Mercury’s ingress into Scorpio sees us moving away from the hostilities of the (Capricorn, Cancer, Aries and Libra axis) and dive into the deep chasm of Scorpio’s fixed water.
Mercury’s time in Scorpio is giving off a strong Hecate vibe, where looking deep into the stagnate waters gives opportunity to claim authority, authorship and divinity through these underworld waterscapes.
Scorpio is a private yin fixed water sign and a place Mercury can work well. Mercury enjoys the sharp focus and dedication that Scorpio offers. However, the strong emotional ambiance of Scorpio can detract from the clarity of information that Mercury is seeking. Being mindful of the nature AND intent of these obsessive and fixations, is one important proviso for this transit.
Mars, rules Scorpio and is extremely strong right now, giving Mercury’s time in Scorpio a little extra heat and bite. This blurs the line around the separation of emotion from the information and increases the likelihood of strong emotions to flare up, to be engaged with.
Scorpio is a sign that likes to look at things that others refuse to, creating space to hold and engage. It’s not always pleasant going through the muck and sorting through the crap to help unblock the blockages; but it’s something that Mercury in Scorpio excels at!
Mercury has an extended stay in Scorpio thanks to its Retrograde cycle (14 Oct – 4 Nov). We are already in the shadow period. Mercury will also be opposing Uranus. Making this transit, potentially very fruitful with regards to innovating and individualising the area of your chart that Scorpio lords over and reconnecting an emotional intelligence to it.
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 Mars stands stationary in the sky, by tomorrow Mars makes his move to retrieve something that can’t be left behind, retrieve something that must be changed, altered or modified through his intense heat and pressure. Something must be re-sculpted and how this looks will be different and personal for each and every-one of us. The Mars retrograde is finally upon us.
Mars will be hitting on the iron metal, stoking the fires, burning hot and bright in ways we aren’t especially used too. Strong desires and urges to completely change or modify things that are seeded in anger, frustration, fury or tiredness become obvious and in dire need of modification. The focus shifts to making constructive uses for our tools and learning how to master the tools we do have with more vigour, will and strength.
Mastery comes from learning from past mistakes and learning how to hold tools that have the potential for danger or harm, whist modifying and sculpting for constructive uses. Looking at what is really causing harm or damage, strongly underlays this Mars retrograde period, allowing you to use your tools more wisely.
Mars will be going back and reclaiming many things on many levels, but in-particular finishing off what was triggered from mid-February – March. Mars will be squaring and making contact with the things he ignited then when he transited Capricorn, a sign he has a firm footing in, thanks to his exaltation in Capricorn.
Mars retrogrades occur every two years and Mars retrograding in his ruling sign of Aries is especially rare. 1988 and 1941 were the last instances this astrological transit occurred in Aries.
The question now is, what is currently being re-sculpted or sharpened through the fire and fumes? What is having the rust removed from and asking for a full refurbishment? Where do hostilities lay? Where does your anger sit? What Weapons have become blunt? What tools are outdated? Where is a lack of energy or vitality sit within you? What is the source of any and all burn out?
Answers to these questions is where the steam of this Mars Retrograde is coming from and we have from now until November to work on our skills as craftspeople to mould and reshape whilst looking at our relationship with Mars, his dynamics and various manifestations.
For a sign by sign breakdown, look to the Marathon of Bravery link below.
Venus makes her way out of the strong and choppy waters of Cancer on the 7th of September, after having a difficult time fending off both Mars and Saturn on two fronts at the end of her transit in Cancer. Leaving the late degrees of Cancer brings much relief to Venus as she enters a fire sign for the first time since she transited Aries (8th February – 6th March).
Venus whilst not completely comfortable in fire signs, it is perhaps in Leo that she has her best expression of her fire self, thanks to its connection to creativity and performance and its connection to audience and bringing people together. Venus in Leo is never shy about expressing her creativity and being seen, making it the opposite quality of the last 4 weeks with her time in Cancer. Finally, the extroverts have their astrology back!
Venus in Leo is social, she is loud, she is not afraid of getting attention or the spotlight, all activities or social events involving performance, creativity, children or individuation is super supported right now. Not bad timing as we begin to crawl out of our homes post winter and make our way towards the Spring Equinox. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, Venus in Leo pulls together for the last of the Summer flings and soirees making it one to remember and enjoy.
