Uranus turns stationary direct December 13, 2012 at 7:02 a.m. EST on the heels of a new moon in Sagittarius. Uranus went retrograde July 13, at 6 degrees of Aries. When a retrograde planet stations and begins its direct motion before moving forward again we get a strong dose of that planet's energy. The stationary direct period can be one of the most significant points of a transit, especially if it is aspecting a personal planet in your natal chart.

Uranus is known as the Great Awakener because it has a tendency to 'wake up,' latent possibilities, bring unexpected and unusual events and radical change. It is the planet of revolution and explosive, shocking events. It is the planet involved in divorce and separation, and in many cases propels us in new directions. Uranus is the planet associated with 'freedom at any cost.'

While retrograde the Uranian energies are more bottled up, and the individual becomes aware of the need for change or revolution. When Uranus goes direct those energies can be acted upon, seemingly in an unexpected manner. Events involving Uranus often seem shocking, but they are often the inevitable result of a situation, and transits involving Uranus often wake us up to what is really occurring in our lives.

While in Aries, Uranus will awaken the individual urge to change and grow and move forward on possibilities that might have been dormant until now. It will increase science and medicine and new technologies over the next 6 years.

Uranus stays in each sign for about 7 years. Between now and 2016 Uranus is squaring Pluto and this will bring world and societal change and upheaval around the globe. The last time Uranus and Pluto were in a square was the early 1930's.

Leslie

As we approach the infamous date of December 21, 2012, claimed by some to be Doomsday (based on the ending of the Mayan calendar), I have absolutely no doubt that the day will come and go and we will all wake up on December 22. Throughout history there have been various dates that have been said to represent the end of the world and they have all come and gone, with the proclaimers of doom being proven wrong. How well I remember Y2K and all the debate the world would end at midnight December 31, 1999. Computers would crash and we would descend into chaos, not to mention darkness. One fall day in 1999 I spoke with a friend who worked for Dow Jones and asked if they believed all the computers would crash or something horrible would happen at midnight. He answered with an uproarious laugh, and I never gave it another thought, figuring what's good enough for DJ is good enough for me.
Actually, I had a party that night, and there was no stock of water in the basement in the event civilization failed. I did however, have a fully stocked bar in the living room and a lot of fun. December 21 falls on a Friday and it sounds like a good night for another party to me. There are however, some major astrological transits within a few days of this date that are worthy of attention, and I will get to that shortly. If I'm wrong about the end of the world I apologize in advance for not knowing what that looks like, but somehow I believe we will still be right here December 22.

For those who believe a planetary alignment will occur that destroys the earth, NASA has issued this statement, "Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012." NASA scientists said in a release stressing the world will go on to exist beyond 2012.
That said, there is no doubt that we are in a time of great societal and world change and upheaval. Uranus is squaring Pluto and will continue to do so until 2016, and this transit pits the 'powers that be' in the world against the individual or groups within the collective. There are many agendas in the world and all of the powers that be are not good, nor do they operate for the good of the individual. Take, for example Syria and Egypt. The people are tired of dictators and oppression, thus Arab Spring. Iran wants nuclear weapons/energy and the western world is against it. In America gays are pushing for marriage equality and equality in all forms, after years of being subjected to discrimination and actual torture by churches, employers and those whose hatred has led to the passage of special hate crime bills and laws. My early study of Christianity taught love and acceptance of others, not hatred for those who are different but this seems to go by the wayside often. President Obama won the US Presidential election in part due to women, who loudly stated their reproductive rights were not to be subject to the dictates of Congress, the right wing fringe, or anyone outside of themselves. Wal-Mart workers fight for a living wage and to get off food stamps, and factory workers in Bangladesh fight for safe working conditions. The rich (or so called rich) in America fought not to have their taxes raised. Everyone is fighting for something they consider unfair, and those in control push back. Such is the energy of what may be the most powerful transit we have seen in 40 years.

