EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 2019’S MERCURY RETROGRADES

• GARY CATON

The ancient Greeks called the planets asters planetai, or “wandering stars,” as they are in constant motion through the heavens against the fixed backdrop of the zodiac. Most of the time, planets move forward through the zodiac along a path we call the ecliptic, which is essentially the main highway. Now and then, though, planets depart from the straight and narrow to do a little extra wandering. But not all who wander are lost.

Retrograde planets are essentially seekers—not only going against the normal flow, eschewing forward motion, but also ditching the path altogether in favor of some winding side roads. This does not necessarily mean things are bound to go wrong, but it does mean that we on Earth are called to disengage auto-pilot, be observant, take our time, and take a lot less for granted.

Mercury is the planet of communication, commerce, and movement. Because it’s involved in almost all day-to-day activity, Mercury retrogrades—and their accompanying departures from the usual and the ordinary—are typically quite noticeable. If we release our expectations, this can be a fun and exciting shift.

MERCURY RETROGRADE AND WATER SIGNS

The three Mercury retrogrades of 2019 occur predominantly in the water signs of Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio. In fact, due to some extra meandering, Mercury is slated to spend more time in the three water signs than just about all the other signs combined.

Water is receptive in nature, so the effects of Mercury retrograde in this element can be subtler when compared to its occurrence in others. Water has no shape of its own, taking on the shape of its surroundings; and with water, most of the interesting things are happening below the surface. Likewise, you may notice that something feels different before you can fully discern exactly what it is. You’re likely to feel unusually susceptible to the moods of others or the nature of your surroundings. Conversely, you may be able to affect the group vibe through emotional appeals. Water tends to unify and pool together in large bodies, so popularity can swing in great tides this year. An example? The enormously popular new age books The Celestine Prophecy and The Secret were both released during years with Mercury retrogrades in water signs.

 

YOUR SIGN AND THE TRANSIT

Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

Some of the people, places, and things that are the most central to your life are likely to shift this year, and thus the way you feel about them could as well. The great news is that while you can’t control these changes, you can control your reactions to them; in this way, you could become a port in the storm for weary travelers. At the same time, you may find that there are things about your own basic identity that you actually want to change—and with a similar kind of support, these periods may be the perfect time to seek something new.

Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Water is your opposite element: in any direct interaction, water puts out your fire or you heat it to a boiling point. Therefore, an indirect approach is likely best. If you can take some time to rest and cool off, then the embers of your fire become easier for others to handle. As such, when things veer from the normal course, don’t allow yourself to get worked up—just pull over and take in the view for a bit. Curb your desire to go it alone and either ask for help or commiserate with others on your detour. You may just find a short cut together.

Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

You may have to put aside your natural practicality, relax your boundaries, and go with the flow. Allow yourself to feel as much as you think, and to honor your connections. Try to sense the universal messages always surrounding you.

Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

Slow down, practice doing less, and notice that things tend to work out on their own—particularly when you don’t over-react. When things don’t naturally coalesce, notice the deeper source of the issue. Lessen the discordant voices and increase those that resonate with an organic harmony.

 

MERCURY RETROGRADE CALENDAR 2019

Below are the key dates for Mercury Retrograde in 2019:

February 10 Mercury enters Pisces
February 26 Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to slow down)

March 5 Mercury stations retrograde at 29° Pisces 39’
March 14 Mercury conjunct the sun (closest to Earth)
March 28 Mercury stations direct at 16° Pisces 06’

April 11 Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to speed up)
April 17 Mercury leaves Pisces

June 4 Mercury first enters Cancer
June 23 Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to slow down)

July 7 Mercury stations retrograde at 4° Leo 28’
July 21 Mercury conjunct the sun (closest to Earth)
July 31 Mercury stations direct at 23° Cancer 57’

August 9 Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to speed up)
August 11 Mercury finally leaves Cancer

October 3 Mercury enters Scorpio
October 19 Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to slow down)
October 31 Mercury stations retrograde at 27° Scorpio 38’

November 11 Mercury conjunct the sun (closest to Earth)
November 20 Mercury stations direct at 11° Scorpio 35’
November 28 Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to speed up)

December 9 Mercury leaves Scorpio

 

Gary P. Caton is a transdisciplinary astrologer who maintains an active sacred relationship with the living Sky as his temple. Initiated an astrologer by a magnificent dream in 1993, Gary is the author of Hermetica Triptycha: The Mercury Elemental Year, and host of the popular Hermetic Astrology Podcast. Find Gary online at DreamAstrologer.com

Published on Astrology.com

CALL IN THE POWER OF SPRING’S MOST MAGICAL TRANSITS

• GARY CATON

Astrological magic had its heyday in the medieval period, when kings and queens ruled the lands. Magic can be seen as metaphorical attempts to gain the favor of the sovereign, and many of the stipulations around when to practice magic are based around the idea of finding the ruler in a good mood, willing and able to help. Planets traversing one of their favorite places, known as dignities, symbolize just such rulers—those who are content in their special place and willing to marshal resources to the aid of those they favor.

