There has been a lot of transition in my life recently. I have so many exciting things to share with you! Firstly, I decided after 11 years to leave the field of Real Estate to embrace Astrology as a full-time career! This was a big decision for me, and those of you who know me personally know that I was struggling with that for some time. My practical side (Mars in Capricorn) made me very hesitant to make such a bold move. However, my passion (clearly) is with Astrology, Coaching, Hypnosis, Reiki and most importantly…helping people! In the weeks to come, I will also be working on developing a website and various other marketing tools.
Secondly, as you know, I share an office two days a week and that office has moved. The new office is going to be called Vermont Acupuncture & Wellness. We are now located at 161 North Street in Burlington. I will still have the same hours there 2-7pm Wed & Fri, so please give me a call to schedule an appointment. It is a two-story white house and there is ample parking in the back. The office is working together to host an Open House in celebration of the Chinese New Year…it will be on February 3rd from 5-8pm. There are a multitude of holistic practitioners (other than myself) including an acupuncturist, massage therapists, Naturopath doctor, and a midwife. I will post more as this event comes closer. Very exciting indeed!!
December-January I will be featured on a local public TV show being interviewed by Gwendolyn Evans about Astrology. Featured in December there will be a Year of Review in Astrology, then all of January a new show will be airing about 2012! It will be airing: Wednesdays 11AM, Thursdays 9PM & Saturdays 8:30 AM. This show airs on the Comcast Cable network, Chanel 15, in the Greater Burlington-Vergennes and Colchester-St Albans areas. Gwendolyn Evans does Spiritual Counseling, Intuitive Readings & Reiki Healing and you can check her out at website: www.lovingself.net or her Blog: www.gwendolynscauldron.wordpress.com
Current Planetary Positions:
Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went into that sign for an explanation.
Sun: Aquarius 1/20-2/18
Moon: Changes signs (approximately) every 2 ½ days.
Mercury: Capricorn 1/9-1/27, Aquarius 1/27-2/13
Venus: Pisces 1/13-2/7
Mars: Virgo 11/10-7/4/12
Jupiter: Taurus 6/4/11-6/12/12
Saturn: Libra 7/21/10-10/6/12
Uranus: Aries 3/11/11-5/16/2018
Neptune: Aquarius 8/4/11-2/3/12
Pluto: Capricorn until 1/20/24
Chiron: Pisces 2/8/11-4/18/2018
Current Retrograde Planets:
Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went Retrograde for an explanation.
There are currently NO Retrograde planets between 12/25/11-1/23/12!!
This week: Mars Turns Retrograde in Virgo 1/23/12-4/13/12
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 (or longer). 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 1/22/12)- Overnight, the Sun in Aquarius forming an uncomfortable square with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 1:35am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Even though this is a square (& would normally be a trying event), it will be occurring between two benevolent planets. Therefore, this may end up putting us in a good mood! Try to avoid compulsive shopping or big ticket purchases. It is possible to over-promise or to be overly confident (bravado). There may be a conflict between friends or with a group of people. Travel, higher learning/education, religion/spirituality, law, horses, publishing, and advertising may be highlighted. Then, the Moon will conjunct Mercury both in Capricorn (exact at 7:02am 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. Next, the Moon in Capricorn forms a flowing trine with Mars in Virgo (exact at 9:42am 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.
In the evening, the Moon in Capricorn will form an uncomfortable square with Saturn in Libra (exact at 8:38pm 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 is better to work on organization around this time. This will also be the beginning of a 1+ hour void of course cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into Aquarius. 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 unique Aquarius (exact at 9:53pm EST). Activities that are favored during Moon in Aquarius are: social endeavors, friendship, technology, humanitarian efforts, politics, inventing, and New Age ideologies. Things to avoid: are getting too caught up in the greater good and masses that you forget the individual & their feelings, and being overly fixed in your own unique way of doing things that you can’t consider someone else’s good ideas.
