​Cranbrook: copyright Chrissie Blaze, 2018

Your Earth Sign
While your Sun Sign represents your creativity, your Earth Sign represents the field or type of service (the grounding of the soul on this material plane) that your soul will guide you towards in this life, if you allow it. We may be drawn to healing; we may have a desire to use our resources to help those less fortunate; or we may wish to be involved in animal rescue or environmental causes. There are many ways to serve on this planet, and the Sun’s energies provide us with the energy and vitality to do this. The Earth shows us where we can find our Spiritual Path and what form this can take. This is not to limit us, but to help us express our divine potential more fully. 
 
When we center ourselves in our Sun Sign and then walk the Spiritual Path represented by our opposite Earth Sign, we can find true balance in our lives.  Once you find your Sun Sign from the table below, you will find your Earth Sign opposite.
 
Earth Sign                                                                                        Sun Sign
Aries                                                                                                  Libra
Taurus                                                                                               Scorpio
Gemini                                                                                              Sagittarius
Cancer                                                                                               Capricorn
Leo                                                                                                     Aquarius
Virgo                                                                                                  Pisces
Libra                                                                                                  Aries
Scorpio                                                                                              Taurus
Sagittarius                                                                                        Gemini
Capricorn                                                                                          Cancer
Aquarius                                                                                           Leo
Pisces                                                                                                Virgo
 
The Secret of Using Your Earth Sign Power
The secret of using the power of your Earth Sign is to become aware of these “Earth energies” within you and then manifest these as positively as possible. Since the Sun and Earth are opposite each other, you may always feel this pull, as if your life is somewhat of a balancing act. 
 
Life is indeed a balancing act; but astrology as well as spiritual disciplines can help us to achieve true balance. Using astrological understanding, first center yourself in the positive attributes of your Sun Sign (refer to my book Superstar Signs, or another good astrology book on the Sun Signs) and from there, draw and use the power of your Earth Sign and the power of the other planets to achieve harmony.
 
For example, if you have the Sun in sensitive, cautious Cancer, express this side of yourself through a group, family, or friends; but don’t neglect to use the great power of your Earth in the opposite sign of ambitious Capricorn. Be ambitious to achieve, strive, and reach your personal and spiritual goals and you will be consciously using more of your divine potential.
 
Since the Sun is now in Libra as I write this in September, 2018, I shall say a few words about this combination of Sun in Libra and Earth in Aries below. For in-depth analyses of all the Sun Sign/Earth Sign combinations, please refer to my new book: Earth: Astrology’s Missing Planet – Reconnecting to Her Sacred Power, Dodona Books, 2018.
 
Earth in Aries/Sun in Libra 
When a person is drawing upon and using the potential of their Aries Earth, he will courageously fly high and go where no one has been before. This person, not content just with the discussions and social contacts enjoyed by his Sun in Libra, also likes to work hard and achieve. He enjoys the thrill of the unknown; and, when he reaches his destination, another trail lies before him waiting to blaze. Always seeking distant pastures new, never content, never resting on laurels, and knowing the only place for him is out in front. 
 
Out in front is a lonely place and this can be especially true for the Earth Sign Aries. With their Sun in Libra, they like to spend time around and with people, enjoying social engagements, and seeking peace and harmony rather than trail blazing. While this is important for Earth in Aries, if they become too embroiled in the thoughts and ideas of others, they can lose their keen focus and intelligent perspective.
 
This combination is all about achieving balance. This person is learning who they are at a deep level; they are learning when to assert themselves; and when to resolve conflict and work in a team. If this balance isn’t achieved, there will always be a certain tension that may eventually manifest in the physical body. These are individuals who need to learn to relax, to socialize, to listen and share with others, while never losing their own unique focus.
 
Chrissie Blaze
copyright, 2018.

Mars is heat; it provides the energy for us to get out of bed in the morning, to assert ourselves, and to fight for what we believe is right. It’s our vitality, our passion and our fighting spirit. Not surprisingly, it is the planetary ruler of the fiery sign of Aries and the co-ruler of intense Scorpio.  As it moves through the signs and houses in our natal horoscope, it enlivens and empowers the activities and qualities associated with those signs and houses.
 