DIURNAL SECT IN DIGNITIES

After the sun moves into Aries on March 20, a period begins in which Jupiter, Saturn, and the sun are all in signs of their dignity. These three planets belong to what was called the diurnal sect. This means that they are fundamentally yang, or masculine, in nature, and so are seen to exert their greatest powers in the daytime. Together, these three happy and helpful rulers signify propitious opportunities for bold forceful action (sun in Aries), forward-looking and expansive enterprises (Jupiter in Sagittarius), and structured approaches toward long term objectives (Saturn in Capricorn). Thus, the period from March 20 until April 10—when Jupiter turns retrograde—represents a rare opportunity to combine and harness all three of these magical influences at once. This is especially true on Sunday, April 7 as the sun applies to trine Jupiter and the feminine/nocturnal planets Venus and the moon are also in their dignities, for a total of five out of seven classical planets in signs of their dignity.

 

VENUS CONJUNCT FOMALHAUT

Another condition for magical activity is when planets are conjunct bright stars. The stars give gifts of power and protection from beyond the spheres of the planets, a sign of eminence. On Friday, March 29 Venus is conjunct Fomalhaut, one of the four stars identified as “royal” by the Persians. Venus is already in Pisces, a sign of her dignity, and Friday also belongs to Venus, so we have three magical conditions converging. Early risers can capture the Venus hour, as well (the first hour after Sunrise always belongs to the planet of the day). All of this Venus magic is conducive to using personal charisma for bringing people and things together in a state of unity, harmony, and spiritual peace. However, since Venus is in a waning phase visually—becoming gradually lower and dimmer—it may be helpful to surrender or give away one gift or blessing in our lives in order to discover another.

 

MERCURY CONJUNCT SIRIUS

On Wednesday, June 12 we have a conjunction of the star Sirius by the planet Mercury. Sirius is not only the brightest star in the sky but also one of fifteen Behenian stars considered to have special magical powers; Sirius was said to grant favor and also bring peace and accord. Since this is Mercury’s day, we can assume this peace is brokered through communication, negotiation, or exchange. This magic comes just in time and appears to be an opportunity to diffuse the very powerful opposition forming between Mars in Cancer and Saturn in Capricorn, with the moon in Libra offering additional assistance. Seek to broker peace through direct communication, if possible. If not, you can still call on the powers of Sirius and Mercury for help. Each of the Behenian stars has an accompanying herb, stone, and image or sigil used to access its powers. For Sirius, the herb is juniper and the stone is beryl. Combine these with the sigils for Sirius and Mercury along with incense and prayers for peace and harmony between powerful opposing forces.

 

Gary P. Caton is a transdisciplinary astrologer who maintains an active sacred relationship with the living Sky as his temple. Initiated an astrologer by a magnificent dream in 1993, Gary is the author of Hermetica Triptycha: The Mercury Elemental Year, and host of the popular Hermetic Astrology Podcast. Find Gary online at DreamAstrologer.com

Published on Astrology.com

COSMIC CALENDAR

• MARCH 5, 2019

If you read yesterday’s calendar entry, you are aware that Messenger of the Gods Mercury is halting its direct motion in the heavens (10:21 a.m. at 30 degrees of Pisces) and beginning a retrograde cycle that lasts until March 28. Take a good look at the following themes associated with this crucial planet—communication, learning and primary education, words and language, transportation and travel plans, business and trade, messages and paperwork, health and medical concerns, the five senses, air and breathing, wind and temperature changes, as well as acts of apparent magic, sleight of hand, and theft. Don’t fall prey to marketing strategies and sales pitches that aim at hoodwinking you to sign an agreement that will end with regret.

