Category Archives: mercury
Hope Rocks! Ready when you are, Jupiter!
Hope Rocks!
Many (myself included) are rejoicing in the fact that Mercury the scribe has completed its retrograde period, along with Uranus the rebel—two planets that reign supreme over my countenance of late. All that’s left is the direct motion of Jupiter, coming on Christmas Day! Hooray! Writings in the Sky has a nice rundown of all the exciting planetary activity, as well.
I had commented earlier on Jupiter’s role in lifting spirits, evoking optimism, and providing a foundation of hope. Lord (or whoever you wish to insert in the name of cosmic magnificence) knows, I ride on the pinwheel of positivity whenever I can. And sometimes, I wonder whether I’m mistaking the hopeful influence of Jupiter for the escapist influence of Neptune. I can’t deny the tendency to lose myself in music or daydreams in order to cope with a difficult situation. But then, I realize that there is a distinct difference between the two:
Jupiter = Belief; Neptune = Surrender
When I set forth to achieve something, I believe in its completion. When I listen to music, I surrender to its purpose.
So during these periods of retrograde, it’s not that I lose my beliefs—rather, I need to examine the basis of my beliefs to make sure that they are strong enough and valid enough to support me during a period of testing. Saturn has a nasty way of testing beliefs, especially when they are foolish or outdated. And when I’m ready, I turn to Neptune to lose myself in the Jupiterian safety net I’ve created.
And of course, I can’t forget the gifts of belief and surrender: my “Hope” rock was a gift from a Jupiter-ruled Sagittarian, Zen Ben of the Neptunian Splintered Sunlight family.
“Everybody’s playin’ in the heart of gold band.”- Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia, Scarlet Begonias
The Habit Erratic: Uranus in the 6th house
Image source: theastrologyplace.blogspot.com
Every morning. Every evening. Every Wednesday. Every month. Every year. Every Winter. Every Summer. Every other…
EVERY NEVER.
The Astrofix blog has a great post on the business of The 6th house: You better work it. It’s about skills, practice, routine, repetition, rigor—all things daily.
Now, being a Virgo—the sign of 6th house rulership—I should be disciplined in work routines, right? Pffft! Boring. Predictability is anathema to me. I enjoy twists and turns, wonderment and magic, surprising revelations—all the stuff of Uranus sitting in my 6th house of the mundane.
Now, I shouldn’t blame everything on Uranus—Mercury has its tricky little hands in this as well. The thirst for new ideas and trends; a curiosity that trumps all other considerations; the desire to outsmart and outmaneuver—I can’t possibly concentrate on one thing for too long. I might miss something amazing and be made to look unknowledgeable!
When I think about the things I do every single day, I’m left with only one thing: I READ. I read the news, I read astrology blogs, I analyze charts, I follow directions to learn new technologies, I look things up on google and wikipedia, I read facebook statuses, I scan twitter feeds, I skim emails, I find new websites, I re-read favorite book passages or entire books, I start new books, I read wine labels…and I also discover the synchronicity between subjects when I read. Hello Uranus!
The Challenge: Using Mercury and Uranus to put my 6th house to work while writing this blog and my novel. Urania Zed doesn’t wait!
Mercury Retrograde: Returns and Regrets!
As many of you may know, we are in the midst of a Mercury Retrograde traveling through Sagittarius. If you are like me and are ruled my Mercury—all day, every day—then you may be suffering from acute cleverness and agility withdrawal. You also may find that you are returning to or regretting something.
Regret: Just this morning, I made the horrible mistake of taking scissors to my bangs as I was rushing out of the house for work. The result? I chopped off 3 inches of hair in the front of my head from my already short hair which turned me into a female Friar Tuck! This Gemini Ascendant is NOT PLEASED.
Return: That hair travesty aside, I did edit my blog a bit—I added some of my songs and music articles—and have revisited the novel I began writing last winter. The Objectives of Urania Zed sprung out of the intense Uranus transits I’ve been experiencing: T Uranus opp N Mercury & Venus and conj P Midheaven; P Mercury conj N Uranus. I’m also the child of two highly Uranian parents.
Urania Zed, the heroine, is a senior in high school when the novel begins and she endures some pretty heavy events early on which drive her into a web of self-discovery, earthly and universal mysteries, and deathly adventures. My characters are all linked to astrology, tarot, and other spiritual references. I hope you’ll check it out and let me know what you think. Tell your friends too!
