Astrological Impact of Venus in Virgo 2026: Love Under Scrutiny

Venus leaves the flamboyant sign of Leo on 9th July at 18:22 BST/10th July at 01:22 HKT and enters Virgo quietly.  The love goddess steps off the catwalk and walks into the office.  She doesn't feel too comfortable there as Venus falls in Virgo, though she has dignity by triplicity (day) in earth signs, and dignity by term between 7-17 degrees, which translates approximately to 15th - 24th July.   It just means that love takes on a low-key tone.  We tend to feel less sociable.  However, take advantage of this time and focus on accuracy in your work.  Value precision and tidiness.  Go through data with a fine tooth comb.  

In matters of love, if you know deep in your heart there's something that needs sorting out, then this is a great time to scrutinize your relationship under the Virgoan magnifier.  Perhaps think it through internally before 23rd/24th July, when Mercury is still in retrograde, which helps with introspection.  On 24th July, Mercury finally goes direct, but for those of you who are extra cautious, you may like to wait until 6th August, when we are completely out of the post-shadow phase before you take action.  By then, with Mercury direct and Venus about to exit Virgo, new solutions may surface.

Image:  Canva Pro

Venus and Mercury Retrogrades 2025

Venus, the goddess of love, began her retrograde cycle from the 2nd March 2025.  Mercury will also go retrograde on 15th March 2025.  Both planets will retrograde in the sign of Aries, then re-enter into Pisces.  What struck me instantly was that back in August 2023, we also had an overlap of Venus and Mercury retrograde, with Venus in Leo and Mercury in Virgo.  The cycle previous to that in June 2020 also had the same overlap, with Venus in Gemini and Mercury in Cancer.

June 2020, August/Sept 2023 and March/April 2025

I began to trace back to each of these cycles where there was an overlap between Mercury and Venus.  I quickly identified a pattern:  in matters of love or money-related matters (Venus), speak up for oneself (Mercury).

June 2020

With Venus in Gemini and Mercury in Cancer, I was experiencing some great difficulties in the workplace.  On hindsight, if I had voiced out my feelings (Mercury in Cancer) in accordance with my personal values (Venus) in the simplest way (in Gemini), the matter would have been solved quickly and with minimal mess.  Instead, I overthought into the matter and dragged the problem for way too long.  I avoided confrontation and just simply couldn't find a way out of the emotional maze that I had successfully trapped myself in.  

August/September 2023

With Venus in Leo and Mercury in Virgo, this time, still related to work, I repeated my previous mistake.  Again, the matter would have been solved quickly if I had put aside my emotional brain, just long enough to voice out the information I had collected and analysed (Mercury in Virgo), which was also in accordance with my personal values (Venus) in a loud and direct way (in Leo).  Instead, I communicated with defeat, convinced that my opinion would not be heard.  Who would listen to someone who is not fighting for their own cause? 

March/April 2025

With Venus in Aries, re-ingress into Pisces, and Mercury, also in Aries, re-ingress into Pisces, I immediately thought, 'Wait a minute, this seems so familiar...'.  I believe the script this time, which I need to play out, is to display my fighting spirits with flair.  I need to be outspoken (Mercury in Aries), in matters dear to my heart (Venus) in a bold and assertive way (in Aries).  This time, there is another layer to the mix as Aries will move back into Pisces.  I also need to go with the flow and to respect the law of karma.  What goes around comes around.  Not all battles can be won.  Learn from them, extract the lessons within, work on the spiritual aspects with compassion.  Identify and acknowledge your role and responsibilities in your current situation.  Rise above victim mentality and grab your power back!

What do you need to learn from the current Venus Mercury retrograde overlap?

 

How to flow with Venus in Aries

The love goddess has just flown into her detrimental sign of Aries, and will remain there until the last day of the month.

So how do we flow with Venus in Aries?

We could display our love boldly, flamboyantly, bravely, though let's not forget Mercury is in retrograde, so any disgraceful, unrefined manner of display could cause us to regret our behaviour later on.  Unless, of course, you are natally strong enough to disregard any external criticisms thrown in your direction.

This could be a suitable time for planning these actions, especially in your intimate relationship:

• being assertive
• fight for your beliefs
• be daring and give that new hobby a go
• begin to fuel your desires............

Feel free to extend the list....

