Love The planet Venus rules romance, courtship, engagements, betrothals, dowries. love, marriage, weddings and wedding anniversaries.
Partner Your spouse, husband and wife. Common law wife. Committed partnerships and significant others.
Women It is the woman in a man’s chart. Women in general and women’s things. Cosmetics, clothes, and perfumes. Attractiveness and femininity. Venus also rules women in general, female products, adornment, jewelry, beauty, style, taste, and fashion.
Money Venus rules money, cash, credit you can raise. Your assets and what you own,
Art, collections and stuff Your collections, treasures and that in which you invest. Art you can touch – sculpture, pottery, painting and mosaic are all under Venus’ influence.
Fertility It has much to say about fertility, estrogen and all that which is fruitful and sweet.
Flowers Venus rules all five petal flowers and fragrance.
Thinking: Thinking, talking, what you think and talk about are Mercury activities.
Information gathering: Also all forms of reading, writing, typing, handwriting, speech, your communication style, language, messages, penmanship, listening, calligraphy, codes and cyphers.
Mental arithmetic: Mercury rules arithmetic and numbers.
Commerce: Mercury rules all commerce, merchants, traders, deals,
Handiwork: Dexterity, handicrafts and handiwork.
School: Your early learning processes, intelligence and how you digest information is shown by the Mercury placement in your chart.
Rules Cancer. Is in detriment in Capricorn, exalted in Taurus and falls in Scorpio.
Moon Keywords
Women: The Moon is the feminine principle in a chart.
Emotions: The Moon rules emotions, feelings, nuances, tears and things that well up.
Mother: It indicates your mother, mother figures, how you experience your mother and family ties.
Care: The Moon shows how you take care and what you care about. Food preparation and all cooking activities or storing food, eating and drinking beverages are influenced by the Moon in a chart.
Reactions: Anything that comes in phases such as reactions, responses, where we are reactive,
Habits: Instinctive behavior and habits are under the auspices of the Moon.
Nurture: The nurturing activities of breastfeeding, milk, all milk products and nutrition is under the Moon.
The Moon is an indicator of how you experienced your mother and food
How your mother shaped your eating habits is indicated by your Moon sign. Obviously, the full lunar complex needs analysis but try this as a first pass through the chart.
Instinctively we reach for the comfort food which is associated with early habits and patterning that our nurturing taught us.
If you trawl back through your memory banks to when you were a child sitting at the kitchen table maybe you can still hear these comments ringing in your ears.
Moon Signs
The Moon in Aries mother says, “Eat it while it’s hot” as she places a sizzling plate in front of you.
The Moon in Taurus mother says, “Don’t gulp your meal. Take your time and taste the food.”
The Moon in Gemini mother, drumming her fingers says, “Hurry up and finish your dinner I want the table for our jigsaw puzzle.”
The Moon in Cancer mother as she pats your hand says, “I prepared your favourite recipe, so when you eat it, it will make me feel good.”
The Moon in Leo mother dramatically says, “I have created yet another culinary masterpiece in my kitchen. I have put my heart into the preparation of your meal. I hope you appreciate it. Eat up.”
The Moon in Virgo mother, checking a packet’s food values label says, “Everything in this meal is healthy food so clean your plate.”
The Moon in Libra mother sitting opposite you says, “I’ll make a deal with you, If you eat your veggies we can have cake.”
The Moon in Scorpio mother whilst watching you closely says, “Don’t waste food, people in the world are dying of starvation, eat up.”
The Moon in Sagittarius mother says, “I’m trying a new-fangled recipe, what do you think? Oh, please have some more, I made plenty, in fact, there is enough so I can take what’s left to the big hall meeting later tonight.”
The Moon in Capricorn mother says, “I’m tired of cooking you the same old meals every day, but tradition is tradition, so eat what I say. I am your mother (and therefore the food authority).”
The Moon in Aquarius mother standing at the door says, “I have to dash out to my book club but you can find something to eat, can’t you? There is cold pizza in the fridge.”
The Moon in Pisces mother softly says, “I have had to sacrifice to provide this meal. If you don’t eat it I will be upset” and “But, I fed you only yesterday!”
New Moon Wishing is a ritual you can practice every month that brings the meaning of each New Moon alive for you and relates it to your life.
The next New Moon will be at a particular degree in a sign and will be in one of the twelve houses of your chart.
By making wishes at the New Moon that correlate closely to your chart you can tap into the energy of the cosmos in a specific way.
The Cycle of New Moons
There is a New Moon about every twenty-nine days and that typically makes one New Moon each Month.
Two New Moons in a Month
But, each year there may be a month with two New Moons.
For example, in August 2019 there will be two New Moons. The first New Moon is on the first of August and the second New Moon is on the thirtieth of August.
Two New Moons in a Sign
Now and then there may be a zodiac sign with two New Moons.
For example, in June 2020 there will be a New Moon at 0°21′ Cancer and then the next New Moon is at 28° 27′ Cancer in the following month of July.
In this case there are two new Moons in one sign that of Cancer the Crab.
Check in the list below and see where the next New Moon will be in the zodiac. Then find the natal house in your chart where the position of the next New Moon will occur.
Each month the New Moon will likely move to the next house of your chart but it does depend on your chart’s houses. If you have an intercepted sign it could skip one house altogether. If you have wide houses there could be two New Moon in the same house for two months in a row.
Solar Eclipses
New Moons that are also solar eclipses can be more energizing for that month’s wishing.
The New Moons of 2018
January 17th at 27° Capricorn
February 15th at 27° Aquarius – partial solar eclipse
March 17th at 27° Pisces
April 16th at 26° Aries
May 15th at 25° Taurus
June 13th at 23° Gemini
July 13th at 21° Cancer – partial solar eclipse
August 11th at 19° Leo – partial solar eclipse
September 9th at 17° Virgo
October 9th at 16° Libra
November 7th at 15° Scorpio
December 7th at 15° Sagittarius
Your Natal Houses
Find the house in which the next New Moon will occur.
