#Transiting Mercury enters Capricorn pre-Rx zone

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury enters retrograde zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 12:32 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 6°24’ Sagittarius

Saturday, November 16, 12:59 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 17°04’ Sagittarius

Thursday, November 21 - transiting Mercury enters Storm

Tuesday, November 26, 02:42 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 22°40’ Sagittarius

Friday, December 6, 02:18 UT - Sun-Mercury inferior conjunction, 14°27’ Sagittarius

Sunday, December 15, 20:56 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 6°24’ Sagittarius

Saturday, December 21 - transiting Mercury exits Storm

Wednesday, December 25, 07:28 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 12°02’ Sagittarius

Friday, January 3, 2025, 03:14 UT - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 22°40’ Sagittarius

+++***===***+++

Ready for another go-round?

Mercury has some obvious problems when it’s in Sagittarius, and some not-so-obvious problems as well:

General sloppiness - Mercury is usually (too) detail-oriented, but “all of a sudden” we get careless and slapdash

Procrastination, blowing things off - “don’t put off ‘til tomorrow what you can do next week “

Preachiness, pontificating, lecturing

Tactlessness, rudeness, too blunt

Being unwilling to consider or allow for different points of view or different ways of thinking about things (Sag can be jingoistic)

Conversely, too much cultural appropriation

On Tuesday the 5th, before Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow, we may have had an intriguing new idea (especially if we’re susceptible to Vesta!), but some difficulties will shortly become apparent, even before the Rx Zone “officially” starts. Get a load of these:

Saturday, November 9 - Mercury/Sagittarius (9°42’) sesquiquad Eris Rx/Aries (24°42’). First of three. Pushing for something but the timing isn’t right; angry words. Trying to argue but not convincing anyone, so we shout louder.

Tuesday, November 13 - Mercury/Sagittarius square Saturn Rx/Pisces, 12°42’. First of three. We’re lacking information and knowledge. Mental distractions. If we’re feeling guilty about something, it’s apparent in our communication.

Thursday, November 15 - Mercury/Sagittarius (14°54’) semi-square Pluto/Capricorn (29°54’). First of three. A dead end; “No, and that’s final!” Something cannot be thought out/through.

This isn’t going to be an easy Rx Zone, but it could be invaluable for opening up our minds to bigger and better modes of operation.

[phynxrizng]

THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY. ...

