Mercury in Virgo, August 15th to September 1st – An Organized and Well-Oiled Machine

Mercury's guiding tarot card, The Magician from
"Wizard's Tarot"© by corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen

On August 15th, Mercury began it’s trek across i-dotting, t-crossing Virgo.  This is great energy to help us wind down the summer.  Believe it or not, it’s time to gear up for Labor Day weekend and the transition into fall.  Mercury in Virgo gives us the organizational boost to re-pack that tent and get the camping gear ready to go for one last summer time hoorah. 

Mercury in Virgo is an efficient mind.  Everything is examined and systematically sorted.   Flow charts and lists become our new friends.  People with Mercury in Virgo in their birth chart can often give Martha Stewart a run for her money.  They plan wonderful parties, or large scale events where everyone feels welcome and included. They are highly creative people.  Who knew pop can tops could be turned into tech-metal garland for an urban industrial-themed picnic? Who ever knew people would attend an urban industrial-themed picnic for that matter? Mercury in Virgo, naturally.  

Virgo's card, The Hermit - self-contained
and living their truth - yup, makes sense
From "Steampunk Tarot" by Barbara Moore
and Aly Fell

All of us can enjoy the benefits of Mercury’s energy during this transit whether we’re readying for the trip back to college, starting a new project at work, or breaking out the glass jars to prepare for pickling. We understand cause and effect much more clearly right now and we also can discern patterns, whether they’re in behaviors, or in chemical analysis. Expect some emotional distance right now, either from yourself, or from others. While Mercury is the planet of communications, it is primarily the planet of the mind and we are more comfortable during the next two weeks with our own thoughts and theories than with emotion. Pay attention to the suit of swords in your tarot readings, particularly the ace. Aces are alway good news because they mean something new is beginning and nothing makes things happen like an organized and creative mind.  

LADY ORACLE

June 2, 2014 Card of the Day – Six of Wands, Triumph and Acclaim

Today’s numerical tarot card is the Six of Wands.  The six is a

Six of Wands as depicted in
"The Fenestra Tarot"© by
Chatriya - great deck

card of optimism and what better card for the start of the week.  In the RWCS depiction the conquering hero is greeted with cheers and laurel wreaths.  This card means victory, leadership, recognition and acclaim.  In tarot sixes are about aspects of communication and the cornerstone for effective leadership is the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.

Claim your place in the sun today.  Recognition of your accomplishments is yours by right.  That being said, you can’t force recognition from people who can’t see beyond the end of their own nose.  Start today but recognizing your own aptitude.  Let your light shine and eventually others will recognize it. Hold your head and claim an attitude of leadership.  The attributes of a good leader are strength, determination, compassion and the ability to move resolutely in one direction for the greater good of all involved.  A good leader inspires.  They do not resort to bullying or threats to achieve their goal and they take the mantle of their responsibilities to others very seriously.     

To The victory goes the...em
rat.  This depiction from the
uncompromising, "Tarot of Pagan Cats"©
from Lo Scarebo

Use today to communicate your ideas at home and work using the strategy of effective leadership.  Lead boldly even if the only person you’re inspiring is yourself.  After all, the ability to inspire yourself is the linchpin to lasting success.

LADY ORACLE  

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Tarot’s Aces – Wild, Up Your Sleeve, or In The Hole

 

Ace of Cups from Rome Choi's
"Dreaming Way Tarot"©

Aces are considered a positive sign in a tarot reading. Theycapture the central theme of their suit and the subsequent cards explore that theme in a variety of aspects.  Aces herald the beginning of something new and in certain spreads can be used as an indicator of time.  Wands represent autumn; Cups, summer; Swords, winter and Pentacles, spring. 

