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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Mercury Retrograde - Neptune Retrograde - Full Moon in Sagittarius

Hello all!

 I am so excited to be writing my second blog post for Triple Spiral, my POSITIVE blog. Today I'll be writing about three pretty significant cosmic events that are happening in the next two weeks (or are happening all month or began this month) and how to take what may be challenging or overwhelming cosmic aspects and turn them into positive experiences. We are already underway with Mercury Retrograde (June 7-July 1) as well as Neptune Retrograde (June 9-November 16). Also coming up is the Full Moon in Sagittarius on June 13.

Okay, let's tackle Mercury Retrograde!

  First, it should be explained what retrograde even means. Also, why would a planet in retrograde even have any effect on the world and the people in it? Well, like I said, astrology is not actually considered a science, but there are forces at work that affect everything, from the biggest detail (such as gravity that keeps the planets in orbit) right down to the tiniest detail (interpersonal relations between people). Everything is connected in one way or another, and astrologers over the years have theorized that certain planets have more sway over some matters than others. Mercury rules over communication, memory, intellect, logic, reasoning, and language. Travel, writing, reading, spreading of ideas, learning and digital communications all fall under Mercury's realm. Mercury rules the signs of Virgo and Gemini, both sociable and communicative signs. People born under Mercury are said to be natural speakers, and often have quick wit (due to having quick, Mercurial minds!) People can also be influenced by Mercury in other areas of their natal chart (which shows all the signs and aspects present at your time of birth). I am Gemini rising, which means that Gemini was on the horizon at my birth. Mercury rules over the image I like to project to the overall world! Mercury in retrograde, however, can affect us all, no matter what signs we were born under.

Retrograde motion is a little confusing to understand. Planets never slow down in orbit, and they never go backwards. Why, then, does Mercury appear to go backwards in orbit in our night sky? Well, this is how I understand it. Sometimes Earth overtakes the orbit of another planet. Mercury appears to slow down, station, and then move backwards, but this is just an optical illusion. Ever been on a train, or a bus, and came along side another bus or train that was moving at the same speed for a while, but then stops, while the vehicle you are traveling in keeps going? The other vehicle appears to be moving backward. This backward motion appears with every planet in our solar system. Mercury retrogrades 3-4 times a year.


Top is Mercury in retrograde, bottom is Mars

What happens during Mercury retrograde?

  Well...lots of things. Mercury in retrograde causes communication breakdown. Things may not be as they seem, which makes for buying anything important (such as a house, a car, or electronics) sketchy, or signing agreements (contracts, starting new jobs) tricky, because when Mercury goes direct, a very important detail may surface that may be a deal breaker or faulty. Astrologers advise never to enter into something during retrograde you may very well regret when Mercury goes direct.

Travel may also be an issue. Lost luggage, delays, and mishaps may pop up during the entire traveling process. Cars may break down and need repairs. Astrologers advise not traveling during this period, but if you must, make sure to double check everything and keep a keen eye out for any problems that might arise. On day one of retrograde this cycle, I noticed someone had posted on facebook about lost luggage on a international flight. Oops.

Household items may go on the fritz, or break entirely. I have a good friend whose vacuum blew up DAY ONE of Mercury retrograde, and had also sadly lost a hair dryer. Bummer!

But you know, the whole PURPOSE of my blog is to keep it POSITIVE. So instead of focusing on all the things we shouldn't do during Mercury retrograde, I've complied a list of things we SHOULD do, and these are things I actually do during this time. I mean, life goes on right?

Things that Keep Me Sane During Mercury Retrograde

 Reading and writing (this blog!)
Reflecting 
Making to do lists, but not acting on them yet 
Sharing ideas
Contacting and/or meeting up with people I haven't seen in a while
Having awesome and profound conversation
Meditation
Relaxtion

Read more about Mercury Retrograde at the links provided below!


We have yet another planet retrograding now, from June 9-November 16. It's Neptune!

  Ah, Neptune. This big beautiful cold and mysterious planet was discovered only in the mid-1800s. It is known as a "generational planet" because it takes 14 years!to move through each sign! So anyone born within 14 years of you is most likely going to have Neptune in the same sign as you. For all you curious, Neptune is in Capricorn for me and most of my friends!

  Neptune rules over spirituality, dreams, imagination, illusions, and idealism. Neptune colors each generation with its spiritual influence, depending on which sign it is in. Spirituality and idealism can be manifested through art, music, and cultural and spiritual movements. Right now, Neptune is hovering at home in Pisces.

  Neptune spends half of our year in retrograde. As the planet furthest from the sun, it orbits very slowly, completing an orbit every 165 years!

   What happens during Neptune retrograde? It's not actually what happens but more how it makes you feel. Usually, Neptune heightens our dream states and allows to live in fantasy worlds instead of fully realizing the way of the world around us. During retrograde, however, the veil is pulled back, and we are able to see things for what they really are. This may be an emotional time for some, and allows us to feel empathy not just for our own feelings, but others' feelings as well. People sensitive to the aspect may turn to addictive vices, such as alcohol or drugs, but use wisely! This can be a time to see a change we may need to make in our lives, or to realize what paths we want to take in the future. Secrets may be revealed. This is a great time for creativity, and artists may find that the next several months are creatively productive!

   I am actually very happy that Neptune is now in retrograde. The past six months have been foggy to me, as if I was just meandering and did not know what I was doing or where I was going. Now, I feel like I have so many ideas, and can clearly see so many paths! I know where I want to go, and now I just have to use my creativity and POSITIVITY to get there!

Positive Things to Do or Try During Neptune Retrograde

Make art! Make music!
Make to do lists or clear plans of where you'd like to see yourself in the coming months
Spend some time discerning what is real and what is fantasy (mental spring cleaning!)
Stop dreaming, and get out there and DO IT
Reevaluate your priorities

Here are some great links to further understanding Neptune and Neptune retrograde:


  This week, on Friday June 13, the moon will be full in Sagittarius. A full moon falling on Friday the 13th is exceedingly rare and will not happen again until 2049! 

 I am incredibly excited for this moon, as I am a Sagittarius moon child. That means that when I was born, the moon was in Sagittarius.

  During Sagittarius full moon, we are able to break away from narrow and claustrophobic thinking. Ever feel like the walls of your psyche are closing in on you? That's how I've been feeling the past few months. This coming full moon will be a breath of fresh air. It is a great time to have ideas and maybe even create a vision board. Sagittarius is the sign of getting out there and doing it. Sagittarius rules over long distance travel, friends, and adventure. The sign is ruled by Jupiter, instrumental in guiding us to realize our visions. You may be touched by optimism during the full moon. You may feel as though you want to get to your dreams and visions NOW, devil be damned! You'll have to bottle up some of that zing to use for the rest of the year. The big picture is to just ENJOY this full moon cycle, as only Sagittarius knows how to do!

Here's some info:

 Sagittarius Full Moon

For my next blog, I am planning on writing about Litha, or the Summer Solstice, including my preparations for one of my favorite festivals.

Thanks for reading and remember to live for each moment!









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