As we begin March a stellium of planets remain in the sign Pisces, including Neptune, the planet ruling spirituality and religion as well as scandal, betrayal, deception and lies, confusion, delusion and illusion. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, and 5 out of 10 planets are in this sign on March 1. This is a tremendous amount of Neptunian energy in the world, and it will play out its nature in our personal lives and the world over the next few weeks. Each of the planets entering Pisces-the Sun, Venus, Mars and Mercury have or will conjunct Neptune now at 3 degrees of Pisces. All Neptune transits tend toward confusion, deception, scandal and misunderstanding the facts, although Neptune transits hold the potential for illumination of the highest order and connecting with the divine.

Jupiter is considered the planet of gain and expansion and is direct in Gemini, a sign Jupiter is not comfortable in and is considered at its detriment. This means Jupiter in this sign operates in a weak, negative state or energy is misused. Jupiter is the planet of gain and finance and rules expansion, money, wealth, religion, and younger men to name a few. Jupiter is square Neptune, and this is unreliable energy that is prone to scandal. In Mundane Astrology, authors Baigent, Champion and Harvey write, "This cycle has a strongly idealistic, humanitarian and ideological quality about it. It seems to be related to the enfoldment of idealistic and religious belief systems, and as such, it's hard angle aspects can often relate to sectarian quarrels, political differences, and religious wars. The 90 degree phase (square) can be particularly prone to precipitate action to fight for a particular idea. Economically, it can produce periods of boom and optimism, but also 'pie in the sky' plans and rampant inflation if not well earthed."

Mercury is retrograde in the sign Pisces where it is considered at its detriment and fall. This means the planet of thinking and communication is operating on a weaker level and as it retrogrades we have a tendency to find out information that we had not known before and many things will be revealed this month.

The February 25th full moon in Virgo squared Jupiter and opposed Neptune setting off the Jupiter-Neptune square and revealed a scandal brewing in the Catholic church on the heels of the resignation of the Pope, and his final public appearance. It has been 600 years since a Pope has resigned, and the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has rocked the world and the religious community no less than when Pope Gregory XII resigned in 1414.

On the eve of the Pope's last Angelus blessing, the Vatican sought to downplay rumors involving gay priests, sex and money. Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles is facing fresh attention for his role in the cover-up of sexual abuse by priests. Two Italian publications are reporting that Pope Benedict had decided to resign not because of age, but because of a brewing scandal over the blackmail of gay priests by male prostitutes in Rome, and Scotland's Cardinal Keith O'Brien, accused of improper behavior with young priests, quit as Edinburgh archbishop and pulled out of the Sistine Chapel conclave to elect a new pope.

Pope Benedict XVI was born April 16, 1927 in Marktl, Germany and is a 25 degree Aries with a 19 degree Pisces ascendant. No surprise his ascendant is in the sign of spirituality and compassion, as well as his Jupiter and Mercury. His natal Pluto lies at 13 degrees of Cancer in his 4th house and transiting Pluto at 11 degrees in Capricorn sets off a grand square in his natal chart opposing natal Pluto and squaring his moon in Libra at 14 degrees. This Pluto transit will represent a lengthy cycle and in 2014 will square his natal Pluto/Moon exact. His moon lies at 14 degrees of Libra in his seventh house of partners, open enemies and courts. Pluto-moon cycles deal with emotional changes, and beliefs are questioned and often one changes beliefs and attitudes that can involve women or deep seated opinions and issues that were formed or one experienced in early life. This transit can dredge up many deeply held beliefs and ideas and transform them into healthier, fuller ideas representative of the time the individual is living. During this period the individual may have to let go of ideas that are no longer valid and it can be a painful and difficult process. Pluto oppositions to itself transform many ideas and represent a rebirth of deep emotional attitudes and ideas and life situations. With this transit involving the seventh, fourth and tenth houses and an opposition, it is possible the Pope's resignation was not his decision alone or he felt pressured.

The fourth house is often considered the 'end of the matter,' in this case, the Pope's working life as Head of the Church. His progressed moon has just changed signs and lies at 1 degree of Sagittarius conjunct Saturn, indicating his decision was well thought out and final. When a progressed moon changes signs the individual often pursues a new life course. But there is a heaviness to Moon-Saturn and it can deal with ramifications from the past, and it can be a type of 'forced reality check.' His progressed Jupiter and Uranus are conjunct at 3 degrees of Aries, indicating that whatever the case, he is looking forward to a personal new beginning. This transit can indicate a sudden break with tradition and the past.

