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....
The below article first appeared in The Astrological Journal in the January/February issue of 2016*:
Mercury Occultation
Mercury will race across the front of the sun this May 9th in what is known as an Occultation of the Sun. Occultation (derived from the latin word for hidden) occurs when a planet moves between the Earth and another planet. In this case, Mercury is moving between the Earth and the Sun. Since only Mercury and Venus are between the Earth and the Sun, they are the only two planets who will appear to cross in front of the Sun from our point of view here on Earth (this occurrence is only visible using special equipment, not to the naked eye). It is a fairly regular occurrence, in that it happens again and again at intervals, though the intervals stretch to only once a decade or so, making it a fairly special event as far as most humans are concerned.
Astrologically speaking, an occultation of the sun is basically a conjunction, though it may have quite a bit more ‘oomph’. When a planet is centered in front of the Sun (a so-called ‘inferior’ conjunction), it is known to be in a position of ‘cazimi’ or being at ‘the heart of the sun’, which is akin to being in the lap or the arms of the King or Queen (i.e. in a very good position)! The significance is that the occulting planet is strengthened by the planet being occulted; in this case, the fierce rays of the Sun fortify Mercury as he speeds past. There is also said to be an alignment between the inner self (the Sun) and the principle of the occulting planet (in this case, Mercury, whose principle could be described as knowledge). Therefore, inner knowledge and the ability to communicate it will be heightened by this transit.
As Mercury occults the Sun in Taurus on May 9th, it will be part of a Grand Trine in Earth with Pluto in Capricorn and Jupiter in Virgo. All three planets will be retrograde, but the effect of Mercury’s occultation of the Sun may give a day of reprieve from the typical effects associated with retrograde planets -at least, for Mercury- potentially making this day a powerful moment in the given cycle. Below are some horoscopes delineating how this occultation (with the grand trine underway) may affect you according to your Solar Chart and the Sun Sign House in which the occultation occurs. All you need to do is check the paragraph next to the sign that your sun is in (like a regular horoscope, though if you know your rising sign, check that, too!).
Aries
Mercury’s Occultation of the Sun will occur in your 2nd house, making it a great time to communicate your values -and your worth- as they affect your daily work and your public role. It seems your career may be undergoing some transformation, possibly including an expansion of your daily duties. Perhaps this means it’s time to ask for a raise! It just might pay off.
Taurus
Now is the time to shine your light! Communicate who you are in your purest, most creative way, especially where your children, creative projects, education, religion or travel are concerned. You may initiate a new project or start something new, particularly creative work. You may be in the midst of a transformation in your personal philosophy or religion. All of these things work together and affect each other at this time. Others may find you inspiring.
Gemini
Shining a light on your spirituality, communicating your dreams. You may experience a wake-up call. It would behoove you to respond accordingly! It could be a good time to purify and organize your home. Shared resources and intense relationships may be undergoing transformation.
Cancer
You will shine with your friend-groups in your home! It may be time to host an event or meeting for a group or organization you are a part of. Your communication will be especially effective and may even be prolific. Relationships may be undergoing transformation or enduring power struggles. Channeling some of this energy into hosting and communicating may help.
Leo
Your creative self-expression will have support in the eyes of your public. You may be paid for some creative work or experience creative success, such as publication. You may need to ‘dig deep’ to achieve this success: be sure to maintain a healthy routine during this time.
Virgo
Expand your horizons in an orderly manner. Learn and teach as much as you wish. Today will highlight such work (and may include recognition from others). Fuel yourself with your creative passions. Maintain self-empowered discipline and expand your personal resources and sense of self-worth as necessary. Have fun!
Libra
That which has been in the shadows may come to light in your intense relationships or where your shared resources are concerned. This is a good time to ‘talk’ about it (whether written or spoken communication). You may be surprised what you learn! Expanding your compassion and/or your spiritual practice may support you at this time, possibly helping you through an extended, deeply felt transformation. Embracing wholesome values may also help.
Scorpio
You may feel uncomfortable in your relationships, especially where communication is concerned. However, it may be just what is needed. Look to the support of friends and the power of deep, honest communication to make the most of such situations. Balance and cooperation may be achieved.
