Mercury in Aries
Monday, April 16, 3:42 pm PDT, 6:42 pm EDT
Mercury’s encore visit to rambunctious Aries emboldens speech and heats up ideas that cooled off when it backed out of this Fire sign on March 23. Now is the time to open channels of communication and pursue fresh fields of study. Patience could be lacking but the excitement of new perspectives provides enthusiasm and the motivation to put our words into action.
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.
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.
After two days more akin to happily-ever-after fairy tales than psychologically scary stories, the dark side of the universe begins to reveal itself again as Venus makes a tense, 135-degree link to underworld-ruling Pluto (1:52PM PDT) while one of two annual Sun-Pluto squares is waiting in the wings to pounce on humanity on Thursday. Today’s Venus-Pluto clash is a warning shot that romance, social affairs and the arts may be temporarily vulnerable to bickering and disagreements that could turn would-be harmony into bitter feelings. Thirty minutes earlier an inspirational, 72-degree link from Saturn to Pluto (1:22PM PDT) may have the gravitas to keep dear ones, friends and colleagues in a happy frame of mind. This Saturn-Pluto interaction is also a boon if you want to investigate esoteric philosophy in an in-depth manner. Feel free to change course this evening and enjoy lighthearted discussions with pals under airy Gemini Moon. Immerse yourself in a sci-fi classic, contemporary novel or biography. Try your hand at writing rhymed poetry, limericks or haiku.
For the next two days, the universe conceives of its version of Easy Street to give earth dwellers a chance to lick their wounds after many days and weeks of perpetual cosmic bombardment. New ideas are proliferating throughout human consciousness as Mercury parallels Uranus (5:06AM PDT). Even though Mercury is in retrograde motion, its fundamental affiliation with higher-guardian planet Uranus can open the gateway to revelations coming from the Great Beyond. The Moon in Taurus – an exalted placement all on its own – unites with Venus (12:27PM PDT) to promote a creative, magnetic and joyful energy-field. Treat a loved one to lunch at a trendy restaurant and visit a popular art gallery. Don’t stub your toe on the communication and business fronts as Mercury makes a frictional, 45-degree tie to Jupiter (2:35PM PDT). Keep in mind that these two planets are the traditional ruling bodies of the four mutable signs (Gemini; Virgo; Sagittarius; Pisces), and therefore have much to do with verbal exchanges and travel plans. Thus, when Mercury is in conflict with Jupiter, you should anticipate a variety of delays, frustrations or blocks that might upset previously established plans. Fortunately, as you approach tonight’s Moon-Mercury supportive, 60-degree liaison (9:36PM PDT), there can be a softening of any blows that may have occurred when Mercury and Jupiter were unhappy campers 7 hours earlier. On the other hand, the Moon-Mercury aspect also starts a void lunar uncertainty zone that lasts until 3:44AM PDT tomorrow (when the Moon enters airy Gemini).
Capricorn Sachet
3 parts Vetivert
2 parts Cypress
1 part Vervain
1 part Mimosa blossoms
1 part Comfrey
Mix, tie up in indigo, gray or any other dark cloth you prefer. Wear or carry to enhance the positive aspects of your sign.
by Jeff Jawer
All Fired UpMarch 23 – 25 |
Friday is fired up by the frisky Aries Moon, stimulating interest in new places and faces. Taking risks by being more direct about feelings may rub some folks the wrong way, but it’s admirable to adopt such an honest approach to relationships. Eliminating games and guesswork about what you want clears away misconceptions and can take a partnership in a fresh direction or open the door to someone new.
Restlessness continues on Saturday as the impatience of the Aries Moon is kicked up by a solar conjunction to rebellious Uranus. A strong drive for independence and innovation is best met by giving everyone plenty of space. Any attempt to control people is likely to be met by resistance, so keeping things loose is a good way to keep the peace. Sudden shifts of mood are also possible, which can rattle a relationship or inspire an instant attraction to someone unusual.
