Saturn Semi-Square Pluto, November 27, 2014 – “The Semi-Sweet Life”

The World - tarot's card for Saturn.
From "The Wizard's Tarot"© by
Corrine Kennerand John J. Blumen

Squares are a challenging aspect of ninety degrees between two, or more planets.  Keep in mind that the term,’challenging,’ is a euphemism for, “That’s going to suck.”

Semi-squares, thought of as carrying weaker square energy, are an aspect of forty-five degrees between two planets that causes us more irritation than the bust through, or bust out energy of the traditional square pattern.

On Thursday, November 27th, Saturn goes semi-square with Pluto. Though this isn’t the most idyllic cosmic influence, it does have some pluses.  Saturn is the teaching planet and its lessons come in the form of challenges. Pluto in the planet of transformation, or re-birth.  A Saturn/Pluto semi-square asks us to resolve the conflict within ourselves between duty or, our sense of obligation, and our need to determine our own course in life.

Saturn is the responsible planet – sort of a cosmic hall monitor who wants us to be disciplined and somewhat regimented.  Pluto, on the other hand, likes soul-stirring change that transforms who we are and what we believe.  Saturn is currently in Scorpio, a sign of transformation that is co-ruled by Pluto.  This ups the ante on the Saturn/Pluto semi-square’s influence. Resolution is a requirement of this configuration, but that resolution has to transformative.

The trick with this particular semi-square’s energy is to

Judgement, Pluto's tarot card, from
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
by Ciro Marchetti

acknowledge the frustrations you feel and handle them with patience and persistence.  What does that mean?  Foremost it means that there’s no need to force-feed your philosophies down everyone’s throat, particularly at the Thanksgiving Day table and at the top of your lungs. Remember that your challenge from Saturn during this semi-square is to resolve your feelings of conflict between other people’s version of you and your version of yourself.  You can accomplish this with quiet strength and persistence. Where you owe others respect and need to exercise patience with them, you also owe yourself the type of life you want. 

Also consider that all this transformative energy and challenge from Saturn will stir up some waves from the notorious Uranus/Pluto square (transformative and revolutionary societal change).  This is one of the reasons to let patience and courtesy be your mantra during family gatherings this weekend – more so than normally. When we resolve our inner conflicts our life moves forward at an astonishing pace.  Your life is yours to use as you choose.  It is your responsibility and this is the ultimate lesson from Saturn in Scorpio.  Become who you want to be.  Reach for your goals and dreams because achieving them or not is totally up to you.

LADY ORACLE


Catch Linda Becker and I this Friday, November 28th (yes, Black Friday!) at 8:30 a.m. PST on "The Moment Is Now" on blogtalk radio. this week we're talking about "Gifts of the Spirit." Tune in!

October 23, 2014 Sun and New Moon in Scorpio With a Solar Eclipse - “Insight, Passion and Respect in the Morning”

Scorpio is an edgy sign.  It’s known for dark, brooding passion

"OSHO Zen Tarot,"© by Deva Padma
shows us the fiery flowering that is
Scorpio's power to tranform

and a laser sharp intensity that never suffers fools gladly, or otherwise.  Intentionally injure a Scorpio and you will live to regret it, no matter how long it takes them to construct their revenge. They live life with little, or no middle ground.  The sign of the scorpion teaches us the power wielded by coupling keen intuition with a tremendous ability to focus.  On October 23rd, our Sun moves into Scorpio, creating a New Moon while going conjunct with Venus. Did I mention the solar eclipse? That’s right.  During all the emotional rip tides caused by these power players in the house of Scorpio, we’ll also be dealing with a solar eclipse that in effect, pours gasoline on this combustable cosmic alignment.  

The vibrations, or patterns of a solar eclipse remain with us for six months. They show themselves as newly discovered personal issues, insights and motivations. That’s why it’s extremely important that you pay attention to the themes and patterns emerging in your life during the next few days. They’ll be with you for a while, along with the consequences of your responses to them. This New Moon and solar eclipse combo will be most keenly felt by those born under the sign, Scorpio, those who have the moon, or other planets prominently in Scorpio and people born in the other water signs (Cancer and Pisces). Also those born underTaurus will feel the pull of this configuration because of Taurus’ oppositional place against all the scorpion action.  Now that we understand the dynamics, let’s look at the energetic fallout.