Make three to five wishes in line with the meaning of you New Moon house. Write them on a nice piece of paper and have these wishes ready and prepared before the New Moon.
Suggested New Moon Wishes
Here are some suggested wishes for a New Moon in your natal chart houses. You can add more wishes and modify the ones you like.
Let your inspiration guide you.
New Moon in your first house
I wish I was…
I wish my self-confidence was…
I wish I was more authentic in…
New Moon in your second house
I wish my income was…
I wish the value I place on people and things was…
I wish my self-esteem was…
New Moon in your third house
I wish to take a short course in…
I wish that I will spend more time in my local area so I can…
I wish that my commute was…
New Moon in your fourth house
I wish that my family was happy, healthy and…
I wish for a nice home that is…
I wish to thank my ancestors and parents for…
New Moon in your fifth house
I wish for children who are happy, healthy and…
I wish I took my creativity more seriously so I can…
I wish I could enjoy my leisure time and spend it doing…
New Moon in your sixth house
I wish to have simple daily rituals that…
I wish for robust health, a strong physique and the strength to…
I wish I had a job that…
New Moon in your seventh house
I wish to have a life-partner who will…
I wish for a business partner who has the skills of…
I wish that I treated other people…
New Moon in your eighth house
I wish to have financial support available for…
I wish that people will take my side regarding…
I wish that my intimate life was…
New Moon in your ninth house
I wish to read and know more about…
I wish I could go on a journey so I can…
I wish that I could advertise and promote my…
New Moon in your tenth house
I wish my career would…
I wish that what I am known for in the public domain is…
I wish I was accomplished and recognized for…
New Moon in your eleventh house
I wish my friends were…
I wish I could support the group of…
I wish my social circle was…
New Moon in your twelfth house
I wish to withdraw from life for a while and…
I wish I could look after and curate…
I wish to confine myself for a time so I can…
At The New Moon
At the moment of the New Moon place a candle in your window and say your wishes out loud.
Then place the paper with your wishes on it on the windowsill underneath or next to the candle.
If possible let the candle burn a while or even overnight.
Journal
In your astrology journal note the date and the degree of the New Moon and make any notes later in that cycle if there was anything to mention. Say how and when your wishes came true.
Annual Forecasting
New Moon Wishing and the positions of each New Moon can (and should) be a part of your annual astrology predictions and year-end astrology review.
You can get all the forecast information together for yourself towards the end of each year in November or December so you are all ready for the New Year.
When you get a next year’s calendar, diary or journal that is the time to add the astrological information which really interests you.
Professional astrologers typically have whole years of forecasting material ahead so they are fully prepared.
I usually have all major transits and therefore New Moons listed for up to five years ahead. This practice is more about that I write horoscopes so far in advance for publications who need to be months and even years ahead.
You can do one month at a time to start with and perhaps one day you too will look further ahead.
If you are born between October 21st and November 22nd you are known as a Scorpio.
What this really means is that the Sun was in the tropical zodiac sign of Scorpio when you were born.
The symbol is a scorpion which is a small arachnid which can hide in plain sight and often has a deadly sting.
Characteristics
Scorpios really want to get the bottom of things. They will keep probing until they get the truth. You may find it hard to keep your secrets from a Scorpio.
They are passionate and this brings in the part where they really are considered the sexiest sign because of their passions. So if a Scorpio is interested in you they will want to plunder the depths of intimacy and explore your deep motivations.
Scorpios will support you in secret and will champion you from the wings. They will provide their votes for people and causes they believe in.
Scorpio’s Affinities
The Scorpio ruling planet is Pluto the lord of the underworld.
The Scorpio colour is cyan from the sign placement in the colour wheel and maroon or dried blood red from its connection with Pluto
Scorpio is associated with two body systems:
The reproductive system
The eliminatory system
The reproductive systems in both sexes are under the rulership of Scorpio. This includes the eggs, ovaries, womb and vagina in women and the sperm, penis and testicles in men.
The eliminatory systems which encompass the bowel, bladder and sweat glands. Scorpio also rules the vomiting reflex to purge unwanted things from the body.
Sign Compatability
Scorpios are most compatible with Taurus the sign that is opposite as Taurus possess what they lack. In a love relationship this is appealing.
They can be lifelong friends with Cancer and Pisces the other water signs and other Scorpios.
Scorpios will compete with Leo and Aquarius but at the same time can build good things when they join with them.
Scorpios are not so comfortable with the signs Aries, Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius.
The planets continuously move through the zodiac. As they do so they engage in angular patterns with each other.
Some connections are positive and may foster growth and harmony whereas others are a challenge and create the catalyst for changes as yet to be made. Others are neutral and can go either way. It depends.
Transits themselves are neither good nor bad but the combination of the energies of the two planets in an aspect with each other makes the dialogue (the aspect) between those two spheres work as a team for the life of the transit.
Whether a particular transit will be good for you as an individual will depend on the placement of the planets in your unique birth chart.
Major transits are any one of the five Ptolemaic aspects or the sign ingresses of heavy superior planets. As major transits develop and unfold over several weeks, months and sometimes years they shape the background message for the rest of a horoscope reading.
Often a transit will start, fade and then return, up to five exact times, before the full impact has passed. Changes made under a major transit will remain.
These slow transits are the markers of general shifts through the solar system. They are like the development of life’s journey and the cosmic trends that are unfurling.
To be in tune with the ebb and flow of major transits each year is a good way to use astrology in your daily life.
Saturn enters Capricorn
The ringed planet Saturn returned to its tradition home sign of Capricorn the sea goat in the last few days of 2017. This planet strives to stabilize the bedrock in our lives.
This position is closely related to governments and the establishment of solid foundations upon which to build our future lives.
During the two and a quarter year period until March 2020 as Saturn moves through Capricorn you can expect conservation, restrictions and boundaries to be put in place.
