Mercury Retrograde: working positively with the Cycle

Mercury, planet of communication and transportation, will retrograde from May 18 to June 4 in the sign of Gemini. This could be perceived as a double-whammy as Gemini's natural ruler is Mercury. Typically this cycle is related to setbacks with communication, articulation, snafus with computers and phones, and glitches in transportation. Certainly, a cursory review of this transit could likely result in viewing the planet and it's 'backward' motion as something that will be challenging, but there are gifts as well.

Mercury takes an apparent look backwards about three times per year. I like to look at Mercury retrograde cycles in terms of their relationship to the last Mercury retrograde, in this case, back in January/February 2015 in the sign of Aquarius. Usually, if I examine the issues in my life in the previous retrograde cycle, there is something relevant that is continuing or being adjusted in the new Mercury cycle. Case in point: during the last cycle, I was hired on to work for a particular company. A bit dismayed, I realized I was beginning something new on a retrograde and that's not always the best energy to ride in on. I simply entered with the best enthusiasm that I had, knowing if there were glitches with email and computers and that I could just be patient and work them through, and they would resolve. I was in a new position and laid the groundwork for it during that time. I had a new commute, new employer, new way of relating to the world, and new class of living.

Now that we visit the second retrograde, the job is again shifting gears, and requiring my patience as my daily duties shift. congruent with the last retrograde are the same computer and email issues I faced in my first few weeks! This gives me a chance to be patient, check my energy, pause, and engage my meditative practices. I would venture to say that because of this, the retrograde feels somewhat good, as I am more mindful and more slowed down than usual! This new switch brings me a new boss, a new office, a new commute, and a different set of duties. Somehow, Mercury feels to have had a role in this movement, and I am in awe of how astrology works. I am excited to see what happens and shifts for the next retrograde, which will be in September/October in the sign of Libra.

May the movement of the planets create awe in your heart as it has in mine...Namaste.

Astrology of March 2015

Hello to all! March promises to be a busy month astrologically! New energies, new beginnings, and the closing of a long and perhaps challenging chapter. This month we have the final of 7 squares between Pluto and Uranus: in plain talk, the planets tend to have conversations with each other - these conversations have an impact on us as human. The conversations can be pleasant, challenging but with deeper results, and sometimes frustrating, but all of them push us toward growth. To understand the final square this month, we have to look back at the past to understand the present. The conversations between planets took part in segments, as follows:

6/6/12 to 7/9/12
9/18/12 to 10/1/12
5/15/13 to 6/1/13
10/17/13-11/15/13
4/12/14 to 4/29/14
11/26/14-12/27/14
3/11/15-3/28/15

 As is the case with change, it does not happen overnight. We may rise in the morning, have thoughts about a change we want to make in our lives, and then forget it. We may rise in the morning again, have those same thoughts, have a few conversations with people. We may be in the middle of our day when those thoughts come in again, we may do some research, have more conversations. And then finally, one day, we look back, and see that change has occurred. Think of this planetary aspect, or conversation, as contractions toward change. If you were to reflect on these time periods in your life, what was happening? What changes were you trying to make? I feel these aspects were helping us to restructure some way of thinking, being, or relating. Each piece of the conversation has taught us about ourselves, each other, the world. A foundation has been set forth from which we can make future plans. Assisted by planetary cycles of deep cleansing and self examination, we are able to set forth a new path.

Balance is needed as we move forward, a slowing down of the body and mind through yoga, meditation, the addition of supportive herbs or teas into our lives. It helps during times of change to see the bigger picture at play while in the midst of change, especially during those times when things seem stuck and we may doubt that change is occurring.

Other aspects to consider this month include the upcoming eclipse on March 20th at 29' Pisces. This is a planet at the end of it's rope, humanity at the completion of one cycle, poised for the beginning of another. It occurs just prior to the beginning of the astrological year at 0' Aries, celebrated as the welcoming of spring in the northern hemisphere.

So as we see global changes continuing to occur around us, the restructuring of governments and systems, so too do we see this reflected in our own lives, as our own systems and defenses are dismantled. I feel really excited at the closing of one cycle and the beginning of another. Best wishes to you all on your journey.

