Tag: Retrogrades

November 26th, 2018: Sun/Jupiter and Mercury Square Mars

  pexels

pexels

  • Sagittarius Sun conjunct Jupiter (3 deg)

  • Mercury Rx in Sagittarius square Mars in Pisces (6 deg)

An enthusiastic day with Sun/Jupiter energizing new possibilities, ideals and hope. This is the big promise or the reason to have faith. The “why not” moment. Adding to this, Mercury in Sag makes an energetic square to Mars, encouraging forceful communication and action-driven words.

However, note that Mercury is Rx, so this will not be the final word. And Mars in Pisces can be vague as actions slide off in unexpected directions. This aspect is best used to energize a review, question or second look at a previous issue. Sun/Jupiter will encourage you to reach further, but Mercury Rx/Mars can see you distracted by an old issue that turns into an argument or frustrating search.

Focus may be scattered, as new and old possibilities vie for your attention.

Remind yourself that the story is not complete, and you can’t force anything (especially your ideas of right and wrong).

November 21st, 2018: The Second Disruption

 Photo by Johannes Plenio from Pexels

Photo by Johannes Plenio from Pexels

  • Sun in Scorpio inconjunct Uranus Rx in Aries (29 deg)

  • Mercury Rx in Sagittarius sextile Black Moon Lilith in Aquarius (11 deg)

In the final degree of Scorpio, the Sun makes a jolting inconjunct to Uranus Rx. Change, liberation or a break from the past will shake things up and challenge a deeper sense of control or intimacy. The change may feel unwelcome (a threat to survival) but Uranus’ Rx status says that you’re revisiting this issue. It’s not new, and it’s high time for that final break.

But at the same time, deeper resources or privacy must be respected. The inconjunct means an adjustment to both sides, so as the Sun prepares to leave Scorpio, let go of what you can’t control (or what’s ready to leave) but know that you don’t have to toss everything out.

Mercury/BML connect in the second of three sextiles. Open-minded words or ideals support Lilith’s outcast energy. The dangerous woman has a voice, and her message is delivered in a way that others will be receptive to (the sextile is a harmonious aspect).

Taboo issues about women’s power and sexuality can be spoken of openly, but Mercury’s Rx status means revisiting the subject that was first broached on November 10th. Now, it’s time for questions, a review of the challenging story or a second request. Perhaps this subject matter was initially so unheard of that no one wanted to touch it (BML raises those uncomfortable issues about gender dynamics). Well, what was unheard of is now being repeated.

Altogether, today’s influences suggest going back to shake things up (again).

November 16th, 2018: Venus Direct and Mercury Retrograde

 Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels

  • Venus stations direct (25 deg Libra)

  • Mercury stations retrograde (13 deg Sagittarius)

Venus direct signals forward movement for relationship, financial, social and self-esteem matters. Rx since October 5th, her direct motion in Libra will be felt strongly because she rules this sign. Watch for an imbalance to be corrected. You could feel more centered as you discover the ideal point between two options.

Venus Rx was the time to re-evaluate all Venus matters. Venus direct is the time to move forward with what you’ve learned. By now, you should have more certainty about what you want, what you’re worth and who really loves you. If this means saying goodbye, so be it.

But it’s not all straightforward. Venus stations direct in the morning (5:50 AM EST) and Mercury stations Rx in the evening (8:33 PM EST). Mercury Rx in Sag will raise questions about the story, the promise, the future or something you’ve put your faith in. But Sagittarius and Libra are in two different areas of you chart, so you should still see some progress in one area.

However, pay attention to any questions that come up, especially since Mercury almost perfects a square to Neptune Rx in Pisces just before it stations Rx. This suggests a lie, miscommunication or fake sales pitch on the horizon – you see it up ahead and may have a sense that something is not quite right. But for now, you’re stepping back and carefully reviewing your options.

Mercury direct will perfect the square with Neptune on December 24th, so that will be your chance to fully confront the lie/fantasy. The square suggests turning a corner and revealing the truth. During this retrograde, ask questions and keep your eyes open. Listen to the story, but don’t accept it blindly.

In general, Mercury Rx in Sag can impact matters involving travel, advertising, education, religion, law, publishing, faith and hope. Each question brings you closer to the truth, but first you may have to confront a loss of faith, loss of direction or challenges to wisdom. Remember – it’s the details within the big picture that matter now.

Mercury Rx will back into Scorpio on December 1st and station direct on December 6th. Mercury will re-enter Sagittarius on December 12th.

November 3rd, 2018: Yod to Venus Rx

 Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

  • Venus Rx in Libra inconjunct Juno Rx in Taurus (28 deg)

  • Venus Rx in Libra inconjunct Chiron Rx in Pisces (28 deg)

  • Juno Rx in Taurus sextile Chiron Rx in Pisces (28 deg)

There’s an unusual configuration in the sky today, called a Yod. It features inconjuncts, which are aspects of incompatibility.

