Mercury Retrograde Revisited - the intensity builds

Mercury retrograde continues its Capricorn journey, arriving at its direct motion point on January 15th, the same day as the New Moon Annular Solar Eclipse. Our next blog covers this event.

Mercury is now moving towards Pluto, the archetype of transformation and melt-down. It is closest to the 3 degree Pluto point between January 11 and 18th. This time frame signals the most intense phase of this retrograde transit. Because Saturn in the sign of Libra resides at a similar degree, expect strong, unexpected shifts in the realm of how we relate to each other on a societal and personal level. Harmony, willingness to move with the flow, and taking quiet time for self are powerful tools for surfing this vibration.

This current intensity has been building recently in the realms of Security (e.g more restrictive security measures in light of the  Dec 25 failed airline bomb attempt), Weather (record snowfalls/freezing conditions in many places of the Northern hemisphere) and Geophysical (strong earthquakes and tsunamis yesterday in Samoa). These are 3 areas which have a tremendous impact upon the efficiency and flow of society's Capricorn structure. For example, nothing like a hefty snowstorm to disrupt plans and shift the focus inward.

In the aviation realm, one very recent example of how Mercury (communication) works in reversal in the Capricorn realm of rules, regulations and authority: Slovakian aviation security  planted bomb parts in the luggage of an unsuspecting passenger to test airport screening devices (the test failed, as the bomb parts were not detected). Not only did the passenger not know of the "test", but Security officials at the aircraft's destination (Ireland) were not informed until after the fact. According to aviation experts, planting bomb parts outside of a controlled test is borderline insanity. In Mercury Retrograde lingo - expect the unexpected.

As I previously posted, the intent of Mercury Retrograde is to shift our logical ways into higher degrees of spontaneity and serendipity. This allows the brain's creative side to take the lead. The downside of this cycle occurs when "logic" is forced into the lead. Usually, this quickly demonstrates the flawed aspects of that "logic". Just ask the Slovakian Government.

Next Blog - New Moon Annular Eclipse of the Sun over India and China

Starman, Joseph Mina

Cancer Full Moon lights up New Year's Eve

As the final astrological chapter for 2009 is written, a partially eclipsed Full Moon graces the sky on December 31. Quite a year it's been, yet we're just getting warmed up for 2010.

This is the first Full Moon of the Winter Season. By a quirk of the calendar, it's the second Full Moon in December, which the press heralds as a "Blue Moon".

Blue Moon origin - back in 1948, the Farmer's Almanac definition of a Blue Moon was misinterpreted to be the 2nd Full Moon of the month. Unfortunate or otherwise, this mischaracterization of a Blue Moon has stuck. The correct interpretation: a season with 4 Full Moons (usually there are 3). The second one in the same astrological sign is the "blue one" - something that next occurs in Autumn 2010 with 2 Aries Full Moons. If you're looking for more details, look no further than here.

Blue or otherwise, this eclipsed Full Moon in the sign of Cancer is one of those "unseen" eclipses. Any shadow effect from the Moon's passage through the Earth's outer shadow (penumbra) will be barely noticeable, if at all.  A very good visual of the eclipse passage over Europe, Africa and Asia may be found here, courtesy of Shadow and Substance.

A partial eclipse effect usually diminishes the event's intensity. However, what the eclipse may lack in visual stimulation, is more than made up by its potent and challenging associations with planetary energies in Capricorn and Libra.

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