Happy New Year Everyone!

To me, it felt like the New Year began at the Solstice on December 21st. I celebrated by doing a fire ceremony, letting of what is no longer needed by writing things down and tossing them into a fire, and then writing affirmations to bring in the new. This year, for me, is going to be about expanding my horizons in terms of my social networks where I live. I also plan to have more excellent adventures to post!

We are winding down now the Capricorn energy that was ushered in on the 21st, preparing to move more into Aquarius. This sign has so long been associated with revolution on the planet, so needed in order for change to happen. It is also associated with new inventions and ideas and global justice. We can see these issues playing out around us, nationally and globally. The time for healing is here! On Tuesday we welcome Aquarian energy via the movement of the Sun, as well as a New Moon in this sign. This is a great time to write intentions! On Wednesday, Mercury, planet of communication, begins to roll "backwards", offering a cycle that is well-suited to second chances, reviewing revising and re-examining existing plans and projects. We may see people from the past arrive again at our door.

As I attempt to bloom where I am, so to speak, I have been joining different groups and organizations. I've linked to a wonderful and inspirational group of women via a monthly book group, have joined two healing circles, located an astrology group, and began hiking Sabino Canyon.  In an effort to have more beauty and art in my life, I finally went to the DeGrazia gallery, which has been on my wish list for so long. Both DeGrazia and Sabino Canyon are in my backyard - and perhaps yours, too. I especially loved the signs of the zodiac.

for those who may be interested: http://degrazia.org/

An annual parking pass is only $20 and helps sustain the park: http://sabinocanyon.com/

Welcoming Saturn in Sagittarius next month!

We are quickly closing in on the tail end of 2014...can you believe it? Two years past the famed 2012 possible-end-of-the-world, and yet here we are all...still dancing on this little blue planet. Today I found myself reflecting on the planet Saturn, and it's movement through Scorpio, which began in October 2012 and will wind down on December 23rd, 2014. At that time, Saturn will slip into Sagittarius, an unlikely dance partner, as Saturn and Sagittarius are opposites in many ways.

Saturn is all about lessons to learn, discipline, and the rewards of hard work. Did you hear what I said? Not punishment for no reason at all, but rewards from work that has been done. Sagittarius rules religion, philosophy, matters at a distance, higher education, and long distance travel. It also relates to our sense of freedom and beliefs in God.

To me this cycle upcoming feels like it may root out more scandal and unhealthy patterns from religious and other leaders, exposing what has happened for many years, not creating something new to be upset about. When these issues hit the news, I give out a big yahoo, knowing this is the exposure of an undercurrent in operation for a long, long time, now coming to light, to be healed. This is good!

I feel this cycle will bring balance into our lives. Anyone else out there have difficulty maintaining work-relationship-life balance? These cycles teach us the beauty of having aspects of our lives come into balance with each other - a work in progress. I see an opportunity for hard work to be balanced with creative expression, the sense of release from a job well done and the release of play and creativity with friends. A balance of relationships with others and time alone for ourselves for reflection. From my perspective, the planets draw us toward health, balance, creativity, and love, through the cycles that we share together.

Another thing I am feeling about this cycle is how critical it is to play, especially adults. To consciously make time and create space for the engagement of play, putting it on the calendar the same as you would any other appointment.

As we move through fall and head towards winter, I wish you balance in all things, and much much happiness. 

Midway between a Lunar Eclipse and Solar Eclipse

We are well into the fall season and one week past the vital and powerful Lunar Eclipse that we had in Aries last week. Major forces at work for the last several years are giving energy to support changes we want or need to make in our live; they also support major global changes. It may seem like more 'bad' things are happening in the world if you read the conventional news, but what seems to really be happening, courtesy of Pluto in Capricorn, is that our very foundations are being shaken as that which needs to heal and change is so obviously revealed to us. This is a great time to make a decisions about how to support what needs to change in the world and committing to a positive stance in conjunction with like-minded others. Together we can do great things. Expect change to be fueled by the Solar Eclipse in Scorpio on October 23rd as more is revealed...