Some ten hours earlier there is a 6-minute void lunar zone that starts at 12:06 a.m. and ends when the moon enters Pisces at 12:12 a.m. Be aware that the dark-of-the-moon monthly cycle that always occurs shortly before the new moon is building all of today since the next solar-lunar rendezvous occurs tomorrow. In addition, it is realistic to anticipate a possible rise in anxiety due to the sun forming an abrasive, 45-degree aspect with idiosyncratic and unconventional Uranus (12:40 p.m.), plus Uranus shifting from the end of Aries to the beginning of Taurus at 12:28 a.m. tomorrow.

Another source of either clarity or uncertainty is a fairly rare Vesta-Neptune convergence at 17 degrees of Pisces (5:10 p.m.). Safety and security matters, insurance coverage and investment planning, sisterhood and fellowship gatherings are definitely in the cosmic spotlight for everyone now and on Wednesday.

[Note to readers: All times are calculated as Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Copyright 2018 Mark Lerner & Great Bear Enterprises, Ltd. 

Astrology.com

Sorry, we are running late. I was looking at the obituaries to see if I was still alive this morning or not. Just kidding. There are several things I have to get done this morning. Most of the time when I have a lot of things to get done, I tell you to go over to the Commentary Gazette to view today’s posts. I got to thinking, why not bring the posts I put over there, over here. Genius, I know, ha! If you believe that I have some good water front property for sale, real cheap too. So to mix things up, we are going to do the posts I do over at the Commentary Gazette here this morning. Mix things up a bit, I know you get tired of the same old same old, so change for one day never hurt anything(I don’t think or at least don’t hope). So I am doing the posts I normally do over there, over here today.

I want to get two things done today. One I will, the other one will take a day or two, I am sure. First one, is to revise the front page of this site. The second is to start building the long awaited “Pagans In Action,” site. That will take a few days I know. For the next few days, I would ask that you have patience with us. You know what we are doing and it is for a good cause. Right now there are disasters all over the place and these people could use our help. So that site should be up and running now but unfortunate it isn’t. I can guarantee you it will be shortly.

Now I am off and running or else I won’t get anything I have put on the back burner for several weeks done. I hope you enjoy the posts today. It will be something different but it doesn’t hurt to break up our routine occasionally.

Have a very blessed Tuesday,

Love ya,

Lady A

Stop by and support your local witch, lol! Well if not your favorite witch, then your favorite organization. Remember all the proceeds from the sales from our store help pay our daily operating expenses and costs. All purchases no matter how small or how large are greatly appreciated and they go to help us to continue to operate. Got a moment, stop by and check it out. Right now, free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more.

Witches of the Craft Online Store

I can’t help it, you will probably hear about the store for a while. I pulled up a costly template, put it side by side my white blank screen and when to town. I made the store from copying another template just by eye balling it. So, yeah, I am sort of proud of it. Check it out if you haven’t done so yet.

Love ya,

Lady A

The Moon in Aquarius: Quirky, Humanitarian, Independent

Mar 2, 2019 – Mar 5, 2019

 

Before we talk specifically about the Moon in Aquarius, let’s first talk about the Moon for a moment. Astrologers consider the Moon a planet, and because it moves so quickly it passes through each of the 12 zodiac signs once every month. Just as the Sun has a placement in our birth chart, so does the Moon.

Regardless of what your sign is, for a couple of days each month we all get drawn into the influence of the Aquarius Moon. This is the time when we’re more inclined to march to the beat of our own drum. Aquarius is anything but cookie-cutter, and this lunation will have us trying to figure out what it is that makes us unique so that we can share it with the world.

Aquarians are social butterflies, making friends and influencing people wherever they go. This isn’t surprising considering Aquarius rules the 11th House of Friendships! When the Moon moves into this gregarious sign, you’ll feel the urge to call your friends, make plans, and get out and interact with those around you.

The Aquarius Moon could also have you feeling a little but more rebellious and spontaneous than usual. You may crave freedom and a distraction from your everyday life. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a rut, this is when you’ll decide to change up your routine or break old habits.

New Moon in Aquarius

New Moons are times of new emotional cycles and planting seeds for whatever we want to come next. The futuristic Aquarius New Moon encourages us to cut our past loose, or at least some of the things that we’re still hung up on. Aquarius is cool and detached, ideal for making a clean break from things that are no longer serving us so that we can boldly step into the next phase of our lives.

