Astro-Update: Mars Conjunct Uranus & Venus Turns Direct! Week of 4/12/09

This week is being defined by a transit that only occurs every two years-Mars will be conjuncting Uranus on Wednesday. This will be felt for almost the entire week. The Moon will highlight the conjunction in a negative way on Tuesday but it will highlight it positively on Friday. The other big event will be when the planet Venus goes Direct again on Friday (yay) after it being Retrograde since March 6th. Helping us to move forward (or not) with our relationships after a period of analysis.

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.

(Sun 4/12)- To those who celebrate….Happy Easter! We start the day with the Moon still in Scorpio. This will be a relatively quiet day, astrologically speaking. Early in the morning the Moon will make an uncomfortable square to Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 6:05am EST) making us feel a little fuzzy & disoriented at worst. At best, Neptune can influence us to feel spiritual and idealistic. The Moon will make a flowing trine to Venus (R) Pisces (exact at 1:28pm EST) helping us to connect with loved ones and family. (If this is a day that you are spending with family and the relationships are strained, this transit will smooth tensions & help it to be more tolerable.) Trines are gifts with no opposing energies. This will begin a very short void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until 2:00pm EST when the Moon shifts into optimistic Sagittarius. 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. 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, 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.

(For those of you who follow asteroids the “Great Mother” asteroid, Ceres in Virgo goes direct today exact at 1:42pm EST).

(Mon 4/13 )- This is another astrologically quiet day, although the energies are more unfavorable. Early in the day the Moon makes an annoying quincunx to Mercury in Taurus (exact at 4:21am EST) possibly causing us to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. This could cause an obstacle with plans, finances, and/or communication. Lastly, the Moon will form an annoying square with Saturn (R) in Virgo (exact at 9:04pm EST). This can cause issues with organization and possibly feeling left out. This can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression. Luckily, this influence doesn’t last long.

(Tues 4/14)- We start the day with the Moon forming a positive sextile to Jupiter in Aquarius (exact at 8:20am EST) helping us to feel positive. However, use caution in the afternoon when the Moon highlights tomorrow’s conjunction with Mars/Uranus. The Moon will form uncomfortable squares with Mars in Pisces (exact at 1:10pm EST) and Uranus in Pisces (exact at 2:12pm EST). (Please read Wed. entry for more details) This can influence us to literally feel as if we are coming out of our skin. It will be easy to get annoyed with others at this time. It may make us want to go against the status quo, making it easy to make mistakes. Also use caution when driving as people make take more risks at this time. Luckily, the Moon will form a flowing trine to the Sun in Aries (exact at 3:20pm EST) that will help to soften this transit a little & assist us in feeling supported by others. Lastly, the Moon will make a positive sextile to Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 5:18pm EST). Try to get outside after work today, listen to music or get involved with art or creativity to feed your soul!

(Wed 4/15)- Just after midnight, the Moon will square Venus (R) in Pisces (exact at 12:07am EST). This can stir up arguments with loved ones, so I am hoping that you have the same rule that I do….don’t go to bed angry! The Moon will begin a short void-of-course cycle until it transitions into the business-oriented sign of Capricorn (exact at 1:27am EST). Activities that are favored during Moon in Capricorn are: business endeavors, work, goal setting, public ambition, and tradition. Try to avoid: workaholic tendencies, coldness, and using people for personal gain.

As I alluded to in yesterday’s entry, Mars will conjunct Uranus both in Pisces (exact at 6:00am EST). This event only happens once every two years! Since these planets are slow moving, you may have been feeling this since the weekend. Those who are sensitive may feel like they are “buzzing”. This is a great time to implement new ideas and changes to your environment. The old way of doing things may feel unacceptable at this time. Technology (like computers), athletics, music, healing, nature, spirituality, etc. will be highlighted. Mars (the God of War) rules over energy, who you are sexually attracted to, and masculinity. Uranus (the God of the Sky) rules over: disruption, change, originality, friends, lightening, uniqueness, electricity, New Age (and Astrology), accidents, and unexpected events. It is associated with lower legs & ankles, blood circulation, nervous conditions, body spasms and X-Rays. The planets conjuncting intensifies the energy of both planets (for good or bad depending on other factors). If you feel too nervous or jittery, make sure you engage in physical exercise. This energy will demand to get out one way or another; it would be better to channel it in a positive way.

The Moon will further intensify feelings when it conjuncts Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 8:04am EST) making it possible for a true transformation to take place. The change most likely started on a deep subconscious level, finally being allowed to come to the surface. All aspects of counseling are favored during this time. Lastly, the Sun in Aries will positively sextile Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 3:54pm EST). Let your imagination fly! All aspects of creativity, abstract thought, music, dance, helping others get a big “thumbs up” during this transit. Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. What a day??

