Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Astro-Update! Mercury into Pisces!! Week of 2/12/12

I hope this week’s blog entry finds you well! Welcome to the week of Mercury! It starts on Monday when Mercury transitions into sensitive Pisces and forms a positive trine with Saturn (a great time for business ventures). Then Tuesday, it conjuncts Neptune enhancing dreaminess. Thursday it forms a positive sextile with Jupiter adding luck & optimism to the mix. We may need it because Mercury will also conjunct Chiron enhancing our need for healing. Saturday, Mercury will positively sextile Pluto giving strength to our words.

As you may have seen from my other Blog entries, Mars will be residing for an extended-stay in the sign of Virgo until July. Usually, Mars is only in each sign for 2-2 ½ months. It is interesting to me because, there has been an intestinal virus/stomach flu going around and spreading like wildfire. This has even been affecting cruise ships that had to dock and be disinfected due to the spread of the norovirus! Mars does influence inflammation and Virgo rules over the intestines and digestion. I also have several personal friends & acquaintances that are having flare-ups of their colitis and IBS issues. I was wondering if this was going to occur when Mars was in Virgo?! I would love to hear feedback from you, and you can leave comments at the bottom of the blog entry. I hope you enjoy your week!

My Schedule:

Monday & Thursdays – Phone/Skype. Intuitive Astrology Readings, Coaching, Hypnosis, & Remote Reiki Sessions.

Tuesdays & (1-Saturday Per Month) – Introductory Astrology Readings at Spirit Dancer 125 S. Winooski Ave in Burlington, VT.

Wednesday & Fridays – Intuitive Astrology Readings, Coaching, Hypnosis, & Reiki Sessions at 161 North Street in Burlington, VT. I have appointments between 2-7pm, so please give me a call to schedule. It is a two-story white house and there is ample parking in the back.

Current Planetary Positions:

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

Sun: Aquarius 1/20-2/19, Pisces 2/19-3/20

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

Mercury: Aquarius 1/27-2/13, Pisces 2/13-3/2

Venus: Aries 2/7-3/5, Taurus 3/5-4/3

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, Pisces 2/3/12-3/31/25

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.

Mars Retrograde in Virgo 1/23/12-4/13/12

Saturn Retrograde in Libra 2/7/12-6/25/12

Coming up: Mercury Retrograde in Aries 3/12/12-4/4/12

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 2/12/12)- Today will be a busy astrological day (like much of this week). There will be 5 Moon transits and 1 planetary transit; 4 out of the 5 Moon transits will be pleasant. This will be a great day to have off and just relax if at all possible, but with the Sun & Pluto being activated, that may not be possible! Watch for intensity later in the day when the Moon slips into Scorpio.

Early in the morning, the Sun in Aquarius will form a beautiful trine to the Moon in Libra (exact at 5:27am EST). This is beneficial for all kinds of relationships (especially with children) and assists in making us feel loved and supported. This is also an ideal time to be close to pets or nature. Very pleasant indeed!

Next, the Moon in Libra makes a flowing trine to Mercury in Aquarius (exact at 12:59pm EST). This transit will assist us to express how we feel. It will be much easier to speak with friends and loved ones during this time. We may have an urge to be social around this transit and it is highly beneficial for all kinds of relationships. Then, the Moon forms its monthly conjunction with Saturn (R) both in Libra (exact at 4:09pm EST). This is an all work no play transit. Best to concentrate on: work, organization, BALANCE, joint enterprises, goal setting, and details. This would also be an ideal time to start a new health or exercise regime. Build foundations in relationships. Sometimes this can give us a feeling of loneliness or isolation (or even the blues). This will also be the beginning of a quick void of course cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into passionate Scorpio. 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 Scorpio (exact at 5:01pm EST). Favorable Scorpio Moon activities are: anything related to research, occult, detective work, self-discovery, digging below the surface (both figural & literal), passion, mysteries, secrets, etc. Things that are not favored or exacerbated during the Moon in Scorpio are: jealousy, anger, intensity, and surgery (it can delay healing time). These will be themes over the next 2 ½ days. Just after, the Moon in Scorpio will form a flowing trine to Neptune in Pisces (exact at 5:36pm 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. (I wouldn’t make a big decision around this time). The, the Sun in Aquarius will make a slightly awkward semisquare with intense Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 8:19pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. 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! Lastly, the Moon in Scorpio forms an annoying quincunx with Uranus in Aries (exact at 8:55pm EST). This is a time where someone around you may challenge tradition. You may also want to buck the system. An unexpected event or surprise could catch you off-guard.

