Pluto Retrograde
Tuesday, April 10, 9:21 am PDT, 12:21 pm EDT
Pluto’s reversal is a very subtle shift because this planet already lives in the underworld. Yet for the next four months we may be diving more deeply into the shadows of fear and desire. Exploring the depths of the psyche can lead to treasure troves of energy that are hidden in the secrets that we keep from ourselves. Being kind and gentle with ourselves is essential when we are brave enough to face the truth.
It was only 6 days ago that Mercury left retrograde motion to turn direct. Now Pluto is doing the opposite, pausing in its motion at 10 degrees of Capricorn (9:25AM PDT) and shifting from direct to retrograde. All Pluto themes – death-rebirth, regeneration, willpower and purpose, depth psychology, lasers and positive use of atomic energy, the underworld, phobias, extremes, repressed emotions, scandals and invisible forces beyond one’s control – are accentuated now and during the next couple of days. [Pluto will remain in reverse until September 17, 2012 when it will turn direct again at 7 degrees of Capricorn.] Being pushy, egocentric and aggressive won’t win you friends and admirers. Events are also likely to boomerang against you – from the karmic perspective – if you insist on making others do your bidding because of your own arm-twisting maneuvers. Allow the higher vibrations of optimistic and happy-go-lucky Sagittarius Moon to run the show. You may also receive a helping hand from Venus in Gemini forming a polarity to Juno in Sagittarius (11:36AM PDT). If you can avoid jealousy and envy on the partnership front, then loving kindness coming from others to you may be the result. Tensions vie for supremacy with harmonic vibes this evening when the Sun makes a frictional, 45-degree link to Venus (7:22PM PDT) while the Sun also trines the Moon in fire signs (7:52PM PDT). Hopefully, the latter resourceful alignment will win out as the Moon in Sagittarius still carries a great force of enthusiasm and self-confidence.
Here’s yet another day when being patient in the early hours is the path of wisdom. The Moon is void in Scorpio until 8:13AM PDT when the lunar orb shifts into the fiery, enthusiastic sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarius Moon usually carries a note of optimism, goal-orientation, and enjoyment of athletics and adventures in the great outdoors. While those keynotes are still available, you will need to gingerly move through a caustic, 45-degree link from Venus to Vesta (8:24AM PDT). This aspect places a warning on fooling around with assets and investments. Fortunately, some better business vibes may come into play as Venus forms a supportive, 60-degree rapport with innovative Uranus (9:53AM PDT) while productivity-enhancer Ceres enters earthy and pragmatic Taurus (1:41PM PDT) until June 23 and the Sun makes a fairly rare union with Vesta (5:07PM PDT). Thus, the tentative and questionable morning energy-field appears to be strengthening throughout the day. Plus – the Sun conjunction with Vesta is definitely a vast improvement business-wise over the Venus-Vesta skirmish. Be more fashion-conscious as the Moon makes its monthly union with Juno (6:37PM PDT). Add touches of beauty and elegance around your residence. Think of new ways to empower your primary partnerships. Do your best to prepare for tomorrow morning’s Pluto shift from direct to retrograde.
Just when it seemed that some of the tense sky patterns are losing their potency, along comes another whopper – in this case, it is the Sun making an abrasive, 135-degree link to the red planet Mars (1:08AM PDT). This kind of connection often equates with a rising tide of emotional turbulence or volatility. Since the Moon is also in Scorpio, rocking the love boat is not recommended. Do your best to calm dear ones who are under pressure or on the skids. Your words and acts can be a soothing balm rather than an inflammatory expression. Another reason for an increase in psychic storminess is that Pluto – ruler of the underworld, extreme fears, phobias and repressed feelings – is about to shift from direct to retrograde on Tuesday April 10. Many people can tune into planetary stations ahead of schedule and that is why a warning of this kind can be a life-saver. Meanwhile, avoid conflicts with loved ones, friends and associates later on as the Moon parallels Pluto (5:01PM PDT) and the Sun makes an uneasy contra-parallel with Saturn (8:56PM PDT). Hope for improvement on the communication front as the Moon approaches a flowing trine with Mercury (11:57PM PDT). However, this usually auspicious Moon-Mercury link-up also begins a void lunar cycle that lasts until 8:13AM PDT tomorrow morning when the Moon enters fiery, upbeat Sagittarius.
