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.

The effect of Mercury Retrograde ..Jan 29 - Feb 19, 2008

Mercury Retrograde is currently in effect until February 19th ... Altho this three week transit often gets a bad rap for problems with communication, computers, cars and correspondence ... and misunderstandings ... it also has many good uses. Mercury Retrograde is the perfect time to go back and redo anything that needs tweaking. Perhaps a new effort directed towards an old problem will result in success during a Mercury Retrograde. Not a good time to start something brand spanking new however. But if you're forced to start something under this transit or sign a contract, above all else check the fine print or your facts over and over again. This is where the problems come with Mercury Retro .. it's haste and rushing into things that most often cause resulting problems.

The impact of the LUNAR ECLIPSE in Virgo on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Eclipses are powerful triggers creating change in our lives, often far reaching.
The full moon (lunar) eclipse visible at 10:30 pm Wednesday, February 20th is a heavy weight eclipse packing a powerful punch.
Every planetary configuration has a personality influenced by the other planets around it. The virgo/pisces eclipse next week is a serious and somber energy because of its close proximity to saturn .. The moon and saturn traveling together in the heavens emphasize the depressing and inflexible qualities of saturn.
Forwarned is forarmed ... you might come across more than a few unhappy women ..... but for most of us it will pass. Usually understanding what's going on eases the burden.
As an astrologer, it's my job is to tell you what to expect and how to best use the energy .. often we can direct our astrological energy in a positive way minimizing negative potential.
Relationships in general are less forgiving and more critical this week .. whatever is wrong comes to the fore .. at work be sure to check all details thoroughly because with mercury going direct it's a vulnerable time for errors.
Full moon eclipse implies endings .. completions ... and activities coming to fruition. This is definitely NOT the time to start something new but to continue with what's already in motion .. maybe something started during the new moon eclipse two weeks ago. New projects inaugurated on or close to this eclipse on the 20th tend to be of short duration .. over before they begin .. so if the project is quick it's not a problem .. but if it's something you'd like to last for a long while .. pick another date to begin!
Full moons always pack a wallop .. the energy is greater because of the tension of the opposing sun (male) and moon (female). Everything gets exaggerated ... if things are good .. that feeling is heightened ... and if the situation is bad .. that's exaggerated too. The moon represents our emotions and feelings but also relates to women in our life .. Blending the moon and Saturn in the heavens during this eclipse .. can make for a gloomy and picky outlook creating a depressing time .. this influence is apparent for the week approaching and several days after the eclipse.
If your life is working, chances are someone else is experiencing the problems .. maybe your grandmother broke her wrist ... or a girl friend caught her boyfriend cheating .. or your kid's are sick with the flu ... even more eclipse-like .... the whole house is sick with the flu ... speaking of which ... both the moon and saturn currently are in virgo - putting the emphasis on health. Be proactive! If your tooth is bothering you .. don't procrastinate because during the eclipse the dentist's office will be crowded with dental emergencies ... likewise, the hospital emergency room will be busy as well. Health ailments of all types tend to crop up with an emphasis in virgo ...
Virgo also rules food, diets and eating. Here's a true story that happened during the full moon in virgo. At a local elite mental hospital the anorexic and bulemics rebelled during this full moon by breaking into the kitchen at night and pouring salt in all the food making it inedible .. they were angry because new rules were enforced making them eat all the food on their plates.
There's a fair amount of play in how a particular transit can manifest. So the more you know, the better you'll be at figuring out what's happening in your life.
On the positive side, getting together with old friends or people you haven't seen in awhile is a great use of this eclipse energy Saturn rules things and / or people from the past... like a high school reunion. Saturn loves details and disciplined activities - it's ideal to sift through memorabilia and organize it or cupboards or drawers. Positive health initiatives can be uplifting now .. take a yoga seminar ... unearth old exercise video tapes. Condense, eliminate .. and simplify. Be disciplined and do healthy things for the best use of this energy.
If you're feeling down .. spend time doing something good for someone less fortunate to avoid the doldrums.
Pisces and Virgos feel the energy in relationship areas .. Gemini and Sagittarius focus on career and home issues.

For what's happening in your life contact Jilliun at jdot123@gmail.com.

New Moon Eclipse in Aquarius on February 6, 2008

Practical Astrology
what you need to know to make your life better

This week is the solar eclipse in aquarius

Feeling spacey, out of sorts or not quite grounded?
Did you learn some surprising information?
Maybe you have a brilliant insight and are kicking off a new idea.

It could be because we're in the midst of two eclipses. The new moon eclipse was Wednesday and the full moon eclipse is arriving Wednesday, February 20th in the sign of virgo. Eclipses make things happen. They are often the impetus for major life changes .. sometimes planned or desired and sometimes totally unexpected. This new moon solar eclipse at 10:44 pm EST Wednesday evening was a harbinger of the unexpected .. surprising news, unpredictable weather, and breakthrough information often arrives with aquarius .. and including an eclipse makes that new moon bigger than life. Aquarius is an exciting energy which ushers in original, unconventional and electric ideas taking you into your future!

This is an opportunity to create a new beginning. New moons are always new beginnings and when they're accompanied by an eclipse the impact is much greater and further reaching. In fact, the effects of an eclipse - and there can be many effects depending where it falls in your horoscope and extremely significant if it comes in contact with any of your planets - can be felt for months and even years to come .. what you start now .. or the seeds you plant now .. are SIGNIFICANT! So plant wisely at this time .. Use the next week to direct these new moon energies. There's a cluster of aquarian planets accompanying this eclipse including visionary neptune .. so follow your intuition now and flow with the cosmic currents for best results. Do, however, be aware of rose colored glasses!