Many people will feel pigeon-holed in dead-end jobs and careers for which they may not be suited. The challenge now is to get the formal education and take courses which will allow you to rise to the heights to which you strive in your career. Saturn gives you what you deserve and no more. There will be no easy way or
During the two and a quarter year period until March 2020 as Saturn moves through Capricorn you can expect conservation, restrictions and boundaries to be put in place.
Many people will feel pigeon-holed in dead-end jobs and careers for which they may not be suited. The challenge now is to get the formal education and take courses which will allow you to rise to the heights to which you strive in your career.
Saturn gives you what you deserve and no more. There will be no easy way or shortcuts up the career ladder as Saturn transits Capricorn. Only concentrated and steady progress will bring you the rewards that you deserve.
The energy of this transit will be felt by anyone with planets in Capricorn or planets in the early degrees of the three other cardinal signs which are Aries, Cancer and Libra.
Jupiter sextile Pluto
(January 7 to January 25 and September 5 to September 17)
As Jupiter forms a harmonious aspect to Pluto in January and September it creates two power surge times for the year. As Pluto disposes Jupiter it means he gives his support willingly to the planet of luck.
This is a good time to look forward and take a chance. There may be hidden backing available for you now. Sound judgment and good opportunities will appear.
This aspect will mainly affect Scorpio and Capricorn but the signs Taurus, Cancer, Virgo and Pisces will benefit as well.
Uranus enters Taurus
(May 15th)
In mid-May Uranus will enter Taurus for a seven-year stretch that lasts until 2025. This brings the radical planet some stability as the earthy fixed nature or Taurus will dampen the random and unexpectedness of Uranus.
During this transit, you can expect to see changes in the way finances flow. The monetary system will likely become more high-tech as banks and virtual currencies drive the change to a more equitable system that will benefit the man in the street and disenfranchised individuals.
This once in a lifetime ingress will particularly affect all Taureans and those people with planets in the early degrees of Virgo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.
As Uranus enters Taurus it is the last major planet to complete the shift towards the passive elements as now Pluto, Uranus, and Saturn are in earth and Neptune and Jupiter are in water signs.
Jupiter moves closer to the trine to Neptune in its home of Pisces the fish. This aspect brings together the powerful Piscean planets because Jupiter is the old traditional ruler of Pisces and Neptune the new modern ruler.
The trine is a beneficial connection and shows there will be harmony and support for both Jupiter and Neptune related things now.
During this period you can expect spiritual enlightenment, religious exploration, appreciation or arts and cultures, and tolerance for diversity and metaphysical systems. More and more people will take up esoteric practices or at least become aware of them going on around.
This positive fluid transit will mainly affect Pisces and the other water signs of Cancer and Scorpio, and to a lesser extent the signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
Saturn in Capricorn trines Uranus in Taurus
(August 21 to September 21)
As Saturn enters Capricorn it will soon trine the radical planet Uranus for the second time (the first contact was back in 2017) but this time Saturn is retrograde and Uranus is in its new sign of Taurus.
This is a combination of old meets new and the two energies of these strong planets will be worked out over time.
Technology will continue to be developed perhaps with the senior age groups being the main focus.
As this is the second connection of a three-part transit there still is time for changes to be made to projects and relationships that started last year. The concrete is not yet set so to speak.
There will be ease of stringent rules as the borders are tested for many. On a personal note, if you have been walked over by other people or been taken for granted, now is the time you will draw the line and halt further incursions.
This major transit will particularly affect Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn and have a similar influence on Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Jupiter enters Sagittarius
(November 8)
Now the largest planet in the solar system Jupiter returns to its home sign of Sagittarius the archer in early November. This transit promises a twelve-month adventure and expansion period for many.
Travel, eco-tourism and multi-cultural activities will be big now. Jupiter is the planet that encourages us to lift our eyes to the horizon and dream big.
We are inclined to reach for what we want and there is bounty around. The challenge can be overindulgence or taking more than you need or can use.
This fiery positive transit will add excitement for all Sagittarians and will invigorate Aries and Leo as well.
Overdoing it with excessive behavior will be a challenge for Gemini’s and to a lesser extent for Virgo and Pisces.
The Saturn Return is becoming one of the most talked about astrological events in people’s lives.
It is the third most popular astrological topic for the general public after, “What is your sign?” and “Did you survive Mercury retrograde?”
Everone receives a Saturn return or two or three during their lives. If you are over thirty you have already experienced one and have more to come.
When to Expect Your Saturn Returns
First Saturn return – Age 29/30
Second Saturn return – Age 58/59
Third Saturn return Age 87/88
Saturn and the Ages
Saturn is a broad timekeeper and marks the passage of life.
Before your first Saturn return you are in the first age. the second age occurs after your first Saturn return.
The third age begins after your second Saturn return and the fourth age starts after your third Saturn return.
The First Age
The first age is from birth to your first Saturn return at age 30. This period of life takes you from child to adult to responsible person. In these years you learn to do as you are told up to a point. Those in authority like teachers, parents the government and older people will dictate how you should behave.
In these years you learn to do as you are told up to a point. Those in authority like teachers, your parents, the government and older people will dictate how you should behave.
Maturity. You get in your lane and you know your place. Your duty is to your parents. You learn the rules. You are looked after by others but you struggle to be autonomous. You get honours for yourself.
Keyword – Crisp.
The Second Age
The second age covers the years of life from 30-60 this stage of your life are the mature years when you are responsible for other kids and holding down a job or taking a mortgage. You may do traditional things and do what is expected by your betters and elders.
You may do traditional things and do what is expected by your betters and elders.
Now you consolidate your worldly achievements whatever they are. You have a duty to your spouse, kids and your boss to reproduce and play by the rules. You look after others. You are honour bound.
Keyword – Solid.
The Third Age
The third age starts at age sixty and lasts for thirty years until the age of ninety. In this age you get more time for yourself and the responsibilities of earlier years often fall away.
You have mastery. Your duty is to yourself. You have some personal achievements. You can rewrite the rules you live by. You look after yourself. You are honoured as you choose to do things for others.