Cafe Astrology .com Cafe Astrology .com Home Shop Horoscopes Site Map Search This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology is updated every Saturday and includes the week’s Moon phase, planets in signs and aspects, retrogrades, this week’s astrology calendar, the current void-of-course Moon tables and timing advice, and Daily Trends interpretations. March 15, 2018 / This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology: March 18 to 24, 2018 March 18 to 24, 2018 On this Page: This week’s Moon phase Planets in signs and aspect Retrogrades This week’s astrology calendar Timing with the Moon Romance & Relationship Report Daily Trends   First Quarter Moon The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at 11:35 AM EDT. The First Quarter Moon occurs on Saturday when the Sun in Aries forms a square with the Cancer Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon on March 17th is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.  First Quarter Moon Chart: March 24, 2018 This phase of the Moon occurs at 3 degrees and 57 minutes of Cancer square the Sun at 3 degrees and 57 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 2 to 6 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.  A New Moon occurred on Saturday, March 17th, 2018, at 9:11 AM EDT. Early Saturday, a new cycle began. The Aquarius New Moon cycle ended and the Pisces New Moon cycle began. The New Moon in Pisces is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Fish. These include taking a leap of faith, accepting imperfections in ourselves and in others as a different kind of “perfection”, starting a project that requires imagination and visualization skills, consciously putting time aside for peaceful and rejuvenating activities, and sharing a dream with another. With this potent Pisces energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. This New Moon is especially creative and ambitious with its trine to Jupiter and (wide) sextile to Pluto. While we are likely to feel very inspired, and this New Moon can motivate us to take a leap of faith, we should watch for impatience and impulsive moves, since the lunation is also square to Mars, which is on the verge of changing signs and is thus especially vulnerable/volatile. Words can sting now, although they can also prompt a “turning over a new leaf” moment and fuel a new beginning. The Sun/Moon also form a semi-sextile to Uranus, and we can struggle a little with the idea of going our own way and being independent. While we want these things, it can be difficult to integrate these urges into our personalities or to act upon them consistently.  New Moon in Pisces Chart: March 17, 2018 This phase of the Moon occurred at 26 degrees and 53 minutes of Pisces, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 22 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 0 to 1 degree of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly. Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture Mar 17, 2018, 9:11 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon) Mar 24, 2018, 11:35 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon) Mar 31, 2018, 8:37 AM Sun opposition Moon (Full Moon) Apr 8, 2018, 3:17 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon) Apr 15, 2018, 9:57 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon) (Times are Eastern) The Sun is in Pisces until March 20th, when the Sun enters Aries; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Aries; Mars is in Capricorn. The Sun is in Pisces from February 18-March 20th. With the Sun in Pisces, we are guided by altruistic feelings. We are less motivated to do than we are to feel, imagine, and dream. A “what will be, will be” attitude reigns, and we are guided by a sense of universal correlations. Pisces rules empathy, selfless love, devotion, and wisdom. Its shadow side rules self-pity, a feeling of being victimized by life, passivity, and elusiveness. The Sun is in Aries from March 20-April 19th. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive, and we have the urge to initiate. Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly–there is little shame with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan ahead. Mercury is in Aries from March 6-May 13. When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision…quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries. Venus is in Aries from March 6-31. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased. Mars is in Capricorn from March 17-May 16. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. Our energy is reliable and faithful. We are slow to anger but can be quite cold if we are frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity.  Saturn transits Capricorn from December 19/20, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.  Jupiter entered Scorpio on October 10th, 2017, and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about Jupiter in Scorpio transit here. Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011, and will transit Aries until May 15, 2018, and then from November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries. Mercury turns retrograde on March 22nd, 2018.  Mercury’s Retrograde Cycle in Aries from March 22-April 15, 2018 Mercury’s shadow period begins/enters Rx zone: March 8, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′ Mercury stations and turns retrograde: March 22, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′ Rx Mercury stations and turns direct: April 15, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′ Mercury ends its shadow period/leaves Rx zone: May 3, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′ Times are Eastern See also Mercury Retrograde, Retrogrades, and Retrogrades in the Natal Chart. Mercury is retrograde from March 22nd to April 15th. Mercury’s shadow period begins March 8th, 2018, and ends May 3rd, 2018. Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrogrades shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years, and this may not be ideal. Also note that things are most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy. Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time). As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde. Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly. While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering. There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently–through different filters–and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Mercury retrograde is powerful for studies, particularly for returning to old studies or for re-learning or refreshing knowledge in a subject alrunication can actually re-connect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we’re forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves. It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to suspend projects or anything of the sort during the Mercury Retrograde cycle. It’s not an ideal time to start new ones or to sign contracts, simply because a change of mind is quite likely once Mercury turns direct. However, it’s a fabulous time to do some ���outside of the box” thinking. Acting on our ideas, however, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period. Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (March 22nd and April 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun on April 1st (midway between the start and end of the retro period). If you are itching to make a point with someone, especially, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.  With Mercury retrograde in Aries: We might look at past decisions and ideas from a new, possibly enlightened perspective. This is a time for reconsidering an initiative or venture. It’s strong for returning to an old project or pursuit. It can be a time of tension, however, as Mercury in Aries wants immediate answers and retrograde Mercury can point to delays and indecision. The shortness of Mercury in Aries communications is magnified making it necessary to be especially careful with our choice of topics and wording. The chances of sharp or brusque comments doing some damage run high. We may be returning to past projects and refining or tweaking them. We can find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycle them in new ways, even though Mercury in Aries prefers the new to the old. We might consider renewing past ventures where we may have had false starts, but this should be done in a new way for things to work this time around. With Mercury in Aries, we prefer to learn from hands-on experience rather than instruction, and not listening during this Mercury retrograde period can be especially costly. Keep in mind that Mercury in Aries’ haste to communicate (or perhaps more accurately, to get communications out of the way) can work against us or can be more consequential during Mercury retrograde — there can be texts or emails sent to the wrong people, for example, or quick commentary that’s considered careless. Read more about Mercury Retrograde. Romance & Relationships Venus is in Aries from March 6-31. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased. This week: Sunday is strong for growth-focused interactions as well as for clarifications of feelings. However, keep in mind that these may come up for review at a later date. Friday can bring a bit of paranoia or suspicion to our love lives. Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week: Venus in Aries March 6-31. Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you’re eager to accept – and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness – or the happiness of pursuit? Venus trine North Node of the Moon March 17-18. We are more concerned about harmonizing and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We could feel lucky in love, and we could meet someone who is good for us. Fortunate connections might be made now. Venus conjunct Mercury March 18-19. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Venus square Pluto March 23. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies. Venus quincunx/inconjunct Jupiter March 24-25. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification. The Moon & Timing The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. The following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations. The Void-of-Course Moon this Week: Void-of-course Moon on Monday, March 19th, from 3:29 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:07 PM EDT. VOC Moon on Wednesday, March 21st, from 1:21 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Thursday, March 22nd, at 1:30 AM EDT. VOC Moon on Friday, March 23rd, from 11:52 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Saturday, March 24th, at 4:53 AM EDT. March 2018:  Void of Course Tables: March 2018 Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives The Moon is waxing this week — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on March 23rd from approximately 3:45 AM to 11:50 PM, while the Moon is in Gemini. Note that, at the time of this window, Mercury had just turned retrograde. Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses: Jan 26, 2018 7:56 AM Mars enters Sagittarius Jan 31, 2018 8:39 AM Mercury enters Aquarius Feb 10, 2018 6:19 PM Venus enters Pisces Feb 17, 2018 11:28 PM Mercury enters Pisces Feb 18, 2018 12:18 PM Sun enters Pisces Mar 6, 2018 2:34 AM Mercury enters Aries Mar 6, 2018 6:45 PM Venus enters Aries Mar 8, 2018 11:46 PM Jupiter Retrograde *** Daylight Saving Time begins *** Mar 17, 2018 12:40 PM Mars enters Capricorn Mar 20, 2018 12:15 PM Sun enters Aries Mar 22, 2018 8:19 PM Mercury Retrograde Mar 29, 2018 9:31 PM Pallas enters Gemini Mar 31, 2018 12:54 AM Venus enters Taurus Apr 1, 2018 9:44 PM Vesta enters Capricorn Apr 15, 2018 5:21 AM Mercury Direct Apr 17, 2018 4:09 AM Chiron enters Aries Apr 17, 2018 9:47 PM Saturn Retrograde Apr 19, 2018 11:12 PM Sun enters Taurus Apr 22, 2018 11:26 AM Pluto Retrograde Apr 24, 2018 12:40 PM Venus enters Gemini Apr 28, 2018 3:44 AM Juno enters Aries May 8, 2018 3:52 AM Vesta Retrograde May 13, 2018 8:40 AM Mercury enters Taurus May 15, 2018 11:16 AM Uranus enters Taurus May 16, 2018 12:55 AM Mars enters Aquarius May 19, 2018 9:10 AM Venus enters Cancer May 20, 2018 10:15 PM Sun enters Gemini May 21, 2018 9:06 AM Pallas enters Cancer May 29, 2018 7:49 PM Mercury enters Gemini See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day. See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview. Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET). This Week’s Calendar  This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 18 to 24, 2018 This Week’s Aspects  Sun conjunct Chiron. An opportunity to find a sense of purpose or a “mission” arises now, increasing our confidence. Alternatively, we might face life lessons that get us in touch with the insecurities that hold us back from feeling confident. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong. Problem-solving is favored.  Mercury conjunct Venus. Lighthearted conversations, sociability, humor, cooperation. Good time for socializing and for communicating with ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Generally favorable for commerce.  Venus square Pluto. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run high, in direct proportion to fear of losing someone or something. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies. Social interactions may be intense or could provoke intense feelings. Changes in financial status or relationships may occur now. This is an “all or nothing” energy. Manipulative behavior, fear of betrayal, and power struggles are possible.  Sun square Mars. We have “spring fever” no matter what the season. Driven by a restless desire to do something, without a well-defined goal we tend towards impulsive actions and get ourselves into needless arguments. Our reactions tend to be defensive or competitive. We are not very willing to compromise or negotiate. We are more inclined to injury and accident. Energy output can run high if we choose to focus. Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET). Daily Trends Calendar See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects. See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe. See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends (as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar) See also the new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations. MARCH 18 The Sun and Chiron meet in the sign of Pisces today, and this can pull up an opportunity to find a sense of purpose, increasing our confidence. Alternatively, we might face life lessons that get us in touch with the insecurities that undercut our confidence. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and others is strong now, and problem-solving is favored. This can be a time of building faith or confidence in our skills and talents. We can experience a stronger desire to seek out meaning, wisdom, and mental stimulation. The Moon is in Aries, all day, however, and we’re forward-looking and ready for a fresh start. The Moon aligns with both Mercury and Venus as both planets near a conjunction, and we have something to clarify about our feelings. MARCH 19 The Moon continues its transit of Aries for most of today, until 9:07 PM EDT. Mercury aligns with Venus in Aries, and we might enjoy good humor, lighthearted conversations, sociability, and cooperation. It’s a good time to talk about or quantify our feelings and reach agreements or negotiate with others. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Mercury will retrograde in just three days, however, and we may later need to revisit and perhaps revise what we may communicate or decide upon today. The Moon moves into Taurus tonight, and shortly after that, harmonizes with Mars. We’re resourceful and motivated, particularly related to business, financial, mechanical, practical, and security or comfort matters. The Moon is void from 3:29 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:07 PM EDT. MARCH 20 The Moon spends the day in Taurus, harmonizing with Saturn and encouraging a practical approach to our day. Even so, the Sun enters pioneering Aries today at 12:16 PM EDT, marking the time of the Spring equinox and the start of the astrological New Year. The Sun will transit Aries until April 19th. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are impulsive, and we have the urge to initiate. Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly–there is little pause for regret with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan. MARCH 21 The Moon is void from 1:21 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Thursday, March 22nd, at 1:30 AM EDT. MARCH 22 The Moon is void until it enters Gemini at 1:30 AM EDT. MARCH 23 The Moon is void from 11:52 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Saturday, March 24th, at 4:53 AM EDT. MARCH 24 The Moon is void until it enters Cancer at 4:53 AM EDT.  If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year. Moon Signs This Week: When the Moon is in Aries  We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity. The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects. When the Moon is in Taurus We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses". Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence. The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor. When the Moon is in Gemini  Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle. The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips. When the Moon is in Cancer  The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us. The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers. Upcoming Weeks: Calendars  This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 25 to 31, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar for April 1 to 7, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar for April 8 to 14, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 15th to 21st, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 22 to 28, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 29th to May 5th, 2018 THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends): Sun in Pisces The mystic, the martyr, the sinner, and the saint: these archetypes take on greater importance in your life at a time like this. Forgiveness, compassion, and understanding come naturally, when you look at life from an eternal perspective – and if anyone ever does know such things, you’ll probably come to understand them as this cycle unfolds. This can be a phase of sublime spiritual development, to be sure. But you should be aware of tendencies to believe too quickly, too deeply, or to become dependent on things or people that seem to offer quick and easy answers to life’s deepest yearnings. Sun in Aries A new sense of self, a more assertive personal style, a more dynamic approach to life: these are the hallmarks of the cycle that begins for you now. Doubts fade into the background, and reserve is more and more a thing of the past. It’s time for action; your destiny is in your hands, rather than set apart. Full speed ahead (“and damn the torpedoes”) is your motto now, for better or for worse! Mercury in Aries New ideas and an independent or pioneering mental orientation take on more importance in your life at this time. Teaching, learning, communicating, and social contact have a way of outlining new directions in your life now, and there is much activity and involvement with these kinds of issues. Venus in Aries Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you’re eager to accept – and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness – or the happiness of pursuit? Mars in Capricorn With this new cycle taking hold in your life now, taking charge and being in control become more important issues for you. You want to get things organized, and you have the initiative to do it. This is a time of ambition and responsibility, a time to keep your cool and pace yourself. Working hard is smart, but working smart is better. Jupiter in Scorpio The phase now beginning for you emphasizes fixing what is broken or unhealthy, thereby giving it a new lease on life. This is more than one person alone can handle, so the cooperation of others is essential. You give up something in order to get or create something, and you may not understand the reasons why at the time. Sex, money, power, and vitality become key issues. Saturn in Capricorn Responsibility, hard work, ambition, and achievement: these are the foundations you need to build on now, as a new cycle dawns in your life. And yet, there is a tendency to be a little too hard, perhaps a bit cold, in your approach to these things. Let ambition take you to the top, but don’t let it lull you into thinking that the end justifies the means. Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart. Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances? Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place… The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software. What’s In Your Forecast? Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology. BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview Monthly Calendar This Month in Astrology This Month’s Ephemeris This Month’s Transits   Next Week: (when available in advance) This Week in Astrology: March 18 to 24, 2018 Previous Weeks: This Week in Astrology: March 11 to 17, 2018 March 10, 2018 / This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology: March 4 to 10, 2018 March 4, 2018 / This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology: February 25 to March 3, 2018 February 23, 2018 / This Week in Astrology  FacebookTwitterGoogle+PinterestTumblrEmailGoogle GmailShare Search  Search this website … SEARCH Site Menu: Astrology Reports Birth Chart Interpretations Horoscopes & Forecasts Astrology Articles Astrology of Love & Sex Ask Annie Famous People Signs of the Zodiac Planets & Points Love Sign Compatibility Birthdays & Divining Arts Synastry/Relationships Predictive Astrology Astrology Tools & Tables Astrology Reference Astrology Topics Astrology Book Reviews Resources & Links Free Reports & Calculations Horoscopes & Forecasts – In This Section: Daily Horoscopes Monthly Horoscopes 2018 Horoscopes Preview 2018 Yearly Love Horoscopes 2018 Horoscopes Overview LoveScopes Ascendant Sign Horoscopes Good Days Calendars Daily Horoscopes II Daily Horoscope by Birthdate 2018 Planetary Overview 2018 Astrological Aspects 2018 Astrological Events 2018 Best Dates for Love Transiting Conjunctions Sun-Venus Cycle 2018 Eclipse Charts Lunations: Eclipses New Moon in the Houses Full Moon in the Houses This Week in Astrology This Month in Astrology Astrology Trends Mega Calendar Yearly Astrology Trends Calendar Daily Trends Calendar Moon Phases Calendar Monthly Astrology Calendars Mercury Retrograde Venus Retrograde Mars Retrograde When Saturn is Retrograde Saturn Transits Capricorn 2017 to 2020 Jupiter Transits Scorpio 2017-2018 Forecasts/Astrology Trends This Week in Astrology This Month in Astrology 2018 Planetary Overview Eclipses Monthly Astrology Calendar Astrology Trends Calendar Daily Trends Calendar 2018 Astrological Aspects 2018 Astrological Events 2018 Best Dates for Love 2018 Eclipse Charts Moon Phases Calendar Mercury Retrograde Venus Retrograde Mars Retrograde Saturn Retrograde Saturn in Capricorn 2017 to 2020 Jupiter in Scorpio 2017-2018 Transiting Conjunctions Sun-Venus Cycle New Moon in Houses Free Report: 2018 Preview Horoscopes Our Free Astrology Reports Love Sign Compatibility  Current Moon Sign Moon in Aries  We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity. The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects. 3/19/201811:31:48 AM UPCOMING FILTER EVENTS 19 MAR MARCH 19, 2018 DAILY OVERVIEW (Overview Of The Day: Monday) EDT 20 MAR MARCH 20, 2018 DAILY OVERVIEW (Overview Of The Day: Tuesday) EDT 20 MAR SUN ENTERS ARIES PLANETARY INGRESS 12:15 pm EDT 22 MAR MERCURY TURNS RETROGRADE IN ARIES RETROGRADE STATION 8:18 pm EDT 31 MAR VENUS ENTERS TAURUS PLANETARY INGRESS 12:53 am EDT 31 MAR FULL MOON - MARCH 31, 2018 IN LIBRA 8:37 am EDT 14 APR JUPITER SEXTILE PLUTO IN SCORPIO AND CAPRICORN 5:58 am EDT 15 APR MERCURY TURNS DIRECT IN ARIES DIRECT STATION 5:20 am EDT 15 APR NEW MOON - APRIL 15, 2018 IN ARIES 9:57 pm EDT See full astrological event calendars. More: This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology - Next This Week in Astrology - Last Cafe Astrology Cafe Astrology is brimming with free articles, features, interpretations, and tools that will appeal to people with a casual interest in learning Astrology, as well as beginning through advanced students of Astrology. The site is owned and run by astrologer Annie Heese. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use found here. Links Home About Contact Us Terms of Use Sitemap Search Favorites Shop for Reports Daily Horoscopes Monthly Horoscopes Good Days Calendars Birth Chart Interpretations This Week in Astrology            Cafe Astrology .com © 2002-2018 Cafe Astrology Home Astrology Reports Birth Chart Interpretations Horoscopes Astrology Forecasts & Trends Astrology of Love and Sex Signs of the Zodiac Planets & Points Love Sign Compatibility Birthdays & Divining Arts Synastry / Relationships Predictive Astrology Astrology Articles Astrology Tools & Tables Free Reports & Calculations About/Terms/Contact             Search Cafe Astrology SEARCH 