Sunday should be calmer and quieter as the earthy Taurus Moon slows the pace and engages the senses. A big breakfast can be a yummy way to start the day, especially if you’re not in a hurry to go anywhere. Lounging around the house or relaxing in a beautiful natural setting opens hearts to life’s simple pleasures.
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.
You can breathe a first sigh of relief at 2:58AM PDT when yesterday’s long void lunar cycle in Pisces ends and the Moon enters fiery Aries. However, the New Moon – energizing 3 degrees of Aries – doesn’t occur until 7:38AM PDT. Therefore, between 2:58AM PDT and 7:38AM PDT, the dark-of-the-moon vibes are at white-hot intensity and this implies the need to finish odd jobs and old projects with skills and zeal. It is during the extreme dark-of-the-moon, closing-down energy-field that the Moon unites with Mercury retrograde in Aries (4:51AM PDT) – charging your mind and thought process with remembrances of times past. A wave of nostalgia can wash over you. Once the New Moon clocks in at 7:38AM PDT, it is incumbent upon you to be more courageous as a leader and pioneer who strikes while the iron is hot. Nevertheless, uncertainty and surprises are rife since Mars in Virgo opposes Chiron in Pisces (8:22AM PDT), the Moon unites with shock-inducer Uranus in Aries (11:37AM PDT), Mercury parallels productivity-enhancer Ceres (3:07PM PDT), and the Sun makes a potent, electrifying parallel to Uranus (6:25PM PDT). While the Mars-Chiron polarity can signify troubles afflicting romantic partners and business associates, the Moon and Sun aligning with Uranus can be tweaked to give you amazing insights about the shape of things to come. Expecting the unexpected should be your motto. Helping you smooth over differences with dear ones, friends and colleagues is an inspirational, 72-degree rapport from Venus to Chiron (11:37PM PDT). Positive ties between Venus and Chiron are very often reinforcement links that can bring soul-mates into greater harmony and happiness.
Calendar of the Moon
4 Fearn/Elaphebolion
Alder Tree Month
Color: Crimson
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of crimson set a flaming brazier filled with charcoal and incense.
Offerings: Purification. Write what has been dragging your down, and place it in the fire.
Daily Meal: Hot, nourishing food.
Fearn Invocation
Call: Now is the time of the warming of Earth.
Response: Now is the time of the Sun’s first warmth.
Call: Now is the time when the waters of Spring are banished.
Response: Now is the time when fire dries the flood.
Call: Now is the time when the heat rises within us.
Response: Now is the time when our tears are dried.
Call: Now is the time when our inner floods give way.
Response: Now is the time when our inner fields are greening.
Call: Like the birds who build their nests in the Spring….
Response: Like the creatures of the woods who brave the open fields…
Call: As they brave the world….
Response: So we now brave the world.
Call: As they seek sustenance of the body….
Response: So we seek sustenance of the soul.
Call: As they are driven forth by need and the cycle of life…..
Response: So we are driven forth by need and the cycle of life.
Call: No house can contain our souls….
Response: As no house contains the foundation on which it is built.
Call: We will be the piles that lift the house from the water….
Response: And we will lift our spirits from the winter’s flood.
Call: We will be the island in the river….
Response: The islands where the future is told…
Call: And we will see that future running like the current….
Response: Knowing not where it will lead….
Call: Save by the grace of the gods.
Response: Save by the grace of the Gods.
Chant:
We gather at the river
We bring fire to the water
Our fire burns within us
The river parts before us
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.
In the early hours, the Sun and Moon form a constructive, 60-degree rapport (4:13AM PDT). You can accomplish a lot on your to-do list. However, a Moon-Saturn square of 90-degrees (6:01AM PDT) suggests taking a time-out as this lunar face-off also starts a void lunar uncertainty zone that lasts until 9:13AM PDT. Finish odds and ends during this 3+ hour lunar limbo time-span. Once the Moon enters Aquarian orbit at 9:13AM PDT, your weekend focus should be on participating in group projects, team sports, and volunteer efforts in your local community. Some of you may want to join forces with humanitarian projects around the globe that stir your soul. Surprises and shock waves can arrive with the emergence of a Sun-Uranus contra-parallel formation (9:35AM PDT). Try to tweak this Sun-Uranus combination into a helpful alignment that gives you a boost with high-tech interests or advanced studies in metaphysics and science – especially as the Moon also forms a supportive, 60-degree alliance with Uranus (4:47PM PDT). Love vibrations increase in frequency – thanks to an inspirational, 72-degree tie from Venus to Neptune (7:00PM PDT). Be more cautious and conservative in your attitudes overnight as the Sun is nearing an off-kilter, 150-degree connection with Saturn (clocking in exactly at 2:57AM PDT tomorrow).
