Everything's Retro - Triple Crown With Three Retrograde Planets April 2016

Writers live to writer and to rewrite - usually into infinity if we can get away with it - and April is a terrific month for indulging yourself in agonizing reappraisal. We have three, count 'em, three retrogrades.  April 17th Mars, our outgoing, warrior planet  whose can-do philosophy often makes the difference between a hit, or a miss for us, suddenly turns shy with moments of self-doubt as it turns retrograde in Sagittarius. Mars in The Archer's house is adventurous, but a little scattered. Mars' openness can easily translate to bluntness and a willingness to give too much information. If you suddenly find yourself waffling more than usual that's perfectly normal. Remember we all feel the effects of  retrogrades to one degree or another, but the effects are more significant if you have the retrograde planet, or the hosting sign prominently in your birth chart.

Martian energy is more circumspect during retrograde. While retrograde periods are not traditionally a good time to start new projects, don't let yourself become frozen with indecision because you fear making a choice. Simply engage your brain and rely more on the analytical side of your personality. Mars stays retro until June 29th, finishing the last part of its retrograde hiatus in Scorpio. Beware of poking under too many rocks when Mars moves back to Scorpio. An indecisive and frustrated retro Mars in Scorpio has misplaced their self-determination compass. We'll be a little more moody broody and our sting response will be set on automatic stun. Again, hit the pause button and analyze individual situations before responding to stimulus. You'll save yourself wear and tear, as well as preserve a lot of friendships.

On April 18th Pluto, that solar system vagabond of change, goes retro in Capricorn. Do I

here a sigh of relief? What's the matter, has all that crazy, Tilt-a-Whirl of change gotten out of hand for you? If you think so, you're not alone. Pluto hesitates during retrograde. Its reevaluation process asks us if every piece of chaotic change was absolutely necessary and if it yielded the desired goal. From April 18th through September 26th Pluto will be moving at a snail's pace to make us reexamine our choices. Where did they come from? Were they a result of baggage we are still determined to lug around with us forever? If Pluto retrograde has its way you'll be letting go of the things that hold you back before you start moving forward again in the Fall. Yes, it is a lengthy process working with Pluto Retrograde, but worth every moment of self-analysis.

Mercury in Taurus joins the retro party on April 28th, though with the other planets already well underway in their backwards journey, MR's influences may feel a bit indistinguishable from the rest of the retro energy. Stay patient when plans go awry, when calls get dropped and half of the free world misunderstands your latest tweet. Chuck it up to Mercury and remember your 'R' words: Revise, re-do, recommit, redesign, research, rewrite. The last two are my personal favorites.

Enjoy the gift of April's slow-down. Smell roses, drink tea, but most of all, take stock of your life, its direction and consider what you wish to change to become the best person you can be.

LADY ORACLE

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Astrological Trends for March, 2014 – “Full Throttle, Reverse”

March started backwards. Why? It’s because on March 1st,

#16, The Tower is tarot's card for Mars
depicted by Ciro Marchetti for
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Mars in Libra went retrograde, swiftly followed by Saturn in Scorpio on the 2nd.  Retrogrades are designed to make us slow down and take stock of the world around us. The effects of planetary retrogrades differ according to the planet involved, its characteristics and the sign it occupies during the retrograde cycle. Strong retrogrades, such as Mars and Mercury, are not good times to start new ventures.  However there’s still plenty of work to do to move your life forward. All you need is patience.

#11 Justice is tarot's card for Libra
depiction from Rome Choi's
"Dreaming Way Tarot"©

Forceful Mars calls for subtler, more inward action while in retrograde. Spend time reviewing your desires and ambitions, as well as your previous deeds. Is your current path creating more conflicts than you’d like? Do you react more aggressively in situations than is necessary? Mars’ charm falls a little flat during retrograde and unresolved issues frequently resurface.  Reacting aggressively when this happens can cost you hard-won ground. Conflicts right now will test not only your patience, but your integrity as well.  Although Mars in Libra carries an innate sense of justice, during retrograde it becomes important not to bend justice to suit your wishes. Let painful feelings fall away. They are in the past. They cannot hurt you unless you choose to let them rule your present actions.  

Saturn in Scorpio turned retrograde on March 2nd and now

#21, The World is tarot's card for Saturn
depiction from "Tarot Of Pagan Cat's"© by
Lo Scarabeo

nobody gets to sleep.  This is the perfect time to re-tool organizations and bureaucratic systems. Talk about the need for patience. Streamlining becomes a way of life under Saturn’s retrograde in Scorpio. Review policies and procedures.  Work within systems to change them. Yes you can, because you have the personal power needed to undertake these types of challenges, exhausting as they may be.  Scorpio’s intuition gives you tremendous insights into over-burdened, poorly functioning areas of life – not just in business, but personally as well.  When tapping into the power of Saturn in its home sign, Scorpio, use the energy wisely and with a sense of higher purpose.