Venus in Leo also further extends the lessons we gained from her retrograde phase in Gemini allowing us to leave the dust and remanence of that time in far in the background; accelerating forwards. This allows greater distance after an almost painstaking integration and realisations. New relationships are forming, under new terms and conditions, allowing greater cohesion and more connections with things and people whose values are more aligned with yours.
Venus is leaning into extrovert extremes in Leo allowing and encouraging all the pleasures ensue! It’s also the perfect time for ANY form of glamourous maintenance or presentation, for Venus in Leo, appearance and putting your best foot forward is EVERYTHING. Venus in Leo sure knows how to attract a crowd and be seen !
Enjoy xx
SIGN BY SIGN : VENUS IN LEO
Aries / Aries Rising
I am fully supported and seen in all forms of creative expression.
Taurus / Taurus Rising
My home is my stage for fearless glamour and luxurious pleasures.
Gemini / Gemini Rising
My schedule and local neighbourhood is a source of joy and creative physical expression.
Cancer / Cancer Rising
Only I command my self-worth and value, and it’s time to be seen.
Leo / Leo Rising
I am the Empress, perfect timing for any and all makeovers, and people noticing my magnetism.
Virgo / Virgo Rising
I show courage and grace as I tend to the internal fires that inspire.
Libra / Libra Rising
My hopes and dreams get a full makeover and I elude glamour at all social engagements.
Scorpio / Scorpio Rising
I am not afraid to stoke the fire of magnetic leadership and being seen for it.
Sagittarius / Sagittarius Rising
I present and engage with all my lesson’s both fearlessly and with magnetism and charm.
Capricorn / Capricorn Rising
I hustle and draw in all the resources I need to make my dreams happen.
Aquarius / Aquarius Rising
I am not afraid to delve into my magnetic quality when I socialize and enjoy the repport and connection.
Pisces / Pisces Rising
My health and wellness is a place of fun and leadership, setting the pace for joy and pleasure to ensue.
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.
Le soleil’s transition into Virgo marks the shift away from heights of summer or the depths of winter as we find ourselves transiting into a mutable yin earth energy. The Sun moves away from the surety and centring offered by the fixed fire of Leo that has warmed us over the past month. We are entering into a space of more critical thinking and discernment, with Virgo’s energy. We now focus on the analysis of potential problems and look to create improvements to things we are pulling apart for better understanding of the various components. The Sun’s focus in Virgo is to assist in getting these balancing acts in order from the ground up, bring attention to a more grounded and methodical approach as we prepare for the point of equal light and day with the September equinox.
Mercury, Virgo’s ruler entered Virgo just days before the Sun, making this particular Virgo season more aligned thanks to Mercury’s strength and empowered capabilities. We have a strong Mercury in its rulership & exaltation in Virgo, able to work to its highest function and capacity. This is allowing us to look at the small details, iron out all the information; to get a clearer idea and understanding of the processes and how to implement changes to them, which is one of Virgo’s strengths as a sign. The Sun and Mercury in Virgo together supports what we are growing and nurturing through strengthen and evaluation in a more clinical and objective way. Helping better shape and grow the things we wish to take with us, from the Sun’s time in Leo.
Virgo energy shows us through small expressions, the large impacts they can have in the larger cycles both physically and energetically. Much like the mental clarity that can be gained by a big spring / autumn clean. Strong and simple baseline work, can create and inspire new environments by creating order and room for things to grow and evolve in. Mutable earth is secure and solid ground, yet it informs us that even things we know are solid must change, evolve, adapt and shift to survive. It is with these small yet vital changes and adaptions that allow us to continue on our path, evolving with the situation rather than being stubborn or fixed in our intent or wills.
Whether it be a shift towards the warming of the earth evident by the buds sprouting with spring, in the southern hemisphere; or the cooling in the air and the reddening of the leaves on the trees in the northern hemisphere the Sun’s time in Virgo is to assist with preparation for change, reflected back at us through our environments. Virgo season offers us the ability to ground down, be attentive, be innovative, be present and be able to engineer with strong support, so our plans are focused with the time and attention they deserve, even within the larger scale distractions occurring globally in 2020.
SUN IN VIRGO THROUGH THE SIGNS
ARIES / ARIES RISING
I adapt and evolve my health and daily routines with genius insights and increased efficiency.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
My creative passions and true loves are given a boost by pulling apart and experimenting with the methods and structures around how I’m creating.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
My home and family are my anchor, cleaning, re-organizing or re-arranging helps shift energy and makes for a more stimulating environment.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
Pulling apart my schedules and making them more efficient helps create more time for the things i love, along with making journeys from a – b, quicker and more stimulating.