We’re about to enter a long, slow burn as Mars goes retrograde on June 26 for most of the summer. This is an unusual one in Aquarius and Capricorn. Why is that unusual?  Mars retrogrades are not distributed evenly and this upcoming Mars retrograde in Aquarius is only the second in most people’s living memory!
 
It was briefly retrograde in 1924 and 1939 but then full on in 1971.  That’s it – 47 years ago!
 
Mars shows each of us how we deal with conflict as well as our own anger – expressed or submerged. Some people burn slowly and others explode in a second and forget just as quickly.
 
Mars retrograde is going to do a dance in the next two months – from Capricorn then Aquarius, then back to Capricorn and then forward again into Aquarius.   You can describe Mars as action – and by the same token you can describe Mars retrograde as in-action.  So, if you have lots of plans for lots of activities, you might think again. Your plans could be thwarted at this time.  This can be a frustrating time if you want to get ahead.

However, like all retrogrades, the Cosmos is trying to tell us something. With Mercury retrograde, it’s to think differently (see my book on the topic); and with Mars retrograde, it is (in a nutshell) to act differently though you will probably find that your thinking will be shuffled also, and your preconceptions about the world will change.

If you ignore this advice, you may well find you are forced to slow down and act differently by people and things around you.

In the world around us, we will see Mars retrograde in Aquarius shaking up the social order.  If we’ve been trying to fit in and do the right thing for a long time, this could be an uncomfortable time for you. If you’re already an individualist it could also be a difficult time as you no longer feel you fit in – anywhere. 
 
So What Can We Do?

• Re-assess current projects;
• Be more introspective or contemplative;
• Look before you leap;
• Don’t squelch your impulses but understand them;
• Slow down and rest more;
• Gain greater insight insight through spiritual practices;
• Wait-and-see rather than throwing yourself into something new;
• Look back at a relationship or project from a new perspective but don’t make any final decisions now.
• Don’t be overly assertive or push for things you want;
• Learn patience!

 
The dates:
 
Mars is retrograde in the sign of Aquarius from June 26th to August 12th.
Mars is retrograde in the sign of Capricorn from August 12 to 27.
Mars turns direct at 28 Capricorn 37′ on August 27, 2018.
 Shadow period:  May 12 to June 26; August 27 to October 8.

It’s April, and Spring has arrived but we may not feel that burst of energy to get moving ahead with our plans as we usually do. This is not only because of the cold, wintery weather (certainly here in the Midwest) but because of all the retrograde Planets at this time.

Retrogrades compel us to go back and re-assess our plans rather than forge ahead with them. Until April 15, we’re still in the middle of Mercury retrograde in Aries. I don’t know about you but I have really felt this impulsive Mercury retrograde as far as breakdowns of computers, cell phones and equipment generally. It’s a tricky time for communications and decisions and these require careful consideration rather than the impulsive action that Mercury Retrograde in Aries seems to demand.

There is also a conjunction of assertive Mars with controlling Saturn; the combination of which generally brings stress through having to work long hours, or being out of sync with someone important to the project you may be working on such as a coworker of boss.

Things should definitely lighten at the time of the New Moon on April 15 at 28 degrees Aries and aligning with the planet of sudden change, Uranus. This is, therefore, the perfect time to make a positive change in your life. Use these energies! The best time to make a new start are the days following a New Moon and this is definitely an indication of unusual and unexpected things to come. This is a good time to take a risk or begin something new.

April 18 marks a special Sun-Uranus conjunction, filling the air with energy and unpredictability. This is the last time this conjunction will take place in Aries until 2094 so make the most of this fast-paced energy before Uranus moves into stable, earthy Taurus the next day, April 19, for seven years. Come along to the fantastic Power Circles held at The Aetherius Society worldwide on April 18 to mark the beginning of 2018’s first Spiritual Push – the best thing you can do to really utilize this energy to help yourself – as well as others!