Scorpio’s exoskeleton protects a tender underbelly where

The 8 of Wands reminds us
to pay attention to messages and
also to pick our moment. From
Lo Scarebo's "Tarot of the Pagan Cats"©

they store their emotional vulnerability. They use those legendary claws of theirs to dig deeply into the meat of issues until they find the answers they seek. While scorpions keep their revelations private because of their secretive nature, they don’t shy away from confronting what they discover.  Expect to have more need for privacy for a  while. The next six months will be a good time work on addictive behaviors, particularly those dealing with sex, money and power struggles. Eclipses break old patterns. They are the harbingers of endings, but most importantly, of new beginnings as well. 

Scorpios may have one of the baddest reps in the Zodiac, by there is more than one side to them. Granted, all of their sides are very passionate.  Scorpions are highly spiritual beings. Of all the signs in the Zodiac, they are most willing to let the hidden come to light. They are very creative and intuitive and they possess the ability to narrow their focus into a scorching beam of light and wisdom.  They love deeply and are loyal to a fault. We can borrow these attributes during the next six months and use them to refine and achieve our own goals. 

"Inner Voice" represents The High Priestess,
tarot's card for the moon. From "OSHO Zen Tarot"©
by Deva Padma

This New Moon with an eclipse combo offers us all the chance to start anew – projects, jobs, life re-invention – you name it.  However, this is strong, primal energy we’re tapping into.  It takes courage to steer a ship into heavy weather, but we must remember that our vessel was designed for this purpose. This human shell that we all wear, came with the resources we needed to survive this journey.  Use your instincts when pulling Scorpio’s energy, but follow a few safeguards as well.  Stay grounded through meditation and time alone.  It’s up to you to provide those opportunities for yourself, no one else’s.  As with the energy of our last Full Moon, think things through three times and only speak once.  Remember that when you expose wounds to the light, the idea is to let them heal, not remember old grievances that hold you hostage to your own fear and pain. Let them go. Lastly, this is a time of great transformation. Use it boldly and with love.  Besides, the view from a crest of a wave is spectacular.  

LADY ORACLE

ALL FEATURED DECKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE THROUGH "LADY ORACLE TAROT"

September 25, 2014, Jupiter Trine Uranus – “Santa Claus in a Rocket Pack”

The Fool represents Uranus. This
depiction (my personal fav) is from
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
by Ciro Marchetti

Trines are a harmonious menage caused by an aspect of 120 degrees between planets.  They are a favorable aspect, although too many of them at once can makes us rather complacent – not something we need be concerned by with today’s trine between Jupiter in Leo and Uranus retrograde in Aires.  Good things, people, novel and innovative things.

Jupiter is the planet of expansion. It brings in fun, vitality, as well as opportunities for success.  The sign, Leo, enhances Jupiter by boosting the planet’s confidence and charm but also by lending the lion’s ability to inspire people.  This is the combination of great leaders, blending charisma with self-determination and generosity of spirit.  Today is a day to harness forward momentum and accomplish those tasks that may have felt too difficult to undertake mere days ago. Leo always enjoys a spotlight and Jupiter wants everyone to join the party. It’s time to reach beyond the goals you’ve set for yourself.

Uranus carries breakthrough energy that creates sudden and

Jupiter's card, The Wheel of Fortune
perfectly expressed by Kris Waldherr
in her deck, "The Goddess Tarot"©
(Lakshmi is another fav)

sweeping change.  It is revolutionary thought paired with passionate action.  Historically, when paired with Pluto, these planets inspire revolutions, dictatorships and societal shifts in consciousness. Uranus’ job in the duo is to question authority and challenge the status quo. In retrograde, the planet of rebellion turns its eye inward, making us question our intentions towards society as a whole.  Have we engaged? Are we part of the process? Put this energy into the fire sign of Aires and you unleash originality coupled with determination to create change within ourselves and in the world as well.  

During this Jupiter and Uranus aspect accomplishing the impossible feels as if it’s no big deal.  New concepts are welcome and we enjoy exploring them.  This is a trine of joyous individuality and freedom of expression. We can expand our vision of ourselves. Use this fantastic energy to create, to reinvent and to explore the adventure of being you.

LADY ORACLE

July 20th, Saturn Turns Direct While Uranus Gets a Retrofitting

Saturn, the hall monitor of the Zodiac, turned stationary direct of July 20^th.  No doubt some of us are singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” on this one. Saturn’s retrograde had us not only re-structuring the systems in our lives, but stepping into our own power ( 2 of Wands), both of which can be a tad rough when we’re doing it as part of a group process.  Saturn is the planet of rules, regulations, work ethic and limitations. Its retrograde affects all of us to some degree. Since March the majority of Earth’s population has been asking where we fit in the big picture – and not always in the nicest of ways. 

