Sept. 3,  2007 – July 21, 2010

Saturn, the Lord of Karma, meets Virgo, the Virgin.   Sounds like it’s going to be a fun couple of years.  We may as well prepare ourselves with an understanding of Saturn & Virgo, because their combined energies will be deeply intermeshed within us all for the next 2.5 years.  Whatever sign Saturn is in brings a focus in all of our lives regarding the sign, but for specifics one would need to consult an astrologer for how it is activating your own personal birth chart.  Saturn in Virgo applies to all of us (not just Virgo’s) because we all have the complete zodiac within.  The focus of this article will be the macroscopic level.  It will review pertinent archetypal descriptions of Saturn & Virgo, concluding with 12 forecasted astrological trends of our social consciousness over the next 2.5 years. 

Saturn: The Lord of Karma

Saturn, known as the Grim Reaper & Lord of Karma, rules Capricorn, the Sea-Goat.

Saturn stands on the threshold of Death, holding the scythe, as the Father of Time reminding us all that we are mortals and inhabitants of a physical body with limitations & boundaries. The Lord of Karma represents restriction, resistance, reality, practicality, discipline & structures (mostly conforming). The rewarding attributes of this planet involve achievement, recognition, mastery, & maturity. Being the furthest conscious-level planet in our solar system, Saturn represents the aggregation of our complete ego & our structure of consciousness. Overall, it is a very yin-natured planet and creates an infrastructure to our life, providing balance and order, as the glue to our life structure. Without it we would be overwrought with yang energy, creating chaos, disorder, anarchy and destruction. Many people consider this planet with negativity, but that is because they are not perceiving this planet holistically. Yes, Saturn can bring grueling lessons, but that is often because we are not learning a karmic lesson and are resisting evolutionary change.  Saturn brings emotional pain & depression to such a deep level, that it demands our attention, so one can find the deepest strength to make transformative change and growth.  It lets you know when the pain of resisting growth is greater than the fear of change, while realizing that your infrastructure & ego have been outgrown.

Saturn’s shadow creates the crystallization of our structure of consciousness, built partially from our deepest fears for a sense of control. That is where the name Lord of Karma applies, in that Saturn is a repository for some of our deepest pain and fears that must be relived to resolve the Karma. But it is through the cyclical nature of life, that we bring to consciousness our illusions regarding control & fear, to be recycled into higher forms of life. As aforementioned, Saturn represents the infrastructure of the ego and consciousness. It is built too tight or small due to early life conditioning from family & society. Our early life is a reflection of past life patterns and karma due to our deepest fears and illusory need for control. Saturn transits trigger us into inner transformation, realizing that our structure is too small or tight. The important point is that we need the infrastructure of Saturn and we must not vilify this planet, but instead allow its energies to empower us to cyclically destructure and rebuild bigger & more authentic Saturnian structures to house our evolving ego and life purpose.

Virgo: The Virgin and Goddess of Harvest
(Applies to everyone, not just Virgo’s; we all have the complete zodiac within) 

Virgo is a mutable earth element, with a yin nature and is the other half of the healing axis, shared with its opposite sign Pisces. While Pisces, a water sign, represents emotional healing, Virgo corresponds with the earth element & physical healing of the body. Health interests often involve rituals that include tangible methods such as nutrition, herbs, massage and yoga. Key words describing the sign Virgo are analytical, detail-oriented, health-conscious, service-oriented & perfectionist. Virgo’s strong association with health and the body often guides many to a healing profession. While this is an admirable way to be of service, it’s important that the following adage be heeded:  Healer, heal thyself.  Many with strong Virgoan energy feel such a deep urge to be of service and help others, that they may skip the vital step of healing themselves. It’s pertinent to consider the concept of a Wounded Healer,  in that through our own wounds and process of healing, we develop the empathy, maturity, & compassion to guide other people’s healing process in a more pure way. The sacrificing of self associated with Virgo can lead to martyrdom. It’s essential to understand that we each have the most to offer humanity when we serve from our highest level of consciousness. If we sacrifice ourselves and live out the martyr role from a sacrificed consciousness, we are not living and offering our highest and purest self. Our egos are manufacturing a service that is coming from our minds, not our hearts and souls. However, if one does the inner work and heals within, then he or she has the most to offer others and serves  from their  hightest capacity. 

I slept & I dreamed that life is all joy.

I awoke & I saw that life is all service.

I served & I saw that service is joy.   -Rabindranath Tagore

While Virgo archetype can be eager to serve, sacrificing the self, it may be lived out through a very different way, by being stifled from perfectionism and lack of self-esteem. The basis of Virgo rests on being of service to humanity in a pure & authentic way. Within this light, Virgo as an archetype, bears a very humble essence (the Servant). This humility has it’s obvious positive contributions. But the shadow side of humility can be lack of self-esteem, which can be magnified by perfectionism. This can stagnate those with prominent Virgo energy because they may not feel ready to be of service in the form truest to their capacity. They may think that they need more information, experience, or knowledge and constantly have excuses for not being ready, which ultimately can delay what they have to offer for others. Often, Virgo’s just need to transform their self-perception from lacking self-esteem & perfectionism into being humble and having compassion for self and others. If my clients are being stagnated by perfectionism, I have found myself saying:  “The only thing you can do perfect, is Nothing.”  In reality, we are humans and making mistakes is inherent in all that we do. The risk-taking, innovative U.S. President of the U.S., Franklin D. Roosevelt, once made a very interesting point: (paraphrased, can’t find the exact quote) The best choice is the right choice; second best: the wrong choice; and the worst choice is to do nothing at all.

