Wednesday 30 March 2016

Mercury Retrograde in Taurus 2016

Image courtesy of Vectorolie / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Mercury, the mentally and physically agile messenger god, is a playful trickster, a lively magician and a witty negotiator.

Gemini and Virgo are its natural rulers.  Gemini likes to be mentally stimulated, absorbing information lightly and quickly. Virgo prefers to be of service to others, analysing and categorising information methodically.

Mercury is due to enter Taurus on 6th April 2016.  

Where is Taurus in your chart?  During this retrograde phase, Mercury will move over 14 to 23 degrees Taurus, so if you have any planets in fixed signs, then Mercury will conjunct (Taurus), oppose (Scorpio) or square (Leo & Aquarius) those celestial points/bodies.

Mercury symbolises the rational mind.  In Taurus, fixed earth, the energy slows down.  We think, learn, communicate steadily, reliably, patiently.  It likes to pay attention to all things which are pleasurable to the senses; it likes to be practical and to build things step by step.  The pace is rather different from what the messenger god is used to (at least from Gemini's viewpoint).

Mercury goes retrograde on 28/29 April at 23 degrees 34 minutes Taurus.  In Taurus, the pace has already decelerated, but with this retrograde motion added to the mix, it's a bit like chewing the cud:  chew slowly, regurgitate and chew again if necessary.

I'm sure you have heard all about miscommunication and delays during a Mercury retrograde phase. Three times a year, Mercury appears to be moving backwards from Earth's point of view.  It lasts 3 weeks each time.  The midpoint of the cycle, i.e. when Sun conjunct Mercury, is when we receive the message of this retrograde.  This will be around 9/10th May.  Mercury will go direct again on 23rd May at 14 degrees 22 minutes.  

Where Mercury in Taurus is transiting is the area of your life where you can incorporate more Taurean energy - communicate/think/learn surely, steadily, practically.  If you are already very Taurean, e,g. you have a Taurus stellium, or you simply exhibit a lot of Taurean traits (especially the so-called negative ones: inflexibility, stubbornness, overly-cautious nature, possessiveness etc), then this transit will allow you to explore the positive traits instead, as balance is the key.  Learn to persevere in times of challenges, to be more determined, generous and down to earth.  It's a bit like filtering the Taurean energy through Mercury, the messenger god.

On 13th June, Mercury will get a breath of fresh air as it enters its sign of dignity - Gemini.


Time line


6th April:  Mercury enters Taurus

14/15th April:  Mercury enters the pre-shadow phase (14 degrees 20 minutes)

28/29th April:  Mercury goes retrograde (23 degrees 34 minutes)

9/10th May: Sun conjunct Mercury - the retrograde message

22/23rd May:  Mercury goes direct (14 degrees 22minutes)

7/8th June:  Mercury leaves the post-shadow phase (23 degrees 35 minutes)

13th June:  Mercury enters Gemini

Sunday 27 March 2016

Venus in Aries 2016: Activation of Aries by Venus

The Love Goddess is due to put on her shining armour when she enters the dynamic sign of Aries from 5/6th to 30th April.  The Love Goddess turns into a warrioress for about a month.

Venus naturally rules Taurus and Libra (or Venus is in dignity in these signs). In traditional astrology, Venus is said to be in detriment when in Aries.  This is because Venus is about all things sensual and beautiful, but in Aries, the energy is too bold and unrefined for Taurus/Libra's' liking.  

The 12 signs of the zodiac are present in all charts but the distribution of planets alters the energetic balance.  The transiting planets go round the natal chart, activating the signs at different times, giving us a different plot at any given moment.  Think of this transit as the activation of Aries via Venus.  Where is the sign of Aries (cardinal fire) in your chart?  If you use whole sign house like me, then that would only involve one house, other house systems will find Aries in one or more houses.

Venus is an inner planet.  Transits of inner planets have transient effects so it's not often analysed deeply.  However, if Venus is dominant in your chart (e.g. Sun, Ascendant, stellium in Libra/Taurus) then it's worth taking note of this goddess' whereabouts.

The transit of Venus in Aries brings us more life experiences of appreciating life (Venus) in an Arian way.

Love impulsively, quickly, boldly.  Enjoy life in the fast lane.  Act first think later.  

Want to strike up a conversation with the object of your affection?  Just do it.

Want to buy that dress?  Just buy it.

Want to try out that restaurant?  Just go and do it.

The downside is that one could be too impulsive and when the transit is over, you may find yourself with unwanted purchases or regretting over that outburst.  Look at other slower-moving planets like Saturn to keep things in check.