(Monday 2/13/12)- Just after midnight, the Moon in Scorpio makes a stressful opposition with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 12:12am EST). Sometimes this can zap our self-confidence. Conversely, we could also feel a little too confident and over state our abilities (possibly over promising). Just remember you won’t always feel this way and there are only so many hours in a day….it is OK to say no! Just after, the Moon in Scorpio will form a flowing trine with (the “Wounded Healer”) Chiron in Pisces (exact at 12:28am EST). You may be presented with an opportunity to heal or to be healed. Holistic and alternative medicine is especially favored. Serendipitous moments abound! Then, the Moon in Scorpio will form an annoying quincunx with Venus in Aries (exact at 3:04am EST) possibly causing a monkey wrench in the love department. It could be that the object of our affections is somewhat inaccessible around time…. unfortunately the same could be true with our finances too! Double-check your bank account before making a big purchase. Next, the Moon in Scorpio will make a supportive sextile to Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 7:45am EST). This will be a favorable time to look below the surface and have in-depth conversations or counseling. This is a time that we could be feeling passionate or intense. This transit will amplify the Scorpio Lunar traits.

In the afternoon, Mercury in Aquarius will form a flowing trine with Saturn (R) in Libra (exact at 1:44pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Trines are usually an easy type of transit with no opposing energies. 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. In fact, this is a good time for mental discipline. Stick with the facts if you need to communicate. A great time for building foundations, goal setting, and long-term planning!!

Mercury (the Ruler of communication, travel, and mental processes) will travel into dreamy Pisces (exact at 8:38pm EST). Words and phrases to describe Pisces are: “I Believe!”, dreamy, idealistic, caring, sympathetic, creative, artistic, tender, sensitive, drifter, psychic, impressionable, escapism, and charitable. Neptune is the ruling planet and it’s associated with feet, veins, fluids, lymphatic system, & glands. Its metal is Tin and Stones are: Jade, Coral, Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Rock Crystal, and Sapphire. Mercury will now be joining Neptune in this dreamy sign. We are moving away from a time of unique ideas and humanitarian efforts (Aquarius) into a time of intuitive receptivity and helping the individual (Pisces). Our thought process may be much more dreamy and abstract during this phase. This is a very auspicious time for spiritual endeavors, creative pursuits, music, romance, helping people/charitable efforts, rescuing stray animals, being close to water, yoga/dance/meditation, hypnosis, poetry/creative writing, and dreaming (both day and night). Pisces are known for being both sympathetic and empathetic, but tend to not be great at having boundaries. We may find friends or co-workers bending our ears a little too much about their problems (or we could do that to other people). Right now we will be better at grasping obscure ideas and intangible concepts. Unfortunately, Pisces are known for their escapism tendencies (i.e. drugs, alcohol, sleeping, or sometimes simply disappearing for a little while). People that are predisposed to these tendencies will experience troubles around this time. In romance we will be more prone to being idealistic. Which is fine, but you know what happens when someone is up on a pedestal….it’s rough when they fall! Mercury will be in this dreamy sign until March 2nd when it transitions into Aries.

(Tuesday 2/14/12)- 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.

Happy Valentine’s Day!! “Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place” ~Zora Neale Hurston In the early morning, Mercury forms a powerful conjunction with Neptune both in Pisces (exact at 1:47am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This will be positive for anything creative, writing, imagination, music, abstract thought (& teaching it to others), philosophy, helping others, charity, prophetic dreams, intuition, etc. This is a great time to present those ideas to the world. You will be able to get others to really see your visions. We may also be too caught up in our own imagination (just floating around like a cloud) to really be able to get anywhere today. We may feel a little mentally fuzzy, but our intuition will be high. This is not a favorable time to sign contracts or make a big decision. This would be a great time to relax and enjoy a good film or listen to music and just get lost in our thoughts. Then, the Moon in Scorpio will form a positive sextile with Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 3:07am 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!