So far, I explained Virgo as an individual zodiac sign. As in all signs of the zodiac, we consider the opposite sign for balance & completion. Virgo’s opposite sign is Pisces, the Fishes, a water element. By integrating these signs, we encompass a complete healing of the body, mind & soul. Pisces is associated with compassion, which aforementioned is a key factor to balancing out the Virgoan perfectionism and analytical mind. Virgo’s would benefit by opening their minds to the true meaning of perfection being wholeness. By merging all the pieces into wholeness, we transcend into the Perfect Realm of Oneness. All the morsels of mortality are inherently imperfect when dissected to pieces by the analytical mind. But when seen in light of the whole, balanced out & complete, we see that everything is perfect and where it is suppose to be in relationship to the all. Pisces reminds Virgo to swim, let go and see their perfectionism & analysis in relationship to universal oneness. This supports them in opening up their mind to intuition and emotional healing. Perhaps, a more earthly metaphor of wholeness would be better for Virgo. As the Goddess of Harvest, Virgo is reaping the millions of grains from the field into one perfect crop or harvest. The individual grains may be flawed, but the harvest is perfect & complete as a whole.

The Virgo archetype is very communicative and known for having good writing skills. By finding precise word choices, Virgo’s can be deeply reached to change their consciousness dramatically for the better. So far, I mentioned replacing the word perfection with wholeness. Another example of a positive change in word choices would be replacing approval with acceptance. Virgo’s often seek approval for self from others. By understanding the nature of universal wholeness, it makes it more digestible to accept self and others as they are through a more holistic vision.

Overall, Virgo is learning how to balance the body & mind. Often, those with this predominant energy can shift to extremes, from overworking and neglecting the body to hyper-focusing on the body at the expense of their work and responsibilities. Because this sign can tend to compartmentalize in order to complete details, Virgo’s may ignore important issues regarding body or work depending on their cycle. This is where the idea of holistic medicine and living are applicable. If they are in a workaholic phase, I often hear them saying things like,  “I have been so busy with this project, that I haven’t had time to go to the gym or prepare healthy food choices.”  This mindset may lead to a health crisis that overtakes their body, so that then the health becomes the primary focus, ignoring their work. They usually respond to my advice when I frame it as such: You will save time in the long run by nurturing your health and preventing a health crisis so that you have the stamina to complete the project and prevent burnout.” The bottom-line is that Virgo’s are seeking balance of the mind and body.

Ruler of Virgo: The Asteroids

Many astrologers follow the ancient zodiac model, in that Virgo shares rulership by the planet, Mercury, with Gemini. In my opinion, it’s time to evolve our interpretations of the zodiac according to the modern discoveries in our solar system. In the past, double rulerships have evolved into incompletions of the astrological model following discoveries in our solar system.  For example, Jupiter had double rulership for Sagittarius & Pisces, until Neptune was discovered as the more accurate ruler of Pisces.  Between Mars and Jupiter is the Asteroid Belt, which are precursors of a planet that were not able to accrete into a planet due to Jupiter’s gravitational perturbations. The 3 largest asteroids (Hygaiea, Vesta & Pallas Athena) and Dwarf Planet, Ceres, combined constitute about half the mass of the entire Asteroid Belt. Most astrologers acknowledge these bodies, giving them various rulerships to feminine signs, such as, Virgo. I will introduce a subject that will be elaborated more on in my forthcoming article: The aggregation of these asteroids constitute as one ruler for the sign, Virgo. Isn’t that just like Virgo to be ruled by a body dissected into thousands of infinitesimal pieces, being the detail-oriented sign that it is. The 4 largest celestial bodies in the Asteroid Belt correspond with Goddesses that describe 4 key sides to the mutable sign, Virgo:

1. Ceres, a Dwarf Planet (largest body in asteroid belt), is the Goddess of Grain, corresponding with Virgo as the Goddess of Harvest.

2. Vesta, an asteroid, is the Vestal Virgin or Eternal Flame/Hearth corresponding with Virgo as the Virgin.

3. Pallas Athena, an asteroid, is the Warrior Queen corresponding with another aspect of the Virgin in Virgo as a more influential side to her service or cause

4. Hygeia, an asteroid, is the Goddess of Health corresponding with Virgo’s interests in the body, health & hygiene.

All of these goddesses represent fundamental archetypal energies typified by the sign Virgo. With Saturn’s transit in Virgo over the next 2.5 years, it is time to assign a more accurate rulership to Virgo by the asteroids and place her properly in the astrological hierarchial structure (Saturn). It’s time to give Virgo the full expression of her multi-faceted nature through the variegated asteroids with more focus on her strengths and power.