Also, in April, the heavy-duty, slow-moving but powerful outer planets, Saturn and Pluto start their retrogrades in Capricorn on April 18 and 22 respectively. With Saturn, this is a long, five-month retrograde when you will find yourself thinking about all your obligations and asking yourself whether these still fit into your spiritual purpose and destiny or whether they have just become habits. Be reflective and deliberate; you may seek to change things but do so with the wisdom of experience. It’s actually time to move up a notch. This can be a rewarding retrograde – if you are prepared to do some inner work and honest reflection.

Then on April 22, another power planet, Pluto, retrogrades in Capricorn – also for five months, which could bring to light power struggles with others that have been hidden. Pluto has a way of getting rid of excesses or things that hold us back – often painfully. It is like a type of psychological cleansing process!
Between Saturn and Pluto at this time is the planet Mars in what is an uncomfortable position for this planet of action. While Mars is not currently retrograde for a few months, its position between these two planets confines the energy of Mars - making it more about waiting and withdrawing than moving forward.

The last week of April is intense with an aggressive Mars-Pluto conjunction on April 26 and a Full Moon  at 9 degrees Scorpio on Sunday, April 29. Although intense, this Full Moon is a good omen for stability and success, as well as healing and transformation. This is a great time to rejuvenate and clean out closets and unwanted items.  A positive Sun-Saturn trine to the New Moon makes it a good time to plan carefully and get a lot done.

For those of you in the Royal Oak, Michigan area, you're welcome to join me can join me on Friday, April 13 for the second session of Cosmic Café: Where Astrology Meets Spirituality at 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This is at The Aetherius Society, 3119 N Campbell Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073. Tel: 248 588 0290. www.aetherius.org

Blessings,

Chrissie Blaze

March begins with a Virgo Full Moon, the first of two in March. It’s a good day to focus on the mind-body-spirit connection and honestly look at the effect your thoughts and emotions are having on your physical body. A nice aspect between Venus and Jupiter (trine) assist you in confidently making any changes or adjustments you need to make going forward.
 
On March 4, the Sun joins with Neptune as it does each year in Pisces. This Pisces connection will continue until 2025 when slow-moving Neptune then enters Aries. This long trend of Neptune in its own sign, Pisces is bringing great sensitivity but also possible self-doubt and confusion. When the Sun joins Neptune on Sunday, it is a good time to find a quiet space and reset your life towards a more spiritual orientation.

Monday, March 5 brings a week of change. Both Mercury and Venus change signs and enter Aries and Jupiter turns retrograde. Mercury remains in Aries for a long time – until May – because on March 22 it turns retrograde dipping back into Pisces and then entering Aries again.  What this means is a speeding up of communications and a more forceful, direct approach. Venus in the same sign may temper this a little but Venus in Aries can also bring things to a head with relationships. However, you can use this energy in positive ways – such as promotion, public relations, sales. It’s an ideas time and a time when you feel confident and courageous to begin new ventures.
 
Jupiter retrograde in Scorpio is urgings to tune in and listen to our inner voice over the next four months; it’s a time to follow your hunches and your intuition more than ever. It is also a good time to learn to channel and control the turbulent emotions of Scorpio so that when the retrograde period ends, we are ready for unexpected opportunities.  However, we won’t have to wait that long…when Mars joins happily with Uranus (trine) on March 11 it brings a great week for unusual opportunities to break out of the rut.
 
March 17 is a New Moon in Pisces; a good time for healing or to begin a compassionate project. However, watch out for a square from Mars that day when an argument could quickly flare up before Mars moves from fiery Sagittarius to more stable Capricorn for the next two months.  Mars is urging us to work hard now towards our ambitions and if we do, we can accomplish a lot.
 
March 20,  it’s the start of the astrological New Year with the Sun entering Aries and the Spring equinox bringing hope, growth and new beginnings. Two days later, Mercury goes retrograde bringing a great time to review, revise and renegotiate. For more information about how this will affect your Sun sign, please check out the Mercury Retrograde on this website, or my book, Mercury Retrograde, which gives in-depth information about how to handle these tricky times each year.
 
