Mercury Retrograde .. Friend or Foe

Mercury Retrograde in Libra
September 24th to October 16th ..


It sure seems like Mercury is retrograde all the time, but actually it's just three times a year for a duration of three weeks each time. Still it can wreak havoc.

This is a time when communication mix ups are most likely, so double check all correspondence before sending, be clear on arrangements of all types and agreements, whether they're personal or business.

Forewarned is forearmed with Mercury retrograde! Reading the fine print and double checking all plans can catch an error. Haste is often what creates problems during Mercury retrograde. Beware of offers where you must act NOW! It's the recipe for disaster at this time. Even though you're feeling rushed and perhaps overwhelmed, take the time to do things more thoroughly than usual! It'll payoff in the long run.

Computers, cars, cell phones, printers (and other communication and high tech devices) seem to be particular targets of this mischevious energy. Certainly not a good time to make a purchase of one of those .. wait until Mercury goes direct if you can.

We feel the effects of Mercury retrograde (appearing to move backwards) for DAYS before it actually happens, and the effect is still in full force on the day it turns direct again. For any purchase or new situation that you're initiating, make sure to allow a wide berth of at least 5 days on either side of the exact dates of the Mercury Retrograde to avoid trouble.

But there's good news too! Every astrological energy has a good use ..... you just gotta find it.

Libra is the relationship sign .. so people and relationships are highlighted during this retrograde and because there's also a New Moon in Libra on Monday morning (more to come on that later). It's a great time to make amends, or fix things that happened in the past in relationships. Retrograde is always an effective time to re-do, repeat or re-try something that didn't quite work out the first time. It gives us the chance to tweak something that already exists, and make it better .. the "better mousetrap" is most likely reformulated during a Mercury retrograde.

This is a fabulous time to 'catch up' on projects, correspondence and things that have gone neglected. Make that list and check them off during Mercury retrograde. You'll get a lot done.

And one last thought on this Mercury retrograde. Neptune, the planet which rules spirituality, self deception, drugs and alcohol, not seeing things clearly and creativity is making a big impression on Mercury .. so Mercury will carry Neptune's energy with it. This means that any of those possiblities will be accentuated during this time.

Mercury in aspect to Neptune can be very romantic .. because you're not seeing 'warts and all' .. you're just looking at things through 'rose colored glasses'. Be careful of denial now .. confusion is also a possibility and so is downright deceit .. but a connection with the divine and spiritual, prayer and creative ventures are the most positive use of this particular Mercury transit. By emphasizing one type of energy you can often divert the energy from being used in a less desirable way.

Understanding how the astrological transits work and how they impact you makes all the difference between a good and bad mercury retrograde!

Find out how YOU can get a free 20 minute astrology reading ... e-mail or call me at 203-795-JILL

The Summer Solar and Lunar Eclipses 2008

Eclipses in August .. The Solar Eclipse on August 1st and the Lunar Eclipse August 16th

If you're a Virgo or Pisces (Gemini and Sagittarius weren't exempt either) you've sure had a run for your money this year .. Unfortunately you had eclipses in your signs coinciding with a Saturn transit .. Saturn is the 'if anything can go wrong it will' planet. It actually tests us and shows us where the weak links are ... within us and around us ... which allows us to address them and fix them .. or let go of them - whichever necessity dictates. It's never usually an easy period of time. But the learning curve is phenomenal!

For sure it's been a demanding period of time for you and the good news is it's about to move on. Much has been demanded from you and at times you probably thought you couldn't keep up with it .. but you did! And now life should be getting easier - it's the calm after the storm.

So that takes care of what we've been through the last year .. NOW there's another set of eclipses coming .. much different than the last ones, as each eclipse has it's own distinct personality. One thing is for sure ..eclipses often hasten something that was pending .. or surprise us (if it's good news) or shock us (if it's not good news) ... Eclipses most often have the element of surprise bringing changes in our life or to those close to us.

The New Moon Eclipse in Leo on Friday, August 1st is at 6:13am in the morning and visible from the northeast. This fire sign eclipse effects the fixed signs of leos and aquarians directly and scorpios and taureans as well. ... AND if you have any planets in fixed signs (even tho you're not one) , then you'll be effected in those areas as well. For instance, if your venus - love and money sector - is hit off, even tho you're a cancer, then you'll also see changes in those areas. This is one of the reasons that sun sign columns don't always work because we are a combination of many signs within our horoscopes, not just our sun sign.

New moons are new beginnings and in Leo this is an optimistic start to a new venture .. start planting your seeds! The real significance of the eclipse depends on what house or area of your life it falls in. But Leo is bigger than life and likes to do things with a bang. Children and creativity are issues broadly ruled by Leo.

There's a Full Moon Eclipse in Aquarius on August 16th .. that will not be visible from the United States, but it'll still be felt. There's only one Aquarius full moon each year . and the unpredictable goes along with the energies of this full moon. This year it's not just a full moon but an Eclipse as well which is double dose of the unexpected and surprising events.