Medical Astrology: Virgo’s Rulership of Small Intestine & Enteric Nervous System

The sign Virgo rules the small intestine and Enteric (digestive) Nervous System (ENS). These parts of the body will become an increased  focus in healing communities and our personal physical health over the next couple of years. One of the paramount functions of the small intestine is that it is responsible for most of the nutrient absorption from our food. It’s easy to perceive the analogy of the analytical traits of Virgo and the copious mental absorption of information with the nutrient absorption of the small intestine. Because Virgo’s can take in too much information that cannot possibly be absorbed, this can mirror in the body through lack of nutrient absorption of the small intestine. It’s not only about quantity, but also related to quality of information we ingest. For example, are we watching the news every morning before going to work or spending considerable time at the computer? There are studies that show that people who do NOT watch the news have considerably less anxiety and nervous disorders in comparison to those who watch it regularly. Just like you are what you eat, you are what information you ingest. All of the information you ingest, considering both the quantity & quality directly translates to the health of your digestive system and small intestinal nutrient absorption, especially for those with predominant Virgo energy.

Saturn transiting in Virgo, will be a time for the Grim Reaper to wield the scythe and severe the fodder from our brains. Unfortunately, this may manifest as digestive disorders to get our attention and remind us, that we have limitations and need to create healthy boundaries on the information we ingest into our minds and bodies. Malabsorption disorders, such as, celiac sprue & ulcers may come more to our social consciousness over the next couple of years, especially in relationship to psycho-emotional issues.  A friend of mine, who is a double Virgo, is currently setting up an endoscopy to confirm a diagnosis for her digestive symptoms as a peptic ulcer in her duodenum.  Additionally, I have found that people who have a preponderance of both Virgo and Sagittarian energy, are more apt to manifest their imbalances (we all have them somewhere) through malabsorption & indigestion. Sagittarius/Jupiter rules the pancreas (insulin) and Liver (Bile) which secrete insulin/bile into the small intestine for nutrient & fat absorption. If there is any dysfunction with these secretions, it will affect directly the Small Intestine and it’s assimilation functions.

Virgo rules not only the Small Intestine, but the entire Enteric Nervous System (ENS), which is the controller of the digestive system. Technically, it is a part of the Peripheral Nervous System, but this is only by definition. The ENS does not follow command of the brain/spinal cord and in fact can choose to NOT carry out actions, suggested by the brain. It is an independent system of neural integration with approximately 100 million neurons, as many as the entire spinal cord. The ENS includes afferent/efferent neurons & interneurons, giving it the capabilities to carry out its own reflexes without input from the CNS. Studies show that if the Vagus nerve was severed, this system continues to work on it’s own.

Since the publication of the book, The Second Brain: Your Gut has a Mind of Its Own by Dr. Gerson, M.D., there has been increased research and acknowledgement of the subject, regarding the ENS as a as a second brain.  Interestingly, did you know that 95% of the serotonin in the body is stored in the gut?  Because this neurotransmitter is closely associated with mood and depression,  plus mostly stored in the gut, we can see enormous implications regarding the mind-body connection. The concept of the gut as a as a Second Brain can be analogized to the brain in the head being the mainframe computer and the ENS being an independent microcomputer. Interestingly, the brain is protected by the Blood Brain Barrier, which some compare to the Omentum, a lining consisting of fat deposits & lymph nodes, giving it the appearance of an apron that protects abdominal contents.  We’ve all heard the term, “Butterflies in the Stomach,” to explain a nervous feeling of anxiety.  Our solar plexus, ruled by Virgo & Leo, is pointing to a thought-process that needs to be healed, so as to eliminate the uncomfortable symptom and prevent imbalances.  Overall, there are many analogies to the mirror of the Second Brain in our guts to the one in the head.  This concept is a very interesting microcosm for the astrological motto,  “As Above, So Below.”

With Virgo being so closely associate with digestion & assimilation, it is palatable to understand one of the greatest gifts for Virgos to unearth within themselves: a power to sense the unseen truth with their “gut feelings.”  While the water signs, such as Pisces, may experience more psychic attunements because of their fluid boundaries. Virgo’s can feel strongly in their guts a more instinctive, visceral knowing. By freeing their minds from being overly analytical, Virgo’s can connect with their natural instincts, by tapping into their “gut feelings” or “Second Brain.”

Virgo’s Healing Tools

All signs of the zodiac correspond with healing tools.  Virgo corresponds with the following zodiac healing tools:  Vitamins (B-complex, Probiotics); Herbs (Fennel, Camomile); Color (yellow); Chakra (3); Musical Note (C); Gemstones (Moss Agate, Blue Tourmaline, Citrine, Clear Quartz); Bach Flower Essences (Beech, Pine, Crab Apple); Aromatherapy (Cardamom, Peppermint).

Additionally, in Homeopathic Medicine, there are 10 constitutional types. Interestingly the type, Arsenicum Album “The Perfect Racehorse,”  is very similar to the Virgo archetype. So, this may support a healing regimen with Homeopathic Medicine. Additionally, there are 12 Homeopathic Cell Salts with each corresponding to a zodiac sign. The cell salt, Kali Sulphuricum, has been assigned to Virgo. However, this does not mean that all Virgo’s should take this cell salt. It is suggested that the zodiac sign be considered in relationship to the overall constitution analyzed by a Homeopathic Practitioner.  In general, with Virgo being of the earth element and associated with plants and the harvest, I have found that this energy usually responds better to more earthy medicines, such as herbs and nutrition, in comparison to vibrational medicine. Once again, as a reminder this is only a general statement and one’s entire birth chart would need to be considered to treat the person holistically.