Saturn offers us inspirational challenges. It wants us tough

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

enough to weather life’s storms and practical enough to resist complacency during the sunny periods.  Keep in mind that whole rules, regulations and limitations thing.  Saturn currently resides in Scorpio which means that our challenges are geared towards transforming, not only our perspectives, but our lives as well. Saturn in Scorpio is ambitious. This is an optimum time to implement new career building strategies.  Saturn wants you to fall in line with self-discipline and lasting achievement.  Scorpio offers you insights into the motivations of others.  Use this information to benefit yourself and advance your position, but not to the detriment of others. Karma’s bite can sting as much as a scorpion. 

While Saturn comes back on line, our rebel child, Uranus, goes into retrograde.  The planet of freedom and rebellion asks us to take note of happenings in the world around us both near and far.  Where do we fit in the mix? Do we effect positive change, or are we content to merely rattle sabers and throw sand into well-oil gears? Uranus is transiting Aires. That’s a cardinal fire sign in first position on the wheel of the Zodiac.  Aires cherishes that number one spot and true to form, wants you to guard your position in life (7 of Wands) as well. This sign is known for battering its way through obstacles – hence the name, Aires the Ram.  While that characteristic comes in handy, there’s no small amount of egocentricity involved with Uranus in Aires. Bear in mind that our egos only become twitchier during Uranus retrograde. Keep your debit card in your pocket and don’t hand it over to your ego during this transit – retrograde or not – because your butt has to cover the charges.

Uranus and Aquarius rule the eleventh house and it’s here

The Fool is tarot's card for Uranus
From "The Wizard's Tarot"© by
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

we keep our group identity, our goals and our associations, or friendships.  Uranus in retrograde asks us not only where we fit in, but why we align ourselves with certain groups. (7 of Cups – why we make the choices we do)  What is our reward for choosing a particular group?  Now comes the toughest question.  How does our risk and reward benefit the world at large?  Uranus retrograde isn’t for wimps. It likes us to consider defining moments.

There are infinite life lessons in planetary shifts and to one degree or another, we are all affected.  Sometimes we’re up to the quest and other times we’d much prefer to watch a marathon of “Lost” episodes.  What we must keep in mind is that as part of the family of man we are each responsible for what happens within our reach and in this digital age our reach is global. Nothing happens to one of us that does not affect the whole. This is a lesson in responsibility that when learned, makes Saturn proud.

LADY ORACLE

P.S. Aquarians stay focused. You're in the 11th House with Uranus AND Saturn.

Pluto Retrograde April 14th through September 23rd – Cosmic Checks and Balance System

Periodically, Earth’s orbit overtakes the orbit of another planet.  When this happens an optical illusion occurs making it appear as if the planet that Earth passed paused in its orbital path and started to move backwards. We call this effect a planetary retrograde.  Every planet has one except us, of course, because we observe the solar system strictly from our own perspective. The most notorious retrograde cycle belongs to the planet Mercury.  Our verbal communications can be easily misunderstood at Mercury Retrograde.  Glitches occur in electronic and mechanical devices and travel plans become snarled. During the eclipse and Full Pink Moon mania earlier this week Pluto quietly turned retrograde.  Well, perhaps not so quietly as we think.  What happens when the planet of transformation, the one featured so prominently in the Cardinal Grand Cross configuration this month, turns retrograde? A better question might be, "Are we having fun yet?"

Pluto takes 248 years to complete one orbit of the Sun. 

#20, Judgment is the tarot association for Pluto
From Kris Waldherr's "The Goddess Tarot"©

When you’re the slowest body on the solar system race track you get use to other planets lapping you and kicking cosmic dirt in your face.  Controversial Pluto was discovered in the 1930s, given planetary status, only to be demoted to an ice ball in recent years.  Still, Pluto remains, at least in astrological terms, one of the group of outer planet called transpersonal planets.  These guys deal with the forces outside of the self – universal connections and destiny.  Also, because its orbit takes so long to complete, Pluto is called a generational planet – its position in a birth sign guiding an entire generation.  Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008 and will remain there until 2023, influencing all children born during this time in a particular way.