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury enters retrograde zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Wednesday, July 17, 03:51 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 21°25’ Leo

Monday, July 22, 10:49 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 27°02’ Leo

Thursday, July 25, 22:42 UT - transiting Mercury enters Virgo

Saturday, July 27 - transiting Mercury enters Storm

Monday, August 5, 04:56 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 4°06’ Virgo

Thursday, August 15, 00:16 UT - transiting Mercury re-enters Leo

Monday, August 19, 01:58 UT - Mercury-Sun inferior conjunction, 26°35’ Leo

Wednesday, August 28, 21:14 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 21°25’ Leo

Wednesday, September 4 - transiting Mercury exits Storm

Thursday, September 5, 02:33 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 25°09’ Leo

Monday, September 9, 06:50 UT - transiting Mercury re-enters Virgo

Wednesday, September 11, 23:52 UT - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 4°06’ Virgo

Really, really hate when we begin a new academic year with Mercury Rx. So many plans and so much chaos….

Anyway, this is a two-sign Mercury Rx (which I also hate). This usually means that we all mess up part of the first sign’s process, in such a way that we can’t/don’t/won’t get the next sign right. How does that look with Mercury/Leo?

Thinking that talking louder than anyone else means you “win”

Too much arrogance and overconfidence about one’s own brain power (can also get competitive about being smarter)

Not listening to anything except the sound of your own voice

Too much emphasis on gossip and trivia

Plagiarism

This is all the pre-retrograde shadow, so simply be aware that those kinds of issues are bound to crop up - and pay attention when they do.

Don’t give a lot of leeway to these aspects - Mercury is still zipping right along. Maybe the afternoon before and the morning after.

Thursday, July 18:

Mercury/Leo semi-sextile Juno/Virgo, 22°52’

Mercury/Leo trine Chiron/Aries, 23°30’

These are nice, or can be - we’re aware that what we say and how we say it, has an effect on other people. We can speak our authentic truth in such a way that other people aren’t wounded. (The “how we say it” piece, in other words.)

Saturday, July 20 - Sunday, July 21:

Mercury/Leo (25°12’) sesquiquad North Node/Aries (10°52’), semi-square South Node/Libra (10°52’)

Mercury/Leo trine Eris/Aries, 25°29’

Mercury/Leo (26°09’) sesquiquad Ceres Rx/Capricorn (11°09’)

Mercury/Leo square Uranus/Taurus, 26°32’

What a mess! All these aspects are the first of three - although, luckily, we won’t have to deal with them, during the 2nd and 3rd times, in one big clump like this. Mercury-Eris is “fighting words,” and all their trine means is that their energies are flowing. There’s a lot of “open mouth, insert foot” spirit with the rest of them. Be careful not to piss off your elders. Save the “shock value” speech for another day.

[ms-m-astrologer]

The Week Ahead: September 23-29, 2024

Caution: we’re in the shadow of the eclipse until Saturday, October 5.