Image from pexels.com/cottonbro

Mercury in Gemini, Mercury goes retrograde May 2021

Mercury is the messenger god, ruling communications and transportations.

It enters its sign of dignity (Gemini) on 3-4 May and will remain there until 12th July.

Normally, Mercury stays in a zodiac sign for just over 3 weeks.  However, with this messenger planet going retrograde on 30th May, it will remain in this strong position for an extended period of over 2 months.

While Mercury is in Gemini, expect more active cerebral activities (ideas buzzing in your head, planning projects),  and smoother communications (willingness to share thoughts and opinions, chatting on the phone/internet).

When Mercury reaches 24 degrees 43 minutes on 30th May, it will begin its retrograde motion and moves backwards, retracing its steps until it reaches 16 degrees on 23rd June, where it will resume direct motion again.  

Astrologically, it will affect those with planets in Gemini and other mutable signs (Sagittarius, Virgo and Pisces) between 16 to 24 degrees.  

The usual advice given on the internet include:

- avoid signing contract (renewing is fine), if cannot be avoided, scrutinize the small print

- refrain from expensive purchases

- expect traffic delays

Personally, I experience the above even when Mercury is in direct motion anyway.

What I do notice when Mercury goes retrograde, and it triggers your natal planets,  is that communication with others become more sensitive than usual.  The chances of misunderstandings are higher.  So double check and triple check your instructions are being correctly processed.  Be extra polite in your choice of words.  When in doubt add an emoji to lighten the mood.  Be humble.  Double confirm your facts before you launch into a heated argument......

Mercury goes retrograde 3 times a year, each time for around 3 weeks.  It is a period of readjusting the way we communicate.  If we are too blunt and crass, then try to be more refined and subtle in the way we interact with others.  In Gemini, we can learn to be short and simple in our choice of words.  Be direct.  Say what you mean.  And most importantly, INTERPRET in a simple way.  For example, if your husband wants to add a pinch of salt to your soup, then it means the soup is bland.  It does not mean you are a lousy cook, good for nothing, can't even manage a simple task of putting a decent meal on the table........  Your cooking skills and your self esteem are not interlinked.  And if you are the husband, perhaps compliment on other aspect of the soup before you say 'I think adding a pinch of salt will bring out the flavour even more....'

What kinds of difficulties do you run into during a Mercury retrograde?

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Mercury Direct!

With my natal Mercury in Aries, I know one of my lessons is to express (Mercury) myself courageously (Aries) as I tend to keep a stiff upper lip.  However, during the previous Mercury retrograde in Aries (between 22nd March to 16th April to be exact), the pendulum totally swung the other way - I was being TOO bold and direct.  I completely felt the full damage caused by my foot-in-mouth behaviour.  I'll get the balance right one of these days......

How did you fare during this Mercury in Aries retrograde?

For those of you who are not astrologically aware.....

So what is Mercury Retrograde?

This usually happens 3 times a year.  For 3 weeks each time, the planet Mercury appears to be moving backwards from Earth's perspective.  Mercury is the planet of communication so the typical astrological advice you tend to read about include not signing contracts, not to buy any electronic goods, communicate clearly to avoid being misunderstood and leave in plenty of time in case of traffic delays.  So what can you do during this time?  Anything with 're' in front:  revise, revisit, review, renew, research.  For example, if you want to get a new laptop, use these 3 weeks to do your research and make your purchase when Mercury goes direct.  But, if you must sign a contract or buy a new phone, then just double check the small prints and ask if you are unsure of anything.  I like to think this period is a time for introspection, especially on something which you have put on the back burner.

Photo courtesy of Pam Gunton, thank you for allowing me to use baby Nina's photo:-)

Mercury Retrograde in Taurus 2016

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

Mercury Retrograde January 2016 - A sensible yet creative thinker

Happy New Year!

We are about to welcome the first Mercury retrograde of 2016 on 5th January.

Timeline 

2nd January - Mercury enters Aquarius

5th January - Mercury goes retrograde at 00 degree 57 minutes

8-9th January - Mercury re-enters Capricorn

26th January - Mercury goes direct at 14 degrees 56 minutes

Check your birth chart to see which area of your life the messenger god is retrograding within.