(Monday 1/23/12)- Happy Chinese New Year - Year of the Water Dragon!! There will be strong Astrological energies today. The New Moon will be very beneficial for forward progress and new endeavors but the reversal of Mars happening later in the day may slow things down…. Just after midnight, the Moon in Aquarius will form a positive sextile with Uranus in Aries (exact at 12:27am 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. Just after, the Moon in Aquarius will form an uncomfortable square with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 12:56am EST). Someone could challenge your beliefs at this time. It’s possible that you could find out someone within your group has been acting behind your back or is at odds with the greater good. Dealings with groups of people or legal matters are unfavorable around this time. The New Moon will be at its height in the sign of Aquarius (exact at 2:39am EST). All of the Aquarius Moon themes will be highlighted/amplified. The New Moon is considered to be beneficial for new ideas, new projects, and manifesting. I personally like to do space clearing and meditating around this time. Manifest, manifest, manifest!! Write down your goals, make that vision board, make a “wish-list” and sleep with it under your pillow, etc. Even if that is not your thing, at least talk about your goals with a trusted (positive) friend or family member. It all helps to send it out to the Universe. The New Moon is always accompanied by a conjunction with the Sun (also in Aquarius). This usually makes us feel connected & supported by loved ones. It’s easier to talk about our emotions during this transit. It depends on where the Moon/Sun/Aquarius are located in your chart in order to know how this will affect you on a personal level. Then, Mercury in Capricorn will form a positive trine with Mars in Virgo (exact at 6:15am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This transit will be beneficial for mental agility, technical skills, hand/eye coordination, quickness, fast-talking, debating, and even possibly speeding…don’t get a ticket! This is a good time to put your thoughts into action! Write out a list…and start crossing things off! This will give us pep in our step!
Later, Mars (The God of War) will be turning Retrograde today in the organized sign of Virgo (exact at 7:54pm EST). (Retrograde meaning: As all planets orbit around one another, they do so at different rates. 
Long ago Astronomers/Astrologers believed that the planets seemed to slow down and eventually reverse their orbit. This in fact, is an optical illusion caused by different orbit speeds, when viewed from Earth. This process is called a Retrograde in Astrology. In interpretation it means that the planet is somewhat weakened and the energies are harder to access). Mars usually goes retrograde every two years and two months. Mars influences our actions, expression of anger, aggression, ego (both in and out of power), energy, courage, confidence, self-reliance, boldness, violence, destructiveness, cruelty, and often dictates the type of person that we will be sexually attracted to. It’s medical associations are: red blood cells, tolerance for pain, muscular energy, inflammation, and fevers…..and because of Virgo’s influence abdominal area, gastrointestinal system (large and small intestines), spleen, solar plexus, and lower lobes of the liver. Mars is like our engine…it makes us go, go, go! But when it is moving in reverse, things might not go as smoothly. We need to keep a proverbial eye out for bumps in the road. Actually, we need to be much more careful over the next 3+ months, because we may be much more accident prone than usual. If doors shut on you right now, do not try to force them open. Patience will be needed and you can reproach the situation soon enough. Domineering and aggressive tactics won’t work either. We could also run into people that are passive-aggressive during this phase. This will be felt more strongly if you have your Sun, Moon, or Rising sign in: Virgo, Aries, Taurus, or Capricorn. It depends where Mars/Virgo falls within your chart in order to know how this will affect you on a personal level. We can look forward to this Retrograde phase ending on 4/13/12! (Read more about Mars in Virgo!)
(Tuesday 1/24/12)- I will be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today between 3-6pm (I take my last reading at 5:30pm). This is a great opportunity to get an introductory reading from me at a discount-$30 ½ hr. 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.