Lunar Phases

Tuesday, September 24, 18:50 UT - Last Quarter Moon, 2°12’ Cancer

The key phrases for the Last Quarter lunar phase are “turn away” and “tear down old structures that no longer serve us well.” We’re deeply sentimental and not completely crazy about letting go - and unfortunately this eclipse season has “letting go” as a theme. We can try to pick something we’ve outgrown, or we can let The Cosmos do the picking.

Saturday, September 28, 15:47 UT - Balsamic Moon, 21°01’ Leo

The key phrases for the Balsamic lunar phase are “let go of the past,” and “envision the future.” Spending time outside (weather permitting) and soaking up some sunshine is therapeutic. It helps our optimism and faith.

Void of Course Moon

Tuesday, September 24, 11:59 UT (Gemini) - 14:50 UT (Cancer)

Thursday, September 26, 22:12 UT (Cancer) - 22:47 UT (Leo)

Sunday, September 29, 03:36 UT (Leo) - 09:42 UT (Virgo)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Pre-retrograde shadow: Jupiter/Gemini

Retrograde: Saturn/Pisces, Chiron/Aries, Uranus/Taurus, Neptune/Pisces, Pluto/Capricorn, Eris/Aries

Post-retrograde shadow: Ceres/Capricorn, Pallas/Sagittarius

Ingress

Thursday, September 26, 08:09 UT - transiting Mercury enters Libra

Libra transits this year are challenging, and Mercury’s trip through the sign will not be an exception. Between now and October 13, when Mercury enters Scorpio, expect those Libran scales to be set a-jangle with contradictions, paradoxes, and confusion. We have to let ideas happen rather than force them. We need to listen to people who see things differently than we do. The downside is (in Steven Forrest’s words) “I am ambushed by the ignorance I chose to protect;” when we get it right, we’re fair, respectful, and diplomatic. This is also a good time to learn about something artistic.

Et Cetera

No Opportunity Periods this week.

Next Sunday (the 29th), very late, there’s a trine between Mars/Cancer and Saturn Rx/Pisces, at 14°24’. Because Mars is soon to enter its retrograde zone (Thursday, October 3), this is the first of three trines between the two planets. (Number two happens on February 8, 2025; number 3 on April 4, 2025.) Mars retrograde times show us how we sabotage ourselves through impatience, belligerence (the proverbial chip on the shoulder), and so on - I’m personally grateful for a flowing Mars-Saturn aspect! Pay attention over the weekend to “challenges to your integrity, moral temptation, and difficult decisions” (Steven again). Yes, even with a trine! This is the first of three, so we’re becoming somewhat aware of the problem. The work happens after Mars stations retrograde (December 6).

———————————

Venmo Mary_Brack

PayPal MaryVBrack

Thank you!

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mars enters Retrograde Zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Friday, October 4, 2024, 04:40 UT - transiting Mars enters pre-retrograde shadow, 17°01’ Cancer

Monday, November 4, 04:10 UT - transiting Mars enters Leo

Friday, December 6, 23:33 UT - transiting Mars stations retrograde, 6°10’ Leo

Monday, January 6, 2025, 20:45 UT - transiting Mars retrogrades back into Cancer

Monday, February 24, 02:00 UT - transiting Mars stations direct, 17°01’ Cancer

Friday, April 18, 04:22 UT - transiting Mars re-enters Leo

Friday, May 2, 2025, 06:06 UT - transiting Mars exits post-retrograde shadow, 6°10’ Leo

***+++===+++***

Mars energy is usually very straightforward to work with. Even when it’s retrograde!

Cancer isn’t Mars’ most favorite place to be. It’s in its “fall” here, opposite the sign (Capricorn) of its exaltation. A planet being in its fall is like staying in someone’s home, but you don’t know who they are, and you don’t know what their rules are. It can be useful to the planet to (have to) learn some new ways of operating.

Physical strength - this is an opportunity to see how our diet and digestion affect our health, for good or for ill. If we’re angry or stressed out about something, it can manifest as stomach problems.

Energy levels - very dependent on our mood. We can be great at psyching ourselves up, one minute, only to feel lethargic and apathetic the next.

Sexuality - cuddly! There’s so much emotional sensitivity to our partners. But again, mood is everything and subject to change.

How we go after what we want - crabwise, cautiously, ie coming at it sideways, which is extremely frustrating for full-speed-ahead Mars. A straight-on approach isn’t always going to guarantee success, though, which Mars needs to learn.

Some problems with this placement: it can anticipate defeat and loss, quitting before it even gets started. It isn’t very consistent. It’s passive-aggressive, and it can be manipulative about getting its own way; other people don’t like that. And it gets crazy sensitive about boundaries.

When Mars enters Leo on November 3/4, building up to its retrograde station in December, we’ll witness how we can’t quite get Mars/Leo right, without first getting Mars/Cancer right. (Just consider Dolt 45, whom I consider the poster boy for Mars/Leo Run Amok - the vanity, the pomposity, the insecurity!)

On the way there, we can allow for a couple of days on either side of these aspects. (Pay particular attention to those which “ding” something in your birth chart.)

Saturday, October 5 - Mars/Cancer square Mercury/Libra, 17°33’. Probably nothing too serious, provided we haven’t taken on too much. A lot of sweet-talking going on, empty nothings perhaps, ulterior motives probably.

Tuesday, October 8 - Mars/Cancer trine Venus/Scorpio, 18°38’. This is pretty sexy and fertile, so if you don’t want to become a parent in the next 9 months, take precautions. We’re very emotionally attuned and sensitive to our partners, as well as to art and beauty.

Sunday, October 13 - Monday, October 14:

Mars/Cancer square Chiron Rx/Aries, 21°15’

Mars/Cancer semi-sextile Jupiter Rx/Gemini, 21°18’

Mars/Cancer square Sun/Libra, 21°28’

First of three for the Chiron square. Becoming aware of woundedness regarding our right to be alive at all. If we have a particular role in our family (bratty little sibling, the smart one, etc.), and we aren’t like that anymore, we find some resistance when we try to move on from it.

Monday, October 21 - Mars/Cancer square Eris Rx/Aries, 24°53’. First of three. This energy is spoiling for a fight - we’re mighty pissed off about something, and yet we hesitate to (or can’t) come out swinging. Be careful, and work on your situational awareness.

Thursday, October 24 - Mars/Cancer sextile Uranus Rx/Taurus, 26°10’. First of three. Very supportive of firmly establishing our own individuality. Insight about who we’d like to be. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Sunday, October 27 - Tuesday, October 29:

Mars/Cancer (27°24’) sesquiquad Venus/Sagittarius (12°24’)

Mars/Cancer trine Neptune/Pisces, 27°34’

Mars/Cancer (27°56’) sesquiquad Saturn Rx/Pisces (12°56’)

First of three for the Neptune trine and for the Saturn sesquiquad. With Venus involved there are undoubtedly some relationship problems - we may not see things clearly, or have a realistic grasp of the situation. Commitment-phobia masquerading as bad timing.

Saturday, November 2 - Sunday, November 3:

Mars/Cancer trine Mercury/Scorpio, 29°21’

Mars/Cancer opposite Pluto/Capricorn, 29°45’

First of three for the Pluto opposition. We become aware of some unpleasant situation, or traits in someone we meet in the world - violence, evil, darkness, tragedy - maybe that Merc/Scorpio is a little too curious and goes there? This isn’t the time to confront it, but simply to recognize problems with (in Steven Forrest’s words) “blind adherence to the past” as well as “a selfish me first attitude … insensitive to the suffering of others.” (The 2nd and 3rd oppositions happen after Pluto returns to Aquarius, which is a whole ‘nuther kettle of fish - we see exactly how the selfishness and blind adherence lead to alienation.)

———————————

Venmo Mary_Brack

PayPal MaryVBrack

Thank you!!

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury stations retrograde

Timeline (current events in bold)

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 12:32 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 6°24’ Sagittarius

Saturday, November 16, 12:59 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 17°04’ Sagittarius

Thursday, November 21 - transiting Mercury enters Storm

Tuesday, November 26, 02:42 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 22°40’ Sagittarius

Friday, December 6, 02:18 UT - Sun-Mercury inferior conjunction, 14°27’ Sagittarius

Sunday, December 15, 20:56 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 6°24’ Sagittarius

Saturday, December 21 - transiting Mercury exits Storm

Wednesday, December 25, 07:28 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 12°02’ Sagittarius

Friday, January 3, 2025, 03:14 UT - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 22°40’ Sagittarius

+++***===***+++

I always like to preface the discussion with the appropriate “Mercury Retrograde Survival Tips,” from the book Mercury Retrograde by Chrissie Blaze:

Curb your urge to travel; instead travel mentally by learning about new countries and different cultures.

