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SL,UT based Astrologer and Tarot Artisan

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Mercury Retrograde: April 28-May 21

Using my trusty ephemeris, Mercury Retrograde started on April 28 and goes until May 21. The god/symbol of communication appears to go backward in the sky, relative to earth’s orbit. This happens a couple of times each year, and this time it goes back from 23° Taurus to 14° Taurus.

What does that mean? It means the first time Mercury hit 14° Taurus was about April 15. At that point we entered the “shadow zone,” the area that is passed, reversed over and passed again. Three times Mercury goes over the same space! Wherever those degrees of Taurus land in our chart will be evaluated and reevaluated, those degrees get the third degree, you know what I’m saying?

They say that during Mercury Retrograde you shouldn’t sign contracts or make serious life decisions. But there’s almost a month of it this time, you can’t just sit around and do nothing til May. We’re just processing information in a different way. It might seem like there are breakdowns regarding anything to do with communication: actual conversations, emails, texts, etc. People have a harder time understanding others and being understood. Mercury rules communication, rational thinking and information processing, how we think basically and how we express our thoughts. When it backs up and goes over the same area like this, our thoughts collect themselves differently.

There are a lot of different interpretations of this. In ancient times it was considered a bad omen, no transactions would occur if the gods did not agree. In a more contemporary sense, it is a frustrating time because the messages aren’t getting through. Because retrogrades happen when the planets are closer to the earth, some say that the energy is internalized rather than outwardly expressed, the planet goes to the ‘underworld.’ This might account for communication breakdown during Mercury Rx because what normally goes out to other people goes instead to the inner life. We aren’t thinking the same way.

In the sign of Taurus, all I can think with this Rx is “got my mind on my money and my money on my mind.” Taurus is the 2nd zodiac sign and is associated with value: worth, esteem (especially self), your coins, etc. Taurus wants pleasant surroundings to enjoy all the senses, very much in the body. It’s the first fixed as well as earth sign, this makes Taurus generally calm but immovable. So with Mercury flying around in our zone of things that are ‘mine,’ we might have some communications that might not go anywhere. Everyone is reevaluating their self-worth, self-esteem, how those coins are piling up (or not). This makes everyone defensive of what is ‘mine.’ Mercury is going over everything with a fine-toothed comb, and we might bristle as our sense of self worth seems challenged. You also might be thinking about the way you collect money, is it working for you, are you getting paid your value?

The reason they say not to make life decisions during Mercury Rx is because generally when it’s over and we’re back through the shadow zone, you’ll feel more like yourself again. These times of intense scrutiny, especially right now over what we hold to be dear, to be part of us, can be very trying. My thing over the last couple of days when I feel there are hiccups in communication is to kinda shrug it off, jokingly say, “It’s Mercury Retrograde,” and move on. If I can see the conflict, I’m not going to escalate it in any way. Of course, if there’s some major stuff you need to change or confront, you gotta do it. It’s never more important to be perfectly clear than in these times when people are likely to misunderstand. Don’t use your communication to fight, but fight to communicate.

Mercury will go forward, or direct, again on May 22. This will be the last pass, so hopefully everything got settled during your retro. We’ll pass 23° Taurus again on June 8, and at that point our ccommunication, especially in relation to our self-value, will move into new territory.

Thanks for reading my stuff, even when I post about Mercury Rx as it’s already happening.

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The 1st House

My rising sign is Aries, so the Sun is currently in my 1st House. I thought it would be fun to talk about houses as I’m going through them, and off I go.

In a (western/tropical/circular) chart, your rising sign is the one that cusps the leftmost spoke where it usually says AC. That stands for Ascendant, and it’s portion of the zodiac that was coming over the eastern horizon at the time of your birth (also why the left is called the east portion of your chart, the opposite of looking at a map because you’re looking up-something I read somewhere). And that’s why it’s important to know the exact time of your birth when looking up your chart, because your rising sign and 1st House set up your whole journey through life.

