Astrocurrents for April and May

We are on a wild ride at the moment and waves have been known to cause people to lose footing at times. Many of us have been dealing with changes we never imagined and looking for new ways to settle into the new phases of our lives.

Part of what I offer this month is the need as we move into the phases of summer and into an interesting mercury retrograde this month and next month to learn flexibility.  This is a powerful tool in the world that is changing so rapidly and one that we too often overlook. Learning to be flexible in everyday life is part of what will keep you both grounded and moving forward as things speed up. I'm offering some exercises in this newsletter and upcoming newsletters to help you create a more flexible mind and body and I encourage you to find practices that help you flow more easily.

                                                    Back to astrocurrents for April and May.

Mercury retrograde is coming...see below for more information.

Main Lessons for April/ May

Lesson One - Clutter and Escape - April, as we already know from our experience coming into it, is offering us quite a bit of clutter and also the opportunity to abandon clutter completely as a part of us feels the need to escape. The way the planets are moving, many of us will feel a shift between these feelings of dealing with our clutter and wanting to avoid it altogether and just run for the hills. This is a necessary part of growth, to feel this yin and yang when we are moving into a period of transition. It's a powerful force, the to and fro and I encourage you to allow yourself the opportunity to feel it fully and let it lead you - within reason that fits with your life.

For example, if one day you feel like leaving world behind, let yourself have a day and jump in the car and explore! Then you can come back to your world with renewed energy rather than forcing yourself to continue with the same old day just to keep things easier. This is a time of great change and even one day of play will help immensely.

Lesson Two - Detachment to Outcome in Oddity - This Mercury retrograde is going to test some boundaries. All of the sudden someone is going to say something or something is going to happen and you are going to think 'really?!' because it's just going to be weird. Communication is going to be less about direct arguments and more about miscommunication because it's like people are getting a new language or something…guess what, they are. We are growing as a population, becoming more spiritual and more authentic, but with that sometimes comes an exaggerated case of poor boundaries and lack of structure and we are going to see both of these popping up this month. We may even find ourselves going…did we really mean to say that?

If we take it all with some humor, because let me tell you, after what I channeled to write this astrocurrents, I was laughing (and actually am as I'm writing this) to myself because I don't even know how to explain the oddity but it's going to be interesting. Detachment to an outcome then is not only going to be useful, it's also going to be very important because when things don't make sense, sticking to an intended outcome would be like refusing to move because it is sunny and then the storm hits and you still refuse to go to shelter. The shelter is right there in front of you, cozy and waiting with a nice hot chocolate but there you stand in the storm refusing to believe there is a storm. I say, go get the hot chocolate.

Lesson Three - Synchronicity in Relationships - This is a lesson that will go into June more so so I'll write more on it next issue but for now, just know that relationships are going to be pretty amazing. Like all of the sudden you are going to just click with people and it's going to be like you've found the people you truly connect with. It's going to be lovely so as of the middle of May (yes it's retrograde but it doesn't matter) go out more and let yourself meet with new and old friends and let the energy renew itself with a powerful loving 'POW'! More on these connections in June!

Hope you enjoyed this issue of Astrocurrents! See you next month!

Love!

Jenifer (aka 'Satya')

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Some 2010 ‘Predictions’

I am honestly not a big fan of predictions as at times they limit our awareness of what is around us and therefore we miss moments by looking for something in particular.  Truth is we often do that anyway so I’m guessing my offering a few thoughts here won’t hurt too much ;).  (One of my guides is giving me a look, thinking maybe that wasn’t too funny so I’ll be extra conscious and check in on what I say here.)

First, I must offer that if you didn’t realize it, we are in the midst of some amazing moon-driven energies right now.  Did anyone feel that brief lunar eclipse on new years eve?  What a blissful little blip of energy – I was meditating and felt this rush that made me feel like mush for a minute. 

This lunar eclipse is the first of several that will occur this year and has an energy of closure to it.  For many, including myself, there have been some frustrating completions coming up – causing us to either redu, rethink or re-strategize situations started earlier in this or previous years.  Due to the way this lunar eclipse hit the energy of mercury and mars, we will be having a bit of chaotic energy with these changes.  Sometimes things are just not going to make sense.  For example, two authorities may give you completely conflicting information both thinking they are right.  Confusion at it’s best and worst at times so now is a time to breath, step back, choose your focus and what you wish to move forward with (and if you have no clarity – wait it out), and move.  With mercury going direct mid-month, you might want to wait until February after mercury has completed it’s turn.  That said, with the type of energy coming up, you may not have a choice but to move forward, just know that you are not alone and be ready to have to change a few times to get things right.

A very positive energy is the way this lunar pattern is affecting Capricorn and Cancer.  Two energies of caring and friendship and heart will be available to us as we move through a difficult year bringing forth an energy of community and new and old connections.

