Tag Archives: mercury retrograde in libra

Astrology Poll: How was your Mercury Retrograde?

Happy Mercury direct! The Messenger resumes his forward course today at 1:06 p.m. on the West Coast of the United States, just 24 hours after the Full Moon in Aries. What’s happening for you this week? Feel free to leave us detailed comments, especially as the week progresses.

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Neith says:

This particular Mercury retrograde all took place in my eleventh house and was surprisingly mild at least when it came to tech problems and miscommunications. However it did seem like I spent lots of time rehashing old issues with friends and family. In the larger picture it felt like I was hearing the same old tired messages over and over and over. We’ll see what the next few days bring as the little biter starts moving forward and opening communication channels again!

 How did yours go? 

Full Moon in Aries, October 14, 2008

Full Moon in AriesFire sign inspiration and dynamic energy has been in short supply for quite awhile now, so the Full Moon at 21° 51′ Aries  on October 14 will inject some much-needed leavening into the atmosphere, if only temporarily.

To help us understand the tone this Full Moon will bring, I am going to lead off with the Sabian symbols for both the Moon and Sun, because they hold the key to how best to position ourselves during this lunation.

For the Full Moon it is, the gate to the garden of all fulfilled desires, with the keyword COSMIC OPTIMISM. Both luminaries are harmoniously aspected by Neptune in Aquarius, bringing a message of cooperation and inspiring the collective with a sense of community. With economic unrest making headlines around the globe, this is the best time to reach out to our fellow travelers with the recognition that we are all in this together and that it is through cooperation and understanding we can reduce the stress in our lives.

The Sabian symbol for the Sun at 21° 51′ Libra 51′ is, a child giving birds a drink at a fountain, with the keyword SOLICITUDE. The theme of finding anew a sense of childlike wonder or beginner’s mind is common in many cultures and belief systems as a key component for resolving difficulties from a fresh perspective. Often the secret is letting go of preconceived notions and ideas and cultivating a sense of innocent joy. Here again we can draw on Neptune’s gift of understanding that we are all part of the greater whole to ignite Libra’s desire for compromise and elegant equitable solutions.

On the Full Moon, Mercury in Libra is virtually at a standstill, preparing to go direct almost exactly 24 hours after the Full Moon. We gradually will see the unleashing of all that has been on hold for the past three weeks while Mercury was retrograde. Mercury is closely semi-sextile Mars in Scorpio, and this rather irritating aspect asks us to think before we speak to avoid causing hurt feelings when remaining silent will better serve us in the long run.

Another fly in the ointment is a square between Venus in Scorpio, Libra’s ruling planet, and Neptune in Aquarius. Here we can get caught up in unrealistic expectations, especially where our loved ones are concerned. Scorpio’s need to rehash all the details, important or not, could really spoil the mood too. Venus will move into Sagittarius on October 18, just four days after the Full Moon, and lighten things up considerably. Keep in mind the Libra principal of catching more flies with honey instead of vinegar to avoid sabotaging your relationships inadvertently.

There are two grand trines with asteroids in play:  one in air with the Sun, Neptune, and Pallas; and one in fire with the Moon, Juno, and Ceres. Pallas/Athena brings a clear sighted organizational ability to the table, and in Gemini she shines brightly. Pallas will happily discuss options for conflict resolution with wise Neptune and equitable Libra, and we could all use a dose of this in our lives. The fire sign trio brings together the enthusiastic innocence of the Aries Moon and the desire of Juno in Sagittarius to find a common belief system, while Ceres in Leo adds nurturance through creativity and joy. Both of these grand trines contribute to the dynamic of complements represented by the Full Moon, and if we consciously draw on the energies they represent, we can go far toward improving our relationships with others.

Yes, Saturn in Virgo is still trine Jupiter in Capricorn and moving to exactly oppose Uranus in Pisces on November 4. These two very different aspects present challenges to all of us, but if we keep in mind that earth and water are compatible elements, the path to resolution is possible. An attitude of acceptance and a willingness to do the work are needed here.

This Full Moon provides us with tools and concepts we can draw on in the days and weeks ahead to work with the challenges the Saturn-Uranus opposition heralds. We are definitely experiencing the final throes of Pluto’s march through Sagittarius now and getting some idea what his move into Capricorn will bring. As the Sabian symbols suggest, we can find our way to abundance through togetherness and cooperation while holding within ourselves the joy of solicitude for others. As always, practice kindness and forgiveness, starting with yourself and then extending it to others.

Libra is about balanceposted by Neith . . .

New Moon in Libra, September 29, 2008

New Moon by Maxfield ParrishThis is the first New Moon following the autumnal equinox and is the doorway to the period leading up the winter solstice, which marks the end of one solar year and the beginning of the new one.

Any New Moon in Libra always draws attention to our one-on-one relationships, matters of equity and justice, making informed decisions, and focusing attention on the “other” rather than ourselves. Libra is the halfway point of the astrological year and a good time to look at what has happened since the New Moon in Aries six months ago. With five planets in air signs in this chart, the intellectual approach to problem-solving is favored.

Since Mercury in Libra is retrograde on the New Moon, reviewing old business is a far better option than attempting to start something new, even though Mars is still conjunct Mercury, encouraging us to take action. Perhaps a better use of this cardinal energy is to sit down with our partners and take a look at what works and what doesn’t. The trine from Mercury in Libra to Neptune in Aquarius is still in effect and very helpful for taking the high road and applying a generous dose of compassion and empathy.

Venus, Libra’s ruler, has recently moved into Scorpio and is closely semi-sextile the Sun-Moon conjunction, strengthening the bond between them. While Libra really does prefer to stay in the mental realms, Venus in Scorpio can be very insistent about the need to look deeper and examine our motives and the “whys” behind our obsessive behaviors. What do we need to do for emotional housecleaning? Do our relationships truly benefit both parties, or would separation be the best course? These are the type of questions to ask now.

In addition, an inconjunct from Uranus in Pisces to Mercury in Libra still is resonating in the atmosphere. Uranus can be very persistent in reminding us of the need to be true to our authentic selves, and this inconjunct to Mercury can be the mosquito in our gardens flying around our heads bugging us to pay attention to ensure our own needs are being met.

The sextile from Mars in Libra to Pluto in Sagittarius will be exact on October 1. We have a window of opportunity here supporting our efforts to clear out the debris in our lives generated by the T-square with Pluto on the last Full Moon. Of course, we can always ignore this and go on as we have, but keep in mind that sooner or later, Pluto will demand his due.

The grand trine with Jupiter in Capricorn, Saturn in Virgo, and Vesta in Taurus is once more in effect. This pattern was also in the sky during the eclipse on August 16, but Venus and Mercury were in Virgo conjoining Saturn then adding their bit. This is the bare bones version but the message of healing through taking a practical, grounded approach is still there. Because we are working with the flowing energy of the trine, to get the most out of this pattern, we must consciously choose to do so.

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is 7 Libra:  A woman feeding chickens and protecting them from the hawks, with the keyword GUARDIANSHIP. In 360 Degrees of Wisdom, Lynda Hill writes that there is the perception that one’s guard can’t be let down without someone, or something, taking advantage. This symbol is most closely tied to the slightly irritating semi-sextile between Venus in vigilant Scorpio and the New Moon in Libra, representing our nurturing side. The trick here is to avoid being overly protective and allowing others to make their own choices, facilitating the learning process.

Perhaps the best use of this lunation is to recognize where we are receiving genuine love and support and nurture those connections. It never hurts to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us and thank them for their help and being there for us. Oh yes, remember to practice moderation in all things including moderation . . . that’s Libra!

Libra, an Air signposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.