Saturday 26 March 2016

VOC diary for the week beginning 28th March 2016

Moon Void of Course Timetable

British Summer Time

Monday 28th March: VOC in Scorpio ends at 07:46
                                                 
Tuesday 29th March: *************************

Wednesday 30th March: VOC in Sagittarius from 02:54 to 18:44
                                                        
Thursday 31st March: *************************

Friday 1st April: VOC in Capricorn from 17:38

Saturday 2nd April: VOC in Capricorn ends at 02:37
                                
Sunday 3rd April: ***************************

Hong Kong Time

Monday 28th March: VOC in Scorpio ends at 14:46
                                                 
Tuesday 29th March: *************************

Wednesday 30th March: VOC in Sagittarius from 09:54
                                                        
Thursday 31st March: VOC in Sagittarius ends at 01:44

Friday 1st April: ******************************

Saturday 2nd April: VOC in Capricorn from 00:38 to 09:37
                                
Sunday 3rd April: ***************************
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Friday 25 March 2016

New Moon in Aries 2016

The Sun and Moon form a conjunction at 18 degrees Aries on 7th April (BST).  This is a new moon, signifying a new beginning in the lunar cycle.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, another symbol of 'beginning', in particular, the start of a new astrological year.

Where this new moon falls in your chart shows a new start in that area of life.  It shows where cardinal fire qualities need to be explored.  Where do you need to take the initiative and thrust yourself forward?  Uranus and Venus are also in Aries, positioned on either side of this new moon. What do you value?  What means the most to you? Be your own leader and break out of the present mold and create something new, something different (Uranus in Aries).

Mars is the ruler of this new moon.  Saturn (in retrograde) joins it widely in Sagittarius.  They are at the apex of a mutable T-square with Jupiter oppose Neptune.

Have faith in your plans (Saturn in Sagittarius) but be realistic.  Move (Mars) towards your dreams (Neptune) in manageable steps (Saturn).  Fight (Mars) for your dreams and wishes (Neptune & Jupiter) by all means but assess if they are plausible enough to be manifested (Saturn).  Do I have the time/skills to execute the plans? If you are being overly idealistic (Jupiter), then reassess and plan again (Saturn).

(House system used:  Whole Signs;        Location:  Hong Kong)

Tuesday 22 March 2016

Energetic Distribution of the Zodiac - Part 1: How does the fire burn?

cosmicpotential.blogspot.com

In astrology, the 12 signs can be grouped by their modes (cardinal, fixed, mutable) and elements (fire, earth, air, water).

Fire is fast and furious.  It acts and moves forward in order to experience life first hand. It grabs opportunities thrown their way.  It creates new paths where there's none.

Fire signs include Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.  How does each fire sign differ from one another?

Cardinal Fire

Cardinal signs like to initiate.  The energy goes outward.  The flame reaches out.   Cardinal fire acts quickly, bravely.  This is the first sign of the zodiac Aries.  Aries is a leader who dares to blaze a new trail by stepping into the unknown.  The downside is that they tend to be impulsive, act first think later is their motto.  'I do what I want.'

The house where Aries resides symbolises the area of life which requires you to exhibit Aries energy - to be bold, active and pioneering.  You're the leader of the pack......or rather, you're your own leader!

Fixed Fire

Fixed signs are stable and cautious.  The energy goes inward.  The flame burns steadily and surely in one place.  Leo is the 5th sign of the zodiac, endowed with the fixed fire qualities.  Leo relishes visibility and craves to be seen.  It performs proudly on the stage, basking in the limelight.  The downside is their tendency to be bossy and self-absorbed.  'Look at me!'

The house where Leo roars symbolises the area of life where you can display Leo energy - to express yourself creatively and to live that area of life with passion.  You're the king (or queen) of your castle.

Mutable Fire

Mutable signs are versatile and resilient.  The energy is scattered.  The flame flickers in the breeze.  Sagittarius is the 9th sign of the zodiac, a wild horse (centaur to be exact!) galloping into the distance.  Don't even think about taming it and enclosing it in one place, it simply does not work that way.  Set it free and allow its free spirit to roam across the globe to seek its truth.  It can be dogmatic and blunt, but it merely wants to expand its horizon happily and freely.  'Let me be!'

The house where Sagittarius trots symbolises the area of life which wants the freedom to broaden one's mind through the exploration of life.  Life is a journey and you are the navigator.

