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

Crystals to Enhance June’s Retrospective Perspective

Calcite adds focus and balance to the
Mercury Retrograde mind

Mercury entered retrograde last Saturday and Neptune followed suit on June 9th.  Chiron also goes retrograde in Pisces on June 20th.  See blog: “Astrological Trends for June, 2014 ”  for more details. June is a month of dreams, dreamers and spiritual connection – with lots of intuitive energy layered in for subtext.  With so much high vibrational energy streaming through our crown chakra and third eye it’s important to keep those areas clear and balanced during June’s retro triple header (don’t forget Pluto is also in retrograde). Using specific crystals to ground our energy enhances the gifts (yes, I said gifts) from this month’s retrogrades. Working with various crystals during meditations or by carrying them with you will clear your higher mind and lighten your heart.

Mercury’s quick mind becomes calmer and gains focus by using calcite – a particularly useful tool during retrograde.  This stone comes in a variety of colors (blue, yellow, orange, pink and red) and is said to increase memory, rekindle our motivation and assist us in sorting through information uploaded to our senses. Calcite sharpens our perceptions and helps decide what information is worth acting upon and what we should ignore. Calcite carries a strong, stabilizing vibration that induces serenity. It’s a great stone for meditation.

Celestite is a high vibrational stone linked to Divine energy. 

Rainbow Moonstone shown here in a variety
of jewelry heightens intuition and empathy

Though not an uncommon crystal, it is fairly expensive.  Celestite comes in various colors (blue, red, yellow and white) and reportedly lifts the vibration level of the area surrounding it, as well as the vibration of the person who carries it. This stone assists in out of the body journeys such as astral travel, or meditations involving other realms. It also boosts clairvoyance and dream recall. Celestite is a stone of artistry and is highly beneficial for anyone wishing to connect to their creative Muse. Remember that dreams and creative energy flow from Neptune and Pisces.

Iolite is a stone for the third eye.  It’s a deep, violet-blue in color and increases our ability to visualize, as well as promoting our self-knowledge.  Iolite is a stone of shamanic vision, psychic knowledge and inner journeys.  It acts like a set of jumper cables directing cosmic currents that revitalize our auric field.  Like Celestite, Iolite also facilitates meditative journeys to other realms.  

Danburite is one of my favorite higher vibrational stones because it is readily available and carries a lot of bang for the buck. This stone comes in a variety of colors (white, pink, yellow and lilac).  Danburite activates the third eye and crown chakra, opening them while simultaneously engaging and aligning the heart chakra. This crystal stimulates both intellect and higher consciousness, helping us draw insight and guidance through meditation. Danburite also facilitates lucid dreaming – a significant property while working with June’s dream energy.

Moonstone is also a great stone for lucid dreaming. This milky-white stone with flashes of iridescence is connected to the lunar cycle and works strongest during the Full Moon.  It instills calmness, promotes psychic abilities and empathy.  Moonstone jewelry is fashion with a purpose.  I often wear it during tarot readings because of its soothing effect and its ability to spark intuition.  Moonstone is strongly connected to the planet Neptune and therefore also connected to Pisces.

Aquamarine, also carries the Neptune, Pisces connection.  Who didn’t see that one coming?  It is a beautiful blue-green color.  Gem quality aquamarine is very expensive, even in smaller pieces.  However, it is so worth it.  This stone clears away mental chatter and quiets a busy mind.  It opens lines of communications (Mercury Retrograde) with yourself and those around you.  It draws out your ability for self-expression and it is a wonderful choice for meditative work.  If you could afford a large enough piece you could use clear aquamarine as a scrying stone to tremendous effect.  In amplifies clairvoyance and intuition, yet shields your auric field. Definitely a heavy hitter stone.

Ametrine, a blend of amethyst and citrine
is a powerful stone for the crown chakra
and one of my favorites. I keep a ready supply!