Forecasted Trends for Saturn in Virgo

In overview of the Virgo archetype, we can see that it is very multi-faceted, which gives rise to her mutable nature involving detail, analysis, health, service, perfectionism. How do we reconcile this infinitesimal, mutable nature of Virgo with the limitations, boundaries, and karma of Saturn. We can start with the similarities: Saturn and Virgo are both yin and of the earth element. So they can agree on their practical, sensible, and predilections for organization and order. Saturn represents the infrastructure, the bigger plan and life ambitions/goals. Virgo provides the detail within the infrastructure, carrying out the daily routines to support the bigger plan (Saturn). However, on the shadow side, both can be too controlling. Both need to balance their earthy elements with the complementary element, water. Reconciling & balancing the archetypal energies of Saturn and Virgo will be a significant trend and focus of our social consciousness. Here is a synopsis of 12 forecasted astrological trends over the next 2.5 years:

1. Saturn wields the scythe, weeding out extraneous details of an (imbalanced) Virgoan nature, for increased focus and discipline to achieve our goals and mastery.

Virgo can get scattered through dissecting and compartmentalizing things into perfect little boxes & detail. Saturn in Virgo is here to say, let’s get focused and what’s the bigger picture and goals? Where have you overscheduled your calendar with things so as to dissipate your power and focus? What are you here to master? How are you squandering your energy on  minutiae and losing sight of the larger picture regarding goals and mastery? Saturn, the Grim Reaper, is here to remind us that we are mortals and that we have limitation with our time, bodies and energy expended.  Saturn will take this time to use the scythe and cut through our lives to eliminate that which is not part of our purpose and mastery. This scythe may manifest as health problems, from stress and over exertion to enforce us to focus our energy in a healthier way, which will provide us with the stamina to fulfill our goals & life mastery.

2. Saturn reminds us of the limitations of the body and urges Virgo to find a harmonious balance between body and mind/work.

Both Saturn & Virgo are of the earth element and embody life lessons. Saturn will bring us to focus on Virgo concerns of health, leading us to make changes in our life that promote good health and more balanced lives. For example, does your job involve being in a cubicle all day with no windows? Does it involve a lot of stress? Is your job aligned with you vocational purpose and personal values? How we spend our energy directly affects our health and this will be at the forefront of the universal consciousness over the next couple of years.

3. In the healing professions, there will be an increased focus on the Small Intestine and Enteric (Digestive) Nervous System in relationship to our mind and stress.  As explained above, Virgo rules the Small Intestine and Enerteric (Digestive) Nervous System.  Overall, at the social level there will be more attention towards the mind-body connection in relationship to health & disease. 

4. In the world of healing, there will be increased focus on the Virgoan earthy, healing modalities, such as, herbs, yoga, nutrition, neutraceuticals & exercise.  In western medicine there will be increased research and attention on the pharmaceutical structures of herbs.  Additonally, there will be more research and cultivation of transplanting Chinese Herbs in the U.S. and recognition of eastern herbs in both an eastern & western context.

5.  In the healing professions, there will be increased visitations from patients with strong Virgo energy.  This is especially evident regarding those with the Virgo sun sign, since the sun represents our life force & vitality.  Whereever Saturn goes in the zodiac, there are lessons regarding limitation, aging/maturity and responsibilties often in relationship to the physical body. 

6. Individually, we will all be healing any issues regarding lack of self-esteem and perfectionism.

7. The universal consciousness will better come to realize the “Paralysis of Analysis,” provoking all of us to discover our individual powers for accessing knowledge/wisdom outside of our heads, through psychic intuition or instinctive gut feelings.  We will also come to a better understanding regarding the illusion of control and the reality of unseen phenomenon supporting our plan.

8. There will be a deep impetus within all of us to align ourselves with a meaningful service, so that we can serve humanity from our highest capacity.

9. All of us will be challenged to discern where we are most sacrificing ourselves in our life, especially regarding issues affecting health.

10. Since Virgo is a zodiac sign of healing, we will be healing Saturn issues, which are always at the core of our karma.

Our Saturn issues are  reflected in the zodiac sign, Capricorn, of which Saturn rules.  In modern astrology, people often refer to Capricorn as merely a mountain goat.  It’s important to remember that when astrology originated during the Matriarchial Period, Capricorn was a yin-natured, feminine energy symbolized by a Sea-goat with dolphin’s fins. Thus, the Capricornian Sea-goat was able to swim in the ocean and climb the mountain.  The higher side of Saturn involves remembering to use the fins of the Sea-goat and swim to let go.  Saturn issues regard attachment to the illusion of being in “control” and the goals/outcome.  It’s important that we allow ourselves to let go and trust the process according to the higher plan.  And remember, the end does NOT justify the means.  I believe in a balance between destiny (Yin) and Free Will (Yang).  Our Saturn issues involve finding this balance metaphorically through the mountain and ocean.

11.  There will be more of a focus on grounding and mastering (Saturn) the Physical Plane (Saturn & Virgo).

12. In the world of Astrology, Virgo will begin to find her proper place in the zodiacal hierarchy, as being ruled by the celestial bodies in the Asteroid Belt, especially the 4 largest:  Ceres, Pallas Athena, Vesta & Hygeia.  This concept is explained more fully above in the section on asteroids. 