So, the fight will continue on many levels, and sometimes justice will win out and at other times it may not, and we may not all agree on what justice actually is. Change is slow and painful. Uranus and Pluto were in aspect in the 1960's and in the 1930's. Both periods marked great change and turmoil in the world and so will this period between now and 2016. There is a shift, and the shift is toward the recognition of the humanity and dignity in us all one way or another. But, there are those who oppose this concept and want to remain in control at any cost. The world has already shifted and changed and will continue to do so. May humanity win the fight in the end.

Some of the most significant transits during December include:

December 2, the Sun opposes Jupiter. We may hear news of foreign people or entities, and situations may become blown out of proportion, good or bad. The energy can be exuberant.

December 10, Mercury enters Sagittarius, the sign of wide open spaces. Mercurial energy changes once again for the next 29 days becoming more visionary and less intense. December 14, Mercury reaches 4 degrees the point at which it turned retrograde in November. Things get back to normal; the retrograde shadow period is over. Now it's full steam ahead.

December 11, Mercury squares Neptune. This can be good for creativity or psychic endeavors and feelings. It can also be full of deception and miscommunication and feelings of discouragement.

December 13, a new moon occurs at 21 degrees of Sagittarius, the natural ruler of the ninth house of travel, education, ideas and intellectual expansion. Uranus, the planet ruling electronic communication, revolutions, airplanes, and cutting edge technology goes direct after a 5 month retrograde period. When Uranus turns direct it will amp up the energy of the Uranus-Pluto square and we can expect to see more upheaval, rebellions and revolutionary attitudes. This is significant if it is aspecting a personal planet in your chart.

December 15, Venus enters Sagittarius. The sign ruling love leaves the most intense of signs where it is at debility and enters the most fun loving and free of energies. When a sign is at its detriment this means it is the least favorable sign it can be placed in. Sagittarius will work best if you are a Fire or Air sign: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius or Aquarius.

December 16, Venus squares Neptune. This transit can be soft and romantic but on the other hand it can be deceptive and misleading. People you meet may not turn out to be what you thought and do not make any major commitments on this day. Let the energy pass before making decisions. Not a good transit for money matters.

December 18, Mercury opposes Jupiter This can be a jovial transit but look for things to be blown out of proportion. Tall tales may become even taller.

December 21, the Sun enters Capricorn at 6:12 a.m. EST and winter is officially here.

December 22, Venus opposes Jupiter. This is a transit of overdoing things and social ostentation. Moderation is the key in all situations. The holiday season begins! Also the Sun sextiles Neptune giving this day a spiritual and creative energy.

December 25, Mars enters Aquarius. Mars represents our action principal, and leaves the sign (Capricorn) ruling business. Mars in Aquarius is the sign of revolutions, revolts and going against the grain of things considered repressive. Aquarius is the natural ruler of the eighth house of groups and organizations and we will see and hear more from groups with collective ideas. Revolution is in the air with Aquarius and I have seen many a war and battle fought with planets under this sign. We will hear about the hot spots around the globe while Mars is in Aquarius. On a personal level you may become more daring and oriented toward friends and new endeavors.

Also, the Sun squares Uranus at 8:32 p.m. EST. Changeability is the key in your personal life and the ability to go with the flow which may not be what you thought. In the world we may see volatile and explosive situations and change. Uranus is about change and freedom. We could see or hear of a natural disaster or accident and change in business. This is one of the most important transits of the month.

December 28, a full moon occurs in Cancer at 7 degrees, at 5:21 a.m EST. Cancer is the sign ruling home, the homeland and family, and this is where many of us will be focused. This moon opposes Pluto and squares Uranus creating an energy full of unexpected upheaval and emotional wounds that can come into the open. If you are with family during this time, you may experience family drama and unexpected situations. Uranus is about freedom, upheaval and the unexpected and Pluto rules agendas, power, and buried wounds and issues. Cancer is the most emotional of signs and it may seem too heavy for Fire signs especially.

On the world stage this moon will play out with unexpected situations, and power struggles and agendas. Pluto rules nuclear weapons/situations and those with agendas that are sometimes hidden. It will be an emotionally volatile time for many. Business situations and money will also be a major focus. Many situations will change.

