Wednesday was the start of the first Mercury retrograde cycle of 2015 - are you ready?! For those of you new to Mercury Rx and what it's all about, here's a bit of a synopsis:

Mercury Rx cycles are times when communication, travel, and maintenance issues crop up in our daily lives much more often than usual. This is because Mercury is the planet of the mind and perceptions, and when it appears to be going backwards from our perspective on Earth, we feel the effects intensely. Unexpected short trips, mechanical failures and computer/technology issues, and miscommunications are just a few hallmarks of these cycles as Mercury plays his role as trickster and gives us a run for our money!

The good news about Mercury Rx periods is that although things can get exceptionally hectic and stressful - especially at the beginnings and endings of the cycle - they have a round-about way of working things out in our favor in the end. Maybe you get stuck in traffic for an extra twenty minutes before finally making it to the restaurant you're having dinner at...and at the exact moment you walk in, you run into a friend from high school you haven't seen in years and would have missed them completely had you been on time! You've now set up a lunch date to catch up with them - something you've been meaning to do for a while but never got around to it. You'll get to see that friend, plus have dinner with the friend you were about to have dinner with in the first place (and all will work out just fine, since they were probably running late, too!). Events like these aren't all that uncommon, since retrograde cycles bring us back to review, rethink, and revisit people, concepts, or issues that it's time to address. 

Navigating Mercury Rx With More Grace and Ease

"How can we navigate Mercury Rx without losing our minds?!" This is a question I'm asked frequently at workshops and in one-on-one consultations. As someone who used to try to push through the natural rhythms of these cycles and end up experiencing a lot of grief in the process before I delved deeply into astrology (and before I learned some key life lessons in inner peace and harmony), I can tell you firsthand that when I finally learned to go with the flow, life during Mercury Rx cycles became infinitely easier.

As with many situations in life, the more that we can relinquish a need to feel in control of all the details and any particular outcome of a situation, the more mental clarity and peace we will have. It brings me back to reading A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and experiencing the slow epiphany of learning how to observe events and my feeling responses to them rather than getting caught up in the dramas themselves. By becoming a more neutral observer to situations and the feelings they give rise to within us, the more we stand in a place of true power and solidity. We are less likely to be influenced by the stress of external events and more likely to make sounds choices based on what is happening in our now, and will experience a great deal more peace and contentment within ourselves.

The very best advice I could ever give regarding how to move through Mercury Rx cycles is to go with the flow. It's perfectly fine - and to be expected - that things will not go as planned now. It's the way of the cosmos to help get us back on track for these brief periods of time, and rebelling against the outer scramble of potentially chaotic events doesn't serve us. If you are able to bring a "surfer's" attitude to ride the waves of life while maintaining a good sense of humor (the humor part is key!), you're well on your way to getting to the other side of Mercury Rx with your sanity intact! Also make a mental note to follow seemingly skewed events through to their conclusion and to connect the dots back to see how the mishmash might have helped things to ultimately work out for the best. To that end, gratitude for the gifts of these cycles is another key piece to weathering the storm with sanity intact!

In terms of other practical steps you can take to enjoy smoother Mercury Rx periods, I would suggest the following:

• Expect the unexpected! 
  
• Allow extra time to get to destinations when traveling
  
• Avoid taking long trips if possible; if you do plan or take a major trip, expect delays and schedule changes, and double-check itineraries and any other arrangements that have been made
  
• Take extra time to review written communications and any important correspondence, since errors and miscommunications are more likely now
  
• Back up data on electronic devices and save work frequently
  
• Avoid signing any important documents or starting something brand new during this cycle (the exception to this is if you're making an agreement that you'd like the opportunity to review and revise later on)
  
• Avoid making major purchases, since perceptions and communications are not as clear now

These cycles are excellent times for gathering information and letting new ideas coalesce in your imagination. A solid example of this is that I'm currently pulling away from doing frequent social media astrology updates to focus on expanding the astrological services I offer, as well as getting ready to revise my business name, create flyers, and launch the next phase of my career! When Mercury goes direct on February 11, we'll have a chance to move forward on our new goals with more clarity of mind!

How are you weathering the Mercury Rx so far? Are you finding any "gifts" in the process? What helps you maintain a sense of inner balance and calm during these cycles? 

The forward-thinking, freedom-loving Aquarius Super-New Moon on January 20 (8:13 AM EST) is inviting us to explore where we feel the need to liberate ourselves from constraints of the past and move into well-grounded visions for a future of freedom and authenticity. With the multitude of energies coloring this new moon, opportunities for new beginnings in self-expression abound and call us to recognize the sacredness of each individual's unique gifts and vision that make the world an incredible, multi-faceted place. 