New Moon Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius: 3rd and 6th house influences
Image source: Astrologywork.com
How’s the solar eclipse in Sag treatin’ ya? This one hit my solar 3rd house and natal 6th. As the 3rd (ruled by Gemini/Mercury) rules communication and the 6th (ruled by Virgo/Mercury) rules routines and work, you can see this is an ultra-communicative eclipse for this Mercury-infused gal!
To celebrate this new bursting forth of energy, I’ll be sharing my lyric poems and songs. I’m aiming to make this a more regular occurrence so I can really use the energy of the 3rd and 6th houses.
Stay tuned!
National Political Astrology: Mr. Scorpio Speaker of the House- John Boehner, (R) Ohio
[tweetmeme] In the funeral wake of the loss of Democratic power in the U.S. House of Representatives during the current Venus Retrograde in Scorpio, I wanted to shine the light on the power of the new Speaker of the House: Scorpio, John Boehner, (R) Ohio. As astrology will tell you, the sign of Scorpio, ruled by the power planet, Pluto, is strong-willed, extreme, powerful, obsessive, secretive, and probing. Speaker Boehner will assume his new leadership role, after Aries, Nancy Pelosi, (D) California.
I find it interesting that soon-to-be former Speaker Pelosi’s Aries Sun is ruled by Mars, while soon-to-be Speaker Boehner’s Scorpio Sun is ruled by Mars’ higher octave, Pluto. In fact, astrology lore tells us that Scorpio’s former ruler was Mars, before Pluto was discovered in 1913, and there are still many astrologers who uphold Mars‘ rulership of both Aries and Scorpio. The point being, we are not losing a fighter in the U.S. House of Representatives—we have a different warrior.
I decided to pull up Speaker John Boehner’s astro chart, born November 11, 1949, and look at the progressions and transits on election day, November 2, 2010. I’ve used a default 6am birth time as I do not have an exact time of birth, so the Ascendant, House positions, and Moon will not be taken into account. Aspects of note are listed below:
- Note: Boehner’s Natal Moon can be anywhere between 11-26 degrees Libra, based on the day of birth and the Moon’s travel speed. This is important as the planet Saturn is current traveling around 12 degrees Libra (its sign of exaltation) and can bring rewards for hard work.
- Natal Sun/Mercury conjunction in Scorpio square Pluto in Leo. Progressed Sun/Mercury conjunction in Capricorn, conjunct natal Jupiter: This is a very important set of aspects! Nothing says “Speaker of the House” better than the Sun and Mercury in harmony, with planetary aspects to powerful Pluto, expansive Jupiter, in the backdrop of public recognition in the sign of Capricorn?
- Transiting Mercury in Scorpio approaching conjunction with natal Mercury in Scorpio: Boehner’s Mercury Return occurred soon after the election. Another nod to Mercury, the ruler of communication.
- Natal Venus in Capricorn trine natal Saturn/Mars conjunction in Virgo. Progressed Venus opposite natal Pluto: Another reinforcement of transiting Saturn, exalted in Libra (ruled by Venus). John Boehner is known to be a fiscal conservative, among other things, and his natal chart reflects delayed gratification, small business, favoring lobbyists, etc, with Venus in Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) in aspect to Mars and Saturn. It is also extremely interesting to see Pluto and Venus (power and money, big business) together. Restructuring of finances, anyone?
- Natal Mars/Saturn conjunction in Virgo: Hard…work…sustained…effort…steady…climb…to…the…top…criticizing…all…the..way…
- Natal Uranus in Cancer opposite transiting Pluto/North Node conjunction in Capricorn/conjunct transiting South Node in Cancer: Boehner was able to tap into the will of the people (South Node in Cancer) who wanted dramatic change (Uranus) in government leadership (Pluto/North Node in Capricorn).
Iggy Pop’s Grotesque Sexiness: Mars and Pluto
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Image Source: Last.fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Iggy+Pop/+images/167360
Most astrological interpretations for natal Mars in Cancer tell me that I’m attracted to males that are caring, sensitive, and protective. Okay, that sounds really positive and sweet. Unfortunately, my natal Mars in Cancer is assaulted by a wide square from Pluto in Libra. And even though I’ve got supportive sextiles from my natal Sun, Mercury, and Venus, it’s Pluto that has the final say in my male selections. That’s why I’m drawn to dark, dangerous, or even scary male archetypes like Iggy Pop and Jim Morrison. But notice, they still have an effeminate look about them. Lovely blend of Mars/Cancer and Pluto/Libra, huh?
