Astro-Update! Mercury Turns Direct! Week of 5/9/10

I hope this Blog entry finds you well! Sorry my entries for last week were missed. I was very ill…however now I am feeling much better! This week, from an astrological stand point, is going to be much quieter than last week, or really even next week. On Sunday Mercury will aspect Venus bringing communication forefront. Monday will possibly be the most stressful day with an unfavorable Sun/Pluto tango. Tuesday is that day that I have been waiting for, because Mercury will be turning Direct!! Yay! This particular Mercury Retrograde cycle has been difficult for me (For you astro buffs out there…Mercury (R) and Sun in Taurus were both conjunct my natal Saturn in the 10^th house. Taurus rules over the neck & throat area and I bad throat infection last week!) We should experience a little reprieve because Wed, Thurs, Friday and Sat there are only Lunar transits (not that they don’t count, but their “energy” is not as strong as planetary transits). Speaking of energy, on Thursday the New Moon will be in the sign of Taurus! This will be a good day to work on manifestation & abundance. Enjoy your week!

Current Planetary Positions:

Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went into that sign for an explanation.

Sun: Taurus 4/20-5/20, Gemini 5/20-6/21

Moon: Changes signs (approximately) every 2 ½ days.

Mercury: Taurus 4/2-6/9

Venus: Gemini 4/25-5/19, Cancer 5/19-6/14

Mars: Leo until 6/7

Saturn: Virgo 4/7-7/21

Jupiter: Pisces until 6/6

Uranus: Pisces until 5/27

Neptune: Aquarius until 4/4/11

Pluto: Capricorn until 1/20/24

Chiron: Aquarius until 2/8/11

Current Retrograde Planets:

Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went Retrograde for an explanation.

Mercury in Taurus 4/18/10-5/11/10, Turns Direct 5/11!

Saturn in Libra 1/13/10-5/30/10

Pluto in Capricorn 4/6/10-9/13/10

Coming up:

Neptune turns Retrograde on 5/31

I wanted to add a footnote to my entries. I include the time that a transit will be exact so that you can see when it waxes and then when it starts to wane. However, the effects are often felt sometimes even as long as a day or two. The energy is usually felt more strongly during the time leading up to the height and then it slowly starts to dissipate after. Keep in mind that Moon transits tend to last a shorter period of time than planetary transits.

(Sunday 5/9/10)- Happy Mother’s Day!! In the morning, the Moon will form its monthly conjunction with Jupiter both in Pisces (exact at 8:32am EST) assisting us in feeling optimistic and upbeat. This is an ideal time to work with groups of people. It also highlights/benefits: travel (especially long distance), other cultures, higher education, law, publishing, advertising, sales, horses, and spirituality.

Then, the Moon will highlight the Saturn/Uranus opposition (see notes from 4/26/10). The Moon in Pisces will have its monthly opposition with Saturn (R) in Virgo (exact at 1:58pm EST). Luckily the duration of this event is short. Sometimes this can give us a feeling of loneliness or isolation. We may feel passed over or possibly not getting the recognition that we deserve. It’s possible that our feelings may get in the way of responsibility. Next, the Moon will form its monthly conjunction with Uranus both in Pisces (exact at 4:12pm EST). The Uranus connection can bring us unexpected inspiration/ideas & can enhance clairvoyance & channeling. This can highlight technology, electricity, inventing, and unexpected events. Due to Pisces’ influence it can also assist healing and healing arts. This will start a very short void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon will transitions into pioneering Aries. When the Moon makes no major planetary aspects to another planet, before it switches into the next sign, is call “void of course”. It is best to not do anything new during these times because it has a decreased chance of working or will have delays. The Moon transitions into Aries (exact at 5:29pm EST). Aries Moons are similar to New Moons (in fact the New Moon on Wed. will be in Aries). It is considered to be a favorable time to start new projects, physical activities (like sports or working out), dynamism, leadership, competition, and action. Things to avoid are being too bossy, arrogant, and insensitive during the next 2 1/2 days. Aries rules the head, so pay attention to stress; especially of you are prone to tension headaches. Lastly, Mercury (R) in Taurus will form a slightly uncomfortable semisquare with Venus in Gemini (exact at 5:56pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Artistic and social endeavors are favored. The only caveat could be a foot-in-mouth situation or uncomfortable silences. Your idea of what is beautiful might not be the same as your friend/partner. Your friend may actually love that bright orange shag carpeting! If you’re single, you could meet a slightly awkward yet intelligent & witty person. Have fun laughing with your partner!