The new moon is strongly connected to the energies of Uranus, the planet that rules Aquarius, in many ways. The sun and moon form a tight quintile aspect to this celestial rule-breaker, which is also within minutes of being in an exact conjunction to the South Node and in opposition to the North Node. The impulse to shed past constraints and move boldly into authentic self-expression to release our core essence into the world will be irrepressible for many. With Pluto's energies involved in this mix leading up to a final clash between these planets in March, we can use these energies to see through illusions and "fluff" that distort our views of reality and get to the heart of what is of true value and substance in our lives.

The Aquarian vibe is also heightened by the presence of Mercury and Venus traveling through Aquarius, which are moving into an opposition with Jupiter Rx in Leo. Mercury in Aquarius is free-thinking and inventive, and is naturally tuned in to genius ideas and new ways of perceiving; Venus in Aquarius values equality and freedom in partnerships of all kinds and has the ability to put personal needs aside for the benefit of the collective. 

With these two planets opposing altruistic Jupiter in the recognition-driven sign of Leo, we are challenged to blend our personal needs and perspectives with those of others. We are  now presented with a powerful opportunity to shine our unique light in knowing that if we choose to bring our gifts forward and release ego and insecurities, we can acknowledge the gifts and uniqueness that all people have to offer to create a more idealistic society (this releases us from the limitations inherent in "better than" or "less than" perceptions). When we are confident in ourselves, we are not threatened by the success of others; rather, we can celebrate success with them. When we learn to let go of a dependency on receiving approval of others - or for others to see things "our way" - we can accept the paths which others travel with greater peace that can lead to the realization of a more harmonious world. As Jeff Jawer summed up not too long ago, a spot-on Aquarian motto might be "Together, but not the same."

Grounding in Long-Term Change With Saturn and Vesta

Though new moon times are powerful for getting in touch with our desires, there are even more aspects to this super-new moon that suggest that changes we commit to now can be crafted to last and bring more balance to our lives. The presence of Vesta in Capricorn closely joined with the Sun/Moon invites us to explore ways in which we might restructure our lives for more holistic living. Vesta is an asteroid goddess associated with the nurturance and integration of the self on all levels - physical, emotional, and spiritual - and brings forward energies that can aid us in bringing forward a more complete merger of Heaven on Earth. Examining how we can nurture and care for our physical bodies, honor our emotions and allow for the healthy flow of sexual and creative energies, and cultivate a deeper connection with The Divine on a daily basis are especially supported. 

A final key aspect at play is the Sun/Moon's sextile to Saturn. This is a wonderful aspect that creates stimulation, and will bring balance to the potentially radical Aquarian energy of change. When Saturn and Uranus join forces, it is likely that significant change will happen in more pragmatic, sensible ways. If we commit to making bold changes one solid step at a time now, they're likely to last for the long-term. 

Are you ready to embrace an entirely new kind of freedom for yourself? Shed societally-imposed ideas of "normal" and "supposed to" and step into the goodness that you are for a whole new level of joyful living now!

Key Questions for Contemplation

• Am I willing to shine my authentic light forward and release thoughts of "should" and opinions of others that hold me back?
• Can I respect and honor the perceptions and viewpoints of others, even if they aren't in alignment with mine?
• Am I willing to heal my insecurities so I can appreciate the gifts that others share more fully?
• Is my body calling for more physical nurturance (dietary changes, exercise, rest and relaxation)?
• Am I blocking the healthy flow of emotions and sexual/creative energies? Am I willing to explore how I might allow these powerful feelings to flow for a more rich and vibrant life experience? Am I willing to release restrictive societal or religious concepts about these feelings that no longer serve me?
• How can I open up to a greater awareness of The Divine and mystical/spiritual experiences? Do I feel called to explore meditation practices, energetic healing, or other way of getting in touch with the essence of my soul?
• Am I willing to embrace the most authentic visions I have for joyful and fulfilling life by making solid changes one step at at time? Am I willing to form alliances and healthy partnerships with those who can help make my visions a reality? 

To see how this new moon will be impacting you, look to the house in your birth chart that holds 0 degrees of Aquarius. This house, and the house that falls directly opposite it, will show where these themes will be most prominent in your life. 

Want to know more about how the current planetary cycles are impacting you? I offer one-on-one consultations that help you unlock your core potential and provide guidance on navigating your current life cycles with greater awareness and ease! Please see "Contact, Rates, and Specials" to learn more.