We have a blend of energy to negotiate with this time:

Aquarius vs Capricorn / Air vs Earth / Fixed vs Cardinal / Saturn vs Uranus

Aquarius is future-oriented, being different, a revolutionist, versus the traditional and practical Capricorn.  So how to deal with this pair of energy?

I encountered the following story which I thought aptly illustrates this blend........

A company once gave 200 interviewees the following question:

One stormy night, you drove past a bus stop where 3 people were waiting:

1. An old lady who will die if she doesn't get to the hospital in time

2. A friend who had saved your life in the past, this would be the perfect opportunity to repay him/her

3. Your Dream man/Dream gal, if you don't grab this chance, you'll never meet anyone as perfect as him/her.

You only have one place left in the car. Who would you choose to fill that space?

How would you choose?

Have a think before you read on........

********

********

********

********

********

The person who got hired gave the following answer:

'I would give my car key to the person who had saved me, and get him to take the old lady to the hospital.  Then I would stay behind and wait at the bus stop with my dream gal.'

This candidate gave a practical (Capricorn) solution by thinking outside the box (Aquarius).

Image courtesy of jk1991 at freedigitalphotos.net

Living Astrologically: Mercury Retrograde in Gemini

How's the current Mercury Retrograde in Gemini treating you at the moment?  We've just past the midpoint on 30th, what message has the Trickster delivered?  My boiler switch broke and I did toy with the idea that perhaps the Trickster is urging me to invite myself over to someone else's place for a shower instead....lol.....excuse my crude sense of humour, it is Gemini after all:-P..... On a more serious note, I do feel one of my Mercury retrograde messages is to clearly verbalise my own thoughts and wishes despite what people may think (Mercury is squaring my natal Sun in 8th throughout the retrograde period).

I've recently decided to go running as a way of losing weight - something I've been wanting to do for goodness knows how long, but never got enough motivation to do so.  It all began when I've been given the important role of maid of honour at my friend's wedding, to be held in October.  All of a sudden, from out of nowhere, the fire in me just came bursting out, (well, t. Mars is squaring my Sun).  I'm so determined to lose those pounds!   People who are familiar with me knows that I can't stand sports, especially running, but I know, deep down, that this is just the thing I need to do in order to shift those pounds, since doing what I've been doing (i.e. my aerobics DVDs) just aren't intense enough anymore.  Running is definitely pushing me out of my comfort zone (my nodal axis is in a T-Square with the current Gemini cluster of Sun-Mars-Mercury).  I do feel that many of my deep-seated beliefs are being altered, and boundaries are being re-defined.  I never liked the idea of venturing out in the dark but I just returned from an evening run in my local park.  It was invigorating to have the salty breeze from the river cooling me down as I coerce my muscles to work harder and harder.

Living Astrologically: Mercury going direct - February 2015

Mercury is due to go direct on Thursday 12th February, having been roaming backwards in Aquarius for the past 3 weeks.  To be fair, personally, this current Mercury retrograde hasn't been remotely as disruptive and bumpy as previous ones, despite the fact that it visits my natal Venus 3 times......

Mercury retrograde is a way for the Universe to deliver a message to us.  That message is related to the sign in which Mercury retrogrades in. 

 (Aquarius is about breaking free from the cell that we have imprisoned ourselves in.  The Aquarian energy urges us to think beyond the conventional path.)  

The message reminds us that something needs to be addressed; something which you have been procrastinating about; something that has been pushed to the back of your mind 'for another day'.  The delivery date occurs around the midpoint of the cycle, i.e. around 30th January 2015.  What happened around that day?

I've mentioned elsewhere that I've been digging into my subconscious world using the insightful tool of family constellation.  After many rounds of digging, crying, and reconciling with my past, I feel my boundary is beginning to toughen (a Piscean's life time issue - I have Pisces Sun square Neptune), and this has a knock on effect on my own sense of self worth (Venus).  I can say no without feeling guilty.  I know when to back off without feeling bad.  I know what I want and won't buckle under external pressure and ridicule.  

I received the midpoint message right on 30th January.  A friend mentioned a plan to me which I had already thought about a year ago but didn't have the confidence or energy to execute.  Hearing the idea this time round, I feel that I could definitely do it... it'll take time, but it's well within my capability. 