Jupiter's tarot card is #10, The Wheel of  Fortune
depiction by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell for
"Steampunk Tarot"©

Jupiter turns direct in Cancer on March 6th. Hallelujah! Combine this expansive energy hit with the revisionary power of both retrograde planets.  What an opportunity to transform your life.  Don’t want to transform it?  No problem. Refine is another ‘r’ word (Retrograde are about using ‘r’ words after all: Revisit, review, refine) that helps you utilize life’s holding pattern common during retrograde energy.  If revision isn’t required in your life see what area needs to expand in your consciousness to support your vision.

This month also brings the return of the Grand Cardinal T-Square, Venus’ entry into Aquarius, Full Moon in Virgo, Sun in Aries combined with the vernal equinox and another New Moon on the 30th.  Whew! I will be covering these events as we go.  This month will be fast and furious, my friends, despite the temporary stagnation patterns of ongoing retrograde cycles.  Use caution and remember to respond this month, not react.  Be brilliant!

LADY ORACLE

The Shining Trine – Jupiter Trine Saturn Goes Exact on December 12th

#21, The World is the tarot card
for Saturn. This wonderful imagery
is from "The Wizard's Tarot"©
by John J. Blumen and Corrine Kenner

Everybody loves a trine – especially when it’s between uber expansive, Jupiter in Cancer and ultra transformative, Saturn in Scorpio.  A trine, you may recall, is a very agreeable aspect, or angle of 120 degrees between two planets (or other astrological bodies). This particular trine delivers expansive, life changing energy – a very beneficial pick me up at the end of the year.

Saturn in Scorpio gives us the opportunity to make transformative changes as we navigate life’s hurdles.  Its objective is to teach us, not break us down.  Jupiter, on the other hand, is the planet of expansion. While this friendly giant resides in Cancer, we receive bountiful gifts that provide opportunities in our lives. Jupiter is in retrograde now, but here’s the thing about Jupiter retrograde.  The planet’s influence merely slows down and refines itself into choice nuggets of opportunity that will still find their way into your life.  This retrograde period offers us the chance to catch our breath, evaluate our position and make course corrections before the planet goes direct again in March of 2014. 

Jupiter and Saturn play very well together.  On the 12th you

Jupiter's tarot card is #10, The Wheel
From "Steampunk Tarot"© by
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

can expect to find renewed vigor for your job and your personal projects.  A spark ignites in you that causes you to brush away the cobwebs from old habits that have aided you in the past and led to major successes in your life.  Follow your instincts.  You have someone to be and Jupiter trine Saturn wants to help make that happen.

Lest we think this is going to be all cheesecake and Primo Amore Moscato©, remember that the challenge part of Saturn still expects us to examine the parts of our lives that aren’t working so well.  Do we hear the word, accountability? Because this trine features the water signs, Cancer and Scorpio, you can bet the majority of our homework will focus on emotional wellbeing.  That means emotional baggage, uneven relationships and boundary issues, to name a few items.  If you’re still wrestling with emotional baggage it’s time for you to at least downsize to a carry-on.  

#18, The Moon is tarot's card for
the sign of Cancer. From
"Shadowscapes" by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law
and Barbara Moore

The main perks of a this trine are going to be a boost in your enthusiasm, your willingness to shoulder additional responsibility and your renewed efforts in pursuing your goals.  The biggest benefit for you under Jupiter Trine Saturn, however, is to receive acknowledgment for your efforts from those in command.  This may not bring immediate reward, but with your renewed enthusiasm for life, true rewards will come sooner rather than later.

The next couple of days are yours to saver.  Make some significant promises to yourself.  Get the jump on 2014 in terms of attitude and setting benchmarks.  Most of all remember to rise and shine like the star your are.

LADY ORACLE

Listen to Blog Talk radio's "The Moment!"  I subbed in for co-host, Linda Becker and had a wonderful time with the ever wonderful Marion Douglas!

Astrological Trends for June 2013 - Part 1, “Retro-Fitting”

High Priestess - Intuition, the subconscious

Saturn in Scorpio, Neptune in Pisces and Mercury in Cancer are all in retrograde this month and they are working in a positive way to retro-fit your life. We’ve had some intense, fiery Wand energy during April and May. If you got out in front of it and used its passion and enthusiasm to design the life you want, you probably feel like your running on empty right now. Hang in there because in June the Universe is giving you a chance to rest up and accomplish some easy re-do work.  

Neptune in Pisces will be in retrograde from June 7th to November 13th. Retrograde means that as Earth passes a planet during our own orbit an optical illusion occurs that makes the other planet (Neptune Saturn and Mercury this month) appear to be moving backwards. Mystical Neptune rules dreams, spirituality and illusion. During its retrograde cycle, our blinders come off.  We review our life choices and our spiritual connections.  Neptune retrograde is when we decide if we’re on the right track or not.  Meditations and dream states are richer during this time - the resulting information, more profound. Powerful psychic energy flows through us, but, we also run the risk of becoming overwhelmed.  Keep your home and yourself clear of negativity and energy vampires especially if Neptune in Pisces appears in your birth chart.  

