And Hello again! My apologies for the lack of a column for July and August. I went on vacation and by the time I got back, it didn’t seem necessary. I suppose that has to do with the general Leo mood of kick back, amuse yourself and don’t worry about it. Mars contributes, retrograde in Pisces, to reviewing the past, taking private sojourns and mad escapes. So again we deal with the impact of a retrograde planet. Have you been outside at night in a dark place lately? Mars is so bright! You can see how strong it’s influence is just by looking at it. It is very close to the earth now, and we are dealing, for the rest of the year with it’s influence. In the sign of Pisces, it is working subtly, behind the scenes to liberate entrapments that have been longstanding.
Jupiter goes into Virgo for a eleven month stay starting August 27th. This is when the usual expansive and energetic Jupiter turns it’s voluminous energy to details of the workplace, home, diet, doctor and routines. It will be a good time to replace your computer (you’ll get a good deal) or to learn some technological skill you haven’t had time or concentration for previously. It’s also a good time to work on your health and diet, start an exercise routine and after some work, feel much better. The New Moon in Virgo, on August 27thth makes for new energy in the workplace. Expansion, generosity and attention to detail make for better working conditions, while Mar/Uranus opposing those conditions indicates many unexpected setbacks. This is one of those times where you need to be “careful what you ask for”. The universe will grant the wish, exactly as stated, then if it backfires, it’s on you. Look to the needs of the whole group not private concerns. Also spotlight those who are dependant and needy for a general sharing of the wealth. For those looking for work, this is a good time to find a job. Pluto goes Direct on 8/28. If you’ve done your subconscious homework (i.e. paid attention to your dream messages, not ignored your own power sources) this will be a powerful boost for you and you will feel the intensity of the surge ahead. Otherwise, I think you might be in for a rude awakening. This is a time that will be so intense that if you’re not in touch with yourself, you could really miss the boat. Stay alert. Mercury goes Retrograde for for 23 days on August 28th, turning direct on 9/20. It is revising in the sign of Virgo, so now is the time to get out those appliance manuals, actually read them, and fix the stuff that is broken! The retrograde will provide the concentration and the desire. Also a good time to review the performance of doctors and their advice. If the track record is not good, get another one! Mechanics, diet review, computer software (hardware) will all get the once-over at this time. There are no less than 4 planets in Virgo now. Are your pets are getting too much attention? Mercury turns direct just as we enter Libra and speeds through the end of Virgo, then all of Libra and half of Scorpio by the end of Oct. Get ready for a lot of fast changes that will make the retrograde period look like a break. The Full Moon in Pisces of Sept. 10th will be felt early the week before and will produce more than one soap opera. All those hidden issues that you hoped would stay hidden will blurt out (in public) to your dismay. Let us hope that your’s is not the reputation being stained or whose family is in shock. If you have drug or dependency issues, get a doctor’s help now. A crisis in healing for the critically ill, and a time for spiritual awakening for the long term practitioner.
The Full Moon of 10/9 in 16 degrees of Aries will bring out the conflicts that the Libra New Moon glossed over. Don’t fight in public! There are many supporting planets for ironing out problems and resolving goals that are at odds. You must be willing to face the issues. Set realistic goals that can be accomplished in one day. Be active. Don’t submit to depression. Old ways will not work right now. New ways are the answer. Definitions taken from Nicholas Devore’s Encyclopedia of Astrology, Philosophical Library, 1947 |
It also makes for a general madness. Mars does not behave well in Pisces. It is best in it’s own sign of Aries, where it is direct, in your face and active. In Pisces, all of those qualities are hidden, and the action becomes indirect and compulsive. Often natives with Mars in Pisces, feel that they can only accomplish their goals by manipulating others. The test of their strength is in that manipulation.
The New Moon of 9/25 in 2 degrees of Libra will test the finances of matrimony. As loving as this moon is, with great benefits for friendship, art and exchange, some critical evaluation of balance will be enacted. Get ready for a hard look at what is fair and what is not fair. As nice as Libra always wants to be, you can’t please all the people all the time. Family obligations and ties will cause some problems but a generous mood will help it along.