I did some Iggy-digging on astro.com and found his natal chart. You know what I’m looking at … yes, Mars! Iggy has a heavily aspected natal Mars in Aries, conjunct Mercury, trine Saturn and Pluto, and opposite Neptune. And I thought my Mars was assaulted. Holy hell! So, most astrologers can agree that Mars (ruler of Aries) symbolizes action, energy, aggression, anger, war, fire, passion, etc. In addition, Pluto (ruler of Scorpio) is known as the higher octave of Mars and symbolizes destruction, hatred, darkness, depravity, cruelty, power, control, etc. You put these two together and it smells like some good old-fashioned violence! To get a taste of similar energies with Mars and Saturn, see my post from April 2009: Mars/Saturn: Gun Violence, Rockets, Legalized Rape, and Shoot N*ggas [*Explicit*].
As front man for the Stooges, Iggy Pop is known for his body contortions, the invention of the stage dive, and other extreme performance tactics:
“Other exploits of Pop include rolling around in broken glass, exposing himself to the crowd, and vomiting on stage.” – Wikipedia
You might ask, “what the hell is so sexy about that? That’s absolutely revolting!” Yes, it is. I like to describe it as grotesquely sexy. Everyone has their own ideas about sexuality. I tend to think of it as a mix between heaven and hell, spirituality and and bestiality—not in the the way you’re thinking. Human is beast. Humans can be animals to one another and usually those animal tendencies come out in the bedroom, behind closed doors. Especially when you have Mars in the ring with characters like Saturn, Uranus (ha!), Neptune, and Pluto. One of the things I love about music performance is that a person can creatively express their inner beast in a public exorcism. Iggy is a talented individual: he’s a singer/songwriter, drummer, showman, contortionist, and Punk icon. That is sexy to a girl like me with natal Pluto in Libra in the 5th house of creativity and love expression which squares natal Mars in Cancer in the 2nd house of values, sensuality, and self-worth.
So, what’s the deal with your Mars? What turns your “radio dials”? :-p Holler at me on twitter: @signon2nine or facebook: Mercury x3: Signon2Nine.
Image source: Rock Around the World: http://www.ratw.com/issues/11/iggy.jpg
Uranus is now in Aries. Eccentrics, fire when ready!
[tweetmeme]I just wanted to post something as I’ve left this blog for dead over the last few months. It happens. True to my Uranian work nature (natal Uranus in the 6th house of routine), I’m not very consistent with many projects that I start. Eventually, I come around to updating, checking, and maintaining certain things, but Saturn is still banging me over the head with his mantra to be “systematic.” Sigh…
Anyway, in honor of Uranus entering the sign of Aries, I changed my blog theme and Photoshopped a new header image.
How is Uranus affecting your chart or your life? It’s currently opposing my natal Sun, Mercury, and Venus conjunction. Transiting Saturn is in the fray from the opposite side, forming conjunctions with the aforementioned planets. Lovely! Yes, it is, I’m actually being serious. For now…
My progressed Mercury is sitting on natal Uranus as well, while progressed Venus is slowly making her way to conjunct natal Uranus in the next few years. Oh, and progressed Mars is creeping through Leo, forming a wide square to Uranus as well. Speaking of Mars/Uranus, I need to get back into the firing range for some target practice. My preferred shooting mechanism is a .38 revolver.
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PA Political Astrology: Lancaster County Democratic Women’s Association Honors Janice Stork (D-Scorpio)
(Middle, at the podium) Janice Stork, a Scorpio, the first female Mayor of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who served from 1990-1998.
[tweetmeme]This afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending my first “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” luncheon hosted by the Lancaster County Democratic Women’s Association (LCDWA). The LCDWA, headed by Sue Stoltzfus (Scorpio), presented the first annual Catherine Baker Knoll (a fellow Virgo, yeah!) Award to Janice C. Stork (Scorpio), who served as Mayor of the City of Lancaster, PA from 1990-1998. (Just a quick note: Catherine Baker Knoll shares a September 3rd Virgo birthdate with Joe Hoeffel, who is getting my vote for the next Governor of PA!) Janice currently has a one-line Wikipedia entry, as of today, but Tracey Lynn Arriola, Secretary of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee (LCDC) and member of the LCDWA, is working to change that. The luncheon had a great turnout at The Press Room of over 50 people, which included many male and female local officials such as Bruce Beardsley, Chair of LCDC; Craig Lehman, Lancaster County Commissioner; Nelson Polite, Lancaster City Council; and State Rep. Mike Sturla (Aquarius), among others for the males, as well as Lois Herr (Capricorn), candidate for PA Congress (16th District); Pat Brogan, Lancaster Mayor’s Office; Susan Rutt, PA Federation of Democratic Women; and Pat Coller, Lancaster City Council, among others for the females.