There will only be one Moon transit occurring today. Keep in mind that Lunar transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits. In the afternoon, the Moon in Aquarius makes an annoying quincunx to Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 3:26pm EST). Did you ever meet someone that says something that is completely different than how they actually act? For instance: you went out on a date, the person says that they had a fantastic time, and then they never called you? This type of disconnect (coming from yourself or coming from others) may be more pronounced around this time. The remainder of the day will be under the influence of the Aquarian Moon…
(Wednesday 1/25/12)- Overnight, the Moon in Aquarius will make a flowing trine to Saturn in Libra (exact at 2:59am 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! Then, the Moon makes its monthly conjunction with Neptune both in Aquarius (exact at 3:33am 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 (or to meet charming people) around this transit. Because idealism & escapism can be enhanced with this transit, I wouldn’t make a big decisions or sign contracts around this time. If you are sleeping while this event occurs, it may be possible to have prophetic or “visitation” dreams around this time. This will begin a very short 40 minute void-of-course Moon transit cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into the dreamy sign of Pisces (exact at 4:11am EST). Activities that are favored during Moon in Pisces: creativity, intuition, spiritual aspirations, higher consciousness, connection with feelings, counseling, music, art, photography, nature and especially being near water, and charitable work. Things to avoid are: getting so caught up in others feeling that you put your aside, excessive escapism, and acting like a martyr. These are all themes that will last the next 2 ½ days. The Moon in Pisces makes a positive sextile with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 7:47am 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 forms its monthly conjunction with Chiron both in Pisces (exact at 10:14am EST). You may be presented with an opportunity to heal or to be healed. Holistic and alternative medicine is especially favored. Serendipitous moments abound!
Later in the evening, the Moon in Pisces will form a positive sextile with Pluto Capricorn (exact at 7:30pm) helping us to connect with what is going on under the surface. Beneficial for: cathartic experiences, deep conversations, and all forms of counseling are favored during this transit. It may be possible to have intense dreams while you are sleeping. Lastly, Venus in Pisces will make a slightly uncomfortable sesquisquare with Saturn in Libra (exact at 10:03pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Saturn’s influence is sobering to Venus. Attaining long-term goals, finances, and relationships may feel strained around this time. We may feel shy or hindered in expressing love or with our romantic feelings. Another possibility is that we may want to put our relationships into a category, but remember that emotions don’t always need to make sense!
(Thursday 1/26/12)- In the morning, the Moon will conjunct Venus both in Pisces (exact at 8:12am EST). We will want to experience love on a visceral level. This is a great time to: pamper ourselves, decorate, shop (because we will have an “eye” for things that look good), artistic endeavors, creativity, and be in the company of loved ones. Sometimes this transit can have us feeling a little indolent; it is actually a favored time for finances.
Much later in the evening, the Moon in Pisces will form its monthly opposition to Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 11:53pm EST). Someone could irritate you during this transit. It’s possible to enjoy a debate with someone (or at worst, an argument). As with all Mars transits, I recommend exercise or doing something physical. Mar’s energy will want to get out one way or another; it might as well be constructive! This will begin a long 13+ hour void-of-course Moon cycle that will end when the moon transitions into powerful Aries on tomorrow afternoon!!
(Friday 1/27/12)- I am available for private Astrological/Life Coaching sessions between 2-7pm today please call or e-mail me to schedule an appointment! There will be plenty of astrological energy involving Mercury over the next two days. Of course, this will highlight travel and communication. Unfortunately, Mercury occasionally influences us to have scattered energy. If this happens to you, try to do something like yoga or meditation to become grounded. In the early morning hours, Mercury in Capricorn forms an uncomfortable square with Saturn in Libra (exact at 4:20am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This will not be a good time for communication or travel. There may be delays or obstacles with both. It is possible to experience solidarity. Stick with the facts if you need to communicate. Don’t try to tackle too many things around this transit. A slow and steady approach is called for. Focus on one thing at a time, otherwise there is a good chance mistakes will be made or it will need to be done over anyway. It may be possible that we are slower than normal in learning something (people with learning disabilities may have trouble around this time).
In the afternoon, the Moon in Pisces will form an annoying quincunx with Saturn in Libra (exact at 12:18pm 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. Then, Mercury (the planet that rules over intellect, communication, and transportation) moves into the sign of Aquarius (exact at 1:12pm EST). 
