The outer planets are generational; it takes many years for them to complete a complete revolution around our sun. When an outer planet changes signs, our collective unconscious begins to manifest the characteristics of the zodiac sign that the outer planet is transiting through.
The 5 planets that have recently shifted into new signs or will shortly shift are
Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, takes 12 years to orbit the sun. It spends a year in each sign and governs morality, laws, and religion as an organization, as well as higher education and the philosophical quests of being human.
Saturn is the planet that governs our limitations and the karmic lessons we must learn in this lifetime. It takes Saturn 29.4 years to orbit the Sun, spending 2.5 years in each zodiac sign.
Uranus is our solar system’s odd fellow, the only planet whose equator is positioned at a right angle. It takes Uranus 84 years to orbit the Sun, and Uranus stays in a zodiac sign for about 7 years. Uranus rules technology, science, and innovation. Uranus can be contrarian, eccentric, and unpredictable.
Neptune takes a whooping 165 years to complete an orbit around the sun. Neptune spends about 14 years in each zodiac sign. Neptune governs all matters pertaining to spirituality, psyche experiences, dreams, and our subconscious. This planet has an ethereal quality that can inspire creativity. Neptune is mysterious, enchanting, and elusive.
Pluto takes 248 years to complete a cycle around the Sun. Pluto has been demoted from the pantheon of planetary status, classified as a dwarf planet. Due to Pluto’s unusual ecliptic orbit, it spends different lengths of time in each zodiac sign. It was recently in Capricorn for 15.5 years and will be in Aquarius for 19.5 years. Pluto, the dark ruler of the underworld, governs all taboo subjects that lie beneath the surface. Pluto presides over conversations that no one wants to have. Pluto embodies endings and the new beginnings associated with renewal or transformation. The positive expression of Pluto is rebirth and transformation; the uninvolved expression is obsession, dark desires, and dramatic upheavals. No one in our society wants to discuss death, sex, debts, power dynamics, or money.
The last time Jupiter was in Cancer was 2013- 2014
Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, is considered to be the luckiest planet in our Solar System. Jupiter offers abundance and growth. Jupiter enjoys providing lucky opportunities when well placed in a natal chart or when the planet is making auspicious aspects by transit.
Jupiter (the mythological Zeus in ancient Greek) is the fifth planet from the Sun, a gas giant, the first planet formed, and the largest in our Solar System. It takes Jupiter slightly less than 12 years to complete one trip around the Sun. Jupiter has faint planetary rings and more than 95 moons.
In Greek mythology, Zeus is the supreme ruler of the pantheon of gods and goddesses, the god of thunder and lightning, and the arbiter of morals and laws.
Hesiod in his epic “Theogony” states that Zeus is the youngest child of Kronos ( Saturn in Roman mythology) and Rhea. Kronos lives in fear that one of his children will usurp his throne, so once his children are born, he swallows them. Remember that Kronus/Saturn overthrew his father Uranus, and he is paranoid that his children will do to him what he did to his father.
Zeus’ mother, Rhea, saves him from being swallowed by Kronos. Rhea gives the unsuspecting Kronos a stone wrapped in cloth to swallow instead of the infant Zeus. Then Rhea gives Gaia the infant Zeus to hide and raise.
Once Zeus is an adult, he works with Gaia to free his siblings and leads them in a war against their father, Kronos. After successfully overthrowing Kronos, Zeus rules from Mount Olympus, always watchful that the Olympian gods and goddesses do not rebel against him.
Jupiter stays in each zodiac sign for a year. Ancient astrologers considered Jupiter to be the “great benefactor.” A well-placed Jupiter is auspicious, offering opportunities, success in endeavors, and wealth. Jupiter rules in Sagittarius, is in detriment in Gemini, finds its exaltation in Cancer, and Falls in the sign of Capricorn.
Jupiter provides us with opportunities for expansion and growth. Jupiter opens the doorway to an exploration of the “higher mind”, knowledge through education, spiritual and intellectual quests, long-distance traveling, and multicultural/ religious exchanges.
The Zodiac Sign of Cancer
Cancer is a feminine, cardinal water sign, ruled by the ever-changing Moon. The zodiac sign of Cancer feels a strong emotional connection to home and family.
Jupiter is considered to be in exaltation when transiting through the sign of Cancer. When a planet is in exaltation, it feels comfortable and powerful, making it easy for that planet to express and amplify its best qualities.
Jupiter in Cancer provides an opportunity for emotional and spiritual growth. This is an excellent time to focus on creating deeper connections with your home, loved ones, and the Earth. Take time to prioritize self-care, nurture, and align yourself with people and situations that foster your growth. During Jupiter’s transits, seeds are planted; seeds that will need nurturing so they can blossom in the future, continuing to provide us with the gifts of Jupiter.