(Monday 5/10/10)- Overnight, the Moon in Aries will square intense Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 3:31am EST) possibly throwing a speed bump in our path. Someone could know how to push our buttons and really get under our skin. It is important to have good boundaries with others and remember not to overstep yours.

In the early evening, the Sun in Taurus will make a slightly awkward sesquisquare with intense Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 6:03pm). This is a time where we may want to get deep and explore our subconscious but everyone around us wants to keep it superficial. Power struggles are possible (especially with children), so pick and choose your battles! On a positive note, we may be feeling passionate & sexy around this time!

(Tuesday 5/11/10)- I won’t be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today. My next scheduled day will be on Saturday 5/15/10.

Overnight, the Moon in Aries forms a flowing trine with Mars in Leo (exact at 2:05am EST). Our actions will be in harmony with how we feel. We may crave action around this time or have more energy. People will be inclined to fight for what they believe is right. Then, the Moon in Aries will form a positive sextile with Venus in Gemini (exact at 7:28am EST). It is likely that we could receive compliments on how we look or dress. It will be easy to interact with others. This transit is positive for both relationships/love and finances.The event we have been waiting for…Mercury in Taurus turns Direct today (exact at 6:27pm EST)!! The temporary period of time that miscommunications and travel snafus run amuck, is now over. Unfortunately, it can take several days for Mercury to start traveling in a forward direction (it is Stationary right now), but this is certainly a step in the right direction! Hopefully you used the last three weeks to review and reevaluate what is working and what is not. Toward next week we should feel the cloud of confusion lift as we begin a new Mercurial Phase! Mark your calendars-Mercury will be going Retrograde again on August 20^th!! We end the day with the Moon in Aries forming an annoying quincunx with Saturn (R) in Virgo (exact at 11:18pm EST). It may be hard to complete everything on our “list” or to get organized. It’s also possible that our emotions could make it hard to work around this time. Luckily, this influence will be short…

(Wednesday 5/12/10)- Much like yesterday, this is day will mainly consist of Moon transits. Again, they are shorter in duration than planetary transits. Just after midnight, the Moon in Aries forming a positive sextile to Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 12:11am EST) causing our imagination/creativity to soar. This transit is also beneficial for daydreaming, idealism, intuition, romance, music, poetry, abstract ideas, mysticism, etc. It is possible to be more charming around this transit. Anyone have rose-colored glasses? This will start a 2+ hour void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into stable Taurus. The Moon transitions into Taurus (exact at 2:48am EST). Positive Taurus Moon activities are: focusing on organizing your finances, clipping coupons, decorating, designing, sensuality, cooking & eating luscious foods, organizing your home, massage, singing, and comfort. Try to avoid: laziness, relaxing too much, stubbornness, obstinacy and being too stuck in your ways. These will be the lunar themes over the next 2 & 1/2 days. Then, the Moon in Taurus forms a positive sextile with (the “Wounded Healer”) Chiron in Pisces (exact at 4:10am EST). You may be presented with an opportunity to heal or to be healed. Holistic and alternative medicine is especially favored. Serendipitous moments abound! Next, the Moon will conjunct Mercury both in Taurus (exact at 7:46am EST) assisting with communication, short distance travel and feeling supported by others. It will be very easy to express feelings and emotions around this time. This is a great time to write (like journaling) or to express emotions.

In the afternoon, the Moon in Taurus will form a flowing trine to Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 12:16pm EST). This will greatly assist us in processing our emotions and is beneficial for all types of counseling & cathartic experiences. It will be hard to be superficial around this time. Both Taurus & Capricorn are earth signs, so this is a good time for gardening or connecting with nature.

(Thursday 5/13/10)- I will be doing Astrology Readings at Candles & Creations today between 3:30pm-5:30pm (I will take my last reading at 5:30pm). This is a great opportunity to get an introductory reading from me at a discount. They are located at 150 Dorset St, Suite 301 South Burlington, VT (in the Blue Mall across from the University Mall). Walk-ins are welcome or you can call #802-660-8021 to ensure a time. Check out their link: http://www.candlesandcreations.net