Patience is a cardinal virtue – so goes the ancient maxim. Put this theory into practice during the first part of the day while the Moon parallels Mercury (12:45AM PDT) and Chiron (5:50AM PDT), but remains void-of-course in Virgo until 8:33AM PDT. During any void lunar cycle, it is best to finish old business on a high note, but wait until inaugurating new, bold plans until the Moon enters the next sign of the zodiac. Once the clock strikes 8:33AM PDT, the Moon in Libra points you toward being more active in social affairs, creative artistic expression, and improving the quality of primary partnerships. A Moon-Venus flowing trine in air signs (11:42AM PDT) magnifies the potentials contained in the Moon’s presence in harmony-striving Libra. Topsy-turvy, unsettled conditions roll into town later on as the Moon opposes Uranus (4:55PM PDT) while Venus squares its higher-octave planet Neptune (6:50PM PDT). The Moon-Uranus polarity puts key relationships on edge while the Venus-Neptune face-off adds a strong note of confusion to affairs of the heart and delicate business negotiations. Psychic storm warnings are still reverberating later on due to a Moon-Pluto square (11:53PM PDT) and as the Moon approaches a parallel with taskmaster Saturn (forming exactly at 12:10AM PDT tomorrow). Get set for the powerful Full Moon – activating Aries Sun and Libra Moon – at 12:20PM PDT on Friday.
Mercury Direct
Wednesday, April 4, 3:11 am PDT, 6:11 am EDT
Messenger Mercury shifts into forward gear to slowly start getting conversations back on track. Data will flow more freely, but facts may remain fuzzy and details elusive until April 16 when this cerebral planet leaves magical Pisces where dreams trump reality.
Uncertainty is definitely on the rise as Mercury shifts from retrograde to direct at 24 degrees of Pisces (3:12AM PDT). All Mercury themes – communication, reading and writing, classes and primary education, information exchange, transportation and travel plans, health and nutrition, sleight of hand, con artists, split-personality and theft – are energized throughout the day. [Mercury’s next retrograde cycle will begin on July 14 and last until August 7.] However, just because Mercury is no longer moving in reverse doesn’t mean it is racing forward. It will take several days before Mercury gathers any realistic momentum. Therefore, it is wise to still be cautious when it comes to signings, legal matters and making long-term agreements. Breakthroughs in consciousness and advances on the cutting edge of science and medicine are reinforced as the Moon trines Jupiter (6:36AM PDT) and the Moon parallels Uranus (7:20AM PDT). The Moon in Virgo always gives an emphasis to themes associated with health, diet and nutrition. Stock up on vitamins, supplements, herbs, tea, grains, cereals, nuts, seeds and seasonings. With the potent Full Moon only two days away – occurring on Friday April 6 – today and tomorrow constitute a 48-hour time-period of preparation for the enlightening vibes about to be released during the monthly solar-lunar high point. Business and communications are in the iffy category overnight as the Moon opposes Mercury (10:38PM PDT) – which starts a void lunar twilight zone that lasts until 8:33AM PDT tomorrow when the Moon enters Libra.
Venus in Gemini
Tuesday, April 3, 8:18 am PDT, 11:18 am EDT
The love planet is chatty and flirtatious in adaptable Gemini. Words can be delightful but also deceiving because it might be tempting to say whatever is necessary to amuse someone or deflect serious issues. Yet Venus is retrograde from May 15 until June 27, prolonging her stay in this sign until August 7 to add depth and complications to relationships. Clever quips are cute, but serious re-evaluations may be needed to fulfill our desires.
Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear,Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavendar, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalytus, Lavender
This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.
Mercury in Pisces
Friday, March 23, 6:23 am PDT, 9:23 am EDT
Retrograde Mercury backs into Pisces like a drunk stumbling back into a bar or a sinner returning to the faith — regression and redemption are both possible. Minds often meander with the messenger planet in this fluid sign, yet Mercury’s reversal allows us to pick up important strands of information that may have slipped through our fingers during its recent transit. Psychic awareness grows and tender conversations heal wounded relationships as we recognize the connecting power of compassion.
Thursday, March 22, 7:38 am PDT, 10:38 am EDT
The Aries New Moon is a rocket launcher, a blast-off moment and a fresh start for the new astrological year. This pioneering sign propels us into unknown territory, bravely (or blindly) jumping into the future. Innovative Uranus and brainy Mercury join this lunation to spark unconventional perceptions and fire up original ideas. We may get a little ahead of ourselves and impatiently force issues that aren’t quite ready for prime time. Concepts flying by at the speed of light must be slowed down to give them a chance to be examined.
The Aries New Moon is the beginning of both the Moon’s monthly cycle and the Sun’s annual cycle. The passion of this Fire sign spurs us to blaze new trails and experiment with original projects and unfamiliar forms of behavior. Starting things now might be easy, but sticking to them could be more difficult. The urge for personal freedom inspires independent action that can be bold and exciting, yet impulsive acts may rub some people the wrong way. Considering the feelings of others is essential to maintaining harmony when exploring new territory.
Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear,Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavendar, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalytus, Lavender
This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.
Did you take full advantage of last night’s solar shift from the end of Pisces to the beginning of Aries? If not, utilize the first few hours today to be more gung-ho and assertive with your key plans and aims for the next year of your life. Healing forces are definitely on the march – courtesy of the monthly Moon-Chiron union in Pisces (6:02AM PDT). Be more compassionate and empathic to the truly needy and disenfranchised. This is reinforced a few hours later when Venus makes a contra-parallel to Pluto (10:15AM PDT). Venus in cahoots with Pluto in this kind of liaison can equate with a rising tide of challenges for lovers and business partners. Be a good listener who is ready to lend a helping hand rather than a critic who would rather disagree than find common ground. Mercury and Chiron also form a contra-parallel formation (2:52PM PDT) and this association can assist you in building bridges of trust and friendship with many people in your community and around the world. Dust off your problem-solving skills later on when the Moon makes its monthly union with Pallas (5:00PM PDT). This can also be a good time-period for having strategy sessions, conducting research and strengthening your immune system. Be ready to dance the night away as the Moon in Pisces can give you happy feet.
Stop, look and listen! In the early going today, a slow-motion approach to your business affairs is sensible and logical since the Sun forms an off-kilter, 150-degree link to Saturn (2:57AM PDT). Too much hard work around this time-period may not necessarily be worth the effort. A completely different vibration pops up 7+ hours later when Mercury in retrograde motion unites with Uranus at 5 degrees of Aries (10:23AM PDT). If this sounds vaguely familiar, there is a reason because the same two planets converged on March 5 and will do so again on April 22. In a typical year, Mercury will make a conjunction with Uranus one time and then keep on going forward. Therefore, 2012 must be an atypical year. In this case, your opportunity is to immerse yourself in the search for higher knowledge and wisdom in many fields of study. In addition, being a dynamic and eclectic communicator, teacher or mentor is accentuated. If turbulent forces seem to be rocking your boat, chalk that discordance up to the Moon in a contra-parallel link to Mars (11:47AM PDT) while the Moon is also moving into a parallel with dreamy Neptune (3:41PM PDT). Stay out of the mischief-making business and be more helpful and caring to the people who turn your world around on a daily basis. Board, word and card games have a genuine appeal under the continuing aegis of airy, information-loaded Aquarius Moon.