With Mercury retrograde tending to skew communications and a hard Venus-Pluto square on Friday, March 23,  watch out for power struggles and obsessive reactions. In fact the whole weekend could be challenging so – be prepared, stay calm and carry on!
 
When Venus joins Uranus on March 28, expect the unexpected. You may feel inclined to take a risk but probably best to avoid this if possible.
 
Saturday, March 31 – the month ends with some important planetary events – a Blue Moon – the second Full Moon of the month, this time in Libra. It’s a great time for completion. Perhaps you have been having an ongoing battle with someone; now with the Full Moon in the relationship sign it’s time to end this and cooperate. Also, on this day, Venus moves into its own sign, Taurus, and is very happy there bringing three weeks of positive social events, pleasant relationships and an upswing in finances. It’s also a great time to reconnect with Nature and the Mother Earth!  Check out my new book which is full of ideas on how to do this: Earth: Astrology’s Missing Planet – Reconnecting with Her Sacred Power.

Blessings,
Chrissie Blaze

Saturn Conjunct Pluto
During its nearly 3 year transit of Capricorn, Saturn will also conjoin Pluto but not until January 12, 2020, adding more intensity and power that will particularly affect systems, institutions, societies, government, etc.  Pluto in Capricorn will slowly but surely restructure these from the ground up so that the foundations will be more secure for the future and dead wood will be removed - often painfully but very surely. I am telling you this now because we shall slowly feel this very important conjunction building up, especially once Saturn enters Capricorn next week. 
 
How will this affect us personally? It will be a time of discipline and structure which will be more difficult for some than others. However, if we make use of this disciplined energy, we can take more responsibility and achieve those things that previously have only been dreams, ideas or visions.  

Visit my page on Capricorn Sun Sign to learn more about what you will be seeing and feeling in the next three years - with Saturn and Plu1to both in this sign - we will not be able to avoid it, so we might as well learn as much as we can about it.

Saturn in Capricorn
Saturn will enter Capricorn on December 21 and will demand (and that is the word) that we get out of our fantasy world and see things as they really are - however painful that may be. It is calling for us to get real and face things squarely as they are so that we can then, through disciplined effort, change them for the better.

Saturn is also demanding that we have integrity; that we are accountable; honorable and spiritual in our thoughts, words and actions. This most advanced planet that astrologers of old called "The Grim Reaper" has now wisely been named "The Great Teacher" for that is what it is. It is teaching us that we are here to learn and evolve and is helping us to do that rather than constantly focusing on the inessentials.  It is teaching us that we are responsible rather than having a victim mentality for all that happens to us. It is teaching us about the great Law of Karma.

So, how do we cope? We embrace opportunities that come our way and do the necessary work to learn and to grow with these opportunities. We shall have to face and overcome fears; we shall have to learn the lessons of detachment and through this we can gain great strength and wisdom.

Saturn demands that we mature and grow up - whatever age we are now. It does not deal with illusions or fantasies or excessive emotionalism but calls for control; it calls for us to take a look at our lives and see if there is any areas where we prefer to bury our heads in the sand. Now is the time to emerge, to be bold, courageous and strong!

There will be times over the next three years that we may not feel we are getting the respect we deserve.  With Saturn, we have to earn it. There are no short cuts, so just continue and work diligently. Do not be so concerned about others and what they think of you, or about being honored or appreciated because with Saturn in Capricorn things take time....do not push for things but be patient and if you do this you will eventually be seen as a person of wisdom and integrity; a person of authority and responsibility in your own right. Once you have achieved these things nothing can take them away - only you.
 
Good luck! We're all in this together and will see profound changes in the world with these heavy-duty planets - Saturn and Pluto - both in the heavy-duty sign of Capricorn.  I look at it like this - humanity has created a world of chaos through his own making; now we have a chance to change things through facing facts as they are and working hard and diligently individually and together to change our world for the better. 

Lovingly,
Chrissie Blaze
PS.  Now is a great time to visit www.aetherius.org.  This is the organization of which I've been a Member for decades and I challenge you to find a Spiritual organization more aligned to the demands of this Aquarian Age - working hard always to help transform our world through disciplined and profoundly potent Service.
 

