Mercury Retrograde
by Michel
Green
As the planets are observed
from the Earth, they appear at times to be going backwards.
Astronomers call these retrograde periods. Only the Sun and the
Moon do not go retrograde.
As a planet moves in its orbit
around the Sun, it moves on a 360Ò
"circle" where every 30Ò is
a different astrological sign. When the planet turns retrograde
appearing to go backward, it retraces its path through several
degrees of the sign it is in [or just left]. When it goes
direct, it again travels through the degrees in a
forward-appearing motion and continues on its way.
During these periods the usual
flow of experience is diffused and can be out of focus. We are
encouraged to focus ourselves inward – to go over the choices
and decisions we have recently made – or to contemplate and
meditate on how we can understand ourselves more deeply.
The planet that seems to have
the most overt influence on us while retrograde is Mercury. This is
essentially because it goes retrograde about three times a year
for about three weeks at a time and, therefore, we notice its
effect more. Other planets are retrograde for several months at
a time and we get used to the energy thus noticing it less.
When Mercury goes retrograde
we experience confusion and uncertainty. Communication – in big
and little things – becomes disrupted; appointments often have
to be rescheduled; shipments may be delayed or the wrong items
[including size, colour, et cetera] are sent, perhaps to the
wrong address; and so on. During this time, it is important to
refrain from buying electric or electronic items since they may
have to be returned. It is also important not to sign contracts
or other legal documents during this time since they will have
to be re-visited as well.
The sign that Mercury is in
during its retrograde periods indicates the area[s] of life
where it will have the most effect. Knowing this can help you
check your chart to see if it will have a direct effect on you
or if it will merely be a possible nuisance. The retrograde
period will affect you clearly if you have a planet or planets
in the retrograde range of degrees. The first Mercury retrograde
is in Aquarius indicating that freedom or rebelliousness could
be what causes confusion.
The best way to deal with
Mercury retrograde is to be relaxed no matter what happens. When
things don’t go the way you planned, learn to shrug it off and
laugh about it. Observe…and you will see the people who are
flexible. They are the ones to emulate. Observe further…and you
will see those who are rigid and unable to adapt. They are the
ones to teach by your example: detach and learn to laugh.
Mercury Retrogrades in 2010
All times given are Alberta [Mountain] times and have been
adjusted for Daylight Saving Time.
Stations Retrograde
means the planet appears to stop in preparation to going
retrograde. Mercury is retrograde between the two stations,
approximately 3 to 3½ weeks.
Stations Direct
means the planet appears to stop in preparation to going direct
or back into apparent forward motion.
2010 begins with Mercury in Retrograde motion…
Stations Direct January 15 9:52 am 5 Capricorn
This retrograde period deals
with confusion on how to become or maintain one’s organization.
There is a need to discover a more meaningful or effective way
of being organized; flexibility is encouraged. Be open to new
ideas.
Stations Retrograde April 17 10:06 pm 12
Taurus
Stations Direct May 11 4:27 pm 2 Taurus
This retrograde period deals
with uncertainty on how to maintain one’s stability. There is a
need to go within, connect with and enhance a sense of inner
peace, then let go of the need to control your life’s events so
something better can show up.
Stations Retrograde August 20 1:59 pm 19 Virgo
Stations Direct September 12 5:09 pm 5 Virgo
This retrograde period deals
with confusion on how to handle matters that seem to be
overwhelming. There is a need to go within, to become detached
and calm; and then let the details of the solution simply float
to the surface of your mind.
Stations Retrograde December 10 5:06 am 5
Capricorn
Stations Direct December 30 00:21 am 19 Sagittarius
This retrograde period deals
with confusion on how to plan and develop greater meaning to
one’s spiritual awareness and practice. There is a need to
review and reconnect with what has already been learned.
© Michel
Green 2010
WHEN THE MOON IS VOID OF
COURSE…
by Michel Green
The Moon, in making her way around the Earth, moves into and out of
aspect [or contact] with each of the various planets. The Moon is considered to
be Void of Course when she has moved out of aspect to the
last planet in the sign she is leaving but before she has moved into the next sign.
The Moon is actually still in a sign while void although
conversation about Moon Voids may not indicate that. It’s just that
she is not activating/being activated by any specific planet. So
Moon in Leo, for example, going Void of Course is still Moon in Leo.
The difference at this time is that she has no focus for her
energy—no means of demonstrating “where she’s coming from”.