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius 2015

The first of the three Mercury Retrogrades in 2015 is due to occur in the sign of Aquarius on 21st January at 15:45 (GMT).  

The trickster will retrace his steps from 17 degrees to 1 degree of Aquarius in the next 3 weeks.  Find this pathway in your natal chart to see which area of your life will be injected with a boost of energy for individuation.  Is there something which needs to be done but has been put on the back burner?  A sudden jolt from Mercury could help to get that project going in the mental arena - research, plan, revise.  Wait until 12th February for execution, or the 5th March, if you want to be completely out of the retrograde zone.

Every planetary cycle has an archetypal message embedded within.  It usually becomes apparent around the midpoint of the cycle, in this case, around 30th January when Mercury conjuncts the Sun.  It is a celestial coincidence that this Mercury retrograde is preceded by a New Moon in Aquarius, an indication for us to set our goals and intentions for the good of humanity, and to break free from our
emotional entanglements in order to move freely into the bright future.  Have you created a mental prison that is trapping you in the confinement of your traumatic past?  Uranus, the modern ruler of Aquarius, is a pro at shaking up pre-existing structures.  It's time for a mental spring clean, after all, you need to clear out the old to make room for the new...

Image courtesy of Suphakit73 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Moon in Aquarius 2015

We have another sizzling lunar start on 20th January (13:13 GMT) with an Aquarian new moon at 0 degrees 8 minutes.  

Wherever this new moon falls in your chart is the area of your life where a sudden insight might bring a new perspective to a situation.  

This new moon is ruled by Uranus and Saturn in the dynamic and intuitive fire signs of Aries and Sagittarius respectively.  Saturn also sends a supportive sextile to this New Moon, with Mercury due to go retrograde in just under 24 hours.  Think outside the box and set your intentions under this electrifying new moon, then allow the ideas to slowly brew.  If your wishes make your heart tremble with excitement, so much the better!

VOC diary for the week beginning 2nd June 2014

British Summer Time

Monday 2nd June:  VOC in Cancer ends at 02:42
                                                 

Tuesday 3rd June: VOC in Leo from 15:41

Wednesday 4th June: VOC in Leo ends at 15:19

                  

Thursday 5th June: **********************

                                                 

Friday 6th June: VOC in Virgo from 10:12

Saturday 7th June: VOC in Virgo ends at 03:00
                                       Mercury goes retrograde at 12:56
                                

Sunday 8th June: VOC in Libra from 20:46

Hong Kong Time

Monday 2nd June:  VOC in Cancer ends at 09:42
                                                 

Tuesday 3rd June: VOC in Leo from 22:41

Wednesday 4th June: VOC in Leo ends at 22:19

                  

Thursday 5th June: **********************

                                                 

Friday 6th June: VOC in Virgo from 17:12

Saturday 7th June: VOC in Virgo ends at 22:00
                                       Mercury goes retrograde at 19:56
                                

Sunday 8th June: ************************

Image courtesy of Bandrat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Living Astrologically: Transits

I normally only hear from one particular close friend every time when the planet of communication goes retrograde.  She would give me updates every few days on how the Trickster has been causing havoc in her life.  I would repeat the same message to her over and over again, 'Is there something you need to address?  Something you have been putting off?  All these delays and disruptions are merely trying to catch your attention, to halt you in your step so that you will take a good look at that issue.'  

She knew exactly what that issue could be.  In fact, something traumatic happened around the Aries lunar eclipse last month which finally made her review her current life and what her previous dreams/goals were before her workload took over her life.  Now that she is back on track, I have not heard a single complaint from her during the current Mercury retrograde cycle.....

Each transit has its own message to the native.  The sooner we become aware of it the better.  The current Mercury retrograde transit has been acting as a trigger to my Saturn and Neptune transits.  I've been wondering (and dreading) what the combination of t. Saturn in 4th, t. Neptune in 8th, t. Jupiter in 12th and t. Pluto trine Saturn might reflect in my life.  There's been a lot of digging into my past with the help of various tools, such as hypnotherapy and family constellation.  

Thank you Neptune, for your gift of selflessness.  My head knows exactly what t.Neptune conjunct my Mars wants me to learn (to blur the boundary of my ego), but recent events have made such an impact on my emotional body that now I feel I'm back in the flow, instead of feeling out-of sorts.