Investigate new courses of study - but don’t enroll yet.

Spend an active but relaxing day at the beach or spa.

Call an elderly relative and lift his spirits.

I strongly recommend investigating a foreign language, and one of the many apps/sites which support this. In English we say “She likes chocolate;” en español, la oración es “A ella le gusta el chocolate,” which can literally be translated (in order) as “To her is pleasing the chocolate.” We have to learn to think in new, different ways, and basic sentence structure can help with that.

A couple of “clumps” of aspects. The second one bleeds into the inferior conjunction on December 6, and I’ll go into them a little more deeply at that time.

Friday, November 29 - Monday, December 1:

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius semi-sextile Ceres/Capricorn, 21°25’

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius (20°54’) sesquiquad Mars/Leo (5°54’)

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius trine Chiron Rx/Aries, 19°21’

Second of three for all the aspects involved. An uneasy weekend. We may be so afraid of offending someone that we remain silent. Or maybe we blurt things out, and it doesn’t go over very well. Probably both. In the actual retrograde part of a Retrograde Zone, Martin Bulgerin wrote, “If you need to let go of something in your life, events happen to cause it to break or to wrest it from you. If you need to wake up to some lesson, events repeatedly show you how painful it can be to walk through life half asleep.” Chiron can be helpful here, with its emphasis on teaching and healing.

Tuesday, December 3 - Thursday, December 5:

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius sextile Vesta/Libra, 17°20’

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius opposite Jupiter Rx/Sagittarius, 16°43’

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius (15°20’) semi-square Pluto/Aquarius (0°20’)

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius (14°31’) semi-square Ceres/Capricorn (29°31’)

All of these are the second of three aspects, as well. They are setting up the circumstances for the inferior conjunction - with the sextile to Vesta, we may think we’re ready; the opposition to Jupiter proves we aren’t (possibly an argument, possibly a choice); the semi-squares show some cognitive discomfort as we try to process and think it through.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Vesta enters Scorpio (pre-retrograde zone)

Thursday, January 2 - Friday, January 17, 2025

Caveat: this probably won’t have much of a personal impact on you unless Vesta is prominent in your birth chart (closely in aspect to the Sun, the Moon, &/or an angle).

This is a pretty brief time span for a Lady Asteroid. And we barely get into the ingress (and 2025) before we’re in Vesta’s pre-retrograde shadow! It seems to me we’re going to experience some rumblings of the issues we’ll face during the retrograde zone.

Personal integration - wanting to get our acts together, versus wanting complete transformation, versus wanting to burn it all down. We may seem like we’re stuck the way we are, and feel pretty hopeless about it.

Devotional/Religious activities - whether we’re “spiritual” or not, there’s a desire to give ourselves fully to it.

Scholastic interests - picking up some new obsession, or going deeper with one we already have.

One’s work or path of service - more feelings of being stuck, or possibly stagnant.

We can allow a couple of days on either side of these aspects.

Thursday, January 2 - Sunday, January 5:

Vesta/Scorpio trine Venus/Pisces, 0°07’

Vesta/Scorpio square Mars Rx/Leo, 0°40’

Vesta/Scorpio square Pluto/Aquarius, 1°13’

We may feel like we’ve found a way out of our difficulties, and then reality (or 2025) tells us “Nuh uh.” Possibly some dawning awareness of the toxicity, that gets in the way of real progress. Sexuality used as a weapon or as a punishment - turning it on/off, mostly; having a ravenous sexual appetite versus turning it off completely.

Friday, January 10 - Vesta/Scorpio sextile Mercury/Capricorn, 2°53’. We have some ideas. Given that Scorpio and Capricorn can be suspicious and negative - some people are beginning to realize some unpleasant facts. Others are realizing the extent of the damage, and therefore the extent of the healing they need.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Juno enters Scorpio (pre-retrograde zone)

Sunday, November 3 - Sunday, December 22, 2024

Caveat: this may not have much of an impact on you unless Juno is prominent in your birth chart (closely in aspect to the Sun, the Moon, &/or an angle).

Juno can be fairly happy in Scorpio. In Asteroid Goddesses, Demetra George writes that Juno is particularly associated with Scorpio, the sign of consummation. When we remember that Juno is moving towards her next retrograde zone, though, and when we look at the aspects she’s about to make, we can see that the sailing isn’t smooth. Looking at her areas:

All one-to-one relationships - Juno in Scorpio wants intensity and deep bonding with the partner. She can become possessive, jealous, and manipulative when thwarted. She sometimes buries the toxic feelings under a cold mask, and they eat away at her.

Protocol and social ritual - Juno can use “manners” as a weapon, when she’s pissed off. Conversely, she can be defiant about flouting them. Sometimes “good manners” are necessary to ensure “civility” (let’s say), but sometimes they’re a trap set for “others.”

The powerless (women, battered wives, abused children, minorities, the disabled, victims) - toxic power imbalances.

The atmosphere (weather, climate, storms) - cold; persistent dank, stagnant air (Scorpio is a fixed sign).

Through these next few weeks, consider how your Juno may be going awry. We can allow a few days on either side of these dates:

Thursday, November 14 - Friday, November 15:

Juno/Scorpio inconjunct North Node/Aries, semi-sextile South Node/Libra, 3°59’

Juno/Scorpio sextile Venus/Capricorn, 4°06’

Juno/Scorpio (4°08’) sesquiquad Jupiter Rx/Gemini (19°08’)

Giving the sense of continuing along in established ways, but they don’t quite work or manifest as usual. Possible commitment phobia. Broken promises.

Thursday, November 21 - Monday, November 25:

Juno/Scorpio (6°21’) semi-square Mercury/Sagittarius (21°21’)

Juno/Scorpio (7°39’) semi-square Mercury/Sagittarius (22°39’)

First and second of three total, as Mercury approaches its retrograde station. Mercury in Sag may be making all kinds of promises it can’t keep. Juno needs to resist hearing only what she wants to hear.

Saturday, November 30 - Juno/Scorpio semi-sextile Sun/Sagittarius, 9°28’. This is well-intentioned energy, if nothing else. Maybe this time we’re the ones making bad promises; or, we can see ways to improve our relationship skills.

Thursday, December 12 - Juno/Scorpio trine Saturn/Sagittarius, 13°22’. This is better than “well-intentioned;” it’s a very emotionally stabilizing influence.

Tuesday, December 17 - Sunday, December 22:

Juno/Scorpio inconjunct Jupiter Rx/Gemini, 14°53’

Juno/Scorpio square Venus/Aquarius, 15°48

Juno/Scorpio (16°14’) semi-square Sun/Capricorn (1°14’)

A commitment-phobic Jupiter is back in the picture; Venus is doing her iceberg imitation (or maybe “just wants to be friends”); and the Sun demands we take charge, going through the proper hoops in the proper way at the proper time. That Juno-Sun semi-sextile matures 12 minutes before Juno enters her pre-retrograde shadow! The situation and vibe we’re taking into Juno’s retrograde zone….

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury enters Sagittarius (pre-retrograde zone)

Saturday, November 2 - Thursday, November 7, 2024

Just a brief interlude before Merc enters its pre-retrograde shadow.

Mercury is said to be in “detriment” in Sagittarius - that is, it’s in a sign which is opposite a sign it rules, in this case Gemini. A planet being in detriment is a bit like having to stay in someone else’s house, where you aren’t very comfortable, and you have to follow their rules.

If Gemini can’t see the forest for the trees, then Sagittarius can’t see the trees for the forest. Mercury is much more comfortable rattling iff Gemini facts, than with making grand Sagittarius pronouncements. Mercury is also a little more concerned with familiar ideas and concepts - in Sag, it must stretch its brain.

Learning - we can get carried away by some exciting new idea. Sometimes we’re exposed to a different way of thinking about things. We’re eager to learn more but can be a little sloppy about studying.

Thinking and reasoning - this also can get a little sloppy. There isn’t always a logical thought process, rather some intuitive leaping - that better not involve leaping to conclusions!

