It’s that time of the month, for that special kind of 2020 intensity that late 2020 Astrology continues to deliver through the cardinal crush. Now its Mercury in Libra who is doing the death weave through Mars, Saturn and Pluto territory. Right now, its ALL the hard feels as Mercury IS in a very tough spot and delivers to us messages and information about our relationships and connections to Mars (power, anger, aggression), Saturn (constriction, guilt, fear) and Pluto (control, entrapment).
Mercury, although more prepared for this planetary offensive than other planets, it doesn’t detract from the great deal of discomfort or besiegement being felt over the past few and next three days.
Adding to this funky situation Mercury finds itself in, is also the RETROGRADE factor. As Mercury will be retrograding back to this point or degree during its Retrograde, which begins in October. Meaning, what is happening now especially with regards to our relationship to the above themes will be coming back up in early November, helping reposition and rectify the issues being raised. The information your receiving now about your position around these difficult Mars, Saturn, Pluto themes, is and will change and evolve!
On top of this funky Mercury vibe, the Moon has JUST entered Capricorn, for its monthly transit of all the previously mentioned planetary themes. The Moon in Capricorn is heavily amplifying the emotional intensity of the next few days. So be mindful, restful and do engage with feelings that come up from ‘nowhere’ or any internal or external pressures that are currently rising.
Mercury will connect with the Moon as they both leave Libra and Capricorn respectively on Saturday, exchanging vital intel from both their meetings and interactions with Mars, Saturn and Pluto. Intel is SUPER strong right now, and it’s going to come back up in the first week of November, so engage and communicate with it, there is gold to be mined from this astrology. Although mining has never been a fun or clean business.
Jupiter turned direct in Capricorn over the weekend which isn’t a bad thing, it just not an overly huge thing in the context of it all. Jupiter maybe direct, but extremely limited with what it can do. Jupiter is in a sign it doesn’t relate to in Capricorn as well having to live with the cold, domineering, tyrannous flatmate called Saturn. Saturn is strong in Capricorn, so it’s his way or the highway, Jupiter hasn’t got much muscle flex around here. Pluto is also bunking in there in all his dark cave like qualities. Add to this the aspects to Mars in Aries, and Jupiter direct kind of just means he has to deal with the implications of connecting his gloomy flatmates, and volatile neighbours. Jupiter in Capricorn is hardly the barrel of laughs that Jupiter is known for or enjoys. In 2020 this has been taken to the extreme thanks to the hostility that surrounds poor Jupiter.
Jupiter direct however does mean, that it is moving in the right direction, the direction of getting the hell out of there. Jupiter is now making its way towards his 3rd conjunction with Pluto. The previous 2 conjunctions were April 4, June 30, and the third hit will be 12 November 2020.
Jupiter Pluto is a combination that can have many manifestations, depending on the sign it is occurring in. In Capricorn we can see it via the huge Covid-19 bailouts, which seemed to have helped corporations / business more than the general population. The money thrown around by global governments is Jupiter size huge, but is it going to the people who need it most? In Melbourne the first 2 conjunctions timed pretty well closely to the establishment and re-implement of state lockdowns (remembering Jupiter Pluto are in conjunction for a week either side of these dates). The third hit will be just after the US Presidential election. Jupiter in Capricorn is just amplifying and expanding Capricorn significations such as Government, Control and things that Jupiter doesn’t enjoy.
So, will Jupiter be turning direct do much? Not really, especially since his retrograde cycle is very well established as a part of his cycle. I wouldn’t put too much weight on the direct motion. This is a Jupiter whose hands are bound and is basically out of action until he leaves Capricorn. Post this third date night with Pluto, he makes his way to chase down Saturn. That is its own epic story … that will soon be told. xx
Today’s Full Moon at 10 ° Pisces a lovely distraction from the ongoing Cardinal Crush, of which Venus has now been drawn into thanks to her current square and opposition to Mars and Saturn. The Full Moon helps us as it is off axis and away from the constant difficulties that occur when Luna or any of the other planets traverses any of the cardinal signs of Libra, Capricorn, Cancer, and Aries.
The Moon’s function at the Full Moon is to reflect and embody what is reflected to her, when she is full Luna is at her greatest capacity to reflect and draw down on what she is receiving. Since Venus and Jupiter are now caught up with the rough baggage involved with Mars and Saturn, its this Full Moon in Pisces that gives us the greatest ability to find comfort and nourishment amongst all the tension that surrounds us. Venus who is usually looked to for additional support, is feeling the pinch in her current position, meaning emotions may run high or become unblocked with the Full Moon, helping any pent up or difficult feelings.
The Full Moon also makes a gentle sextile to Uranus who retrograding at 10° of Taurus and is also a sign that the Moon finds its exaltation. This gentle sextile to a planet which is known for its innovations, break-thoughts and rebellious qualities gives opportunity for the Moon to present a surprising break-through with regards to food or emotional self-care. Sextiles are aspects that give a nice little opportunity without breakdown the doors of realisation like the current Venus Saturn Mars aspects. Uranus being retrograde also indicates these innovations may come through reflection or re-assements around emotions, wellbeing, food and body health and awareness, giving a nice undercurrent to the harsher cycles which are also currently at play.
Once the Full Moon has been completed and Luna wanders through the rest of Pisces it is there, she meets up with Neptune at 19° Pisces who is opposite the winged messenger Mercury or Hermes at 23° Virgo. Mercury and Neptune opposing is amazing for creative communications, communication through dreams or other forms of communication with or through the ethers.