In the Egyptian Emerald Tablets of Thoth, there is an ancient truth that is popularly associated with astrology:  “As Above, So Below.”  According to myth, Thoth was an Atlantean Priest-King, who founded a colony in ancient Egypt and wrote the Emerald Tablets. The Emerald Tablets were the primary source for wisdom taught in the Mystery Schools of Egypt. These writings were passed down to ancient Greece and used in the teachings of Plato and the Hermetic tradition. The Roman God, Mercury, is the counterpart for the Greek God, Hermes, and the Egyptian Thoth (author of Emerald Tablets).

The rich mythology of Mercury & Thoth (his Egyptian counterpart) explains the practical and mystical sides of this planet’s archetypes as the magician, messenger, and healer in all of us. With these important roles in mind, it’s understandable why we are so strongly affected when Mercury goes retrograde. This article discusses the opportunities and challenges to us “below.” when the planet, Mercury, appears backwards or retrograde “above.”

What is Mercury Retrograde?

Mercury Retrograde is one of the most misunderstood phenomena in astrology. Most people consider it as merely a dysfunctional time period when communication and transportation go amok. This article attempts to explain the reasons behind these seemingly unfortunate manifestations during Mercury Retrograde and how we can avoid them. Additionally, it discusses ways to potentially utilize this period as a productive, creative and even healing time, if worked with congruently. The Roman God, Mercury, was considered the Messenger of the Gods, and in astrology he represents our left (logical) brain and how we process information. Metaphorically, Mercury is our telephone/computer network, connecting us to everything in a cohesive communication system.

Mercury goes retrograde 3 times per year, and each period lasts for about 3 weeks. It happens when Mercury is closest to earth in its cycle around the sun and appears to be going backwards in the sky. “Going backwards,” How can we translate this as positive? Simply, consider doing things that start with “Re”: reevaluate, review, reconsider, reintegrate, resolve, reorganize, reflect, research. The message of this period is to slow down and catch up with unfinished business. Here are some tips on how to best ride the wave of Mercury Retrograde:

12  Simple Do’s & Don’ts for the Mercury Retrograde Period

1. Do finish old business and Don’t begin new projects
2. Do hold final decisions/approval until Mercury goes direct
3. Do remember those “Re” verbs when taking action, such as, reevaluate, review, reintegrate, reconsider, resolve, reorganize, reflect or research.
4. Don’t sign any contracts, leases, or legally binding paperwork
5. Don’t mail any important documents, such as taxes or contracts
6. Don’t have any major surgeries or repair work done
7. Do recheck and reconfirm for accuracy, while paying special attention to details
8. Do expect changes in plans, delays (this includes domestic travel) & indecisions
9. Do reflect on the power of communication in your life and how to enrich it
10. Do be alert to any miscommunication (written or oral) between yourself & others
11. Do be prepared for problems with communicative technology, such as, computers & telephones 
12. Do resolve to heal the mind with methods, such as, Theta Healing, hypnotherapy, creative visualization, saying affirmations, or journal-writing

Many problems incurred during Mercury Retrograde are largely due to our lack of awareness about the true meaning of it. We blindly forge ahead, continuing our western paces and progressive natures. To ignore Mercury Retrograde is like swimming upstream or going against the tide. Ultimately, if we would take this Yin period to reevaluate our Yang or active periods, we would be more productive and creative overall. An exception to this is those who have Mercury Retrograde in their natal chart. During Mercury Retrograde, things may actually fall into place for them, while everything around them is scattered. It’s also important to realize that Mercury rules the signs Gemini and Virgo. So individuals with an emphasis in either of these 2 signs in their birth chart can expect to be more strongly influenced by these periods.

Additionally, during this period we can expect changes in plans, delays and “indecision.” This is a good example of how an “indecision” may actually facilitate the best outcome. Let’s say you don’t have the complete information, and this “indecision” delays you until that missing piece of the puzzle appears, to make the best decision. Perhaps, it’s better to view this period as a great time for being in the decision-making process, with final decisions being held until Mercury goes direct again. The inevitable changes and delays during Mercury Retrograde remind us to be flexible and let go of mental attachments that may be blocking better ideas or solutions.

Mercury Retrograde Period – Time for Healing

Something often overlooked is Mercury’s connection to healing. After all, he did carry the Caduceus, the herald’s staff with wings and 2 entwined snakes, that has become the universal emblem for healing.

In Medical Astrology, Gemini corresponds to the Respiratory and Nervous Systems, as well as the upper limbs, while Virgo relates to the Small Intestine. As mentioned above, Gemini and Virgo are under co-rulership of Mercury; so that is why these 2 signs are emphasized during Mercury Retrograde Periods. (We all have the 12 zodiac signs and Mercury within us, so this relates to everyone.) This time could be therapeutically used to reevaluate the amount and quality of information we are assimilating. Is it excessive or negative, so that it stresses our Nervous System? Are we overworking at the computer and developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Are our mental activities overtaxing the body activating chronic issues with allergies or asthma? Or is our information intake so overwhelming that we can’t assimilate it all, transferring physically to lack of nutrient assimilation by the Small Intestine?