Photo credit: Rainbow Mandala Mosaic source: http://c1.staticflickr.com/

I have been hearing many friends and loved ones talk about their experiences in releasing the old in the days before Sunday's cathartic full moon, and many are still moving through this process now. The release of relationships, ideas, or plans that no longer serve them, and experiencing physical detox by way of colds, flu, and general fatigue have been common factors.

Although some endings we might be moving through now are especially uncomfortable with more loose ends to wrap up than we'd like, it doesn't come as much of a surprise. Pluto's cathartic influence can be long and arduous, impelling us to make permanent changes that come from deep within ourselves. Like Saturn, Pluto takes no shortcuts in bringing about change, and does so in ways that can feel painful or traumatic. Akin to Persephone's abduction into the underworld, Pluto serves the same psychological purpose in our lives. We are plunged into the depths of ourselves - the beautiful, the "ugly," that which we are afraid of, ashamed of, and try our best to bury consciously or unconsciously - and faced with the truth of difficult external situations in our lives, too. Manipulation, toxic relationships, and power struggles are also connected to Pluto's influence. Even so, it is worth keeping in mind that we draw to us that which we are vibrating "in time" with, oftentimes for the purpose of addressing that which needs thorough attention and healing.

If you're feeling under the weather or are struggling to release past ties, treat yourself with love and compassion. The Sun-Pluto conjunction is waning but still effective, and appears to be an aspect that has brought what myself and others have described as a sense of "heaviness" since last week. Honoring our bodies with extra rest and opportunities to explore our feelings and choices free of judgment will bring more grace and ease for healing.

Though letting go is difficult, it is through these life processes that we transform and create an "energetic stature" from which we can embody our gifts and personal empowerment more fully. Much love and many blessings to you at this powerful time.

Sunday's Full Moon in Cancer is sure to be an intensely cathartic emotional call to action for many. With the moon in the sign of The Crab - whose evolutionary tasks are to learn to feel deeply, nurture self and others, and to fiercely protect its territory - we're set for powerful inner and outer developments in the parts of life in which this full moon impacts us individually. Issues connected to the home, family/ancestral roots, and balance and empowerment via the Divine Feminine or interactions with powerful women are also possible areas of focus.

The Sun-Pluto opposition to the ultra-sensitive moon is shining a light on the deep psychological parts of ourselves, on past issues (including buried past life issues) that dwell in the unconscious realm of our being.  Since the sun brings illumination and intensification to whatever planets and key points it touches, many people will experience raw emotions, the inexplicable emergence of fears and grief coming into our conscious awareness, and ultimately, profound opportunities for regeneration and deep empowerment. Though our instincts are to keep hidden the parts of ourselves and our past that are overwhelming to face, it is in doing so that we can heal deeply and attain true peace, clarity, and Oneness of being. Release of the old - whether it be a relationship connection, fears or insecurities that hold us back, or anything that no longer serves us - will be a key to conscious forward movement. 

The intensity of this full moon is emphasized to an even more profound degree by its contact to Uranus and the nodes, forming a grand cross configuration. This is an incredibly tense aspect pattern in which change is required on all fronts within the psyche in order to enact positive transformation. The Sun-Uranus link will create dynamic tension that allows for breakthroughs leading to freedom (possibly in rebellious ways). In addition to the strong Uranian energies at play, Mercury and Venus have made their way into Aquarius, the sign ruled by Uranus, The Great Awakener of the heavens. Our minds will be more in tune with rising above the noise and static to see fresh solutions, doing our relationships from a place of greater intellectual detachment and liberation, and be set to re-evaluate our personal values.  

Since the nodes are directly involved - the evolutionary growth points which are currently impacting us in the area of authentic self expression (Aries) vs. balance with others personally or collectively (Libra) - any inner shifts we are called to make at this time will propel us forward into alignment with our life's mission with new levels of personal power and solidity.

It bears mentioning that the moon is in its home sign when passing through Cancer, and as such, feelings are likely to run especially deep, and those more emotional in nature will be feelings this very intensely. Deep reflection, self-nurturance, and retreat in the physical and emotional sense may all be beneficial for soothing the senses and connecting with our true desires. Honor yourself by taking time out to heal in ways that feel right to you.

Those with the Sun/Moon/Rising signs from 12-18 degrees of Cancer will be strongly impacted now, as well as anyone with other planets or sensitive points at 12-18 degrees of Capricorn, Libra, and Aries. Individuals with strong placements of Pluto or prominent Scorpio in the birth chart will also be up for significant inner or outer release and change. 

To find where this full moon is impacting you most directly, find the house that holds 14 degrees of Cancer in the birth chart, as well as the house that lies across from it. These are the areas of life in which you will feel the greatest degree of inner change and experience subsequent outer changes.