All this is offering a much-needed reprieve and opportunity to distract from the other affairs that are dominating the current skyscapes. The Full Moon is an opportunity for reprieve, gentle insights with the potential for great emotional release to help cleanse and clear any emotional baggage which we have slowly been collecting or building up through 2020.
Mars is just 13 days away from its retrograde in Aries and is currently just 2° away from the point it retrogrades at. Meaning, Mars a fast-moving planet whose purpose is to move, energize, activate, inflame and assert its will; is basically standing still in the sky unable to enact any of his normal traits or activities. Moving only 2° in 13 days takes away the ability for Mars to do any of its normal significations, which essentially creates frustration, stagnation and pent up energy beginning to build, and build and build, until the Mars retrogradation on September 11 (AEST).
Interestingly at the time of the Mars retrogradation the Moon will be a waning in Gemini conjunct the north node, and in a tight sextile aspect, giving the beginning of this retrograde a more inflated and fiery quality thanks to the North Node, and the waning cycle of releasing of an air sign moon and its emotions. If there was a match, to strike Mars and the jacked up moreish quality of the north node (rahu) this could well be a potential hotspot, or a cautious date to keep an eye on (September 11th).
Saturn has been and will continue to square Mars. A difficult or challenging aspect in Astrology, a square aspect adds friction to the relationship between two planets, whose general natures are opposing. Both Mars and Saturn are in rulership – meaning they are equally as strong and matched in the fight. Mars moving into a retrograde cycle, makes mars more volatile and un-predictive.
Mars is basically unable to express itself and goes rogue, whilst Saturn is operating as normal, and is all about asserting consequence, restriction, government power structures and control. The Mars Saturn square has been “on” since the 18th of August and begins to cool off at the beginning of October. Returning again in early 2021.
Saturn is the stern parent, and Mars the hyperactive child however this is a Mars whose energy has been so pent up that it’s become unpredictable and is ready to set a light all that is frustrating it. Resistance to Saturn will be strong, however Saturn is all about the long game, and looks to have the upper hand in this scenario. This is the dynamic that is playing out over the next couple of months, so stay tuned in and be on the look-out ! The next couple of months is a bit of roller coaster of a ride. 2020, the year that keeps giving ! Interestingly enough, this all begins to take shape, just as Melbourne is meant to come out of Stage 4 lockdown.
Be mindful of overdoing it or underdoing things, the frustration or burn out from either are unpredictable and real, so is being accountable for it
Understand this is the energy we are operating in, expect aggressions or over handed control mechanisms to be more obvious in your life along with the jostle between the two. Your role is to look after yourself within the bigger pushes and pulls or activations.
Know that this time will pass, but if something pops up don’t brush it aside. Attend to it. Ignoring it for later, isn’t a solution when you’re dealing with such frictive energies.
Being overly aggressive or hostile yourself won’t help; it just draws you into something that will become larger than you initially anticipated.
📸Isabelle Hubbert as Madame Bovary By Claude Chabrol
Deep in darkness, restriction and burdens weigh heavy. Hours after the New Moon in Cancer, its effects are heightened with the Sun’s opposition to Saturn. The Sun’s light revealing the cracks, as it pours light from an opposing angle, allowing a new view of what has been bound together and constructed.
This occurring deep in the darkness of the ‘new’ moon, IS hard. Waiting for the moons first crescent of light to hatch, is uncomfortable. When this light is shed La Luna is finally able to help, lessen the intensity of feeling and emotion. Until then, this is where we will be.
The cracks and stress fractures are currently well-lit and obvious. The Sun opposite Saturn makes any weakness apparent, any regrets glaringly obvious. We will be sitting with this, waiting and wandering, lamenting as we gather ourselves for the Sun to progress into Leo on July 23rd.
When the Sun enters Leo, we are welcomed with its warmth and more inspired to play in its light. It is at this time that the first of the moon’s new light begins to shine down upon us. Allowing us to move forward with the insights gleaned over this challenging dark moon cycle. Until then we sit and a wait, processing as we anticipate the return of the King, and the Sun’s entry into Leo.
Mercury has started it’s 2nd of 3 retrogrades in Water signs for 2020. Mercury is currently stationary in the sky, about to move backwards, joining its neighbour Venus, in its state of retrogradation. Mercury joining Venus in its position of reflection, reassessment, and redoing is a double dose of inner cosmic hijinks, weighted towards the personal recalibration rather than pushing forwards with big chess moves or big goals.
Why? because the planets of bringing things together, and of communication, travel and merchants / trade are not operating in their usual manner and have been delayed or impeded from being able to deliver the goods! Your message may not get through, or worse still, it might get through and not have the desired effect, due to misunderstanding or mis – interpretation.
Mercury is a fast-moving planet, so stopping and moving backwards; delay’s and slows down what it is trying to achieve. In a Cardinal Water Sign, Mercury’s focus is on trying to achieve or deliver something that is Initiatory, and of emotional or harbouring something of great weight. Not sure about that? We only need to look at a Newspaper or Social Media to see where these Cancerian issues of Emotions, Family and Ancestors may lay
This Mercury Rx, in-synch with the tail end of the Venus Rx in Gemini (which is a Mercury ruled Venus), along with Mars moving into a strong position for 7 months as opposed to its usual 6 weeks in Aries: just as Saturn is about to moves back into Capricorn, along with a Solar Eclipse in Cancer ON the Solstice.