A lot of people are talking about the upcoming total solar eclipse that occurs at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on August 21 at 28 degrees 53 minutes of Leo – right at the end of the sign of firey Leo. A solar eclipse is an exact alignment of the Moon and the Sun at the New Moon. This blocks the Sun’s light and causes a shadow on the Earth.
Solar eclipses, astrologically speaking are like super powerful New Moons. Also, as this solar eclipse is the second of two New Moons in Leo, it is doubly important. Leo is known esoterically, as the “Light of the Soul”.  It is as if this solar eclipse is calling for the soul of individuals as well as the soul of the United States, to come out of the chaos.
It is being called “The Great American Eclipse” because the shadow it will cast is not just on Earth but also directly over the United States, touching both coasts from Oregon to S. Carolina and peaking over Missouri. Its path is about 100 miles wide and will affect about 12 million people. This is extremely rare. A solar eclipse is an exact alignment
A total solar eclipse is very powerful event and therefore has powerful effects. Every second, our Earth receives billions of megawatts of electromagnetic energy from the Sun. During a solar eclipse, that stream of energy is blocked by our Moon. That momentary suspension of electromagnetic energy affects the Earth’s magnetic field, and also affects life on Earth by extension.
From an astrological perspective, when we have a total solar eclipse, the Sun’s essence is hidden. What is above; what happens above us in the heavens is reflected here on Earth Therefore at the time of a solar eclipse, something deep within us, and around us, comes to a close. And something within our country – because the shadow flows right across the US, also falls away. Because it I taking place in the last degree of Leo, it brings endings. It can represent a watershed moment in history.
As we see something essential disappear, it makes away for something new to appear. The effects of a total solar eclipse are not just on the day itself but three months prior and three to six months afterwards, and effects can be felt years into the future from the events that take place.
What we are experiencing now and increasingly as the solar eclipse approaches, is a speeding up in an already warp-speed world.
Solar Eclipses were taken very seriously by ancient astrologers but not so much today. However, this one has really captured the attention of millions especially in the US and, as usual, there is a lot of hype and misinformation. For example, there is fear surrounding the fact that this is being called a Black Moon. This is just a pagan term and all it means is that there are two New Moons happening in the space of a month. In this case, there was a New Moon on July 23 and a second on August 21, both in Leo. Nothing to fear!
There is also talk in the New Age community of a great shift taking place at this time. We know the great Shift has already happened on July 8, 1964 – when the Earth received Her Primary Initiation[1].  However, I see this as just another chance, astrologically speaking, for us to make a positive change, as we must, in order to go forward into the New Age on this planet.

Why this Eclipse is so “American”
Another thing about this eclipse which is making is so “American” is not just that it can be seen across the USA but it is as if it is portending things to come concerning the changes the U.S. must bring about in order to stand in the light and lead humanity towards this light. It comes within one degree of the ascendant and the planet Mars of our current President, Donald Trump.  It is one of those things where astrologers scratch their heads and say – “how can this be happening…it’s such a coincidence!” 
 
I am not going into political ramifications, save to say that neither Trump, nor his Presidency, will be the same on the other side of this event. We may not see it right away but changes are already taking place. What the Leo New Moon Eclipse may bring about, if a critical mass of people move with the flow of this event, is a flow of this event, is a movement away from confusion and emotionally based lower mind thinking towards more Love, and more tolerance. This event in Leo seems to be calling out to humanity – reminding us that Love is indeed the answer and the way out of the chaos we are now experiencing.
 
You could almost look at it like a reboot and reconfiguration of consciousness. Although we can expect that external events and changes may and definitely will happen, we won’t experience real inner changes until we make the effort to improve ourselves. A major mistake sometimes made by so-called teachers is that a shift will happen and suddenly overnight we will all become Adepts, or something along those lines. 
 
While I do believe the planets’ energies are always assisting us to evolve, we still have to be proactive and make the effort to do so through our Service, our Spiritual practices, and so on. Since we have freewill, it is always up to us whether we choose the low road or the high road.