Keyword – Capable.
The Fourth Age
The fourth age begins very late in life at age ninety. This is the final Saturn return the fourth one.
Not everyone will make it this far but more do every year. Now you will spend each day carefully living your life as if it were your last day on Earth. Time is precious.
You have limitations. You ignore the rules. You have a duty to a higher order. You are looked after (physically and spiritually). You become honoured for time and longevity.
Keyword – Tired.
Each Saturn return will be fully explored in future posts. I look forward to sharing my insights with your so you can navigate these special times in your life. Please bear with me.
Two planets may be in mutual reception when each planet is in the other planet’s sign.
Example: The Sun in Cancer and the Moon in Leo are in mutual reception because the Sun rules the sign of Leo and the Moon rules the sign of Cancer.
Technically planets in mutual reception need a Ptolemaic aspect joining them to be considered in mutual reception, but this strict rule can we waived now and then I believe.
A planet in its own sign cannot be in mutual reception with another planet.
Mutual reception by sign
When mutual reception by sign occurs, and each planet is in the other planet’s sign, it’s like the two planets have entered the party but it is crowded.
Only at the “aspect” have they found each other in the melee.
Then when it’s a Ptolemaic aspect they fall in love in the Moonlight.
Sigh…
Relationships Bonds
When two planets are in mutual reception it creates a bond between them that cannot immediately be seen as with an aspect.
Mutual reception is like a back-channel of energy that flows but you can only see it when you take a closer look.
Like when someone is chatting behind your back to another person and they have an allegiance to them and you don’t realise they are related, like cousins, and that is the connection.
I happy to say my latest eBook 31 Days to a Better Chart Reading is available now through Amazon and can be read on your Kindle, iPad or iPhone and of course your computer.
This is a guide for anyone who wants to read a chart and needs to get going fast.
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Stop fiddling about on inconsequential details and get to the meat as soon as possible.
The red planet is known for its energy, effort being expended and activity.
This is the planet that gets you off the couch as something inspires you take action. It is all about overcoming inertia and any sluggish behaviour that may have be plaguing you recently.
Martial energy will push forward through the meaning of the sign and there is always a shift in momentum when Mars changes sign.
Gemini the Twins
Gemini is the sign for multi-tasking and Mars in Mercury’s active sign helps you keep all the balls you are juggling in the air. The more balls you have the higher you have to throw them. Yeah…
You may not get much finalized at this time but there will be lots of activity and brainstorming.
Get you thinking cap on and forge ahead carving out your ideas for world domination.
We want to see you win.
Mars in Gemini
Gemini is not the easiest placement for Mars. It can work for you and it depends on what you are trying to do.
Mars is all about activity and having the energy to expend. The knack is to make an effort where it matters.
It is best to work with the cosmic energy and not against it.
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Who I am
I am Alison Price a writer, astrologer and creative in Vancouver, Canada. I live sparingly with my family and maintain a low carbon footprint. I have no car, no cable TV and no pets. I care for a plant called Egbert and lots of books.
In my creative work I have a computer, phone and printer. I use software, paper and ink and I have internet and web hosting commitments. These things are my main expenses apart from a roof and food (for Egbert you know).
I share and grow my astrology knowledge at workshops and conferences where I usually teach but sometimes I just attend. I like to recharge my creative juices through spending time with inspired people.
My currency is astrological and new age knowledge.
My Creative Work
I am driven to provide basic astrology that everyone can use. I strive to give you enough information so you can bring the essence of astrology into your life without having to learn the detailed intricacies of chart work or in other words the nitty gritty.
My goal is to raise basic astrological knowledge of everyone through simple, but correct, information. This is the stuff you can confidently use and you know some already like your Sun sign.
I aim to take this knowledge out of the ivory towers of “Astrology only” people and make it available for those who seek understanding. If you support enlightenment then you can help everyone else on their journey.
Of course I am happy with high level astrological theory, debate and questions but that only appeals to a select group.
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And on top of that you need to know about chart division and chart points.
Master the Basics
If you are learning astrology you will do yourself a favour if you can grasp these basics. Then when you do read more intermediate or advanced astrology it will make more sense.
As a kid when you learned how to read it was one step at a time. First the alphabet J-a-c-k, then words Jack, and then sentences “See Jack.”
Astrology interpretation is much like learning to read.
Series
This series of posts will give you all the basic keywords and facts you need to understand the nature of astrology.
Yes, of course there is more but these are the “See Jack , see Jack run” basic components so you can begin.
More to follow.
Basic Chart Interpretations
This series looks at what to do to get a chart that you can work with in the first place.
The Sun is your identity, your heart and your character. It shows where you are honest and true to yourself. It is where you can shine in life. It represents your father.
The Moon shows your feelings, reactions, gut instincts and your behavior. It rules food, how you care and who you nurture. It represents your mother, mother figures and caregivers.
Mercury shows your thinking, talking and communication style. It has to do with all buying and selling. It represents your schoolteacher and neighborhood people.
Venus shows beauty, art, style, love and money. It has to do with your values and what you invest in both things like jewelry and people. It represents young women and sisters.
Mars
Mars is about sex, energy, drive, challenges and where you compete in life. It shows when you will get off the couch and do something. It represents young men and brothers.
Jupiter
Jupiter is about growth, expansion, reaching and even overdoing things. It shows your vision and potential. It represents uncles, teachers and preachers.
Saturn
Saturn is the planet of achievement, honors, control, limitations and fears. It represents your father, older men and authority figures.
Uranus
Uranus is the planet for the future it rules trends, technology, computers and the space age. It represents adolescents, immigrants, those on the fringes of society and rebels.
Neptune is the planet of illusion, intuition, mysticism, art, magic and the unknown. It represents the psychic, the invisible, the underdog and the homeless.
Pluto
Pluto is the planet of power, influence and sex. It represents people who have power over you through your use of their resources or those whom you have the drop on. It represents the loan shark, surgeon, psychiatrist, undertaker, criminal and therapist.