There are many other crystals you can use with great success this month: labradorite, ametrine, amethyst, fluorite, pearl, alexandrite – the list goes on.  Use the crystal tools mentioned in this blog alone, or by combining them in a grouping that feels right to you.  Remember to also include good grounding stones in the mix like, jasper, smoky quartz or alexandrite.

June’s retrograde pattern is less challenging and more liberating than you think.  Work with this natural cosmic flow and you’ll see what I mean.  Above all, have fun!

LADY ORACLE

Mercury in Cancer, May 29th Through June 16th – Your Personal Psychic Hotline

Mercury's card #1, The Shaman (Magician)
from Mark Ryan and John Matthews
"The Wildwood Tarot"© illustrated
by the outstandingWill Worthington

When Mercury drifts into the sign of Cancer, we become not only more in tune with our own thoughts, but with everyone else’s as well.  This transit sharpens our instincts and increases our intuition to an almost eerie level. We all experience moments of deja vu when a new experience feels so familiar that we’re sure we’ve been there, or done that before.  Don’t be surprised if those feelings increase while Mercury visits Cancer, or that you find yourself thinking about someone only to look at your phone a see a text message from them.  Where New Moon in Gemini cautioned us to avoid becoming lost in illusion, Mercury in Cancer tells us to trust our instincts and let our intuitive side be our guide.  This is excellent advise as we move further into the new lunar cycle.

Increased intuition and heightened sensitivity can be great things, but they do have their draw backs. ‘Channel chatter’ is my term for picking up too much information from too many people at once.  This type of mental bombardment often makes it difficult to discern what thoughts and feelings really belong to us.  Have you ever gone to a party, or a meeting feeling great and after an hour, or so, you not only feel down, but thoughts, or even phrases have popped into your head that are not part of your normal lexicon? You ask yourself: “Where the heck did that come from? I’ve never thought anything like that about someone before in my life.”  I’m not talking about the effects of too many mojitos here.  I’m talking about picking up on psychic impressions. Whether or not you acknowledge the possibility of purely mental communication, it exists and we all do it to one degree or another.  Remember the proverbial case of picking up a phone and saying hello before it rings. Mercury in Cancer amplifies our intuitive abilities.  No, that doesn’t mean we’re going to become John Edwards or Sylvia Brown during the next couple of weeks – or even the Amazing Kreskin.  It simply means that we will all broadcast our mental and emotional states more intensely and receive the same sorts of impressions from those around us more readily.  Again, the effects are stronger for people who feature Mercury in Cancer prominently in their birth chart, or for those who have actively worked to strengthen their psychic awareness.

Mercury in Cancer is also a wonderful time to get in touch

#7, The Archer (The Chariot) is tarot's
card for Cancer from "The Wildwood Tarot"©

with your your personal Muse if you haven’t already.  Use the energy of this transit to interpret something you hold deep within yourself and communicate it to the outside world in a positive and enriching manner. Start in the world you know best – your home and family.  After all, Cancer rules the fourth house of the Zodiac, the place that represents not only our home, but also the very foundation of our lives.  The fourth house is our comfort zone, a safe island in a stormy sea.  This is where we find those little habits we have that bring us comfort when the rest of the world turns a cold shoulder towards us.  It is the home of our soul, where we keep the things that make us feel secure as well as learn to deal with our insecurities.  In essence, it’s where we house the grist for the mill of our own creativity.

#2, The Seer (The High Priestess)
represents intuition and subconscious
thought from "The Wildwood Tarot"©

Mercury in Cancer allows us to unashamedly make psychic connections with our fellow man and with our higher selves to bring out the best of what we can be.  These connections are natural and have been part of humanity since before there was a spoken language.  Let these connections serve you when words fail. 

LADY ORACLE

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May 19, 2014, Mars Goes Direct – “Giddy–up”

Mars' tarot card is "The Tower"
This depiction is from Ciro Marchetti's
stunning "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Mars turns stationary direct today in nine degrees of Libra.  Thank Heavens – literally. Although Libra isn’t always the most harmonious sign for Mars, we now have the chance to cease angst-filled internal dialogue and put our thoughts, and most importantly, our actions to use in the world around us.