Saturn lies in his ninth house of religion natally, and over the next several years as Neptune squares it from the twelfth house it is likely that controversy and scandal will continue to follow this Pope into retirement. He will seek questions to many answers and live a life of seclusion and contemplation probably until the end of life as Neptune will be transiting his twelfth house of seclusion (and karma). Sometimes Neptune-Saturn transits can represent degenerative types of disease as well as regret for past actions.

Cities and entities like people, have birth charts and the chart for Vatican City State is cast for June 6, 1929 at 11:00 a.m. Here lie the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, papal apartments, St. Peter's Church, the Vatican museum including its treasures and the famed Sistine Chapel as well as the extensive Vatican library. Vatican City's natal chart shows change and disruption that will alter the course of events to come for a very long time.
In 1929 Uranus and Pluto were square each other in Aries/Cancer. In June of that year the Vatican became an independent city state. On p. 431 of The Book of World Horoscopes, Cinnabar Books, 1988, Nick Campion notes that "Independence was gained by the Vatican at 11.00 AM on 7 June 1929 when Mussolini, the Italian Prime Minister, and Cardinal Gasparri exchanged the instruments of ratification in Rome."

How ironic the first Pope in 600 years would resign amid allegations of scandal 84 years later during the next and current Uranus-Pluto square in Aries-Capricorn. Furthermore, Pluto is squaring Uranus in the Vatican City natal chart at 10 degrees of Capricorn-Aries in the eighth house, exact in March. In national and group related charts the eighth house represents international finance, issues involving foreign investment, death, public mortality, national death and death and rebirth on a psychological or spiritual level. The eighth house is connected with sex. In the Vatican natal chart Uranus squares Pluto from the eighth to eleventh house of groups and collectives, and the history of the church over the past 84 years has included many cases of child molestation by priests that have been brought to light.

In April-May Uranus will conjunct Uranus in the natal chart and Vatican City will experience a Uranus return and the Uranus-Pluto square will fall almost exact on Uranus in the eighth house. This powerful transit will surely change the course of the future and shake the Vatican city state to its core, initiating a financial and possible spiritual crisis. Further secrets/issues will be disclosed that will seem to come out of the blue and the Church may be put in a position of having to deal with abuse of power or the clergy's handling of child abuse and the victims of abuse that have been wronged. Death of prominent individuals could occur. By late 2014 Saturn will square Jupiter and the midheaven, or public place of the natal chart which can bring public disgrace and the potential for lawsuits. The future of the Vatican looks shaky and filled with conflict, and the ramifications of and after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI have just begun.

Throughout history major events including, important births, and events surrounding religious figures have been proceeded or followed by the appearance of comets. Pan-STARRS 2011, is expected to become visible to the naked eye in the Northern Hemisphere in March. The comet is currently visible in the Southern Hemisphere. From about March 7, it will appear above the horizon. To see it, you will need an unobstructed, cloudless view of the western horizon. "When beggars die there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes." - Shakespeare.

Finally, there is the Prophesies of the Popes published by Benedictine monk Arnold de Wyon in 1595, attributed to Saint Armagh, a 12th century Archbishop of Ireland. According to proponents of the prophesies the next Pope will be the final one, and mark the end of Rome. According to published reports the Vatican is expected to elect a new Pope by Easter.


Seven planets in Pisces isn't all bad, especially for water or earth signs. Venus entered Pisces February 25, and is considered exalted in this sign, meaning love energy works well. Venus and Mars in Pisces works well for water signs, and especially Scorpio as the two planets ruling love transit through Scorpios fifth house of love affairs and children. Sometimes this can bring important new people into the life and it boosts social activity and creative leanings.

On the positive end, planets in Pisces are about creativity, inspiration, intuition, compassion and the higher elements of love and spiritual love and growth. It can be a time of spiritual illumination and great compassion for others. Jupiter square Neptune can enhance these feelings, and for some this can be a dreamy period full of joy and inspiration. Who can complain about this?

March 21, Venus enters Aries, joining Mars and the planets of love once again join together in this fire sign. The energy and the beat of life will pick up with Mars in Aries, and this works well for fire and air signs, especially Sagittarius, as Mars and Venus transit Sagittarius's fifth house of creativity and love affairs until April 16.

