Living Astrologically: Jupiter in Gemini T-squaring my Sun-Saturn opposition

Jupiter first entered Gemini on 11/12th June 2012.  It began its retrograde motion on 4th October 2012 and resumed direct motion on 30th January 2013.  It is due to pass the torch onto Cancer on 26th June 2013.

Jupiter is commonly known as the planet of luck and expansion.  Its negative expression is 'excess':  overdoing, overwhelming, overly optimistic, overly arrogant.....

In Gemini, information overload is a possible manifestation, as is being a big gossip:-P

For me, with the planet of luck T-squaring my natal Sun-Saturn opposition, I've had a lesson in building my self-esteem.

I was battling with a nasty case of adult acne when Jupiter first exactly squared my natal Saturn back in mid August 2012.  I simply wanted to hide away in a hole and never come out until I'm facially flawless again.  In the end, it took me over 10 months to clear the infestation.  I was extremely conscious of my unsightly skin and did not want to leave the safety of my home - I didn't want the world to see how awful I looked.  However, I had to make a living so I force myself out of the house everyday.    By the time it squared my natal Sun-Saturn opposition in Nov-Dec 2012 for the second time, I realised that people around me still treated me the same as before, it's ME who couldn't accept myself due to a surface-level flaw.  By now, I had received countless ways of getting rid of my pimples, and had crammed my drawers with acne creams of all kinds, half purchased after researching online and the other half given to me by worried friends (t. JU in 11th).  Now (March 2013) I'm receiving my final square to my SO-SA opposition and I'm happy to announce that my face is finally on its road to recovery.    I had been so focused on my external life (face - Saturn) that I had neglected my inner self (Sun, my solar quest).  I had been placing too much emphasis on the material world (Saturn in my natal 2nd) at the expense of neglecting my spiritual health (Sun in Pisces 8th).  I should be grateful that it is transiting Jupiter that has been kicking my Sun-Saturn butt, and not other heavier and more solemn planets.  It's not fun looking ugly and losing self-confidence, but at least it's not life threatening.  I was able to remain (relatively) optimistic throughout, and whenever I felt myself getting weak, there's always someone there to lend me moral support.  It made me see that noone treated me any differently except myself (SO-SA opposition is a huge critic).  

What's your Jupiter in Gemini story?

Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mercury retrograde in Leo 2012

This is the second Mercury retrograde in 2012, where the planet of communication appears to be moving backwards from the point of view on earth.  

Mercury retrograde in Leo timeline

Mercury enters Leo - 26th June 2012

Shadow period - 27th June to 14th July 2012
                         - 8th to 21st August 2012

Mercury goes retrograde - 15th July 2012
(12 degrees 32 minutes to 1 degree 26 minutes)

Midpoint (Sun conjunct Mercury) - 28th July 2012

Mercury goes direct - 8th August 2012

Mercury leaves Leo - 1st September

The general advice during this time is to avoid the signing of contracts and purchasing of expensive items.  However, Mercury retrogrades 3 times a year, in different signs each time, that must mean something?  WHY are there misunderstandings and miscommunications?  Last year around this time, we also had a Mercury retrograde in Leo.  At the time, my sister urged me to listen to Robert Ohotto's radio show on the topic.  Ohotto is an intuitive astrologer.  The show may still be available on iTunes but he has an updated version for the current retrograde, which is available for purchase on his website.   (http://store.ohotto.com/mercury-retrograde-in-leo-mp3--pdf-p216.aspx)

I like the way Ohotto uses archetypes to interpret astrology.  Leo is about allowing your unique self to shine and illuminate others.  One of the archetypes associated with Leo is the Child archetype.  Where Mercury is retrograding is the area of your life where you need to shine and express yourself proudly.  Can you identify the parts of you which have been suppressed by your family, culture or society?