The signs of the zodiac have a natural affinity with the houses. The 1st House and Aries energy are connected, as well as Taurus energy and the 2nd House, and so on through Pisces energy and the 12th House. The signs are how the energy is expressed and the Houses show where in your life you express that energy. Everyone has some expression of all the signs in the zodiac. The amount of planets you have in a certain sign or certain kind of sign will energize and activate those areas of your life in relation to the energy of the planets. The planets are the “Players.” Their placement at the time of our birth endow us with certain superpowers, as I like to think of it, and show us our strengths and weaknesses. The movement of the planets through our houses then energize other areas of our lives. For instance, Saturn returns to the place where we were born around the age of 30 and the midlife crisis around the early 40’s are usually in time with the Uranus being in the opposite place from when we were born.

So!  The Ascendant and the whole 1st House is like Aries’ motto, the great ‘I AM.’ Everything that you think of as being ‘you’ comes from the 1st House. Your personality, physical traits and habits, how you engage conflict or not, your whole concept of yourself. This is usually why people say they aren’t like their Horoscope. The energy you give off one-on-one is coming from your 1st House and is expressed by your Rising Sign. So for example, if you have Venus in your 1st, you are probably very charming and give good first impressions, there might be something very alluring or attractive about your personality, etc. If Saturn is in the 1st, you might feel like your ego is restrained in some way, like you shouldn’t get too big for your britches or something, or it could also mean you are very grounded and structured in your sense of self through trials and learning.

The 1st house is important because it’s how you start off your journey through life and the 12 Houses of the Zodiac. It’s like being a baby and realizing you have toes. I have a body! This is me! Boom! It also tells you which planet is the ruler of your chart, based on your Ascendant. Mine is Aries, so the ruler of my chart is the planet Mars. Mars becomes a touchstone in reading my chart, because it is connected to my 1st House, my body, myself. The aspects, some astrologers like to say ‘conversations,’ that other planets make to my ruling planet Mars show where energy flows freely or is bound and distressed in my chart. Your ruling planet shows major drives and possibilities for you to explore in your life.

So let’s say you have a bunch of planets in your first house. A grouping of three or more planets in a house or sign is called a stellium. There are points on the chart like the Ascendant, that can also be grouped into stelliums. When a stellium occurs, the planets involved all become fused and the energies of the planets become indistinguishable. If your Sun and Moon are in the 1st, creating a stellium with your Ascendant, you are very consciously and emotionally aware of yourself. Your outer and internal worlds are intertwined with your very identity. A stellium in the 1st could mean you have a powerful charisma and vitality to your presence, it could also show a likeliness to get so caught up in yourself that you have a hard time seeing other people’s viewpoints. The 1st House is all about you.

Since the Sun has been in my 1st House (since March 22), I’ve noticed a couple of things. I’m not as soupy as I was in the 12th house, and less apt to second-guess myself. The Sun loves to be in the 1st House because it shines its vitality into your personal being. Our awareness and energy get a boost of life-force. I’ve felt more grounded and in tune with my Aries Rising energy, ready for anything and itching to start. On the flip side, I have realized the force behind my personality comes out in a warlike, Aries/Mars way since the Sun has been up in there. I was having a conversation with some friends recently, and me not thinking, shouted out everything my loud mouth could think of. Next thing I know, everyone was withdrawing from me and one friend even left. My outburst had extra oomph behind it, and without realizing how much fire/Aries/Mars I was putting out, I kinda burned everyone. So that has been making me think about ways to use that energy in constructive ways, rather than just lashing out.

What is the I AM? It’s all in the 1st House.

Cheers,

Will

 

P.s. if I think of more stuff, I’ll add on.

P.p.s. I’m also going to be recommending resources for you to look at if you want more astro info.

A book I really connected with at the beginning of my journey was Sextrology by Starsky & Cox. Fun and relatable with a bit of scandalousness on the side, it breaks down all 12 signs by gender. Really a breakthrough for me in terms of thinking about how different zodiac energies express themselves.

If you want to look up your chart, check out astro.com! Lots of free info, articles, etc.

Thanks again!

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New Moon in Capricorn

The new moon is a time to look at new goals over the next month. The earth comes between the sun and moon, and the moon goes dark in the earth’s shadow. The sun and moon are said to be joined, the convergence of the masculine and feminine giving birth to a new moon cycle. This time they come together in the sign of Capricorn.