April 21-May 9, Mars and Venus are together in Taurus, excellent for Earth and water signs especially Capricorn as the two move through Capricorn's fifth house. Love may find you yet.

Some other transits of interest in March include:

March 11, a new moon occurs at 21 degrees of Pisces at 3:51 p.m. EST. This new moon adds to the energy of the stellium already in Pisces. Mars enters Aries, the sign of its ruler ship and energy will start to shift, and the pace of things will pick up.

March 17, Mercury goes stationary direct at 5 degrees of Pisces for the next 4 days. While Mercury is officially direct, the stationary direct period is often when glitches occur and new information is revealed. We are not out of the woods yet.

March 20, the Sun enters Aries at 7:02 a.m. and spring begins!

March 21, Venus enters Aries, and love energy starts to change and become more forward and evident.

March 22-23, Mars conjuncts Uranus and this is a volatile, changeable transit prone to sudden changes of direction, anger, break ups, accidents and change of direction. People will be willful or difficult, and we will likely hear news of military or police activity in the news, and otherwise big news events.

March 26, Mars squares Pluto and this is a transit of ambition and desire to better situations on one hand, but it is prone to conflict, anger, issues over taxes and money, sex, and the media may be in the spotlight. Personal issues and agendas may come to light.

March 27, a full moon occurs at 6 degrees of Libra at 5:27 a.m. EST. Libra is the sign of relationships and partnerships and the ruler of the 7th house of courts and 'open enemies.' The moon conjuncts Uranus and the result will be unexpected events we can consider shocking or events may seem to come from out of the blue. Uranus rules explosions, aircraft, cutting edge technology and revolution. There may be many partnership changes.

March 28, the Sun conjuncts Uranus and this transit falls on the heels of a full moon bringing unexpected changes, news and events. Sun-Uranus transits bring a desire to overthrow existing conditions and Uranus is about personal freedom, and the desire to free oneself from anything oppressive. It can be an explosive day.

March 31-Easter Sunday. Venus sextiles Jupiter and for many this will bring pleasant feelings and religious inspiration to the forefront. But, the Sun squares Pluto and this is a transit of change, forced change and agendas. Pluto rules the deep and dark undercurrents and the transit will deal with situations that have broken down and need repair. Ambition may come into focus.

Leslie

Three or four times a year the planet ruling communication, travel and our mind goes retrograde causing glitches, delays, miscommunication, and reveals aspects of situations and personalities we were not previously aware of. The shadow period of the winter retrograde Mercury began February 9, and this is the time Mercurial energy begins to change and alter.

Mercury officially retrogrades at 19 degrees of Pisces on February 23 at 4:41 a.m. EST. At this point it is stationary retrograde, the point in the cycle it usually becomes obvious that Mercury is starting to go backwards. (Mercury does not actually move backward, it just appears that way!) Energy, however will seem to go backward, and we will have to go backwards ourselves and retrace our steps often re-doing things we thought were finished and re-accessing certain situations to determine if they are worthy of our attentions. Mercury goes direct again on March 17.

Retrograde Mercury means it is time to go back to the drawing board, reflect, and re-access, rewrite, reorganize and often rethink plans you have made. It is time to reflect and think or plan, but not move forward with new plans. Situations that start under a retrograde Mercury generally do not work out, or go through great changes before finally becoming successful.

As Saturn went retrograde February 18, the need for reflecting and restructuring may become more profound and we will be operating on a much more inner level than outer during the next three or four weeks.

Mercury retrogrades in Pisces, the natural ruler of Neptune, and the 12th house of the subconscious mind and things that are secret and hidden. New information may be revealed about people and situations during the three week retrograde cycle.

Pisces and the twelfth house is a mixed bag. Pisces is the planet of psychic ability and creativity, inspiration and intuition, romantic love and daydreams. But, it also rules alcohol and drugs, lies and deception, hidden situations and information, illusion, delusion and confusion.