Caution Advisory:
Jupiter and Venus are regarded as the two most beneficial planets in our solar system. Traditional astrologers believed that a well-placed Jupiter bestowed prosperity, good fortune, and an easy life upon its fortunate recipients. However, there is a downside to Jupiter; a little too much of a good thing can lead to negative consequences. Remember, Jupiter is the king of the gods; Jupiter is accustomed to getting his way and can be arrogant and indulgent. He tends to be irresponsible, and his ambitions can be excessive. Greek mythology is filled with stories of Zeus’ reckless and licentious behavior. Zeus enjoys seducing human women by transforming himself into various disguises, usually an animal, or by pretending to be someone else. Zeus is a tricky fellow. During a Jupiter transit, if something is too good to be true, it is.
When Jupiter transits into Cancer, avoid being possessive or overprotective of loved ones. Jupiter in Cancer can become passive-aggressive and moody, creating boundaries or refusing to respect them. Individuals with a challenging aspect of Jupiter in Cancer may be concerned about their emotional security or feel insecure regarding their financial resources.
The Difficulty Zone
Cardinal zodiac signs either square or oppose one another. Cancer squares ( 90’ angle) Aries and Libra, and opposes (180’) Capricorn. Aries, Libra, and Capricorn will find the transiting Jupiter in Cancer challenging.
June 15- 18 will be very stressful for all Cardinal signs, Jupiter will square Saturn and Neptune in early Aries. Expect delays, emotional frustrations, possible karma retribution, and general confusion.
The water signs, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, and the Earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, will flourish during Jupiter’s transit of Cancer!
Are you having your Jupiter Return?
Lucky you. A Jupiter Return occurs every 12 years when Jupiter returns to the same degree and position in the zodiac as on the day you were born. Having a Jupiter Return is considered a lucky event! Jupiter Returns bring new opportunities, positive changes, and good fortune. Our first Jupiter return happens when we are 11- 12 years old. The second is around 23-24, the third is around 35-36. Etc…
Here is a list of the days that Jupiter entered Cancer since 1930. A Jupiter transit lasts a year.
June 26, 1930
June 10, 1942
May 24, 1954
September 21, 1965
November 17, 1965
May 5, 1966
August 20, 1977
December 30, 1977 (rx)
April 12, 1978
July 30, 1989
July 13, 2001
June 26, 2013
In Greek mythology, Zeus is the supreme ruler of the pantheon of gods and goddesses, the god of thunder and lightning, and the arbiter of morals and laws.
On May 24, 2025, Saturn enters Aries. New beginnings, whether you want them or not.
Saturn, the taskmaster and disciplinarian of our solar system, will briefly enter into Aries on May 24, 2025. On July 13, 2025, Saturn turns retrograde, and then on September 1, 2025, Saturn dips back into Pisces for a quick goodbye. Saturn will re-enter Aries on February 13, 2026, until April 12, 2028.
Saturn was last in Aries between April 1996 and February 1999.
What to expect when Saturn transits in Aries
When Saturn transits through the zodiac sign of Aries, it is said to be in Fall, a weakened position. Planets positioned in their Fall make an individual struggle to understand and express the traits, abilities, and gifts of that planet. Saturn in a Fall position tends to overcompensate by either retreating into passive-aggressive behaviors or, conversely, individuals can become defensive, self-centered, and ruthlessly ambitious. The lessons of this placement are to develop independence and resourcefulness, build authentic strength of character, and be responsibly assertive.
When Saturn transits through Aries, it’s time to evaluate our personal growth. Are we mature enough to accept new challenges? Are we ready to explore self-discovery? Can we stay on track, remain focused, direct our energies, restructure our ambitions, and complete our plans? Are we prepared to embrace a new level of independence? If you have been lazy, not living up to your potential, cutting corners, or constantly procrastinating, Saturn will be paying you a special visit.
Saturn’s shift into Aries comes when four other outer planets have entered or will enter new signs. Saturn Aries wants to lead the way, helping to forge a new path for those who are brave enough to follow. Continue reading “Cosmic Shift: Saturn Enters Aries “
Neptune will step into Aries briefly on March 30th until October 22nd, when Neptune will retrograde back into Pisces. On January 26, 2026, Neptune will reenter Aries until May 21, 2038, and then again from October 21, 2038, to March 23, 2039.