 

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn. In traditional astrology, it’s considered the ‘dark sun,’ the opposite point to both the sun and moon, the ‘luminaries.’ It’s the last of the planets you can see with the naked eye, and because of its distance, it’s the dimmest. It was called the Great Malefic, and its placement in the chart was said to cause illness, breakdowns and bad luck. In contemporary astrology, it’s thought of more as the great teacher, placing obstructions in our path to elevate us through trials and building character. The Saturn Return, around the age of 30, it’s a crucial time where folks either delve into life lessons and transcend or run away and continue the trials until they are faced.

 

Which brings us to the keyword of anything having to do with Capricorn energy: responsibility. We either take responsibility or avoid it. Rules are there for a reason. Structure exists to refine form. Under Sagittarius, we grow, exponentially. But we can’t just expand. We have to set limits so we can define goals. That’s what Capricorn is about, reigning things in so that they are manageable and able to be realized.

 

Capricorn’s association with Saturn also puts an emphasis on longevity and time-honored tradition. Structures exist because they are proven to work. Caps tend to enjoy ‘old-timey’ stuff, alluding to a classier time gone by.

 

It’s animal totem is the sea-goat, a creature who can swim to the deepest depths of the waters (emotional power, can cause Caps to get pulled down by depression) but who can also nimbly skip to the highest peaks of the mountains. They are wont to achieve, and will always move forward, even if it’s two steps forward, one step back. Though they usually plan ahead so well they don’t experience the setbacks other, less calculating signs might. Cap is the cardinal earth sign, an initiator and organizer of the highest order, they will take all the practical action needed to accomplish a goal. It’s my feeling that they are the most likely to actually complete a goal out of the cardinal signs, though others might set out to begin more. They also might take it to the extreme and be SUPER micro-managey.

 

Earth energy has to do with the body, real world sensations and experiences. So while these folks are usually very concerned with their appearance in the world (in association with the 10th house of public life), they usually know very much how to enjoy their senses in ways that other signs might be afraid to try. I’ve never met a Cap that wasn’t a secret freak in the sheets;)

 

So, anyway, whatever, the Capricorn New Moon! This is a time to start plans (cardinal) toward a practical (earth) goal that has to do with your public self or worldly standing (10th house). This is a time to evaluate your responsibilities. What is helping you climb the Capricorn mountain? What is dragging you down to the depths of the sea? This isn’t the time to worry about your immediate surroundings and comforts (Taurus), or your actual work and day to day activities (Virgo). This is the time to work toward your career and long-term ambitions. Don’t worry about fighting this battle, focus on winning the war. Plant seeds to this effect and over the next month, the power of the Leo full moon will help to give the personal power and confidence to take action. The placement of the new moon in your chart will tell you in what area of your life to focus this energy (and I can tell you in a reading, wink wink:)

 

Other major influences on this new moon include conjuncting the current Mercury Retrograde, which I touched on in a previous post. Everything I said about the new moon comes under more scrutiny because everything seems backward right now. Our thinking and communication is turned inward, it seems we’re having trouble getting our point across right now, maybe. Is what you think you want really what you want, or is it just what you want right now? Think about the future and what is going to get you to where you want to go, not just what you need right now. Right now is temporary, try to see past what might seem like insurmountable odds (thanks Saturn influence).

 

The new moon is also conjunct Pluto, which digs up old secrets and encourages transformation through letting go of old things. Release will be a big element of this moon phase. What is holding you back? You can’t reach out for new stuff if your cold, dead hands are clutching onto the past. Let go and let yourself become reborn through Pluto’s transformational power.

 

The new moon is also square to Uranus in Aries. This tension between our awareness and the “Awakener” in the sign of the self is pushing us forward. We won’t be content with things as they’ve been going, and we’ll break out of the mold. I know a bunch of folks who have changed jobs, or just quit because it wasn’t working for them right now. Go with it! Break out of what isn’t working for you. This will help us with Pluto’s call to change.