Mercury retrograde in Pisces can confuse the issue at hand or it could make you more intuitive. Or you could believe you are intuiting a situation only to find out you are off base. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion and it may be hard to get a clear picture. Astrologer Carol Rushman wrote, " When Mercury stations in Pisces the negative qualities of Mercury can surface because Mercury is not comfortable in this sign. There can be replays of sad times and experiences in your past. You may have bouts of depression and paranoia. It is difficult to stay abreast of the joy and beauty in life and you are inclined to look at the dark side. Artistic ability, compassion and psychic talents can be highlighted." As Mercury is in Pisces, this is the sign considered to be its detriment. Thus, its action is negative, weak and can be misused or non-existent

Fated Events and Situations

Retrograde planets often coincide with events that seem fated: that is events or situations occur that seem to be thrust on us or out of our sphere of ability to control. Business deals and projects fall through, people break up or get back together and we have seem to have no power over what is happening. Issues that have not been previously resolved come back to haunt is. Retrograde Mercury relates to the past and sometimes we reconnect with those from our past.

Full moon in Virgo: critical tendencies

February's full moon falls at 7 degrees of Virgo on February 25 at 3:25 p.m. EST. Virgo is the most critical of signs and along with Mercury retrograde in Pisces can create misunderstandings, critical communication and harsh and discouraging encounters with others. When planets enter Virgo, people have a tendency to become overly picky and critical of others. Of course critical energy can be picky and demanding or it can be discerning, which can be a positive manifestation.

In Virgo, the moon will square Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion. This can create a negative, and misleading energy. At its highest, it can manifest a creative, spiritual energy, but sometimes it is best to do nothing. The moon also squares Jupiter creating a tendency to blow things out of proportion, good or bad. With Mercury in its stationary retrograde period through the 28th, events and situations can go haywire, or there can be delays. Events of the full moon can be delayed for days as well. Pick you battles well on this full moon and make sure they are really worth it.

Venus enters Pisces on the 25th and it is exalted in this sign, the opposite of Mercury in Pisces. Venus will square Neptune on February 28 and this can create confusing situations in your love life and other relationships as well.
February 26-27, Mercury will conjunct Mars at 18-19 degrees of Pisces, and this is an argument waiting to happen. Mercury/Mars energy can be used for debate and planning, but Mercury is retrograde and it may come to little. Thinking can be off and tempers may flare. Be careful of accidents and travel can be interrupted in some way.

Retrograde Mercury is a cycle

Retrograde Mercury is part of the natural cycle of life. This time is best used positively to reflect and re-design our lives. The early shadow period of the retrograde warns us the energy is changing and we may face delays or equipment and situations may break down. This period occurs February 9-22. The stationary retrograde period is well known for creating delays and snafu's and this occurs, and this occurs February 23-26. It may be more difficult to accomplish even mundane tasks. After this Mercury goes into the actual three week retrograde period that lasts until March 17. On March 17, at 4:03 p.m. EST, Mercury goes stationary direct, and snafus and glitches are known to occur again. The stationary direct period will last March 17-21. After the 21, Mercury is moving forward again, but in the post retrograde shadow period until April 6. At this point Mercurial energy is resuming normal speed, but not quite up to par. Situations may still be uncovered that need to be redefined, or you may be moving in a new direction entirely at this point. After April 6, Mercury resumes where it left off, and we can reflect on the many changes that occurred during this magical period. While retrograde Mercury has a bad name and things may not seem magical at the time, we will undergo many corrections that will put us on the true and correct path.

Pisces has a dual nature

During the winter retrograde 5 planets will be in Pisces: Neptune, the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars. With this much Pisces energy, it is best to recognize the nature of the sign we are living under. Pisces is represented by the sign of 2 fish, headed in different directions. It has a dual nature. Pisces energy can take us to the greatest of heights both creatively and spiritually, or we can sink to the lowest of depths. It is ruled by Neptune, the planet that represents compassion and spirituality, but also drugs, alcohol, lies and misunderstandings. Herein lies the great mystery of Neptune in its dual nature. Channel your energy wisely during this time. You can use it for self reflection, understanding and betterment, or you can channel it in self destructive behavior. Know yourself- knowledge is power.

Leslie

The elementary shooting in Newtown, Connecticut clearly shows in the US natal chart. Countries, like people have charts, and events can be seen, just as in a personal natal chart. Twenty children were gunned down in cold blood along with 5 adults and the shooter who committed suicide on the scene December 14.