Mercury will now be joining the Sun, and Neptune in this sign. We are moving out of a time period where our language and thoughts were serious and a little sober (Capricorn) and now are moving into a time where there will be more progressive thoughts and dialogue (Aquarius). This will be a favorable time for social events, friendships, politics, innovative ideas, inventions, finding new ways to do things, energy work, holistic medicine, new Age ideologies, Astrology (yay!) and group events. We will be more focused on the betterment of mankind and helping others on a large scale level. Since Mercury rules over thought and intellect, this would be a great time to write or discuss these ideas for these may be the seeds of change. There is a down-side however; Aquarius has an aloof and somewhat chilly side on an individual level. This is a very mental (Air) sign and sometimes emotions are just too messy. Things will begin to take on a more personal/emotional quality after the planets shift into Pisces. It depends where Mercury/Aquarius falls within your own natal birth chart in order to know how this will affect you on a personal level. Mercury will enter Pisces on 2/13/12. Next, the Moon transitions into pioneering Aries (exact at 1:28pm EST). Aries Moons are similar to New Moons. 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. Just after, the Moon in Aries will form a positive sextile to Mercury in Aquarius (exact at 1:30pm EST). This will make us want to reach out to friends and family to chat. This transit helps with the flow of communication. It will be easier to express how we feel around this transit. Lastly, the Moon will form its monthly conjunction with Uranus both in Aries (exact at 4:39pm 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 Aries’ influence it can also assist with a pioneering spirit and breaking out of your rut.
(Saturday 1/28/12)- I will be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today between 2-5:30pm (I take my last reading at 5:00pm). This is a great opportunity to get an introductory reading from me at a discount-$30 ½ hr. 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.
In the early morning, the Moon in Aries will positively sextile the Sun in Aquarius (exact at 5:01am EST). This is an ideal time to be with friends & loved ones. This transit is conducive for feeling supported. Maybe it’s time to do something nice for your sweetheart? The Moon in Aries will square intense Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 5:47am 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. Then, the Sun in Aquarius will form a slightly uncomfortable sesquisquare with Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 7:05am EST). Remember, all of these are planetary transits and their effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. It seems the more we assert ourselves and the harder we try, the more resistance will be felt. The best advice I can give around this transit is, leave your ego at home! There could be aggressive attitudes, competitiveness, ego-centric behavior, arguments, temper tantrums, and quick judgments around this time. There may also be an increase in accidents and/or speeding (please be careful while driving & allow extra time to get to your destination). We may have a lot of extra energy, so make sure it is channeled properly (like with exercise) and playfulness. Next, Venus in Pisces will form a slightly annoying semisquare to Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 7:38am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. We will feel like being social around this time. However, we may make a small social faux pas, like wearing the wrong attire or calling the boss’s husband the wrong name. Avoid impulse buys around this time; it will cost you! The same goes for speculative ventures. You may have grandiose ideas about the direction of a love relationship.
In the afternoon, Mercury in Capricorn forms a positive sextile to Uranus in Aries (exact at 1:26pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This will set the stage for surprising insights and ideas on new ways to do things. This transit increases clairvoyance and channeling. Exchange of thoughts and information may come at lightning speed around this time. You may not need much caffeine in the morning to feel awake! In fact, I would use caution with all stimulants around this time (and that includes sugar)….as we could be feeling downright jittery without much assistance! Lastly, Mercury in Capricorn forms an uncomfortable square with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 11:09pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Too much information (TMI)! This is a time where we could find others (or even ourselves) saying too much. Gossip may be at an all-time high. If you ever had interests in other cultures, religions, law, marketing, publishing, and/or travel; it would be a great time to explore these subjects. Use caution with overconfidence and avoid embellishment of the facts. We may encounter a know-it-all today. Sometimes people get rigid or opinionated about their beliefs around this transit. The upside is that we could be feeling fairly optimistic and will have a bright mental outlook.
Mark your calendars! Next Friday (2/3) Neptune moves into its native sign of Pisces where it will stay until 2025!!!
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 have a variety of charts to choose from (relationship, life path, time-line, etc). I can do readings in-person, over the phone, or via Skype. 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
Master NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner) Hypnotherapy Life Coach
Ordained Minister & Certified Spiritual Healer (Inter-Faith)
#(802)-999-4677