Chiron
Chiron is the planet of wounds and healing. It suggests where you are weak and wanting. It represents people who help you like nurses, teachers, gurus and charity workers.
Eris
Eris is the planet of the female warrior. It represents the fight instinct in women. It suggests those who will fight for you simply because they are on your team, group or crew. It represents sisters-in-arms.
Astrology Basics for Beginner’s
This is part of the special Starzology Astrology Basics series for you all. Many of you ask where to start and here are the planet’s meanings.
You may have heard something about Mercury retrograde and wondered what it is and what is does, and what to do and what not to do, or you may have even thought, “So what?”
If you are interested in finding a job or growing your career see what to do when Mercury is retrograde so you can make the most of every moment.
Planetary Energy
To make the best use of planetary energy it is all about going with the flow and that means taking the meaning of the planet and noticing if it is holding up a “stop” or “go” sign.
One example of planetary energy that you can see is the Moon and the tides.
The Moon pulls the waters of the Earth and creates two high tides and two low tides each day. As each day moves on the times for the tides constantly changes. But every day there will be two incoming tides and two outgoing tides.
It is at the incoming tide that you can yell “Surf’s up!” and trot down to the beach to practice your surfing. Well if you live on the coast and have a surf culture perhaps like in Hawaii, but you get the picture.
You can only surf when the tide is coming in. There is no point in paddling out to hope to surf in if the tide is going out. Right?
About Mercury
Each year Mercury will be retrograde three times at around four-month intervals and for about three weeks each time. Each year the dates are different.
You can find the exact dates when Mercury will be retrograde for the next few years below. You can mark these dates in your calendar now and lock out this special time.
About Retrogrades
Apparent retrograde is the optical illusion of something going backward and in this case, it is the planet, Mercury.
Imagine you are on a train and moving along at a fair pace then suddenly you come upon another train on the next track. The other train is going slower than you are so your train overtakes it but the other train seems to be going backward.
Both trains are driving forward but one seems to be going in reverse. That is the illusion of retrogradation.
That a planet is retrograde can be interpreted as a time to change the pace and adjust your approach to things.
In everyday life, this means all your shopping, buying and selling, texts, phone calls, emails and general chatting, as well as gossip, comes under Mercury’s influence.
In the workplace, Mercury covers resumes, recruiters, interviews (by phone and in person).
It also is concerned with paperwork and anything you sign, like a job offer.
Timing is Everything
There is a sequence in each retrograde cycle.
It starts when Mercury is direct, then comes a shadow period of about ten days before the actual retrograde starts, the retrograde period itself, another shadow time of about a week and a half after Mercury has been retrograde, and then Mercury is no longer retrograde and is back to normal.
Phew.
Before Mercury goes retrograde (and is direct) do the following:
Write your resume crafted for each specific job
Compose targeted cover letters
Apply for jobs via email and snail mail
Call companies on the phone
Reach out to your contact list and tell them you are looking for work
Take the initiative to let your family, friends, and others know you are searching for a new job
Start a short course on something you need in your job to build your marketable skills
Join professional societies and attend Meetups in your field
All of the above should be done when Mercury is not retrograde and preferably not in its shadow period.
When Mercury is retrograde do the following:
Revise your resume
Refresh any cover letters
Get your filing up to date of jobs for which you have already applied
Write a list of companies and people with whom to follow up and contact them again
Research current thinking in your industry
Set up alerts for leads
Schedule second interviews (phone and in person)
Review job offers
Prepare your paperwork for jobs you plan to apply for after Mercury is retrograde as you wait for it to go direct
During Mercury retrograde periods you can follow up and work on things that you have already done when Mercury was direct.
Don’t start new things when Mercury is retrograde because if you do they will most likely be reversed when Mercury goes direct.
Sometimes you have no choice because a job advert or interview comes up when Mercury is retrograde and you need a job so you have to go. In these instances be aware that the terms will change.
As Mercury goes direct after the retrograde period, and if you did apply for a job or had an interview during the retrograde time, you can expect to return again and again for further interviews, or the job itself is shelved, or the job is morphed into something else altogether.
Don’t start new things when Mercury is retrograde because if you do they will most likely be reversed when Mercury goes direct.
Recruiters
Companies usually act in good faith when they place an advert for an opening in their business, but the effect of Mercury retrograde changes the terms or the agreement and thus they may no longer need the person that they were originally looking for when Mercury was retrograde.
This cuts both ways for people looking for work and recruiters.
Companies and career consultants are better off only placing vacancy adverts when Mercury is direct and communications are clear.
If a recruiter seeks a candidate during the retrograde period they will have to spend three times as long emailing back and forth and interviewing people that cancel and can’t make it for whatever reason.
All of this time-consuming effort is due to the Mercury retrograde effect which impacts communications, trade, and agency.
The title Fish Can’t Climb Trees may seem a strange one but itreferences Einstein’s quote:
“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
And on from this that each person can be a genius but they need to be measured differently to each other. That one method of scoring intelligence does not fit all.
Helyn Connerr has written a book about how we actually process information as adults based on astrology.
She references ancient archetypes and builds her case on solid foundations. There are detailed explanations of the twelve possible learning methods as shown by each birth chart Mercury placement.
Connerr writes in an easy to read style with clear and articulate explanations for each sign. She makes memorable symbols for the Mercury signs like Procon for Mercury in Libra that references the Libran need to see both the pros and cons or both sides of any situation.
Say you and your friend both have your Sun in Aries, but if you have Mercury in Taurus you will learn and process information differently than your buddy who has their Mercury in Pisces.
There are chapters on learning style groupings, similarities and differences and polarity, relating and uptake of information. An astrologer will connect this to the astrological elements, qualities and polarities.
This book can be read by non-astrologers but for astrologers is it a wonderful resource on how each Mercury placement actually processes information. These insights can be used if you are a practicing astrologer right now in your daily readings.
My biggest take away from Fish Can’t Climb Trees is that as a teacher I naturally present my classes through my individual Mercury Model and I can see the strength and weaknesses in myself which can be improved to reach through to my own students who have different Mercury signs themselves.
Through the nature of your natal Mercury and it’s sign your speaking, learning, thinking and genius can be shown.
I’ve read a few astrology books in my time and I have to say that Fish Can’t Climb Trees by Helyn Connerr is exceptional on several counts. She has many original thoughts, insights and comments on astrology. She suggests practical methods of dealing with each Mercury sign. She has written a book which is well crafted with a woven message of intellectual diversity that should be embraced and not shunned.
If you are an astrology student, teacher, speaker or lecturer you need to read Fish can’t Climb Trees.
I enjoyed this book immensely.
About the Author
Helyn Connerr, MSc. is creator of personal development workshop the Mercury Model, which is a culmination of her personal interests including her long term study of astrology with its mythic themes and archetypal patterns. The Model assesses individual’s natural cognitive style, and has been successfully adapted into a professional development version too. Author of Learning Without Tears (2008), she has also featured in a wide range of journals and publications, including The Guardian. Helyn currently works as a teacher, trainer, coach and consultant while running her Cumbria-based UK business Astro Innovation.
I recently received this question about Saturn from a reader:
“I always watch where Saturn is transiting for me and I’m beginning to think that Saturn is not as bad as we understand. I have had some of the best things happen for me when Saturn is in a certain house.
Like when it was in my first house I stopped drinking, smoking and lost weight. Now it’s in the second house and I have never earned so much money in my life. I have a lot to pay but the earning is something else!
I think if we are aware we can make it [Saturn by house] work for us. Buckle down to the discipline and so on. We live in terror of Saturn and yet find incredible blessing in its transits.
What do you think Alison?”
Here’s what I think
How exciting that a relative novice at astrology has such insights. That by having even a smattering of information (Saturn in her houses) allows her to understand the complexities of the planetary astrology and how it actually works in her chart.
For a bit of background information, this woman is forty-something and lives a regular life in the suburbs. She and her husband enjoy a fulfilling life where they try to make ends meet at the same time educating their kids and enjoying their family with many dogs.
In fact they are a couple probably just like you or me.
The first house
The first house is about your physical appearance, vitality and how you look. It is the facade you present to others.
Any planet passing through (or transiting) your first house will change you in the nature of the transiting planet.
Saturn
Saturn is traditionally known as “The Greater Malefic” this means it is the biggest bad boy of the planets.
In case you are wondering Mars has the dubious reputation as “The Lesser Malefic” and on a side note Venus is the “The Lesser Benefic” and Jupiter is “The Greater Benefic” and we’ve got to love the old labels.
Saturn is the planet of control and discipline. It can be cold and hard but it does have its up side. When saturn bestows its gifts they are sometimes difficult to see.
Saturn brings things like:
Being able to master something
Finding staying power for the long haul
Building on a strong foundation
These are old fashioned virtues and don’t fit with the modern world of quick fixes, sound bytes and 7 day miracle diets etc.
Time is of the essence
Saturn takes time but if you do put the time in you will reap benefits from Saturn’s graces.
I often relate how Saturn works in your life, to the beloved character of Cousin Violet in Downton Abbey.
Here is a woman who is old and crusty, loves traditions but has staying power for the long haul.
The Dowager will prevail.
Reader insights and being self-aware
That our reader has noticed when Saturn recently went through her first house changing her physical appearance by her improved self care of cutting out drinking and smoking and losing some weight is excellent.
Yes, Saturn can change your life and yes, for the better.
Although you may not notice it at the time, you will be able to look back and see the improvements that have been made in your life.
Your vitality is as good as your first house.
Living every day with destructive habits can be stopped, or at least curtailed, and limited when Saturn passes through your first house. This is a perfect example of Saturnian energy.
Putting your back into your toil can benefit you through more work coming your way or an increase in your hourly rate. This usually means more pay.
You have to work hard but the cash is worth it and so are you.
I have often said that “good income equates to good self-esteem” and this is very much so when Saturn passes through your second house.
Forecast for Saturn in the third house
We can guess what will happen when Saturn enters her third house.
Perhaps she will find the time for her brother and sister, or she could easily take a stand on what is going on in her neighbourhood and perhasp build a fence to keep the dogs in or the passers-by out.
Our reader may decide to build on the successes she achieved when Saturn went through her second house of good work and income, and sign up for some more courses.
Maybe she will attend classes for something new that interests her or she could go back over classes she took in the past when Saturn first went through her third house, which would have been about thirty years ago when she was at school.
Perhaps she will make up a personal reading list and decide to get through one book a week for the year and a half that Saturn is in her third house. She could add some beloved classics to the list or try a modern author. Heck, she may even start her own journal, scribe poetry or teach others.
The possibilities are endless.
That we have given some ideas here will set our reader thinking on how best to use the planetary energies as they slowly transform her and she evolves in line with the potentials of her chart.
In reality an astrologer would look deeper into her chart and note the sign on the cusp of each house that Saturn is transiting and also how her natal Saturn is placed and how it contacts the rest of her chart through the dynamic aspects.
Of course there are many parts to a chart reading, and we have only looked at a small section today.
Further thoughts
Do you know which house Saturn is stimulating and transiting in your birth chart today?
Can you find the blessing when it passes by?
If you want to know more about astrology or your chart please contact me.
Mercury has more retrograde cycles than the other planets. Mercury goes retrograde three times each year. This occurs roughly at four month intervals and usually coincides with the same element for three consecutive retrograde periods.
Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. It moves the fastest of all the planets. Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo.
All the planets except the Sun and Moon have retrograde periods every year. The exception is Mars which turns retrograde every two years. you can see that it affects many planets and that there is almost always one planet retrograde at any given time.