In the US chart Uranus went direct December 13, squaring Jupiter. Uranus-Jupiter pertains to unexpected events and it also relates to young people, specifically male. (Jupiter is also the money planet). This forward movement began to escalate the energy of the Uranus-Pluto square which will continue to make the world an angry place for some time to come, and as much as I hate to say it, we are in a period of time where many volatile events will happen in the world. If it is hitting a sensitive point in your personal natal chart, many changes in your life will occur for the duration of this transit. Of the numerous mass shootings that have occurred in the past year, most of the shooters have been in their 20's and experiencing some form of the Uranus-Pluto square aspecting their own natal chart and this is the case of 20 year old Adam Lanza. Of course everyone experiencing this transit will not commit an act of violence; this is the exception not the rule. Adam Lanza was known to be a disturbed individual as were the other mass shooters we have seen in 2012.

Outside of the Uranus-Pluto square, the key event in the US chart is the new moon, which occurred December 13, at 21 degrees of Sagittarius. This moon opposed Mars and squared Neptune at 21-22 degrees of Gemini/Virgo. This moon speaks of an incident in the US chart involving violence, anger and grief. As the new moon moved on in Capricorn the morning of December 14, at 9:30 a.m., the time of the shooting, it was conjunct Pluto. This creates a situation that is obsessive, violent and personal. It opposed the US Sun, squaring Saturn, a planet sometimes called the 'grim reaper'. The Sun opposed the US Mars (planetary ruler of guns) and squared Neptune, the planet of grief and befuddlement. Venus was in the powerful and secretive sign of Scorpio on the 12th house cusp, squaring the Moon of the US chart, showing the mood and feelings of the nation in an upset state. Scorpio rules the eighth house of death and the 12th house can be ugly. Mercury, the planet ruling children was opposing Uranus, which would bring sudden, shocking and unexpected news to the people.

Jupiter, the planet that is often known to save people from unfortunate events and accidents was/is in Gemini, the sign known as its debility, meaning it was not working. It was also retrograde, opposing Mercury, which was in Jupiter's sign. Mercury rules children, Gemini is ruled by Mercury and Jupiter, and it was conjunct Uranus, the planet bringing sudden and unexpected events.

The November 13 eclipse was at 21 degrees of Scorpio, the ruler of the eighth house of death. The last eclipse in Gemini (ruled by Mercury) on November 28, fell on Uranus in the sixth house of health. The energy of eclipses remains in effect for months, and in some cases years. Uranus brings events that are sudden and unexpected.

Perhaps as a result of this terrible tragedy mental health issues will be treated differently in the future.

President Obama addressed the nation clearly affected by events and spoke at the memorial, comforting families. Transiting Saturn currently conjuncts Neptune in his chart revealing grief and sadness. I had been watching this transit in his natal chart for some time, which is how as an astrologer I was forewarned a grim situation would occur during this period.

The Sun squared Mars in his chart, indicative of situations involving a gun, shooter and sudden event. Mercury, the ruler of children, was opposing his moon in Gemini, revealing an upsetting event, as well as the mood of the nation. Jupiter, the ruler of younger males was conjunct his Moon, opposed by Mercury. The last eclipse of November conjuncted his Moon in Gemini as well.

During the memorial for the victims, President Obama spoke of the need for 'meaningful action'- gun control. No doubt with Saturn conjunct Neptune he sees this as a necessary move to protect children and other innocents from deranged shooters like Adam Lanza. His motives and feelings are sincere.

The US natal chart however, has a Sagittarius ascendant, the sign of the Wild West and 'wide open spaces.' I believe gun control will be met with much objection, although nothing is impossible, especially with the national mood the way it is. With the last eclipse falling in the US sixth house of health, I hope that this event will spark a new interest in mental health issues, and the fact that it is something we cannot afford to ignore as a society. We can experience broken bones or broken brains. An individual with a broken mind can cause much pain in the world as we have recently seen.

The shooter:

20 year old Adam Lanza, is the known shooter in the incident and was born 4-22-1992, no time of birth published. He is a 2 degree Taurus with three planets in Aries including Mercury. Mercury rules the mind and thinking, as well as children. His Mercury may also square his moon in Capricorn, representative of a tumultuous emotional life, whereby he would be in conflict much the time with his Mother. Moon in Capricorn individuals often view their Mothers as cold and un-nurturing. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the coldest of planets and these individuals are sometimes perceived as cold themselves.

Mercury in Aries individuals can have a hair trigger temper. Individuals who are known to have mental afflictions always have some form of planetary affliction to their Mercury and/or moon, although this alone does not guarantee insanity. It is dependent on the placements of the entire natal chart.