Thank you Saturn, for your gift of perseverance. I give up easily but since my first Saturn return 5 years ago, I have learnt to tap into the positive side of Saturn (e.g. determination, maturity) instead of the negative (e.g. fear and rigidity).  This is especially so in how I relate to others (t. Saturn forming a square with my ASC-DSC axis several times this year).

Thank you Jupiter and Pluto (trine Saturn) for making the process of confronting my demons as painless as possible.

Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Living Astrologically: Mercury retrograde in Scorpio 2013

Mercury is due to make its final retrograde motion this year on 21st October at 18 degrees 23 minutes Scorpio.

Timeline

30th September/1st October - Mercury enters shadow period 

21st October - Mercury goes retrograde at 18 degrees 23 minutes Scorpio

11th November - Mercury goes direct at 2 degrees 31 minutes Scorpio

26th/27th November - Mercury leaves shadow period

The first 10 days of a Mercury retrograde period is often filled with confusion and challenges.  We then reach the midpoint, i.e. when Mercury conjunct the Sun, signalling the delivery of the Mercury retrograde message.  This will occur around 1st-2nd November. 

I looked at my own chart and found that the Trickster will activate my angles under this retrograde. Starting with forming a fixed grand cross with my ASC-DSC axis and Chiron, then conjunct my IC for 4 days as it slows down to move direct again.  At least all this will happen after the midpoint message. I have a feeling that this may bring another PET or two into my life once again.  It is likely to be the start of a new chapter, especially with these aspects occurring shortly after the solar eclipse in Scorpio.  Since it involves my IC, perhaps it will bring an opportunity for me to build a new foundation (IC) in my life. However, old structures might have to be demolished first in order to make room for the new.  Well, I'm due to attend more psyche-digging workshops during that time, quite apt for the Scorpionic energy......

Where will the Scorpion be pinching/stinging in your life?

Image courtesy of Nuttapong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 21st October 2013

British Summer Time

Monday 21st October:  Mercury goes retrograde at 11:28
                            VOC in Taurus ends at 17:13

                                         

Tuesday 22nd October: *****************************

Wednesday 23rd October: VOC in Gemini from 01:34
                                       Sun enters Scorpio at 07:09

                  

Thursday 24th October: VOC in Gemini ends at 04:35

                                                 

Friday 25th October: VOC in Cancer from 21:30

Saturday 26th October: VOC in Cancer ends at 17:11

Sunday 27th October: *************************

Hong Kong Time

Monday 21st October:  VOC in Taurus from 05:01
                                           Mercury goes retrograde at 18:28

                                         

Tuesday 22nd October: VOC in Taurus ends at 00:13

Wednesday 23rd October: VOC in Gemini from 08:34
                                       Sun enters Scorpio at 14:09

                  

Thursday 24th October: VOC in Gemini ends at 11:35

                                                 

Friday 25th October: *************************

Saturday 26th October: VOC in Cancer from 04:30

Sunday 27th October: VOC in Cancer ends at 00:11

Image courtesy of Bandrat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Moon in Pisces 2013

I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely 'Piscesed out' with the Pisces stellium playing in the background.  Mercury then decided to retrograde in Pisces and now we are approaching a Pisces New Moon.  How do you all feel?  Spaced out?  Unfocused?  You're not alone.  Let's see how we can make the most of this dreamy and compassionate sign.

On 11th/12th March, we have the Sun and Moon having their monthly rendezvous under the sign of Pisces at 21 degrees 24 minutes.  It conjunct Venus (17 degrees 9 minutes Pisces) and trine the North Node (18 degrees Scorpio) the tightest.  With Venus exalted in Pisces, this aspect is urging us to extend our kindness selflessly and unconditionally and to go beyond the confines of the boundaries we have built around ourselves.  With Mercury retrograding in Pisces (in detriment), I'm not sure if we should trust our judgment in discerning which boundaries to dissolve.  However, this retrograde period, sandwiched between Neptune and Chiron, gives us a fantastic platform to heal past wounds through introspection, i.e. dig into the past and you are likely to find some loose ends and unfinished business hanging within, subconsciously hindering you from going forward.  This 'healing sandwich' (Neptune-Mercury-Chiron) trine Saturn in Scorpio, giving us a tangible way of delving into the depths of our emotions.