Pop culture and Mercury retrograde
As the details of Mercury retrograde permeate through to the general public the words, “Mercury retrograde” become a catch phrase and is diluted down into basic, and often most inflammatory words. You will hear things like, “don’t buy computers, cars or phones when Mercury is retrograde.”
Well yes, certainly those things can be said but astrologers know there is a more subtle effect to the apparent reversal of direction for the innermost planet.
Your natal Mercury condition
As with all astrology good forecasting and interpretation for yourself hinges on your own chart. If you have a well-placed and robust Mercury you will withstand the influence of Mercury retrograde (or any retrograde depending on the planet) and still be standing as other folds under their weaker Mercury placements.
A broad generality is like saying, “All cars reverse (or back-up) badly” when really it is more that, “some drivers can’t reverse very well.”
You know yourself that you are better at some things than others and certainly you will do some things way better than anyone else. So saying we all suffer the same way when Mercury is retrograde is simplistic.
If you have Mercury retrograde in your birth chart you will withstand the negative effects of any Mercury retrograde period now and in the future.
How Retrogrades Affect Your Chart
Whichever house in your natal chart this retrograde occurs will be the area of life that is affected.
For example, if this Mercury retrograde period occurs in your fourth house then you will revisit family and home issues and you will need to go back and attend to them and drains, leaks and plumbing come to mind.
If it happens in your seventh house your marriage will need further discussions and conversations and yes it will be about dragging up past issues (like affairs) to be aired again as these things just won’t stay buried.
The Illusion of Aparrent Retrograde Motion
Retrograde motion is the apparent backwards movement of a planet.
The analogy I use when I’m teaching a class is that when you are on a train moving forwards then another train pulls alongside going at the same speed, if the second train slows down it appearsto be going backwards, although it is still moving forwards albeit slower than your train.
This is an optical illusion and clearly demonstrates planetary apparent retrograde motion.
Not all business methods work for all businesses. Not all astrology business’ work the same for everyone either. What gels with for one practitioner will not necessarily pan out for another. Why? Because the two astrologers have different natal charts to each other.
To find satisfying work you have to be aligned with the energy potentials shown in your own chart. One way of tapping into this is by looking at your outer planet signature.
Your outer planet signature
We checked out your outer planet signature earlier this month. If you missed this piece you can find out how to find your strong outer planet here.
You have a number which represents the prominence of the outer planet in your chart.
So what? Well now you can see the difference in how each of the outer planets operate. Your strong outer planet will work for you over and above the two weaker outer planets in the following manner.
if the outer planet is not strong in the natal chart because say, the Moon dominates the chart, then the outer planetary energy will continue to operate the background of your life.
Mercury
The ideas is to engage your Mercury and get your conscious brain on side to bring the potentials of your prominent outer planet to bear on attracting the type of clients you want (and need) as shown by your natal chart.
We can’t all offer the same thing but if you work with the astrology rather than against it you will be more satisfied in your craft.
A Pluto signature: Your clients magnetically appear
If you have a strong Pluto you can attract clients who:
Find you by your cryptic messages in adverts
Magnetically appear
May hover in the shadows
May be afraid to approach you
May be lurkers before becoming clients
Come out of the woodwork and find you
How to promote your astrology business with a strong Pluto:
Offer in-depth psychological readings
Offer sexual problem explorations
Promote the mystery of your craft
Offer private readings
Allow your clients anonymity
Stress your privacy policy
Offer deep insights
Explore past-life regressions
Offer bereavement astrology
A Neptune signature: Your clients intuitively appear
If you have a strong Neptune outer planet energy you can attract clients who:
Appreciate your arty adverts
Pray for help
Arrive by osmosis
Find astrology hypnotic
Believe in astrology
Are spiritually minded
How to promote your astrology business with a strong Neptune:
Say you understand
Use your intuition
Offer a sympathetic ear
Say that you relate to them
Mention your belief in their problems
Intimate that you are a psychic or a medium (if you are)
Use a crystal ball as a prop
Say you can help clients find their vision
A Uranus signature: Clients suddenly appear
If you have a strong Uranus outer planet signature in your birth chart you can attract clients who:
Like astrology itself
Want to learn astrology
Are modern and up-to-date
Contact you at a group meeting
Use social networking
Like to be unusual
Think they can change the world
Are young up and coming professionals
How to promote your astrology business if you have a strong Uranus outer planet signature:
Promote astrology for the 21st century
Be new age
Use a computer and techie props
Stress astrology is for young people
Promote astrology for the masses
Read futures
Break down borders
Support Astrologers without borders
Promote your astrology group
Many roads lead to Rome. These techniques can help you find the clients you can and want to help and work with.
For only a few days each year Chiron will be the oriental planet.
Chiron as vocational indicator
Chiron does not have a sign that it rules and therefore it cannot be the MC ruler. When Chiron is the oriental planet it shows another route to vocational attributes.
If you have Chiron oriental it suggests that you are good at support services with the human touch. You are capable of in-house teaching and explaining exactly what the company does and what is expected of each employee.
Chiron skills
Teacher
Employee training
Therapists and healers
Works at a shelter
A key person
Chiron vocations
Key-card company access person, first aid trainer, lock keeper, locksmith, guru, mentor, nurse, teacher, paramedic, physiotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, rehabilitation worker or therapist.
People with Chiron oriental include:
Charles Darwin
Celine Dion
Abraham Lincoln
Astronomy of Chiron Oriental
Chiron when oriental rises before the Sun.
Astrologically we refer to Chiron as a planet it is also known as an centaur although NASA is still referring it is a comet.
Chiron lies between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus. It is often referred to as a bridging planet because it bridges between the visible planets (Sun to Saturn) from the outer planets (Uranus outwards).
Depending on its position in the orbit Chiron may be either a visible planet or an outer planet.
Chiron is closer to the Sun in Libra and further away in Aries. At present it is in Pisces the Fish.
Note: Chiron is not an asteroid like Ceres and Pallas Athene as they lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
All of the planets orbit the Sun. The length of time each one takes to make its journey is dependent on its distance from the centre of the solar system. The further out a planet is the longer the orbit.