(Thurs 4/16)- This is an astrologically quiet day (maybe we could use it after yesterday?). The Moon will make a flowing trine to Mercury (exact at 3:13am EST) possibly influencing our dreams. Pay attention to dreams that you have or ideas that you come up with earlier in the day, for they are likely to be insightful/useful. The Moon will then make another trine to Saturn (R) in Virgo (exact at 9:17am EST) helping us to organize and become more efficient. This will assist us in feeling conservative or traditional. Sometimes, you will find people asking for you to assist them. You will be happy to oblige!

(Fri 4/17)- Lots happening today with the planets! Overall this should be a positive day! The Mars/Uranus conjunction should be softening a bit by now. However, it will be highlighted again in the early morning hours with the Moon positively sextiling Uranus in Pisces (exact at 3:15am EST) and Mars in Pisces (exact at 6:13am). This is another opportunity to break out of old patterns and shake things up (sextiles will often present an opportunity that requires effort to have it come to fruition). The only rough patch will be when the Moon squares the Sun in Aries (exact at 9:36am EST) which can lead to a feeling/event that people aren’t supporting your efforts. The Moon will form a positive sextile to Venus in Pisces (R) (exact at 12:42pm EST) that often makes us to think of love and romance. Anytime you have the Moon highlighting both Mars & Venus in one day, you can bet that romance & passion will be on the mind.

There will be a void-of-course Moon cycle that lasts between 12:42pm-2:19pm EST, which would be an excellent time to wrap up old business. The Moon moves into Aquarius (exact at 2:19pm EST). Activities that are favored during Moon in Aquarius are: social endeavors, friendship, 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.

The event we have been waiting for (at least I have been waiting for it-LOL); Venus turns Direct (exact at 3:24pm EST). As I have been writing about in previous entries, Venus has been Retrograde since March 6^th 2009. Venus (The Goddess of Love) rules over: relationships, marriages, close partnerships, aesthetics, fashion, personal taste, beauty, money & wealth. It only turns Retrograde every 18 months. It will begin its forward movement today and we will start to see the cloud lift in these areas. The only word of caution is that it will take until May 21^st for Venus to reach the point from which it started its Retrograde cycle (at 16 degrees Aries). The time it takes to travel back to its original position is called the Shadow Period. Sometimes this time frame can still produce effects of the Retrograde planet, so we are not out of the woods just yet. At least it will be moving forward! (Venus will be forming a tense square to Pluto May 2nd, so make sure to check that entry!)

Lastly, today Mercury in Taurus will form a flowing trine to Saturn (R) in Virgo (exact at 8:52pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This is a time of great mental focus. You may be able to find solutions to problems that have been nagging at you. This placement has a seriousness attached to it and isn’t about play. This would be a good time to sign contracts, negotiate, start a budget, look over your finances, and start a diet or health regimen. Anything that requires mental discipline and organization will be favored. The effects of this will carry into tomorrow…….

(Sat 4/18)- I will be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today between 2-5pm. This is a great opportunity to get an introductory reading from me at a discount ($25.00 per ½ hour). 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.

This will be an astrologically quiet day. The Moon in Aquarius will form an annoying quincunx to Saturn (R) in Virgo (exact at 9:35pm EST). Sometimes it is possible to feel disconnected or isolated with this transit. Oddly you may feel as if your not part of the crowd, while being in a room full of people. This could also give you a case of the “shoulds”….like I should be vacuuming, or I should be spending more quality time with the kids, etc. Don’t beat yourself up! Luckily, this transit is short-lived.

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/Gem/Crystal Work

(802)-999-4677

DreamHomes@GretchenRealtor.net

Astro-Update: Full Moon in Libra! Week of 4/5

Hi All! Hope this entry finds you well! How is everyone surviving Pluto Retrograde? I have been curious to see what it will bring to the surface. Volcanoes erupting, N Korea, & a strange outburst of violence across the country…Pluto is not subtle! It doesn’t have to be all bad, things can be intensely good too. It just depends on the energy of the person and how they process things. Monday and Wednesday will be the most quiet days of this week. Tuesday will be challenging. On Thursday Mercury will move into Taurus and the Full Moon will take place in Libra. On Friday Venus Retrograde goes backwards into the sign of Pisces helping us re-evaluate relationships. An active week!

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.