 

It isn’t all bad news right now, though. We’ve got a trine to Jupiter in Virgo going on, which will give ease and blessings if we stick to the ever-expanding details. Depending on who you ask, both God and the Devil are in the details, and right now it’ll be if you’re paying attention to them or not. Those pesky, mundane trifles should be our stepping stones to the future we seek, and right now those seemingly innocuous things are going to get us there. Nothing is too small to notice if we’re trying to take on the big picture.

 

Cheers,

Will

 

Definitely googled this image, and got it from astrologerbillattride.typepost.com. Thanks Bill!

 

Also check out the book SEXTROLOGY, by Starsky and Cox. It’s a fun read describing each sign by gender.

 

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New Moon in Virgo and Partial Solar Eclipse

Hey everyone!

Big things happening this weekend with the New Moon in Virgo, as well as a partial Solar Eclipse.  This takes place at 12.41am on Sunday, Mountain Standard Time.  I made a video describing these energies, and how they flow from last month here:

Other details pertinent to this transit include the opposition to Chiron at 19° Pisces, which will activate an opportunity for healing.  Chiron is an asteroid/planetoid between Jupiter and Saturn, symbolizing the bridge between past and present, between the waking world and the underworld.  He’s the wounded healer, representing where we have been hurt or where we are incomplete, and conversely, where we can heal others and in doing so, become whole.  In Pisces, this has to do with our subconscious.  The deepest parts of our minds, our connection to the other side, the spiritual energies of the universe, the place where we wash away and become one with creation, is highlighted during this New Moon and partial Solar Eclipse.  We have the opportunity to heal these hurts in our souls, or we run the risk of becoming paralyzed by them and allowing them to take over.  Oppositions are a fine-tuned balance or a tug of war.  Will you hold on to past hurts, or will you become empowered by them?  With Saturn at the last degree of Scorpio (shared values, regeneration, cycles), I would encourage all of us to let go and release these hurts.  This will create the balance we need to integrate Chiron’s healing energy into this new phase of our lives.  Because this Solar Eclipse is opening a portal to new world of our own devising, don’t limit your power during this time. What you feel can be made manifest.

While we have this healing going on, we will need to be aware of Uranus over there at 19° Aries.  This creates what’s called a quincunx, an aspect of 150 degrees to the New Moon.  This is at best…unpredictable.  With Uranus’ M.O. of breaking out and rebelling against the status quo, electrically charging whatever he touches, this New Moon and partial Solar Eclipse can have explosive results.  This could mean you are encountering new ideas or situations that you have no basis of experience with, it could challenge your ideas about who you are.  It’s possible that in delving into the psyche of Chiron/Pisces, you find things that don’t fit with how you now see the world or even yourself. That’s OK! The only constant is change.  And this can quite possibly be a violent change.  Aries is warlike, almost childishly, innocently selfish and with Uranus there supercharging our self-interest, we could be seeing major, jolting changes in the areas of our lives where these things land in our chart.  Chiron/Pisces blends into the next sign of Uranus/Aries, so while these changes might seem incongruent or unexpected, the New Moon/Eclipse/Virgo energies will help actualize and physicalize and realize – in the waking world – the birth of the new energies within you.

Go for it!  Blow stuff up!  Leave it behind you!

A new world is waiting for you.

Cheers,

Will

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Astro Post – Moon into Gemini

Astro Post: Woke up real early this morning! It’s about 5.30am at the time of writing this, woke up really energized. Lately my dreams have been really vivid, maybe because of the waning energy of the Pisces full moon. I’m just glad I’m not waking up feeling like I got hit by a train anymore.

Anyway! Today the moon moves into Gemini, and the T-square that will be hanging around for awhile is briefly a Grand Cross, or a Grand Square, which you can see in the chart of the moment. That dreamy Neptune/Pisces and the practical Sun/Virgo are BOTH going to feel the strain as the Moon (emotions, intuition, inner world) goes into the sign of communication and localized experience. We might be seeing more of our neighborhood or workplace today, moving around a lot and talking to a myriad of people.