The Ace of Wands starts of the big show.  It represents an idea, a realization that brings enthusiasm for a particular course of action. It is in essence, that spark of Divine creative force  sweeping through us.  It emboldens us to ask an age-old question much like in the opening three notes of Richard Strauss’, “Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30".  The following two notes of that piece denote the ‘aha’ moment.  The awareness is set and now our curious mind demands action.  Strauss’ work is the Ace of Wands set to music.  The appearance of the Ace of Wands in a reading is the call to adventure, the request that you take stock of your life.  Are you playing it too safe, or ignoring potential growth for the sake of convenience?  Follow the ace and go a little wild.  (See blog: “Lights, Camera, Action” )

Cups shows us a challis over-flowing with water, tarot’s

Ciro Marchetti's Ace of Wands from
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

symbol of emotions.  This is a deep, spiritual well of emotional force, a direct link to your intuitive self.  As with all aces, the Ace of Cups signifies the essential element of its subject – in this case, love.  Ace of Cups declares the need to establish a connection with our higher selves, past ego and outside influences.  It asks us to open our hearts because in doing so we not only gain a greater capacity to give and receive love, but we also gain an entirely new understanding about the of very nature of love.  When the Ace of Cups appears in a reading it can show us an unreserved out-pouring of emotion. It can ask us to open ourselves to the possibility of forgiveness.  By extending the olive branch we develop a more loving nature.  On the spiritual side, this ace also asks us to open our consciousness, to understand the intricacies of the world around us and to use our link to the Divine.  

Ace of Swords from Lo Scarebo's
"Tarot of the Pagan Cats"©

Swords is the suit of the intellect and communications The Ace of Swords brings forth questions of truth, justice, attitude and mental prowess.  The ace asks us to expand our thinking, to face our problems with new awareness and make a commitment of fairness towards yourselves and others.  It is in essence, the idea of higher thought.  The appearance of the Ace of Swords in a reading can signify that it’s time to consider your mental outlook and view issues truthfully.  This ace wants you to be ready to cut away attitudes that have kept you from moving forward.  It promises resolution of situations once we’ve cleared away the thoughts and emotions that cloud our judgement.

The suit of Pentacles represents the material world.  This ace

Ace of Pentacles from"Shadowscapes"©
by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

introduces the concepts of prosperity, material gain and common sense.  When you look at the Ace of Pentacles ask yourself, “Why not me?”  Understand the correlation between goals, conscious thought and direct action.  The Ace of Pentacles promises that if you prepare your foundation by using common sense and practical application, you will succeed in turning your dreams into reality.  

Welcome the appearance of tarot’s aces in your readings.  They bring awareness, growth and the chance to start an exciting new journey.

LADY ORACLE

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Mercury Retrograde In Pisces and Aquarius, February 6th to February 28th – “Slipping Into the Shadows”

We are currently in what astrologer’s refer to as the ‘shadow

#17, The Star is Aquarius' tarot card
from "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"© by
Ciro Marchetti

period’ of a Mercury Retrograde cycle. The shadow period for a retrograde is computed by looking at the actual retrograde dates.  In this case, Mercury turns retrograde at three degrees Pisces.  After the retrograde period ends, Mercury doesn’t return to three degrees Pisces until March 20th.  Mercury turns direct on February 28th at eighteen degrees of Aquarius.  The last time Mercury was at eighteen degrees Aquarius prior to retrograde was January 22nd. Therefore the shadow period for this month’s Mercury Retrograde (MR) is January 22nd to March 20th.  

Why do astrologers calculate shadow periods?  Perhaps it’s a cosmic early warning system.  I’ve never been a purest about anything and I don’t have that much time to devote to smudging.  I consider a week before MR and a week after it to be enough of a cleansing period unless the signs involved with Mercury make things particularly crazy.  If you have Mercury in Pisces, or Mercury in Aquarius in your birth chart chances are you’ll feel this MR more than the rest of us.

#18, The Moon, Pisces card, reminds
us about the power of illusion and
imagination RWCS by US Games©

Starting tomorrow we have MR in Pisces.  Pisces is a highly intuitive sign and Mercury in Pisces is an intuitive mind.  During MR we may find that our intuition is slightly off kilter, or that we have more of a tendency to let our imaginations run away with us.  Our communications, while heartfelt, will be based in emotion, not logic and emotional expressions are the most susceptible to being misunderstood.  After all, miscommunication is the hallmark of Mercury in Retrograde.  Pisces have trouble forming strong opinions on their own on a good day.  We may experience feeling wishy-washy about matters that normally ignite our interest.  However, Pisces are also dreamers.  We can all use this MR to redesign and revise our dreams.