Mars in Libra loves justice and strives for balance.  We’ll find ourselves more willing to do something about our personal struggles with inequality.  We’ll also find it easier to take action against the inequity suffered by others.  Mars retrograde in Libra gave us plenty of time to think about the human condition.  Whether your concerns are for bettering your local school, improving relationships on the job, or leveling the playing field for society in general (remember that the Uranus Pluto Square wants societal change) you’ll be ready to organize and take action.  

While our creative endeavors normally flourish under Mars in

Libra's card from Corrine Kenner and
John J. Blumen's "Wizards Tarot"©

Libra you can expect them to take a startling leap forward during the next few days.  You’ve been banking the fire of your inner muse during Mars retrograde.  Now the creative spark bursts into flame and you emerge with a plan, as well as the drive to carry it forward.  We are ready to resume our normal physical activities as well.  If you’ve been a little sluggish following your exercise regime or with your commitment to train for upcoming athletic events you’ll find yourself suddenly back on track. That is the wonder of Mars direct.  Dynamic movement, the strength of will needed to achieve and warrior energy; those are the hallmarks of the Red Planet’s influence.  

The Ace of Wands starts the show
Seen here from Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Whether you have causes or creative projects to work on, or are launching a new series of personal goals, it’s time to get moving again.  Make a conscious decision to pull in the energy of Mars in Libra.  Focus on the lessons of the suit of Wands and use Wand imagery (See Blog: "Lights, Camera, Action" )ring mediations to help jump start your action, or to stay motivated when the going gets tough.  You have the opportunity to put your goals back on track while giving something back to the cosmos.  Don’t let this chance pass you by.

LADY ORACLE

Full Snow Moon In Leo, February 14, 2014 – “Riding With the King”

Smart and sassy, Rome Choi's depiction
for #2 The High Priestess - tarot's card
for the Moon from "Dreaming Way Tarot"©

The Snow Moon is also called the Hungry Moon in Native American culture.  That makes sense. Stores of food were depleted by February and in winter weather game often remained scarce until mid-March.  For some of us in society hunger is never far from the door.  February is a good time to give thanks for what we have and to share a little – even if it’s not the traditional time to do so.  

On February 14th, Valentine’s Day no less, we greet the Full Snow Moon in twenty-six degrees, thirteen minutes of Leo. Ladies and gentlemen, let the rumpus begin.  Full Moon in Leo is exuberant. Heck, just take off the e,x and the a,n,t and say it outright.  Full Moon in Leo is uber-moon.  Leo is a charismatic, flamboyant sign who hosts our Lady Moon in comfort and style.  Leos like luxury. If you have Moon in Leo in your birth chart, congratulations. You are riding with the king.  The rest of us will feel the effects to varying degrees, but people with Moon in Leo are riding shotgun.

Leo has an expansive way of thinking, so both Friday and this

Barbara Moore and
Aly Fell's "Steampunk Tarot"©
show us Leo's tarot card.  

weekend is about connecting with your potential and asking, why not me? This Full Moon want us to be center stage and larger than life.  It is a moon of leadership. What is your maximum potential? See it, touch it, live it.  Be on the lookout for financial opportunities, the chance to be on the cutting edge.  A lion is good with money and is the quintessential early adopter. They believe in teamwork and they have a tremendous capacity for followthrough.  If you’ve had problems in the past with your ability to go the distance expect to see a boost in stick-to-it-ness towards the end of this week and in the beginning of the next. 

Leo is notoriously alluring and when coupled with the Full Moon’s sultry light you’ll find yourself eager to sweep, and be swept, off your feet – or paws.  This particular Full Moon on Valentine’s Day is a marvelous chance for you to heap admiration and affection on your valentine and hopefully receive the same in return. Remember that Leo rules the heart.  Valentine’s Day is also the perfect time to love yourself as the marvelous creation that you are.  Open your heart and let love pour through you. You are the lion’s heart in your own life – worthy of love and admiration.