It is also worth checking out the rulers of this New Moon too - Jupiter and Neptune.  We have already talked about Neptune.  Let's look at Jupiter.  It is in Gemini squaring the Pisces stellium; the 'healing sandwich' being the tightest.  This to me is like a war between 'water' and 'air', i.e. heart versus head.  Perhaps we are overusing our logic (Jupiter in Gemini) and need to consider tapping into our emotions (Pisces stellium).  Too often, we talk about our woes, but do we allow our bodies to feel the sorrow?  Sometimes, we just need to release that pent-up anger/sadness in our systems through crying or screaming or whatever (safe) means you choose.  This message is repeated by the fact that Jupiter in Gemini is ruled by Mercury in Pisces - which goes back to emotions again.  Communicating your feelings with words isn't always easy and comfortable  (Mercury in detriment in Pisces), so consider exploring other means, e.g. through art (drawing) or music (singing).  And isn't it interesting that both rulers, Neptune and Jupiter, are locked in a square too.  Head or heart?  Logic or emotion?

Here we come to the end of an astrological cycle with Pisces.  It is a great time to evaluate our mortal  progress before we embark on a new cycle when the Sun enters Aries on 20th March.  Use this time for self-healing - deal with yourself first, if you don't look after yourself sufficiently, how can you make your contribution to the Universal collective?

Where this new moon falls in your chart could be the area of your life where a portal can be formed between yourself and the universal consciousness.

Where does this New Moon fall in your natal chart?  Does it make any aspects to any planets/points?

Mercury retrograde in Pisces 2013

Mercury began its first retrograde motion this year on 23rd February and will resume its direct course on 17/18th March.  

Mercury is in detriment in Pisces anyway, so you can imagine how (un)comfortable the Trickster is bound to be when it is traversing under the dreamy and nebulous sign of Pisces.  

The usual Mercury retrograde advice of 'don't sign important papers if you can help it', 'leave the house early to avoid possible delay' and 'be clear with your speech to avoid misunderstand' still stands.  However, the reason for these mundane hiccups is to get you to stop what you are doing in your busy life and to think about what you have neglected in your life which require your attention.  In Pisces, issues connected to addiction, procrastination, forgiveness and victim mentality are likely to crop up.  For example, What are you addicted to?  Are you using procrastination as an excuse to delay the execution of a plan?  Who do you need to forgive?  Do you find yourself saying 'Why me?' and just generally feel victimised?  

The phase before the mid cycle of a Mercury retrograde isn't an easy time to get through (i.e. 23rd February to 3rd March).  The Universe appears to be throwing your life out of kilter during this time.  The midpoint of the current Mercury retrograde in Pisces was on 4th March - i.e. when the Sun conjunct Mercury, and by then, you're likely to have received the message(s) of this cycle.  The rest of the retrograde period is then relatively easier to go through, as you begin to accept what it is that you need to work on.  (I highly recommend Robert Ohotto's 'Mercury Retrograde in Pisces' for further elaboration on this:  http://store.ohotto.com/new-mercury-retrograde-in-pisces-mp3-audio-series-p247.aspx)

With the stellium in Pisces during most of this retrograde period, I knew I would not be able to come out of this cycle unscathed (I have my own natal Pisces stellium).  As regular as clockwork, I did receive several messages around 4th March, all pertaining to Piscean issues, e.g. to wean myself off the internet (addiction), to sleep earlier, to stop procrastinating and focus my energy on my long-term goals and to be more forgiving.

Where is the Trickster traversing in your natal chart?  Does it make any tight aspects with any of your natal planets?  What message(s) did you receive mid cycle?

VOC diary for the week beginning 18th February 2013

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 18th February: Sun enters Pisces at 12:01
                                                Saturn goes retrograde at 17:02
                                           
Tuesday 19th February: VOC in Gemini from 18:47

                                         

Wednesday 20th February:  VOC in Gemini ends at 10:44

Thursday 21st February: ************************
                                                 

Friday 22nd February: VOC in Cancer from 02:07 to 22:11

Saturday 23rd February:  Mercury goes retrograde at 09:41

Sunday 24th February: *****************************
       

Hong Kong Time

Monday 18th February: VOC in Taurus from 04:30 to 05:49
                         Sun enters Pisces at 20:01
                                           
Tuesday 19th February: Saturn goes retrograde at 01:02

                                         

Wednesday 20th February:  VOC in Gemini from 02:47 to 18:44

Thursday 21st February: *************************
                                                 

Friday 22nd February: VOC in Cancer from 10:07

Saturday 23rd February:  VOC in Cancer ends at 06:11
                                                         Mercury goes retrograde ends at 17:41

Sunday 24th February: *****************************
         

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So long, Mercury retrograde in Scorpio...