Neptune The Mystical Child ~ An Ice Giant
Neptune, named for the god of the sea, is the eighth and farthest planet from our Sun. You cannot see Neptune without a telescope. She was discovered through the use of math. Neptune is a beautiful pale ocean blue color. Neptune is classified as an Ice Giant, in contrast to Jupiter and Saturn, which are Gas Giants. Uranus and Neptune do not possess a deep metallic hydrogen mantle.
All Outer planets are generational planets; they take significant amounts of time to move through the signs of the Zodiac. The outer planets influence the collective unconscious, expressing each generation’s unique message or zeitgeist through music, art, fads, and current trends.
It takes Neptune 165 years to orbit the Sun. The last time that Neptune was in Aries was from 1861 to 1874.
Neptune seeks to commune with The All That Is. She tries to show us the way to our higher selves. Neptune offers spiritual guidance and psychic awareness through dreams and intuition. When we mindfully connect with Neptune, she provides a pathway to opening up to our artistic talent, accepting transcendent spiritual experiences, and embracing agape.
Her transits can become tricky when Neptune’s energies are misused or distorted. Neptune’s ethereal quality can indulge in unrealistic fantasies, avoidant and addictive behaviors, and cause confusion. Neptune can be deceptive, leading to poor decision-making and self-defeating behavior. Neptune is most at home in Pisces, feels restricted in Virgo, inspires in Sagittarius, and is prone to skepticism in Gemini.
Neptune will be transiting in Aries for the next 14 years. Aries is a fire sign, masculine, cardinal, and ruled by the warrior god Mars, making this sign action-oriented, competitive, and impatient. The Aries journey revolves around self-awareness, discovering who you are, and becoming a self-actualized confident individual.
Understanding Neptune in Aries through History
When we want to know how a planet’s new ingress will manifest, astrologers look at the historical periods when the planet was transiting in the sign that the planet is about to enter.
Looking back in history at the times when Neptune has been transiting in Aries, we find some interesting themes.
Going back to 1042 -1057, the Catholic papacy was in complete chaos. Papal legitimacy was an issue; at one point, there were three rival popes. To solve the crisis, the German King, Henry 3rd, deposed all three competing popes and installed his own choice, Pope Clement 2, ushering in Gregorian Reform.
1206 – 1220 Several failed Crusades, including a Crusade of mostly children. Genghis Khan gained power and the Silk Road expanded.
The Magna Carta was written, declaring that the sovereign was subject to the rule of law and the document served as the foundation of English Common Law.
Jumping to 1533- 1548, we find Henry the 8th initiating the English Reformation, declaring himself head of the Church of England, and transforming England from a Catholic country to a Protestant. In Denmark and Norway, the Lutheran Reformation takes place, and the Calvinist Reformation in Scotland. The Spanish Inquisition burns its first Protestant victim. The formation of catholic religious orders and multiple missions to convert people to Christianity by both Protestants and Catholics.
1697 – 1712 These years are less about religion or reforms and more about royal power and wars of expansion.
1861- 1874, the last time Neptune traveled in Aries, The United States was busy fighting a Civil War, and slavery in America finally ended. The First Vatican Council proclaims papal infallibility on matters of faith and morals. The Suez Canal opens. In Japan, the era of the Shogunate ends. Marxism was born, opioids were introduced to the world market, oil refining began, and telegraphs connected the east and west coasts of the US.
Themes of Neptune in Aries
Looking at the timeline of Neptune in Aries, some interesting themes emerged. The timeline is filled with religious scandals and ideological schisms that led to reforms. The catholic church has a significant amount of events happening while Neptune transits in Aries. New ideologies about religion and human rights take hold, fermenting uprisings, civil wars, and revolutions. Bold actions by individuals willing to take risks to spread religious doctrines, challenge the economic status quo, and break long-held institutional power.
What we might see 2025 to 2039
Neptune in Aries will favor those who are bold, enterprising, and willing to break barriers and go on new spiritual adventures. I would expect that religions and spirituality, in general, will experience new expressions, possibly new spiritual movements, or religious orders. Like previous transits, there will be schisms, scandals, and reforms.
There will be a focus on world leadership, with ruthless dictators and charismatic hero figures emerging. Aries seeks to take action and can be impulsive, while Neptune prefers to go with the flow; this combination may lead to unrealistic, misguided expectations and goals. Neptune rules artistic expression while transiting in Aries’s art, music, and fashion will be bold, edgy, challenging, and embrace individualism.
This Eclipse is more significant for individuals with planets, angles, and points at 4’ to 14 degrees of the cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.
The Astronomy
Saros Cycle # 149, the largest Partial Solar Eclipse of this Saros Cycle.