December 30, the Sun conjuncts Pluto. This transits deals with situations that have broken down, or at times situations, people and things will break down or change altogether. Pluto is the planet of regeneration and the theme will be breakdowns and regenerations. This will represent powerful power struggles on the world stage and can be a ruthless energy. Use it wisely.

Leslie

This month's full moon occurs at 6 degrees of Gemini on November 28 at 9:47 a.m. and is a lunar eclipse. Eclipses often have to do with beginnings and endings, and a full moon is sometimes associated with endings. This eclipse is in the same sign as the one on May 20, 2012, although the previous eclipse was at 0 degrees of Gemini. Eclipse energy points the way toward our future and lasts for months and sometimes years.

Gemini is the natural ruler of the third house of the mind, ideas, travel, neighbors and immediate family members, and it is here we will be focused during this time. Gemini is about ideas, communication, speech and reason. Mercury went direct on November 27, and thinking, ideas and communication will begin to flow, and epiphanies and secrets will perhaps come to light during this period and the days surrounding the eclipse. Ideas will start to take form and develop, and truths will be revealed.

Mercury went retrograde in Sagittarius, the sign ruling governments, and foreign affairs and people. Obama won by a wider margin than many thought, the director of the CIA resigned among scandal and the assassination of the Libyan ambassador came into focus in Benghazi. As Mercury moves forward in Scorpio, the sign ruling secrets and secret information, we will likely hear of secrets and previously unknown information coming to light. I have a strong feeling the CIA was involved in Benghazi more deeply than anyone who knows wants us to know. Time will tell, and as Mercury is the ruler of the eclipse we will certainly be hearing new information in many different areas and about public figures.

The eclipse is conjunct Jupiter opening a window of opportunities and giving the energy a friendly and co-operative twist. However, all may not really be as it appears as the eclipse also squares Neptune, the planet of illusion, confusion and delusion. It sextiles Uranus opening a channel to new thought and opportunity, as well as a new approach to doing things. We could call this a window of opportunity as long as we do not have a delusional attitude. We may also see tricksters operating in our lives and the world, and all we hear may not be correct.
The Mars-Uranus square peaked over Thanksgiving weekend bringing with it unexpected and explosive events in Egypt as demonstrations against the government began once again, and a tragic major factory fire occurred in Bangladesh killing many workers who had no voice. Now, Mars will conjunct Pluto at 8 degrees of Capricorn the November 27-28.

Mars-Pluto is a powerful aspect that will likely lead to more military events in the world, violence and wide spread anger, even talk of nuclear events. It is volatile, and it is transformational. If we can harness the transformational energy, and direct it toward the good of ourselves and mankind we can harness the potential of this aspect and seize the window of opportunity we have to accomplish good in our own lives and the world.

Leslie

The eclipse season is upon us and the first eclipse this month falls at 21 degrees of Scorpio November 13, at 5:08 p.m. EST. Scorpio is ruled by Mars and Pluto, and is the natural ruler of the eighth house of sex, change and transformation and jointly held finances, so it is here our interests will lie in a general if not total manner.

This eclipse is a total solar eclipse. "A solar eclipse is a celestial event which occurs when the moon, in course of orbiting the Earth, comes in between the planet and the Sun in such a manner that it casts its shadow on a particular region of the planet. When viewed from this particular region, the Sun is covered either totally or partially; and hence this event is called 'total solar eclipse' or 'partial solar eclipse'. Basically, there are four types of solar eclipses - a total solar eclipse; wherein the Sun is completely obscured by the moon, an annular solar eclipse; wherein the Sun appears as a bright ring, a hybrid solar eclipse; which is visible as a total eclipse in some parts and annular in other, and lastly, a partial solar eclipse; wherein the Sun is partially covered by the moon." -from Buzzle

The energy of an eclipse starts early, often weeks in advance, and now that the US Presidential election is over, we can see the affects of the eclipse in Scorpio as talk turns toward getting greater control of US debt and tax changes. The eclipse falls in the twelfth house of the US natal chart, making positive transits to Mercury and Pluto on the second/eight house axis of income and taxpayer money. The collective (all of us in the US) will be focused to some extent on these events. Around the world money, joint resources and even death will come into focus. We will hear news about taxes, and changes in the tax base now and in the near future.