Our Earth takes one year to come back to the same place on the zodiac. The infamous Saturn return occurs at the age of twenty-nine. Past Saturn is Uranus the ruler of Aquarius.
Uranus requires eighty-four earth years to make one complete Uranian year. It happens for us as octogenarians and is known as the Uranus return. A Uranus half return occurs when transiting Uranus gets half way round the Sun and a transiting Uranus opposition natal Uranus aspect is formed.
Unless an outer planet (Uranus, Neptune or Pluto) are connected to your Sun, Moon Ascendant or prominent in other ways they can languish quietly tucked up in a house of your chart and you don’t know they are there. Then one day a transiting planetary configuration occurs and you are (in the case of Uranus) awakened.
Uranus transits
To experience a Uranus transit it is a bit like jarring your funny bone when you are suddenly made aware of its presence by the jangle down your arm and it is not funny at all!
The Uranus half return is humorously known as the “Harley Davidson aspect” because it occurs at time in life when guys throw up their lives, buy a hog and drive out towards a new and exciting future.
Key themes for this period are break-ups, break-downs and break-outs. Life in general can be difficult when Uranus opposes its natal place. By the early forties Uranus has travelled half way around your chart and now takes the stance of looking back at its birth position and the you ask yourself “Is that all I’ve done?” and “What happened to the younger me?”
Separation can occur now and it is often regarding your growing dissatisfaction with life. There is a feeling that “It’s now of never” and “I have to do this while I’m still young.” In this way some people may throw up things and not look back. They will revolutionize certain areas of their lives which are suggested by the natal placement of Uranus.
Here is a story of this aspect at work:
A woman looks out from her porch and gazes on her garden. There is a large tree offering shade and her children play there. She and her husband sometimes sip lemonade sitting in the seat under the cool of the branches.
Life is good.
Then one day a storm breaks and the tree is suddenly struck by lightening. The dead fractured tree has to be broken up and removed from the property and along with it the protection and comfort it had provided for all those years.
Now the woman looks from her porch and is faced with a different landscape. New vistas have opened up. She can see down the valley and just make out the distant hills.
She asks herself “What is that twinkling in the distance? Why it is the old waterfall flowing down to the river below.”
The beauty spot had been there all along but she had forgotten about it. Perhaps she should take a walk there tomorrow and have a look…
The upside
When forecasting you have to always consider the upside of every transit even tough ones from the outers.
Saturn will be oriental planet on and off each year.
The oriental planet is the one that rises before the Sun in any chart. To find the oriental planet locate the Sun and look clockwise in the chart to the next planet which will be the oriental planet.
The Oriental planet changes throughout the year as the Sun transits the zodiac.
Which planet can be oriental?
I consider all the planets, including the inners and Chiron (but not the asteroids), as possible contenders for the oriental position. I also watch out for Eris for those with an Aries or Taurus Sun.
The Sun cannot be the oriental planet. Chart points are never considered such as the nodes or Vertex etc.
Saturn as tribune
If you have Saturn as the eastern planet you are cautious and like to master their actions first. You prefer the old tried and tested methods for presenting yourself. There is much concern regarding your public status and keeping ‘face’. Your reputation forestalls you. Saturn oriental has patience for the long game and so you will bide your time. These people make good ‘backers’ and will stay for the long haul. Well known seniors often have Saturn oriental.
What they say about Saturn oriental people:
“You can rely on him” and “He’s looking old.”
Saturn as vocational indicator
When Saturn is the oriental planet the vocational indicators are towards management and the tried and tested. You can follow instruction and give them as well. You play it by the book and will often refer to the company manuals. You work well in a structured environment and prefer to have your back to the wall. You may be seen as old-fashioned but that does not concern you. You rely on previous methods and know they pay dividends in the long run.
Saturn oriental skills
Managing a business.
Reliable and dependable.
An authority.
Good time management.
Productive.
Accepts hierarchical structures.
Embraces patriarch organizations.
Accepts the tried and tested.
Saturn vocations
Bricklayers, business administrators, candlestick makers, cement companies, civil engineer, controls department, dentists, dermatologists, dam builders and operators, dry wall construction, economists, endodontics, engineers, entrepreneurs, fencing and walling companies, geriatrics carer, lead roof merchants, lobbyists, middle and top management positions, masons, orthodontists, orthopedics, organizations, office managers, plumbers, politicians, producers, quarrymen, sculptors (stone), seniors worker, stonemasons, watchmakers or well diggers.
Those with Saturn oriental include: Wayne Gretzky, Marc Edmund Jones, Mick Jagger and Martin Luther King Jr.
Research into the Oriental Planet
I am conducting ongoing research into the oriental planet and its meaning in natal charts. Please send me your birth details if you wish to participate in this research.
Mars wants to compete and initiate things. Sagittarius is keen to be on a journey be it religious, educational, philosophical or physical. Here the sprinter (Mars) meets the marathon runner (Sagittarius).
What to expect
Defenders of the faith come from from all sides.
Adventure and excitement abounds.
Your energy is scattered now and it may be hard to focus.
You easily justify your actions.
Sport and competition are favored.
Journeys begun now will be enlightening.
To make use of astrology properly you need to find ways to work with the planetary potentials of the moment. You’ve gotta to know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.
Whilst Mars is energizing Sagittarius you can take the initiative and get your plans moving.
Steady now, you may want to start too many things at once. This is the time to pick your battles but not go overboard.
Fortune favors the brave
If you have a long term project that has been languishing on the back burner it can be begun now. Have faith and simply start. Perhaps your adventure awaits.
Every journey begins with the first step. Take yours as Mars strides through Sagittarius.
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err, MSc. is creator of personal development workshop the Mercury Model, which is a culmination of her personal interests including her long term study of astrology with its mythic themes and archetypal patterns. The Model assesses individual’s natural cognitive style, and has been successfully adapted into a professional development version too. Author of 
