Groovy June Happenings

Summer is definitely upon us, and I look forward to the warmest months with a happy, grateful heart. June is a month filled with planetary activities that guide us along on our journey, so let’s begin with the biggies.

We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief now that Mercury is again back at work and moving forward in direct motion. It’s important to note, however, that while Mercury turned direct on May 30, we can still count on a few residual effects of the recent retrograde to last another week as our speedy messenger re-acclimates himself to his more typical ways of being. We’ll all likely spend the week following Mercury’s lead in some manner or another. (For more information on Mercury retrograde, please refer to my article, “On Mercury’s Path” Conscious Mind Journal, March 2009)

For those of us who rebelled against common sense (and my advice) and initiated any major changes, entered into agreements or made key decisions during this retrograde Mercury, you might want to prepare yourself. You just may realize that you acted rashly, burned a few bridges, and/or entered into contracts and agreements that you now wish you hadn’t. If this is the case, you may wish to take the first week of direct Mercury to scratch your head awhile, wondering whatever possessed you to do such a thing, and then begin to figure out how to work with the energies you’ve likely created. Perhaps some damage control is in order, yes?

For those of us who used this Mercury retrograde period effectively for quiet, inward-directed contemplation, reassessment and planning, you may wish to wait a week or so to fine-tune your results, and then begin to implement your new-found ideas and plans. Every once in awhile a break in action is beneficial for inspiring us to review and make adjustments, so feeling gratitude for this period of pause is a very good thing.

Interestingly enough, Neptune, our planet of high intuition and sometimes overwhelming confusion, took up the retrograde baton on May 28th. Neptune in Aquarius will remain in retrograde motion until November 4, 2009, stimulating heightened sensitivity and awareness. It will be easier for most of us to perceive information more clearly about issues that may have seemed complicated or just out of our grasp while Neptune was in direct motion. This gives us the opportunity to pay attention; listening to our inner guidance and seeing what is happening around us more accurately.

While you experience this new dynamic, it’s a good idea to allow yourself to communicate your feelings and insight to others; opening a sensory valve, as it were, to let out some pressure and relieve any sense of psychic overload you may experience during this retrograde episode. This is especially important for those of us who are highly sensitive, and is globally relevant to boot, since many perceptions gleaned during this time may prove highly beneficial for us all. Practicing good grounding techniques while we move through this time of uber insight will also be a good idea, since we are most effective while we’re exploring the ethers when we have good, solid footing on the Earth at the same time. Carrying grounding stones, such as black tourmaline, jet or onyx along with green malachite will help in this process.

At just about the same time Neptune was shifting gears, Mars moved into Taurus on May 31, and will languish there until July 11. The blending of dynamic Mars with determined Taurus will be a quietly powerful one. Whatever actions we take during this period are likely to be productive, methodical and proficient. Impatient folks may feel a bit frustrated during this time, when our naturally impetuous Martian energies are slowed down considerably by the plodding nature of Taurean energies. It’s okay, however, if you think about it this way: Your activities will be much more thorough, and it’s likely that you’ll see them through effectively during this transit.

We will all do well to take this opportunity while Mars is in Taurus to roll up our sleeves and get to work on implementing all those plans and ideas we created during retrograde Mercury. Now is the time to get the physical work out of the way, while our stamina is high, and pave the way to the future sharing of our ideas and progress with others. Being mindful of our temperament is a good idea, by the way, since Mars in Taurus may inspire some pretty fierce fireworks if provoked. If you’re feeling backed into a corner, it’s a good idea to take a moment to breathe and count to ten before charging though any proverbial china shops you may encounter along the way.

Venus will join Mars in Taurus on June 6th, and will continue her visit until July 5th. Venusian energies will flourish during this period, since she will be in the sign she naturally rules. While there, she will likely inspire sensuality and pleasurable pursuits in many of us, and perhaps even a bit of overindulgence in some sensory form or another. Such is her nature, after all. There is also a possibility that this transit could inspire some of us to become more grounded and purposeful in the way we conduct ourselves in relationships, with our finances, and in practicing the Law of Attraction. We may find that our abilities to manifest our desires are heightened. It is important, therefore, to become mindful of any tendency we may have to gauge our sense of self-worth to our material possessions. We are not our possessions, and the quality of our lives is heightened more by intangibles such as how we behave with and care for each other, not in what we acquire. To make the best use of Venus’s transit through Taurus, be sure to take some time out for relaxing Venusian activities, such as enjoying the sunset, visiting an art museum, listening to music, and pampering yourself and another in healthy, sensual ways.