Scorpio is a powerful, and the most intense of signs and it is a fixed sign. When dealing with fixed signs the energy moves slower and there can be stubbornness in dealing with situations or change. But, once a decision is reached, it is often irrevocable. Scorpio is ruled by Mars-the God of War, and by Pluto-the planet of powerful and absolute transformation. Pluto also rules agendas, the powers that be in the world (negative or positive), and raw power, which can be used negatively or positively.

Mercury squares Neptune on November 13, and creates cloudy issues, and the retrograde may delay effects of the eclipse. Events, secrets and previously unknown situations may be revealed. Mercury square Neptune occurred on October 29-31, and brought with it Hurricane Sandy to the East Coast. With this transit we are again at risk of seeing or being involved in situations related to rain and water that could prove dangerous. We are also at risk with this transit of feeling discouraged, or perceiving information or situations incorrectly. Think before you act, and take the time to consider decisions carefully at this time.

Neptune goes direct on November 11, increasing Neptunian energy, making this transit more powerful than the one in October. As with any planet as it starts its direct motion, issues may come to the surface that have been bubbling underneath and the situation may be confused, especially with Neptune, the most confusing and misunderstood of planets. There is a reason Neptune is associated with illusion, delusion and confusion! Issues and situations that have been forming internally, will now come out into the realm of the conscious mind, and make their way into your world. Artistic and creative efforts that have been forming may now start to come to fruition.

Those most challenged by the eclipse will be Taurus/Scorpio (relationships) and Leo/Aquarius (business, home and the basic foundation) or anyone who has a personal planet being affected in an adverse angle by the eclipse. To know exactly how the eclipse will affect you, an astrologer must look at your chart, taking all factors into account.
Those who may benefit most from the eclipse will be the water signs: Scorpio, (relationships) Cancer, (entertainment, love, children and friends) and Pisces (travel, education, personal expansion). But, again, to know for certain how this eclipse will affect you, an astrologer must know exactly what is in your own natal chart.

Eclipses sometimes bring positive events, depending on how it is affecting your own chart. This eclipse is about change and transformation, and going to new levels of awareness in many respects. With the planet of communication retrograde (Mercury) events and situations connected to the eclipse could be delayed for days or weeks, and you may or may not see immediate results.

Scorpio events are eighth house related which also concerns the way you feel in a relationship. During this time many individuals will be re-accessing how their relationship makes them feel. Feelings become important, along with the consideration of how a partner makes you feel about the relationship and about yourself. This is perhaps the most important part of this eclipse. If the relationship makes you feel bad about yourself, now might be the time to walk away from the situation. Scorpio involves deep seated desires, and on the negative end can involve jealousy, sarcasm, suspicion and betrayal, especially with Mercury square Neptune. If the relationship makes you feel good, it could be time to take matters to a deeper level. A solar eclipse in Scorpio is considered by some astrologers to have karmic connections. In other words, reaping what has been sown, positive or negative.

Eclipses are like beacons in the night pointing the direction and showing us the path for what is to come. Throughout history, eclipses have been considered important events and harbingers of news, and are an important part of any astrological reading.

We last experienced eclipses in Scorpio/Taurus in 2003-2005. Eclipses repeat themselves in the exact degree every 19 years. So, an eclipse like this one occurred November 13, 1993.

My best advice is to be aware of this powerful energy and direct it positively toward your own personal aspirations depending on where it falls in your chart. Here is a chart of house placements according to sign, or ascendant of you know it. The opposing house is also affected. In other words for example, if you are a Cancer direct your energy toward friends, love partners, children or entertainment, etc.

Aries-Eighth/second houses of joint assets, sex, partner's resources, taxes and earned income.

Taurus-Seventh/first houses of relationships of all types, courts, and 'open enemies' are ruled by the seventh.

Gemini-Sixth/twelfth houses of health, diet, work, seclusion, time alone.