One of the Best Ways to Study Astrology
For those people who are not sure about the validity of astrology, this will be a very good time to pay attention.  Eclipses, especially one of this magnitude, are one of the best ways to study astrology. 
When we hear astrologers talking about a conjunction between two far off planets, like Neptune and Saturn, really only astrologers are aware of the significance. But when the Sun vanishes, it is seen – and felt through events that take place– by everyone. 
It’s a magical moment spiritually speaking, because it’s a time when we cease rushing around with our everyday lives, moving here and there, endlessly, and stand with awe in the shadow of this vast cosmic happening – this glimpse of Reality with a capital R.
It reminds us that we’re more than our everyday selves and of the vastness and beauty of the living Universe; it reminds us that we are children of Earth – and also children of the Sun. As my Spiritual Master, Dr. George King[2] said we are all “solidified sunlight”.  He also taught us that the nearest thing to God in our Solar System is the Sun.
The more we have this approach of awe and respect and love for the Earth and the Sun prior to and during this time, the more we will get something very tangible and beautiful back from it.

What Can We Expect?
The ancient astrologers of the past took a very harsh view of eclipses and they talked in terms of endings and major shifts. When Solar Eclipses take place in the sign of Leo, the fire sign associated with power, courage, leadership and creativity, the ancient astrologers predicted the downfall of kings and leaders.
This was the way they saw things then – in terms of black and white.  Astrology has evolved over the past few hundred years and now we see eclipses differently like points of change and transition, vital to our growth and progress. For those people who are not awake and aware, things can happen that shake them into consciousness. For people who are already on a path of awakening, and spiritual growth, eclipses are gateways to evolutionary growth – speeded up.
The key to making the best use of this Solar Eclipse is to move with the energy; it is impossible to resist the changes it will bring. Try not to cling to anything – especially one’s opinions, or out-worn beliefs.
Remain open-minded to new possibilities and be courageous. Listen to not only to your head but especially to your heart, ruler of the sign of Leo. It’s always difficult for us to change. However, this is a time when it feels like the Universe is helping you to make that shift, that change of approach; that different way of looking at things. We’re being moved on – as I said, it’s like a reset button.

Grand Fire Trine
This particular Solar Eclipse is especially powerful because it is part of a grand fire trine, astrologically speaking. What that means is that it is part of a positive alignment of planets that are in Fire Signs.
We have Uranus in the fire sign, Aries; the Moon and Sun and Mars aligned in Leo with Saturn in the third of the fire signs, Sagittarius and the point in astrology that is known as the galactic core or the portal at the center of our Milky Way Galaxy.
This is known in astrology as a Grand Trine and these – as well as solar eclipses - tend to have a lot of momentum. When you get the two together as with August 21, momentum increases. Events take on a life of their own and once they get going, it’s hard for them to shift. 
That’s why it’s important now, I believe, for us to increase our prayers, our spiritual work to put us in a very good, solid and centered and heart-based place because this Grand Trine in Fire can be destructive in the way that fire can be if not managed properly.
However, when controlled, all this fire is leading us to creativity, inspiration and a heart-centered consciousness. It highlights our need to align our head with our heart.
It is not a sign for us to follow the masses but to awaken to our own uniqueness authenticity and creativity. The more creative and authentic we are, the more we will get from this. This one is reminding us about that much aligned word, Love. It is reminding us that Love is not emotion but the fabric of the Universe.
In the sacred text of The Nine Freedoms[3], we learn that “Love is not the measure of emotion, whether soft or violent, it is something deeper, something greater.”
We cannot at this stage fully understand Love. However, we get glimpses of this great all-pervasive energy in its different octaves of manifestation. We know that it is the great preservative force in all creation. It is the energy that inspires and motivates us to heal. It is the means by which our highest aspirations and deepest feelings are expressed.
Our future, our evolution, our survival depends upon awakening to the truth about Love and, more importantly, using this great Spiritual Energy to help others and literally lift the consciousness of our world. 
Let’s try, if we can, to be doing spiritual practices, at the time of the Eclipse or close to this time. Use the wonderful Prayers of The Twelve Blessings[4] leading up to, during the time of and after the Eclipse, to send our gratitude and Love to the Mother Earth who is so intimately a part of this great Cosmic Event and for reasons unknown to us, is being deprived in part of the Sun’s energies; to send our gratitude and Love to the Mighty Sun. For without the Sun and the Earth, where would we be?