Both new moon and full moon Eclipses are felt up to two weeks ahead of time, so you may have already experienced some of the effects of these eclipses .. and they continue to be felt up to a year after they occur if you have planets in your chart that resonate with them.

Aquarius is often a harbinger of bizarre weather conditions. And with an Aquarian eclipse anything is possible! It's the most shocking of all the planetary energies .. people's behavior, events, weather .. you name it. People buck the status quo during Aquarius and exert their own individuality. There's a rebellious energy to the planet which can give rise to ingenious solutions or crazy behavior .. all depending on how it's used. Give a party on the Aquarius Eclipse and expect anything!!

Saturn's Last Stand ... or Here Comes the Sun!

Whatever we've been toying with in our lives has come to completion .. or realization .. or transformation as Saturn finally .. and for the last time hits the eclipse point from February. The exact date is Sunday, May 18th. Astrological transits don't necessarily happen 'on the dime' .. but it's upon us, and this 'release' period favors resolution and forward movement. For some this last hit can indicate the final chapter in a long saga ... OR ... You may already be feeling better .. and a gradual improvement will continue to be felt through the next month as saturn slowly moves away.

A few weeks back at the beginning of May Saturn went Direct unblocking energies .. that was the first stage .... but once it's passed the eclipse point of 1 degree virgo 53 minutes this weekend, we're 'home free' and feeling a lot better.

At long last, there's a collective sigh of relief. The monkey's off our back. Time to pat yourself on the back for hanging in there, and take stock of what's changed since that time .... Saturn's critical eye revealed a clearer perspective on life prompting necessary changes .. sometimes eliminations.. and often painful realizations ...touching off relationships, work, money or health .. Perhaps a difficult project made significant progress during this time. Or a confused state of mind clarified. It's not been easy, but most will find they are wiser and stronger for it. If nothing else, Saturn's great for getting things done and sticking to a game plan. It flourishes under consistent discipline. It's said that nothing of any substance occurs in our life without a Saturn transit.

If it's been an easy time for you, then you're in sync with your life and it's flowing nicely ....Saturn's our best life barometer. Worst case scenario was terrible depression.

Bottom line, the sun's already partially out and the rest of those heavy clouds are moving out of our way. Here comes the sun!!

Hallelujah!!

Saturn Goes Direct ... Big News on the Big Picture

It's been a long hard winter while Saturn, task master and harbinger of reality held sway over us lingering on the virgo eclipse point, compelling us to belly up to our insecurities .. our failures .. our fears. It created an emotional pressure cooker and life may have been demanding and stressful. While retrograde, pressure mounted and solutions seemed illusive.

But now ...the waiting is over ... starting last week, there's movement again. Saturn is finally changing direction, slowly but surely, moving forward bringing release, relief and resolution to the problems that plagued us .. This is wonderful news and allows an easier flow of energy releasing the pent up and inwardly directed energy of the last 5 months. At long last we can expect movement in our affairs .. a lessening of our anxieties, and a greater feeling of freedom to take action.

Matters will gradually improve as Saturn slowly meets the eclipse point and moves beyond it ... More to come on specific timing .. For now ... Enjoy!!!

What the Heck's going on ...OR .. The Return of Saturn

Last night before bed I listened to the news ... current events always reflect what's going on in the heavens. As above .. so below! The three top stories were; cougar attacks his owner; third graders in LA were arrested for a plot to hit their teacher over the head with a paperweight and stab her to death. The plot was uncovered when one of the students was found with a knife. They hatched the plan because the teacher yelled at them.; and finally a high school student started a brawl on the school bus with the bus driver.

Last Sunday while returning from yoga class with a friend .. a New Haven cop driving behind us, startled us, when he began speaking through his loudspeaker telling my friend not to litter. After having eaten a corn muffin he was shaking out his napkin full of crumbs outside the driver's window. The cop pulled up along side of us and gave us a stare. My friend explained it was only corn muffin crumbs that he had thrown out the window ... the cop told him next time to take them home and throw them out.

So what's wrong with this picture?

Saturn's moving backwards (retrograde) and contacting February's eclipse point ... making it all the more intense!

OK .. and what does that mean? ... It means Saturn - a very serious and sometimes rigid and potentially depressing energy which forces us to look very closely at what's wrong with our lives has got our total attention now, because of it's high profile in the celestial picture. If we step out of line now, we'll hear about it! Like Elliot Spitzer, NY's Governor recently busted for his dalliance with an upscale prostitute ring. He was stung by Saturn! One thing about Saturn .. it's fair. No matter who you are ... with Saturn, "You reap as you've sown".

There's always constructive and non-constructive uses of planetary energy. Abuse of power is an easy out for Saturn (the planet of authorities) .. and children and animals are more prone to the unconscious negative energies of this or any planet. But there are many good uses to this disciplined planet that can help us transform our lives. Nothing of any substance occurs in our life without the aid of Saturn. It's all about how you handle it.