Ciro Marchetti's vision of #13, Death
This is the tarot association for Scorpio,
which is ruled by Pluto.
From "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Pluto governs the eighth house of the zodiac, Scorpion territory, where matters of death, transformation, sexuality and shared resources are stored (environmental issues).  When Pluto is direct its influence is felt in the changes you experience in life and how they transform you.  Those changes can be as subtle as spring cleaning, or as groundbreaking as starting an entirely new career.  The planet of transformation brings you moments of stark insight that allow you to see your life clearly and make changes accordingly. Pluto is known for bringing hidden matters to light – sort of ripping off the bandaid so the wound can be properly cleaned and healed. Note that once Pluto begins transforming your life there’s no going back. Your end results are generally positive even though the journey might have been bumpy. 

During its retrograde cycle, which occurs five months out of

A new cycle means the beginning of a
new journey. The Fool, seen here from
Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
is Divinely protected on his new quest.

each year, Pluto makes us pause in our lives and take stock of what we are doing.  Are we helping our species and our home planet advance in a positive manner, or are we focused on self and making gains that simply gratify us as individuals?  These are the tough questions – no doubt about it – but there has to be a system of cosmic checks and balances for humanity's sake and Pluto Retrograde is a significant part of that system. Not only you, but an entire generation of children born with you during Pluto’s fifteen year reign in a particular sign will look with keen introspection on similar issues during a Plutonian retrograde, all for the collective good.   If that’s not a powerful, positive force, what is?

In a couple of days the Cardinal Grand Cross goes exact.  The notorious Uranus/Pluto Square goes exact as well.  Our strength during this time comes from the review process of Pluto’s retrograde cycle. Who are we?  Where are we going?  Ask yourself the tough questions this month and demand honest answers, because one thing is for sure, where ever we’re going, we’re going there together.

LADY ORACLE

All featured deck are available for sale through Lady Oracle Tarot.

#13, Death or Transformation - “The End of the Beginning”

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –

 I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

                                         Robert Frost

One of the scariest cards to appear in a reading for a novice

Death, Transformation - scary images?
Perhaps, but this can be a rewarding card
Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

querant is #13, Death.  They are sure it holds impending doom and it becomes the reader’s job to educate their client that this card simply marks a well-earned fork in the road.  #13 also means transformation and how can you make an omelet if you’re not even willing to go near the hen house?  

The Death card, or Transformation card if that makes you feel more comfortable, makes its appearance when you are at a pivotal moment in time and space. You are making something happen.  You are having an effect on your world and it is changing you forever.  More often than not, that’s something to celebrate.  Imagine your life in complete stagnation, somewhat easier, perhaps, but also more predictable.  Many people choose to live their lives that way – never pushing boundaries, never asking the million dollar questions.  Those are the people who settle and play it safe.  They are also not the people reading blogs like this one. 

People who pull #13 know there’s more to life’s equation and they want to solve it.  Does this make them superior to everyone else?  Of course not.  It simply means they’ve chosen to live differently.  Their path gets a little bumpier from time to time.  Perhaps they get more easily distracted, losing sight of the end result by getting momentarily lost in the experience.  Each one of them, however, comes to know the complexity and the glory of the moment.  When the path diverges as in Robert Frost’s yellow wood, they are chomping at the bit to go down the road less traveled either by circumstance or by design.

Temperance - a question of balance
as seen by Ciro Marchetti in
"Legacy of the divine Tarot"©

The Transformation card is the card of dreamers and achievers who realize that chapters end, but there’s always a new book to pull off the shelf and open to page one. They understand that the past can be put behind you and that when the winds of change sweep clean, you still have bare ground to be rebuild on.  Transitions are not easy.  They can be unsettling for weeks, maybe even years at a time, but once the transformation is complete you arrive at #14, Temperance.  

It’s in Temperance where you recover your equilibrium and have the opportunity to combine the lessons of your journey, heal if need be and hold on to that oft-times hard-won sense of contentment.  Next time #13 pops up in your reading note the placement.  Ask yourself who and what you wish to become and which fork in the road would serve you best.  

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!

November 3, 2013, New Moon in Scorpio With a Solar Eclipse – “Sugar Rush”

#13 - Transfiguration, from Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen's "Wizard's Tarot"©
Scorpio's card and the theme for
early November

There comes a point when there’s simply too much of a good thing.  This is true in astrology as well as in leftover Halloween candy and both can leave us groggy and feeling as if we’ve been on a three day bender.  We have Mercury Retrograde conjunct Sun, Saturn, and North Node in Scorpio.  These guys form a yod featuring Uranus in Aries at the apex. (See Blog: “Yod Nod”) The double fudge layer on all of this is that Uranus is also directly square Pluto on November 1st. However, the cherry that tops this rich and gooey mound of transformative energy is a New Moon in Scorpio with a hybrid, total solar eclipse chaser.  Sugar overload.