Our innovative spirit is off the charts with the New Moon in unconventional Aquarius! When the Sun and Moon team up in this brainy sign, we have a greater ability to expand our perceptions and come up with bright ideas. Aquarius sometimes dreams up concepts so far ahead of its time that they cannot be applied to current circumstances. However, the New Moon helps put us in touch with reality so that we can bring these groundbreaking insights back down to earth.

Full Moon in Aquarius

This Full Moon occurs when the cooperative Aquarius Moon opposes the individualistic Leo Sun. This cosmic coupling allows us see the difference between satisfying ourselves (Leo) and collaborating with others (Aquarius), and helps us understand the relationship between teamwork and individuality. The community-conscious Aquarius Full Moon reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves, and that acting on our ideas and ideals will benefit everyone.

You’ll probably wonder where your invitation is because it’s always a party when the Full Moon is in Aquarius! Full Moons spark an increase in activity and energy, and Aquarius is one of the most outgoing signs in the zodiac. You’ll be more apt to let your hair down and have a good time during this fun-loving Full Moon.

 

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The Wisdom of Buddha

 

It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.

Consult the Magick 8 Ball

Query: Will we have a great week?

 

Your Ogham Reading for the Week of March 4

 

Onn-Gorse

While it also may have thorns, Gorse is known for a vibrant yellow flower that can last almost year round. For this reason this plant has become a symbol of vitality. It may be hardy and have some thorns but it protects wildlife and shines bright for everyone to see. When you draw this letter keep in mind optimism, positivity, and vigor. With Onn you will prevail as long as you keep your flower in bloom!

Fortune – This Ogham tells you that you will prevail! Stay happy and optimistic and everything you seek will turn out great!

 

 

 

Ura-Heather

The beauty of heather flowers is one reason it is associated with the Irish Goddess of love, fertility, and new growth. Be happy when you draw this letter because it denotes love, companionship, and passion. Whether it will be a new love or an old love rekindled, Ura is a powerful symbol and one that may bring great luck in your love life.

Fortune – This Ogham deals in matters of Love. Whether it is new love or rekindling of old love, enjoy the peace and love that comes with Ura!

 

 

 

Edhadh-Aspen

Aspens grow in large colonies, with the root system potentially up to 10,000’s of years old. This tree can survive fires and other harmful conditions. Often this letter can be associated with death and the fear that comes from it. However it is better to see it for what the aspen really is. When one dies another aspen grows from the same root system. Death is not always a negative aspect of life; sometimes it is a necessary transition. The letter Edhadh will force us to look inward for what we need to “let die,” so we can renew ourselves.

Fortune – A large part of your life will be gone, yet do not worry because another great part will stop. Edhadh never closes one door without opening another!

 

 

Source

Trusted Tarot

Your Weekly Influences for March 4

 

Tarot Influence

Death

Death upright represents positive change. New beginnings, ideas and opportunities are in store for you. Embrace them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Aries

The Ram is energetic, courageous, optimistic and obstinate. The Ram is not a quitter! He will get his way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Fire

Fire denotes the unleashing of raw energy and change. The status quo may be about to crumble, but will be replaced something better. Fire also provides light to those in the dark and warmth for a cold body and spirit.

 

Read Your Zodiac Sign’s Tarotscope: Week of March 4

Read what’s in the cards for your sign this week!

 

Welcome to the week of March 4! Each week a card will be pulled for your zodiac sign, offering the guidance and insight needed to maximize your opportunities and avoid any obstacles headed your way. Reveal the message the Tarot has for YOU now!

Aries Tarotscope (March 21 – April 19)

Your card for the week: Temperance

Temperance is a card of balance and moderation. Receiving this card signifies a need to keep a more go-with-the-flow attitude, practicing patience and adaptability as best you can. Perhaps you’ve been resisting a change in your life or letting a stressful situation get the best of you. If this is the case, change your approach this week. Allow things to slide off your back instead of meeting them with resistance. By finding your inner balance, you set yourself up to find your outer balance once again.

 

Taurus Tarotscope (April 20 – May 20)

Your card for the week: 4 of Pentacles

The 4 of Pentacles wants you to focus on your relationship with money this week. Are you saving your money, while also still indulging in life’s little luxuries? Or are you hoarding every penny you have because you’re afraid you’re going to lose everything? Examine what is driving this mindset. Don’t allow your feelings around finances to distract you from effectively managing your wealth and setting yourself up for long-term success. You can have fun now, while still having security later.