When Mercury is Retrograde, it’s a conducive time to reflect on the power of communication in our lives, as a link between spirit and matter. Are we not speaking up and eating, smoking or drinking our words metaphorically through unhealthy addictions? There is a tremendous healing power from self-expression, that can help many people let go and liberate themselves from destructive patterns. This is a great time to reevaluate how our thought patterns create our reality. Are we too critical on ourselves or self-sabotaging through negative self-talk? Additionally, how do our thoughts affect our emotional homeostasis and, thus, our health through pshyco-emotional symptoms in the body. As the link between spirit and matter, Mercury represents the magician in us all, devising magic spells, i.e. divine language and rhythms to manifest magic in the physical world. Thus, this is a good time to reassess the power of our thoughts, and how they can facilitate our dreams coming true. A person may particularly benefit by getting hypnotherapy or doing mental exercises/affirmations to heal the mind. Additionally, it’s a powerful time to do prayers and/or rituals to help create positive circumstances when Mercury goes direct again.

One can apply the Mercury Retrograde Period spiritually toward the universal Spiral Process: to reach the higher level of the spiral, one must return to end where you began and begin again where you ended. Just a reminder that we have the universal spiral symbols in our DNA, the Milky Way Galaxy, Nautilus Shell, and Mercury’s Caduceus (entwined snakes) as templates for our evolution. Perhaps, Mercury Retrograde Periods facilitate our spiral process through change, crisis and healing-elevating us to higher levels of our spiritual path and ultimate life purpose.

Two Phases of Mercury Retrograde Period

The Mercury Retrograde Period (approx. 3 weeks) is divided into 2 phases: the first and second halves. To use these periods effectively, spend the first half completing unfinished business and the second half planning for future action. Then, after Mercury goes direct again, you can act on your plans. It’s best to use the 5 days before and after Mercury Retrograde as buffer periods, understanding that static is in the air because of transition.

Mercury Retrograde in the Birth Chart

Since Mercury goes retrograde about 9-10 weeks per year, approximately 18% of the population have Mercury Retrograde in their astrological birth charts. Any planet that is retrograde represents a function of the personality that goes against the flow of mainstream or social tides. There are benefits and challenges to this. With Mercury retrograde, a person is not satisfied with social paradigms and surface explanations. These people often feel the need to introspect and go deeper for answers. The challenge of this is often slower mental processing. In our culture, this may be misconstrued as these people being less intelligent.

In our cultural school systems, it is apparent how struggles may arise for people with Mercury Retrograde in their birth chart, needing to keep up the pace with mainstream education. One of my astrology teachers, Jeffrey Wolf Green, went as far to say that there should be special schools for students with Mercury Retrograde in their birth charts. Who knows how many “learning disabilities” have been labeled due to this unique and potentially extraordinary way of thinking? This is a great example of how the astrology chart can be a powerful tool to increase our self-awareness.

It’s important to realize that having either Mercury Retrograde or Direct is neither one better than the other. They are just 2 different ways of mentally functioning. Plus, the context of the entire chart needs to be considered in relationship to Mercury. Other areas of the chart may either offset or reinforce the characteristics of these 2 modes of processing. However, I want to make a special point of supporting Mercury Retrograde individuals to develop confidence in attuning themselves to their authentic process, that may require slowing down and going deeper. The following are examples of famous people born when Mercury was retrograde: Ralph Nadar, Mozart, Howard Hughes, Alfred Adler and Nostradames. This is to reinforce my point that having Mercury Retrograde in your birth chart is not negative. It may even signify extraordinary mental qualities, that go against the mainstream and discover new ways of thinking.

(Nov. 15th, 2007 – Jan. 30th, 2008)

Living in San Diego, during the biggest evacuation in California history due to wildfires, I can’t help but recognize the synchronicity of this event and the aftermath of a firestorm to the Mars Retrograde Period.   Parenthetically, during the evacuations, Uranus (trauma, upheaval, separation) was conjunct the moon (home, emotions, security). Mars, the red planet, is the warrior God ruling Aries, a cardinal fire sign. All of this fire energy the last week has been a wake up call to me, especially in contrast to living in the rainy Pacific Northwest for almost 15 years, before moving here 2 years ago. In Seattle where my astrology studies began, I usually associated letting go and transformation with the oceanic water signs, especially Scorpio & Pisces. However, after this week I am processing the concept of fire energy as another important means for purification and rebirth.

The Phoenix as a Totem for Mars/Aries

During the firestorm, I remained sequestered in my cottage one block from the ocean with my golden-eyed, white cat, Sunshine. I dare to admit that it almost felt like a retreat, being protected on the peninsula of Ocean Beach, with my connections to the outside world seemingly dissected (school & work canceled), while I wrote poetry. I could not ignore the proximity of the fires, yet paradoxically felt safe & cloistered from the fires. While listening to the radio and hearing the reality outside my shell, the metaphor of the mythological bird Phoenix kept coming to mind regarding the situation. (Imagine that!) For whatever reason, in the past, this mythological icon has not appealed to me that much. Transformational fire didn’t interest me like watery themes of letting go symbolized by the ocean & moon. However, we are to some degree a product of our environment & living in the desert is beginning to rub off on me, I guess. Thus, this article attempts to process my exploration of the concepts of transformation & rebirth through the element of fire.