Since the Moon moves so quickly – passing through a sign in
about two and a half days – Moon Voids occur frequently. Usually
they occur for brief periods and often during the middle of the
night. However, we have been seeing longer periods when the Moon is
Void of Course even up to a day or longer. This gives us an
experience that is unfocussed when things don’t occur quite
precisely as we would like. But that is what this energy is about:
drifting, dreaming and not at all precise.
A Moon Void is typically described as erratic, unpredictable energy
where anything can happen.
The Void of Course Moon may be likened to a toddler learning to
walk. She has let go of the security of Mother’s hand, but has not
quite reached out and touched the next hand, the next point of
secure guidance. At that moment, she could quickly run into
Grandma’s arms or plop down on her bottom or stop still with pride
at what she is accomplishing! Anything is possible and so it is with
the Void Course Moon.
©
Michel Green 2005
HEALING IS A TRANSFORMATIVE ART
The Chiron-Pluto Connection
First of all,
for those of you who are not astrologically aware; let me
introduce you to Chiron and Pluto. Chiron is a planetoid
discovered in 1977 and named for the immortal Centaur of
Greek mythology who not only taught many of the Greek heroes
but their sons as well. He was a wise and peace-loving being
unlike in some ways, others of his kind. He was also a great
healer who taught Aesclepius, one of history’s first known
physicians. Chiron became known as the Wounded Healer when,
in a battle between man and the centaurs, he was shot in the
hoof with a poisoned arrow. In spite of his great knowledge
and skill, he was unable to heal himself and thus asked the
Gods that his life might come to an end. His request was
granted and he was taken into the heavens creating the
constellation of the Centaur.
Pluto, on the
other hand, was identified as the God of the Underworld
where he ruled over the hidden places of the earth as well
as the havens of the “dead” – who, although dead to those in
the mundane or upper world, were undergoing rewards or
punishments for the deeds they had done on earth. In this
instance, your Pluto stands for those deepest passionate
urges that drive you oftentimes without your realizing it or
understanding the compulsion of it – knowing only that this
is something you will at some point deal with in your life.
Pluto is very much about power and the use of power.
The wise
person, understanding that all experiences in Life are
opportunities for growth, will use this strength of will to
empower him/herself to transform those circumstances
that s/he might prefer to keep hidden.
In the symbolic
language of astrology, it may be that Chiron’s true role
comes from the effort you expend in healing yourself which,
successful or not, gives others the tools or courage to heal
themselves.
Thus, Chiron
requires personal healing using the methods of its element
to achieve transformation to the highest expression of Pluto
in its House.
The house where Chiron is identifies
the issues that show you how to grow. Pluto’s house is where
you become more aware; how you are transformed. Pluto
transforms from limitation to expanded options. This is the
use of conscientious creative will power to regenerate
oneself.
In this article, we are not looking
at signs or aspects, but simply the house placements of both
planets. We also considered that the modality or method by
which the healing takes place is through the element that
Chiron is in.
Chiron in Fire
would use some form of action to accomplish the task. Is
this where a person experiences a “trial” by fire? Where you
have to do it [perhaps power walking; “fake it till you make
it”]. Is this finding the Fire within, your own Light?
Air Chiron
would, of course, use communication of some form as the way
to accomplish healing perhaps by talking it out or
journaling.
Chiron in Earth
would seek out practical means through research,
establishing a healing routine or perhaps retreating to
nature.
Chiron in Water
would use emotion as part of this process.
|
Keywords for Chiron |
Keywords for Pluto |
|
Inner soul work |
Outer transformation work |
|
Your gut reaction point |
Regeneration energy |
|
What offends you [the wounding] |
Growth of personal awareness |
|
What makes you feel better [the
healing] |
Creative willpower |
|
Reaching for your fullest potential |
|
|
CHIRON IN THE FIRST HOUSE:
Inner
concept creates the physical result. Do I wear my
heart on my sleeve?
Open
to all the “slings and arrows of outrageous
fortune”?
Chiron on the Ascendant
1st House side:
The cause of their wounding may be obvious to all.
12th House side:
There is a hidden trigger |
PLUTO IN THE FIRST HOUSE:
Proving something to oneself. Uses
strong personal power
to initiate action. Non-conformist. They do it their
own way. |
|
CHIRON IN THE SECOND HOUSE:
The issue is self worth. How do I value myself?
