Mercury Moves to Pisces, March 12th While Saturn goes Retro March 14th – "Well-Chosen Words and Patience Yield Big Results"

There are times when each of us takes up the practice of oral podiatry, or in other words, the time honored custom of putting ones foot in ones mouth.  That’s when we must endure those awkward silences while others stare at us in disbelief and we long to smack our palm repeatedly against our foreheads. Luckily, we are periodically granted a reprieve from verbal idiocy when Mercury transits Pisces.

Mercury is our planet of communications and rules both

The Moon is tarot's association for
Pisces from RWCS deck,
US Games® version

Gemini and Virgo.  Geminis are superb communicators, while Virgos add clarity and organization to the mix.  When Mercury moves into the realm of Pisces, however, our ability to communicate bumps up to an intuitive level and depending on how prominently Mercury figures in our birth chart, we have an instinctive advantage on how best to present ourselves in both spoken and written formats.  The right words will simply find us if we let them. Mercury remains in Pisces until April 14th, so take advantage of this opportunity to sell your ideas, tell your stories and speak persuasively with strength of purpose and with compassion.  

On March 14th Saturn, the hall monitor of our solar system, goes retrograde.  Saturn’s job is to teach us by presenting challenges for us to overcome.  These tests are meant to inspire us and help us rise above and go beyond our self-imposed limits. They are  not meant to break us. Think about #7 in tarot’s major arcana, The Chariot, whose driver rises above the obstacles in his path.  Saturn currently resides in Sagittarius the Archer who specializes in seeking the truth. His pursuit is eventually rewarded as he comes to recognize the greatest truths and fully understand their complexities.  Archers have a great ability to focus and that requires insight and discipline.  Saturn’s challenge to us in the house of the archer is to learn patience.  

Saturn retrograde offers us the opportunity to reflect on the

Kris Waldherr's stunning depiction of #21,
tarot's card for Saturn. From
"The Goddess Tarot"© 

lessons we’ve learned, to take the wisdom we’ve garnered from our choices and internalize it.  This process serves to expand and enrich our lives.  After all, Jupiter, the planet of expansion, rules Sagittarius. Saturn goes direct in Scorpio on August 2nd, where it teaches us the lesson of using our power wisely, with discretion and to avoid gossip, both incoming and outgoing.

The tarot association to watch during these transits are #1, The Magician (Mercury) #18, The Moon (Pisces)  #21, The World, (Saturn)  #14, Temperance, (Sagittarius) and #13, Death and Transformation (Scorpio).  You may also find that #7, The Chariot (rising above and overcoming obstacles) and the 7 of Wands (holding your ground, or defending your position) have special significance in your readings, so pay attention.

Work proactively with the energies surrounding these celestial events and you will set the tempo for a sweet spring and summer.

LADY ORACLE

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Mercury In Pisces, March 17th, 2014 – “Going With Your Gut While Knowing Your Own Mind”

The Magician, tarot's card for
Mercury, RWCS US Games®
"As it is above, so it is below"

While many are working on their St. Patrick’s Day hangover, Mercury, that fastball planet of communication, will stealthily slip into the sign of Pisces at 3:24 p.m., PDST.  It will remain there until April 6th.  Mercury rules both the third (communication) and sixth houses (work and service to others). It influences not only our communications, but our intellect, nervous system and decision making as well.

Mercury in Pisces is an intuitive state of mind – more so if you have Mercury in Pisces in your birth chart. When faced with logical progression, or intuition, gut instinct feels like the natural choice.  Pisces is a psychic sign, a sign of empathy, imagination and creativity.  If you work in the area of creative communications; advertising, writing, graphic design and sales, you’ll feel a kicker in your artistic juices – a muse whispering delights in your ear.  Don’t block it and don’t repress it in favor of someone else’s beliefs.  The tricky thing about Mercury in Pisces (MiP) is making sure we keep our empathy for people and situations in its proper place.  We are easily swayed during MiP.    While we have great ideas, sometimes our insecurities prevent us from acting on them. We also allow other people’s input to over-ride our own.  Work to build up your confidence during MiP.

Tarot readers, pay particular attention to cards in positions,

The Moon is Pisces tarot card
"Wizards Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner and
John J. Blumen – Illusion, imagination, fear

seven and nine in the outcome row of  Celtic Cross tarot spreads ( See Blog: “The Bridge To Somewhere” if not a reader ) during MiP.  Placement seven shows the querent’s (your view) view of the question asked. Placement nine concerns things that you must consider about yourself and the situation. These placements always give great internal dialogue about justification, point of view, fallacies and strengths, but right now they are particularly useful.   

MiP is a great opportunity to continue working with Jupiter in Cancer’s supportive and expansive energy.  Open the heart lines with friends and family.  Follow your instincts about budgeting and earning opportunities. Jupiter in Cancer is good with money.  Should you tighten your belt for the rest of this month?  Will a judicious purchase now save you money in the long-run?  You know the correct answer when you listen to your higher self.

Mercury in Pisces offers us a burst of mental fertility just as we head into spring.  Use it imaginatively and with the wisdom of your inner guides, not your ego.  Enjoy!