The first 11 days from the start of the retrograde cycle leading up to the midpoint (i.e. when the Sun conjunct Mercury for the current cycle) is the period where we can feel rather unsettled.  We are subconsciously aware of the need to release our ego and surrender our issues to the Universe, but are reluctant to do so. By the time we get to the midpoint, a message will be delivered to us.  In Leo, it is likely to be related to our creative self, e.g. 'I am born to shine', 'I take the risk of allowing my authentic self to come out and greet the world'.  This does not necessarily mean that we have to become world famous.  It merely means we need to be true to ourselves and not deny our gifted talents, whatever they may be.  We then integrate  them consciously into our system.  It is important to note that other people (or even yourself) may have trouble with adjusting to the new you.  We could even take the 'easier' route instead, i.e. to become invisible and push our true creative self back into the chasm of our psyche.

However, if we do opt for this route, we may release the following archetypes as a way of managing our invisibility:

Narcissist - Were you invisible as a child and were shamed for being who you were?  Ohotto describes this archetype as a 'black hole full of shame' where you take others' light and never get to see your own core self.  Your jealousy is aroused by seeing other people's successes and glories, who had the guts to go after their dreams.

Vampire - Do you rely on other people's praises and 'suck' their essence to sustain your own life force?  You seek attention externally and can't even see yourself in the mirror.  When other people shine, their light destroys you (Vampires are destroyed by the Sun).

Perfectionist - Do you sabotage yourself by talking your way out of plans which can get you closer to your true self?  This may be achieved by discarding ideas by being overly critical or judgmental.

Other archetypes include the coward, addict, co-dependent and victim to name but a few.

Where is Mercury retrograding in your chart?  Also look to see where your natal Mercury is and the houses with Virgo and Gemini on their cusps.  It is retrograding in my first house, with my natal Mercury in Aries 8th house, Virgo on the end house and Gemini on 11th.  In a recent astrology class (11th), I shared with the participants some of the archetypal wisdom I have picked up.  Unfortunately, my values (2nd) were different from theirs, or perhaps due to language barrier (Mercury retrograde!), the idea wasn't well received.  One of the responses I got was, 'That sounds a bit far-fetched'.  I did shrink a bit and even had second thoughts of writing this blog entry.  Do I want to take the risk of having more people accuse me of being impractical (and maybe even mad)?  However, if I can't even be true to my own beliefs, then what kind of life am I leading?  I believe I will find other like-minded people who will respond positively to what I have to share.  And even if I don't, at least I'm being true to myself.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 9th July 2012

British Summer Time

Monday 9th July:  VOC in Pisces ends at 13:13

Tuesday 10th July:  *****************

Wednesday 11th July:  VOC in Aries from 10:23 

Thursday 12th July:  VOC in Aries ends at 0:30

Friday 13th July: Uranus goes retrograde at 10:48
                     VOC in Taurus from 20:45

Saturday 14th July:  VOC in Taurus ends at 13:26

Sunday 15th July: Mercury goes retrograde at 03:15

Hong Kong Time

Monday 9th July:  VOC in Pisces ends at 20:13

Tuesday 10th July:  ******************

Wednesday 11th July: VOC in Aries from 17:23

Thursday 12th July:  VOC in Aries ends at 07:30

Friday 13th July:  Uranus goes retrograde at 17:48

Saturday 14th July:  VOC in Taurus from 03:45 to 20:26

Sunday 15th July:  Mercury goes retrograde at 10:15

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 25th June 2012

British Summer Time

Monday 25th June:  Saturn goes direct at 09:00

Tuesday 26th June:  VOC from 11:52 to 18:15

Wednesday 27th June:  Venus goes direct at 16:06

Thursday 28th June:  VOC from 09:22 to 21:32

Saturday 30th June:  VOC from 20:45 to 23:03

Hong Kong Time

Monday 25th June:  Saturn goes direct at 16:00

Tuesday 26th June:  VOC from 18:52 -->

Wednesday 27th June:  --> to 01:15; Venus goes direct at 23:06

Thursday 28th June:  VOC from 16:22 -->

Friday 29th June: -->  to 04:32

Sunday 1st July:  VOC from 03:45 to 06:03

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Full Moon in Scorpio 2012

The Full Moon in Scorpio at 16 degrees 1 minute is exact on 6th May at 4:35am GMT.  The Sun in Taurus fully illuminates the Moon, bringing hidden information to light.  Look out for any messages presenting themselves to you a few days before or after this full moon.  