© Chrissie Blaze. All rights reserved.


[1] For more information, please visit http://www.aetherius.org
[2] For more information about Dr. George King, please visit http://www.aetherius.org
[3] Please visit http://www.ninefreedoms.org
[4] Please visit http://www.12blessings.org
 

Venus began her retrograde movement in Aries on March 4 and begins moving direct again on April 15. During the retrograde Venus went back through Aries and into Pisces. This retrograde ends with a conjunction with Chiron, known as the Wounded Healer. These two planets are within a degree or two from April 9-23 which is a long time since Venus is a fast moving planet. This conjunction is, therefore, significant and this merging of Chiron with compassionate Venus in Pisces can enable deep wounds to be healed and released, and healing to take place at a deep level.  

Mercury Retrograde
Mercury begins its retrograde period just as the Venus retrograde is ending. Mercury is retrograde from April 9-May 3 and appears to move backwards from 5 degrees Taurus to 24 degrees Aries.

 Visit my Mercury Retrograde page to see what Mercury retrograde in Taurus means for you. 

Where Mercury Retrograde falls in your natal chart represent the area of your life where you will feel the effects of this most strongly. As with all Mercury Retrograde periods, do take the time to slow down and remember the "re" words - revisit, relax, redo, etc. Be careful how you communicate with others and take an extra minute to edit your important emails before sending them.

For more information on Mercury Retrograde, please visit this pages on my website.

If you know someone who is fascinated by Mercury Retrograde, you may want to pick up my book on the topic as an unusual and fun gift.

Lunar Nodes Change Sign

There is yet another astrological event at this time involving the Nodes of the Moon.  These astrological points travel through the signs of the zodiac like the planets and spend about 1.5 years in each sign. The South Node, a point of letting go of old patterns from the past, has been transiting the sign of Pisces since November, 2015, with the North Node, a point which represents our destiny, has been in the opposite sign of Virgo.

These important lunar nodes change signs in May, 2017 and since they travel backwards, they are moving from Virgo and Pisces to Leo and Aquarius, beginning another 1.5 year cycle. What does this mean for you?  It will give us an opportunity to remove any ingrained habits that no longer serve us, or rigid attitudes that hold us back, moving towards tolerance and understanding.  We can use the heart-based energies of Leo to become even more compassionate humanitarians.

New Moon in Taurus

The next New Moon will occur on Wednesday April 26 at 2:16 a.m. (ET) at 6 degrees Taurus. Wherever this New Moon falls in your chart, indicates an area of new beginnings but these will require patience to lay solid foundations for the new beginnings to take root and blossom in the future. This is also about The Mother Earth and comes soon after Earth Day (April 22), so let's take the opportunity to give thanks for this beautiful planet upon which we live and if you can, go out into nature and enjoy the peace and healing that Nature brings. Find new ways to express your spiritual ideals in practical ways through service to others. The Full Moon, a time of culmination, is in Scorpio on May 10.

For more information about the New Moon and what this means, please visit this page.

Blessings,
Chrissie Blaze

.

Every year there are four eclipses and this month there will both a full Moon lunar eclipse on February 10 at 7:33 p.m. EST in the sign of Leo at 22 degrees 28 minutes, and a New Moon solar eclipse on February 26 at 8 degrees of Pisces. On the same night a comet will be the closest one has come to earth for over thirty years.
A Full Moon Eclipse represents an ending or culmination but this can be of something negative that has been hanging around throughout 2016. Numerologically, 2016 was a time of endings and letting go of the past; 2017 is about new beginnings and this Full Moon leads the way.
 