In my opinion, the zodiac sign’s totem for Aries (ruled by Mars) could just as accurately be the transformational Phoenix, as the Ram. Mars/Aries is a fire sign and is associated with the following characteristics: leadership, initiative, aggressiveness, impulsive, adventurous & pioneers. The Phoenix‘s self-annihilation into flames is associated with rebirth, which is largely related to Aries, being the first sign in the zodiac, representing the beginning. Often Aries/Mars gets narrowly pigeon-holed as a starter. But really, death & rebirth in many ways are synonymous. So how can we segregate the endings from new beginnings? We cannot and that is what the Phoenix is such an apropos totem, fire & all, for Aries/Mars.

Mars in Retrograde

Mars in Retrograde happens the least frequently of any other planet in the solar system, but its duration is the longest of the personal planets (Mercury, Venus & Mars), being retrograde for approximately 2.5 months almost every 2 years (social planets-4.5 mo retrograde/ transpersonal-5.5 mo retrograde per year). As with all retrograde planets, it is a more yin-natured period that involves going backwards or retrograde in some way. As mentioned in my other articles on retrograde planets, it is a great time for those “Re” words: reorganize, replan, reorient, reroute, research. In general this may be time for taking detours, while we rebuild our routine routes of action.

The red planet, Mars, represents our energy-levels, passions, assertiveness, initiative, & natural instincts (including sexuality). With Mars being the “God of War” it can represent what impetus within us that drives us to “go to war” for something. The placement of Mars and Aries in the astrological chart points to where we exert much of our energy. Emotionally, Mars symbolizes our relationship with anger. Overall, the characteristics of Mars and Aries are of obvious Yang orientation. So reconciling this planet with a retrograde period, which is very yin, can be an overall challenge.

Time to Reassess our Martian Strategies

Since Mars is strongly related to our energy levels and how it is expended, it’s obvious that this is a time to reassess how, what, why & where we utilize our energy. Mars alone can act impulsively enacting strategies that later may be recognized as a waste of time. This is often seen in people with prominent Aries or Martian energy. They act first and think later. This may be a time for detours, while we upgrade our routine route and rethink how we want to expend our energy.

This time may also be a time for putting out damaging fires we have created and LEARN FROM IT. Have we stirred up a controversy in the workplace that needs to be resolved? Do we have a speeding ticket to pay? Have we incurred debt for impulsive purchases? Or do we have too many irons in the fire and need to complete some projects? Mars is all about starting. Since this is not the time to begin new plans, the focus should be on completing or letting go (Scorpio side) of some things.

The Mars Retrograde Period is a good time to contemplate the cliché, “We choose our own battles.” What we fight for ideally is a selective process.  Mars, unchecked, will impulsively “go to war” for anything.  Thus, we need to balance this concept with the rest of our being, while incorporating our values, causes & aspirations, within realistic parameters, to choose the most meaningful battles, so that we can win some with meaning and purpose.

Connecting with Divine Passion

All the fire signs & planets define to a large extent our passions.  The placement of Mars in an astrology chart often explains a person’s passionate side and what their passions in life are.  This retrograde period is a great time to connect with and cultivate our passions in life.  Knowing our passions can help us to find direction and focus.  When we know our true or divine passions, they can be our driver and burn away anything that doesn’t serve our higher purpose.   When connected to our divine passions, there is no desire or time for experiences, relationships or blocks to our birthright of manifestation, abundance & happiness. 

Passion is fire energy and when it is pure and true, it will burn away all that is irrelevent to your true purpose.  Many people with destructive habits, confusion or misguidance are simply not connected to their passions.  Find your divine passions and your fortune or dharma will find you. 

Mars in Retrograde: The Scorpio side of Mars

Just like Mercury retrograde is often associated with, the yin ruler, Virgo; the Scorpio side of Mars (co-rules Aries & Scorpio) can be associated with the Mars Retrograde Period, as the shadow to all the fire in Aries and the waterside that puts out senseless fires.  Scorpio/Pluto and Mars/Aries are all associated with our sexuality, libido and carnal knowledge (so to speak). With this being a retrograde period, it is an obvious time to reassess how we expend our sexual energy. It’s important to understand that sexual attraction can block our accurate intuition about someone. It may be ignoring the voice that screams: “No, emotional debacle at your service!” How do you rationalize? For example, I can inspire this black widow to change her ways and walk into her web of lies…and live. And ladies, are notorious for being in relationships, based on an illusionary love for a man’s potential or his dreams while ignoring the dismal reality of his current life. It’s time to consider beyond the visceral, instinctive chemistry aspect of Mars. We need to consider the Scorpio side, which gets into the shadow side that can include the emotional stress involved on our souls, even including past lives, from being in relationships. Do you really want to energetically take someone on, with their energy field possibly lingering in yours, years after? Gee, you wonder why you can’t let them go and move on: They’re still with you. Some believe that by exchanging sexual fluids (memory) with another you exchange karma. There is some intense food for thought. In the Asian philosophies there is the belief that through sexual encounters, we exchange QI or Prana,which are synonymous with life force.