Following Venus’s lead, Mercury will re-enter Gemini, the sign of his own rulership, on June 13th. (Note that Mercury’s reverse motion brought him back into Taurus during the retrograde.) Expect mental processes and all things Mercury to be seriously amped up, especially since this transit so closely follows Mercury going direct again. Happily spastic info-gathering activities can result, along with the desire to chatter about your findings to anyone and everyone.

Finally, Jupiter will move into retrograde motion in Aquarius on June 15th until October 12th, 2009. Jupiter’s retrograde motion will inspire us to focus on inner growth and awareness, and is a great time to hone our principles of integrity. We’ll likely be moved to adopt a bit of a philosophical perspective, and many may also choose to return to school, take a long trip, or reconnect with a lost friend or loved one.

However you choose to experience the dynamic planetary energies this month, I wish you a joyous heart.

Happy Solstice everyone!

Namaste.

On Mercury’s Path in 2009

While I’ve touched on Mercury in a few past articles, there is an interesting difference in Mercury’s movements this year that warrants a bit more attention. This year will see its share of planetary retrogrades, and it appears that Mercury will be adding an additional episode of retrograde activity to the mix, giving us all a bonus period of opportunity for reflection, contemplation and reversal.

Mercury typically goes into retrograde motion three times yearly, making this year of four retrograde events extra special, and very appropriate given the hefty dynamics of 2009 that I’ve already touched on in previous articles. When a planet is described as in retrograde motion, it means that it appears to have reversed its forward movement through the cosmos, and is seen to be moving backward for a period of time, depending on the planet involved. (For Mercury, this period of time is typically three weeks.) Each planet experiences retrograde motion at some point, except for the Sun and Moon. The planet doesn’t actually move backward, but it does slow down in its orbit enough for it to be seen as moving backward from our vantage point here on Earth.

The easiest way to understand this in a physical sense is by using the visual of two athletes; yourself and another. Picture yourself running a marathon and a runner who has consistently been ten paces ahead of you suddenly begins to become fatigued and slows his pace markedly, enough for you to inch your way past him. You move along this way for awhile, the gap slowly widening between you and the runner you just passed until suddenly, he has regained his stamina and begins slowly closing the gap again. In time he passes you and regains the lead. This experience can be likened to the visual retrograde motion of a planet as seen from Earth.

Astrologically, the retrograde motion of each planet takes on a profound energy all its own. For instance, Mercury retrogrades, while reviled by many as a chaotic time of mangled messages, stunted communications, confused decisions and crazy driving, is actually a divine gift…a “do-over” if you will. It is a chance to adjust our thinking, attitudes and decisions, which may have gone a bit off-course in our travels. You see, when we experience the so-called “ill-effects” of retrograde Mercury, including frustration and stress, we are usually experiencing them because we are not allowing ourselves to go with the flow of events. This is likely due to our ego-attachment to the status-quo, which could have the effect of stunting our forward movement along our life paths. When facing any approaching stage of retrograde Mercury, it’s important to remember that he does not set out to turn us on our ears, but merely to wake us up to the fact that we could be doing things just a little bit differently, and therefore more effectively. Moving into this period with the intention of paying attention and remaining flexible will do us all a world of good.

What is extremely important to note here is that retrogrades tend to run in cycles, in which Mercury will cover the exact same signs and degrees on approximately the same calendar days as an earlier era of time. The reason I bring this up is because the exact Mercury retrogrades we experience this year will be in the exact same signs and degrees on approximately the same calendar days as they were in the year 1930.

Do I have your full attention yet?

Some remarkable similarities have come to my attention regarding the exact Mercury retrogrades of 1930 and 2009. For instance, during 1930 our President was Herbert Hoover; a Leo who faced the daunting task of leading our country through a crippling economic crisis…and many feel that he dropped the ball. In 2009, our President is Barack Obama; another Leo who is facing the daunting task of leading us through what is potentially another crippling economic crisis. He has the opportunity to pick up the ball Hoover dropped, and make the necessary adjustments to inspire us through this crisis. I say ‘inspire,’ because it’s important that we all realize that we’re in it, too…we all have to participate in our economic recovery. History is once again repeating itself to give us another opportunity to grow as individuals and as a society, and to make a difference this time. It’s a profound do-over if you ask me!