Cancer-Fifth/eleventh house of love affairs, friends, entertainment, children, creativity.

Leo-Fourth/tenth house of the home, foundation, business and priorities.

Virgo-Third/ninth house of the mind, education, travel, immediate family members or neighbors.

Libra-Second/eight house of earned income, other peoples resources, money, taxes, sex.

Scorpio-First/seventh house of self, new beginnings of all types and partnerships.

Sagitarrius-Twelfth/sixth houses of seclusion, the subconscious mind, hospitals, work and health.

Capricorn-Eleventh/fifth house of groups, friends, hopes and wishes and love affairs.

Aquarius-Tenth/fourth houses of business, priorities, and home related matters.

Pisces-Ninth/third houses of education, travel, higher thinking, expansion of the mind and immediate family members and neighbors.


The next eclipse, which is a lunar eclipse, occurs on November 28, at 6 degrees of Gemini.

Leslie

November is packed with significant astrological events. Mercury retrogrades on Election Day, November 6, at 4 degrees of Sagittarius, then retrogrades into Scorpio, and the November eclipses occur on November 13, and 28. November's solar eclipse in Scorpio is the first of several that will fall in that sign, along with the lunar North node emphasizing all things Scorpio and themes connected with eighth house matters.

The eighth house is about change and transformation, other people's money, partner's resources, death and transformation and issues connected to sex. It can be the death of an old situation, and on a world level we will probably see this play out in a literal manner. Scorpio is an intense, fixed sign and decisions made during this period can be lasting.

Money will be front and center on the world stage, and this will be a time of managing money and assets. On a personal level you may decide to eliminate credit card or other debt that has played a restricting role and focus on building assets of long term value.

During this period the US tax structure will change and a bigger effort will be made to get the national debt under control. But, this will be a worldwide theme, not just in America.

Saturn and Pluto are transiting through each other's signs and this is called mutual reception. Astrologer Celeste Teal wrote, "A Mutual Reception is interpreted as a positive conjunction. The planets work well together and will even work for each other. You picture them sitting alongside one another in both signs. In other words, we now have Saturn in Scorpio and in Capricorn, and we now have Pluto in Capricorn and in Scorpio. This particular conjunction gives great ambition. Okay, that is the first part of the equation.

Next, we consider the lunar North Node in Scorpio. So now we have a triple conjunction consisting of Saturn, Pluto and the lunar North Node in Scorpio! This is big! This is profound! The addition of the North Node really ramps up the ambition and drive of the Saturn/Pluto conjunction.

It got me to thinking about what a positive influence this could be. After all, Saturn is careful and conserving and Pluto is controlled and deliberate. In combination, with the addition of the North Node, here is an opportunity to make many improvements in our lives. Tremendous will-power combines with organizational ability to make fundamental and permanent changes. We can apply our power wisely to achieve our ambitions. New concepts in finance, business and government lead to stronger structures."

Venus opposes Uranus on November 1-2, and this transit is indicative of unexpected issues relating to money and financial markets. Damage in New York and New Jersey is obvious. Uranus is about the unexpected. Women may come into focus and you may feel driven to do something unexpected, or breakout of a rut. Some relationships could end. November 2-3 Venus squares Pluto, and this is another transit that can relate to money and relationships. We will likely see what the damage from Hurricane Sandy actually is, and it will be massive, as will the renovation. Planets connected to Pluto often deal with renovation or saving what can be saved. The media will be front and center. Obsessive themes will dominate the day, and it is a transit that can have sexual overtones. Venus transiting both planets 'sets off' the Uranus/ Pluto square we will live under for a long time to come, and this transit will bring divisions, explosive situations, power struggles and agendas, and ultimately long term social change. The most important thing to remember is that all agendas are not necessarily good ones, and it is up to us to discern truth from fiction in the world and in our own personal lives.

November 6, Mercury goes retrograde at 4 degrees of Sagittarius. This is the first time in US history Mercury has gone retrograde on a US Presidential election. The closest event we have to compare it to is the 2000 election when a recount was stopped by the Supreme Court, and George Bush assumed the Presidency. Mercury went direct after the polls closed. In the end, as George Bush left office the world economy was brought to its knees, and we still don't know where the much of bail out/taxpayers money went. Transparency was lacking.