For the 3^rd day in a row, we will be experiencing Moon transits. Keep in mind that Lunar transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits. In the late morning, the Moon in Taurus will form an uncomfortable square with Mars in Leo (exact at 11:42am EST). This may make the morning a little tense. As with all Mars transits, I recommend doing something physical or exercising around this time (gardening, housework, working on the car, etc. all count!). Did you ever have a moment where circumstances seem like they are conspiring against you? Often, this transit results in a culmination of things that can be annoying. Sometimes small irritations or quarrels can result.Later in the evening, the height of the New Moon will occur in the sign of Taurus (exact at 9:04pm EST). The New Moon is considered to be highly auspicious times for starting new things, new ideas, new projects, and manifesting. All of Taurus Moon themes will be highlighted/amplified. I personally, like to do space clearing and meditating around this time. The New Moon is always accompanied by a conjunction with the Sun (also in Taurus). This usually makes us feel connected & supported by loved ones. It’s easier to talk about our emotions during this transit. Just use caution however, because there may be so much energy that we could encounter stubbornness or possibly greed. It depends on where the Moon/Sun/Taurus are located in your chart in order to know how this will affect you on a personal level.

(Friday 5/14/10)- There will be a lot of Lunar energy today (especially overnight). Keep in mind that Moon transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits. Overnight, the Moon in Taurus makes a positive sextile with Jupiter in Pisces (exact at 2:45am EST) helping us to feel optimistic and/or lucky. This is an ideal time to be with friends or to work with a group of people. It is also beneficial for spirituality/religion, higher or continuing education, horses, law/legal matters, advertising, sales, and publishing. Then, the Moon in Taurus will make a flowing trine to Saturn (R) in Virgo (exact at 5:50am EST). This is a great time for organization, house cleaning, filing, recycling, and being disciplined. This is also beneficial for starting a diet or health regimen (like quitting smoking). Sometimes others will ask for help around this transit, but it won’t be burdensome, we will be happy to assist! Next, the Moon in Taurus forms an uncomfortable square with Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 6:51am) telling us to not believe everything we are told. Illusion, escapism and deception will be prevalent. On the positive side, creativity will be high around this transit. If you are sleeping while this event occurs, it may be possible to have prophetic or “visitation” dreams around this time. Then, the Moon in Taurus will form a positive sextile with Uranus in Pisces (exact at 8:28am EST) helping us to break out of our rut and even do something that may be somewhat unconventional. Technology (like computers), inventing, New Aged ideologies, and friendships are favored around this transit. This could cause disturbed dreams and/or sleep (possibly inspirational or vivid dreams). This will start a short void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into chatty Gemini (exact at 9:18am EST). Good Gemini Moon activities are: communication (including talking, emailing, faxing, writing, etc), working with your hands, interaction with others (especially siblings and teachers), learning something new, diversified interests, mental agility, inquisitiveness, travel, and reading. Things to avoid are: fickleness, information overload, starting too many things & not being able to finish them, hyper activity, talking too much, and indecisiveness. These are all themes that will last the next 2 ½ days. The Moon in Gemini forms a minor square with Chiron in Aquarius (exact at 10:42am EST). Past issues may resurface at this time. It may be possible to run into someone that will tell you how to do something (even if they have never done it themselves….annoying!

Later, the Moon in Gemini will make an annoying quincunx with powerful Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 6:17pm EST). Certainly this can bring up jealousy issues, power struggles, hidden fears, and obsessions. It is best to keep things a little superficial. This transit could cause frustrations on blending work and family time (especially if you have children).

(Saturday 5/15/10)- I will be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today between 2-5pm(I take my last reading at 5pm). This is a great opportunity to get an introductory reading from me at a discount. They are located at 125 S. Winooski Ave in Burlington, VT (across from the fire station). Walk-ins are welcome or you can call me for a time. The store’s number is 802-660-8060.

We have just one (pleasant) Moon transit today. The remainder of the day will be under the influence of the Gemini Moon. In the evening, the Moon in Gemini will form a positive sextile with Mars in Leo (exact at 6:42pm EST). As with all Mars transits, I recommend doing something physical or exercising around this time (the energy will need a constructive outlet). Sexuality can be enhanced around this transit. Our feelings will be in alignment with how we act. Make sure to put your actions toward positive pursuits!

The above transits are often felt collectively but you would need to know where within your chart that they would fall. As always, I am available for a professional astrological reading. I now have a variety of charts to choose from (relationship, life path, time-line, etc). I can do readings in-person or over the phone. Or if you’re not into having a reading I can just supply a chart. Please feel free to contact me for more information! Have a great week! Bye for now……

Peace & Light,

Gretchen A. Hidell, Astrologer

Intuitive Counselor, Reiki Master, Gem/Crystal Work

(802)-999-4677

DreamHomes@GretchenRealtor.net