LADY ORACLE

Astrological Trends for April 2013 - "This Joint is Jumping"

Spring is in the air and so is love.  Venus remains in Aires until April 15th (Naturally. Nothing kills romance like taxes.).  The planet of love provides lots of sparks the first two weeks of this month.  Astro experts say you can expect some delightful new romantic opportunities as well as a fresh perspective on existing relationships.  

Our new moon on April 10th is in 20 degrees of Aries. New moon’s are about new cycles and don’t be surprised if you receive an across the board power boost during this one.  Do you remember the power surge we got during The Full Worm Moon a couple of weeks ago?  We had Mars, Venus, the Sun and Uranus in Aries.  The power grid is still open for business.  Mars, Aries ruling planet, stays in house until April 20th.  Take advantage of this energy configuration to hone a competitive edge on the job.  Yes, there will be fresh challenges (this month is all about fresh) but you have a greater ability to focus until the 20th and that increases your confidence quotient.  Watch for conflicts and anger issues as Uranus (Sudden change and revolution) flexes its muscles this month.  To put it bluntly, keep your head in the game and out of Uranus.

Mercury parts company with Pisces on the 13th, but until then expect to have some peak moments of insight and intuition.  There will be a strong emotional subtext due to the energy of watery Pisces, however, this also adds lots of colorful imagery to your imagination.  Let it flow, but keep a handle on your emotions.  

There a lot more to say about April.  We have the Lyrid Meteor shower on April 21st, a full moon with a partial eclipse on April 25th and Saturn at opposition on April 28th.  I’ll be talking about these events a little later in the month.  Take your cues from the planets this month.  Keep it fresh and stay proactive.

LADY ORACLE

Part II - Astrological Trends February 2013 - “Jump, Jive and Then You Wail”

“The Jive”

When two planets meet at an aspect of 120 degrees, we call it a trine.  This is a very favorable aspect, although some astrologers warn that too many trines at once make us feel listless and lazy.  It’s roughly the same effect you get from too much chocolate in one sitting, but without the dire consequences to your thighs.  

On February 7th we have Venus in Aquarius, trine Jupiter in Gemini - just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Aquarius doesn’t like ruts or restrictions and Jupiter in Gemini is about heeding the call to adventure in a mature, highly sociable way.  Jupiter sees opportunities, not limitations, so this is a good, stabilizing energy for free-wheeling Aquarius.  Take this particular trine into consideration when making your Valentine’s Day plans. This month is about self-expression, even in romance.  Think outside the box and get creative.  It may be received better than you think.  

Saturn in Scorpio is trine Mercury in Pisces on the 12th and trine Mars in Pisces on the 16th.  You’ll see more of that wonderful cycle of intuition and creativity, however Saturn in Scorpio may ask you to over-analyze your views.  Don’t fall for it.  Saturn likes to challenge us. That’s how this particular planet teaches us. The key here is to remember the difference between thinking critically about yourself and critical thinking.  With the first, you’re simply beating yourself up.  With the latter, your affirming gut instinct by using reason.  Relax, trust yourself and go with the flow. 

On February 10th we have a New Moon in Aquarius which contributes to this month’s all around feeling of spiritual development, as well as our ability to link with the Divine mind.  You know where I’m going with this.  Just a reminder of the ‘M’ word.

In Part III, “The Wail,” we’ll talk about some end of the month issues we have coming up.  Some good, some...well....  What can I say?  It’s Mercury Retrograde.

Note: Don’t forget that February 2nd and 3rd are marked for global mediation on peace and enlightenment.

LADY ORACLE  

Astrological Trends February 2013 - “Jump, Jive and Then You Wail” Part I

“The Jump”

February will be one long, magical, mystery tour.  Right out of the gate we have Mars conjunct (same place at the same time) Neptune in Pisces.  Can you say, “Daydream Believer?”  Mars gives action and focus to Neptune, planet of creative dreamers.  Our imaginations will be working overtime in February, but in a positive way.  Start that novel you’ve been talking about for years, dust off your easel, or create a dramatic re-do of a classic recipe.  The sky is literally the limit for those who choose to harness that Mars - Neptune energy. 

Mars also delivers high octane intuition this month that’s not only super charged, but extremely accurate as well.  Follow your gut and don’t over-think issues.  You do know the answers even if you haven’t heard the questions yet. The red planet directs us to engage in life with compassion and sensitivity right now, but know your limits.  Mars’ energy can make us take on not only our share of responsibility, but also take on some for other people as well.  That may be fine if you’re inspired to found a global social movement for instance, but it won’t work well in day to day relationships.  I see a 10 of Wands on that one.  Don’t let yourself become overburdened and overwhelmed because you believe you have to do it all.  Partners are there for a reason.

On February 5th, Mercury also enters Pisces, conjunct Mars and Neptune.  Mercury is a planet of communication with intuitive powers all its own.  In the presence of dreamy Neptune and sensitive Mars, we’re looking at a period of great inspiration.  It will be very easy to connect with the Divine during meditations.  In fact, the first two weeks is an excellent time to commit to regular meditation or yoga practice.  You will feel invigorated and renewed.  

In Part II, "The Jive," we will take a look at trines, yods and the New Moon - oh my!  In the meantime, check out Kathy Rose on YouTube.  She is one of my favorite sources for astrological trends.  She’s always positive and very interesting.

LADY ORACLE