Late 2008 as the economy was crashing George Bush had Neptune opposing Venus from his seventh house of partners. Neptune-Venus is a deceptive transit, especially where money or relationships are concerned. On a fluke I looked at Al Gore's chart during the same period. Saturn was opposing Mercury to the eighth house of taxpayer money, so no doubt there would have still been a problem fiscally, especially with banks. But, there might not have been a question of where the money would go, and there might have been more clarity. So, the moral of the story is: America did not elect George Bush-he was appointed by the Supreme Court. Gore won the popular vote, which has happened only four other times in American history with hotly contested races. Whether the Supreme Court made the right decision in appointing George Bush is up for debate and the history books, as were the other times in American history when the President was picked by the House of Representatives. Retrograde Mercury is a wild card no matter how you look at it.

The period when the planet of communication goes retrograde is the most important, along with the few days it goes direct. I have predicted an Obama win for some time, barring voter fraud or another other judicial body, such as the Supreme Court making a decision, or some other incident that retrograde Mercury can bring. Mars conjuncts Neptune and squares Mars in the US chart on Election Day, and Mars energy is harsh and sometimes violent. This is a cruel, volatile and discouraging transit, and is indicative of lies and deception, as well as those who will be preaching idealistic causes, especially religious ones. We could see violence abroad or there could be some type of court or legal challenge that becomes apparent around this time. There could also be problems with voting in some areas. Time will tell all.

Neptune goes direct on November 11. Neptune rules intuition, movies and TV, drugs, alcohol, creativity, the seamy side of life, religion, psychics, and delusions. It is the most misunderstood of planets and the most complex. As it moves forward, emotions and desires move from the subconscious into the conscious and sometimes secrets can be revealed. Emotions in general become more straight forward.

Mercury squares Neptune again on November 13. This aspect was in transit October 29-30 and is indicative of water related incidents. It will square Neptune for the final time on December 16. It is a transit of discouragement, and lack of clarity.

November 13, a solar eclipse occurs at 21 degrees of Scorpio at 5:08 p.m. EST. Scorpio is ruled by Mars and Pluto, and is the natural ruler of the eighth house of sex, change and transformation and jointly held finances. Mercury conjunct Neptune creates cloudy issues, and the retrograde may delay effects of the eclipse. Events, secrets and situations may be revealed. Those most challenged by the eclipse will be Scorpio/Taurus (relationships) and Leo/Aquarius (business, home and the basic foundation) or anyone who has a personal planet being affected in an adverse angle by the eclipse. To know exactly how the eclipse will affect you, an astrologer must look at your chart, taking all factors into account. Eclipses sometimes bring good events, depending on how it is affecting your own natal chart. This eclipse is about change and transformation, money, and going to new levels of awareness in many respects.

November 14, Mercury retrogrades into the sign of Scorpio, where it will spend the next 26 days. Scorpio is a fixed sign and energy moves more slowly. Retrograde Mercury in Scorpio will be intense, deep and can bring up feelings of revenge. Eighth house matters will come to the fore during this period.

November 16, Mars enters Capricorn, and the Leonids meteor showers begin. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and is the natural ruler of the tenth house of business. Capricorn is a Cardinal sign and events that occur in cardinal signs occur quickly and are of often of greater importance in general.

November 21, the Sun enters the sign Sagittarius and we are officially in the winter season. Venus also enters Scorpio for the next 29 days, placing 3 planets in the sign of the Scorpion.

November 22-23, the Sun squares Neptune which is tiring and discouraging and Mars squares Uranus. Mars-Uranus transits are indicative of sudden, explosive and unexpected events and situations that occur. It is a volatile transit and we will likely hear of police or military events that are not unexpected. As Mars continues its sojourn in Capricorn, November 28, Mars will conjunct Pluto. Any combination of Mars, Uranus and Pluto holds the potential for violence and these two transits will set off the Uranus-Pluto square giving them more gravity and importance. It is also possible that earth related situations can occur during this period. This is a dangerous transit for the world and will bring a great deal of anger. It conjuncts Venus and Jupiter in the US natal chart in the seventh house of courts and open enemies. Venus rules women and Jupiter-Venus are the financial planets. Jupiter can also relate to foreign people and situations as well as the judicial branches of government. Pluto rules agendas, the powers that be in the world and big oil.