(Sun 4/5)- Today will be challenging and it would not be a good day for work, so hopefully you are off! There are a multitude of Lunar transits, and 4 out of 5 of them are unfavorable. The Moon is still in Libra but will begin a long void-of-course cycle at 11:38am EST that will last until the Moon transitions into the perfectionist sign of Virgo (exact at 7:01pm EST). Words and phrases to describe Virgo are: “I Analyze!”, Mutable/Earth, detail oriented, perfection, service, criticism, conscientious, health, intelligent, analytical, worry, improvement to others lives, and practical. It is associated with the abdominal area, gastrointestinal system (large and small intestines), spleen, solar plexus, and lower lobes of the liver. All of these themes will be prominent in the next 2 &1/2 days. Just after, The Sun in Aries will quincunx Saturn (R) in Virgo (exact at 7:09pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. We may find it very hard to get anything accomplished during this time. Possibly making us feel rundown and lethargic. Again, it is Sunday night….so try to take it easy!

(Mon 4/6 )- This is a relatively astrologically quiet day. The Moon makes a flowing trine to Pluto (R) Capricorn (exact at 12:43am EST). This transit usually helps with cathartic experiences, counseling, and getting access to something below the surface (which of course, can be very healing). This will be occurring overnight and may affect your dreams. It was very interesting because I had a dream that I was counseling an astrology client last night. I was assisting him with grief after he had lost someone he cared about. The Moon will make its monthly conjunction with Saturn (R) both in Virgo (exact at 11:11pm EST). This transit will help us with organization and being to accomplish goals. Although sometimes it may make us feel a little lonely or isolated. It is really best to work alone and focus on what you really want.

(Tues 4/7)- I will be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today between 2-5pm. This is a great opportunity to get an introductory reading from me at a discount ($25.00 per ½ hour). 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.

This will be a complex day at best. The Moon will be aspecting 6 planets today. Four out of the six will be quincunxes (usually presenting in the form of an obstacle) and two will be oppositions. Yikes! Flexibility will be key. The high point today will be when Mercury in Aries forms a positive sextile to Neptune in Aquarius (exact at 8:37am 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. However, this would not be a great time to present those ideas to the world. You will find people emotionally unavailable right now. Others will not be able to see your visions. If you are looking for public adoration, pick another day. People will be too wrapped up in their own “stuff”. This would not be a good day to pitch those ideas to your boss. Create, but stay behind the scenes with your project for now. Today holds a tricky combination that tells us to keep things more intellectual instead of emotional (hard for the sensitive types). In the afternoon, the Moon will enter a long void of course cycle from 12:52pm until the Moon transitions into the diplomatic sign of Libra (exact at 11:22pm EST). This is not a good day to start anything new.

(Wed 4/8)- Activities that are favorable during a Libra Moon are: fairness, beauty (did I say beauty?), partnerships, joint enterprise, aesthetics, harmony, graciousness, cooperation, justice, peace, and romance. Things to avoid are: indecision, dependence, fickle, and lying (to avoid confrontation). Libras make great judges and counselors because they are often able to see both sides. Its physical associations are: the kidneys, lumbar area of the back, buttocks and adrenal glands. All of these themes will be accentuated during the next 2 ½ days.

This will be another astrologically quiet day (which is good after yesterday). The Moon will make its monthly opposition to Venus (R) in Aries overnight (exact at 1:15am EST). For you night owls, keep things light with your lover/partner during this time. If you are single thoughts of love (and possibly) frustration could come about. The Moon will also square Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 5:12am EST). Take things easy in the early morning hours. This transit can create over sensitivity & frustration with others. Luckily both transits won’t last too long and we have the Moon in Libra there to help smooth things over.

(Thurs 4/9)- We start off the day with a bang! The planet Mercury will transition into the sign of stable Taurus (exact at 10:21am EST). Mercury (the God of transportation & communication) is not as comfortable in the sign of Taurus. (Some people with badly aspected Taurus in Mercury, in their natal birth charts, sometimes have speech impediments or were slow to learn to speak). Taurus is asking Mercury to slow down and be methodical. Not to start a bunch of projects but to see the ones you have started through to the end. This will be beneficial for really analyzing your finances and getting a budget together. Sewing, design, jewelry making, and fashion will benefit from this as well. Taurus (ruled by Venus) is very sensual. This is an ideal time to get a massage to unwind. What to avoid? Well Taurus’ are notoriously stubborn. So try not to get overly fixed in your position (just because). Hopefully this will help our government with the financial crises, as long as they remain flexible! Mercury will be in Taurus for the next 3 weeks (until 4/30/09). It is starting to slow down in speed because it will be going Retrograde on 5/7/09, so mark your calendars!!

Happy Full Moon! The height of the Full Moon in Libra will be at 10:56am EST. The key word for Libra is BALANCE. Full moons are a culmination of our efforts over the past month & especially since the last New Moon. Make BALANCE the focus for today. Libra herbs & flowers are: geranium, chamomile, eucalyptus, fennel, dill, vanilla, & roses. By simply adding some of these elements to your day either by drinking tea, burning essential oils, adding to your salad, etc. will help your balance to be restored. Take a quiet moment to reflect on this during the day.