The Last 149 Saros cycle occurred on March 19, 2007
The Next Saros Cycle # 149 Eclipse happens on April 9, 2043.
Another eclipse? Yes, eclipses come in pairs. We just had a Total Lunar eclipse on March 13- 14, and now we will have a partial Solar eclipse on March 29th. A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up. The Moon will block out only part of the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth. It will look like the Moon has taken a bite out of the Sun. A partial eclipse is not as powerful as a total eclipse.
In the Northeastern part of the United States, viewers will see the eclipse as the sun rises. In western Europe and northwestern Africa, the eclipse will begin mid to late morning, while in Eastern Europe and Asia, most of the eclipse will occur in the afternoon and early evening. If you are lucky enough to have clear skies, remember to protect your eyes, NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN! You can learn more and watch a live show by visiting:
Learn more about eclipses at: https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsaros/SEsaros149.html
The Astrology: A super New Moon in Aries at 9 degrees
If you have been paying attention, the recent cosmic theme has been a back-and-forth between Pisces and Aries. Mercury and Venus’ current retrogrades started in Aries, and both fall back into Pisces. The outer ice giant planet, Neptune, is about to move from Pisces to Aries, and karmic master Saturn will briefly step into Aries later this Spring.
The sign Aries dominates the partial Solar eclipse with Sun/ Moon/Chiron and the retrograde Mercury all traveling in Aries while Saturn, North Node, Venus retrograde, and Neptune are all in Pisces.
Aries, a masculine action-oriented cardinal fire sign is considered the trailblazer of the zodiac. Ruled by Mars, the god of war Aries is confident, assertive, bold, and impulsive. When an individual with strong Aries placements has not developed a healthy relationship with their ego Aries can become a narcissistic entitled wrecking ball of toxic masculinity. ( regardless of your gender)
Typically, an Aries New Moon will initiate change and new beginnings; we can feel like we can make anything happen and are filled with inspired positive “get it done” energy. Resist the urge to plunge forward. This New Moon is different. Both Mercury and Venus are retrograde; Mars is in the sign of its fall, and the overall energy at this time favors introspection, not action.
Mercury is retrograde, avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions. If possible hold off making important decisions. Instead, we are best served by using the New Moon eclipse to be introspective and soul-searching. The theme for this partial Solar eclipse is focused on how to have a healthy relationship with our authentic selves.
The Chiron in Aries is making a tight square to Mars, traveling in Cancer, a weak and insecure placement. This suggests that we might be struggling with unresolved trauma that needs to be addressed before we can own the positive attributes of Mars and Aries. Luckily, Mars is making a harmonious aspect to Saturn in Pisces, and they both make excellent aspects to Uranus in Taurus, with effort, Mars can make insightful, emotional progress.
Now is an excellent time to review how you handle Aries and Mars in your daily life. Do you have a good balance of personal autonomy/ interdependence? Are you accepting new challenges, pursuing your passions, and fulfilling your highest potential? Do we have healthy self-esteem, or are we insecure? Are we getting our needs met in healthy, positive ways?
After the Mercury has gone direct, on April 7th, the energy will shift, and we can move forward and initiate any insights we discovered during the Solar Eclipse. We can confidently move forward, make new plans, start new projects, and implement improvements.
Remember: Eclipses are extremely significant when they occur at a degree that is exact or near to a planet or on angles in your Natal, Solar, or progressed charts (consult your Astrologer). When the eclipse degrees are activated in your chart, the effects can last from six months to a year, depending on the strength and duration of the eclipse. Eclipses are closely associated with world events. To know if this eclipse will be significant for you, check your Natal, Progressed, and Solar charts for planets in cardinal signs between 4 to 14 degrees ( Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn) Or ask your astrologer.
If you would like to keep up to date on the weekly Astrological Weather, please join me at my Facebook Group: Wild Mercury Astrology Chat https://www.facebook.com/groups/1221989338728451
Mercury starts to slow down andentersthe pre-retrograde shadow
March 3 Mercury enters Aries
March 11th, at 3:45 pm, Mercury will conjoin Venus retrograde at 8’ Aries
*** On March 14th, at 11:46 pm,Mercury goes station to retrograde at 9’ Aries
*** On March 29th, at 7:17 pm, Mercury falls back into Pisces and conjuncts Neptune at 7:46 pm. in Pisces. Hours later, Neptune will ingress into Aries on March 30th at 5:00 am.
*** On April 7th at 4:07 am, Mercury stations direct at 26’ Pisces.
April 26th at 1:28 am, Mercury leaves the post retrograde shadow and returns to 9’ Aries.