Juno/Venus indicates incompatibility between the desire for a balanced/harmonious relationship versus the focus on one partner’s “me first” baseline needs. The agreement/commitment (Juno) does not mesh with the actual exchange. Chiron/Venus indicates incompatibility between addressing the wound versus keeping it light and happy.

But Chiron and Juno make a harmonious sextile with each other, so the fixed/predictable aspects of this agreement can be a good basis for revisiting that sore spot – it will be safe to address what hurts, if the relationship itself remains secure.

And yet, the tension of two inconjuncts pointing at Venus (making her the focal point) means a key imbalance, exchange or surface issue must be addressed. It will be quite uncomfortable. Somehow, Juno and Chiron’s energies must be integrated with Venus. A balance must be achieved between fixed security versus compromise and confronting a sensitivity versus keeping things harmonious.

Everything is Rx, so this entire issue is not new. You’re revisiting the agreement/commitment and addressing what’s out of whack. Watch for a key issue around incompatibility or unhappiness. You may be tempted to back off, but this is actually a prompt to address the issue. Yods are not fun, but if approached correctly, the payoff can be satisfying. Having said this, relationships are likely to be troublesome and awkward today.

When dealing with inconjuncts, the key is adjustment – both sides must be worked with (it’s a balancing act).

October 31st, 2018: Looking Deeper and Stepping Back

 Photo by Janko Ferlic from Pexels

Photo by Janko Ferlic from Pexels

  • Third Quarter Square between the Leo Moon and Scorpio Sun (8 deg)

  • Venus Rx in Scorpio opposite Uranus Rx in Taurus (0 deg)

  • Venus Rx returns to Libra

Third Quarter Square

The Third Quarter Square brings an internal crisis, as bold, bright (possibly celebratory) energies hi-light the contrast between light and dark. Something is grabbing your attention, but you may not feel like examining the contrast it triggers. However, looking deeper or confronting the specter of loss, powerlessness or massive change is necessary. A new beginning awaits, but you can’t access it unless you’re prepared to acknowledge what’s dying (or your own Shadow issues).

Venus Rx

Adding to the above, the Venus/Uranus opposition suggests an ending or culmination that’s been in the works for awhile (you may have encountered it on September 12th, 2018 when Venus in Scorpio first opposed Uranus). A jolt of clarity, or desire for freedom, will add to the re-evaluations that Venus Rx in Scorpio has stirred up. Here’s your moment of truth.

This jolt may push you back a step or two, as Venus’ return to Libra indicates a second look at the balance between you and another, or the social balance in your life. Surface issues will be questioned – is everything really ok?

Check out my post on Venus’ transit of Libra for a more detailed look at this portion of Venus’ Rx, as well as specific aspects.

October 30th, 2018: The Turning Point

   Jacek Malczewski

Jacek Malczewski

  • Mercury in Scorpio opposite Juno Rx in Taurus (29 deg)

  • Venus Rx in Scorpio square South Node in Aquarius/North Node in Leo (0 deg)

Mercury/Juno Rx raises questions about a previous contract or relationship agreement. What seemed to be set in stone may now be challenged, as someone wants to look deeper or ask uncomfortable questions. Too, this opposition could indicate the finalization of a commitment from September 28th.

Venus Rx square the Nodes adds more info to the relationship issue. The review of, or return to, an intense exploration of values, self-esteem or love beneath the surface will bring you to a major turning point – what you want/love will be the deciding factor regarding staying on the edge, remaining detached/alienated versus stepping up and claiming your place at the center. This can be the center of anything that increases your pride, power and sense of purpose. The key will be committing yourself to something that matters to you and builds your self-esteem.

It’s significant that this square is happening just before Venus Rx returns to Libra (Oct 31st) and the Nodes enter Cancer/Capricorn (November 6th). This adds emphasis to an already significant turning point, because it precedes a huge, energetic shift. This will be your last chance to address certain issues, although Venus will square the Nodes again on November 28th (from Libra). But that will involve different themes.

October 26th, 2018: New Chapter

 Photo by Daniel Spase from Pexels

Photo by Daniel Spase from Pexels

  • Waning Inconjunct between the Gemini Moon and Scorpio Sun (3 deg)

  • Sun in Scorpio conjunct Venus Rx (3 deg)

The Waning Inconjunct adds more information to the results of the October 24th Full Moon. Additional questions, facts or choices may pop up and you’ll have to consider them. This will involve the Sun/Venus Rx conjunction, a new chapter in the Sun/Venus cycle. Here is a point of illumination regarding a relationship/money/self-esteem issue you’ve been reviewing since Venus stationed Rx (October 5th). The Sun/Venus cycle itself goes back to the last conjunction, on January 9th, 2018 at 18 deg Capricorn.

The start of this new chapter will be marked by awkward or inconvenient questions, but they will be an unavoidable symptom of Scorpio’s deep dive and reevaluation. And, the questions will be part of the entrance into a different chapter or era – can you feel that you’re starting something new? Venus is still Rx, but the energy has shifted.