Both Mercury and Venus lie in his 12th house from his natal Sun. Individuals with planets in the 12th house generally spend time in seclusion either by choice or by imprisonment or hospitalization.

Lanza was born with Saturn sextile Venus, and Venus and Saturn individuals generally feel unloved throughout life. Saturn represents the Father, and this would indicate issues with the Father as well as the Mother.

Lanza's Uranus and Neptune are conjunct at 18 degrees of Capricorn square his Venus. With Uranus next to his Neptune this could trigger imaginary fears and phobias and these fears could be electrified. Both planets square Venus, giving him a drive for freedom and independence to go his own way. His imagination could take over feelings of reality.

Saturn square Pluto individuals can have a great propensity for revenge. Hatred can become pronounced and extreme. This is a difficult transit at often confers a sense of inferiority. In a more developed chart it could represent discipline. Even though Mars is in a trine to Pluto at 19 degrees of Pisces, Mars-Pluto energy is harsh and representative of guns.

Over the past year the Uranus-Pluto square has aspected both his Mercury and probably his Moon, although we do not know the degree of his moon at this time. Pluto-moon conjunctions can be obsessive, extreme, personal and nasty. The Moon represents his emotional life as well as home, Mother or any other women in his life.

The November 13, eclipse fell directly on Lanza's Pluto in Scorpio, bringing up primal angry feelings about those he considered his enemy, and he dwelt on revenge and perhaps personal pain. It fell in his seventh house of partners and this was where his focus was. The seventh house is also considered the house of 'open enemies.' The November full moon eclipse fell in his second house of money, and self image and opposed his eighth house of death. Two weeks later he would act out his feelings.

Uranus is/was conjunct his Mercury at 4 degrees of Aries and it went direct after a retrograde period on December 13. This 'activated' the conjunction increasing his anger and agitation and was a key factor in moving him to act out his rage. Uranus may square his moon as well. Over the past year Pluto has squared his Mercury and this is an intense and obsessive transit prone to depression and thoughts of death in some cases. Mercury rules children. This is a primary planetary trigger.

Lanza's natal Jupiter lies in Virgo in the fifth house of children, but it is retrograde, therefore making him critical of or uninterested in children. Jupiter in Virgo can be hugely self critical as well, and Neptune, the planet of illusion, confusion and delusion was opposing Jupiter from his house of 'world view'. On the day of the shooting Mercury squared his Jupiter from his eighth house of death, along with Neptune giving his a distorted image of the act he was about to commit.

On December 13, the new moon occurred at 21 degrees of Sagittarius, falling in his eighth house of death. It squared his Mars, ruling guns in his 12th house of things secret and hidden. His absolute intent was to kill the children, as signified by Mars in his 12th house which becomes the eighth house of death counting forward from the fifth house of children.

On December 14, the moon moved through Capricorn, crossing Pluto, associated with pain, intensity and death and, conjuncted Lanza's moon in Capricorn, another major planetary trigger. Feelings can be internalized with Capricorn and can reach the breaking point with moon-Pluto combinations, as is obvious the case.

Sandy Hook school is now a crime scene and the children's laughter is gone. The parents, community and world is broken hearted as we approach Christmas and the birth of the individual known as the Prince of Peace. Perhaps we can find solace in the fact that the children/educators who have been taken away from us suffer no longer, and today are reunited with the Source of all. It is the only peace we may find in this devastating tragedy.

Leslie

Mercury goes retrograde 3 or 4 times a year, and generally has a bad name and elicits groans when mentioned. To an extent this is perfectly understandable, as retrograde Mercury is the planet that causes delays, glitches, breakdowns in computers and equipment, relationships, slowdowns and brings hidden factors to the surface. Plans can be put on hold, miscommunication can occur, relationships can end or change, and cars, computers and other machinery can break down at the most inopportune moment. All of this will occur, but this period does not have to be the disaster many believe it to be with some basic knowledge ahead of time. The four most important things are to 1) understand what it means 2) know what to expect 3) know what to avoid and lastly 4) understand what you can gain from it. With this basic information available, you should be able to make the most of the time, and benefit from the retrograde as oppose to being caught off guard.