In the afternoon, the Sun in Aquarius will form an uncomfortable square with the Moon in Scorpio (exact at 12:04pm EST). We may experience some tension between friends or loved ones. This won’t be conducive to feeling very supported. Sometimes this transit brings (minor) squabbles. This will be the start of an 8-hour long void-of-course Moon cycle that will and when the Moon transitions into adventurous Sagittarius (exact at 7:56pm EST). It is said in Astrology that the Lunar transition between Scorpio and Sagittarius is the most stressful of all the Moon transitions. So use caution around this time and allow for (minor) setbacks. Activities that are favored during Moon in Sagittarius are: sports, horseback riding, outdoors/nature, spiritual aspirations, higher consciousness, honesty/bluntness, law/legal, higher learning, education, travel (especially international), and getting out to meet people. It is best to avoid taking too strong of a stance and not being open to others opinions, as people will usually defend their beliefs rigorously at this time. These themes will be prevalent for the next 2 ½ days. Then, Jupiter in Taurus forms a positive sextile with Chiron (the “Wounded Healer”) in Pisces (exact at 8:27pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. In astrology sextiles often present opportunity, but may take some effort on your part to come to fruition. This is a time that real healing can take place. Spirituality, intuition, music, foreign travel/cultures, healing arts (especially alternative), and dream work are all areas that will be highlighted. Mentors, guides, and teachers can come into our lives now. This is an ideal time to meditate and send out healing thoughts/prayers to our fellow brothers & sisters. This is also a good time to get involved with humanitarian efforts, social, or charity work. Next, the Moon in Sagittarius forms an uncomfortable square with Neptune in Pisces (exact at 8:40pm) 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. Lastly, the Moon in Sagittarius forms an uncomfortable square with Mercury in Pisces (exact at 11:28pm EST) possibly causing miscommunications. You may find that you are not able to express yourself as easily or someone may cut you off from saying something.

(Wednesday 2/15/12)- There will be 4 Moon transits and 2 Planetary transits today. This is a good time for me to remind you that Planetary transits last longer than Lunar transits. Just after midnight, the Moon in Sagittarius will form a flowing trine with Uranus in Aries (exact at 12:16am EST) helping us to step up to the plate and do the right thing, even though it may be somewhat unconventional. We could get sudden revelations or ideas, so write them down! Technology (like computers), inventing, New Age ideologies, and friendships are favored around this transit. This could cause disturbed dreams and/or sleep (possibly inspirational or vivid dreams). Then, the Sun in Aquarius will form an uncomfortable square with Chiron in Pisces (exact at 3:48am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Did something come up recently that made you start thinking about that situation all over again? Living in the past is so time consuming and can be painful. Try not to let your ego get in the way, and allow the healing to begin! Just after, the Moon in Sagittarius will quincunx Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 3:50am EST). This is a time where you could feel disconnected from the group. Someone could challenge your beliefs around this time. Our optimism or self-confidence may be a little low. This is not a time to rely on luck. Don’t worry, this will be temporary! Then, the Moon in Sagittarius forming a flowing trine with Venus in Aries (exact at 10:53am EST). You could find your thoughts with friends or loved ones. It is possible to receive a compliment on how you look. Love, beauty, art, creativity, and aesthetics will be favored (and because of this reason, shopping too). Pamper yourself!

In the afternoon, Venus in Aries will form an uncomfortable square with powerful Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 1:32pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This one could bring love/passion up close and personal. It could take the form of sexual tension, teasing in the form of flirtation (remember those school days?), jealousy (an unhealthy form of passion), etc. Pluto brings intensity and there is a possibly of obsessing (or being too intense) about love/finances. Try not to engage in power struggles with our loved one or indulge in ultimatums (it would most likely blow up in our faces). We may be able to look below the surface and discover things about ourselves, others, or even our finances that we may have over-looked or not noticed previously. If the energies are harnessed properly, there could be true transformation in these areas. Lastly, Mars (R) in Virgo will make a slightly awkward sesquisquare with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 7:39pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Use caution with over spending, over confidence, and taking unnecessary risks with this transit. Place your energy (and you may plenty of it) into positive pursuits….just don’t go chasing rainbows either!

(Thursday 2/16/12)- In the early hours of the morning, the Moon in Sagittarius will form an uncomfortable square with Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 5:47am EST). As with all Mars transits, I recommend doing something physical or exercising around this time (gardening, housework, working on the car, etc. all count!). Sexuality can be enhanced around this transit. 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. Then, Mercury in Pisces will form a powerful conjunction with Chiron (the “Wounded Healer) in Pisces (exact at 9:14am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This is an indication that talking/communication could heal old wounds. Are you wearing your heart on your sleeve? This is beneficial transit if you need to give a speech or to teach something. It will be easier to convey your thoughts & ideas around this time (especially if you speak from the heart). Next, Mercury in Pisces will form a positive sextile with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 11:07am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This may be a time that you are thinking of traveling or are in contact with people located a long distance away from you. This transit is beneficial for interest and/or dealings with other cultures, philosophy, higher education, continuing education, religion, and law or legal issues. We may be feeling expansive and wish to feed our intellect. This transit is ideal if you have wanted to learn a foreign language or to cook an exotic meal. Go ahead and be adventurous; now is the time!!