Relationship with Anger

A key emotional component of Mars & Aries is anger. Mars in Retrograde is a conducive time to reassess our relationship with the emotion, anger.  Often anger is the result of being disconnected from your divine passions.   Discover your passions and the anger may dissipate into a life of divine manifestation and abundance.   Anger can show up in many ways and they are not always negative.  For example, some people with strong Aries or Mars energy are fueled by anger as a source to confronting blocks and manifesting what they want.   However, probably more often than not, anger is a negative response or signal.  Additionally, there are those who “Never feel anger,” which may be pointing to some repression in their well-being that shows up as depression or guilt.  Interestingly, Mars will be transiting through Cancer (emotions) in December and March , while retrograding back to Gemini (communication) in January & February. Thus, this Mars Retrograde Period will be an especially powerful time for learning about our relationship with the emotion, anger, and our communication skills for expressing it.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the emotion anger is associated with the Yin/Yang paired organs, Liver & Gall Bladder. Suppressed anger can harm the Yin organ, liver & over expression of anger can indicate an imbalance to the Yang organ, Gall Bladder. According to TCM, treating these organs and rebalancing the body can facilitate our connection with emotions in a healthier manner.

In the TCM 5 element (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) paradigm, wood is associated with anger and corresponds with the Yin/Yang paired organs, Liver & Gall Bladder. Metal, associated with the emotion sadness/grief, controls (chops) the wood. People with strong metal, may suppress the wood, feeling sadness or grief  instead of anger.  With these individuals, according to TCM, it’s important to sedate the metal (Lungs) and tonify the wood (liver) element so they can healthily perceive the anger and relate to it in a more conscious manner. We can see this dynamic pointing to a person who may be more prone to depression, instead of full expression of their true feelings. This is another example of how depression is often just a nebulous state of mind,  from being disconnected to your true feelings & emotions. The slowing down, heavy feelings of depression are trying to guide you deeply inward to discover something about yourself. It’s important that we don’t rush to mask the symptoms of depression and instead, follow the feelings into deep answers about ourselves, that can direct us up & outwards to authentic expression of our true feelings & better health.

To my knowledge, the best source for relating healthily to the emotion, anger, is the book written by the legendary Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh called “Anger, Wisdom for Cooling the Flames.”  In his book, Thich gives the vivid metaphor of us all being a garden in which we contain positive & negative seeds within us. It is our responsibility as gardeners of our well-being to water the positive seeds of compassion, divine passion, & love instead of hostility & anger. By using healthy discernment, we can enhance our well-being by choosing experiences, relationships & responses that bring out the best in us.   Plus, Thich says that compassion is the ultimate antidote for anger.  In my opinion, everyone should read this book, and especially those in committed, long-term relationships.

Medical Astrology: Mars & Aries

Mars & Aries correspond with the adrenal glands & blood/muscles. Mars in Retrograde is a good time to check in with our adrenals to see if they need a tune-up. Have we just gone through a stressful period and feel depleted? Enduring long-term stress or even recent traumatic stress can be an indicator we need to tonify our adrenal glands.

People with strong Aries &/or Mars energy often show their imbalances through blood disorders, such as, anemia. In fact, those with a strong Aries profile are the only sign that I advise to eat red meat, even if they are a vegetarian.  So, if anyone with anemic tendencies is getting light-headed, pale or feeling fatigued, this may be a time to get their blood checked for RBC.  

Mars/Aries Healing Tools

Each zodiac sign & planet corresponds with healing tools, that provide good supplement suggestions. Since Mars in Retrograde is a time for regeneration of our adrenal glands, blood, muscles, & emotional toxicity from anger, these healing tools may be timely for everyone during this period. Mars/Aries corresponds with the following: Mineral (iron); Vitamin (B-12); Foods (dulse, liver, beets, red meat, backstrap molasses); Herbs (nettles, yellow dock & burdock root, cayenne); Color (red); Note (D-Flat); Gemstones (ruby, bloodstone, garnet); Aromas (basil, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger); Bach Flower Essences (impatiens, vine, heather).  Additionally, as aforementioned, Thich Nhat Hanh’s book entitled Anger, Wisdom for Cooling the Flames would be a great psycho-emotional tonic for anyone. Mars in Retrograde is a conducive time to read it and practice its Buddhistic principles in your daily life.

I will conclude with my poem written on the Phoenix during the firestorm. In my opinion this mythological icon is a great motif for Mars in Retrograde…Have a peaceful transformation, and remember…Those who let go, do not get burned!

The Phoenix (Feng Huang)

An inferno of gold & red plumes

& azure tail emblazons

into a bright vortex, bedeviled,

by the wing’s shadows…

The divine fire is ignited

by hot noon sun

from nest of cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi),-

gathered for a funeral pyre…

It’s been 500 years &

the heart is too ancient

for the young blood spilling

on the dry chaparral…

The smoldering combustion

of death, enveloped by dawn,

lets go & transforms passionately

releasing into infinite awareness,

amidst ashes that rise

loftily with clouds of smoke…

& sullen embers crackling

helplessly in the roaring winds.

His firebrand etiquette

is unconquerable

on the incendiary path of purification where,

those who let go

do not get burned,

blazing a higher trail

so the end & beginning merge…

There is no manmade law

to extinguish the supernatural:

Thus, we learn to dance with fire & wind

& flow with streams of water…

upon the still earth.