It was on this date in 1781 that the German-born astronomer William Herschel discovered a new planet, whilst working in England, which
later took over the astrological ruling of Aquarius from Saturn. We now call this plant Uranus after the Romans’ primeval sky deity. Yet it was initially touch and go whether the new planet would be named Georgium Sidus (the Latin for “George Star”), in respectful recognition of Herschel’s patron, King George III, as Herschel himself had stipulated, or rather Herschel, Herschell, Herschellium, or Herschel’s planet, after its discoverer.
The divinatory art of lithomancy requires thirteen stones, symbolizing each of the seven traditional ruling planets (the sun, moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn), as well as life, love, health, the home, magick and news. Cast your stones on a table and interpret how they fall.
Every so often the universe falls into a lull and decides not to bombard earthlings with excessive stormy weather, cosmically speaking. That is the scenario today as very few alignments happen compared to tomorrow and the four days thereafter as each day becomes a thrill ride every couple of hours. Right now Libra Moon suggests your continuing to improve the deeper and more sensitive aspects of your key relationships. In addition, explore the fine or graphic arts and take a friend to lunch at a favorite cafe. Visiting a gallery, museum or national landmark makes total sense. Your productivity quotient can rise in tandem with a Ceres-Uranus parallel (6:13AM PST). On the other hand, don’t be completely shocked if surprising events infiltrate the lives of maternal figures within your family. Be open to changing your diet or using a juicer to add vitamins and minerals to your daily intake of food. Realize that the two days that follow a Full Moon constitute a 48-hour time-period to disseminate the enlightening energies received when the Sun and Moon were at high tide in their monthly dance in the zodiac. Attend a play, piano recital, the ballet or a symphonic performance this evening under the welcoming aegis of Libra Moon. If going to the theater and having a night on the town is not your cup of tea, enjoy an impromptu party or gathering at your place. Love vibrations increase in wavelength as Mercury approaches a flowing trine in fire signs to Juno (forming exactly at 12:54AM PST on Saturday).
With the Full Moon at its apotheosis (1:41AM PST and energizing 19 degrees of Pisces and Virgo), think more about helping the downtrodden and uplifting humanity than fulfilling your own personal needs. Service to the world – via compassion and empathy – is a special keynote right now. Send your thoughts and prayers to dear ones, friends, colleagues, humanity and the kingdoms of nature. What’s unusual about this Full Moon is that it simultaneously begins a long void lunar cycle in Virgo that lasts until 8:51PM PST. Therefore, finishing old business and projects from the last few weeks is more appropriate during the bulk of today rather than dashing ahead with new, bold plans. However, problem-solving and strategy sessions look promising – courtesy of a supportive, 60-degree alliance between Pallas and Jupiter (7:12AM PST). Breakthroughs in the arts, social affairs and even romance are possible due to a subtle and yet still important, 30-degree embrace between Venus in Taurus and Uranus in Aries (9:14AM PST). Chiron – the archetypal wounded healer, maverick, catalyst and bridge-builder between soul and personality – is supremely active later on as this celestial body is moving 30-degrees to Mercury (6:41PM PST), parallel to the Moon (9:02PM PST) and then parallel to the Sun (10:01PM PST). The last two alignments take place after the Moon has entered airy and affable Libra (8:51PM PST). The hours after the Moon’s shift into Libra are superb for improving the quality of your primary partnerships.
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.