November 26, Mercury goes direct at 18 degrees of Scorpio. But it will remain in the stationary direct phase which is critical through November 30, and it will not return to normal speed until December 19.

November 28, a full moon/ lunar eclipse occurs at 6 degrees of Gemini at 9:46 a.m. EST. Gemini is the natural ruler of the third house of the mind. It falls on the ninth/third house axis dealing with relatives, neighbors and neighborhoods and travel. It rules thinking, reason, education and ideas. The last eclipse occurred in Gemini on May 20, 2012 at 0 degrees. This eclipse sextiles Uranus giving rise to sudden insights and new ideas as well as travel. This eclipse will be about ideas, communication and it will bring an exciting end to the month. Eclipse energy lasts for months, sometimes years. To understand how this eclipse will affect you, go back to the May eclipse.

Leslie

This year's Presidential election presents a landmark in American history from the astrological perspective. Mercury, the planet considered to rule communication and thinking goes retrograde on Election Day: November 6. Mercury goes retrograde three or four times a year and is associated with confusion, miscommunication, misinformation, foul-ups and delays, as well as mistakes in electronic communication that can include breakdowns concerning information.

Mercury goes stationary retrograde at 4 degrees of Sagittarius on November 6, at 6:04 p.m. EST. The stationary retrograde period is considered the most significant part of the retrograde, along with the stationary direct period that occurs at the end of the three week cycle during the retrograde. These are the days at the beginning of the cycle as well as the end when the most significant or obvious situations occur. Mercury has never gone stationary retrograde on Election Day in the history of the US.

Retrograde planets often coincide with issues that have not been previously resolved, and come back to haunt us, or new information is revealed that can change situations at this time. The stationary retrograde period is usually when events and situations occur, letting us know the 'communicator, and the trickster,' is preparing to weave its magic and we are going into a period of altered mercurial energy that will play out for the next three to five weeks.

Mercury has never gone stationary retrograde on the day of a US election. It did go stationary direct once. Remember the 2000 election with George Bush and Al Gore? That was the first and only time Mercury went stationary direct or stationary retrograde on the day of a US Presidential election.

The result of the retrograde situation was Supreme Court intervention halting a recount in Florida. George Bush narrowly won the election but the end result was he left office after facilitating the largest bank bailout in US history, coinciding with the biggest recession since the Great Depression of the 1930's, along with the largest shift of wealth since that same time. Much of the taxpayer funded bailout money lacked transparency, and questions abound today as to who the recipients were. Question remains among some whether George Bush actually won the 2000 election fair and square, as many of the Supreme Court justices involved were appointed by his father; former President George Bush, Sr. The US Supreme court decided the 2000 election.

Albert Gore won the popular vote in 2000. This marked only the fourth election in US history in which the eventual winner failed to win a plurality of the popular vote (along with the elections of 1824, 1876, and 1888). The 1888 election was held on retrograde Mercury. During the 1824 election Mercury was in the retrograde shadow period that occurs before the retrograde. Mercury went stationary direct at 29 degrees in Libra on the day of the 2000 election, and Libra rules the judiciary (Supreme Court) who ruled in Bush's favor.

Between 2012 and 1848 Mercury has been retrograde during Election Day a total of 11 times. It was in the sign of Scorpio (8 times), and in Sagittarius twice including 2012, and retrograde in Libra in 2000.