The Spring Mercury Retrograde ( all times Pacific)
Mercury goes retrograde at 11:46 pm at 09′ Aries until April 7th at 4:07 am.
This Spring, Mercury retrograde will begin in the fire sign Aries. Astrologically, the Fire element is enthusiastic, inspirational, and energetic. Fire signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, are passionate, impulsive, and optimistic.
On March 29th, at 7:17 pm, Mercury falls back into the water sign Pisces. Astrologically, the water elements are intuitive, reflective, and deeply connected to their emotions. Water signs, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, are known for their sensitive, empathetic, and moody natures.
Aries is a fire sign, masculine, cardinal, and ruled by the warrior god Mars, making this sign action-oriented, competitive, and impatient. The Aries journey is about self-awareness, discovering who you are, and becoming self-actualized. During the Mercury Aries retrograde, we can speak without thinking, get sarcastic or too blunt, and even be argumentative and quarrelsome. Sharing too much information or gossiping could have serious consequences.
Pisces is a water sign, feminine, mutable, and co-ruled by Jupiter and Neptune, making this sign expansive, genuine, creative, and inspired. The Pisces journey is to trust their higher self, expand their creativity, and explore emotional and psychic depths. While Mercury is retrograde in Pisces, be careful not to let people take advantage of you. Communicate clearly, and deal with any misunderstanding promptly.
During the Mercury retrograde in Aries, take the time to re-evaluate how you are expressing yourself. Are you comfortable communicating your ideas, your emotions, and your needs? Do you feel heard? If not, why not? Are you assertive or indecisive? What about ourselves would we like to improve, and how would we go about it? During this transit, be willing to challenge your assumptions and expand your intellectual, emotional, and physical horizons.
During the Mercury retrograde in Pisces, take the time to re-evaluate your communication style. Are you secretive, moody, or hard for people to read? Are you being realistic, gullible, or self-pitying? During this part of the Mercury retrograde, be willing to see yourself the way others see you.
CAUTION: During this Mercury retrograde, emotions can run hot, tempers can erupt, and it can be tempting to make rash decisions. Take extra precautions when driving or using heavy equipment. Avoid conflict, debates, and drama! Now is a time of inner reflection.
Because Mercury will spend time in both Aries and Pisces, this retrograde is significant for individuals with planets, angles, and sensitive points in the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, as well as the mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.
Be sure to check your Natal, Progressed, or Solar chart to see how the Spring Mercury Retrograde is affecting you. Or ask your Astrologer 🙂
March 13 – 14th Total Lunar Eclipse Moon 23’ Virgo/ Sun 23’ Pisces
This Eclipse is significant for individuals with angles, planets, and sensitive points in the mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces between the degrees of 19’-29’.
Saros Series 123
Balance the practicality of the Virgo Moon with the Ethereal Creativity of the Sun in Pisces. Balance the knowable, which we observe with our senses, with the unknowable chaos of our unconscious. The last time we experienced a Saros Series 123 was on March 3, 2007.
What to Know about Eclipses
There are two types of eclipses involving our Sun and Moon. A Solar Eclipse happens when the Moon’s shadow crosses the Earth’s surface. This occurs during a New Moon, and the Sun and the Moon are astrologically in the same sign. The Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Moon moves into the Earth’s shadow, this happens during a Full Moon.
Eclipses are tracked, and each eclipse belongs to a Saros cycle. A Saros period is almost 19 years ( 18 years and 9 to 11 days, depending on leap years), after which the Sun, Moon, and Earth return to approximately the same position, causing a nearly identical eclipse.
Eclipses are closely associated with world events but can be significant to individuals if the eclipse occurs at a degree that is exact or near to a planet or angle in your Natal, Solar, or Progressed charts. (Consult your Astrologer) When eclipse degrees become activated in your chart, the effects last from six months to a year, depending on the strength and duration of the eclipse.
Full Moons, in general, and Lunar eclipses, in particular, help illuminate issues that lie hidden beneath the surface. Lunar eclipses can reveal emotional truths about our lives, feelings, and needs. Whatever comes to light should be examined. The information revealed typically aligns with the polarity of the astrological signs where the eclipse occurs. If the Lunar eclipse makes significant contact with your Natal, Solar, or Progressed charts, it is crucial to take time to process the revelation. A Solar eclipse offers us a glimpse into the spiritual power of our inner life star; we can experience a significant turning point when a Solar eclipse connects with our Natal, Solar, or Progressed charts. Eclipses occur in pairs, and we will experience a partial Solar eclipse later this month.