Mercury’s rx, offers a good opportunity to take stock and think over, how our past and future meet, and how we can begin to move forwards from the places and positions that we currently stand. The Initiatory strength of Cardinal Water, means the Mercury Retrograde, is a good opportunity to sit and think about what and how our Homes, Families and Ancestors really sit and mean to us, as well as begin to digest our personal and collective histories.
22 March 2020 at 1500 AEST, Saturn ingresses into Aquarius, for the first time since early 1994, beginning a new Saturn Cycle. March 22ndoffers us a 3-month introduction, before it goes back into Capricorn, before the final ingress into Aquarius in Dec 2020, where it will stay for 3 years.
Historically Saturn in Aquarius seems to bring large technological changes and brings marginalized groups strongly into focus and frame. 22 March – 2nd July 2020 will give an insight into where the challenge is to evolve over the next 3.5 years. Remembering, that Saturn is the traditional ruler of Aquarius. Saturn’s traditional rulership makes it strong in Aquarius, helping it carry through or alter any work established in Capricorn. But extending it via the Aquarius lens. Saturn gives these two signs a commonality, it is how they express it which leads to their difference.
The last time Saturn was in Aquarius, we saw the deconstruction of the USSR (26 December 1991 at 2 degrees of Aquarius) . Allowing independent states, who were always ethnically and culturally different, gain independence from the Communist banner of the USSR. Also, a thing called “The Worldwide Web” aka The Internet was for the first time, introduced to the public for mass consumption. Yes, the Internet is having its Saturn return. With so much going on right now in the world, seeing Saturn shift from a heavy and more private / Yin earth sign into a masculine and detached Air sign, may offer some small relief. Having the elemental shift from a loaded Earth sign to Air, breathes life and ideas into an atmosphere, which has been so heavily dominated by earth for the past 2 years. Positive for our Air folk. (Libra, Aquarius and Gemini). Innovation is also very much an Aquarius theme. Saturn’s ingress into Air, frees up some of the rigid obstacles and challenged we currently face.
With regards to the current situation in Australia at least. I wouldn’t be surprised at its ingress, if the Australian Government, closes down the state boarders and air travel to help contain the movement of Covit 19. Governments restricting the movements of its people, to help protect the safety of our broader community. Saturn (restriction and government law) Aquarius (the community and groups.) We have already seen and will most likely see more financial protections for people who are financially marginalized/exposed in the community, by this pandemic. This protection may expand to groups who have been previously exclude, due to the threats being so serious, and unprecedented.
Saturn in Aquarius tomorrow, it may see some revolutionary and new inventive strategies to help stem this building Covit 19 pandemic. Only time will tell, with regards to what and how Saturn in Aquarius will present, but boy what a time to come to the party.
Lunar Eclipse: 17 July in Capricorn 07:38 AEST @ 24°
Mars in Cancer: 17 May – 2nd July (Challenging aspects from 11 June onwards)
Mercury Retrograde: 8th of July (S RX)– 1st of August (Station Direct) 16 August (out of the retrograde degree.)
The Solstice annually marks the beginnings of the Sun’s movements through The Cancer & Capricorn Axis points. Cancer and Capricorn are signs that mark the greatest imbalance of Light and Dark, no matter what sphere you live in. Reflecting the extremes of the light and dark in the physical world as we know it.
Since the ingress of the Moon’s Nodes, the Eclipse points, or Rahu & Ketu into the signs of Cancer and Capricorn (Nov 2018 – July 2020) this axis point has become a more sensitive and accelerated area for growth, and modification. These are points of change and create a deep push pull effect, working through deep and sensitive plot points of one’s life. The Eclipses of 2019 take place in Capricorn and Cancer. Meaning if you have any planets in Cardinal Signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn – you will be more directly affected. Planets in Capricorn or Cancer are directly being moulded, modified or purified. Planets in Libra and Aries are being affected by reverbs of these Cancer and Capricorn symphonic clashes.
Capricorn currently has a longer, slower, deeper and at times invisible story unfolding, with the 15-year transit of Pluto through it sign, creating situations and experience of deep modification to the areas of life, that Capricorn planets or points the sign rules over, in one’s birth chart. Pluto transit’s in duration are the longest and slowest of the Zodiac, as well as being the deepest and at times confronting and arduous. Any planets or points that Pluto hit, are hijacked for plutonic redress.
Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn is halfway through its transit of its home sign, making Saturn especially dignified and strong in its current restructuring and Strength testing, of all that sits in the Capricorn realm. Since December 2017 this has been working in direct connection with Pluto in Capricorn, by first sign and then aspect. It is creeping closer to conjunction in January 2020. Saturn is challenging the strength of ideas and concepts that are being build or trying to come to fruition, through day by day labouring. Pluto and Saturn are industrial purging and structural change agents. Since November 2018, Pluto and Saturn have had Ketu or the South Node join the industrial party. Pluto and Saturn are currently working towards a conjunction in 2020, in Capricorn. The last time this occurred was 1982, at the height of the Cold War, and the rise of Neo Liberalism in Western Government Policy. Saturn Pluto is seen as drastic times of economic change and conflict. More on this cycle in another post.