Looking at America's natal chart on Election Day 2012, Mercury goes stationary retrograde at 4 degrees of Sagittarius in the twelfth house of things that are secret and hidden. It opposes Uranus with an orb of 4 degrees. Mercury-Uranus transits can be indicative of sudden and unexpected news, or general nervousness, and certainly represents a great deal of communication and speech, which of course is expected on an election day. But, with this combination some of the news and communication may be unexpected. Electronic equipment and communication may malfunction, be misunderstood or cause problems. The results of some elections may not be known until Mercury goes direct. It is possible we could see voter tampering, recounts and breakdowns in communications. Mercury in Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter which is also connected to courts. (As well as foreign people and entities) Mercury retrograde is a wild card.

Mars, the 'God of War,' is at 22 degrees of Sagittarius, opposing natal Mars and squaring Neptune, setting off the Neptune-Mars square that exists in the US chart on November 6. Mars oppositions generally coincide with agitation, anger, police or military action, and volatile circumstances, while Mars-Neptune transits coincide with lack of clarity, grief, lies, deception and discouragement. Neptune falls in the ninth house of legal issues, and the US could be dealing with or concerned with a situation involving foreign circumstances or people, or courts. Natal Mars falls in the US chart house of 'open enemies,' and courts.

In the Election Day chart, cast for 8:00 p.m. EST, Washington, D.C. Mercury squares Neptune in a 4 degree orb in the ninth house of legal challenges and foreign peoples-situations. Mercury-Neptune transits indicate lack of clarity, deception and lies. Mercury will square Neptune, exact on October 31.

Of course we are in the midst of the Uranus-Pluto square, and this period is a time of revolutionary change, upheaval and shifts in global power. It is also a period where those with agendas (Pluto) may pose as revolutionaries in some form, wishing to perpetrate their own personal agendas in the world. Pluto represents the powers that be, and the power structures (and people) in the world and Uranus represents unexpected change, instability, explosive situations and revolutions. This transit is similar to periods of the 1930's and 1960's and will not complete until 2016. It is important that voters realize there are many agendas at play during this election, and the most important factor is to seek the truth. As Neptune plays a role in the days before the election, look for lies, and do not be manipulated by those who perpetrate them.

Retrograde Mercury is a cycle

The stationary retrograde period of Mercury starts November 6-8. The effects of the retrograde start to become obvious several weeks before the stationary retrograde period. November 12-13 Mercury squares Neptune for the second time. At this point we may see that mistakes were made, or situations may be revealed that occurred October 29-31. November 14, Mercury retrogrades back into the sign of Scorpio. While Sagittarius is about ideas, philosophy, foreign people and situations and courts, Scorpio is about money, and taxpayer money and eighth house issues. (Death, sex, other people's money, change and transformation) Scorpio is a fixed sign and when decisions are made, they are generally permanent. November 26-29 Mercury goes stationary direct at 18 degrees of Scorpio. This is an important period of the cycle when the effects of retrograde Mercury become apparent once again. Truths can be revealed at this time and directions can change. Mercury will remain in its shadow period, still not moving at normal speed until December 14, when it once again reaches 4 degrees of Sagittarius. December 11-12 Mercury will square Neptune for the third and final time. This should clear up any confusion that occurred late October or early November.

The days before the election look contentious, and there will be a great deal of propaganda at play that will be unclear and probably fabricated. Mars is transiting in Sagittarius; the ninth house of the US chart of foreign affairs, ideas, philosophy and world view, and our focus will be in these areas. Mars opposes Jupiter October 29 and this is an important transit to pay attention to. It will likely deal with issues concerning foreign people or powers, money, courts and legal situations. Situations may be blown out of proportion. October 29-November 1, Mercury squares Neptune in the US chart, and this is a transit of lies, deception and false ideas as well as discouragement. The US could see some type of violence occur, and both candidates are at risk of personal danger, especially the President.

November 1-2 Venus opposes Uranus, and this transit relates to money, women, and can be indicative of major moves (usually negative but Uranus is hard to predict) in financial markets. November 2-3 Venus squares Pluto. Venus rules women and money, so we may see financial news or issues concerning women. Pluto rules the powers that be as well as sex, and this transit is a scandal in the making. With Pluto involved, the media will be front and center. And of course Mercury goes stationary retrograde November 6, but the effects will be felt earlier.

Leslie