Communicating - can be very preachy and pontifical. Also warm, fiery, and inspirational. Speaking goes better than writing, especially if we’re impatient.

Just one clump of aspects before the Retrograde Zone:

Tuesday, November 5 - Wednesday, November 6:

Mercury/Sagittarius trine North Node/Aries, sextile South Node/Libra, 4°28’

Mercury/Sagittarius sextile Vesta/Libra, 4°39’

Mercury/Sagittarius (4°50’) semi-square Ceres/Capricorn (19°50’)

Mercury/Sagittarius (5°12’) sesquiquad Chiron Rx/Aries (20°12’)

The first two aspects are positive. We’re really excited about some new scholastic pursuit! Then we run into minor problems: the family/tribe may not approve or be supportive; we have doubts about our ability to tackle and understand. Taking that energy of enthusiasm versus doubt, into the Retrograde Zone….

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Juno enters retrograde zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Sunday, December 22, 2024, 14:45 UTC - transiting Juno enters pre-retrograde shadow, 16°14’31” Scorpio

Thursday, February 20, 2025, 03:30 UTC - transiting Juno enters Sagittarius

Wednesday, March 29, 18:00 UTC - transiting Juno stations retrograde, 1°56’59” Sagittarius

Thursday, April 15, 06:31 UTC - transiting Juno retrogrades back into Scorpio

Friday, July 11, 04:01 UTC - transiting Juno stations direct, 16°14’31” Scorpio

Wednesday, October 1, 07:55 UTC - transiting Juno re-enters Sagittarius

Wednesday, October 8, 00:43 UTC - transiting Juno exits post-retrograde shadow, 1°56’59” Sagittarius

*=+=*=+=*=+=*

Caveat: this may not have much of a personal impact on you, unless Juno is prominent in your birth chart - closely in aspect to the Sun, the Moon, &/or an angle.

As a US citizen, I would have to say that yes, after our November election, it’s apparent thatJuno needs work. A lot of work.

As she moves through the second half of Scorpio to begin her retrograde zone, Juno’s areas may be affected as follows:

All one-to-one relationships - toxicity, power imbalances, jealousy, mind games, being a control freak; losing one’s identity in the relationship (or we want the other person to lose theirs).

Protocol and social ritual - many of these have been used in a sort of gatekeeping way - an example might be saying “chimneypiece” instead of “mantle.” Protocol is important but only if we know why things are done a certain way.

The powerless (women, battered wives, abused children, minorities, the disabled, victims) - well, my sisters, how did you feel about all the November 6 taunts of “your body, my choice”? The voting majority here in the US has basically said: if you aren’t a straight white male, you don’t matter.

The atmosphere (weather, climate, storms) - those billionaires the DonVict is surrounding himself with, want an end to all environmental regulations.

Xx

Allow a couple of days on either side of these aspects. If any of them “dings” your chart, be alert for a Juno issue to make itself known.

Monday, December 30 - Tuesday, December 31:

Juno/Scorpio semi-sextile Mercury/Sagittarius, 18°44’

Juno/Scorpio inconjunct Chiron/Aries, 19°00’

A pair of “minor” aspects - Mercury and Chiron are in sync with each other and flowing nicely, but Juno has other disruptive ideas.

Saturday, January 11 - Thursday, January 30:

Almost three weeks long - but by this time Juno has slowed sufficiently that the aspects blend/flow into one another.

Juno/Scorpio sextile Sun/Capricorn, 21°59’

Juno/Scorpio (22°23’) semi-square Mercury/Capricorn (7°23’)

Juno/Scorpio opposite Uranus Rx/Taurus, 23°20’

Juno/Scorpio trine Mars Rx/Cancer, 24°16’

Juno/Scorpio inconjunct Eris/Aries, 24°24’

A mixed bag. Unexpected situations throw us off balance, but the sextile and trine provide some relief, as well as an outlet. Men who are looking to redefine masculinity can make some progress. If you guess that the US Inauguration Day is going to be stressful, you’re correct. But hang in there -

Juno/Scorpio sextile Mercury/Capricorn, 25°13’

Juno/Scorpio trine Venus/Pisces, 26°26’

These three weeks end with good communication and empathy. Pay attention to what other people are saying, and use these “nice” aspects to help make yourself understood.

Saturday, February 8 - Monday, February 17:

Again, a long stretch of days.

Juno/Scorpio trine Neptune/Pisces, 28°12’

Juno/Scorpio square Mercury/Aquarius, 29°05’

Juno/Scorpio sextile Pallas/Capricorn, 29°10’

Juno/Scorpio square Sun/Aquarius, 29°43’

Another mixed bag. Neptune and Pallas want us to elevate our game a little bit, but Mercury and the Sun stubbornly insist on being contrary.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Jupiter enters retrograde zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Monday, July 15, 2024, 14:45 UT - transiting Jupiter enters pre-retrograde shadow, 11°17’ Gemini

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 07:05 UT - transiting Jupiter stations retrograde, 21°20’ Gemini

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 09:17 UT - transiting Jupiter stations direct, 11°17’ Gemini

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 20:10 UT - transiting Jupiter exits post-retrograde shadow, 21°20’ Gemini

===+++***+++===

In the interest of getting this out on time, here is what Martin Bulgerin had to write at www . biopscinst . com:

Jupiter is a planet of "luck", opportunities, and contacts with the world at large. When Jupiter is retrograde, the support provided by others dries up, leaving us to get by on our own resources. Often sources of income decrease or unexpected big expenditures crop up. This serves to draw our interests away from "frivolous matters" and concentrate our focus on what is truly important. Use this time to put your life on a firm foundation -- if you can survive this period with so little, you're sure to thrive later when the support resumes.

Jupiter being in Gemini, we need to be especially alert to where we’re just glibly coasting along - where we arrogantly think we have all the answers - and where we assume we know what other people think.

Thursday, July 18:

Jupiter/Gemini inconjunct Ceres Rx/Capricorn, 11°48’

Jupiter/Gemini (11°59’) semi-square Sun/Cancer (26°59’)

Off to an uneasy start, with a pair of “intermediate” aspects. Watch out we’re not being insensitive to other people.

Sunday, July 21 - Jupiter/Gemini sextile Venus/Leo, 12°30’. Well, this is fun! Opportunities to socialize and bloviate. Luck, if it dings something in your chart.

Wednesday, August 7:

Jupiter/Gemini (15°30’) sesquiquad Pluto Rx/Aquarius (0°30’)

Jupiter/Gemini sextile Sun/Leo, 15°32’

The sesquiquad to Pluto is the first of three. We have something we really want to achieve, and we figure we have what it takes to do it, but the timing is off. Patience.

Wednesday, August 14 - Jupiter/Gemini conjunct Mars/Gemini, 16°40’. What was I saying about patience just now?!? This is such a cocksure conjunction. It’s very political and strategic and argumentative. If it dings something in your chart, expect an enormous energy boost.

Sunday, August 18 - Monday, August 19:

Jupiter/Gemini square Venus/Virgo, 17°21’

Jupiter/Gemini square Saturn Rx/Pisces, 17°25’

The square to Saturn is the first of three. This is a mutable sign t-square, with both ends of the Venus/Virgo-Saturn Rx/Pisces opposition squared by Jupiter. A new situation/problem. Some kind of commitment-phobia to be sure, with some intolerance, ungenerosity, and a “holier-than-thou” attitude. Watch out for victim/martyr complexes.

Thursday, September 12 - Jupiter/Gemini square Sun/Virgo, 20°10’. Getting bogged down in the details. Or maybe we didn’t bother with the details and we’re paying the price? Someone calls our bluff.

Sunday, September 15 - Jupiter/Gemini trine Venus/Libra, 20°24’. Another nice one! This is hugely social. Power networking. Again, can be very lucky if it dings something in your chart.

Saturday, September 21 - Jupiter/Gemini square Mercury/Virgo, 20°48’. I get this image of studying for the wrong test, or the wrong chapter for the test. We aren’t as smart or skilled as we want to be. (Or as we want other people to think we are.) What are we going to do about it?

Friday, September 27 - Jupiter/Gemini (21°08’) sesquiquad Venus/Scorpio (6°08’). Another “the timing is off” aspect. Temptations. More commitment-phobia; Venus/Scorpio is all “not even death will part us,” and Jupiter is all “nope.”