LEO / LEO RISING
I put the microscope to my money & spending and see where savings can be made for summer.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
I fine tune my physical health and how I present to the world as I get ready for spring and summer.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
I explore and examine my communication & speed dial connection with my deepest thoughts and feelings after a long winter.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
My communities and networks can support me in helping create and engineer more supportive channels around my hopes, goals and wishes.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
I am the architect and engineer of my career and reputation, I can innovate how this is communicated as well as streamline my environment within these spheres.
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
My philosophies, beliefs and learnings can get great benefit from analysing there base and structure within my life. Do these still hold? Are there new learnings and teachings to integrate?
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
I focus on a cost benefit analysis to all my external forms of money and resources. Are they efficient and tight as they should be? Resources saved here, could offer great benefit in other places.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
I make more time and prioritize my communications so I can understand and support people I am in close and important relationships with.
The New Moon in Leo on August 19th at 12:37pm AEST comes just after Mercury’s conjunction with the Sun seeding two new cycles in Leo energy, within two days. Leo energy is heartfelt, brave, creative, leadership driven, warm and centring. Mercury’s conjunction with the Sun, burns off all the residue from the previous cycle and rejuvenating Mercury who is tired and worn out at the close of its last cycle.
The Sun in Leo bestows on Mercury the gifts of creativity, artistry, leadership, confidence, positivity and an assuredness rivalled by none. From its connection with the fires of the sky, this is a fantastic time for all creative explorations or being able to access the fun of communication, words, arts, truth and meaning. Be brave and be open to exploring new ways of presenting and communication. Don’t shy away from being seen.
This fiery baptism from the Sun begins a new synodic cycle for Mercury, instilling the qualities of a more creative and heart-focused communications and presentations. Initiating communications will feel more honest and centred around your own personal desires, along with the influence of a childlike curiosity to see things through fresh eyes. Don’t shrink to fit in.
The New Moon follows this lead on August 19that 26° degrees of Leo. The Sun and Moon align for their yearly conjunction much like the Mercury cycles these Leo themes are now being applied to the Moon for a 2-week cycle; until she reaches full light at the opposition in Aquarius where these new themes may be challenged, or evolve in some way. The Moon’s embodiment of this energy differs from Mercury, as it’s a more internal process offering nourishment and emotional re-alignment to Leo themes, allowing our re-identification with them.
Leo energy is bold, its brave, its leadership, it’s the spotlight, it’s the gravitational pull, it’s the attraction, it’s the creativity, joy, and child like curiosity and investigation of things. The Leo new moon seeks to bring this into the emotional sphere to create more sovereignty and autonomy with regards to our health and our emotional wellbeing and prioritizing it. Paying extra attention too or looking at heart health is also good at this time.
The new moon, like the last full moon is the first un-aspected new moon to the eclipse points, new moon in Cancer which was opposite Saturn and conjunct these eclipses points was noted for its heaviness and feelings of intensity and even depression. At this Leo new moon, it’s the opposite. Leo energy is supportive leadership and it’s not afraid to shine, and this new moon along with mercury’s new cycles helps to creates a new connection with your relationship with this…. Enjoy x
Venus shifted into Cancer on August 8thwhere she will stay until September 7th , this shift after 4 months in Gemini, instead of the usual 1 month is moving Venus away from social & intellectual focus and connectivity offered by Gemini (yang) into a more nourishing and comfort focused (yin) Cancerian setting.
Venus enjoys the cool moistness of Cancer’s waters elementally, especially after spending an extended time period in a dry detached air element of Gemini. Her retrograde is officially over in Gemini for another 8 years, insights gleaned from her Gemini phase (April – August) is what Venus in Cancer is slowly helping integrate. Venus now extends her beneficence thorough Cancerian themes and topics like comforts, food, home, family, ancestors, nourishment and nurturing yourself or others. Connecting to mother or those that you see and feel as mother energies is beneficial.
Things may get a little bit bumpy as towards the end of this transit, as she meets up with Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn by opposition, however what Venus is trying to do is heal and tend to these old wounds, by showing benefits, of such processing. Venus will not be shy and will do her best to smooth it over as best she can, as she continues her quests of beneficence, that now grace the Cancer sector of the sky & your birth chart, whist integrating new lessons from her retrograde cycle, even if things get a bit confronting by months end.
Image: Harmony in Grey and Gold, The Dancer by James McNeill Abbott Whistler 1893
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The Bruja Mix 