Ketu or the dragon’s tail is a purging and detoxifying energy. Ketu is pushing for release of things that are not essential or spiritually aligned to the planets or areas of life, its transiting. Ketu is directly affecting the Capricorn, area and placements. Ketu is joining and working with Pluto / Saturn and is creating an intensified experience. The Pluto Saturn and Ketu transits are catalyst of change pushing you to purify the grounds and environments your seeking to master or conquer.
Capricorn experiences are anything that is slow, and an area of life which reaches maturation over a long period of time. Capricorn energy is about things that you believe are solid, and sure footed. This solidity allows for feeding of, and creation of gains and overall reward after sacrifice and hard work. But what Pluto and Ketu are doing is adding 2 almost invisible layers of disruption, testing, to see if these structures are truly aligned with you and your forward momentum to the top of the proverbial mountain. Why climb to the top of a dormant or landslide prone mountain? The current planetary transits are testing this sure footedness. This energy will begin to separate by late October, once Ketu clears from its separation from Saturn.
In the Cancer corner, Cancer the only Cardinal Sign in Water. It is emotional source energy, protected and hidden way by a Crab shell, a tough front, water is hidden away behind strong barriers. Cancer is the opposite sign of Capricorn. Cancer energy is strong, intuitive, protective, nurturing and sweetness fortified by a protective armour. Once it allows you into the sphere, this is when Cancer energy can really be worked with and enjoyed. Cancer like Capricorn is hard yin. Where you have Cancer in your chart, is where, what you most treasure is tucked away, protected from the storms, protecting the source of emotion and intuition. Cancer energy is like a precious spring well, an individual keep hidden away, until trust has been gained, to share the source.
Cancer, has been experiencing Saturn and Pluto from its opposite sign, challenging this protective method. Meaning any planets or areas of life that are in the sign of Cancer have had this constant stress, purification, change, strength testing around its Source energy, for a few years now. The 2020 conjunction will directly affect Cancer planets and points. Putting real pressure on keeping its Water Wells, clean and protected, in the face of constant challenge from its opposing sign Capricorn.
Rahu or The North Node has been transiting Cancer since November 2018. Rahu, like Ketu, they are direct opposites, they operate together, by moving together as constant opposites. Rahu brings a new dynamic to the Cancer Sphere. Where Ketu detox’s or purges, Rahu devours and is hungry, and constantly consumes, like hungry ghost energy. Eclipses were thought to be an animal devouring the Sun, Rahu energy, is the devourer of the Sun and Moon. Rahu has an endless hunger and consumption, without proper ability to digest, or nurture being the bi-product of this endless consumption. Rahu can push you into areas or can provide opportunities to change and evolve, however, Ketu must also be brought into the equation. As they balance each other. Like a good food diet – the Nodes are constantly balancing consumption and processing. Managing their push pull is complex is part of the astrological process of June and July. Rahu and Ketu don’t necessary do this on their own naturally. It is through awareness, that mastery of the Rahu and Ketu can begin.
This June and July, we see Mars and Mercury transit Cancer, acting as triggers and accelerating by applying fast acting pressure to these longer-term transits highlighted above. This is creating the volatile environment of June and July. Mars & Mercury will be putting lots of pressure on to the deeper and darkest corners. June and July have great potential to create tension, explosions or confrontation. There will be challenges and questions about the roads we are currently on, especially around, Status, Family, Ancestry, Rooting, Home and Building for the Future.
Mars is in its Fall in Cancer, Mars and Cancer are not comfortable bed fellows. Mars is fast, aggressive, reactionary, Yang Fire. Cancer is slower, more cautious, protective, Yin Water. Mars entered Cancer on May 17th, but by June 11th we see Mars begin to activate Saturn, Pluto and The Nodes, by opposition and conjunction. Mars is setting the frame work for a very active Solstice period. Mars is very much the aggressor of this situation. Being in its sign of its fall, it doesn’t operate as it should. Mars in Cancer can see explosions of pent up and emotional anger or aggression. Rahu and Ketu can add, a deeper level of repressed emotional trauma or ancestral trauma. Saturn and Pluto – also speak to this concept of clearing out deep emotional trauma leading the way to better foundations or reconciliation.
Mars transiting Cancer,sees a match stick being raised and set. Not allowing Mars to burn off the deadwood, in a wet environment, is where trouble could be caused. This contrary situation (Water and Fire) means Mars WILL find other outlets to do its job, if the steam isn’t let off. The outcome might become more explosive than needed or required. So, if things do heat up, don’t smother them, the aim is to control the fire (like a planned burn off) rather than avoiding the fire, because you wanted to hold on to the dead wood. Mars is tricky this month, work with it.
Mercury will come to play as it enters Cancer on June 5th, Mercury is naturally fast and is a problem solver whose speed and rational brings intellectual smarts to the table. However, Mercury begins to slow down in June and turns Retrograde July 8th, beginning its retrograde cycle in Leo/Cancer. This Mercury retrograde, timed perfectly after Mars’ transit of Cancer, activating all the sticky points of the chart, really speaks to the 3-fold effect which is building around this time frame and the purging and re-visioning of our Capricorn / Cancer axis of our lives. Mercury Retrograde is here to focus down on and deeply integrate the fireworks or steam lead off during the Mars transit in Cancer.