Do we have what it takes to do it right this time? Of course we do! We always did.

The Mercury retrogrades occurring in 2009 are affording us the opportunity to make mental adjustments about our decisions and our individual and collective focus during the year. Our current focus is on bringing innovative ideas and visionary awareness into the forefront of this journey we’re on, which is in direct keeping with the planetary indicators. The events occurring during 2009’s Mercury retrograde events will help us to let go of our past, release the fear, and move boldly into our newly-adjusted future. Adjustments have already been made, and will continue to be made throughout this year with the help of these retrograde events and our shared cooperation.

We’ve already experienced the first of four retrograde Mercury phases this year, beginning January 11th and ending February 1^st, which began in the Air sign of Aquarius and ended in Earth sign Capricorn. The next phase will be coming up on May 7^th in Air sign Gemini, and will end May 30^th in Earth sign Taurus. The third event will be September 7 in Air sign Libra, and will end September 29^th in Earth sign Virgo. The fourth and final Mercury retrograde event in 2009 will begin December 26^th in Earth sign Capricorn, and will actually end January 15, 2010 in Earth sign Capricorn.

What is especially important about the opportunities presented by these Mercury events is that the adjustments we make will also be in our attitudes in relationship to each other, and in working together as a society. Partnerships in several areas of our lives become the focus and area of our personal and collective fine-tuning all throughout the year. It is important for us to recognize that we all walk this journey together, that we share a common core desire, and that is to be happy. Whatever this means for the individual, as a society we can work together in the spirit of cooperation, so that all are recognized as worthy of sharing this path. We have the opportunity now to operate from a place of mutual support and dignity, rather than our past experience of operating from a place of fear.

Again, it’s all a matter of free will. What we do with what is offered is entirely up to us.

I’m game…are you?

Namaste.

Mercury: Our Universal Connection

Have you ever wondered how and why people think the way they do, or wondered what gives each of us our own unique expression and perception of the world around us? Have you noticed how two people can experience the same situation, and yet describe it as entirely different? While various schools of thought have their own ideas of what makes us tick, within the science of astrology, we have access to precise tools that help us to gain a greater understanding into the inner workings of our personal and collective human experience.

The above questions, the inspiration behind our even asking them, and all other mental meanderings astrologically belong in the realm of the tiny and powerful planet Mercury.

In Roman mythology, Mercury is the swift Messenger of the Gods. Sporting wings on both his feet and head, he quickly communicates knowledge and wisdom between the lofty heavens and all Earth-bound souls in their stewardship. Mercury also watches over and influences the areas of commerce and travel. In astrology, Mercury is said to be the diligent conduit between our spiritual and physical selves; exchanging information between our own Higher Wisdom and our existence at the material level.

The fleet-footed planet Mercury, like its namesake Roman deity, dashes through the heavens like Speedy Gonzales, moving faster than any other planet in our solar system. It takes Mercury a mere 88 days to orbit the Sun, spending just a tad over 7 days in each sign of the Zodiac. Mercury is the closest planet to our Solar center, and as a result, can only be seen either early in the morning or in the evening at twilight. Mercury works closely with the Sun in facilitating our abilities at self-expression, and therefore is never more than 28 degrees away from the Sun in either direction in a Zodiac chart.

Cerebral by nature, Mercury is a busy little guy who divides his time by watching over the highly intellectual signs of Gemini and Virgo, and their corresponding 3^rd and 6^th Houses of communication, thought processes and work ethics. Mercury also works very harmoniously within the realm of Aquarius – another brainiac sign, and its corresponding 11^th House of friendship and group activities. Described by some as an “opportunistic planet, decidedly unemotional and curious”, Mercury’s action is to take things apart, experience their inner workings, and put them back together again. Mercury is also a quickening and enlivening energy that adds mobility and fluidity to our activities, and those of us who have Mercury prominent in our natal charts tend to be witty, lively and brimming with curiosity.