Prove to yourself you are worthy of financial
independence; of having the good things in life |
PLUTO IN THE SECOND HOUSE:
Great resourcefulness
by insight or by obtaining inside information.
Stewardship – acquisitions for the benefit of self
AND others.
Swing between co-dependent and independent? |
|
CHIRON IN THE THIRD HOUSE:
Thoughts/opinions matter
Journalling to heal the things that are said to him/her |
PLUTO IN THE THIRD HOUSE:
Penetrating mind.
Strong opinions bring one to the heart of the
matter. Prove the logic to oneself and a willingness
to change follows. |
|
CHIRON IN THE FOURTH HOUSE:
The Inner Child theme. Issues of family secrets –
roots |
PLUTO IN THE FOURTH HOUSE:
Master of one’s castle, perhaps a dominating
attitude. Deep
resourcefulness in the roots of Being makes
it possible to become the master of one’s emotional
security/expression in Chiron’s issues.
Develop an inner sanctuary/safe place so that
nothing fazes them anymore. |
|
CHIRON IN THE FIFTH HOUSE:
Issues of creativity, jealousy, envy, child/parent
interactions.
Here is a situation of diminished Light; not using
one’s full potential |
PLUTO IN THE FIFTH HOUSE:
Profound creative power,
intense love involvements healing through passionate
creativity. |
|
CHIRON IN THE SIXTH HOUSE:
Here lies the workaholic, Super-Man or Super-Woman
Markedly hurt by criticism, even from oneself |
PLUTO IN THE SIXTH HOUSE:
Apply their dynamic will
to affirmations and health issues. Positive
thinking.
Spiritual healing to the point of hands-on healing.
Set their wounds aside to provide a service of
healing to others and thus their healing issues are
eased. |
|
CHIRON IN THE SEVENTH HOUSE:
Healing the give and take in relationships.
Learning that what you give out appropriately and
definitely does come around.
Learning acceptance, balance; deserving |
PLUTO IN THE SEVENTH HOUSE:
Transformation is accomplished by drastic alteration
through marriage/ partnerships.
Develop conscious spiritual
awareness of the need for co-operation with
others. Positive efforts must be made to achieve
this co-operation. |
|
CHIRON IN THE EIGHTH HOUSE:
This is where the matter is laid to rest.
A movement in concept from the caterpillar to the
butterfly. The caterpillar says, “You won’t get me
up in one of those things for a million bucks!” yet
the butterfly knows there’s vibrant expanded life
after the “death” of the situation.
Subtle energy sources; mystical energies – channel/
messages from Spirit |
PLUTO IN THE EIGHT HOUSE:
Powerful occult influence.
Extreme transformation similar to the marked
change seen with a near death experience. Can see
the hidden cause and higher order of things. |
|
CHIRON IN THE NINTH HOUSE:
A need to live one’s beliefs or heal one’s moral
dilemmas. This is a morality play/moral issue |
PLUTO IN THE NINTH HOUSE:
Regeneration through legal, educational or moral
means.
This is the adult student perhaps or One who
develops spiritual leadership/ philosophy.
Can see the problem’s connection with legal or
social issues. |
|
CHIRON IN THE TENTH HOUSE:
Feel they must justify their existence to the world.
Often a feeling that people do not see you for who
you really are.
Striving for perfection in career [knows what needs
to be done] but somehow it just doesn’t come
together. |
PLUTO IN THE TENTH HOUSE:
Strong drive to succeed.
Spiritual leader in the reform of current power
structures
Far sightedness brings one to wise leadership
Take Chiron’s inner knowledge [what Chiron taught]
and present to public
|
|
CHIRON IN THE ELEVENTH HOUSE:
Desire to prove to themselves that they can make a
difference.
Want to heal the world
This may be where you find the whale-watchers and
members of Greenpeace. |
PLUTO IN THE ELEVENTH HOUSE:
Reformist tendencies through friends and
associations.
Joins occult groups to have occult friends.
These people have penetrating insights that benefit
many others.
This may be where you find those attending 12-Step
programs – group therapy. |
|
CHIRON IN THE TWELFTH HOUSE:
The issue is inner faith
There may be a hidden trigger to the healing that
does not show to others |
PLUTO IN THE TWELFTH HOUSE:
A need to regenerate the unconscious mind by
bringing it into consciousness.
Deep meditation; highly developed intuition
Very secretive – deep inner healing through
meditation to come to inner faith. Most subtle
healing of all. |