On February 12th Mercury slip slides back into Aquarius

Mercury's card, #1, The Magician
RWCS US Games©

along with our communications and intellectual attitudes.  Mercury in Aquarius is both a scientific and an inventive mind. Puzzle pieces fall into place easier and we can connect the dots more quickly.  Emotions rarely influence decisions under Mercury in Aquarius.  What does MR look like in Aquarius?  Missing the connections.  What appears glaringly obvious while Mercury is direct in the Water Bearer, now feels obscured.  Where we would normally leap to conclusions with gazelle-like accuracy, we find yourselves missing the mark.  We also risk sounding totally off base.  Remember that hallmark of miscommunication?  Repeat these ‘r’ words: Review, reconnoiter, reinvent.  After the 12th it becomes important not to rush into things without being 100 percent certain of where you’ll end up.  Thinking we know and going with your gut simply aren’t good enough strategies during MR.

Check out how to cope with basic Mercury Retrograde irritation in my blog, “Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You.” 

Relax, remember to breath and put MR to work for you.

LADY ORACLE

Full Wolf Moon in Cancer, January 15, 2014 – “Welcome Home”

#7, tarot's The Chariot, helps you rise
above during this Full Moon in Cancer
from "Wizard's Tarot"© by John J. Blumen and
Corrine Kenner

This January is the month of cardinal energy (See blog: "Astrological Trends For January 2014" ).  On January 15th at 8:52 p.m., PST, we welcome the Full Wolf Moon at 25 degrees and 58 minutes of Cancer (yet another cardinal sign). Cardinal energy acts as on instigator. It’s restless and come Full Moon time, perhaps a little edgy. Properly channeled, this energy will not only motivate you, but once you take action towards your goals, it will lift you up and over the obstacles in your path.  Aptly, tarot's card for the sign of Cancer the Crab is #7, The Chariot – reaching your goals, focusing your intent and knowing who you are.

The Moon is high-functioning is Cancer, its home sign.  Home, hearth and foundations are what Cancer is all about.  Full Moons are about emotions and culmination. Our Full Wolf Moon in Cancer asks us to consider the nurturing strength of our families and close friends.  Use their support as a foundation for refining the goals you’ve set for yourself this year. Are your family and friends unsupportive of you?  Get new ones.  Seriously.  Remember Venus is retrograde in Capricorn until the end of the month.  This is the perfect time to review your relationships and determine what their true value is for you. Are you paying for 24 karat gold and simply receiving gold-plate in return, or are you recklessly casting true diamonds away as if they were cubic zirconium?  You get the idea.  Full Moon in Cancer and Venus in Retrograde want you emotionally satisfied so you can put all that great cardinal energy to work for you this year.

Take time on the 15th and 16th to nurture yourself.  Just as

The Moon's tarot card, #2 The High Priestess
stands for indirect energy and intuition. from
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen's
"Wizard's Tarot"©

Lady Moon reflects the Sun’s light, allow yourself time in the comfort and security of your own home to reflect on where you’re headed this month.  Ground yourself and get a sense of where you belong.  You have the entire world to choose from remember.  As you use Venus’ energy to help you review the events and people of your life, store away those special golden nugget memories so that you can pull them out to help light your way this year when the path you travel isn’t as well lit as it is right now.  

On the plus side, warm-hearted Cancer Full Moons are imaginative, intuitive and creative.  They work well with Mercury in Aquarius (See Blog: "Mercury Moves to Aquarius" )  to express our thoughts and ideas. Full Moon in Cancer is a writer’s moon if every there was one. On the downside, and, yes, there is definitely one of those, Full Moon is Cancer can leave us feeling a little raw and exposed.  Cracked crab can feel vulnerable, moody and a little touchy.  

