facts, figures.
Yet, speak slow, double
Check your sources, dot your I’s
And cross your T’s.
Cause Mercury goes
Retrograde today until
May the eleventh.
Yet, there’s value here.
Time for “re” activities:
Re-do, -write, -view, -learn.
For more on Mercury retrograde, including the caveats, how to make the most of it, and wellness suggestions, see this post.
Today we may feel rocked to our foundations.
Potentially, we may feel challenged by another person who questions our authority. Or maybe we run across some information or news that makes us feel a bit unsettled.
Whatever the situation is, see if you can take a step back—even if momentarily is all that is possible—to get a sense of what the experience is all about. What is it teaching you? Is it suggesting that some changes in your life (whether it be habits, attitudes, or other) are in order? What new plans can you initiate that can help you to feel more comforted and secure? These types of questions, as well as trying to maintain an attitude of flexibility, may be of great benefit today.
The sky is dark as we wind down to tomorrow’s New Moon. It’s a good time to let go, to release those things we feel have been holding us back. This enables the intention-planting process concurrent with the waxing lunar cycle (as the Moon goes from New to Full) to be that much more constructive.
For more on this month’s New Moon, see this post.
Today is the Aries New Moon.
Both Aries and the New Moon signal beginnings. Therefore, an Aries New Moon is like the alpha of alphas, the first of firsts, the potential of potentials. It offers great auspiciousness for initiating the new. That being said, with a plethora of Aries’ get-up-and-go-now energy around, the day may be filled with impatience and irritability. Express, assert, create…but take care in the process. For more on the New Moon, including wellness suggestions, see this post.
In the U.S., today is Tax Day.
It’s a day that brings up a lot of feelings, especially because we oftentimes view our personal worth to be reliant and reflective of our net worth and the money we make.
Given that the Moon is in resource-focused Taurus in a tension-filled relationship with assertive Mars, we may feel more jostled than normal related to what the Tax Day feelings may bring up.
What we should remember—and what holds true regardless of our individual stand on taxation and government—is that our value is so much greater than the money we make and the “stuff” we accumulate.
So today on Taurus Moon Tax Day remember that the deep essence of who you are–your unique beauty, the joy you emanate, your skills, talents and contributions, et al.–are your true assets, they are at the root of your veritable worth. These are the things that no one can tax you on; they are yours and always yours to share and reflect wherever you go.
Beauty can touch our soul. It can transport us, even if for a moment, to a place of blissful serenity.
This is an aspect of the energy that we have available to connect with today. So, admire a piece of art, listen to your favorite music, gaze upon a natural vista, inhale the fragrance of a flower, enjoy a delicious meal….do whatever it is that allows you to be with beauty. Because likely, it will portend a feeling that will allow you to partake in the being of beauty deep within your heart, mind, and spirit.
Let’s communicate,
Satiate need to inform
Chit-chat, and call back.
After all, Moon’s in
Gemini. The Twins like to
Share the facts, figures.
Yet, speak slow, double
Check your sources, dot your I’s
And cross your T’s.
Cause Mercury goes
Retrograde today until
May the eleventh.
Yet, there’s value here.
Time for “re” activities:
Re-do, -write, -view, -learn.
For more on Mercury retrograde, including the caveats, how to make the most of it, and wellness suggestions, see this post.
As the Moon’s in Gemini again today, we may have a natural inclination to connect in with the tools that help us to communicate. This isn’t a bad thing, since given that it’s the first full day of Mercury retrograde, it can give us an opportunity to ensure they are in working order. If you haven’t backed up your hard drive yet, gotten that long-overdue oil change, or replaced the weak battery in your cordless phone, today may be a good day to do so.
For more on Mercury retrograde, see this post.
PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLORetrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, they way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in related areas of our life. Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place December 26, 2009 – January 15, 2010.
Mercury represents the bridges and channels that allow us to connect varied pieces of information in order to synthesize them into the whole of understanding. During Mercury retrograde periods, the inherent weaknesses of these conduits may be revealed. As such, this period is known for the breakdown of tools that help us to share information (such as phones, computers, and printers) and well as those that assist us as we move from place to place (such as cars, bikes, and buses); therefore, do what you can to make sure they are in good working order, before Mercury goes retrograde if possible. With data and information transfer stressed, it’s a great time to ensure you’re backing up your hard drive, keeping track of whether you’re due for an oil change, or inventorying your supply of extra batteries necessary for the remote or your child’s favorite toy.
Any planetary retrograde reflects a period where the energy is focused more internally. Therefore, it’s a wonderful time to turn communication inward to seek insights and understanding. Meditation, journaling, and nondominant handwriting are great activities to do during Mercury retrograde to help you find the pieces of the puzzle and the teachings of wisdom that you seek.
While inner reflection is heightened, external communication may be stressed. Therefore, try to avoid misunderstandings by being extra diligent about the words you use, while also making sure to listen even more attentively than usual. Whether it be with writing or speaking, put a little extra effort into dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. Be especially aware of this if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting off doing so if possible), as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or especially clear.
When you think of how to approach this period, remember the first two letters of the word retrograde—“re”—and apply it to the activities you undertake. As such, Mercury retrograde periods are a great time to reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, and recommunicate.
During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 13 degrees Taurus to 3 degrees Taurus. While everyone experiences the energies of Mercury retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.
Nondominant handwriting: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question to which you seek an answer, something that you’ve been pondering. Then pick up a pen or pencil and place it in your nondominant hand (the left one for righties, and the right one for lefties) and write out the answer on paper. Write freely and don’t judge what may seem like chicken scratch. The beauty of this exercise is that by using our opposite hand we are able to access more of our subsconcious mind and tap into our intuitive knowingness. What you compose on the paper should provide you with an insightful perspective on your question.
Spring cleaning: Mercury retrograde is a great time to literally clean your closets. That’s because our abilities to reassess, reevaluate, and reconsider are heightened. Cleaning closets can be wonderfully therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps to unburden ourselves of things that no longer best serve us. If your closets don’t need to be cleaned, consider organizing your desk drawers or pantry shelves.