One thing, with the chaos as well, you may find connections coming through the oddest of avenues.  Keep your eyes, hearts and awareness open as it’s our connections that help us grow and there is going to be A LOT of GROWTH this year ;)

Now for January 2010

Well, we’ve got Mercury Retrograde moving through so we may have a bit of a rocky couple of weeks from a communication and technology perspective.  Also, don’t forget that this energy can also focus on heating systems so make sure you get things checked out early!

3 Key Flows This Month

1)      Autonomy for the first 2 weeks – Many are going to be feeling an energy of nose to the grindstone the first two weeks.  Getting things done and getting focused will be the priority and this can have some challenges in relationship fronts.  Best to let your loved one’s know it’s only temporary and schedule connection time to keep balanced.  It’s easy to get disconnected with this sort of focused energy so you may need to make a greater effort than usual and perhaps do some planning with your loved one’s to make sure you schedule the time.

2)      Chaos the first two weeks – Those with more water and air in their charts may not be able to ground the energy that is moving and may feel a bit like they can’t calm down the first two weeks.  Breathing deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth, listening to calming music, getting enough sleep, drinking water and taking time to clear your heat will be necessary.

3)      Changing the Social Structure – We are in a transition as a universal energy.  We are moving away from rigid social structures and finding new ways, new patterns of being.  We are going to see some unusual ideas popping up around us AND within us this month.  Keep your eyes open, it’s going to be a wild ride ;)

Now along with mercury retrograde, we have another eclipse – a full solar annular eclipse – January 15^th.  This eclipse, much stronger energetically than the lunar eclipse on new years, will have an even more clear effect of completing aspects of our lives.  Some will find the confusion brought up at the lunar eclipse actually become cleared up then though we need to see the mercury retrograde is still there and turning direct then as well and we know that the time of turning is a time to let pass if possible before signing documents or purchasing technology or large ticket items.

Ok, so more warnings than normal but with the chaos, even when things happen, sometimes it’s nice to know it’s transitory.

Much Love!

Jenifer

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Astrocurrents December 2009

Ok, A lot going on this month so you may wish to read this twice :)

Let's discuss Retrograde and the moons first

1) Mercury Retrograde (in Capricorn)- Begins December 26th, Ends January 15th:  Shadow of retrograde begins December 9th and exits February 4th, 2010.  Remember, the shadow dates show high movement as well so steer clear of signing agreements and/or making technology/high finance decisions until after the 4th of Feb if possible.  It's also a good idea to buy your gifts early this year!  Save yourself a headache. (Click Here for More on Retrogrades)

2) Full Moon - Today was an interesting day showing the strength of the full moon (it's the 1st for those reading this on another day).  This full moon will have a lot of physical elements too it.  You may feel the effects with a strong headache, old muscle aches returning, weird head symptoms (this full moon will be aggravating the first and sixth chakras), problems concentrating and then poof, you start feeling better.  Weird yes, but aren't you glad to know you aren't alone?

This full moon will also bring up things to close on. For some signs this will be a completion of financial decisions, for some relationship, for others property.  Whichever, this is a powerful completion moon and you will use it whether you mean to or not.

3) New Moon - This new moon is a perfect energy for transitioning to the new year.  We couldn't have a stronger new moon for transitions - though, while powerful, it may also be a bit sticky for some who would prefer hibernating.  If you choose to take advantage of this new moon, you will find your life takes flight in some new directions with new people ready to move forward with you.  If you choose not to use the energy, you may find yourself aggravated at this time as the energy of the new moon will be pushing a bit whild you are lying on the couch ;)  No judgment, just the universe saying it wants to play!

Themes This Month

1) Financial and Property Changes - You may find yourself mid-month with several property/home options all of which seem interesting but a little overwhelming at the same time.  Whatever decision you make will complete itself in January and February so be patient and you just might get more than you are looking for.

2) Relationships Flare and Settle - Interesting to have tempered passions but that is this month.  Passionate without the bite.  Interesting scenario but you might feel like your fizzle isn't quite where it is normally and that could actually be a good thing as you might settle in and hibernate a bit getting cozy with those you love.  It also might bring back some people you haven't seen for a while unexpectedly - in a good way. 

3) Need to Take Care of Yourself - This time of year is so fast-paced we forget that technically, it is a time of hibernation for many species.  We need more sleep this time of year and we need to give ourselves permission for a nap when we need it (myself included!).  Take the time to take care of you first, everyone will benefit from it!

I hope you enjoyed this month's forecast!

Happy Holidays and Much Love!

Jenifer

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Astrocurrents November 2009

First, we have a pretty strong full moon coming Nov. 2nd and it's a good idea to keep your responses calm around this time.  With the full moon in Taurus and various opposing planets, it's not unlikely emotions will come up around something important to us and it's best not to react (actually, it's usually best not to react - rather to respond after contemplation - so maybe make this more of a practice right now).