Lady Moon herself as depicted by John J. Blumen for
"Wizard's Tarot"© created with the
awesome Corrine Kenner

Our Full Wolf Moon in Cancer is a great moon for targeting what we want to create for ourselves.  Work on all aspects of abundance and prosperity during this Full Moon period.  Use tarot’s The Chariot  as a focal point in your meditations.  It will help you develop faith in yourself, faith your goals and ultimately, faith your own destiny.

  

LADY ORACLE

January 11, 2014, Mercury Moves to Aquarius – “A Marriage of Intellect and Humanity”

Mercury was the messenger of the gods in ancient times,

Mercury's tarot card, The Magician
A wizard commands all elements
to shape the world he envisions.
From "Wizard's Tarot"©
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

fleet of foot and able to cover the vastness of time and space within the blink of an eye. Likewise, Mercury is the fastest moving planet in our solar system.  It travels at a rate of thirty miles per second and completes its orbit of the Sun in a little under ninety days.  There are good reasons for this.  Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and therefore has the shortest distance to travel to complete its orbit.  Also, the Sun’s gravitational pull is strongest on Mercury and as a result, centrifugal force keeps the planet spinning faster.  

On January 11th, Mercury moves into Aquarius, the sign that governs the tenth house of the Zodiac.  Mercury is exalted in Aquarius which means it is at its peak in terms of power and influence.  Mercury is the planet of communications and intellect and because it moves so quickly, we must stay mindful in which sign of the Zodiac it resides. Under Aquarius’ domain, Mercury’s skills influence the areas of career, reputation and societal structures (such as corporations, government and agencies that benefit the human endeavor).  Mercury in Aquarius is sort of a big ideas type of guy.  Aquarius is an air sign and as such, supports big picture communications.  Corporate structure becomes not only easier to understand, but also to navigate after January 11th. It also becomes easier to have your voice heard, so look for your ideas to earn you advancement. Networking and being an active part of the company team go smoother under Mercury in Aquarius.  We understand all sorts of communications – even the non-verbal kind.  

.

 Star, the Aquarian tarot card, offers hope and a
capricious sense of balance.  All flows where nature intends
She's a perfect partner for The Magician.  From
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's "Steampunk Tarot"©

Aquarius also carries a strong human component that helps analytical Mercury see into the heart of a person’s motivations.  While Mercury still carries an innate intellectual detachment, here in the tenth house, this messenger of the gods gains perspective and a greater understanding of the human psyche.  This translates into a greater ability to convey that understanding to others – particularly beneficial if you are a writer or otherwise have the ability to influence the thoughts of others.  Fiction writer’s will find their characterizations become richer and more meaningful.  Their plot lines will flow and take on a life of their own.

In relationships, look to uncover the motivations behind your partner’s actions – not necessarily in the manipulative sense.  I’m talking about the ability to understand their underlying need and for both of you to have open and honest dialogue about how both your needs can be met.  Try to pull the insights you gain under Mercury in Aquarius through your heart and not through your intellect.  When you pull information about your relationship through your mind you run the risk of handing it over to your ego.  Engaging your ego is a poor way to resolve any issue.  

Work with this wonderful opportunity to expand your communications this month.  Mercury remains in Aquarius until January 30th so use this time wisely.

LADY ORACLE

Gemini, May 21st through June 22nd - “They Talk the Talk, But Do They Walk the Walk?"

#6, The Lovers, from "OSHO Zen Tarot"©
by Deva Padma - This card is tarot's
association for Gemini

Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac, is the sign of the twins.  No, this doesn’t mean people born under this sign have multiple personality disorder - well, not necessarily, that is.  It means a Gemini is outgoing, quick witted, intelligent and curious enough for two people.  Go to a party and the person with the largest knot of people around them is probably a Gemini.  Twin people are ruled by Mercury and therefore naturally born communicators.  They can tell a story like none other and can persuade, even manipulate, any situation with their the gift of gab.  