With Taurus and Scorpio, a balance is called for between simplicity and complexity.  This may not be easy to achieve, especially with expansive Jupiter conjunct the Sun in Taurus, magnifying one's optimism and blowing emotions out of proportion.  Luckily, the Mercury in Aries and Saturn in Libra opposition acts as a brake, making us think twice before we voice our thoughts, and with Venus in Gemini sending a trine to Saturn, take it easy and don't take seemingly negative comments to heart, the intention may not be as bad as you think.  Having said that, be discerning when it comes to dishing out your compassion with Mars continuing to oppose the Neptune-Chiron conjunction.  The solution could be very simple indeed, but over-analysis of the situation may bring distrust and suspicion into the picture, clouding your ultimate judgement.  

With retrograding Pluto trine Mars and the Sun, the undercurrent of the world's turmoil can be distressing, but it can also act as a driving force, encouraging us to dig deep within and extract our hidden potential - how can we survive in our present society with job cuts and inflation?  What more can we offer our clients/customers/company/family/community?  In addition, Pluto in Capricorn is tightening its square to Uranus in Aries - how can we deal with our frustration and anger towards those in authority, who appear to have the power and control to affect our everyday lives?  

This Full Moon trine and sextile my North Node in the 2nd house, bringing me opportunities to move out of my comfort zone and achieve what I've signed up for in this lifetime.  Just as long as I'm willing to take the first step, it won't be as insurmountable as I think...

Where is this Full Moon illuminating in your chart?

Image: wiangya / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Venus in Gemini 2012

Venus normally stays in a sign for three to four weeks, but due to its retrograde motion, it is to remain in Gemini for three months - from 3rd April to 7th August.

With Mercury ruling Venus for three months, the Venusian qualities are being expressed through the spoken word and the objective mind, particularly that Mercury finally goes direct on 4th April, ending the period of introspection of the mind.  Mercury in Pisces may inspire you to utter loving words, but if you're not feeling brave enough, perhaps with Mercury re-entering Aries on 16/17th April, it may provide you with the much needed push to boldly serenade to your object of affection.

Besides love and relationships, Venus also rules money and sensory pleasures.  With the Sun and Mercury ingressing into Taurus (a sign ruled by Venus) on 19th April and 9 May respectively, practical concerns move to the fore with this energy shift  into the earth element.  Spend money on beautifying your living space, titillate your palate on exotic cuisines, unwind at a spa with an aromatherapy massage, admire paintings by your favourite artist in an art gallery, or simple take a walk in the local park - just stimulate and indulge your five senses.

By 15th May, Venus goes retrograde at 23 degrees 59.9 minutes and turns direct again on 27th June at 7 degrees 29.3 minutes.  Look in your natal chart for planets in Gemini between these degrees, and any mutable signs too (Sagittarius, Virgo and Pisces).  Planets in retrograde allow us to slow down and turn within.  In Venus, we are encouraged to introspect in relation to our values and beliefs during this six-week period.  What do you value the most?  What are your beliefs?  This is also a time to review the state of your current relationships.  Are you happy where you are or do you want to take things to a different level?  Concerning finances, this may be the time to evaluate your assets and shop around for the best deals on offer, but remember this is a time of review and evaluation rather than action.

Venus in Gemini will form a T-Square with my natal Sun-Saturn opposition by mid-April and in mid-June.  Interesting times ahead concerning my self-esteem and belief system - be kind to me, Goddess!

Image: graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Full Moon in Libra 2012

Did you make any New Moon wishes?  Besides bringing revealing information, Full Moons are also perfect times to review your plans and New Moon wishes.

With the Sun in Aries and the Moon in Libra (at 17 degrees 23 minutes) positioning themselves exactly opposite one another on 6th April at 20:20 GMT, we have the opportunity to balance out the need to co-operate with others and being an individual. The Full Moon also illuminates the shadow sides of Aries and Libra - where are you being egotistic and impulsive?  And where are you being co-dependent and a people-pleaser (in the name of peace)?

