Mercury Retrograde has arrived!

Fresh on the heels of Mars going retrograde, another of the personal planetary energies joins the party. Nothing like Mercury to add some juice to the festivities.

Even those not attuned to the nuances of Astrology have probably heard about "Mercury Retrograde". Usually, association with this cycle comes from first-hand communication, transportation or mechanical breakdown experiences. While the vibration of Mercury gets a bum rap, it does put us on notice the ensuing 3 weeks will be an "interesting" time of changing plans and unexpected redirected energy. Mercury moves retrograde 3 or 4 times a year. As this retrograde starts near the end of the year, its effect carries over into 2010.

Mercury is associated with themes of movement and all types of communication. When its apparent motion moves in reverse, its energy takes those vibrations and spins them around. The result is a topsy-turvy energy requiring different strategies than our usual "logical" approach to life. Effective alternative strategies include actions born out of spontaneity and synchronicity. Make space for serendipitous occurrences.

This Mercury cycle is in the Earth and Cardinal sign of Capricorn. Themes of this sign include finances, rules (natural and man-made), structure, (how we organize ourselves) and politics. Each of these areas points to how we relate to our physical world. That Mercury will spin its counter-logic energy in the sign of logic and life's practicalities makes this a rather challenging period for anyone who depends on logic in their day-to-day life (Lawyers and Bankers, take note).

Two Mercury Retrograde examples -

• Just yesterday, a terrorist attack was aborted on an airplane flying from Europe to the United States. This event has triggered a review of security procedures and rules with the possibility of airport delays in Europe due to heightened security concerns. Security issues and regulations are in the realm of Capricorn.

• The recently released movie Avatar focuses on the struggle between man-made rules and force versus Nature's rules.

Whose affected - As we live in a very Capricorn society, this retrograde will be particularly noticeable.  Anyone with significant planetary aspects (Sun, Moon, Mars, Venus etc.) in the Cardinal signs of Capricorn, Aries, Cancer or Libra are impacted by this retrograde. This time will be a potent indicator for bigger changes occurring or set to occur in your life. Also, if you were born while Mercury was retrograde, this cycle is usually a more familiar and easier time for you. 

Here's the astrological timings for this cycle - see video:
Dec 9 - crosses 5 degrees Capricorn initiating the Mercury Retrograde cycle.
Dec 26 - begins to move in reverse at 21 degrees Capricorn - most intense phase
Jan 15 - begins to move forward again at 5 degree Capricorn (where it past on Dec 9) - energy begins to ease up
Feb 3 - crosses 21 degrees Capricorn - retrograde cycle complete.

Significant connections with other planetary energies and related events:
This will be a significant retrograde period with continuous interactions with potent archetypal energies of passion (Mars/Leo), relationships (Saturn/Libra) and rules and structure (Pluto/Sun/Capricorn).
Dec 7 - 12 - Mercury same degree as Pluto in Capricorn and square Saturn in Libra: note - the Senate health care debate was reaching full steam at this time. Politics and rules were twisted almost daily. Renewed financial concerns surfaced in the housing and debt markets. Also, the climate control conference was held in Europe. Essentially, strong Capricorn forces (industrialized nations) were pitted against (Libra/relationship) poorer nations quest for equality and fairness.
December 26 - January 5. Mercury connects with the Mars Retrograde in Leo for the next 10 days. Excellent time to explore new avenues for following heart's desire and areas of passion. May also trigger deeper emotions of sadness around growing up too quickly in childhood (Capricorn influence).
January 4 - 6 - Mercury and Sun in Capricorn. Sun provides added fuel to the Mars interaction.
January 14 - again same degree as Pluto/Saturn. Eclipsed New Moon today joined by Venus. This is one, huge Capricorn get together. An eclipsed New Moon offers the opportunity to go inward to explore how you would like to reinvent yourself in 2010, especially in matters of finance, rules and structure.
January 14 - February 3 - the remainder of the retrograde period through early February is a repeat of the earlier cycles with Pluto, Saturn and Mars. May offer a sense of completion or new direction.

During the most intense phase (Dec 26 - Jan 15) allow the grace of spontaneity and change to be your guide. As travel is in the realm of movement, unexpected delays may bring unexpected fortune or gifts. Hence, fighting or struggling with a change in plans would not be productive response. Also, avoid fear and hesitation. Move with the energy (good Mercury strategy), much as you would move with the current of a river.

In the realm of mechanical devices, such as computer, car, etc. take the necessary, precautionary steps to ensure machines are operational and maintained. Legally, avoid signing contracts  or agreements. Pay particular attention to what is being communicated by others, as misunderstanding can occur easily.