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury exits Storm

Timeline (current events in bold)

Tuesday, March 19, 03:39 UT - Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 15°59’ Aries

Monday, March 25, 02:35 UT - Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 23°29’ Aries

Thursday, March 28 - Mercury enters “Storm”

Monday, April 1, 22:14 UT - Mercury stations retrograde, 27°13’ Aries

Thursday, April 11, 23:03 UT - Sun-Mercury inferior conjunction, 22°32’ Aries

Thursday, April 25, 12:54 UT - Mercury stations direct, 15°59’ Aries

Sunday, May 5 - Mercury exits “Storm”

Thursday, May 9, 23:24 UT - Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 23°42’ Aries

Monday, May 13, 09:01 UT - Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 27°13’ Aries

The “Storm” is the period of time during which the usually-speedy Mercury travels at less than 40’ of arc per day. It begins some days before Mercury stations retrograde, and ends some days after Mercury stations direct. It prolongs the retrograde effect.

The author of the daily blurbs in Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide wrote, “Look over your notes on any ideas that occurred to you while Mercury was retrograde or slow. How do they look now?” (This Gemini can answer that - they look ridiculous - and I’ve learned over the years to keep the scheming to a minimum during these times. Sometimes the Geminian commitment-phobia thing works out well!)

Mercury has a pair of aspects before the next phase of its retrograde zone. Over Monday the 6th and Tuesday the 7th:

Mercury/Aries conjunct Chiron/Aries, 21°02’

Mercury/Aries square Ceres/Capricorn, 21°21’

Since these happen after Mercury leaves the Storm, we’ll probably need to address some issue that the Rx brought up. Some familial healing is indicated - maybe (for example) we need to face up to some verbal abuse from (or to) a family member; we could have some difficulty speaking honestly with family members; we may have arguments when we don’t agree with the family.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Cosmic Events: March 2024

Executive Summary: stupid fucking Daylight Savings Time begins in the US, eclipse season returns, and Mercury enters its Retrograde Zone - it actually stations Rx on April Fool’s Day. Ugh!

Lunar Phases

Sunday, March 3, 15:23 UT - Last Quarter Moon, 13°32’ Sagittarius

Thursday, March 7, 04:04 UT - Balsalmic Moon, 2°04’ Aquarius

Sunday, March 10, 09:00 UT - New Moon, 20°17’ Pisces

Good for purging negativity, and for tuning in to the overall direction of The Cosmos. All the visible planets are smooshed together in less than 1/4 of the Zodiac; we’re a bit more focused than is typical for Pisces.

Wednesday, March 13, 14:32 UT - Crescent Moon, 8°30’ Taurus

Sunday, March 17, 04:11 UT - First Quarter Moon, 27°04’ Gemini

Thursday, March 21, 03:27 UT - Gibbous Moon, 16°00’ Leo

Monday, March 25, 07:00 UT - Full Moon/Eclipse, 5°07’ Libra

A “South Node” lunar eclipse, with the Moon conjunct the South Node, takes things away. Bad things, let’s hope! Like co-dependency, or “going along to get along.”

Friday, March 29, 08:33 UT - Disseminating Moon, 24°08’ Scorpio

Void of Course Moon

Saturday, March 2, 07:47 UT (Scorpio) - 13:56 UT (Sagittarius)

Monday, March 4, 15:41 UT (Sagittarius) - 21:15 UT (Capricorn)

Wednesday, March 6, 19:35 UT (Capricorn) - Thursday, March 7, 00:38 UT (Aquarius)

Friday, March 8, 18:56 UT (Aquarius) - Saturday, March 9, 01:03 UT (Pisces)

Sunday, March 10, 19:45 UT (Pisces) - Monday, March 11, 00:19 UT (Aries)

Tuesday, March 12, 11:08 UT (Aries) - Wednesday, March 13, 00:28 UT (Taurus)

At 13 hours 20 minutes, this is the longest void Moon in March 2024.

Thursday, March 14, 22:29 UT (Taurus) - Friday, March 15, 03:16 UT (Gemini)

Sunday, March 17, 04:43 UT (Gemini) - 09:40 UT (Cancer)

Tuesday, March 19, 18:52 UT (Cancer) - 19:33 UT (Leo)

At 41 minutes in length, this is the shortest void Moon in March 2024.

Friday, March 22, 06:34 UT (Leo) - 07:42 UT (Virgo)

Sunday, March 24, 15:49 UT (Virgo) - 20:47 UT (Libra)

Tuesday, March 26, 23:09 UT (Libra) - Wednesday, March 27, 09:03 UT (Scorpio)

Friday, March 29, 15:40 UT (Scorpio) - 19:52 UT (Sagittarius)

Monday, April 1, 00:16 UT (Sagittarius) - 04:05 UT (Capricorn)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Transiting Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow on Tuesday, March 19.

Transiting Ceres is in her pre-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Pallas Athene starts the month in her pre-retrograde shadow, and stations retrograde on Friday, March 29.

Transiting Juno is retrograde all month.

Transiting Vesta is in her post-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Jupiter exits its post-retrograde shadow on Saturday, March 23.

Transiting Saturn enters its pre-retrograde shadow on Sunday, March 24.

Ingresses

Sunday, March 10 - transiting Mercury enters Aries

Monday, March 11 - transiting Venus enters Pisces

Wednesday, March 20 - transiting Sun enters Aries

AKA the Aries Equinox.

Friday, March 22 - transiting Mars enters Pisces

Sunday, March 31 - transiting Vesta re-enters Cancer

Opportunity Periods

Friday, March 1, 19:53 UT - Saturday, March 2, 07:47 UT. “Use this watery OP to process emotions and attune to your inner world. Participate and get together with others who share your values and ideals.”

Monday, March 4, 21:15 UT - Wednesday, March 6, 19:35 UT “Long OP great for productivity and constructive work.”

Sunday, March 10, 08:30 UT - 09:30 UT. This is a half-hour before and after the Pisces New Moon. “If you have something important to start around now, this is a great time to do it.”

Monday, March 11, 03:15 UT - Tuesday, March 12, 11:08 UT. “Channel your energy and enthusiasm into your new ventures under this positive New Moon.”

Thursday, March 14, 17:57 UT - Friday, March 15, 03:16 UT. “An excellent OP for the arts, romance, or even earthy, practical matters.”

Monday, March 18, 14:29 UT - Tuesday, March 19, 19:33 UT. “You have more than 24 hours to take advantage of this great waxing Moon OP! Your last chance before Mercury enters its Storm and turns retrograde.”

Friday, March 29, 01:46 UT - 15:40 UT. “Good for romance and deep emotional experiences, but we’re between two eclipses and Mercury is slow, so keep it flexible.”

Et Cetera

Stupid fucking Daylight Savings Time in the US begins on Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 am local time. Just what everyone wants and needs, their sleep schedule fucked around with!

The “Shadow of the Eclipse” begins on Friday, March 15, and continues through Thursday, April 11. It isn’t a great time to start new projects, because that wacky eclipse energy sends things off in unanticipated directions.

[ms-m-astrologer]

The Week Ahead: January 15-21, 2024

Lunar Phases

Thursday, January 18, 03:53 UT - First Quarter Moon, 27°32’ Aries

The key phrases for the First Quarter lunar phase are “take action,” and “build new structures to support our intentions.” We may feel some self-inflicted pressure - or feel cornered - or both. Wait for the Moon to enter Taurus (Thursday the 18th at 08:12 UT) for a smoother, steadier course.

Sunday, January 21, 20:02 UT - Gibbous Moon, 16°16’ Gemini

The key phrases for the Gibbous lunar phase are “tweak and adjust plans as necessary,” and “pour more energy/effort into our intentions.” We’re chatty and not very focused - again, waiting for the Moon to enter the next sign will be helpful. (Monday the 22nd, 21:51 UT).

Void of Course Moon

Tuesday, January 16, 04:33 UT (Pisces) - 04:49 UT (Aries)

(Sixteen minutes….)

Thursday, January 18, 08:03 UT (Aries) - 08:12 UT (Taurus)

(Nine minutes….)

Saturday, January 20, 13:56:56 UT (Taurus) - 13:57:42 UT (Gemini)

(Forty-six seconds….)

Enjoy these brief ones while you can - next Friday/Saturday the 27/28, we get a 22-hour marathon.