This is a good point in the Cosmic Calendar to remind you that solar and planetary alignments don’t just disappear in one day. Therefore, yesterday’s quartet of potent sky configurations – Sun opposite Mars, Vesta united with Uranus, Venus moving 135-degrees to Mars, and the Sun moving 135-degrees to Saturn – are still forces to reckon with, even if they are a little below the cosmic radar field. However, Venus in Aries is opposing Saturn in Libra (3:19AM PST) and this discordant aspect is clearly a polarity that can set in motion a big chill affecting love or money matters. Stop worrying about things you can’t control. Slow your tempo in romance and delicate business affairs. Emulate the tortoise rather than the hare in key activities this morning. It doesn’t help that the Moon squares Venus (2:18PM PST) – beginning a short void lunar cycle in Cancer that lasts until 3:19PM PST. The good news is that 3:19PM PST offers the Moon a new lease on life by entering fiery Leo and making two, mind-expanding trines – to Mercury (8:58PM PST) and Uranus (9:26PM PST). Because the Moon is closing in on harmonious trine patterns to Mercury and Uranus quickly, this implies that Mercury and Uranus are about to converge. That Mercury-Uranus inspirational union occurs tomorrow and – due to Mercury’s upcoming reversal on March 12 – Mercury will also unite with Uranus on March 18 and April 22. Get set for a highly stimulating start to the workweek tomorrow as Venus enters its main home sign of Taurus (2:26AM PST on Monday).
Take advantage of all golden opportunities coming your way during this weekend as cosmic intensity is back near full strength. Although the Moon is in Cancer and promoting projects around your residence, kitchen, garage or garden, the Sun in Pisces forms a polarity or opposition to Mars in Virgo (12:11PM PST). This aspect alone would be enough to cause alarm bells to ring and put everyone on Planet Earth on notice that volatile conditions are on the rise. However, you also have to deal with Vesta uniting with Uranus in Aries (3:46PM PST), Venus making a frictional, 135-degree tie to Mars (6:54PM PST), and the Sun forming a similar connection with taskmaster Saturn (7:12PM PST). Plus – waiting in the wings is a Venus-Saturn opposition that will clock in at 3:19AM PST tomorrow morning. Under this aegis of celestial tyranny, it may be hard to get any traction going this morning or afternoon. Vesta with Uranus suggests being extra careful relative to your assets and investments. Venus and Mars in a struggle is often an indicator of increased tensions or quarrels between lovers. The Sun-Saturn skirmish may slow down business negotiations and enterprises before they get off the ground. If you are looking for a silver lining in the overall psychic cloud cover, find it and savor it when the Sun and Moon form a flowing trine in water signs (8:59AM PST). Despite all the challenging aspects, antique hunters and collectible aficionados receive encouragement from the history-loving nature of Cancer Moon as an emotional backdrop to this 24-hour time-period.
February 2012 ends with a flourish as revolutionary vibrations associated with the first of the three outer planets – Uranus – strike humanity with intensity. Mercury makes a contra-parallel (1:04AM PST) with this planet of radical change, intuitive awareness and a vast arsenal of innovative ideas. Tomorrow – as Mercury shifts from south declination to north declination above the Celestial Equator – Mercury and Uranus will form a parallel. Therefore, mental excitement is at a feverish pitch as February ends and March begins, and many souls may be feeling far more nervous than usual. In the meantime, you have other fish to fry since the challenging vibes of the First Quarter Sun-Moon Phase (energizing 11 degrees of Pisces and Gemini) arrive on the scene at 5:23PM PST. The power and significance of quarter moons are often ignored by students of astrology because the emphasis is always placed on New and Full Moons. Every time we reach a First Quarter Sun-Moon Phase, the two lights are separated by 90-degrees of arc and the Moon is waxing in illumination. However, the key is to cut through obstacles along your physical and emotional pathways, and to manage your business affairs with greater finesse. Accomplish these objectives today and you are well on your way to taking a symbolic victory lap of psychological success tonight. Immerse yourself in a biography, bestseller or literary classic under the glowing literary spotlight of Gemini Moon.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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