Saturn in Scorpio has been in retrograde since February 18th.  It turns direct on July 8th.  We’ve experienced a period of challenges (that’s how Saturn teaches) but, we’ve also received the necessary information to overcome those challenges.  Come on, you know you have.  It’s your own fault if you haven’t acted on your new insights.  Saturn retrograde is an opportunity to work on your infrastructure.  Saturn rules our physical and psychological support systems.  During this retrograde, commit to yourself. No, not put yourself first.  Commit to reviewing and redefining your personal guidelines in a positive way. What projects (and you have taken on many) truly speak to your soul? Disentangle yourself from those that don’t.  Avoid over commitment (10 of Wands).  Retrogrades are about renewal, not overkill.

10 of Wand - Over-burdened

Our last retrograde player is good old Mercury in Cancer, June 26th to July 20th.  Naturally, the first thing we all think of are the messed up schedules, miscommunications and mechanical snafus that typify Mercury in retrograde.  Again, we some powerful energy from Neptune and Saturn that mitigates Mercury’s shadow side.  Also, Cancer makes Mercury highly empathic and intuitive. Use Neptune’s heightened clarity and Saturn’s rules of proper conduct to assist you in communicating accurately and effectively during Mercury retrograde and you may not even notice it - and smudge, smudge, smudge.

LADY ORACLE

Here's a link to Part two of June Astrological Forecast, the "Main Event"  clink link!

Part 2 of “ Astrological Trends for June 2013” looks at Venus in Cancer and our New Moon on June 8th.

special thanks to US Games for the RWCS images - Decks for sale through Lady Oracle Tarot   click link!

May 20th Solar Eclipse - An Astronomical Grand Slam

The bases are loaded on May 20th and some astrologers say we're heading for the brink.  The brink of what is the subject of debate.  Some say that we could see a global event and it might not be pretty. Others say there will be a certain shaky feeling, but it will mostly effect people of certain birth signs and those with Gemini in the the first five degrees of their houses.  My house has dust bunnies, so I guess I'm safe.

The eclipse on May 20th occurs during the zodiac sign of Gemini and is predicted to effect the birth signs of  Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.  So, if your birthday is on, or around the 20th of May, September, November or February, there's an increased chance that you will feel some effect from the eclipse.

What are the effects of an eclipse?  What we do know about eclipses is part science, part myth and part spirituality.  In primitive man, they engendered feelings of fear and anxiety.  Disastrous events were said to accompany an eclipse and tribesman had rituals to drive away the monster eating the Sun.  I think it's a safe bet that we won't be rounding up virgins to sacrifice in this day and age.  Plenty of disaster hits every day regardless of celestial positions.

Scientifically speaking, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between us and the sun. This is a naturally occurring phenomena that happens in a six month pattern.  Orbital patterns... go figure. In terms of astrology, leaders in the field suggest that an eclipse acts as a planetary reboot and sets the tone for the coming six months. What's unique about the 20th, however, is that it's only the start of the show. 

A new Moon also begins on the 20th and Venus will also be crossing the Sun in a retrograde style of occurrence called, a transit.  Uh, oh.  I said the 'r' word.  Didn't we just have one of those?  All planets have retrograde periods.  Pluto (the questionable planet) and Saturn are working on their respective retrogrades as well.  Batter up!  I checked out several sites trying to find a consensus on what we can expect in terms of planetary freakishness.  There are many opinions, but certain common themes appear among the sites.

In astrology, the planet Venus governs relationships and finances. The Venus transit (let's not say retrograde) will heighten awareness of any difficulties in those areas.  However, certain sites advised that an early Gemini eclipse also carries the energy for strong personal development through gains in confidence and motivation.  Mercury rules Gemini and brings youthful energy, communication and mental acuity to the mix.  Venus' effect, coupled with the new Moon and boosted by the reboot energy from the eclipse, is thought by some to present us with the right time and place for personal expansion and development in the areas of career and relationships.

Doesn't sound like a downer to me.  However, other astrologists warn that people who are effected by the eclipse's energy may also battle boundary issues in their personal and professional lives.  There can be emotional ripples, which, left unattended, can grow into waves.  They caution not to let a sense of restlessness and unease take over your life.  Good communication is key and here is what those in the know suggest.

Use this time productively.  If you want to manifest changes in your life, this is a great time to do so, but now you must be particularly clear and focused about what you truly want.  Study, gather information and resources.  Set your resolve.  Brainstorm with like-minded people.  Think synergy - the sum of the parts is greater than the sum of the whole.

If you're feeling awash with emotions, check them at the door.  Experience your emotions privately, but seek out intellectual expression.  Controlling your emotions doesn't mean bottling yourself up. In order to use the energies in play right now, it's important that you communicate freely with friends, family and co-workers.  Just do it in a centered, well-ordered way.  As I like to say, you have two ears and one mouth.  Use each one equally and you'll be astounded at what you learn about yourself and others.

As with any shift or change that we go through, meditation is your best friend.  I recommend you reaffirm your connection to Source.  Your link with your Creator is the most important communication you can have.  All else falls into place from there.  Ground yourself with your morning and evening mantras as you breath in and out with the Universe.  And smile.  We have a lunar eclipse coming in June.

LADY ORACLE