Eclipses always have a high energy around them which can be good or bad. However, this one is mainly good and as it involves the dramatic sign of Leo, you will probably notice its influence. Even though this represents endings, it is the ending of something that you need to let go and you may find something happening quietly and behind the scenes that is pushing you closer in the direction you are meant to take. Eclipse energies are rather like doorways into a different path or direction for you after you have felt stuck for some time.
 
While the Moon is in Leo, the Sun is in the opposite sign of Aquarius, and the Moon will be part of a Grand Trine of Fire bringing energy, enthusiasm and opportunity. It is a good time to make a decision and that may involve letting go of something that has been holding you back. The energies around you are powerful enough to help you transform and change the direction of your life in some way that, at the moment, may seem difficult or even impossible.
 
However, it’s good to avoid change that comes from emotionally reacting to a situation. It’s time instead to face yourself honestly and strive to make deliberate and conscious changes led by your higher self.
 
The Full Moon in Leo is about your emotional energy and this Lunar Eclipse will require you to be courageous enough to face the truth about yourself and the decisions you have made in an honest and confident way. It is the right time to look at anything in your life that makes you feel fearful or afraid and face your fears.  This is also about relationships. While it’s important to face your own needs, you also need to take into account the needs of those who are important to you, otherwise you could experience communication breakdowns.  Be strong and prepared to clear away emotional baggage from 2016 and start afresh now for 2017.
 
This is a particularly positive time for the Fire Signs – Aries, Leo and Sagittarius and it’s your time to shine. It will also be good for the Air Signs of Libra, Aquarius and Gemini. Communicate clearly and use your intelligence and you will see a clear way ahead for progress.
 
The Earth Signs of Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus may be pushed outside their comfort zones. It’s time to make changes now, however painful it may be.
 
For the Water Signs of Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, you could feel overwhelmed emotionally, but steer through this uncertain period by following your strong intuition and plan positively for the future and you will find a new and more liberating path opening up for you.

Blessings,
Chrissie Blaze

This current Mercury Retrogade period is from December 19/20 to January 8, 2017 (it travels back from 15 degrees Capricorn to 28 degrees Sagittarius). This promises to be a very intense and dramatic time since Mercury retrograde is also conjunct powerful Pluto.

With Mercury Retrograde now as I write this, in Capricorn, this planet of communication highlights the realm of ambitions, responsibilities, career, social status, structures,  and control. Capricorn is also a very goal-oriented sign. This Mercury retrograde period is a good time to make the necessary changes and adjustments, as well as receiving insight and gaining awareness, into these areas of our lives.

Mercury will be dipping back into Sagittarius on January 4th/5th. Sagittarius is good at the big picture but during this time, we can easily overlook details and mistakes can ensue.  Mercury retrograde is a time to be more conscious and aware and to think twice before sending that email or making that phone call because we can write or say things we regret later on.  Not a good start to 2017!  On a positive note, though, it is a great time for us to revisit our aspirations, hopes and wishes for the year ahead.  

Everyone fares differently during Mercury Retrograde periods. However, it is a good time for everyone to be more alert to their communications and to be more flexible. It is a good to time to re-assess goals and make changes where necessary.

Please visit the Mercury Retrograde in the Sun Signs section of my website to see how you might approach this retrograde period, and what you might expect. 

I was approached by the publishers, Warner Books, some years ago to write a book about Mercury Retrograde at a time when there was very little information about these tricky astrological periods each year.  Most astrologers then considered these times to be negative. I took a positive approach, however, because I believe that all the planets, no matter how difficult they seem to make our lives at times, are there helping us to evolve.  Mercury Retrograde is no exception.

My book, Mercury Retrograde, now republished by Dodona Books, takes a lighthearted approach. You can find out more about it and where to get a copy right here.

You can expect this current Mercury Retrograde period to be an intense one. Since it is also during the Christmas and holiday season when we tend to gather with our families, it can also be a time when family secrets emerge (the conjunction with secretive Pluto that tends to bring hidden things into the open), so be extra careful what you say around family members! 

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Blessings,

Chrissie Blaze