I cast a chart for the CBK Luncheon and thought the Cancer Ascendant was quite a nice indicator for honoring females in politics, considering the Moon rules Cancer and is symbolic of women, political favor, nurturing and emotions, and the public. The Moon in Aquarius is separating from a recent conjunction with Neptune and Chiron in the 9th house of the higher mind, philosophy, and freedom. (See chart below.) Check out my tweetphotos of the event here and my Picasa Web Album here.
I almost didn’t make it to the lunch, however, because last night, my beloved 1991 Buick Riviera—that I just poured money into, repairing the fuel pump and rear windshield—finally blew its transmission. How fitting a time for my car to give out as transiting retrograde Saturn (ruler of delays and restrictions) passes over my natal Mercury (ruler of communication and transportation), while transiting Mars (ruler of action and aggression) goes stationary direct on the cusp of my 3rd house of communication and transportation. ¡Que Lastima! Thankfully, I got a ride from my brother and was able to meet up with my new found LCDC and LCDWA friends, Sue Stoltzfus, Martine Elianor, Janet Spleen, Kathy Rammer, and Renee Martin, and I met a few new ones as well. In case you missed it, you can read how I met these wonderful women at DemFest and the LCDC Convention.
Friendly Astrology: Siobhan, The Aries Ram, Yes She Can!
Siobhan, The Fierce. She just might cut you.
[tweetmeme]If I could choose a lioness to debate with and tear the heads off of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Rush Limbaugh, or Sarah Palin, I’d send Siobhan. No nonsense. No pleasantries. No “aw, shucks” about it. The first time Siobhan and I spoke, we held an hour-long phone conversation, and found common ground talking shit on a mutual acquaintance. (It was warranted.) We also share a Virgo Moon, Saturn, and North Node connection, by way of conjunction. When we were teenagers, we used to sit on the corner in our small town and take turns tearing apart people who walked down the street. (They had it coming.) When we were old enough to drink, you’d better believe we had a ball honing in on the frailties of our fellow bar patrons at the Keswick Tavern. As adults, we have gone our separate ways in accordance with the natural evolution of all relationships in the progression of time. Though, as our relationship as friends has evolved, our intellectual sensibilities remain consistent, which has always been the foundation of our friendship. (We were both in our school’s “Enrichment” program due to high IQ testing.)
I’m not going to tell Siobhan’s life story here; though with her Ascendant (ASC) in the critical 29th degree of Scorpio and natal Jupiter at the critical 29th degree of Cancer, you’d be intrigued by the story. I’m merely going to highlight the potential that I see in her chart. Perhaps, one day, you will hear her story in her own words. I say this because her natal chart displays the Moon, North Node, and Saturn at the pinnacle of her chart: The Midheaven (MC). The MC is one of the important angles in astrology, which symbolizes one’s reputation, career, and status in society. Siobhan needed a while to decide exactly what her role in society should be, but she is certainly headed in the right direction after recently graduating, Magna Cum Laude from Temple University (my alma mater), with a BS in Political Science.
Siobhan’s mind has always been an asset, whether she wanted to publicly acknowledge it or not during her teenage, high school rebellion. Her natal Mercury in Pisces sits conjunct natal Mars in Aries, also forming a trine to natal Uranus and natal Jupiter, in addition to a square with natal Neptune. These aspects show a highly energetic, eccentric, and unconventional mind and intuitive, intellectual acuity. Mercury also rules her MC in Virgo, which, to me, is evidence of her predilection towards public life. She initially aspired to be an actress (note the 1st house Neptune). Though, it looks like her recent Saturn Return and its current transit through her natal 10th house of career has now set her sights on something more concrete: Politics.
It is also relevant to add here that Siobhan’s younger brother, Daniel, is an Iraq war veteran and is currently a military police officer in our Nation’s Capitol, Washington DC. She is also planning to relocate there within the next few months. Please note the transiting Uranus in her natal 4th house of home, which is also conjunct her natal Mercury. The winds of change are blowing for my dear companion, as her progressed MC is sitting conjunct her natal Pluto, indicating a rebirth in how she presents herself to the world. Our paths once crossed in 7th grade and our lives have led us on different paths. Perhaps, Saturn, the North Node, and the MC/IC axis will further validate our alliance in future, given Siobhan’s political aspirations and my current activities. We have a shared past in Montgomery County, PA, but life is leading Siobhan to Washington and myself to straddle work and life between Philadelphia and Lancaster, PA. Time will tell how it all plays out. Vive La Femme!
(See Natal Chart below with accurate birth time.) Siobhan, let me know if you want further clarification.
Mercury x3: SignOn2Nine 