So, how can this knowledge of Mercury benefit us on an individual level, you ask? Simply put, how Mercury’s energy will manifest within each of us personally – indicating our own intellectual and inventive abilities among other things, depends on each individual horoscope as a whole. The Sign and Element Mercury dons, the House in which it occupies, and any Aspects Mercury makes to the other planets will all have a direct bearing on any chart interpretation.

To give you an idea, as the foremost planet of communication, wherever Mercury has set up shop in your own natal chart will indicate not only your preferred method of expression, but how your abilities at communication will be best utilized. For instance, a person with Mercury in the 1^st House of the Outer Self would likely be extroverted, and have no problem expressing her or his true nature to others. Their life could essentially be considered a verbal open book. Conversely, someone with Mercury in the 12^th House of the Inner Self may be introverted, especially secretive about his or her thoughts and ideas, and are likely hesitant to express what they really think.

On an intellectual level, the House where Mercury resides in an individual chart indicates the area of life in which we utilize our mental talents and put them to practical use. This is also the area of life where we realize our need to make contact with others and increase our academic experience. Corresponding to this, the Sign that Mercury adopts in our individual charts indicates how we communicate our mental talents to the world. Since Mercury tends to stick pretty close to the Sun, it will usually bear either the same Zodiac Sign, or one of the Signs on either side. For example, if your Sun is in Aries, it is likely that you also sport Mercury in Aries, or have it close by in either Pisces or Taurus.

Any aspects to Mercury in our charts will indicate our mental talents and communication styles in a very specific way. Mercury naturally tends to be pretty neutral as far as mental communication, perception and reasoning are concerned. When we add an aspect or two to the mix, we find that these areas of focus take on the energies of the other planets involved, including the signs and houses where they reside. For example, a person who’s Taurus-clad Mercury in the 8th House squares his or her Aquarian Jupiter in the 5th, their inherent tendency toward practical decision-making (Mercury) could become too extravagant (Jupiter) for realistic use. This person would benefit from a strong Saturn placement, which would serve to bring the individual’s brilliant ideas into more sensible, user-friendly applications.

Since Mercury is ambiguous by nature, it is capable of changing on a dime, and can easily take on the characteristics of any planets residing nearby. For example, a person with their Moon snuggled up nice and tight with Mercury would find that their emotions tend to colour their reasoning a bit, and that they are particularly sensitive to what others think of them. This understanding can assist them in recognizing the tendency as it occurs, allowing them to choose whether or not to alter their behaviour accordingly to achieve the best overall results.

In medical astrology, Mercury is associated with the nervous system, the brain, the respiratory system, the thyroid and the sense organs. Any issues that arise, or are hidden, in these areas of the physical body can be indicated easily by Mercury’s placement in our natal charts, any relationships it has with other planets, and its movement in our progressed and transit charts. As you can see, astrology can be an effective complementary diagnostic tool in the ever-expanding realm of health care.

On another practical level, Mercury’s power day of the week is Wednesday. If ever you have a need or a desire to enhance any particular area of your life that Mercury influences, choose Wednesday to begin focusing your intentions on the subject. This is a very powerful method of accessing potent Mercurian energies to manifest our desires, and create a more profound sense of personal and global well being.

Namaste.

Focus on Mercury

While we are in the midst of experiencing (and hopefully utilizing to its fullest) another Mercury retrograde, I thought I would devote most of this month's column to this tiny, yet powerful messenger.

Mercury is the planet that articulates both Gemini and Virgo qualities, and is traditionally called their ruling planet. It resides naturally in the Third House, which is the realm of communications, thought processes, short distance travel, and our relationships with siblings and neighbors. Its energy is quick and responsive. If you've ever tried to catch the physical element Mercury from a broken thermometer (something I don't recommend, since it's highly toxic), you know how quickly it ducks just out of your grasp, and how adaptable it is by shaping itself to whatever environment it occupies. Mercury is the fleet-footed courier who delivers profound knowledge through the fastest channels available.

Anything with moving parts; be it your car, computer, or garbage disposal resides in the domain of Mercury. All elements of communication are also within the sphere of influence of this tiny, yet effective planet. These elements include any form of correspondence via the internet, the written word, snail-mail, telephone connections and office memos, as well as verbal communications. Short-distance travel is associated with Mercury, and those who commute may call upon his strengths to get them from point A to point B efficiently and safely.