Following last night’s surge of cosmic blessings – brought forth by two highly favorable Venus alignments – the planet of love and beauty keeps providing support via a flowing trine to Mars (12:29AM PDT) while less than three hours later, Mars – which is still doing backstrokes in Virgo – makes another trine to giant Jupiter (2:51AM PDT). With the Moon in ebullient, adventurous Sagittarius, golden opportunities are prevalent. However, it is wise to avoid overdoing a good thing once the two largest celestial bodies – the Sun and Jupiter – form a caustic, 45-degree connection (2:14PM PDT). You probably won’t gain any assistance from the arrival of the Last Quarter Sun-Moon Phase (energizing 25 degrees of Pisces and Sagittarius at 6:26PM PDT). There is a need to cut through obstacles that could be blocking your spiritual pathway to higher consciousness. In your favor – as a physical-emotional vitality booster – is something unexpected – a flowing trine in earth signs linking Mars in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn (5:25PM PDT). Allow the red planet and the mysterious underworld-ruling planet to come to your rescue for several hours. It is not every day that Mars and Pluto combine to be on their best behavior and create a support system on your behalf.
With the Moon in optimistic and enthusiastic Sagittarius, and last night’s Jupiter-Pluto trine offering you added encouragement across the board, it may seem that the cosmos is at your beck and call. However, Mercury now in reverse, the Mars-Neptune contra-parallel from Monday, and this morning’s 180-degree joust between Mars and Pallas (12:15AM PDT) are not exactly a friendly welcoming committee as this day begins. Don’t be your own worst enemy through self-criticism and antagonizing family members. Three favorable alignments give you a terrific boost as Mercury trines Juno (1:27AM PDT), the Moon trines Mercury (11:11AM PDT), and the Moon makes its monthly union with Juno in Sagittarius (11:20AM PDT). The emphasis on Juno reminds you to be more fashion-conscious, hip and stylish as well as to treat dear ones with respect. Fun, games and sports are always highlighted during the Moon in Sagittarius dispensation. The evening hours provide a dynamic one-two punch as Venus makes a flowing trine to Pluto in earth signs (6:29PM PDT) while Venus also unites with providential Jupiter at 10 degrees of Taurus (10:55PM PDT). This double combination by Venus can be your ticket to dramatic social gains and worldly success as a savvy entrepreneur who knows the score. If necessary, keep the midnight oil burning as Venus nears a trine to Mars (exact at 12:29AM PDT tomorrow) while the red planet is approaching a similar trine to Jupiter (precise at 2:52AM PDT tomorrow).
The universe moves from fundamental adversary to conditional support system as a fairly intense weekend morphs into an exhilarating Monday. The good news starts early when Venus leaves forceful Aries for determined, hardworking Taurus (2:26AM PST) – the earth sign that Venus rules. Being practical, sensible and economical can all work in your favor as Venus remains in this fixed, power sign until April 3. Coming into the picture shortly after the Venus shift is Mercury uniting with Uranus at 4 degrees of Aries (3:36AM PST). As the first of three Mercury-Uranus encounters (the other two happening on March 18 and April 22), anytime these two planets break bread together we can expect a torrent of revelations pouring forth out of the Universal Mind. The question is whether we can think fast enough and deep enough in order to understand what to do with enhanced knowledge and wisdom. After a slightly frictional 45-degree tie between Ceres and Neptune (7:13AM PST) – an aspect that might decrease your productivity temporarily – the cosmos comes roaring back with enthusiasm as the Moon parallels Jupiter (10:36AM PST) and Venus (12:18PM PST). Not only are these two upbeat parallels equivalent to unions from the Moon to Jupiter and Venus, but they suggests that Venus is about to parallel the largest planet – Jupiter – very soon. Their exact parallel happens tomorrow morning at 6:39AM – offering a cornucopia of blessings across the board. Nevertheless, as Monday shifts into Tuesday, be more cautious and careful since the Moon parallels Mars (12:48AM on Tuesday). On the home front and with loved ones, use words to heal – not harm.
