Total Lunar Eclipse in Virgo 2025

On 14th March 2025 at 06:54 GMT/14:54 HKT, we have a total lunar eclipse in Virgo at 23 degrees 56 minutes.  

The lunar eclipse this time conjunct the south node, so it has a negative overtone.

Themes

Time of Contemplation

Mercury, the ruler of this lunar eclipse, is at station retrograde during this time.  It is getting ready to join the already retrograding Venus.  The message here is to turn inward and go within to do some soul searching at this potent time.  Virgo is a sign with an enhanced ability to analyse data and to derive patterns from information.  Use this time to reassess the past, especially your past relationships (What have you learned/gained from them?).  

Reality vs Fantasy

With Saturn (reality) at 22 degrees conjunct the Sun on one side and Neptune (fantasy) at 29 degrees conjunct the Sun on the other side, weigh out both ends of the spectrum.  How can we manifest (Saturn) our dreams (Neptune)?  Are we deluding ourselves (Neptune) or are we being too harsh on ourselves (Saturn)?  It is a tug of war between diligence (Saturn) and procrastination (Neptune).  Realism (Saturn) and illusion (Neptune).  

Touch of Inspiration

Uranus trine the Moon and sextile the Sun, sending an electrifying wave of inspiration to our system.  Whether we use it to break free from the current walls of self-restriction, or to immerse our psyche with innovative ideas, use the energy wisely.

 

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?

www.pexels.com/kindel-media

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

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.

Saturn in Sagittarius & Neptune in Pisces: Dreaming in Reality

Saturn is about to ingress into a new sign on 23rd December (GMT), having spent 2.5 years swirling in the dark waters of Scorpio, dredging up the past and any junk that has been lurking in the whirlpool of the psyche.  (We haven't completely seen the back of it though, as it is due for a re-visit from mid-June to mid-September 2015.)

For me, the past 2.5 years have been a period of intensive cleansing of the subconscious world, or rather, the start of it, for it's a lifelong process. No one (I don't believe anyway) is 100% cleared, if I come across anyone who says they are completely free of emotional entanglements, I know they can probably do with a visit from Saturn transiting in Sagittarius.....reality check!

Saturn represents life lessons, in Sagittarius, the focus is on exploring the meaning of life.  It is a time of mind expansion (Sagittarius) within the mortal system (Saturn).

The first decan of the mutable signs (Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo and Pisces) are under close contact with Saturn in Sag in 2015; Neptune in Pisces will also join the crowd.  It's an interplay between searching for our dreams (Neptune) in reality (Saturn).  It is very well to dream big, but Saturn cautions us to dream (Sag) within mortal limits (Saturn).  I agree that we can move mountains with our positive intentions but Saturn reminds us that we are still under certain restrictions on this planet.  For example, we cannot turn back time (Saturn).  I have noticed a theme of 'regrets' in those around me recently.  'If I had done A, then I wouldn't be in this mess....'  Well, what's done is done, as harsh as this may sound, it's time to move on.  Touch base and ask yourself what you have learnt from the experience (Saturn in Sag).  Everything happens for a reason after all.....

Image courtesy of sattva / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Full Moon in Pisces 2012

The second full moon this month on 31st August falls in the mystical sign of Pisces at 8 degrees 33 minutes, shifting any stagnant energy in natal charts with mutable  (Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius) planets or angles between 7-9 degrees.

With the solar energy illuminating from the Sun in Virgo onto the Moon in Pisces, we are given our monthly (bimonthly this time) chance to see what has been previously hidden from view.

The Moon-Chiron-Neptune conjunction trine Mars in Scorpio reminds us of the fluid nature of life - be willing to accept that life is ever-changing and be prepared to confront and release any ghosts from the past.  

The following themes are prominent under this Pisces full moon:

Addiction - beneath addictive behaviours hides an issue deeper in origin.  The agent (be it alcohol, drugs, sex, food, internet) is merely covering up something else that we are unwilling to face up to in our lives.  This full moon shines light onto the roots of these addictive behaviours.   A health-related concern can act as a precursor, urging us to address these problems.  What are you unwilling to see?  Where are you being dishonest with yourself? (Neptune oppose Mercury)

Universal love - Pisces is associated with unconditional and universal love.  However, as important as it is to be selfless, we mustn't forget that we are human beings living in the mortal realm.  New Age spirituality does not merely ask us to focus on universal love, but also self-love (Sun in Virgo).  How can you love others when you don't even love yourself?  How many of you out there are perfectionists and judge yourselves harshly?  Our physical bodies are responsive to our negative mental mindsets.  We are our own worst critics.  This full moon brings to our attention the importance of treating ourselves with love and respect.  Release the need to be strict.  Stop being so hard on yourself!  (Venus square Saturn)

Mental health versus physical health - Virgo rules the 6th house of physical health whereas Pisces rules the 12th house of mental health.  This full moon allows us to take steps towards making healthy changes in our daily routine - consume wholesome food, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep and detox the mind by releasing toxic and negative thought patterns.

The Virgo-Pisces polarity encourages us to incorporate spirituality into the mundane world.  Positive thinking is not just about praying to the unknown and hope for the best. We formulate a 'wish', which in essence, is like a promise we make to ourselves. Positive affirmations can help us to focus our minds and assist us to stay afloat in the sea of confusion we are all swimming in.  We are still responsible for our actions in life but holding onto the belief that our lives are not meaningless can motivate us to stay trekking on our treacherous life paths.  

We are all here for a reason.