Mercury also governs the acquisition and processing of knowledge, and students will do well to utilize his energies to help them to remain alert and attentive during their studies. Thought processes and perceptions are influenced by Mercury, and wherever it resides in our own natal charts - meaning the signs and houses - and whatever planets it interacts with both natally and during transits, will indicate where a person is most likely to apply their mental and communicative energies.

Mercury is certainly a busy, energetic little guy who works hard to keep everything in his territory clicking and buzzing efficiently. But with all energies and influences, sometimes he is inclined to take a rest, giving us a chance at the wheel, as it were. This occurs three times a year, when Mercury goes retrograde.

The retrograde movement of any planet occurs when its forward motion slows down to the point where it appears to be moving backwards from our perspective on the earth. When Mercury slows down his forward motion, we experience phenomenal changes in everything he oversees. Communications of all kinds have the potential for challenges during this period, misunderstandings that normally wouldn't occur if Mercury were direct can result from even the most benign statements between people. Letters mailed can become lost or delayed, computers, telephones, cameras and other mechanical means of transmitting information can begin to malfunction, and mental challenges are prevalent at this time. It can become more difficult to focus our minds, and to connect with information that is valuable to us, and we may overlook important details, which makes it precarious for us to enter into agreements or to sign contracts.

We may find it difficult to articulate what it is that we are trying to communicate when Mercury is in repose, and can become frustrated when our thoughts don't translate well into our speech. My wonderful friend, the late astrologer Rita Jackson used to get completely tongue-tied during Mercury retrograde, and she was such a riot to hear. She faced these howlers with her usual good humor, having the rare and wonderful ability to laugh at herself, knowing full well the source of her amusing blunders. She may very well have been the shining example we all can learn from when we're feeling out of sorts; which is to laugh it off instead of taking everything to heart. I think I'll call this the "Rita Prescription" in her honor. She'd really like that.

In a recent conversation with a friend, she mentioned that she had read something interesting about Mercury Retrograde, that it was essentially a "do over." I had to ponder that for a bit, since we were so busy she didn't have time to elaborate. After giving it much thought, I feel that I know where the author was going with this particular concept.

Essentially the Universe, in its infinite wisdom, has given us Mercury retrograde as a tool. In order for us to evolve as individuals, it is required that we retrace our steps on occasion to make sure we're still on the right path for ourselves, and to make the necessary adjustments if we've veered off a bit. An important part of our growth is to take a moment to reevaluate, contemplate, make adjustments, reconnect to our soul purpose, and then resume our forward movement. Mercury's uncharacteristic quiet stillness forces us to slow down and do just that, so that we may progress more efficiently through the following four months that lead to the next Mercury retrograde.

There are other benefits to Mercury retrograde in the form of certain activities that are luckier under its influence. Some of us may have the happy occasion to bump into old friends that we haven't seen for quite some time, and reunions with estranged or lost family members can occur now. Lost mail from years ago has a tendency to show up; jewelry and other lost articles can also resurface unexpectedly.

This is also a good time to try to heal some old hurts; wounds that may have lain buried for quite some time, perhaps manifesting themselves as subconscious behavior patterns. Psychotherapy can have a tremendous influence upon us now, as strong breakthroughs in understanding have been known to happen during Mercury retrograde. Old feuds can also be cleared up, and relationships that have long been experiencing difficulty can suddenly become stronger during this period. This is an excellent time to engage in the minor activities that we usually have difficulty finding time for, such as updating our resumes, cleaning out the refrigerator or closets, and organizing our desks.

During this period, people born with Mercury retrograde in their natal charts are treated to a phase of great clarity where they are better able to understand the rest of us, and us them. These people are usually more pensive than most of us, and as a result, a bit heavy on the philosophical side. My eldest son fits this picture well, and the pearls of wisdom that pop out of his mouth at times can stop me right in my tracks! He is always thinking and reflecting deeply about events and issues in his life, and has come up with some pretty interesting ideas along the way. Those who are expecting to give birth to a person with Mercury retrograde in their charts can anticipate having a serious little philosopher on their hands!

So during this last stretch of our current Mercury retrograde, which will go direct on the 8th, we would all do well to make the most of it by finding our stillness within, using quiet reflection as a tool for inner growth, and finding humor in the little blunders that may crop up from time to time. Mercury has not deserted us. He's merely taking a time out, and hoping that we will do the same.

Namaste.