Mercury retrograde in Aquarius is a jerk

Let me start by saying I am not an astrologer. I have been a fan and dabbler for many years with some training here and there but my skills are very basic. I also take issue when someone is surprised I 'believe' so much in astrology. I try not to use the word believe pretty much ever because it is highly charged and creates separation. My experience is that, for me, following the movements of earth and sky has been incredibly healing and brought wisdom and fluidity to my life. Plus it has been quite accurate!

Anytime I post about celestial events, it is more based in my musings and limited knowledge, so if it resonates, great, if not, no worries.

On to Mercury. Mercury retrograde is a month long occurrence that happens three times a year. On earth, during these cycles, it appears Mercury is going backwards. When Mercury goes retro, it tends to frazzle the astrology loving population because Mercury rules technology, travel, communication, things we are quite attached to, and when he moves back, it also seems to turn our deadlines, cell phones, cars, computers, paperwork, plans and conversations backwards as well.

Additionally, Mercury retrogrades under different astrology signs, which can add another layer to the confusion, depending on that signs element and energy.

I generally don't mind these phases. As a Gemini sun sign, ruled by Mercury, it can be a relief to slow down, halt the progress and take a few weeks to work on anything starting with 're,' ie re lax, re new, re lease, re examine, re flect. It is a time for finishing, rather than starting, rethinking choices before taking action.

So, when Mercury went retro on Feb 6, I made note, and when I saw he was in Aquarius, sign of creativity, eccentricity, liberation, community and universal consciousness, I thought, 'this should be interesting.'

Well, it has been. Rather than experiencing the creative side of Aquarius, though, Mercury has brought out the aloof and insensitive qualities. Quite frankly, Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius has been kind of a jerk.

And not just to me. Most of my friends have experienced huge blows to the head in relationships, travel, work, home and oh yes, technology!

For the first time in my adult life, I lost my cell phone. Though, lost seems wrong. Mercury, trickster wizard that he is, made it disappear.

I don't care about the phone. I did miss texting, but was bummed about losing all the pictures and videos of my baby. Plus, I went five days without a phone, a feat unimaginable to many.

I was so sure the phone would resurface. I thought this was just an aquarian teaching about spending time off the phone, noticing attachments, being more creative in my communication and of course, being more consistent in backing up what is important.

Maybe that was the teaching. But the phone didn't come back and it took nearly another week to get a decent replacement from insurance and get it squared away.

I probably sound a little whiny here. But it was annoying and I am super sad about the lost items.

Still, I know how powerful cycles are and though I resent his style, I trust this is part of the process. Of something.

We have one more week of the current Mercury rx. If you have had a hard time, keep taking deep breaths. Slow down, take it easy and don't take Aquarius personally. His ultimate job is to bring collective balance, no easy feat. The challenges arising are for the highest good, even if they seem silly or hurtful to us.

And if you are someone who has not felt the cool treatment at this cycle, yay you. Try not to rub it in.

Sagittarius New Moon 12/2 Stoking the Inner Fire

Sagittarius New Moon: Stoking our Inner Fire

The day the sun left watery Scorpio and entered fiery Sagittarius was also the first time it really rained in southern California.

We have spent the past month mostly drowning in Scorpionic depth. The Philippines literally experienced the height of wet death through the deadly powerful typhoon and the world grieves with them for all the loss and destruction.

For the rest of us, while we may have not felt Pluto's wrath in such an extreme way, it has still been a challenging and transformative cycle.

Even though the sun is now dancing in Sag's mutable fire, and the moon joins the party on 12/2, all is not exactly bright and cheery in our physical and emotional worlds.

But this is the brilliance of cosmic design! It is at this very moment, in the cold days and longest nights that Sag comes into play, Sag with her long mane, adventurous heart and songs of myth, magic and miracles, is the most gregarious and fun loving.of all signs. Fire energy is spiritual and Sag stokes that inner light within us all, the light that has been dampened by Scorpio's flood of feelings.

The sun itself may feel far away, but the flame within burns bright when we invite Sag to the party. Is it any wonder this is the month of holiday travels and celebration? A time of gratitude and good will? Sure, some holidays fall after solstice and into Capricorn, but roughly Thanksgiving to Christmas is Sag time, and it can be a time of stress and darkness or one of warmth and joy.

Sag favors building a big fire and inviting everyone to come by. Sag plays lively tunes and serves warm food and drink and encourages games and dancing. She also loves learning and sharing, telling stories, reading books, watching movies, especially history and adventure. She encourages sharing dreams, jokes and our desires. Sag may also inspire trips, whether short getaways or epic journeys and even if we can't run off, we may fantasize or plan trips for the future. Sag created the original wanderlust. Ruled by Jupiter, the lucky, benevolent outer planet, this is the time for connecting to our spirit and all that makes it burn brighter and stronger, so that we can thrive inside even as winter draws near.

How can you stoke the inner flame? "In" is the key. Doing inner work, delving into the inner depths, celebrating "in" doors. What really sustains you from the inside out? What makes you laugh, shine and savor life? Who are the people that get that inner fire dancing? Who and what inspire you and fuel you through times of challenge? This is where our energy needs to go for the next month. This is not the time for new beginnings or big actions, this is the realm of spirit and shifting our energy in a positive, sustainable way. Sag loves wide open spaces and there are limitless possibilities out there for each of us to explore the Sagittarian way of life. It might be cold outside, but inside, there is a whole world waiting to be enjoyed.

Welcome Sag in your own way. Do something that lights you up and warms your spirit. It's cold and dark enough outside, we don't need any of that on the inner, turn your focus to the things that bring you joy, and in turn, your bright spirit will light the way for others.

In Yoga, we say "namaste," which means that the divine light in me honors the light in you. I think this is the perfect time to offer that sentiment.
Namaste, sweet ones. and many blessings.