Mars, the ruler of Aries, and Venus, the ruler of Libra, happen to square one another under this full moon, making it extra challenging to iron-out the differences between these two archetypes. Fortunately, squares are not just all gloom and doom, the tension can create that surge of motivational energy, propelling us to overcome our problems and pushing us to personal growth.  Taking into account that Mars is still in retrograde until 14th April, its usual brash energy may be easier to tame and negotiate.  However, as both planets are ruled by Mercury (Mars in Virgo and Venus in Gemini) and with Mercury in Pisces (and Mars oppose Neptune), confusion can cloud one's thinking.  Venus, as the focal planet in the T-Square with Mars and Neptune, the way forward is to reach a compromise by being diplomatic and choosing your words carefully (Venus in Gemini).

I wonder what kind of message I will receive under this Full Moon, with it conjunct my Venus-ruled Pluto in 3rd sextile Neptune?  Being a generational aspect though, the effect is unlikely to be personal but affecting the masses.

Image: tungphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Moon in Aries 2012

The Sun and the Moon are due for their monthly rendezvous on 22nd March at 14.38 GMT.  This time, they meet in the sign of bold and dynamic Aries at 2 degrees 22 minutes.

Even though Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, its leadership quality and its tendency to blaze new trails are unlikely to be unleashed in the usual fashion.  This is due to the fact that its ruler, Mars, is still in its retrograde phase. In addition, Mercury is retrograding in the sign of Aries (not to mention Saturn is also in retrograde, but in Libra).  Therefore, the theme of introspection is interwoven into the message of this new moon.  All in all, we have 4 planetary bodies in an Aries stellium:  Sun, Moon, Mercury and Uranus.  You can still act, be courageous and take risks, but only after the careful consideration of all the available facts. Even so, this may be a bit tricky, especially with Mars, retrograding in Virgo, oppose Neptune (and Chiron), so information could be kept from you. With Saturn trine Neptune, ensure your plans are not too idealistic and make them as practical as possible (with Saturn trine Neptune).

This leads to another sub-theme of this new moon - practicality.  With Mercury and Uranus 'sandwiching' the New Moon, we are encouraged to think outside the box, but with the grand earth trine in Mars, Pluto and Jupiter, we are also urged to keep our plans 'real', down-to-earth and feasible.  Having said that, Mercury conjunct Uranus can help us extend our mind and breakdown the 'I can't do it' barrier.  With Jupiter conjunct Venus in Taurus, we are reminded of our own beliefs and values.  So do what you can within your own physical limits and personal beliefs.  The nodal axis square the Mars-Neptune opposition would like us to think and move beyond our comfort zone without stepping into muddy territory.  If in doubt, ask, check, double check, triple check.

Image: pixtawan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Full Moon in Virgo 2012

The moon is under full illumination on 8th March at 9.41am (GMT).  Full Moons are culmination points and great times to adjust your plans and review your New Moon wishes.  

With the Sun in Pisces and the Moon in Virgo (at 18 degrees 13 minutes), we face the need to balance the polarity between these two mutable signs.  How can we make practical use of our spiritual pursuits?  What spiritual teachings can be readily immersed into our everyday living?  James Redfield's 'Celestine Prophecy' comes to mind.  In particular, in his sequel, 'The Tenth Insight', he mentions the need to 'hold the vision' of our spiritual thoughts/teachings and apply them into our mundane lives.  

Easier said than done.  

Initially, I found it next to impossible to have compassion and be non-judgmental when come face-to-face with unsavory souls.  I personally have quite a number of natal oppositions between Pisces-Virgo so I know one of the my life missions is to balance out being spiritual without losing my groundedness.  As Teihard de Chardin said, 'We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.  We are spiritual beings having a human experience.'  The way I see it, we have incarnated onto the physical plane so we are required to satisfy our practical means first, e.g. food to eat, place of shelter.  However, spiritual teachings can support us mortals, making our 'human' journey easier to understand and tolerate.