Mercury’s Retrograde adds to this entanglement by slowing down, and stalling where smart ideas or quick intellect would usually over ride to alter a situation. Where Mercury would deliver inspired thought or problem solving, this retrograde will add extra pressure to an already pressurize astrological frame work. Events as they unfold will have the longer-term benefit of the Mercurial trickster, moving over these points for a 3-fold breakdown or chapter developments. But the overall feel of this will be of slow and arduous, for limited immediate resolve, in June & July.
Finally, the 3rd and final act in this triple whammy of faster transitory triggers is the actual Eclipses of the Cancer / Capricorn axis. Eclipses are formed when the Nodal access points (Rahu and Ketu), intercept the orbits of the Sun, Moon and Earth. Creating Eclipses. Eclipses are times of quickening and are turbo charged Full and New Moon Lunations. Eclipse energy is tricky and it’s not a great time for any form of divination, let alone clarity. The Sun and Moon are blocked, unseen forces are at play, Eclipse times are times for rest and letting things play out.
July 2019 has 2 Eclipses, a Solar & Lunar Eclipse. These will be occurring at the New Moon in Cancer & Full Moon in Capricorn. The effects of these eclipses can last until the next non eclipsed lunation or until the next eclipse in this axis series. IF you have any planets in Capricorn or Cancer, aspecting these Eclipses, these Planets will feel the effect more strongly in your chart than if you don’t, have any planets in aspect. Generally, Eclipses are just strange times, and general caution should be applied.
Overall, there is ALOT going on over the next 2 months, with much of it feeding into the larger 2020 astrological story. Eclipse wise June and July will hark back to December 2018 / January 2019. The next 2 months will have a more notable strength to it with the Mars transit of Cancer and the Mercury Retrograde that begins to unfold in July.
The overwhelming story of these transits is to be gentle and commit to processing or going with whatever pops up. Repressing it, fighting it, ignoring it or not confronting it will be hugely problematic under the above astrology, and inflammation likely, due to the Mars in Cancer element. Being active rather than reactive or defensive is a good way of dealing with such conflicting energy. It may feel like it is dragging on, or not developing, but the good news is come August / September, things will be in a much better shape and there will be a much stronger platform to launch from. Just don’t let Mars in Cancer make you, come up a cropper! and be careful of the webs you weave during June & July.
Real generosity towards the future lies in the giving all to the present
– Albert Camus
From the 17th of March until the 16th of May; Mars our personal Spartan warrior enters Capricorn. Mars loves Capricorn (aside from its ruler Aries) and Capricorn loves the lower octave vibe Mars gives of its ruler – Saturn. Happy Days ! but beneath the surface, is a complex astrological climate which has taken years to culminate. Creating the perfect environment for these soon to be written warrior stories.
In this spin of the planetary wheel, deeper activations and accelerates are afoot as players conspire together to create a real pressure cooker of energies. This is designed to forge the metal and mould the resolve. This energetic connectivity is trying to inspire or challenge us to be the greatest version we can be, especially if you have planets in Capricorn, Cancer, Aries or Libra, Virgo or Taurus.
Mars in Capricorn is the flame that starts in motion some of the most unavoidable yet opportune times to forge in flames things that you were too scared to bring into power. 1. Your own self power, recognition and dharma, being the higher octave of this transit. 2. Karma, consequence, hostility and aggression, if your on the wrong side of this correcting energy.
Mars will happily march its passion, fire, fury, motivation, action, swift movement and aggressive desire for dominance, through Capricorn during March to May. Whilst doing so Mars conjoins, Saturn (a high octave of this Mars energy, creating an element of resolve and or consequence) & Pluto (not technically the same as Mars and Saturn), but by temperament, the God of the Underworld has no issue with deprivation, war mongering or pressure cookers ! Its how Pluto rules its domain. So imagine, how its going to react when Mars brings its flame to ignite or highlight it. High Speed Evolution, or Deep Shadows being the 2 obvious ways it could be brought to the light, in the sign of Public Status and Profile, Career, Governance and Structures.
May 16th sees Mars move in to Aquarius (who is also traditionally ruled by Saturn). Whilst at the same time Uranus, Aquarius modern ruler, shifts into Taurus within hours of Mars’s ingress.
Uranus going into Taurus is a 7 year cyclic shift, returning to Taurus after 84 years. As Mars arrives into Aquarius (an Air sign) , there is an opportunity to have some fresh air, some processing time, and detachment from all the intense, exhaustive energy that was used during April and May. Whatever Mars russles up over April and May will be sign posting a whole new era. Uranus’s entry in to Taurus within 24 hours does creates a surprise element to this story. It adds more heat and pace to our Mars stories. Uranus generally arrives into a sign with a bang ! Or an earthquake, like the Fukushima earthquake, which occurred the day Uranus entered Aries in 2011. This is a day to watch ! This Astrology is potent !!
26/27 of June once Mars gets to 9 degrees of Aquarius, Mars will begin its once every 18 month retrograde. Mars retrograde’s LEAST in Aquarius, and its the first Mars Retrograde in Aquarius since the early 1970s.
Mars Retrograde’s have a purpose ! they are opportune times to rest, integrate, assessing how to move forward with the discoveries of April to May, giving space to do this on an intellectual level, due to Aquarius being detached air.
However, people do become more flustered, aggressive and hostile during Mars retrograde. They can’t release the active drive and energy Mars creates, which can be frustrating. It also slows down all the evolutionary leaps and bounds, or commitments to the potentials that are discovered in April – May. Mars Retrograde will feel 2 steps for and 3 steps back.