Themes this Month

1) Ease of completion the first half of the month.  Now is a time to get the little things done for the holidays.  Mercury is going to go retrograde again so if you are planning to purchase things for people for the holidays, get it done early this year and things will go much smoother for you.  Also, many of you are completing housing related contracts - good job and congratulations!!!  You took the power of October to heart and used it to manifest and now, November will help you complete the tasks you need to.

2) A bit of calm to balance out the last two months.  This means as well that it is time, like the season change, to start calming down and coming to a space of peace.  This also means those of you who like to go full steam might be feeling oddly relaxed all the sudden, like you want to take a nap.  Let yourself, your body needs it right now.

3) Increased flexibility - even with beliefs.  You may see people changing their minds a lot this month.  Almost like their belief systems have become maleable.  Use this in your favor and don't expect people to be who they've been - rather, encourage them to be who they are right now - you will have a lot more fun.  One caveat here - while for some signs, what happens this month will make relationships stronger, for others, flexible thinking can feel confusing and unsettling.  Asking for clarity before you judge will be key here and owning your words - ie. not expecting your longterm partner to just understand for example that suddenly you are choosing to eat meat after 30 years of veganism - without a discussion.

Moons this month

We are back to intensity this full moon so take a deep breath and learn from it instead of reacting to it and you will get much more out of it.  There is such opposition of planets at the full moon that if you let things happen, it's very likely decisions can be made that work for you without much effort on your part whereas if you jump in and judge, it may just dirty up the waters.

Full moon - November 2nd

New moon - November 17th

Much love and light!

Enjoy!

Jenifer

Astrocurrents October 2009

Ok, so I wasn't lying when I said September was going to be challenge for many AND a time when your personal beliefs might be tested was I?

This month is going to take on a much different vibe.  It is going to feel more open creatively and less constricted in our relationships.  More like the butterfly coming out to play after a stressful night's sleep.

As we are still working through some mercury retrograde until the second week of the month, it is important to keep conscious of the challenges to communications, technology, etc.  Yet, we have definitely worked through the most challenging aspects of it by Oct. 1st so any glitches shouldn't take too much to work themselves out.

Themes this Month

1) Moving to New Ways of Thinking (this will continue into 2010) - Looking at this time we are in, I keep getting this image of all different types of people coming together and realizing that being human connects us all.  While this month may not epitomize this view, it will have the underpinnings of it's message and you may find people you've always known showing their true hippie side or that someone you always thought of one way has interests you never knew of.  These pleasant surprises and learnings can, if you open yourself to them, show you a new way of thinking of people not as the roles they play, but as the compilation of their own complicated and beautiful self.

2) Redefining What Is Important at Deeper Levels - We all know cognitively that personal relationships are more important in the long run than winning the lottery, but we are moving through a period of really internalizing that awareness at a much deeper level.  If you ask me, loneliness is a deeper illness for most people than any other and through social media and local community efforts, we are finally seeing a turn back to creating community.  I just wish we would speed it up a bit - ok, a little fire in my chart peaking through!

3) A New Look at Beauty - Many of us are looking at things through a new lense.  People that we weren't interested in are suddenly more interesting, the leaves catch our attention, the birds seem somehow more vibrant.  It's as if someone turned up the lense in some areas and it shifted our focus.  Enjoy it, in the upcoming months these seemingly small changes can reap large benefits for you.  You may even want to keep a journal of what you are learning through the process.

Moons this month

One thought on this month's new moon, it may feel less intense for some but don't ignore it.  The new moon is a time of delivery into the aspects of ourselves that we feel intrigued to redefine.  Let yourself use the new moon energy to step into the next level of yourself.  You may find that even though the energy doesn't feel so intense this month, it's power IS.  Proving once again the amazing dichotomy of power versus force ;)

Full moon - October 4th

New moon - October 18th

Much love and light!

Enjoy!

Jenifer

Astrocurrents September 2009

This month has a lot of unusual potentials.  I really encourage each of us to jump in and take advantage of it all.  There are 4 main themes this month so I think offering each individual theme would be a good way to show you how to use the energy that is expanding.

Before we do, note that this is a mercury retrograde month and the energy of the retrograde period is much of what is causing the currents this month.

The 4 Themes:

1) The shadow of Mercury Retrograde: I know I’ve spoken about this before but seriously, this month’s shadow aspect of retrograde has been intense. The shadow of retrograde is the time before the actual period during which the strongest aspects of the retrograde come to light. It began for this retrograde period mid-August and will continue until the actual retrograde begins September 7th. During this shadow time, decisions can be challenging as well as communications. It can feel like there is a barrier that you are trying to breakthrough and you may need to wait it out and/or at times push more than you are used to to make your life ‘work’.

