Mercury Retrograde

    The planet of communication and interaction, Mercury, has been in its rulership of Gemini since May 3rd and due to a retrograde period starting tonight, at 24 degrees and 41 minutes of Gemini, Mercury remains in this Mutable Air sign through July 10th, entering Cancer on the 11th of July. On June 22nd, Mercury will turn back to Direct motion at 16 degrees and 10 minutes, finally moving out of its shadow phase on July 7th, meaning it will leave the retrograde area that it covered 3 times between 16 and 24 degrees of Gemini.

   So, what does this mean for you? Mercury is concerned with planning, researching and organizing, as well as agreements and negotiations. This is the perfect time to get more information and become clearer on the important details of your endeavors. Don't be in a rush to finalize plans, unless you've already done all your homework and time is of the essence. Otherwise take your time considering your options and sharing your ideas with those closest to you in the planning phase. If you are traveling during this time, double check all the details before you go.

   After the past year it feels like we're ready to do quite a bit of socializing. In Massachusetts, things are opening up quickly with events and venues beginning to welcome people back. There's an air of excitement about all the possibilities and Mercury retrograde can have us confused about our options. This is not the time to jump into a new commitment without careful research. Think of a retrograde time as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and your plans. Gemini has a tendency to jump from one thought to another, one plan or the other and it can become quite tiring. 

   I hope that you are enjoying the gradual return to sociability and seeing smiles again. Gemini rules the hands, arms, shoulders and lungs, so write or read more, hug longer and breathe deeper while keeping your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius

    Eclipse season begins tomorrow morning at 7:14am EST with the culmination of the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 5 degrees of Sagittarius. The next Eclipse will be at the Solar New Moon on June 10th. This Full Moon is also known as the Flower Moon and it happens to be the closest 'Supermoon' to the Earth this year. Eclipses mark a time of potent possibility, when  the energy is used wisely. Generally, Lunar Eclipses are known to signify the surfacing of an emotional awareness of what we can release, like old habits or negative behaviors, while Solar Eclipses can jumpstart new beginnings that appear from the seeds of a New Moon.

   A Full Moon means that the Sun and Moon are in opposition, drawing attention to any imbalances between the ego(Sun) and the emotions (Moon). Another way to look at this is as a tug-of-war between assertion and empathy. With the Sun in Gemini, there is a big push to connect, socialize, talk  and plan. The Sagittarius Moon wants to set some long-range goals and look further afield than just right now.

   Perhaps you feel thwarted in your efforts to make big plans because of all the details that have to be taken care of first. Maybe you are feeling more philosophical about life  and don't have the time for idle gossip or chit-chat. Or, maybe you're finally ready to broaden your perspective and move on to bigger and better goals! In any case, it would behoove you to stay centered on the present and take care of necessary details even while expanding your horizons. 

   The Eclipse energy of this Sagittarian Moon is huge and with Jupiter as the ruler of this Mutable Fire sign, a small blaze can ignite quickly, especially since both the Sun in Gemini and the Moon in Sagittarius square off with Jupiter. It's great if you're ready for it, kind of like a controlled burn of underbrush to make room for new growth. But things can get out of control fast with giant Jupiter's propensity for over-optimism or aggrandizement. 

   This is where we consider Saturn's role as disciplinarian, along with the fact that he's retrograde, and apply a healthy dose of realism and limitations. Research what it will take using the resources available to you to work toward your desired goal. One step at a time is a good rule of thumb before leaping into your bright and beautiful future. Mercury's interaction with the Sun and Saturn indicate that clear communication and compromise in any collaboration now will earn self-respect and help build a solid foundation for the future.

   Expect a few do-overs or setbacks while Mercury is retrograde from May 29th through June 21st. Think as big as you want and work within present guidelines and necessary limits and you will eventually get where you're going. In the meantime, you know the drill... keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground!

   

Taurus New Moon May 11, 2021

    Welcome to the Taurus New Moon this afternoon at 2:59pm EST. The Moon is exalted in this gentle Fixed Earth sign, bringing a pervading sense of calm to the start of this Lunar cycle. Enjoy it while it lasts, because the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on May 26th kicks off an eclipse cycle that brings a lot more excitement and some heavy confusion into play for the ensuing 2 weeks between the Lunar Eclipse and June 10th's Solar Eclipse!

   Something to be aware of today, is that while you may have been thinking... May 11th is a New Moon day, I can begin my project now... the Moon isn't exactly aligned with the Sun until 2:59pm, so please hold off on new starts until later this afternoon. There is an opportunity time a half hour before and after the New Moon, called "cazimi" that is an ideal time to initiate important projects. If you can't take advantage of this time frame, it would be best to wait until tomorrow afternoon when the Gemini Moon harmonizes with Saturn for lasting effects.

   Now, back to the Taurus Moon. In general, people are more pleasant, easy-going and supportive of each other with the Moon, ruling the public, in this placid Earth sign. Add to that, the Sun's influence and both lights connecting harmoniously with sensitive Neptune in Pisces and there's a feeling of compassion and caring in the air. It's also a great time for artistic and spiritual pursuits! Pluto aligns positively to assist your leadership efforts in knowing what's important and how to use these energies to make a transformative difference in your world.

   Mercury in its home territory of Gemini wants answers... as well as being able to connect with others, socially or for practical reasons. With a harmonious aspect to pragmatic Saturn in this chart, put some effort into making important and practical decisions now, before Mercury retrogrades on May 29th for 3 and 1/2 weeks. Common sense rules the day and sets the pace for this lunar cycle!

   Careful planning now, especially if you have to travel or negotiate a new deal during the Eclipse period (see above) or while Mercury is Retrograde, will help keep things running smoothly. Don't fret if you're not ready to negotiate, buy that new computer, phone or car prior to Mercury's about-face on the 29th. The best time to gather information or do reviews is during a Mercury retrograde cycle! Rushing to get under the wire when you're still not sure isn't a wise move.

  While enjoying the simpler pleasures of nature, a massage, a new outfit or opening a savings account over the next couple of weeks, remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground!