Tag Archives: Mercury in Sagittarius

Weekly Forecast November 24: Sun Square Neptune, Mercury Enters Sagittarius

The Hindu goddess Saraswati as Sagittarius. © Karen MacKenzie, 2013. Details below.

Gratitude is a wonderful thing in and of itself, but it also opens our hearts to abundance.

This week is Thanksgiving in the United States. How lovely it would be if giving thanks was the main purpose – if for nothing else, then for the lavish meal that’s traditionally served.

A few days ago, I saw this post on Facebook:

Black Friday: because only in America people trample each other for sales exactly one day after being thankful for what they already have.

Obviously, that’s the old version. It’s no longer “exactly one day,” but more like an hour or two. How did we get to the point where the mad rush to buy stuff starts on Thursday Continue reading →

Weekly Forecast December 2: New Moon in Sagittarius, Mars Enters Libra

The last couple of weeks have been fairly quiet – at least, compared to the tumultuous summer and early fall. The activity picks up this week, but the mood should be positive and upbeat.

The biggest disappointment last week was the mob out shopping on Thanksgiving evening – no big surprise, given the over-the-top indulgence of Thursday’s Venus-Jupiter opposition. I was hoping, as were several of my friends, that there would be a huge public backlash against retailers that moved Black Friday sales back a day. Alas, compulsive shopping won out, with unruly crowds, fights, and damaged merchandise. What’s next? Three-day sales starting on Wednesday? Marathon shopping week with a quick break for a McTurkey meal and deep-fried pumpkin pie in a cardboard tube?

Speaking of pie, my gluten-free, nondairy pumpkin pie turned out quite good, although it took a few failed experiments to get the ingredients right. A couple of dinner guests said they liked the crust better than regular pie dough. No one even noticed the milk substitute. Several of you have written to me suggesting that a gluten-free diet might improve my health. The New Moon is always a good time to start new ventures, so perhaps it’s time to make that switch.

The chart for Monday’s New Moon in Sagittarius is friendly overall. The Venus-Jupiter opposition remains active, but it’s waning and relatively benign. The Uranus-Pluto square is still lurking in the undercurrent, but the tension has a release valve via a trine flowing between Uranus near 9 degrees Aries and the New Moon just shy of 11 degrees Sagittarius. The Archer aims for the truth, and sometimes that means thinking beyond our belief system. Some people aren’t even aware of what they believe, because it’s so ingrained in us from an early age. Aries is the pioneer who fearlessly ventures into new territory. By questioning our beliefs, widening our perspective, and being willing to try something new, we can find creative, innovative ways to tackle problems that have defied solutions. Remedies could be surprising, and they could come totally out of left field.

Jupiter, the ruler of this New Moon, is retrograde, but he’s in Cancer, the sign of his exaltation. Moreover, Jupiter and the Moon are in mutual reception, so they work together and strengthen each other. This is a perfect time to examine how culture and national identity form our belief system. For example, many Americans believe that the United States is the most democratic country in the world and that anyone who questions our system of government is unpatriotic. I know that readers of RealAstrologers are beyond that simplistic worldview, but you get my drift.

Cancer also is associated with family, which plays a powerful role in establishing our beliefs. You probably don’t need to think too hard to come up with beliefs your family programmed into you that you later discovered weren’t entirely true. For a clue about what beliefs you might be ready to examine, look at where Jupiter is transiting your natal chart, by house and also in aspect to natal planets. For example, if Jupiter is transiting your fifth house, you might want to examine your beliefs about the proper way to raise children. With Jupiter in your second or eighth houses, beliefs about money could be an area to focus on.

Saturn and Jupiter also are in a trine (exact on December 12) – yet another aspect reinforcing productivity and practicality. Jupiter’s exuberance and tendency to do overdo everything is already somewhat tempered by his retrograde motion. With Saturn and Jupiter in a friendly trine, optimism remains, but with realistic expectations and the ability to do what it takes to meet commitments and obligations. Big ideas with a realistic strategy and discipline are much more likely to succeed.

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Mercury and Mars are both about to change signs, but in the New Moon chart, they form a sextile in Scorpio and Virgo (exact on Tuesday). This practical, productive pair reinforces problem-solving abilities by combining deep insight with no-nonsense action. I’ve often said that we can’t find lasting solutions to any problem unless we identify the source. This can be difficult, especially for those who prefer not to go beyond surface appearances. Sometimes, avoidance is out of fear that the remedy may be too difficult or uncomfortable. Mars in Virgo won’t waste time sugar-coating whatever Mercury in Scorpio dredges up and doesn’t much care whether the medicine tastes bad.

On Wednesday, Mercury enters Sagittarius, the sign of his detriment. I’ve never quite understood why Mercury isn’t happy in truth-seeking Sagittarius. It would seem like a good match. However, Mercury’s home sign of Gemini (opposite Sagittarius) is associated with minute details and knowing a little about many subjects, whereas Sagittarius is the big-picture sign, concerned with broader patterns and inherent meaning. Put another way, the truth is more than a collection of details and facts. With Mercury in Sagittarius, there’s also an element of blurting out the truth without thinking about how it might affect others. When a woman asks her husband, “Honey, do I look fat in these jeans?” … well, you know.

Mercury squares Neptune on Friday. Neptune recently turned direct and is still moving slowly (from our perspective). Take care in making agreements, as there is some risk of a lack of clarity or even intentional misleading. We may experience something like a mini Mercury retrograde, with misunderstandings, lost e-mails, and so forth. I also need to mention the usual caution about using alcohol or mind-altering drugs, as you might experience something other than your normal reaction. Mercury-Neptune contacts are good for dreams, even if they aren’t entirely comfortable. I’m a big fan of dream work, and when I have dreams that are disturbing in some way, I make special note, because there often is a “message” that’s trying to get through. Think of it as a note from yourself to yourself.

On Saturday, Mars enters Libra, the sign of his detriment. On one hand, this is a signature for the warrior for justice, especially for women and girls. On the other, negotiations could go nowhere, despite a lot of back-and-forth. Mars knows what he wants, and “compromise” is not in his vocabulary. Perhaps he can be forced to do so, but he’ll seethe quietly until he’s in a better position to get his way. In deliberative bodies such as the U.S. Congress, agreements may be more elusive than ever, and this could be the state of affairs for many months. Mars is going to be in Libra until – are you ready for this? – late July, due to his retrograde cycle.

In personal relationships, you’ll need to be mindful of who wants what. Sometimes we go along with the other person even though it’s not what we want, whether to avoid a flap or because we want to “be big about it.” However, if this happens too often, resentment can build up, and eventually it comes out in one form or another. Some people just get fed up and walk away. In relationships that really matter to you, have a talk this week and explain the potential minefield ahead. Perhaps you can make a pact to be direct and honest, even in matters that don’t seem like a big deal at the time, and agree that you won’t accuse each other of being petty or trivial when such things come up. If you’ve got a demanding partner who always insists on getting his or her way, it’s possible that you could right the balance in the next six months.

That said, be prepared for some conflict – and remember, conflict is not always bad. Just the other day, I was talking to a woman who lamented that she’d had a fight with her boyfriend over the weekend. Eventually, she added that they aired several grievances, and the relationship was strong than ever. I thought it was interesting that, when asked whether she’d had a good weekend, she focused on the fight and added the strengthening of her partnership almost as an afterthought. I concede that it does take a lot of courage to bring up contentious subjects, especially if you think it will damage the relationship. If you value the relationship, being direct and honest is the highest form of respect, both for yourself and for your partner. I know you know this, but practicing it is another matter entirely. Heavy discussions are just plain hard, and we’re heading into the party season, when we’d rather eat, drink, and be merry. Goddess knows we’ve earned it.

Before I go, I’d just like to mention Comet ISON again. It looked for a while there like it didn’t survive its close encounter with the sun, but something did survive. As I type, the latest word from astronomers is that they’re waiting until ISON gets far enough away from the sun to determine what’s left of it. I’ve been asked whether I attach any astrological significance to this event. There is definitely something symbolic about it. I have a few ideas forming but will wait until we get a better idea of its condition.

Wishing you all much love and courage,
Pat

Weekly Forecast November 21: Mercury Retrograde, Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius

Shifting dimensions. © Pat Paquette, 2011.

Before transformation can occur, the existing matrix needs to break apart. Whether we’re talking about cosmic forces, societal patterns, or individual minds, there needs to be a breakdown, with all its messy chaos, before a breakthrough to a new order can take place.

The planets are aligned this week for that breakdown and chaos to take place. There may be breakthroughs, too – in fact, a good many of us likely will experience positive shifts – but some will have to stew in chaos for a bit before the transformation takes place. “A bit” could be a few days or, more probably, a few weeks, while the eclipses kick up the allegorical dust and retrograde Mercury revises the mental order.

It’s scary, to be sure, but it’s exciting, too! We all say we want change, right? Well, this is what it takes to get it. Change, no matter how positive, rarely happens without a certain amount of pain and discomfort.

Taking the week chronologically, there’s a lull in the action on Monday and then a torrent of activity on Tuesday, when the Sun enters Sagittarius. This is our moment of Truth with a capital “T.” The Archer’s arrow is swift and to the point, which is why it can hurt so much. With Mercury stationed and ready to turn retrograde on Thursday, a lot of truth may come spilling out at the most inconvenient times. The Sun’s square with Chiron in Pisces (exact on Wednesday) isn’t going to help soften the blow. Do try to keep your tongue in check. It’s the best way to keep your foot out of your mouth. Then, sometimes the truth needs to be said, and damn the consequences. Only you can know which is the right approach for the circumstances in which you find yourself. Likewise, if someone else gives you a piece of painful truth, don’t shoot the messenger. Once you get over the initial sting, you might even want to give him flowers.

Speaking of flowers, Venus makes a lovely sextile on Tuesday with Saturn in Libra. This is a perfect day to commit to those you love. You might want to have a frank discussion about things that have been bothering you. However, go easy, and don’t push for a resolution immediately. Mercury’s impending turn in reverse won’t allow for it, anyway. There’s nothing wrong with deep contemplation over time. One of my clients calls it “marinating,” which conjures up some funny images in my mind (is the pool I’m sitting in vegetarian or with sausage?). Partnerships are excellent for confronting personal issues, because when you’re committed to someone in this way, you can’t go running off when your stuff is in your face. And it’s usually in your face pretty fast, especially if you’ve already done a fair amount of personal work.

Wednesday gets my vote for the most interesting and exciting day of the week. I expect a fair share of traffic deadlocks and communications delays, thanks to Mercury’s station. However, the Sun forms a lovely fire trine with Uranus, while Mars in earthy Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn. Uranus is at a highly sensitive point, as he, too, is stationed. He’s currently retrograde and will return direct on December 9, just before the Full Moon eclipse and Mercury’s return direct. This tells me that we may get a hint of something wonderful this week, but the actual reward may be another couple of weeks away. In the meantime, do what has to be done to get what you want. Just don’t try to force results. Let events unfold on their own, and you won’t be disappointed.

Mercury officially turns retrograde on Thursday, which is Thanksgiving in the United States. I’ve cautioned before about family gatherings while Mercury is retrograde in Sagittarius. If you don’t want to choke on your meal or go home with a giant bellyache, stay away from discussions about politics and religion. You might even be skating on thin ice talking about the weather, but I guess it’s not polite to stare down at your plate and not make some polite conversation. The sextile between Venus and Neptune will help. What I’d do with this would be to retire to the living room for a feel-good movie as soon as the cleaning up is done. You can even have second piece of pumpkin pie and a little extra whipped cream spiked with brandy.

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Friday is eclipse day. The chart analysis essentially is my analysis of the week, so I won’t repeat it all here, other than to remind you again that this eclipse is mostly favorably aspected, so the shifts that take place should be positive, depending on where the Sun and Moon land in your natal chart. If they make seriously difficult angles to sensitive points in your chart, you could have a more tumultuous ride than others. Still, I think that any clouds surrounding this eclipse will have a silver lining. On the downside, the Sun and Moon will be square Mars in Virgo, one of the two signs ruled by Mercury. I don’t see this aspect as disastrous in and of itself. It simply may be yet another indication that you’ll need to be very patient in the next two-to-three weeks for your due.

Saturday is an astrologically busy day, as Venus enters Capricorn, putting her in mutual reception with Saturn. Mutual reception, you’ll recall, occurs when two planets are in signs ruled by the other. Again, I think this bodes very well for commitments in close relationships, as you are more able to understand how balance doesn’t necessarily exist in any given moment. There are times when one partner gives more and the other takes, and then the scales tip in the other direction. Balance may take place over time, and you may need to endure periods of sacrifice. The trick is knowing when the balance is so far tipped in one direction that you either need to take radical action to right it or walk away.

Over the weekend, Venus squares Uranus, sextiles Chiron, and trines Jupiter, and she’s reinforced by her sister, the Moon, also in Capricorn. I’m always hesitant to recommend significant discussions while Mercury is retrograde, but it’s quite possible that you may get an opportunity this weekend to go back over unresolved issues and find your higher ground. At least, you can meet at the base camp and work together on your provisions list.

Wishing you all divine portions of love and courage. Make that à la mode.

Pat

P.S. StarGuide December forecasts are now available, and I’ll be preparing the winter forecasts this weekend.