As I’m writing this, though, the moon is EXACTLY opposite Saturn/Scorpio. An opposition is either a perfect balance or a tug of war. Are our feelings at odds with our trials in life, or are we able to bridge the connection? Are we able to merge our minds with our intimate relationships at the moment?

As the Moon moves through Gemini today (and tomorrow, mostly today because it’s those early degrees of Gemini), notice if there are tensions that erupt into words. How are we using our words? Are we using them like tools, building our relationships or is it time to use them like weapons to tear some ish down? The Moon’s transit through here will create drama in your everyday environments because of the Grand Cross. This is an opportunity to TAKE ACTION. The ‘negative’ or ‘analytical’ aspects of squares and oppositions (red lines) light a fire under us to actually do something.

So take notice if it seems like people are actively trying to piss you off today. Most likely they aren’t, they’re just dealing with how to use their words, too.

Peace!
Will

Today's grand cross - how are we using the tension in our lives to manifest our will?
Today’s grand cross – how are we using the tension in our lives to manifest our will?
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Astro Post – Grand Earth Trine

Astro Post: Today’s movement of the moon through Taurus puts our mind on our money and our money on our mind! I know I’ve taken deliberate steps to make sure my bank roll is on point. We’re still dealing with the T-square I described the other day, the key still being digging deep into our personal relationships to unearth clues that may be buried. But! With the Sun in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn and Moon in Taurus, we have a brilliant chance to take practical, earthy and physical action toward changing the world around us with our intentions.

Even if it’s not cash dollars you’re worried about, today’s energy will help you get grounded in those things you value. Maybe you’ll make an improvement in your home, or spend some time actually digging in the dirt like my boyfriend did. Maybe you’ll get centered in your body through yoga or some other healthy practice. Maybe you’ll take it easy and enjoy some amazing meals (like I just did:).

The point is to enjoy the things that YOU value, focusing on YOUR worth. That will help us as we move through this T-square.

Cheers!
Will

Today's chart. T-square still in effect, aided by the grand earth trine with the Moon moving through Taurus
Today’s chart. T-square still in effect, aided by the grand earth trine with the Moon moving through Taurus
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Personal Post – Venus Retrograde

PERSONAL POST: My own journey through Venus retrograde the last couple of weeks has been rocky, to say the least. She’s been in my home base of Leo all summer, where I’ve got a stellium (3 or more planets in a sign, or a house, but in this case, the sign of Leo), including Mercury conjunct Mars (thoughts, intellect and communication fused with aggression, drives and sexual passion) and Sun (ego, consciousness, core energy).

Still with me?

When she started her retrograde and descent to the underworld, or through the southern hemisphere where we can’t see her, she shifted from the mellow, lovey western evening star to the warrior maiden eastern morning star (pictured here, though her beauty and light is not done justice). She was in my own intercepted (blocked, passed over) Virgo in the 6th. Retrogrades of any planet ask for a second look, a revaluation of those energies in the areas of life or houses where the retrograde falls. So my sense of Venus, my own worth and value and attraction, what I bring into me, was in my work and daily habits house. I began to experience a deep disquiet about how I was spending my time in my work, how non-valued I felt.

So I changed it. As she backed up into my 5th house of heart, creativity and passions, I decided to abandon the elements of my work that weren’t making me feel valued, weren’t adding to my happiness. I decided to follow my own heart.

The pressure Venus put on me is a large part of why I developed this website, and have decided to offer my services as an astrologer. Now she’s sitting right next to Mars in the sky (a powerfully sexy, sensual time, not without its own tensions), and right over my natal (birth) Mercury/Mars combo. So this is the perfect time for me to tell everyone about it! In fact, I feel almost driven to do so. See this long ass post? Ha!

How has Venus affected you? Please please share below!

If you aren’t sure where she falls in your chart, there are a number of places to find out – I like astro.com. But I could also read your chart and we could discuss where this happens in your life!

Hmu:)

Venus in the morning sky as Lucifer, the lightbringer
Venus in the morning sky as Lucifer, the lightbringer
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New Moon, New Adventures!

New moon in Leo!  Plant seeds in your heart…where do your passions lie?  I’m starting to do this:)

August 14, 2015

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