On a positive note, Tucson just completed a week of the celebration of modernism, an architectural style that proliferated the area after World War II. There have been a series of stunning lectures and tours across town. Taking in Martin Treu's lecture on the evolution of signs since the 1920's, I have come to a deep appreciation for this artform. From humble beginnings of a small sign above a shop designed to attract pedestrians, to the neon signs standing free and tall to attract the attention of motorists, this artform shares a story and history about our past as well as our present. Many stories and photos were shared of old-time motor lodges from a time when families would travel across the Unites States by automobile; likely, many of these signs hold a history and nostalgia for many.

I caught Charles Phoenix's show at the Loft Cinema and it was highly innovative and creative. Charles has taken historical shots of local establishments and woven throughout his slide show completely unrelated pictures of strangers, weaving a story that somehow becomes coherent. His enthusiasm is contagious and enough to power a small country.

As a result of participation in modernism week, I am seeing my fair city in a whole new light. I am checking out signs, searching for neon, appreciating unique styles and structures. I did not have a chance to tour miracle mile and the neon treasure that lay therein, but that will wait for another day.

Perhaps this story will inspire you to explore your surroundings in such a way as to gain unique and new perspectives.

http://tucsonmod.com/

http://martintreu.com/

http://www.charlesphoenix.com/

Summer Solstice and Astro Climate

We have the Sun at 29' Gemini tonight, as tomorrow it moves into 0' Cancer, signifying the end of spring and beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. This takes place in the context of a Mercury retrograde, fresh from it's walk through emotional Cancer, now moonwalking backwards in Gemini. It may be the case that we find ourselves ruminating over events or relationships from the past, perhaps finding ourselves equipped now to have that conversation or move our thinking in a forward direction.

The Sun's movement into Cancer adds another harmonic or note onto the existing Cardinal Cross. As I have mentioned before, my feeling on this Cardinal Cross is that it is holding something in place so that things can occur - almost like standing very still so the tailor can adjust the suit. We may be aware of some of these events happening or they may occur without our notice. Uranus is in Aries, adding an element of surprise or an undercurrent of feeding the revolution at hand. The Sun joins Jupiter in Cancer, and perhaps we are feeling the need to add to our family circle: we can consider family as our bio relatives, or our families of choice. Some may be contemplating a desire to set an extra plate at the table for someone new: one of the effects of personal loss is a desire to reinvigorate the circle, add to it's members, give back to those around us. Mars is finishing up a six-month journey in Libra, bringing our attention to what is fair and just. Many may be exercising more self-love and what is right and fair for self for a change. Finally, Pluto continues to clean up our government, transiting the sign of Capricorn and shaking out our structures in preparation for rebuilding.

best wishes for an enjoyable summer season; celebrate your growth and your time on this beautiful planet!

The astrology of April 2014

The ethers seem replete with planetary alignments that support change, coupled with the strong need to slow down and center as often as needed. The energy of Aries dominates the air for the early part of the month. Being the start of the zodiac and rules by Mars, Aries is all about the beginning of things, the energy to start things up. At times, things may need a boost or massive amount of energy to get rolling or to create needed changes or a wave of energy on which further changes can ride. At times, Aries has been called the me-first sign, but that's a misnomer. We must begin somewhere - whether it be a project, relationship, job, new home - and beginning with centering the self as deeply as possible is the best way for a positive and grounded outcome.

This month the headlines have been replete with unusual a stories. A friend once suggested, for every 'negative' news story, they should cover at least five minutes of a life-positive story, to balance things out. This is a great suggestion or starting place - perhaps the media will take heed!

Tuesday will bring an eclipse in the sign of Libra; this is part of a larger context of planetary conversations called a Cardinal Cross. Basically, the signs are forming a pattern in the sky, and creating a conversation if you will, that at times may be challenging but will definitely clear the air and set a foundation for later work to be done. I think of planetary relationships like conversations - they can be easy, they can be made of fluff, they can be challenging and hurt our feelings, or they can challenge us in ways that help us grow. With Libra reverberating in the airwaves, this is a great time for socialization, relating to others, focusing on relationships, give and take, sharing.

Enjoy the month of Aries for the blast of fresh air that it brings! Namaste.