Being practical and spiritual are just as important as one another.  This theme is further reinforced by Neptune (modern ruler of Pisces) in Pisces trine Saturn in Libra (out-of sign).  Injecting compassion into our social interactions may require some extra effort but it's worth taking that extra step to iron-out individual differences and to understand where the other person is coming from.

In addition, we have Pisces' traditional ruler, Jupiter, in Taurus trine Pluto in Capricorn.  We are urge to be realistic with releasing past hurts and burdens.  Do what you can manage at this point in time.  With Mercury in Aries, we may get impatient and push ourselves too far, but Mercury is gradually slowing down its pace as it approaches its retrograde motion on 12th March.  Keep the motivational energy within you but consider tapping into the grand earth trine among Jupiter, Pluto and Mars (which is in retrograde and in mutual reception with Mercury).  Try your best but be realistic with your goals. 

This full moon conjunct my North Node and makes various aspects to my outer planets so this is likely to be a time to get pushed outside my comfort zone.  I can already feel it!

Image: Exsodus / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mercury in Aries 2012

Maybe I'm biased, but I'm looking forward to having Mercury transiting in Aries from Friday 2nd March (11.40 GMT).  Natally, I have Mercury in Aries, but in the 8th, so the Arian energy rarely gets unleashed without having lots of strings attached.  Luckily, with transiting Uranus in Aries, which conjunct my Mercury, I'm beginning to feel those 'strings' loosening under the pressure of that Arian energy.

In Aries, Mercury is ruled by Mars, which is currently retrograding in Virgo, so the two planets are in mutual reception.  We have a theme of communicating fearlessly - but not bluntly, because let's not forget we have Saturn and Mars in retrograde (Mercury will join the 'Retrograde Party' on 12th March).  Uranus in Aries, though, is likely to inject unconventionality wherever possible, balancing out the 'retrograde quality'.  It is interesting to note that during this period, retrograding Mars will physically be the closest to Earth on 3rd March, as if to say, 'Look at me!  Look at me!  Be assertive, not aggressive!'

Astrologically, there are 2 grand trines on the day when Mercury enters bold Aries.  Both of which contain a retrograde planet: an air/water grand trine with Saturn in Libra, Moon in Gemini, and Neptune-Chiron in Pisces (out-of-sign aspect) and an earth grand trine with Mars in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn and Jupiter in Taurus.  Each grand trine is like a circuit of positive, enclosed energy.  In the air/water 'circuit', we have Saturn retrograding in Libra linking up to the Moon (the past) and Neptune-Chiron (healing) so the past may be catching-up with us,  either as a fleeting thought or an physical re-encounter, urging us to let something go. In the other earth closed circuit, we have Mars retrograding in Virgo (repeating the 'thoughts and ideas' theme from the other grand trine with the Mercury-ruled Moon).  With Pluto and Jupiter,  again, we have the theme of bringing up something from the past, this time, from the depths of our psyche (Pluto, ruled by Saturn - the other retrograding planet from the air/water grand trine), but instead of being forced to come out into the light, we have Jupiter, gently coaxing the junk out.

Then, moving away from the grand trines, we have Mars (in retrograde) oppose the Sun and Saturn (in retrograde) oppose Venus.  Are you ready to face up to your life mission and re-set your belief system?  External stimuli, in the forms of male authority figures, may challenge your present beliefs and if you have been sitting around, feeling confused, it's time to get up and get moving - even if only mentally, don't let procrastination get the better of you.

Mercury begins its retrograde motion from 12th March.  Mercury retrograde is not just about miscommunications and computers going haywire.  It's a time for us to wake-up from our groggy states and introspect the goings-on in our lives - slow down and look carefully at where you are going.  What needs to stay, what needs to go?  In Aries, the focus is on ourselves.  It is not about being selfish, but about being proud of who we are, being honest with who we are and what we want to achieve in life.  It is about getting in touch with the warrior inside of us.  Be bold.  Be brave.  A turning point will be reached on 21st March, when we have a tight Sun-Mercury conjunction in Aries.  Look out for any messages/insights we may receive around this date.  I'm particularly fond of the work of an intuitive archetypal astrologer, Robert Ohotto, whose interpretation on retrograde cycles are rather insightful and pioneering.  You can find out more about his work and listen to his radio shows on www.ohotto.com.