 

Gemini Tarotscope (May 21 – June 20)

Your card for the week: 9 of Wands

You could find yourself approaching the finish line this week! The 9 of Wands recognizes the persistence and dedication you’ve put into a personal goal you’ve been working toward. Your initial goals and ideas were planted and have grown, and you are so close to finally reaching your destination. While the road may have been long and weary at times, this is no time to give up. Resilience is your greatest asset right now, so put on your battle armor and keep moving forward no matter what life may throw your way.

 

Cancer Tarotscope (June 21 – July 22)

Your card for the week: Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles represents enthusiasm for new beginnings and new ventures. This week, you are being encouraged to express your creative talents in some way. Have you been thinking about starting something but haven’t taken the first steps to get it off the ground? This card wants you to take those imaginative ideas you’ve been toying with and start working toward manifesting them. By remaining focused and applying a strong work ethic, you give yourself the ability to turn your dreams into a reality.

 

Leo Tarotscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Your card for the week: The Star

You can breathe a little bit easier, because relief has arrived this week! The Star is signaling a reprieve after a period of great change or difficulty. While this turmoil has not been easy for you to go through, you have been able to endure whatever challenges life has thrown your way. What lessons have you learned? What were you able to let go of that was holding you back? How will you move forward differently? Now is the time to shed the old you, so you can emerge as the person you were meant to be.

 

Virgo Tarotscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Your card for the week: Knight of Pentacles

Have you had your head in the clouds recently? The Knight of Pentacles is urging you to come back down to Earth this week and apply effort to your ideas this week. Maybe you’ve been suffering from a case of “all talk and no action.” Alternately, you could be putting off your day-to-day responsibilities in favor of more exciting offers. No matter what your situation, you’re being encouraged to create a plan of action or stick to a routine as progress is best achieved through discipline.

 

Libra Tarotscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Your card for the week: The Empress

Receiving The Empress card signals that this week is about receiving the gifts that are all around you. It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzied pace of everyday life, but now you’re being urged to stop, slow down, and connect with your senses. Eat a nice meal. Stop and smell the flowers. Breathe in fresh forest air. By grounding yourself in this way, you open yourself up to seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, tasting, and truly experiencing all of life’s greatest rewards.

 

Scorpio Tarotscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Your card for the week: 7 of Pentacles

Don’t give up just yet! Your card this week, the 7 of Pentacles, is reminding you that anything worth having can’t be achieved overnight. Perhaps you’ve been working on a project or area of your life and haven’t yet reaped the rewards of your efforts. Understandably, this has been a source of frustration for you. Remind yourself that this wasn’t a task you could have been finished overnight and take pride in the effort you’ve already put forth. Your hard work and patience may not have paid off just yet, but they will soon enough.

 

Sagittarius Tarotscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Your card for the week: Page of Wands

The Page of Wands wants you to embrace your more free-spirited side this week! Sometimes it’s easy for us to get stuck in our routines or to keep going along with what’s most comfortable for us. However, there’s so much more to life left to explore! What is that you’ve been wanting to do but thought you couldn’t? No dream is too big or small right now. When you combine your passion with your enthusiasm, the sky will truly be the limit for you.

Capricorn Tarotscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Your card for the week: Ace of Swords

Your breakthrough moment has arrived! The Ace of Swords signals that the fog is lifting, and you have greater mental clarity this week. It may feel as though you’re viewing the world through a brand-new lens, one that helps you cut through the noise and get to the truth of the matter. Is a situation not what it seems? Has someone been deceiving you? Have you been deceiving yourself? You’re being handed an opportunity to clear the air and get to the heart of the matter.

 

Aquarius Tarotscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Your card for the week: Judgment

You could be on the verge of a decision that will have a long-lasting impact! You’ve been at this crossroads for a while, unsure of which path to go down. The Judgment card knows the best choices comes from the perfect blending of head and heart. This means you should not only look to your past for tangible lessons you’ve learned, but you must also connect with your inner self and listen to what your intuition is trying to tell you. This is the week to make your decision — and you already have everything you need to do so.

 

Pisces Tarotscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Your card for the week: Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune reminds you this week that life is full of ups and down. If you’ve been going through a problematic time in your life, this card could signal an end to this difficult period. If you’ve been going through a prosperous period, things could soon return to normal. Don’t lament this change — it is a natural part of growth and a natural part of life. Every experience you have serves a purpose in your understanding of yourself and your situations. Let this card serve as a reminder to embrace the ebbs and flows of life.

 

 

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