After a Lunar Eclipse conjunct this retrograde Mars on July 28th, which is a story within itself, this never-ending barrage of planetary aspects to the transiting Warrior Mars, begins to resolve its self as it stops its retrograde by turning direct at 28 degrees of Capricorn. The exact degree that Mars is most strongest in the entire zodiac.
Once Mars stations direct on its degree of its exultation, 27th of August, we finally get to move forward with all the changes and fruits that were on offer from the beginning of the Mars Cycle, when it entering Capricorn on March 17. By October 11th Mars would have cleared its retrograde aspect of Aquarius and we are out of the retrograde cycle for another 18 Months.
There is ALLOT going on across this Mars transit of Capricorn and the Mars Retrograde.
But the key things to know are :
Watch aggression, it may be coming at you, you might be giving off that vibe, watch it – it’s a side effect of this transit. Don’t let it control you, or put you off your game !
Don’t be fearful ! THINGS HAPPEN FOR YOU ! NOT TO YOU !
Mars is a Warrior, Fire, Swift, Movement, Fast Paced, Passionate, Masculine, Competitive, Aggressive, Personal or Public Conflict. These things might be trigger points. IT WILL PASS – This process is designed to make you do these things better !! It’s a short cut to progression.
Mars Retrograde in Aquarius, could mean a build up of mental energy, or being in your head to much. Doing physical things, engaging with the environment, gardening etc would be a good way of releasing this mental tension.
Don’t start a fight or legal proceedings during this time if you can help it, you may have miss evaluated the playing field. If you have to do legal proceedings, check EVERYTHING.
Dates: Potent trigger times.
Mars in Capricorn : 17/18 March – 16 May 2018
Mars conjunct Saturn : 29 March – 8th April 2018
Mars conjunct Pluto: 22 April – 3 May 2018
Mars enters Aquarius / Uranus enters Taurus : 16 May 2018
Mars Retrograde in Aquarius : 26 / 27 June – 27th of August 2018
Lunar Eclipse conjunct Mars Retrograde: 28th July 2018
Mars Station Directs at the Degree of its exultation 28 degrees Capricorn: 27th August 2018.
Out of the Mars Retrograde Shadow @ 10 degrees Aquarius. : 11 / 12 October 2018
2018 is a year which sets the tone and introduces a new 3 and 8 year cycle, taking a markedly different approach and vibe to the previous 2 years. As we enter 2018, Saturn has just entered Capricorn for a 3 year stay creating a steady backbone to the hard work, volatility, inwards reflections and disruptions that will begin to reveal themselves in 2018.
The unlikely duo of Taurus and Uranus will finally meet up again after 84 years. They will beginning to reveal how they might tango, this time around; set against a back drop of overlapping planetary retrogrades. This is a much slower and more self-reflective changing of pace.
The past 2 years have had a distinctive Fire flavour to them, creating dynamic change and disruption in signs that feed off such change. Yang energy is now turning inwards in 2018, turning it into a Yin year, doubly reflected with 2018 also being an Earth Dog Chinese Year.
2018 is a year where the major outer planets all move from Fire into Earth signs. Stabilising Saturn into Capricorn and Disruptive Uranus in to Taurus. Like the Australian Bush, for 10s of thousands of years in some would say; in a reliable yet unpredictable way, it regenerated and re-germinates through fire activating the seeds and plants. We now astrologically enter a phase, for these burnt seeds to germinate after being activated over the past 2 fire years. Its time for the earth to swallow them allowing them to grow.
2018 these seeds now take root, nourished by the earth, but like anything that is born out of fire, the path may not always be straight forward. Earth can smother and it can restrict, but it can also keep seeds secure and grounded as these seeds try to take root over the next 3 years. As these freshly earthed seeds begin to take form its time to ask yourself; What is it that you would like to seed and grow over the next 3 years ? What seeds have the past 2 years of fire cracked open ?
When Jupiter moves from Scorpio (water) into Sagittarius (fire) in November 2018, we get that little fire, warming the earth, helping the germination, as Jupiter enters the sign of its rulership for 2019, helping to us to get to the next phase. The sands are shifting and its a great time to work with these shifts. 2018 is the beginning of a major paradigm shift. Both at a macro and micro level. Personal Plans or developments are a 3 year investment, minimum; as we build to 2020. These goals and desires are supported. This is why the energy is coming together now, to be worked with and moulded like clay, or seeded.
Below are the main transits of the year and what they foreshadow for the year ahead, they are to be worked with and kneaded and nurtured. Over time, the scale to which you can build becoming limitless. The only catch, is you gotta turn pro and do the work !
2018 – The Major Transits
Saturn in Capricorn
(All of 2018)
Saturn entered Capricorn in December 2017, Capricorn is Saturn’s ruler and its a 27 year cycle which sees the karmic master coming home. Its coming home to rework the Capricorn area of your birth chart, making it a stronger platform for your personal growth and development. Saturn works by destroying things that aren’t working to create strong structures for you to build from. Saturn is slow and steady and this will be most reliable aspect of 2018. Saturn will give you gravity to withstand any changes, it rewards hard work over longer periods of time.
2018 is the 1st year / phase of a 3 year cycle. Saturn slows things down so don’t be making plans to harvest anything seeded this year until at least 2020. Saturn dares you to think big and think long-term. There is no short-term vision with Saturn in Capricorn, it is teaching us to do the work, do it properly and give credit where credit is due. It’s a pretty straightforward and simple energy, but its slow and restrictive which not everyone likes the flavour of. Things take time.