Mercury goes retrograde three times a year, and every time, my friend Flo would dread its approach and complain during its backward motion.

Admittedly, I have been quite fortunate, in that, the usual hiccups associated with Mercury retrograde had been keeping its distance from me.  This is largely due to the lack of aspects it makes to my natal chart.

Not this time.

Transiting my 4th house, retrograding Mercury conjunct my Uranus oppose Moon. The past month (include the shadow phase from 18th October 2012) has been an intensive lesson for me emotionally.  My emotions have been taken on a roller coaster ride.  I'm glad that since the early hours of today (Hong Kong time), Mercury has finally resumed its forward motion.  However, we're not out of the woods until 14th December.

For me, I also have Saturn transiting my 4th house.  It conjunct my IC around the time when Mercury entered its shadow phase.  It is now approaching a T-Square to my ASC-DSC axis as we head towards the lunar eclipse in Gemini (which, luckily, makes a sextile to my ASC).  I do feel emotionally challenged, dealing with family matters, and also, reacquainting with all those deep and dark emotions I have long shoved to the back of my mental cupboard.  While dealing with these negative emotions, I had a temporary shock on realisation that I didn't loathe them at all - does that make me a bad person?  No, at least, I don't think so.  It makes me more aware of my tendency to use my head to analyse my feelings and emotions - something I didn't think I had been doing (since I'm a water-earth individual).  I become conscious of using the aloof Uranus (oppose my Moon) to help get a grip on my fluctuating feelings.

I welcome the direct motion of Mercury with open arms;  it is as if the fog finally clears, taking away my mental confusion.  The lunar eclipse in Gemini, ruled by Mercury, is likely to give us some guidance on our present projects - what needs tweaking?  Hidden information may also come to light.

With Venus conjunct Saturn exactly around the middle of this week (week beginning 26th November 2012) sextile the Mars-Pluto conjunction, we may experience the need to be in charge of a situation.  The Venus-Saturn conjunction also trine the Chiron-Neptune conjunction in Pisces, allowing us to realise and appreciate that there are matters which are beyond our control and we should consider letting go and permit the Universe to intervene instead.

By the way, if you feel you haven't sussed out the lesson behind this Scorpionic/Sagittarian Mercury retrograde, don't worry, we have another one (completely in Scorpio this time) next October-November (2013)......

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Mars in Capricorn; Venus in Scorpio 2012

Mars enters Capricorn on 17th November at 02:36 (GMT).  

Act in an ambitious and disciplined way.  

Be organised and plan ahead.  

Like a mountain goat, have the courage and stamina to climb up the mountain by putting down one step in front of the other, surely and steadily.

During the approximately 5-week period, Mars will tighten its conjunction to Pluto by 26th/27th November, thus energises the existing Uranus-Pluto square.  Governments and organisations (Pluto conjunct Mars) may fight back by presenting concrete evidence (e.g. documents, statistics) to support its previous decisions, and this is likely to be met with more anger by the people (Uranus in Aries conjunct Moon on 23rd/24th November).  

Mars is also in mutual reception with Saturn in Scorpio.  Mars will tighten its sextile to Saturn around 25/26th November. Lessons being presented, however hard, can act like fuel to eliminate crap from the system. This can free up some space on the psychological terrain, allowing something new to take its place.  However, with Mars in Capricorn, there is no need to rush, plan first; even though Mercury is due to go direct around 26/27th November, it is still within the shadow period until 14th December.

Just to add to the astrological cauldron, Venus enters into Scorpio on 22nd November and will tighten its conjunction with Saturn around 26/27th November.  Maybe it's time to let go of some deeply-held values that are not serving you anymore (Saturn conjunct Venus in Scorpio trine Chiron), or to remove yourself from any unhealthy relationships.  

We have quite an intense mix as we approach the end of November...

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