Timeline of transiting Mercury in Aries:

2nd March - Mercury enters Aries

12th March - Mercury retrograde begins

23rd-24th March - Mercury re-enters Pisces

4th April - Mercury goes direct

17th April - Mercury re-enters Aries

8th May - Mercury leaves Aries

Transiting Mercury in Aries will traverse my 8th and 9th houses, conjunct my Mercury for most of March due to its retrograde motion and will conjunct my Mercury for a second time in the latter half of April, so I will get plenty of opportunities to unleash my thoughts and ideas and not be afraid to speak my mind,  but without being impulsive and hurting others with my words.

Happy Mercury tracking!

Image: imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Share your thoughts on Mars in Virgo retrograde

"Astrology can tell you many things. It can tell you what energy is available to an individual and how it’s likely to affect them. It cannot, however, tell you precisely how they will express it. Given the fact that each person has free will a person can express that energy on a continuum of lower to higher."  Satori, on ElsaElsa.com, very succinctly expressed what astrology is all about: http://www.elsaelsa.com/astrology/2012/02/08/making-astrology-personal/

The best way to learn astrology is by studying your own transits.  The current Mars retrograde is definitely putting a damper on my motivational energy.  However, since Mars in Virgo is ruled by Mercury, with my natal Mercury is in Aries 8th house, I have found that I'm less impulsive with voicing my thoughts (especially when I'm angry).  Transiting Mars is moving in my 2nd house and will conjunct my natal North Node by the end of this month and my natal Saturn by next month, since both are oppose my natal Sun, I'm sure issues of my beliefs and self-esteem are more likely to be the focus, judging by my recent events.

How's transiting Mars expressing itself in your life at the moment?

Image: nixxphotography / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mars in Virgo retrograde 2012

Mars, the planet of action, has been slowing down its pace, getting ready to go in reverse from 24th January and will go direct again on 14th April.

On the surface, 'Mars' and 'retrograde' may not seem to go hand in hand.  Traditional astrology claims that when this fiery and aggressive planet goes backwards, all actions should be put on hold.  However, that may not be practical, with the current retrograde period lasting up to 3 weeks.  Personally, I found that any actions executed during a Mars retrograde, which have been carefully researched and thoroughly planned out, can bring positive results.  The 'retrograde' is not referring to 'no action', but 'no rushed actions'.  Just like James H. Boren's quote, 'When in doubt, mumble; when in trouble delegate; when in charge, ponder'.  

Mars can be impulsive but in Virgo, the brash energy is being filtered and dampened.  Virgo demands meticulous order and critical analysis.  Superimpose the retrograde on top, we are encouraged to be even more scrupulous with our actions.  There's no need to be scared into a state of inertia.  In retrograde, Mars needs to direct its energy inward. So in essence, we are still 'doing' something, i.e. researching,  fine-tuning, just that it's not an overt action, so to the public, you appear to be idling.

Let's crunch some numbers.  Mars will begin its retrograde motion at 23 degrees 5.5 minutes on 24th January and will halt at 3 degrees 41 minutes on 13th April.  These degrees were already covered from 18th November 2011 to 23rd January 2012.  Any planets within these degrees will receive a transit from Mars, requiring them to slow down and reconsider.  Then from 14th April to 19th June, Mars will yet again traverse over these degrees, so going over old ground again.  What happened between 18th November 2011 to 23rd January 2012?  Between 24th January to 13th April, those issues will get a second chance to be scanned over.  Then from 14th April to 19th June, the same ground will be traipsed on again, so whatever you have missed out on the previous two occasions, you have a third chance to triple check before Mars leaves Virgo on 3rd July 2012.

What natal planets/angles does Mars aspect?  Which house(s) is Mars transiting in?  Where's your natal Mars?  Since this Mars is ruled by Mercury, take a look at your natal Mercury too.  Also check out the house with Aries on its cusp.

It is better to read a little and ponder a lot than to read a lot and ponder a little.  Denis Parsons Burkitt

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net