The Astrology of March 13 – 14 Total Lunar Eclipse
The first eclipse of 2025 finds the Sun in sensitive Pisces, in tight conjunction with stern, disciplinarian Saturn approaching the North Node and Neptune in the last degrees of Pisces. They are all opposite the Moon in sensible and pragmatic Virgo. Luckily, wild card Uranus will make nice aspects to both the Sun and the Moon, offering unexpected opportunities in the realm of Taurus. Make sensible investments with your time, money, and resources.
The lunar eclipse’s Virgo/ Pisces polarity encourages us to review how we balance Virgo’s day-to-day routines with Pisces’s emotional health and well-being. Do we need to reorganize our priorities between work and health, reality and dreams, service and faith?
To know if this eclipse will be significant for you, check your chart for the houses, planets, or angles ruled by Virgo and Pisces. Look to see if any mutable signs are at 19’ to 29’ degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces.
February 28th, Mercury at 26’ PiscesMercury starts to slow down andentersthe pre-retrograde shadow
March 3 Mercury enters Aries
March 11th, at 3:45 pm, Mercury will conjoin Venus retrograde at 8’ Aries
March 14th, at 11:46 pm,Mercury goes station to retrograde at 9’Aries
March 29th, at 7:17 pm, Mercury falls back into Pisces and conjuncts Neptune at 7:46 pm. in Pisces. Hours later, Neptune will ingress into Aries on March 30th at 5:00 am.
On April 7th at 4:07 am, Mercury stations direct at 26’ Pisces.
April 26th at 1:28 am, Mercury leaves the post retrograde shadow and returns to 9’ Aries.
Mercury goes retrograde three, sometimes four times a year; our spring retrograde starts in Aries and will fall back into Pisces. Mercury retrograde’s path will closely mirror the Venus retrograde that begins on March 1st. The universe is doing a big shout-out to Aries and Pisces, especially if you have angles or planets in the mutable or cardinal signs between 20’ of Pisces and 19’ of Aries!
Let’s review the Mercury Retrograde Cycle and how to make the Mercury Retrograde work for you.
The Pre-Retrograde Shadow:
Before going retrograde, Mercury’s speed starts to slow down, and we start to notice frustrations with communication, travel, and technology. We can use this “pre-retrograde” time to get ready and prepare. Be sensible and take the initiative to get ahead of possible mercury retrograde problems. Take your car to get looked at or get an oil change, check your tires, back up your computer, update your computer’s security and virus protection, and replace your smoke alarm batteries.
Retrograde:
Mercury slows to a halt and officially goes “station to retrograde”. This is when we experience significant frustrations regarding communication, commerce, travel, and technology. We can expect miscommunications, travel delays, or the need to cancel and reschedule plans, and technology can break down. As Mercury “retraces its steps,” we can see what needs to be revised, reorganized, and restructured. Mercury retrograde can reveal flaws in our plans and our thinking process. We can be overwhelmed with blockages and beset with unforeseen obstacles. We may have to make changes, adjust our schedules, and repeat steps. It can be difficult to express ourselves clearly, or we misread what others are saying to us. Situations that begin under Mercury Retrograde often reappear or resolve themselves under a future Mercury Retrograde! Trust me on this.
Mercury retrograde supports introspection and re-evaluation and can increase intuition and psychic awareness. Intuition works better than logic during this time. Trust your instincts, be guided by your dreams, and explore your creativity when Mercury is retrograde.
Remember to slow down, take your time, and double-check your work; pay attention to details. Mercury retrograde works best when focused on reorganizing, reviewing, redoing, and finishing projects.
When Mercury Goes Direct
Once Mercury has gone “station to direct,” we can slowly feel the retrograde release its grip as the gears begin to move forward.
Post Retrograde ( two sometimes three-week periods)
During the post-Mercury retrograde period, as Mercury gains speed, situations start to “correct” themselves. At this time, we can begin to problem-solve and work on the issues that the Mercury retrograde broke. During the post-retrograde phase, you are given the chance to handle the third pass of Mercury more effectively. ( Mercury is now retracing its steps)
Working with Mercury Retrograde
We can transform our experience with Mercury Retrograde and use the “backward” motion to our benefit. Knowledge is power. When Mercury goes retrograde, we can avoid unnecessary difficulties by following some sensible guidelines and consciously working with retrograde energy.
1. Use the three-week window before Mercury goes retrograde (called the shadow period) to get prepared. For example:
Back up your computer, tablet, and cell phone.
Do car maintenance.
If possible, avoid purchasing big-ticket items that cannot be returned.
Avoid making agreements or signing contracts.