Sagittarius
Give your body what it needs and wants as you discover your direction in your daily life. You may be renegotiating within yourself what it is that you most want and value; doing so may support expansion of your career or public role (or your internal understanding of it, at any rate).
Capricorn
Keep it simple, but let it be fun and creative! Allow yourself to enjoy the simple, sensual pleasures of just being with children, or creating something the way they do: feeling the texture of the paint between your fingers, laughing at the little things. There is nothing to control here! This could be just the break you need from some rigorous study or from diligently figuring out precisely who you are.
Aquarius
Call your mother! Or- become very aware of how your roots serve to make you who you are and how you feel about yourself. Tell someone (Mum is a good choice, but a close mate or some type of spiritual advisor would also work). This may help you expand your circle of intimate friends or even support spiritual transformation.
Pisces
Talk about a good time to talk about it! Whether it’s getting in touch with your siblings, connecting with neighbors, or chatting up the grocer - today is your day! You may find yourself leaning toward money, value, worth as a topic of conversation. You’ll be supported in this today. Your chattiness may invite more friendships and may land you a place (possibly a powerful one!) in a new group of some kind.
If your horoscope doesn’t seem to fit, consider taking this general advice (pertaining to some of the other celestial occurrences happening concurrently with Mercury’s occultation of the Sun):
Mercury Occultation
Mercury will race across the front of the sun this May 9th in what is known as an Occultation of the Sun. Occultation (derived from the latin word for hidden) occurs when a planet moves between the Earth and another planet. In this case, Mercury is moving between the Earth and the Sun. Since only Mercury and Venus are between the Earth and the Sun, they are the only two planets who will appear to cross in front of the Sun from our point of view here on Earth (this occurrence is only visible using special equipment, not to the naked eye). It is a fairly regular occurrence, in that it happens again and again at intervals, though the intervals stretch to only once a decade or so, making it a fairly special event as far as most humans are concerned.
Astrologically speaking, an occultation of the sun is basically a conjunction, though it may have quite a bit more ‘oomph’. When a planet is centered in front of the Sun (a so-called ‘inferior’ conjunction), it is known to be in a position of ‘cazimi’ or being at ‘the heart of the sun’, which is akin to being in the lap or the arms of the King or Queen (i.e. in a very good position)! The significance is that the occulting planet is strengthened by the planet being occulted; in this case, the fierce rays of the Sun fortify Mercury as he speeds past. There is also said to be an alignment between the inner self (the Sun) and the principle of the occulting planet (in this case, Mercury, whose principle could be described as knowledge). Therefore, inner knowledge and the ability to communicate it will be heightened by this transit.
As Mercury occults the Sun in Taurus on May 9th, it will be part of a Grand Trine in Earth with Pluto in Capricorn and Jupiter in Virgo. All three planets will be retrograde, but the effect of Mercury’s occultation of the Sun may give a day of reprieve from the typical effects associated with retrograde planets -at least, for Mercury- potentially making this day a powerful moment in the given cycle. Below are some horoscopes delineating how this occultation (with the grand trine underway) may affect you according to your Solar Chart and the Sun Sign House in which the occultation occurs. All you need to do is check the paragraph next to the sign that your sun is in (like a regular horoscope, though if you know your rising sign, check that, too!).
Aries
Mercury’s Occultation of the Sun will occur in your 2nd house, making it a great time to communicate your values -and your worth- as they affect your daily work and your public role. It seems your career may be undergoing some transformation, possibly including an expansion of your daily duties. Perhaps this means it’s time to ask for a raise! It just might pay off.
Taurus
Now is the time to shine your light! Communicate who you are in your purest, most creative way, especially where your children, creative projects, education, religion or travel are concerned. You may initiate a new project or start something new, particularly creative work. You may be in the midst of a transformation in your personal philosophy or religion. All of these things work together and affect each other at this time. Others may find you inspiring.
Gemini
Shining a light on your spirituality, communicating your dreams. You may experience a wake-up call. It would behoove you to respond accordingly! It could be a good time to purify and organize your home. Shared resources and intense relationships may be undergoing transformation.
