This year, one thing that stood out to me more than all the other motions and meanings of the sky is retrogrades. You've probably heard about Mercury Retrograde and tricky times with communications and technology, but what about the other retrogrades?

Did you know there are other retrogrades, as well? It's true! Some of you may have even heard about Venus and/or Mars retrogrades and how they indicate shifting patterns in relationships. The truth is that all of the planets have retrogrades (not the Sun and the Moon, though).

If you had a period of time this year during which things were 'up in the air', it was probably a retrograde. In so many of the consultations I did, it was things like: should I pursue this relationship? Will I get that raise? Will my new business work out? When you reflect on what that thing was for you- you will have found your retrograde experience(s) of 2019. But, so what?

I recently asked a friend of mine who is a Spiritual Director what people were generally needing in their sessions. After a reflective pause, she said that they were needing to be held and also to deepen their connection to the earth. Upon hearing of this general deep need of humans in these times, I couldn’t help but think of the nodes of the moon (the points at which eclipses occur, thought to reflect karmic patterning) which are currently transiting (traveling) through the signs of Cancer and Capricorn.

Why this connection? A few strands came together for me in this moment.

Because Saturn and Jupiter will be at the same degree for most of August (and in quite close range, otherwise), I thought I’d share this list of days according to the Moon’s transits to these two ‘social planets’, including a few other heavenly motions of note, such as ingresses and certain planetary aspects calling for [my] attention.

One curiosity I’m interested in is the connection between...

What an amazing experience! Such incredible richness was offered to us this past weekend, at the Northwest Astrological Conference. It was great. In addition, there is a real 'after the conference' experience that it doesn't hurt to address. For me, it has been helpful to have had some sage guidance concerning “re-entry” after such an event. So, I would like to pass on to you a few thoughts and guidelines that have been offered to me on my own path of sacred engagements.

Astrologically-Aligned New Year’s Resolutions for 2019 (& beyond!)

Have you ever noticed how New Year’s Resolutions seem to fizzle and fade as the year wears on?

I have! And, you can bet that I have Astrological interpretations as to why and wherefore! I have noticed what a Capricorn thing it is to ‘resolve’ to do some pious new thing in the new calendar year. What’s more, it seems a natural goat-like response to the wild and winsome ways of the Sagittarian ‘Santaur’ of the season prior. In addition, as I’ve said, these resolutions seem to fade.

Why is that?

This Venus Retrograde period feels very long and poignant. Some of us will have experienced foreshadowing for our own ‘Venus Retrograde Moments’ (VRMs) as far back as September 3rd, when Venus entered the ‘shadow’ period prior to the retrograde station. This retrograde cycle seems to be full of nuance. I have counted no fewer than 18 notable moments related to Venus in this cycle (see image, above), spanning from September 3rd all the way to December 17th!

Here they are listed out, for your convenience (be sure to read on below the list for potential meanings):

It delights me to no end that the new Freddie Mercury film, Bohemian Rhapsody, is due to be released on November 2nd, heralding the new Venus Synodic Cycle that begins that very day. The heliacal rise of Venus as a morning star occurs at 28 degrees of Libra, conjunct Freddie’s natal Venus placement (that rests amidst a juicy stellium).

I mean- it’s *almost* like they planned it.

It’s true that the band, itself, had at least minimal astro-intel, given Freddie’s stage name and Queen’s coat-of-arms logo that included images based on each band member’s Sun Sign. But, this is high level astro, here. There would have to be a serious astro nerd on the production team vying for this alignment. It’s not impossible, I suppose, and may even be more probable now than ever, but however unlikely and whatever the case: the timing is divine.

Some of the biggest news this month has to do with the eclipses (starting this Friday!). But that’s not where I want to begin. I have a few pointers for them, but I’m personally more interested in the applying opposition between Jupiter-in-Libra and Uranus-in-Aries that is closing all month long until they meet in the same degree on February 27th. The symbol for Jupiter-in-Libra opposite Uranus-in-Aries is...