Do not start new projects
2. Know what sign Mercury will be retrograde in. The sign that Mercury is transiting while retrograde will tell you what specific difficulties you might encounter. For example, if Mercury was retrograde in sensitive and emotionally watery Cancer, the retrograde would highlight issues around home life, domesticity, communications with family members, family resources, and emotional security issues. This placement can bring to the surface emotions that have been dwelling deep in the subconscious, and uncomfortable and unresolved emotions can rise to the surface. Communication can be filled with micro-aggressions. People tend to be more hypersensitive at this time, and emotional misunderstandings can be difficult to resolve. Mercury retrograde in Cancer can tap into memories of unresolved emotional conflicts, and people and situations from your past can come into focus. This is a time when you can use your natural psychic abilities to further emotional growth. People can feel moody and have the urge to “nest” during this transit. Mercury retrograde in Cancer is a good time to do renovations, complete household repairs, work on a family scapebook, or investigate your family’s genealogy.
3. Know what house the Mercury retrograde is traveling in. For example, if Mercury retrograde is moving through your 6th house, prepare to experience challenges at work or with your co-workers. If it is traveling through your third house, pay extra attention to how you are driving, and be careful when speaking; it is easier to be misunderstood at this time.
4. The best use of your energy during the Mercury retrograde is to slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, take the scenic route, and be mindful that you might run into delays, and it’s okay. Give yourself extra time to get where you are going, and be patient with yourself and others. Be prepared to possibly experience communication difficulties, misunderstandings, or delays at work or when traveling. Practice patience and be cautious. Review your work, recheck your schedule, double-check your calendar, and take the extra step to make sure things are done correctly.
5. Take time to relax, try to meditate, walk, and take a nap. Step out of your normal routine. The Mercury retrograde can be an excellent time to reflect, daydream, and imagine. Get in touch with your inner creative energies. Be open to psychic information.
6. Traditional astrology advises that during the Mercury retrograde, it is unwise to enter into contractual agreements. Often, contracts signed when Mercury is retrograde are flawed, or the agreement will need to be revised, or the legal matter drags on and on. DO NOT BUY BIG TICKET ITEMS like cars or computers. DO NOT BEGIN NEW PROJECTS!
7. Remember the R’s: The best use of our time and energy during a Mercury retrograde is to “retrace our steps,” circle back, and review, re-examine, and revise if necessary.
When Mercury goes retrograde, we often experience difficulties, delays, and frustrations with travel, communication, and technology. By knowing when Mercury goes retrograde, we can save ourselves a lot of headaches. We can prepare to meet the coming challenges.
Use the retrograde to reevaluate, review, and complete projects. Ideally, Mercury retrograde is an opportune time to engage with creative and spiritual energies. When we flow with the retrograde, things tend to go more smoothly. It’s beneficial to know the sign that Mercury occupies during the retrograde. The sign indicates the “mood” and behavior that will characterize this period.
Try to take preventive measures at least three weeks before Mercury goes retrograde. For example, take your car or computer for repairs or upkeep 3 weeks before the retrograde starts. Please wait until Mercury has gone direct for three weeks before starting any new projects.
When Mercury retrograde transits connect to your Natal, Solar, or Progressed charts, Mercury issues, particularly communications issues, can become very challenging.
Remember the Do and Do NOT Do List for Mercury Retrograde
Do check and recheck travel plans, schedules, and appointments
Do review, re-do, review, tie up loose ends, repair
Do fix what was broken during the last retrograde
Double-check written documents or calculations
DO NOT SIGN CONTRACTS, DO NOT buy big-ticket items, electronics, cars
Do not start a new project, take a new job, or avoid doing anything last-minute
If you must make a purchase, send important packages, or travel purchase insurance
Plan and give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination or finish projects
“It is a wise person who rules the stars, a fool who is ruled by them.”
Just because Mars has gone direct doesn’t mean Mars is done with us.
If you remember, Mars went retrograde way back on December 6th at 6’Leo and will not return to the degree it went retrograde until May 1st when the post-retrograde closes out the Mars retrograde cycle. The next Mars retrograde will take place in January 2027.
While Mars was retrograde, I started researching and digging into the Mars retrograde cycle. I have some information to share. By now, you should have guessed that my goal is to empower people to use astrology to make their lives easier. I avoid grandstanding predictions—hooey fooey, New Age nonsense. I have a deep, abiding respect for astrology. Astrology does not make mistakes; humans can incorrectly interpret astrological messages. I believe the 2024-2025 Mars retrograde cycle fits a disturbing pattern.