Weekly Forecast October 31: Venus and Mercury Enter Sagittarius

Happy Halloween, also known as All Saints or All Hallows, and the Mexican Day of the Dead.

It’s no accident that these religious holidays were established at a time when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest and most permeable. Astrologically, this phenomenon matches well with Scorpio, sign of death, transformation, and rebirth.

A growing number of people are becoming attuned to other dimensions of space/time, so I expect that many of you will have unusual experiences in the next week or two. Besides being in this seasonal space between the world of the living and the world of the dead (the material and energetic planes), we’re in a cosmic place of transition. More and more people are becoming attuned to this alternating vibration.

Our ability to sense beyond material reality is amplified by the coming eclipses and Mercury retrograde. These shifts don’t happen until Thanksgiving, but we head into interdimensional waters this week, as both Mercury and Venus cross the degree of the November 25 solar eclipse and Mercury enters the pre-retrograde shadow phase. You likely won’t need to wait until the end of the month to find out how the next eclipse pair will play out. Just keep your antennae up this week for clues. If you’re having trouble identifying them, check to see where 2-20 degrees Sagittarius are in your natal chart. You also can order your StarGuide Forecast for November, which will give you some ideas of possible scenarios you might encounter.

Taking the week one day at a time, Venus and Mercury in late Scorpio square Neptune on Monday and Tuesday. With Mars in late Leo, we’ll have a fixed T-square with Mercury and Venus at the apex. Remember, the planet at the point of the triangle bears the most pressure. The combined energy of Mercury and Venus manifests as communications in relationships. These exchanges likely won’t be direct, however, as Scorpio represents deep undercurrents. To get an idea what this means, think about a time when you were standing next to someone and having a conversation, but you were exchanging more information on a nonverbal level. It might have happened through body language, but you also may have picked up on their feelings, thoughts, and even their fears and weaknesses.

The square with Neptune suggests that you may not be entirely accurate in what you’re picking up, so don’t automatically assume you’re correct in your perceptions. Mars in Leo tells you exactly how you’re susceptible to deception. If you’re ego is in the way, you’re probably getting a distorted communications signal.

As with all T-squares, the “out” lies either in the degree opposite the apex or in a planet in soft aspect to it. The degrees of late Taurus include the malefic star Algol and the Pleiades. Check to see where those degrees fall in your chart, and that’s where your solutions and resolutions lie.

Venus and Mercury enter Sagittarius on Wednesday. Their first order of business is a conflicting square to Chiron in hypersensitive Pisces. You don’t need to be an astrologer to do the math. Insensitive remarks made to someone who is wounded or insecure will be taken badly. The difficulty is that they probably won’t say anything to you and instead will let the perceived slight fester. It’s always such a pain when something like this happens, because you end up having to defend yourself against something you may not have said and certainly didn’t mean. If you value the relationship, you likely will want to clear up the misunderstanding and smooth things over. If you don’t, you may not want to take the time to say anything but “I didn’t mean that.” The worst thing you can say, by the way, is “I’m sorry you took it like that” or “I’m sorry that you feel that way.” This is emphatically not an apology, so why bother? What you’re saying is that it’s the other person’s fault for misinterpreting your words and intentions. This is one of my pet peeves.

On Thursday, Venus and Mercury trine Uranus. Communications come fast, furiously, and from unexpected quarters. In early Aries, Uranus is still tracking the degrees of last summer’s intense cardinal T-square. One of my classmates, a Libra with early Cancer on the Ascendant, had major shakeups in her life and recently began getting calls and e-mails with amazing new opportunities. Many of you may experience something like this – again, depending on where these planets are transiting your natal chart.

On Friday, both Mercury and Venus cross the degree of the November 25 eclipse, at 2°37′ Sagittarius. Mercury is the messenger and the herald, so do pay close attention to unusual events on this day. Mercury turns retrograde on November 24 at 20 degrees Sagittarius and returns to 3 degrees on December 13. So, when Mercury crosses 3 degrees Sagittarius on Saturday, he’ll officially be in pre-retrograde shadow. It’s best to avoid this period for major transactions, but if you can’t, be aware that anything that can go wrong probably will. Make sure you’ve got all your ducks connected … oh, wait, that’s supposed to be dots connected. Your ducks should be in a row.

On Sunday, the Moon in Aries conjoins Uranus and squares Pluto. This occurs once a month, so it’s not a major astrological influence. However, I think you might notice more activity this month, given what else is going on.

Don’t forget that we go off daylight savings time Saturday night. I’ve got my list started for what I’ll do with the extra hour. Unfortunately, sleep isn’t on it.

Love and courage to all,
Pat