Saturn in Capricorn is the secure and safe earth that protects the seeds for the future. This is the back bone of the year, don’t fight it, there is too much going on that signifies that Saturn in Capricorn has got this for you. Unfortunately there is no way around. The only way is through, and there in lies the catch.
The Malefics
(March – May & August – September)
The Malefics in Astrology are the planets dubbed unlucky or those bringing mis-fortune. Thankfully Astrology has progressed a lot since this term was thrown around, however, it is interesting to note that Mars, Saturn & Pluto (all planets associated with mis-fortune and hostility) are all in Capricorn for most of 2018, due to the Mars retrograde. Capricorn is the sign that Mars & Saturn are exulted/enhanced or super charged by being in. Capricorn makes these planets empowered, you will be asked to use it !
This doesn’t mean you are going to have a bad year and have mis-fortune fall upon you. What it does mean is that there maybe areas of stress around you or some form of anxiety; if you don’t answer there call to empower yourself, or work hard with any problem solving at hand. There maybe pressure or external forces making things feel harder than what they should be. This isn’t a sign of defeat or failure, this is a call to rise up and meet the challenge head on ! It’s a call to climb above when any issues or tensions arise.
Mars is the giver of Fire & Power, Saturn is the planet of Responsibility & Accountability, Pluto is the planet of transformation & regeneration . These planets will be keying off each other on and off for a lot of 2018. So don’t blow it off, don’t feel defeated because you wanted an easy ride, step up and take the challenge, if you do, you will be rewarded. Where you have Capricorn in your birth chart is where these planets will be effecting you personal life.
Don’t by into others hostility, aggression or any form of negative connection if it transpires. Take the higher road and keep plugging away up that mountain. Never stoop to conquer, no matter how much you might be called to. It will be a challenge to handle this energy with grace, but Capricorn does bring grace to these planets. Just check that you aren’t keying off others who are re-acting rather than working with the energy at hand. Always ask, what am I reacting to ? Where is this hostility coming from ?, acknowledge it and move on, don’t take the bait if it’s coming from muddles or external forces.
17 March – 16 May 2018 is when Mars, Saturn & Pluto all be in Capricorn together, with April being where most of the heat lies, with Mars conjuncting Saturn, then Pluto.
August – September Mars will return to Capricorn due to its Retrograde. August and September might bring back to finally complete or finally reconcile any issues from March – May. Once Mars clears its retrograde from 15th October onwards the dust will begin to settle and the Spartan warrior will be back on track and become high functioning again.
Uranus in Taurus
(15th May – 7th November 2018, then back for 8 years in 2019)
Uranus the planet of Surprise, Innovation, Rebellion, Shock and Change will be entering Taurus a fixed earth sign in May. Returning after 84 years, Uranus enters Taurus from 15th May – November 2018, giving us a taste of what its 8 year transit is going to look like.
Taurus is very slow and predictable, it isn’t one for change and is very happy with its comforts. Uranus coming to the party for 8 years will see Taurus having to negotiate and reconcile how it deals with and works with change, especially when its uninvited.
Uranus will be looking to shake up, revolutionise and change things that are Taurean. Money, Currency, Commodities, Food, The Body, are all areas looking to be revolutionised. The last time Uranus was in Taurus (1934 – 1942), the Great Depression occurred as well as the outbreak of WW2, to give an indication of its potency.
2018 will give us an insight into what Uranus in Taurus may create as a global change agent. It will retrograde back into Aries end of 2018, before settling back into Taurus in 2019. Globally things such as crypto or alternative currencies, changes in commodities and values, lab grown meats, alternative foods becoming more mainstream, 3D printing, alternative food sources, break through in food production and how we nourish our bodies would be the logical areas to be looking at with Uranus in Taurus.
Looking at which House Taurus sits in your birth chart is a great way to look at how it might affect you personally. If you have your Sun or Moon in Taurus, expect the unexpected and be ready to have unexpected changes to areas that you have become too comfortable in being in. Exactly the type of thing that will displease a Taurus the most. Keeping in mind the more you try to hold on to a stagnant area of your life, the harder the transition will be. Uranus, does have its rewards, it innovates to make life better and more streamlined. Taurus’s challenge will be to not be stubborn about it, learning to go with the unexpected flow.
Mercury Retrogrades
(Dates Below)
This year, sees all Mercury Retrograde in Fire Signs. 2017 saw the Retrogrades in Fire Signs but spilling back over into its neighbouring sign. 2018, will see Mercury retrograde all contained within the fire sign (with the Sagittarius retro being the only exception) . These are the only major transits of Fire signs, until November 2018.
Interestingly the retrogrades do also spill over into other key transits making them a potent player in the introduction of other transits. They are crossing paths with other planets trying to work there magic.
Mercury Retrogrades during these other planetary shifts might make the experience more internal, creating a more heightened and personal commentary during these key moments of energetic shifts of 2018. Its less happening around you, more happening with in you. These Mercury retrogrades are trying to advance your story, with passionate inner dialogue. This is powerful self talk.
