The Astrology Blog – w/b 6 October 2014
All times stated are in BST.
The Sun and Venus are now both travelling through Libra, sign of the Scales. This puts not only partnership but all close relationships high up on the list of importance, especially with regard to the Libran key issues of negotiation, compromise and equality. With Mercury now retrograde these concerns are even more sensitive than usual and even more so at the end of the week when Mercury’s retrograde journey takes him back into Libra. Take special note of any resentments or grievances that you are keeping to yourself – or which you suspect others are keeping to themselves – and try not to let the pressure cooker build up too much steam. Both the Sun and Venus are going to oppose rebellious Uranus in Aries this week so the clash between what others need and want (Libra) versus what you need and want (Aries, the individual) will need careful handling:
• Tuesday Sun opposite Uranus (21.53)
• Saturday Venus opposite Uranus (10.11)
Uranus is the agent of sudden and unexpected change so you may not get much warning. Stay on your toes. Wednesday’s Full Moon at 15 degrees of Aries (11.52) is also a Total Lunar Eclipse which may turn the heat up even higher.
Some astrologers refer to eclipses as power points, others as omens of disempowerment. Either way, they tend to play a role in revealing new pictures. A shadow is thrown but lifts again and some changes may be linked to bringing things out of hiding. Triangular setups, such as affairs, also feature as eclipses are about the intricate relationship between the three bodies of the Sun, Moon and Earth. Someone may be overshadowed while another emerges in a new light.
To add, in traditional astrology the Sun and the Moon are called The Lights – the Sun being the light of the day (Lord of the day) and the Moon being the light of the night (Lady of the Night). In the physical body they rule the eyes. The Sun rules the right eye in a man and the left eye in a woman, and the Moon vice versa. This underlines the theme of vision. What is it that you haven’t seen (known about or understood) until now? How does this change your landscape?
Wednesday also brings Venus square Pluto (18.32) so we have a T-Square aspect pattern in the cardinal signs – ie both the Sun and Venus in Libra are opposite Uranus in Aries, and in turn they are all square to Pluto in Capricorn (the Sun square Pluto was exact over last weekend). Again, this signals tension but with Pluto as the release valve. My own feeling is that this adds up to not being afraid to wipe the slate clean and start again. The more we face up to a fear the more we can do something about it. There’s a lot to be said for living life fearlessly – such as refusing to be controlled or intimidated (the difficult side to Pluto) and holding onto your own power and rights (the positive side to Pluto).
Getting back to Mercury … Regular readers will know how I feel about retrograde Mercury periods (three times a year for three weeks at a time) as I find them extremely troublesome. In fact, every time Mercury switches to reverse I say, “it can’t possibly be as bad as the last time”, but then it usually is! However, there is some truth in the idea that retrograde Mercury also brings issues to light, the things that have been ignored and now need dealing with, and it’s always worth noting what happens at the moment Mercury turns around. On this occasion I was sitting down to a last night meal with family (who had been out here to Greece for my sister’s wedding and btw the elective astrology worked, the day was fabulous in every respect!) and two issues came up at the exact minute that Mercury turned. Of course in the true spirit of Mercury turning retrograde in secretive Scorpio I can’t tell you what they are…
What were you doing when Mercury turned around (Saturday at 18.03)? There may be some clues with regard to what you’ll be dealing with or working on during the next few weeks. Again, take notes on Friday when Mercury retrogrades back into Libra (18.28) and will continue reversing through this sign until turning direct again on 25 October (at 17 degrees of Libra). This is when subjects that have been off limits may pop again and you’ll get the chance to have your say or listen to someone else having their say. The crucial message is that, either way, differences of opinion need to be allowed. Even if (especially if) someone’s point of view is mystifying to you remember that the same is probably true the other way around – for now.
I have resolved to make a conscious effort this time around to think about how I am going to use the next three weeks in a proactive way that a retrograde Mercury would applaud. So here’s a checklist that may be helpful:
• Getting back to ideas on the back burner
• Getting back in touch with neglected friends
• Re words – review, revise, research, reappraise
• This time am adding – rest and relaxation, give the brain some time off
• Keep options open
I will also be spending this week finalizing my new book (the writing is done, all completed just before Mercury, planet of words, turned around) in terms of checking text and artwork for accuracy. Proof reading is a classic Mercury task and I know that I need to be very careful not to let any errors slip the net. I always remember my last publisher telling me that to publish a book without any errors is virtually impossible, no matter how many times or by how many different people the text is checked. The tricks of the eye and mind work against us!
The last word goes to the positive and optimistic strand running through this week’s astrological tapestry:
• Wednesday Mars trine Jupiter (21.44)
• Saturday Sun sextile Jupiter (00.19)
These are both harmonious aspects to Jupiter – the Greater Benefic, planet of opportunity and good fortune. Events that unfold around these aspects will be helpful and may take the shape of those who are good for us or lucky for us. Also note that Jupiter loves sowing seeds so whatever plans are in the making, or whatever ideas are taking shape, may have a long way to go but they should be fruitful. Now that the season has finished here in Greece one of my jobs this week is to look at next year’s schedule for the Astrology and Tarot Summer School – Jupiter rules overseas and higher education so have got some irons sizzling in the fire and will put out the course dates and descriptions when Mercury turns direct! In the meantime don’t forget:
• Assume nothing, double check everything
• When in doubt, do nothing
• Keep a close watch on all belongings – especially keys or anything linked to communication such as phones, laptops, cameras etc and don’t even think about buying new ones for the time being.
• Take extra care with form filling/signing on dotted lines
• Back up all your computer work
• No matter how strongly you may feel about something – or someone – you may change your mind in two to three weeks time. Or someone else will.
Very useful information
Thank you very much for this Joanna, so grateful for all the information and inspiration you give us. Interesting that I’ve been given the opportunity to return to a job I enjoyed previously, but due to bereavement in the family, I had to move on from it. Now the offer to return is on the table- I’m Leo so it’s very tempting as I know I have Jupiter on my side. I’m not making any hasty decisions but feel the offer won’t stay open for long, so I’m not able to dither either!! Sending you love and Reiki Blessings