The first step is to know what retrograde Mercury means. In the strictest sense of the word, the planet of communication does not actually go backward, it only appears to. This will occur three or four times every year. A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac, and this is referred to as apparent retrograde motion. When planets retrograde, their effects on humans are different than when in direct motion. Thinking is deeper, situations often appear to go underground for a time, or change altogether, and sometimes our focus shifts. Mercury retrograde is the most talked about retrograde, because it is a fast moving planet that controls our thinking, speech, travel, and cognitive skills. When Mercury retrogrades, there are several phases. The first phase is the pre-retrograde shadow period which began October 19. This period is where Mercurial energy starts to shift and it is time to start wrapping up new projects for the time being and focusing on what is at hand. The second phase of retrograde Mercury is the stationary retrograde period, when Mercury starts to shift into apparent backward motion. This period begins November 6, when Mercury starts its retrograde at 6:04 p.m. EST, and lasts through November 8. This is the period most glitches start to become evident, and if you have a prominent Mercury in your chart, thinking may become foggy. Mercury continues to retrograde in Sagittarius until November 14, when it retrogrades back into the sign of Scorpio, and communication/thinking becomes more intense. It goes stationary direct on November 26, at 18 degrees of Scorpio. This is the second period when glitches, breakdowns and changes in direction may well occur. Mercury begins to move forward again on November 30, but remains in the shadow direct phase until December 14. So, Mercurial energy does not pick up its normal pace until completion of the second shadow period. So, the retrograde Mercury period is actually a much longer cycle than most people understand. Changes will occur at the juncture of each retrograde phase.

The second step in surviving a retrograde is to know what to expect. What you can expect and prepare for are slowdowns, delays, miscommunications, interference with travel and travel plans and appointments, the breakdown of machinery, situations and even relationships. If your car has been limping along and you have been putting off a repair, know this is the likely time it will become obvious that you have to fix it. If your computer is slow or having problems be sure and back up everything important. (I learned this one the hard way several times!) If you are in a relationship that is tottering on the brink of ending, this may well be the period that can occur, and often does. Of course, I always tell people, "Mercury retrograde is a wild card." Sometimes, relationships can be fixed and problems brought out into the open if it is worth saving. Expect delays, changes of plans and try to not have situations set in stone. In other words, prepare to be flexible. Mercury retrograde is often a frustrating time to be looking for a job. Don't give up though, just keep plugging on and stay on top of all communication. And make sure you are direct and to the point in your communication with others. If you don't understand what someone is telling you, by all means ask for clarification.

The third and perhaps most important step in surviving retrograde Mercury is to know what to avoid. Don't get married, start a new business, start new projects or begin anything you hope will become permanent during the most important three week phase of the retrograde. Don't purchase high ticket items, important Christmas gifts, paint, or anything you expect to be there for a long time if you can avoid it. Retrograde Mercury is not the time to start new projects, but rather finish up the old, and re-do, re-organize or re-work. Go against this advice and you may wish you hadn't. I chose the paint color in my office on retrograde Mercury just to test it, and as I write this post, I wish I had time to get out a paintbrush today.

The fourth step to surviving retrograde Mercury is to understand what you can gain from it. Know that retrograde Mercury is part of the natural cycle of life and it is not anything out of the ordinary. Everything serves a purpose and the point of a retrograde Mercury is to slow down a bit, reflect, re-think, re-do, re-plan and re-organize and reconsider. It is a period of correction. Rather than starting new projects it is time to look at what is on the drawing board. Often during a retrograde, thinking changes direction and a more appropriate course of action can be mapped out. Often new information comes to the surface that must be considered. Sometimes secrets are revealed, and the truth comes out into the open. The truth may not be what your want to hear, but it can set you free. Retrograde Mercury is a time to plan, work on you, and delve into the spiritual side of life. Sometimes important contacts with people from our past can be initiated, and there is generally a focus on the past or past situations that can come back up to be resolved. Just focus on what is at hand rather than starting new situations. If you are forced to start a job during a retrograde, it could be altered when Mercury goes direct, or you may not have all the facts. If you begin a new relationship on a retrograde, it may end or change when Mercury goes forward, time will tell.

All in all, retrograde Mercury is a period where we should reflect on our current state, and plan rather than initiate new ventures. Reconsider your options, re-write, re-organize, and re-think. If you follow these basic principles, I can't guarantee you won't experience frustration, but you will survive the retrograde and perhaps come out of it better than you had believed possible.

Leslie