Saturday 19 March 2016

VOC diary for the week beginning 21st March 2016


Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 21st March: *****************************
                                                 
Tuesday 22nd March: VOC in Virgo from 03:54

Wednesday 23rd March: VOC in Virgo ends at 05:23
                                                        
Thursday 24th March: VOC in Libra from 20:54

Friday 25th March: VOC in Libra ends at 18:08

Saturday 26th March: ****************************
                                
Sunday 27th March: VOC in Scorpio from 08:25

Hong Kong Time

Monday 21st March: VOC in Leo ends at 01:39
                                                 
Tuesday 22nd March: VOC in Virgo from 11:54

Wednesday 23rd March: VOC in Virgo ends at 13:23
                                                        
Thursday 24th March: *************************

Friday 25th March: VOC in Libra from 04:54

Saturday 26th March: VOC in Libra ends at 02:08
                                
Sunday 27th March: VOC in Scorpio from 15:25
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Saturday 12 March 2016

VOC diary for the week beginning 14th March 2016


Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 14th March: *****************************
                                                 
Tuesday 15th March: VOC in Gemini from 17:02

Wednesday 16th March: VOC in Gemini ends at 00:56
                                                        
Thursday 17th March: ****************************

Friday 18th March: VOC in Cancer from 04:08 to 07:54

Saturday 19th March: VOC in Leo from 20:42
                                
Sunday 20th March: VOC in Leo ends at 17:39

Hong Kong Time

Monday 14th March: VOC in Taurus ends at 05:03
                                                 
Tuesday 15th March: ************************

Wednesday 16th March: VOC in Gemini from 01:02 to 08:56
                                                        
Thursday 17th March: ****************************

Friday 18th March: VOC in Cancer from 12:08 to 15:54

Saturday 19th March: *************************
                                
Sunday 20th March: VOC in Leo from 04:42
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Friday 4 March 2016

VOC diary for the week beginning 7th March 2016

Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 7th March: VOC in Aquarius from 08:46 to 19:08
                                                 
Tuesday 8th March: *****************************

Wednesday 9th March: VOC in Pisces from 01:54 to 19:39
                                                        
Thursday 10th March: ****************************

Friday 11th March: VOC in Aries from 18:23 to 19:43

Saturday 12th March: ***************************
                                
Sunday 13th March: VOC in Taurus from 09:46 to 21:03

Hong Kong Time

Monday 7th March: VOC in Aquarius from 16:46
                                                 
Tuesday 8th March: VOC in Aquarius ends at 03:08

Wednesday 9th March: VOC in Pisces from 09:54
                                                        
Thursday 10th March: VOC in Pisces ends at 03:39

Friday 11th March: **************************

Saturday 12th March: VOC in Aries from 02:23 to 03:43
                                
Sunday 13th March: VOC in Taurus from 17:46
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thursday 3 March 2016

Solar Eclipse in Pisces 2016


On 9th March 01:54 (GMT) we have a solar eclipse in Pisces at 18 degrees 55 minutes.  

What does it all mean?


Solar eclipses are super new moons depicting new beginnings, but their effects are more potent than a standard new moon.  The orb of influence is wider too.  The house where the eclipse falls is the area of life which is getting a nudge; to dissolve (Pisces) what no longer works; to transcend beyond the present limits.  

Celeste Teal in her book 'Eclipses' mentions that 'An eclipse involves a process of transformation and shows where change is necessary [...] it acts are a cosmic regulator that maintains balance on earth, though often producing a crisis to bring attention to a situation [...] Eclipses reveal our individual ties to these universal processes, where we fit in the big picture and where and when we make links with others......'

Events related to a solar eclipse tend to have an element of surprise, it's like an alarm clock, waking us up from our slumber, for example, one year, a friend of mine was made redundant on the spot when his questionable behaviour was discovered by the company.  On the surface, it appeared that he lost a job but in actual fact, he knew in his heart that his talents lie elsewhere and so the Universe merely gave him one massive kick up the backside (because he refused to do it himself earlier!)

However, recently, I have noticed charts of friends and family members where the eclipse degree tightly conjunct an important planet/point natally but no changes were evident at all.  

Having discussed this with my more experienced counterparts, I come to the conclusion that as spectacular as eclipses may sound, they can come and go with no overt or covert changes in a native.  Further support may be needed by transits, in particular, solar return degrees.  I know solar returns aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I'm loving it more and more, especially that in the past 6 months, I'm been tracking a few close friends' charts.  Just by looking at their transits, I didn't notice anything peculiar, but when looking at their solar return charts, it's uncanny to see that the solar return luminaries/planets/angles were triggered by transits instead.  

What are your views on this?

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