If you’re nervous about Scorpio’s energy, then perhaps it’s a good time to make a three day pilgrimage to a cloistered abbey.  If, however, you are ready to shake loose the status quo and step across the lines of regimentation that have been chaffing you for the past several months (if not a couple of years) take a deep breath, square your shoulders and step into the supped up transformative energy flow that is the best of Scorpio. 

The North Node represents the path of our personal growth –

Choi Roma's "Dreaming Way Tarot"©
presents The Fool, card for Uranus.
The Fool is ready for anything and puts his
faith in both providence and himself.

our future.  It offers us challenges that are meant to teach and inspire us. It’s a place where you learn to stand tall, gaining confidence with each stride.  When housed in Scorpio, North Node invites us to dive into the deeper mysteries of life and use our inborn talents to empower us and transform our lives.  The North Node clearly works well with Saturn, who’s mission is also to teach by issuing us challenges we can win.  

New Moons start a new cycle and there is no cycle stronger than one beginning with a an eclipse.  Eclipses are planetary reboots and we will feel the effects of the reboot for about six months.  In addition, this particular eclipse is a rare ‘hybrid’ type that starts out as an annular eclipse (ring of fire) before transforming into a total eclipse where the Moon’s shadow fully sweeps across the Earth.  Again, here we see the pivotal theme of the stars: Transformation.  The power in this eclipse asks us to seize the moment and use the best parts of Scorpio’s energy – their innate resourcefulness, focus, passion and drive –  to take control of our destiny.

#20, Judgement, from "Steampunk Tarot"©
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell carries
a two-fold message - Decision and Rebirth

Uranus, that whirling dervish a sweeping, societal change, squares Pluto (one of Scorpio’s ruling planets - See blog: "Sun In Scorpio, The House that Passion Built" ) the transformer.  Total Optimus Prime here. At this point the Zodiac it’s almost on planetary overload in terms of transformative energy.  For this reason, as I’ve stated before, Mercury Retrograde is your best friend.  Review, revise, renew and decide.  That’s your assignment.  You don’t get an extension because the dog ate your homework.  Get busy.  If the astrological energy for the next few days is a little overwhelming at times, cut back on your activity.  Practice quieting your mind through meditation, music and activities that require simple motor skills.   Let go of the past and look towards the future.  Release resentments and claim your life as your journey, not your parent’s, not your lover’s, not your sister’s and not even your neighbor’s cat’s journey.  Yours – unparalleled and unequaled. It’s time to rise and shine.

LADY ORACLE

Here's a link to my guest spot on Blog Talk Radio's "The Moment" for their Halloween show :)  Yay!  This is an terrific show designed to make you think, make you question and mostly, make you evolve.  Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m PST. Check it out!

Sun in Scorpio, October 23rd to November 22nd - “The House That Passion Built”

Everyone who likes astrology has favorite and least favorite

#16, The Tower - ruling card for Mars,
one of Scorpio's ruling planets by
Ciro Marchetti - "Legacy of the Divine  Tarot"©

signs.  Scorpio is top of my list of favorites.  Good thing too.  It’s my birth sign.  Being our own fan may very well be a Scorpion trait.  We do nothing in half measures.  We’ve been called a complex, broody sign that turns lethal in an instant. Frankly, it takes longer than an instant.  We are fiercely loyal, highly motivated, but we can hold a grudge like none other.  

Scorpio rules the eighth house of the Zodiac which stores the energy of birth, death, transformation and sex. Busy place.  It’s also the home of shared resources.  Rather a volatile home for the resources of a planet, mind you.  Scorpio is a water sign in the fixed modality.  That means that our emotions run deep, as does our intuition and our spirituality. As a fixed sign, our traits are constant and reliable. We carry yin, or feminine energy as seen by our intuitive and transformative skills.

'Seasons don't fear the reaper' - neither does Scorpio
#13 Death (Transformation) is their ruling card.
By Ciro Marchetti
from "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

The world is black and white to a Scorpion. There is no gray area – fifty shades, or otherwise.  We learned our moral lessons as children and took their simple truths to heart. What often seems like a simple matter of bending a rule, or manipulating a situation to some, poses a huge, moral dilemma for Scorpio.  We talk a glib game, but 

right is right and we prefer a more mystical, or intuitive approach to persuade others.  Think of it as wearing feathery, bedroom mules as opposed to combat boots.

We are intense, highly motivated creatures – determined folk, 

Pluto's ruling card, #20, Judgement
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell from
"Steampunk Tarot" ©

who are not quitters.  Our love of secrets and the mysterious comes from the primal forces ruled by the eighth house. Scorpio is blessed with two, count ‘em, two, ruling planets:  Mars, the warrior planet, who carries physical energy and courage, and Pluto, who carries the ability to deconstruct, regenerate and transform. (That’s right. One of my ruling planets has the same powers as Dr. Who.)  We are resourceful and independent, loyal and passionate.  Still, with all these marvelous attributes, why are we so often considered the bad kids of the Zodiac?  Perhaps it’s because we can also be jealous, obsessive, unyielding and vindictive.  Okay, so who doesn’t have their faults?

An injured Scorpion is a curious thing.  We will come back from adversity transformed and stronger than ever (Mars, the warrior and Pluto the regenerator).  We are not motivated to seek reprisals by vanity, or by consequence, as other signs can be.  We seek reprisals for moral reasons – even if those morals are personal to us and slightly askew at that.  Scorpio never forgets a kindness, nor do we forget an injustice.  Should you inadvertently hurt our feelings, of course we will overlook it a first, or even a second time, but God help you on the third.  

If you are a child of the Scorpion remember that you carry serious chops and you can’t take them lightly.  We have the uncanny ability to adapt at will, to bloom in the desert as well as in the rain forest.  We can choose to focus our energies on positive life changes and when we do the sky is the limit.

LADY ORACLE

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio, October 21, to November 10, 2013 “Taking the Sting Out of Retrograde”

#13, Death or Transformation is
Scorpio's tarot card. From
"Wizard's Tarot" © by Corrine Kenner and
John J. Blumen

There’s been lots of online discussion about the ‘shadow periods’ for Mercury Retrograde (two weeks before and two weeks after the actual retrograde period) and some speculation that we’ve been feeling the effects of this Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio since October 1st.  Some experts say we’ll continue to feel these effects all the way through the end of November.  Is this a particularly strong retrograde cycle for Mercury?  Perhaps, but also a great deal of the buzz may come from the fact that both Mercury and the Sun will be in Scorpio for most of this timeframe.

People get a little jumpy around Scorpions. No doubt its that whole stinger thing.  Cross a Scorpion and prepare to be stung to death, or so the story goes. That’s not necessarily true, but if that’s what you perceive as truth, then definitely a retrograde in Scorpio is going to freak you out.  Here’s the reality. We have so much other stuff occurring this October (see blog: Astrological Trends for October 2013 ) that Mercury Retrograde is just a blip on the GPS. Shadow or no shadow, we’re in a major ramp up for the Uranus Pluto Square going direct on November 1st and in my opinion Mercury Retrograde has just become one of our best friends.

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio (hereafter referred to as MR

#1, The Magician, is Mercury's tarot card.
He controls all the elements of his world.
From "Wizards Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen

or MRS, because typing all those letters is getting annoying) offers us a chance to reexamine motivations – ours and everyone else’s.  Scorpions fly by the seat of their pants and MR is handled best with spontaneity.  Also the effects of MR are caused by a general slow down and reversal of Mercury’s energy.  Mercury controls communications, transportation, as well as intellectual pursuits.  With the energy from this lunar cycle ( see blog : Full Hunter's Moon in Aries  )  and the UP Square (can’t use UPS for obvious reasons) we need a breather and MRS fills the bill as long as we use this time to review, revise, revisit and restructure our plans, our strategies and our lives.

The 8th House of the Zodiac is ruled by Scorpio.  While many would say, ‘enter at your own risk,’ others would tell you that this is where the serious transformation energy is stored. Come on in – the water’s fine.  MRS is about rechecking the trajectory of your goals and retooling what doesn’t work.  You want to be a new and shinier you?  This is where it happens, folks.  You can use MRS to revise and retune the grand plan for your life and Scorpio can help.  Will it be a challenge? Sure.  Saturn is in Scorpio right now, but you can still use that great transformative energy from Scorpio and the downtime you get from Mercury to go over your internal notes and make revisions.  MRS says let go of grudges and projections now and 2014 will come in on a high note.   

Here are links to my past blogs that gives you good information on dealing with the effects of Mercury Retrograde.

Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You

Mercury in Scorpio September to December 2013

LADY ORACLE  

"Wizard's Tarot"© is available for purchase through Lady Oracle Tarot.

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