Life in the fast lane of Aries Moon after a recent New Moon can be a race against time to accomplish everything on your to-do list. Early on, surprises and unsettled conditions are the norm rather than the exception while the Moon unites with shock-master Uranus (12:27AM PST). Shortly thereafter, there is a mammoth rise in healing energies circulating around – courtesy of the annual Sun-Chiron union in Pisces (1:07AM PST). Learn more about advances on the cutting edge of alternative medicine. Look into the mysteries concerning ancient ruins, pyramid power, ley lines, crop circles, missing time, UFOs and ETs. This search into the unknown is magnified as Mercury parallels Chiron (5:33AM PST). Some flak may appear on the psychic radar screen regarding problem-solving as Venus forms a frictional, 45-degree connection with Pallas (11:17AM PST). Love is in the air as the Moon parallels Venus (3:49PM PST). Don’t be surprised if erotic impulses pop up unexpectedly. Meanwhile, be more productive with arts, crafts and your favorite hobbies as the Moon unites with Ceres (7:36PM PST). This conjunction doubles as an activator concerning diet and nutrition, as well as nurturing children and pets in your family circle. Enjoy competitive games like pool, darts and bowling as the Moon parallels Mars (9:24PM PST). Get set for a wild cosmic ride on Saturday as a mixture of challenging and opportunistic alignments weave their compelling influences throughout the day.
Stop, look and listen! The cosmos wants you to be patient, calm and receptive to higher guidance. As mentioned in Wednesday’s calendar entry, the Moon in Pisces remains in a void limbo cycle until 6:49PM PST when the Moon enters fiery, independent-minded Aries. There is no need to dash out of the starting gate too soon since tensions are filling up the psychic atmosphere early on as Mercury opposes Mars (3:26AM PST). Reflect on your recent and current investment plans as the Moon unites with Vesta in Pisces (5:13PM PST). It is also wise to review insurance rates and coverage, and make sure your residence has adequate safety and security systems. Relationships are on the questionable side of the astro-psychic spectrum due to a feisty Sun-Juno square from Pisces to Sagittarius (5:37PM PST). Wear kid gloves when handling love bonds. Once the Moon enters Aries (6:49PM PST), your tendency will be to push forward in an assertive, willful manner. However, Vesta makes an off-kilter, 150-degree tie to Saturn (9:12PM PST) — becoming a further reminder to make sure you are safe at home and that your business affairs are rock-solid
Strange forces continue to be on the prowl following yesterday’s tumultuous happenings. Now you need to deal with a rather strident Mars-Saturn contra-parallel (12:01AM PST) that can send shock waves and negative emotions moving through primary partnerships. Be extra sensitive to dear ones under duress. Fortunately, the annual Sun-Pallas union in Pisces clocks in at 9:48AM PST. This solar conjunction to Pallas can help you perform some unconventional wizardry concerning problem-solving, strategy sessions, in-depth research, and strengthening your immune system. Communication channels receive an energizing burst during the monthly Moon-Mercury union (4:36PM PST), but shortly thereafter the monthly Moon-Mars opposition (6:25PM PST) ignites potential mischief-making with associates or dear ones while also beginning a lengthy void lunar uncertainty zone lasting for over 24 hours until 6:49PM PST tomorrow. Finish old business during the void-of-course lunar cycle, but don’t launch new, bold enterprises until the Moon enters Aries on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, Venus forming an off-kilter, 150-degree tie to Mars (8:26PM PST) throws a potential monkey wrench into the affairs of sweethearts. It is doubtful whether a shock-bringing Moon-Uranus parallel (11:00PM PST) will add a sense of calm. Do your best to bring happiness to a significant other without exhausting yourself in the process.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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