Since its inception, the United States of America has repeatedly experienced an attack after a Mars retrograde has gone direct—not always, but enough times to be considered a pattern. Sometimes, the attack is from an outside adversary and other times, it is due to self-inflicted wounding. The pattern starts with the Battle of Lexington & Concord, which began the conflict between colonists and the British army on April 18, 1775. Mars had just gone station to direct on April 6 and was still in the post-shadow phase of the Mars retrograde cycle when the battle happened. The Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794), America’s first Constitutional crisis, fits the pattern. Tax resistors upset over a new tax on whiskey led to an insurrection against the federal government. In 1792, a few weeks after Mars went direct, the rebellion turned violent.
The nascent country struggled with slavery by adopting a series of “compromises” that kept postponing the abolition of slavery, ultimately leading to the Civil War. Mars retrograde cycle is significant in the 1820 Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, and the pattern occurs again in the 1854 Kansas – Nebraska Act, which resulted in violence between pro and anti-slavery groups. In Kansas, violence over slavery escalated during the retrograde cycle of 1856.
Reviewing significant dates in the 20th Century, the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the Oklahoma City Bombing in April 1995, and the attack on the Twin Towers in September 2001, I discovered that each event follows the same pattern.
I am concerned that the 2024- 2025 Mars Retrograde cycle will produce a significant event that will follow the historical pattern of America experiencing a violent attack after the Mars retrograde cycle has closed. The Mars retrograde cycle closes on May 1st when Mars leaves the retrograde shadow and returns to the degree it went retrograde. Not all post-retrograde shadows produce a verifiable historical event; sometimes, the event happens during the post-retrograde shadow. Sometimes, the event occurs a few weeks later. I think that it is wise to err on the side of caution.
January 28th, Venus begins to slow down ~ Venus can be seen in the Evening
February 3rd: Venus enters Aries
March 1st Venus Station to Retrograde at 10 Aries 50
March 22 Venus is directly behind the Sun and will not be visible for 8 days. Venus/Sun conjunction. (Except for Northern latitudes, Venus will be visible in both the morning and evening sky.) *See below to learn more
Venus becomes the Morning Star
March 28th Venus falls back to Pisces
April 12th Venus Stations Direct at 24 Pisces 38
April 30th Venus reenters Aries
May 15th Venus leaves post shadow at 10 Aries 50
Venus retrograde will overlap with a Mercury retrograde from March 15th to April 7th
Two Eclipses while both Venus & Mercury are retrograde
The goddess of love and beauty, Venus, rules romance, values, art, and aesthetics. Venus seeks to possess and embrace what she cherishes, resonates with, or desires.
Venus goes retrograde for 40 days every 18 months. When she goes retrograde, her “backspin” marks Venus’ shift from the Evening Star, when she can be seen low on the horizon, to the Morning Star when she rises before the Sun. Two weeks into her retrograde phase, she will be directly behind the Sun, and Venus will disappear from our view for 8 days. When Venus “goes dark,” we can use her descent into the primordial heart to review the state of our own hearts’ emotions, interpersonal relationships, values, and creative springs. This is the time to cleanse our subconscious, eliminate outdated baggage, and exorcise emotional or relationship demons. Now is the time to clean out and clean up what no longer serves your heart.
The Venus Rose ~ the Five Petals of Venus
Five Venus phase cycles take almost eight years to complete. The inferior conjunction points trace a pentagram around the zodiac in the five successive phase cycles.
Venus creates what is often called the “Venus Rose” or the Petals of Venus, two geometric designs over an eight-year cycle. Venus returns to the same place in the sky every eight years on about the same date. During this cycle, her movements will trace a Pentagram, a five-pointed star. Also, she will create an octagram, an eight-pointed star between the Earth and the Sun.
These geometric designs are created as Venus aligns with the Earth and the Sun five times. As she completes five synodic cycles, she will trace out a pentagram. The octagram is created every eight years when she returns to the same point in the sky where the cycle originally began. You can learn more about this amazing astronomical celestial ballet at https://www.sciencealert.com/the-celestial-dance-between-earth-and-venus-draws-a-stunning-pattern-through-space
On February 3rd, the goddess of love entered Aries, traditional astrologers consider this a determent placement for Venus. Traditional astrologers felt Venus in Aries was too assertive, independent, and provocative. Venus in Aries goes against gender stereotyping; she is enterprising, bold, passionate, and confident! On March 1st, Venus will station to retrograde, she will fall back into the sign of her exaltation, Pisces on March 28th, and will station to direct on April 12th. She completes her retrograde cycle when she returns to 10 degrees of Aries on May 15th!