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Pre-retrograde shadow: Pallas Athene/Scorpio

Retrograde: Juno/Virgo, Vesta/Cancer, Uranus/Taurus

Post-retrograde shadow: Mercury/Capricorn (until Sunday the 21st), Jupiter/Taurus, Saturn/Pisces

Transiting Mercury exits its retrograde zone on Sunday, January 28, 04:03 UT, at 8°29’ Capricorn. Yahoo! The next Rx Zone begins March 18.

Ingresses

Saturday, January 20 - transiting Sun enters Aquarius

Happy Aquarius season! Not the most eventful transit, with few major aspects. What there is, though, whew.

Sunday, January 21 - transiting Pluto enters Aquarius

Everybody is screaming about this, but I’m more concerned with Pluto going back to Capricorn one last time, later this year.

Et Cetera

There are two Opportunity Periods this week:

Monday, January 15, 21:03 UT - Tuesday, January 16, 04:49 UT. “This is a great time to develop and implement ambitious and far-reaching projects.”

Friday, January 19, 18:11 UT - Saturday, January 20, 13:58 UT. “Highly productive time, excellent to invest in what you want to see grow.”

The time when the Moon is in Taurus (Thursday the 18th, 08:12 UT - Saturday the 20th, 13:58 UT) can be tremendously productive - provided we don’t sleep through it. The Moon makes several flowing aspects to the Capricorn and Pisces placements, and we’ll find it very easy to get things done.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury enters Aries (pre-retrograde zone)

Sunday, March 10 - Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Yep, pre-retrograde zone - these ten days set the stage for the actual Rx Zone work we’ll do.

Learning - sometimes we have the proverbial one-track mind. We want to conquer this new subject matter, asap! We can get very competitive about it. If we aren’t interested in it, we stubbornly and angrily resist.

Thinking and reasoning - problems with seeing everything in binary terms: on/off, right/wrong, etc. There’s a tendency to jump to conclusions. If we can’t see a straight and clear way through, we get frustrated. On the other hand, this is a good position for cutting through the crap and focusing on what’s really important.

Communication - “INSIDE VOICE!” It can get very loud. People who have trouble speaking up can find the courage to do so with this transit - we all have the right to be heard. With that right, though, comes the responsibility to listen to other people without shouting over them.

Allow a day on either side of these aspects.

Sunday, March 10 - Mercury/Aries sextile Pluto/Aquarius, 1°27’. I can see this being Mercury’s “Learning” piece: we have a new, intriguing, innovative opportunity with powerful potential.

Thursday, March 14 - Mercury/Aries trine Pallas Athene/Sagittarius, 7°44’. Taking that learning opportunity and really running with it; recognizing how much there is to be gained. We could find a mentor, or someone to mentor. Whichever it is, we are very stoked!

Saturday, March 16 - Mercury/Aries square Ceres/Capricorn, 12°27’. First of three. Might be kind of like arguing with a parent or grandparent, or some kind of authority figure, a coach, even. Might not even be an actual person, but rather some internalized critical negativity. Some of us may want to go tearing ahead without putting in any of the boring grunt work - trying to run before we can walk.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Ceres enters retrograde zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Thursday, February 29, 07:44 UT - transiting Ceres enters pre-retrograde shadow, 7°29’ Capricorn

Wednesday, May 15, 05:36 UT - transiting Ceres stations retrograde, 21°33’ Capricorn

Monday, August 26, 07:39 UT - transiting Ceres stations direct, 7°29’ Capricorn

Monday, November 11, 22:43 UT - transiting Ceres exits post-retrograde shadow, 21°33’ Capricorn

===+++===

Caveat: this may not have much of an impact on you unless Ceres is prominent in your birth chart. She’d have to be in close aspect to the Sun, Moon, &/or an angle (Ascendant, IC, Descendant, MC), possibly with strong Virgo &/or 6th House energy.

Since I have been fighting and losing to the migraines for about the last ten days, here is an excerpt about Ceres Rx from Martin Bulgerin’s web site biopscinst.com:

When the Great Mother Ceres turns retrograde on us, the entire notion of mothering and nurturance is up for grabs in our lives. This goes far beyond "just children", since Ceres describes the ways we give to and receive loving support from others. You're being forced to reconsider what you really care about. Some of our "babies" must be allowed to grow up and fly the coop if our attachments are holding them back. It's also important to recognize whether you are rejecting or filtering out the love others are extending to you during these cycles. Sometimes, the most cruel person in your life is yourself. It's time to reconnect with the web of life and loving.

Some of the problems with any planet moving through Capricorn are related to a belief that the more outward achievements we have, the more loveable that makes us. “If I get the top grades - that promotion - marriage to so-&-so,” like that. Sort of a social-climbing vibe. Integrity shouldn’t be equated with high worldly status.

Another problem happens when we insist on doing things “the way we’ve always done them.” That kind of thinking brought on the US’s “Dust Bowl” in the 1930s - an insistence on using farming techniques that weren’t suitable or sustainable for that climate and environment.

And there’s always the stench of government/corporate control, in this sign.

Procreative sexuality, parenting, children, family - the so-called “traditional family values” with the white straight men in charge. Trying to “keep up with the Joneses” - also makes me think of those appalling “neighborhood covenants” in the US, where (for example) you can’t have a clothesline, or paint your house any color but beige, and so forth.

Child & elder care, nurturing professions - regimentation, following the rules, going up the “proper” chain of command. Sort of a perfunctory, general approach without giving much (if any) thought to individual needs.

Agriculture, growing cycles, food - “agribusiness” coming into focus. Could be some issues with hoarding.

Concern for domesticated animals - not so much just puppies and kitties, but piggies and chickens and cows as well. Concern with the “factory farm” approach, not just the meat “production” (UGH) but the puppy mills, etc.

Most of the aspects Ceres makes will happen with the personal planets and the other Lady Asteroids - therefore most of the work to be done will be on a personal level. “Think globally, act locally.” (The exception is Ceres squaring Chiron, which I’ll discuss in the list of aspects.) As we move through these aspects, we should give progressively longer “leeways” on either side of the dates. Perhaps allow a few days for the first one, and up to a week for the last.

Tuesday, March 12 - Ceres/Capricorn trine Juno Rx/Pisces, 11°21’. Starting off with good intentions, anyway! A lot of mutual caring and concern. “Let’s get through this together.”

Saturday, March 16 - Ceres/Capricorn square Mercury/Aries, 12°27’. First of three - due to Mercury’s retrograde cycle. Be alert for problems with communicating your own needs, and listening to others. Probably not a brand-new problem or situation.

Saturday, March 23 - Ceres/Capricorn sextile Venus/Pisces, 14°08’. Can be a good time to get pregnant, so if that isn’t on your agenda then triple-wrap that thing. Very creative energy. We want to pretty up our homes.

Sunday, March 31 - Ceres/Capricorn square North Node/Aries and South Node/Libra, 16°05’. Problems around taking care of ourselves and our own needs, versus taking care of other people to “keep the peace.” If you habitually deny yourself, it comes back to bite you in the butt.

Saturday, April 6 - Ceres/Capricorn square Sun/Aries, 17°26’. Who’s the boss? We really want to be independent and not bound by familial/tribal expectations.

Tuesday, April 16:

Ceres/Capricorn square Mercury Rx/Aries, 19°11’

Ceres/Capricorn sextile Mars/Pisces, 19°12’

The second Ceres-Mercury square, but this time there’s a helpful sextile to Mars. (Also a fertile sextile, so watch out for that.) We can listen compassionately.

Sunday, April 21 - Ceres/Capricorn square Venus/Aries, 19°52’. If you need a break, ask for one! It’s okay to take some time off. Similarly, the person being taken care of could get a little testy about it.

Wednesday, April 24 - Ceres/Capricorn square Chiron/Aries, 20°22’. First of three. Look for the imbalances between self-care, and how much you take care of others. It isn’t necessarily us being the heroic super-nurturer - sometimes we don’t pull our own weight.

Tuesday, May 7 - Ceres/Capricorn square Mercury/Aries, 21°21’. Third of three. By now we should be expressing our needs in a clear, straightforward way.

Saturday, May 11 - Ceres/Capricorn trine Sun/Taurus, 21°30’. We identify strongly with our familial/tribal role, and we want practical, effective ways to carry out those responsibilities. We can use this to set realistic intentions going into Ceres’ actual retrograde.