It’s the Retrograde!

Okay, Mercury is moving backwards (yes, it’s an optical illusion, but it still has an effect on us) until the third week of February. This takes place in the sign of Aquarius, which is unpredictable as all getout anyway. Couple that influence with elusive, nebulous Neptune in Aquarius and the result is high strangeness all the way around.

Due to the insane events going on in the world now (stocks swinging this way and that, recession, political maneuvering and more potential wars on the horizon), it’s easy to get caught up in all the negativity. Don’t go there. Turn on the television. Stay honest, especially with yourself. You’re the only one that can fool you, ultimately.

This is a very deceptive time, and we must be alert yet refrain from being suspicious or paranoid. Balance is the key, and we are all better off fostering what we can control rather than focusing on what we can’t. Let’s pick our battles carefully and not waste time and energy engaging in nonsense.

This weird trend will go on into the third week of February, and it can have incredibly long term effects. We must exercise wisdom now.

Aries (March 21- April 19): Your career really takes a sharp focus now, since both Venus and Jupiter occupy that sector in your solar chart. The combination of these two planets should really boost your self-esteem and bring quick results. The only fly in the ointment right now is Mercury retrograde in your sector of communication. Be sure everything is in order and triple check it all. This won’t be a good time to delegate important tasks to someone untrained.

Taurus (April 20 — May 20): Your financial worries are about to unkink now, with Mars coming out of retrograde in your sector of finances. This retrograde has been extraordinarily long, but you will see almost instant results in the coming days. With your Ruler Venus firmly embraced by mighty Jupiter in your sector of spirituality/travel, you may be engaged in a journey that will take you further than you think!

Gemini (May 21- June 20): Finally, Mars comes out of retrograde in your sign, bringing you that last piece of energy and focus you’ve needed to improve your lot in life. Any shortcomings you may have can be altered now and you will see results. Stay with it! Your Ruler Mercury is retrograde now in your sector of creativity/children/lovers. Watch out there!

Cancer (June 21 — July 22): Venus and Jupiter embracing in your sector of marriage/relationship bring a focus to this area in your life, for better or for worse. Since it is specifically the planet of self-worth and the planet of good fortune, it seems that your job is to value yourself and what you bring, reaping the benefit of knowing how important you are. That sure doesn’t hurt anyone! The retrograde Mercury brings some quirks in your sector of joint assets though. Your work is cut out for you!

Leo (July 23 — August 22): Oh, my! Your life is changing rapidly now, and have no doubt that it is the result of the hard work you’ve put into making those very same changes happen! A possible distraction is Mercury retrograde in your solar sector of marriage/relationship. Things could get testy so don’t fly off the handle. Venus and Jupiter occupying your sector of work and health compensate by boosting your self-esteem in those areas. Look good, feel good!

Virgo (August 23 — September 21): You are flying! Venus and Jupiter are embraced in your sector of creative expression, sparking a whole new venture that promises long-term benefits. Don’t procrastinate. This is real! Stay on it. Mercury retrograde in your sector of work/health could be what’s bothering you, but this is the motivation to look in another direction. Research, learn, and lay the foundation.

Libra (September 22 — October 23): You want so badly for things to change, and the fact is that in your kindness, you have taken on too much in the wrong direction. Get your life back in balance. Focus on things close to home, and redecorate if necessary. You’re ready for a fresh image that is more representative of who you really are. Regain your real sense of direction! The retrograde Mercury in your sector of creative expression just may throw out the information you need.

Scorpio (October 24- November 22): This retrograde Mercury in your sector of home isn’t doing you any favors right now. If you are engaged in remodeling, repairing, buying or selling, expect things to stall our or go wrong. You won’t see any relief there until the third week of February, so don’t get twisted over it; wait it out. Turn your attention to enjoyable day trips, learning and shoring up your communication skills. This is where your strength lies now.

Sagittarius (November 23 — December 20): The retrograde Mercury in your sector of communicating/learning brings some unpredictable results. Watch your words and refrain from being so blunt that you rub the right person the wrong way and shoot yourself in the foot. Your strength now is in terms of your financial situation. Venus and your Ruler Jupiter are locked in an amazing embrace that will turn your life around. Stay on target!

Capricorn (December 21 — January 21): Okay, listen … this is a time for you to focus on yourself, what makes you comfortable and at your best, and paying attention to the pluses in your life. Practicing gratitude will get you so far you’ll forget you ever felt negative! Paying attention to all the things that are going right will keep you in a buoyant mood even though you are aware of the glitches. You have an advantage right now, so use it!

Aquarius (January 22 — February 20): With Mercury retrograde in your sign, you may be flying around like a moth banging into a lampshade. Just don’t fly into the flame! You have closure on critical issues in your life now, and it’s time to reflect, not distract. Calm yourself and be open to taking right action instead of hoarding knowledge.

Pisces (February 21 — March 20): This retrograde Mercury is hitting you in the wallet. Keep a stash available in case something else goes wrong. Now for the good news; your sector of friendship and goals is lit up and beaming good fortune to you in a way that you’ve not experienced for many years, if ever! Dress up, hold your head high, and enjoy the goodness of your friends and loved ones. Never doubt how loved you are.