March 23rd – April 15th : Mercury Retrograde in Aries (connects in with Mars in Capricorn April 5th – Personal power)
July 26th – August 19th : Mercury Retrograde in Leo (connects in with a total lunar eclipse in Aquarius conjunct Mars & the South Node – personal talents & personal power, the need to be brave)
November 17th – December 7th : Mercury Retro in Sagittarius (connects in with Venus Retrograde & Jupiter’s ingress into Sagittarius by conjunction on 28th of November – where you want to expand & where you meet Luck & Opportunity)
Mars Retrograde
26th June – 27th August 2018 in Aquarius & Capricorn
Mars retrogrades every 2 years, and Mars retrogrades, like all retrogrades offer opportunities to pause and turn inwards. As Mars is to do with personal power, movement and traction, Mars Retrogrades can be very frustrating times. There can be a real feeling that momentum is lost and that there is a loss of traction or movement. This leads to frustration and a need to vent, which is a potential pit fall of Mars Retrogrades. Once again like Saturn’s transit, patience is required. This is not a time to push forward, or be the aggressor in a situation.
Mars will be retrograde in Aquarius and Capricorn. Mars Retrograde will also be next to the Full Moon Eclipse in Aquarius on July 28th. Having a Mars Retrograde next to a Lunar Eclipse and the South Node, signals deep changes to do with personal power, emotional cleansing and the use of your natural talents, talents that don’t necessarily progress you in the way they currently function (South Node). This is heavy reworking of internal structures. It’s the opportunity to do some sacred personal shapeshifting. The results won’t reveal themselves immediately. Patience is once again the key. Its part of the 3 year progress.
Mars Retrograde is a personal reworking of your power, strength and how you wield it. It won’t be immediate but its a very powerful reconfiguration. Mars having its systems upgraded will be more noticeable once it goes direct from October 2018, and moving into 2019.
Those who have Mars retrograde natally in their birth chart, this retrograde will see a time of great movement and action. Why ? because it taps into an aspect in their chart that only gets activated every 2 years. Active retrogrades will activate a natal one if people have it in there chart. It unlocks the energy, allowing those who have it in there chart to really push forward. For those who have Mars Retrograde in your birth chart, it is a time to really take flight and be successful forage ahead in things that empower you.
Mars will go direct at 28 degrees Capricorn. The degree where Mars has most power in the sign it favours. Once this Mars retrograde is over, Mars will be ready to pick up and charge forward with great vigour and strength. Mars, post training is a spartan warrior ready to conquer. The next time Mars Retrogrades in Aquarius will be 2050.
Venus Retrograde
(yes this really is the year of the retrograde)
5th October – 16th November 2018 in Scorpio & Libra
Venus Retrograde, like Mars retrograde, is a turning inwards to re-evaluate your ideals around the planetary theme. This time it is your Venusian ideals. Venus retrogrades looks at relationships, relationships with self, with others, your looks and style, as well as physical (purchased) aesthetics.
Venus retrogrades are traditionally bad times to invest in art, or alter your appearance in any way that can’t be changed back. Why ? because your judgement has been skewed, or you will change your mind post retro phase.
It is also a time to not go chasing after relationships that pop back up or re-enter your life (as it is a thing that DOES happen when Venus is Retrograde). Any relationships that do re-enter, tread carefully. Venus retrogrades are closing chapters, re-evalutaing and times of taking stock, its about rebalancing and closure, not powering forward to conquer.
It is a good time to pamper and be kind to yourself, prioritising your feelings and looking at what is important for you when it comes to relationships with others as well as yourself. Its all playing into this Saturnian idea of consolidating for the future.
Its good to look at past retrogrades in particular for Venus retrogrades as they repeat every 8 years in the same signs. This retrograde cycle is a evolving or a continuation of themes from previous cycles. Its also good to look at how your relationships with self and others has progressed since this time, are you happy with it ? What themes during the previous transits do you think are relevant to you from that time to now ?
October – November 2010
October – November 2002
Late 1994
Jupiter in Sagittarius
9th November 2018 for 1 year
Closing the year off, feeling like things have been nothing but hard work and no fun, Jupiter the great Benific, a king of the gods, enters the sign of its rulership, Sagittarius for a year.
After spending most of 2018 in the watery depths of Scorpio, Jupiter will spend most of the year dealing with expansion of things we like to keep under the surface. Scorpio is all about under/otherworldly expressions of the human experience. Jupiter in Scorpio adds to this serious, slow moving and earth / water tone which once again encourages hardwork and patience. This restrictive and muddy current will shift once Jupiter returns home to Sagittarius in November 2018.
Jupiter loves to be the optimist, expand and inflate ideas and situations, which is the completely opposite energy to what Saturn in Capricorn & Jupiter in Scorpio can feel like. So as 2018 closes we have 3 major planets in there signs of rulership (Jupiter in Sagittarius, Saturn in Capricorn & Neptune in Pisces), this sets a very empowering and more optimistic tone for year 2 of the 3 year plan. Planets in the sign of their rulership mean they work at full capacity, they are supporting you at there highest function; but only if you are supporting yourself at your highest capacity.
Jupiter in Sagittarius will be a beautiful reward for all the sacrifices and hard work. Its a repeat or hark back to 12 years earlier. What was happening in 2006 ?what stroke of luck or magic back then really propelled you forward ? This is the energy that will be coming to into play as we enter 2019.
2018 is our introduction to a new and self determined future, its going to be a slow and measured time. However there can be no greater reward than that of Jupiter the King of the Gods and the great benific coming home in to Sagitarius to really sprout the optimism as we draw to the end of 2018, looking back to see how far we have come.
The Bruja Mix 