"OSHO Zen Tarot"© by Deva Padma
Offer a stunning depiction of romance,
love and eternity

Full Moon in Leo effects each sign of the Zodiac a little differently.  Generally speaking, air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) tend to pull that leonine charismatic energy during a Full Moon in Leo.  Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) reflect the strong passions found in Leo, as well as the lion’s money making skills.  Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) who already make a great emotional impact on others find that their powers of persuasiveness reach new heights.  Fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) receive boosts to their creativity and their leadership skills.

Anyway you slice it, Full Snow Moon in Leo is an important Moon.  It is your chance to combine your courage with self-assuredness and to make lasting commitments to yourself and your goals.  Harness the energy of this Full Moon to assert the positive in your life and proudly proclaim who you are.

LADY ORACLE

Ramping Up for Retrograde - July 14, 2012 - August 8, 2012

Many of us view Mercury Retrograde with concern, and there’s some validity to that.  Any new endeavor we undertake during a retrograde cycle has a tendency to go a little sideways.  A vicious retrograde period can give us a whole new respect for ancient man shooting arrows at the moon to drive away dragons.  

While the basic rules for handling a Mercury Retrograde still apply, (see my blog, “Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You”) we have some very significant differences going on with this one.  This Mercury Retrograde happens at 13 degrees of Leo which lends an air of creativity, spontaneity and playfulness.  Playfulness in a Mercury Retrograde?  Are you kidding?  Absolutely not.  It turns out that Leo is our new best friend.  

Leo rules the heart and often asks us to risk our inner-most feelings and sense of self to make positive gains in our lives.  Here’s where we return to basic retrograde rules.  Remember your ‘R’ words.  Review, research, restructure, revamp, rekindle and reconnect.  Take your ‘R’ words, superimpose them over the energy of self-expression and there you have Mercury Retrograde in Leo.  

Reconnect with a former means of self-expression - perhaps re-edit a piece of writing or redesign a quilt pattern from years ago.  Dust off projects and rework them.  You have the advantage now of time and perspective.  Use it. During this retrograde look for innovative and fresh ideas.  Create beauty around you on July 14th.

July 15th could find you with inner demons biting at your ankles.  They’ve been holding you back long enough. Perhaps you blame your partner or your parents for things that happened long ago.  Maybe a co-worker has stepped on your toes and has compromised your working relationship. Now is the time to let Saturn’s energy help you move through these resentments and take responsibility for your own life decisions.  It might be tough going at first, but you stand a good shot at driving them away and ending the stagnation that blocks your progress.  Strive to end co-dependencies.  Reprogram yourself.   Remember the expression “If you think you can’t, your right.  If you think you can your right.”  Attitude is everything.

On July 22nd, words are strong and powerful.  They can wound or heal and it’s a conscious decision on your part which one they will do.  Temper your words with others, but use a strong, clear voice in writing from your heart.  Those words are your own and are written by you, for you.  You can edit out any over-indulgences on the 24th.  That’s a good day for making informed decisions.  

Social connects and celebrations  come to the forefront on August 1st.  Perhaps you should meet up with friends, old and new at a local bistro or pub.  Enjoy a good pint of summer ale and some well-deserved fellowship.  You have seven days left in this retrograde period and you are already picking up steam.

Mercury turns direct on August 8th and if you’ve done your homework correctly through the retrograde you will hit the ground running.  The new ideas that you came up with in mid-July, revamped over ale on August 1st,  are ready to go.  August 8th’s celestial patterns promise us a stable platform to begin Leo’s creative endeavors in earnest.

In terms of tarot, the Major Arcana card for the July 14th is # 8, Strength.  Begin the retrograde with grounding meditations and a clean energy environment.  Stay focused and grounded throughout the cycle.  August 8th’s card is #12, The Hanged Man.  Your waiting period is officially over.  Get busy.  If you need further assurance of Leo creative power in your life, August 9th’s card is # 13, Death.  Transformation.  Bring on the party, Baby, because you are transforming your life by ending your old patterns and are about to give birth to your new ideas.  Stay focused and celebrate!

LADY ORACLE