Cancer
You will shine with your friend-groups in your home! It may be time to host an event or meeting for a group or organization you are a part of. Your communication will be especially effective and may even be prolific. Relationships may be undergoing transformation or enduring power struggles. Channeling some of this energy into hosting and communicating may help.
Leo
Your creative self-expression will have support in the eyes of your public. You may be paid for some creative work or experience creative success, such as publication. You may need to ‘dig deep’ to achieve this success: be sure to maintain a healthy routine during this time.
Virgo
Expand your horizons in an orderly manner. Learn and teach as much as you wish. Today will highlight such work (and may include recognition from others). Fuel yourself with your creative passions. Maintain self-empowered discipline and expand your personal resources and sense of self-worth as necessary. Have fun!
Libra
That which has been in the shadows may come to light in your intense relationships or where your shared resources are concerned. This is a good time to ‘talk’ about it (whether written or spoken communication). You may be surprised what you learn! Expanding your compassion and/or your spiritual practice may support you at this time, possibly helping you through an extended, deeply felt transformation. Embracing wholesome values may also help.
Scorpio
You may feel uncomfortable in your relationships, especially where communication is concerned. However, it may be just what is needed. Look to the support of friends and the power of deep, honest communication to make the most of such situations. Balance and cooperation may be achieved.
Sagittarius
Give your body what it needs and wants as you discover your direction in your daily life. You may be renegotiating within yourself what it is that you most want and value; doing so may support expansion of your career or public role (or your internal understanding of it, at any rate).
Capricorn
Keep it simple, but let it be fun and creative! Allow yourself to enjoy the simple, sensual pleasures of just being with children, or creating something the way they do: feeling the texture of the paint between your fingers, laughing at the little things. There is nothing to control here! This could be just the break you need from some rigorous study or from diligently figuring out precisely who you are.
Aquarius
Call your mother! Or- become very aware of how your roots serve to make you who you are and how you feel about yourself. Tell someone (Mum is a good choice, but a close mate or some type of spiritual advisor would also work). This may help you expand your circle of intimate friends or even support spiritual transformation.
Pisces
Talk about a good time to talk about it! Whether it’s getting in touch with your siblings, connecting with neighbors, or chatting up the grocer - today is your day! You may find yourself leaning toward money, value, worth as a topic of conversation. You’ll be supported in this today. Your chattiness may invite more friendships and may land you a place (possibly a powerful one!) in a new group of some kind.
If your horoscope doesn’t seem to fit, consider taking this general advice (pertaining to some of the other celestial occurrences happening concurrently with Mercury’s occultation of the Sun):
Develop your inner warriorship and inner discipline to expand a healthy spiritual practice.
Practice grounding and embodying your inner-reorganization with the guidance of the keen wit of your heart-mind.
Practice luscious self-care (is there ever a bad time for this?).
Consider what it is that you truly value.
Take advantage of the considerable support for writing and communication (& even publishing!).
Let your Wise Old Inner Trickster Guru Child out to play!
Eat chocolate.
At the very least: PAY ATTENTION! Now that you know this alignment is happening, you have a chance to be your own detective and find out for yourself how it will affect you and yours. Take note!
This concludes the previously printed portion of the article.
Love and Light!
~Melanie
*To get your own copy of the issue with this article in it - or any issue of The Astrological Journal - please email a request to: office@astrologicalassociation.com
Practice grounding and embodying your inner-reorganization with the guidance of the keen wit of your heart-mind.
Practice luscious self-care (is there ever a bad time for this?).
Consider what it is that you truly value.
Take advantage of the considerable support for writing and communication (& even publishing!).
Let your Wise Old Inner Trickster Guru Child out to play!
Eat chocolate.
At the very least: PAY ATTENTION! Now that you know this alignment is happening, you have a chance to be your own detective and find out for yourself how it will affect you and yours. Take note!
This concludes the previously printed portion of the article.
Love and Light!
~Melanie
*To get your own copy of the issue with this article in it - or any issue of The Astrological Journal - please email a request to: office@astrologicalassociation.com
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