Symbols for Mercury Retrograde periods of 2017

For the first three of these ‘events’ there is a common theme having to do with a shifting of the elements. The first three Mercury Retrograde periods begin in an earth sign, transgress back for a dip into fire (giving us a chance to recover something we forgot? and/or prepare us for the next round of Mercury Retrogrades that are all in fire signs starting this winter!), and progress back into earth to ground the inspiration and passion (and ‘spice’!) that the fire signs offer.

Symbols for the Major Aspects between the Outer Planets

I’m excited to share these symbols because the aspects between the planets are even more telling for the signs of our times than the pure planet placements. There is an ongoing dance of archetypal interaction at play as we move through time (not just figuratively, but as we hurtle through space in our constant twirling cosmic helix). A complex ballet that ultimately, never repeats (though, you might say that it theoretically does, about every 17,000 years!). As each of these aspects begins applying and comes more into play, I will publish blog posts about how to work with these symbols representing planet placements and their interactions, so stay tuned! Now, for the major aspects... (click below to read!)

You are already an expert at symbols. Whether we are talking about a red rose or a red octagon, you know what they mean without even thinking about it (also notice how color plays a role and has something to add to the flavor of a symbol!) At the same time, they may have slightly different nuances for you, personally, than they do for the broader community. Much of the meaning of symbols is based on our personal experiences. So, if you do not immediately identify with or understand the symbols that are presented here, you may find that if you give them time and lean into them as you go through the experience that they symbolize, you may discover your own version of their relevance (sometimes it is great to have a bit of a question mark going into an experience that suddenly becomes an exclamation point when the revelation takes hold. See? There you are using your innate symbol wisdom again!). Alternatively, you may wish to work at finding your very own symbols. If you have worked with symbols before and know how to do this, carry on! If you would like to learn how to do this, you may be interested in some of my ongoing online classes and even my live in-person workshops.

In Part One of this series, we will look at the planets in the signs. Let it be known that some of the symbols for this year are the same as what I got for last year since many of the outer planets are still in the same signs. However, a new addition this year (to ‘spice things up’, which you will see is a theme throughout the Mercury Retrograde periods) are symbols for the following: major aspects between outer planets, Mercury Retrogrades, and subsequent installations focusing on each aspect or placement as it comes into focus over the year.

All of the symbols are rich with potential and some do seem quite telling. We shall see what comes of them throughout the upcoming year together! Without further ado, let’s begin. (Click below to read more!)

I do this thing where I close my eyes and ask for symbols for different astrological happenings. When I asked for a symbol for Jupiter in Libra, I got an image of a jolly fellow with arms spread wide in welcome to his friends who were near. It turns into a nice little rhyme, actually:

“Arms spread wide, with friends by your side”

I suggest you adopt this as a mantra starting Friday, September 9th and carry it with you all the way through the end of the year and beyond (Jupiter will go retrograde in Libra next year, but I’ll wait until it’s closer before I say anything about it).

Libra is a social sign and Jupiter is all about expansion. So, go ahead and increase the time you spend in social situations. Been meaning to start up a potluck? Go ahead! Been wanting to start some new educational program? I bet you’ll make friends there! Changing jobs? Perhaps your new colleagues will be more your style! Any way you slice it, it seems Jolly ol’ Jupiter is waiting with open arms. Go ahead and join him!

Well, my dream of hosting a podcast has finally been realized! And, may I say that it would not have been so timely (nor, perhaps, even POSSIBLE!) without the support of Kristen McKee of Insideout Savvy.

May 9 Marks a special point in this current Mercury Retrograde when we get a fantastic little breather! How nice. :) The reason for this is what is called an occultation (explained below- easier than it sounds). Meanwhile, there is a juicy Grand Trine in Earth and some other things going (including a powerful New Moon in Taurus this weekend) that all align to mean big power potential in Earthy matters (money, health, body, wealth, food, etc.). There is so much going on! I won't go into all of it, here, but below is an article of mine that was published in the Astrological Association's January/February issue of The Astrological Journal. Check out the horoscope section to see how YOUR May 9 is shaping up (note: if you know your rising sign, look for that, but if not, your sun sign will still give you some insight!). Without further ado....