How Saturn effects YOU depends on which area it falls in your horoscope ... relationships .. work ..health ... that tells a lot of the story .. but in general Saturn rules authority figures, governments, infrastructures, bones and muscles in our body .. And currently, how much it's effecting you depends on how much 'correcting' your life requires. It's a life barometer. If you're really in pain, then a major correction begs to take place .. if you've noticed nothing and life is honky dorey .. well then, Congratulations! .. you've got things pretty well in balance in your life at this time, confirming you've been using your astrological energies properly.

Saturn is currently retrograde .. slowing things down ... driving things inward .. creating delays ..and possible frustration ... it urges us to consolidate rather than expand our lives .. and piles on responsibility ..too much work, too many bills ... not enough time... For many, their plate is too full!

Saturn pressures us to take action in the areas of our lives that aren't working .. And if we don't take the action, then saturn does it for us - It can manifest in many ways .. maybe work and life is crazy busy .. but the opposite can also be true .. no work, and days creeping by. Where ever it is, Saturn pushes things to the extreme to really make you examine the flaws in your system. And sometimes there's enforced confinement to deal with issues that you'd ordinarily ignore or gloss over.

We're in the thick of it right now ... this energy started a week or so before Easter and relief will come when Saturn turns direct at the beginning of May. That will be the start of improvement, and as it builds momentum thereafter, matters will continue to improve.

In the meantime, take heed and see what the message is. Once you 'get it' and start taking action, the discomfort lessens. Whatever it might be. Saturn is essentially our friend helping us to improve our lives by eliminating that which is outmoded and no longer working for us.

It's the Uber Reality Check .. Being disciplined and using your time constructively will help to direct this energy in a positive way. For many it's the road to success through hard work.

For more info on current celestial activity and how if effects you .. check my blog at http://practicalastrology.blogspot.com

Aftermath of the February Eclipses

It Ain't Over til it's Over ..

How they're still working in your life

While the eclipses of February are over .. they're sure not forgotten. In fact, eclipse energy just gets the ball rolling. Every time a transiting planet hits that eclipse point during the next year, something else is triggered. Could be good or bad .. hard to say .. depends on your chart and the other aspects being made ... but it can relate to the original situation which occured during the eclipse. Astrology is multi-faceted however .. each planet and house representing many things in our lives thus the results are often varied.

If the planet hitting the eclipse point is a 'friendly - up beat' energy than something pleasureable is more likely to happen .. if the planet hitting it is 'nasty or challenging' then we'll experience something more somber .. or depressing. If these eclipses touch one of your personal planets, then the effect is much more powerful and noticeable for YOU!

Here's some dates to watch for ...

This weekend is flavored by the unpredictable and eclectic influence of aquarius presenting some unique and unusual happenings. Also, we're getting vibrations on the new moon eclipse point .. February 29 .. March 1st and 2nd .. VENUS, the planet of love and money is making its mark on the eclipse energy. in the sign of aquarius - the unexpected .. surprises or shocks relating to venus ruled things can happen .. that includes energies pertaining to money, love, and hedonistic pleasures ... Even if something bad happens, you're probably feeling OK about it. In general, this is a good weekend to plan something enjoyable to resonate with the planetary energies .. it could produce some unexpected results .... so help it along!

On March 3rd and 4th .. the planet of travel and communication .. MERCURY is connecting with the aquarius new moon eclipse accentuating all aspects of communication. Phones, computuers, traveling are all highlighted .. and it's a good time to catch up on correspondence. And since it's aquarius we're dealing with here .. .. surprising information could surface.

From the End of March right through May .. SATURN, the task master and planet of responsibility lingers on the exact degree of the full moon eclipse in virgo .. this is a serious period of time .. nose to the grindstone .. and reaping as you have sown. Health issues (because it's in virgo, the health sign) may occur or come to a conclusion while under virgo's domain. It's certainly giving you an opportunity to figure out what's wrong and fix it! Hard work blossoms and is rewarded under hte tutelage of Saturn .. whatever it might be. Saturn shines the light on what's not working .. and this blessing allows you to take heed and correct matters before they progress any further. It's not an easy time, but used properly it's a valuable and significant time. In some instances, things may seem to stagnate. Once we get into May and June things will be picking up.

Saturn has it's positive aspects as well. If you've been working hard this could be the time you'll be recognized .. finally getting what you deserve. It may come as a promotion or an award or a pat on the back from someone important to you. At times it may feel oppressive, but this too shall pass.

Come June there will be a tremendous release as Saturn meets nad passes the virgo eclipse point freeing us up at least (emotionall, financially, psychologically, physically) allowing matters to move forward with less restriction and delays, letting matters come to fruition.

Forewarned is forearmed .. and knowing this allows you to use the planetary energies to your advantage .. and enables you to understand why matters aren't happening as easily or quickly as you'd hoped. But there's always a potential positive use of astrological energy .. so look for the silver lining. If an eclipse has taken something away .. it's usually clearing the decks for something better in the future.

A great Astrology Website to check out

If you're not already aware of it, do check out Susan Miller's www.astrologyzone.com ... She gives a generous monthly horoscope that's interesting and generally upbeat. Always read your rising sign as well as your sun sign.