The Moon will make a flowing trine to Jupiter in Aquarius (exact at 12:20pm EST) helping us to feel optimistic and light-hearted. There may be a small bump in the road when the Moon quincunxes Uranus in Pisces (exact at 6:41pm EST) where you may encounter someone that threatens your sense of convention. It may be difficult for you to go against the “way it is always done”, but that could be the best route to take. Lastly the Moon will make another flowing trine to Neptune (exact at 9:45pm EST) giving creativity a big thumbs up. This would be a perfect night to enjoy a movie! This will start a long void of course cycle until the Moon transitions into the sign of Scorpio tomorrow morning……

(Fri 4/10)- The Moon enters into the intense sign of Scorpio exact at 5:57am 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). The Moon will make an annoying quincunx to Venus (R) in Aries (exact at 5:57am EST). This could create tension with a loved one early in the day. In addition, the Moon will make its monthly opposition to Mercury in Taurus (exact at 8:51am EST) putting further strain on communication (and possibly bickering). It would be best to take a big breath and not let things get under your skin at this time.

We will start to feel great as the Sun in Aries makes a positive sextile to Jupiter in Aquarius (exact at 9:43am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This is a “success” transit. Sextiles often present opportunity, but you will need to work at it to see it come to fruition. Now this would be a good time to make a presentation to your boss! This would also be beneficial if you were having issues with legal problems and/or contracts. You may meet with a teacher or guide that will help you (possibly someone older). This transit tends to give us confidence and optimism. The only caveat is being too over confident (you know, too much of a good thing?). Lastly, the Moon makes a positive sextile to Pluto (R) Capricorn (exact at 11:27am). Interestingly, this transit could have someone coming to you for advise. People may seek your input on something. Counseling & cathartic experiences are favored at this time. This transit helps us to know when subversive tactics are being used & allows us to get to the bottom of things. With the exception of the morning, a good day!

(Sat 4/11)- Very early in the morning, Mercury in Taurus will make a flowing trine to Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 1:52am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Trines are gifts, with no opposing energies. This will help our mental powers to be sharp. This is a “read between the lines” transit. A great time to cut red tape, do research, investigate possibilities, etc. This could make us drawn to movies or books pertaining to the occult, mysteries, or forensic medicine. It is possible to have in-depth conversations at this time. Certainly, if you have been needing to speak with someone in this way, now would be the perfect time. They will be much more receptive. The Moon will sextile Saturn (R) in Virgo (exact at 11:08am EST) giving us the ability to organize and set goals.

Later in the day, the Moon will make a stressful square to Jupiter in Aquarius (exact at 8:51pm EST). Use caution in social situations. Things could awry quickly pertaining to overconfidence (either on your part or some else’s). Lets face it; you could run into someone that acts like a jerk. Luckily the Moon will make a flowing trine to Mars in Pisces (exact at 10:21pm EST) helping us to align our actions with our emotions. A friend could lend a sympathetic ear at this time.

In the earlier part of the day Venus, still Retrograde, backed itself into the sign of Pisces again (exact at 8:47am EST). Venus will still remain Retrograde until next Fri (4/17). Again, Retrogrades are best used to re-evaluate issues and not to start anything new. I am a member of Facebook, and it was interesting to me because I saw so many posts from people that were complaining about their relationships when Venus turned Retrograde. Things pertaining to love & finances may feel more stressed during this time. Old flames may come back into our lives or you may find yourself fantasizing about an old flame. Just remember, an ex is an ex for a reason! This is not the most ideal time to start a new relationship. This is an ideal time to really look within and to see why your relationships are the way they are. Does that person really have things in common with you? Do they support you when you need it the most? Or are things always about them? Do you push love away based on physicality or insecurities? Why are you attracting the same type of person over & over? You get the idea. Sometimes it is good to put even the best relationship under the microscope for a little while, just to see if you are both on the same page. When Venus was in Aries (the God of war) we could have been going through this process by fighting. With Pisces however, we tend to be overly idealistic and impractical. Venus was in Pisces between January 3^rd-Fevbruary 2^nd. I am going to ask you to think back, did anything pertaining to love or money (significant) come up during that time? If so, the Universe is having us repeat the grade one more time. Those same issues may come back around and you will need to handle them. Venus will be in Pisces for about 2 weeks when it will go back into Aries again on 4/24/09. Hopefully we will karmically learn from the situation!

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.

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/Gem/Crystal Work

(802)-999-4677

DreamHomes@GretchenRealtor.net