October 24th, 2018: Juno Returns to Taurus

 By  Cecilia Beaux  - This file was donated to Wikimedia Commons by as part of a project by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. See the Image and Data Resources Open Access Policy, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

By Cecilia Beaux – This file was donated to Wikimedia Commons by as part of a project by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. See the Image and Data Resources Open Access Policy, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

  • Juno Rx re-enters Taurus

After her brief Gemini ingress (starting on September 29th) Juno Rx has now returned to Taurus. This is a shift from multiple, flexible choices and info (Gemini) to to a fixed focus on what’s already known (Taurus).

Juno is about contracts and relationship agreements. In Gemini, there was something new to consider (a new agreement, a new angle to an existing agreement, a new partnership). But when she stationed Rx at 0 deg Gemini (October 12th) there were questions and revisions required. What was new was not quite acceptable, so now we go back to a safer, more certain place. Juno in Taurus is the absolute commitment and focus on material security.

But Juno will be Rx until December 23rd, so what’s known/safe will also be up for revision. Perhaps a key resource (money?) needs to be reviewed before the new options can be implemented.

As Juno retrogrades back through Taurus (she will station direct at 20 deg) consider what you thought was a sure thing. There’s a set part of a contract that requires your attention, and this may refer back to September 28th. It could be solid, or maybe something has to change.

Juno will re-enter Gemini on February 10th, 2019, and the new agreement can move forward.

October 12th, 2018: Stay Calm

  By Unknown (painting by Frank Dicksee)  - https://www.wikiart.org/en/frank-dicksee, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

By Unknown (painting by Frank Dicksee) – https://www.wikiart.org/en/frank-dicksee, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

  • Libra Sun square Pluto in Capricorn (18 deg)

  • Mercury in Scorpio sextile Saturn in Capricorn (3 deg)

  • Juno stations retrograde in Gemini (0 deg)

Sun/Pluto

We see themes from the October 8th New Moon in the square between Pluto and the Libra Sun. Sun/Pluto is an aspect of power, but the tension of the square means it’s expressed discordantly. There is an intensified push for control/dominance based on the fear of being controlled/dominated. You may experience this as an extreme imbalance between you and another (one person has all the power).

In Libra, the surface vibe may be quite polite and “nice” but Pluto’s shadow suggests something darker behind the scenes. Watch for passive-aggressive or indirect expressions of power. If the situation feels “off” you’re not just imagining it. Consider where the anxiety might be coming from and if there’s any way you can correct that imbalance.

Mercury/Saturn

Mercury is nicely stabilized by Saturn. Conversations and realizations will be quiet and serious. Nothing dramatic here, just the certainty that you can rely on what you discover or hear. Saturn’s rules/focus can help you stay grounded if there’s a risk of becoming overwhelmed by the depth of Scorpio-flavoured information.

This aspect can help with the crisis of the Sun/Pluto square – stay calm, focus on what you’re uncovering or what feels deeply honest.

Juno

Mercury rules Gemini, and this is where Juno Rx is. As noted in this post, Juno (agreements, contracts) has only recently entered the sign of choices and new information. New agreements or partnership choices are being questioned already, but Mercury/Saturn suggests a calm, rational approach even as you peer underneath.

This takes us back to Sun/Pluto: Libra is the sign of relationships, so there’s hint that the power crisis will be connected to Juno’s Rx (questioning the new agreement).

October 10th, 2018: Scorpio Challenged

   Gustave Doré

Gustave Doré

  • Mercury in Scorpio opposite Uranus Rx in Taurus (1 deg)

  • Venus Rx in Scorpio square Mars in Aquarius (10 deg)

Mercury/Uranus

Uranus is the flash of light that illuminates Mercury in the darkness (Scorpio). There may be a sudden blast of truth, an abrupt goodbye (oppositions are endings or results) or an unexpected reveal of hidden information.

The opposition suggests an external source, and because of Scorpio’s depth, the actual result will reverberate on a profound level. It may be challenging to receive this information (or maybe you’re the one dishing out the extreme truths) because it won’t be easily received. Keep this in mind if you’re speaking/writing. If you’re on the receiving end, sit with what you’ve learned and consider it a rare chance to really see what’s going on down there.

Venus/Mars

Venus Rx/Mars can be motivating, pushy or sexy. Maybe all three. Venus Rx in Scorpio is intensely internal while Mars in Aquarius is detached actions. Mars wants but is pushing a bit too hard for Venus, even though under some circumstances this can indicate hot chemistry.

Venus Rx means that the crisis (square) of discordant actions will trigger even deeper awareness regarding money, values or relationships. But that also means that the Venus subject (a person or desired goal) will probably not be receptive to Mars. Expect delays and re-evaluations. Someone/something may withdraw even further.

Scorpio is getting hammered today by some harsh Uranus/Aquarius action. Scorpio does not like to have reveals forced on it (this sign like to do the revealing) but that’s exactly what this energy will do. So be prepared for more to come out at a much faster pace than you’re comfortable with.

Now it’s out there. What will you do?