The Sign of The Twins is ruled by the element of air (tarot’s Swords) which correlates to matters of intellect and the mind.  These people know a little bit about many things and are always seeking information that improves their store of knowledge. They are highly effective in communications, Gemini tends to commit more time to talk and less time to action.  (Which can be really annoying during romantic moments) The twins are very analytical, able to see all sides of an issue.  However, it’s that very ability to thoroughly dissect a subject that can prevent them from making true progress towards a goal.  

A Gemini can be a highly effective member of a sales team. 

Mercury, ruler of the sign Gemini, has
#1,The Magician for its tarot card. This
depiction from "Wizard's Tarot"©
by Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

They are also good at managing, though they may have a tendency to act impulsively and allow their focus to drift. Their only serious flaw is their tendency to be superficial.  They are social and easy going, but not given to looking at any person or situation with a great deal of depth.  They are the quintessential ‘glad-handers’ or ‘baby-kissers’ - exuberant, but always with an eye towards the popular and the expedient.  They have an uncanny ability to match and mirror other people’s traits and viewpoints.  Again, this makes them highly successful communicators and sales people, but the downside is that you can easily find yourself maneuvered into a position in their chess game. Gemini is not above using deception to put you where they want you to be.

People born under the sign of the Twins become easily bored and are not known for bearing it gracefully. Although they are good at friendships, they prefer the flavor to be light and easy-going.  They avoid emotional subtext like the rest of us avoid a trans-fats.  They give great advice, but don’t expect them to get down in the emotional trenches with you, because Gemini avoids topics and situations that they find to be depressing.  Still, when all is said and done, they are the people you seek out for adventure, wit and that all around ‘happy to know you’ feeling.  

LADY ORACLE

Mercury Retrograde, Tarot And You – March 2012

I make it a point to check the retrograde calendar without fail...well, usually.  This present one (March 12th through April 4th)  snuck up on me -  complete with missed appointments, various and sundry mechanical failures and an overall feeling of being stuck wearing somebody else's dirty gym socks.  At least I passed through the eye of the storm in not so blissful ignorance.  And when I finally realized the cause of all snags and snarls in what few organized systems I possess, I said, "Well, of course, retrograde!" We have just a few more days...a few more days.  Repeat it with me, a few more days.


If you're not familiar with Mercury retrogrades, I'll take a minute to explain.  Each year as Earth orbits the Sun, it overtakes Mercury three to four times.  When we pass Mercury, it creates the optical illusion that Mercury is actually reversing it's orbit.  This optical illusion is a metaphor for the mishaps and misstatements that punctuate our lives during this period.  It's also proof that the Cosmos has a twisted sense of humor.

Are you drawing more swords than usual in your tarot readings?  Hmmm.  Could be old Mercury messing with your mind.  Do your cups runneth over?  You know the culprit.  So how go I stop saying the wrong thing at the worst time, or stop spending hours wallowing in emotional quagmires?  Worse yet, how do I get my cable remote to work again, you ask.

The key to a successful Mercury Retrograde is preparation.

1) Know your yearly retrograde dates, relax and breath into them.  Meditate.
2) Keep you expectations low during this time, both personally and professionally.  If possible, try not to     enter into new contracts or negotiations.  Don't decide to have air-clearing discussions with friends and family.  Communications of all kinds are highly influenced by Mercury's illusion.
3) Remember your  "R" words.  Renew, revisit, rest, re-plan, re-figure, renovate.  Things that are already in progress can benefit from a Mercury Retrograde revision.  Those are safe to do.
4) Keep your favorite tarot deck handy and plenty on sage and sweetgrass incense about for cleansing as needed.  Swords may caution you about over-thinking or living in your head.  Cups will point out over-indulgence of angst and remind you that there is, indeed, a morning after.

Follow these steps and while life won't necessarily be a breeze, it will be much easier.

Retrograde Dates for 2012


March 12th  to April 4th

July 14th to August 7th

November 6th to November 26th


Lady Oracle