In the evening, the Moon in Sagittarius will positively sextile the Sun in Aquarius (exact at 8:08pm 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? Lastly, the Moon in Sagittarius will form a positive sextile to Saturn in Libra (exact at 11:03pm EST). Time to tap into our inner discipline, goal setting, organization and attention to details. We may want to make long term plans in our close relationships. This will also be the beginning of a short 1-hour void of course cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into hardworking Capricorn just after midnight….

(Friday 2/17/12)- Today will be all about the Moon! There will be seven Lunar transits today; 5 out of the 7 will be positive. Just after midnight, the Moon transitions into hardworking Capricorn (at 12:03am EST). Themes that will be prevalent over the next 2 ½ days are: business endeavors, discipline, work, goal setting, drive, public ambition, and tradition. Try to avoid: workaholic tendencies, coldness, and using people for personal gain. Today seems like a day that is going to present an opportunity for healing. The situation may initially be upsetting, but the end result will be a growing experience. Next, the Moon in Capricorn forms a positive sextile to Neptune in Pisces (exact at 12:57am 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? 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 Capricorn uncomfortably squares Uranus in Aries (exact at 4:30am EST). This is a time where someone around you may challenge tradition. You may also want to buck the system. An unexpected event or surprise could catch you off-guard. It is possible to experience issues with technology or mechanical issues. This could cause disturbed dreams and/or sleep (possibly inspirational or vivid dreams). Next, the Moon in Capricorn forms a positive sextile with (the “Wounded Healer”) Chiron in Pisces (exact at 8:21am EST). You may be presented with an opportunity to heal or to be healed. Holistic and alternative medicine is especially favored. Serendipitous moments abound! Then, the Moon in Capricorn makes a flowing trine with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 8:44am EST) helping us to feel optimistic and/or lucky. This is an ideal time to be with friends or to work with groups of people. It is also beneficial for spirituality/religion, higher education, horses, law/legal matters, advertising, sales, and publishing. Next, the Moon in Capricorn will form a positive sextile to Mercury in Pisces (exact at 11:51am 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.

In the afternoon, the Moon in will be making its monthly conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 3:41pm EST) adding emotional intensity to the mix. This may help with insights pertaining to business and financial endeavors. Helping to “pick up” on the undercurrent of a situation. This is also beneficial for therapy, cathartic experiences, passion, and ferreting out secrets. Lastly, the Moon in Capricorn will square Venus in Aries (exact at 8:17pm EST). Although we will have a drive to be with others around this time, it would be best to avoid heavy conversations pertaining to love. Sometimes the object of our affections is just out of reach (or otherwise detained) around this transit. The is not a good time to go shopping or work on beautification because what we think looks good now may seem like a bad idea at a later time.

(Saturday 2/18/12)- In the morning, the Moon in Capricorn forms a flowing trine with Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 9:33am 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 Sun in Aquarius will form a flowing trine with Saturn (R) in Libra (exact at 11:02am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This transit gives us discipline and helps us to tackle projects. If there has been something that you have been avoiding, like an organizational project, now is the time! There is a reason that Saturn’s nickname is the “task master”. This would also be an excellent day to start a diet or other health regime. It will help us to get along better with father figures or male authority figures too.

Later, Mercury in Pisces will form a positive sextile with Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 4:23pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. If you have to give a speech or a sales pitch to someone right now…well you couldn’t have picked a better time! Communication skills will be persuasive & powerful. Hot topics right now will be sexuality, transformation, psychology, secrets, finances (esp. wills, trust funds, life insurance, etc), death, mortality, and fears. If you are able to face these subjects with openness and honesty; then real healing could occur. It would be a good time to whisper sweet-nothings into your partner’s ear. Use words to arouse passion (the good kind!). Pluto does have a dark side, so watch for obsessive thinking and jealousies.

Mark your calendars! Next Sunday (2/19) the Sun transitions into Pisces, and on Tuesday (2/21) New Moon in Pisces…

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

DreamHomes@GretchenRealtor.net