Lastly, take time to reflect about what you want to create differently in 2010, especially in matters of the heart and passion.

aloha from the islands,
Starman, Joseph Mina

Next Blog - New Year's Eve Full Moon and Venus in Capricorn

Mars Retrograde and the Sounding Bell

Energy builds in intense ways over recent days. Major winter storms sweep across Europe and North America. Transportation and logistical snafus give new meaning to "holiday travel". Biggest surf since 1969 appears in Hawaii. Sun spots 7 times larger than Earth appear on an awakening Sun. Blackberry users in North America hit with 2 days of outages, etc. Critical tension and metaphors abound as we begin the run-up to 2010 and beyond.

On the 20th of this month, Mars began its retrograde in the sign of Leo. This energy has been building since mid October when Mars entered the "retrograde window" at 0 Leo.

Energetically, Mars represents action and achievement. It's how you move your energy externally. Retrograde means "backward".  As with all retrogrades, Mars retrograde is an introspective period of discovery and integration; gathering new information and strategies for the post retrograde period.

Have a look at this short video to better understand how the movement of a Mars retrograde works from an observer's perspective on Earth.

The energy of Leo relates to the heart (think lion-hearted). This Mars retrograde focuses on heart intention and what you desire in the realm of achievement, success and progressive action. Retrograde symptoms in this realm include inaction, delays and false starts. For example, the aforementioned weather events have put quite an energetic stranglehold on those affected.

If you are following your heart's desire, this retrograde is a potent period for upping the vibration in your work through introspection, integration and initiation of new strategies. By contrast, if you are applying your energy to pursuits not resonating with your heart's desire, this retrograde cycle may prove difficult, non-productive and constrictive.

The timing for the Mars Retrograde:
Oct 16 - Passes 0 degrees Leo and enters the retrograde window or shadow - note 0 degrees Leo is one of the significant eclipse points triggered during the Solar eclipse this past July.
Dec 20 - Slows down at 20 degrees Leo and begins moving in reverse (retrograde) - intense phase begins
Jan 29 - Earth directly in between Mars and Sun (opposition), and the most intense point - throughout January, the strength of this retrograde will build, like a wave in the ocean.
Mar 10 - Mars returns to 0 Leo and begins to move direct once again - energy begins to ease
May 17 - Mars reaches 20 degrees Leo again, ending the retrograde cycle

As you can see, this retrograde is spread out over a 5 month period, with the most intense phase between December 20 and March 10. We suggest using this period to discover what now makes your heart sing; what you would like to create during the next 2 1/2 years in this Mars Leo cycle; and creative, passionate steps to take over the next 2 1/2 months to put that energy into motion come March.

Remember, there are a number of significant astrological cycles occurring in synchronicity or rapid succession in 2010. Mars retrograde represents the "sounding bell" for what is shaping up to be a very significant year for intense shifts and transformation in the consciousness.

Coming Blogs - Late December's Mercury Retrograde, New Year's Eve Eclipsed Full Moon (note: Blue Moon references have no basis in astrology); and January astro highlights.

Many blessings in this season of the building light
Aloha, Kathryn and Joseph

Sagittarius New Moon - Quest for Truth

Wednesday, Dec 16th 2:02 am HST; 4:02 PST

(image & description from our Astroactivator Series)

This New Moon 2 week period represents a time to contemplate the truth. Expand your idea of what is true for you. Build enthusiasm and deepen your vision for the meaning of Life. As a fire sign, Sagittarius values action arising from innate wisdom and instinct. Remember the teacher in you. Meditate, pray, or deepen a spiritual path. Sagittarius is a time of adventure, travel, and wisdom. (from our eBook Manifesting by the Light of the Moon, available here.

This New Moon ushers in a 2 week period of renewed optimism and greater focus for the task at hand. As a prelude to the Mars and Mercury Retrogrades on the 20th and 26th, respectively, this is a potent time for clarifying relationship issues (Saturn in Libra), especially in the areas of honesty, dependability, integrity and mutual cooperation. Moving into these retrograde cycles with greater clarity and connection with those close to you provides a smoother inner journey. By contrast, unspoken or unresolved issues in the areas mentioned above will be magnified during the retrogrades.

Finally, Uranus in Pisces, and Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune in Aquarius create a square and sextile, respectively to this New Moon dynamic, which heightens the desire for change (Uranus) and freedom (Aquarius trio). Time to spread your cosmic wings.

Coming Blogs: Solstice on December 21, Mars/Mercury Retrogrades, and December 31 Blue Full Moon.

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Aloha, Kathryn and Joseph