2) Stepping into power with self-discipline. I recognize that self-discipline is often not the term people enjoy hearing. It may bring up thoughts of being told what to do but as an adult, self-discipline can be our close friend and when it is self-imposed, can grow our power exponentially as it can help us get things done in ways that work for us. This month, you will need self-discipline to complete aspects of your life and your work that you know deep within you need to do to move on. You will find, even with this being retrograde and communications being a little off, the foundational energies of completion and growth are there in big ways and you will have the power if you choose to transform deep emotional and physical aspects of the self and your world. I’m not saying this will be easy, you may feel exhausted by the efforts but the end of the month you will see their benefits.

3) Unanticipated Changes in our viewpoints. We are an interesting species that enjoys continuity and making sense of our world. Sometimes our world doesn’t make sense and in this space we are forced to rethink our thoughts and how we have perceived our world. That is a strong theme in this retrograde period and I truly encourage you to use it to your benefit. Look at things that just don’t make sense anymore and find new ways to think about things. You may find this changes not you’re your thinking but also your world.

4) Life Revelations. This mercury retrograde is also going to be a clearing and an opening to show us a new level of understanding what is coming for us in the upcoming months. We’re coming into a time of new understanding and these retrograde periods are offering us new levels of clearing the old and coming into the truth of why we are here. Look for intuition to be high and when that happens, when intuition is high during a time of challenged communications, we need to realize that we might have a plethora of those ‘hitting it on the nose’ moments when we might say or receive messages from one another that are a bit strong or biting in nature. This may be challenging, especially for new relationships, so be as gentle as possible this month and take a breath before speaking. Knowing this month may put people in a touchy space can provide you with the power to choose your words carefully for there is no reason to create pain when communicating. Part of our learning is how to communicate clearly without emotional instability.

Now back to the retrograde aspect.  The actual retrograde period will begin Sept 7th and end the 29th however the shadow aspect began mid-August (accounting for much of the communication frustrations I hear many of you dealing with) and the end of the retrograde always has a several day period of adjustment as well so making large purchases - especially for computer type equipment, might have some snags right now.  If you can wait until mid-October, you might have cleaner energy to deal with.

Enjoy your month!

Jenifer

Per the Eclipses

Many people have been asking about the eclipses.  Yes, we've had a pretty busy month this way in July.  We had the July 7th Full lunar eclipse and the new moon/solar eclipse on July 21st/22nd - did you know that was the longest one to occur in the 21st century?!  These made for some interesting energies last month.

When you hear eclipse of any kind, transformation is being offered as an idea, sometimes strongly, sometimes softly depending on the planets and their relationship to your chart.  Overall, we have the power during this time period to really manifest powerful changes and depending on the planets affected, we also have certain energies more available to us.  I often see people going over and over the past during periods like these.  Old issues running on a treadmill from personal to financial to health to beliefs and ideas.  Think of it this way, during this period these things are coming up to show you what you are creating.  You have choice as a living being to make changes or to just notice them and let them go back into the unconscious to continue to recreate themselves.  I personally believe in using the energies available to you to change these patterns of influence and create something new.

So lets look forward.  This month we also have some eclipse energy moving through.  On the evening of August 5th-6th there is a penumbral lunar eclipse that will go through Aquarius. 

This eclipse will bring with it the potential for quick shifts.  It's not common to have two lunar eclipses like this two months in a row and I'm still feeling the effects of last month and using this eclipse to build on the changes I'm making, and you can too!  This August is a time when minimal effort can create dramatic change.  Instead of pushing, step back and watch yourself and see what you would change if you could (you CAN) and take a step in the right direction.  The universes response may surprise you.

From a sign perspective, Aquarians and Leos will be most affected by the eclipse and those born at the beginning of February may be getting an unusually strong push to change.  Listen to it.

Month Overview

One unusual aspect of this month is around appearances.  It would be a good time to take a look at how you look to those in your world and see if you want to change it.  I'm not talking about your weight, I'm talking about your hairstyle, clothing and the way you make yourself look to your world.  Are you being 'too perfect' and putting others off?  Are you disheveled all the time and making others think you don't take care of yourself?  While I am not a surface person, people do have their internal programming going all day long and if you desire to make changes, start with the self - inner self first, then outer self, then world! 

The other main aspect this month is about alignment.  If your outer world and inner world are not aligned, or if your actions aren't matching your intentions, you are likely to feel it this month.  I'd advise you to start now by taking a look at where your words and thoughts aren't matching your actions and get clear - rather than waiting for the universe to nudge you...;)

Have a great month and enjoy the ride!

Love and light,

Jenifer

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Upcoming Retrograde Dates

**Note that different astrologers may differ in their accounts of the start and end dates of these periods due to personal interpretations.

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Astrocurrents for June/July 2009

Astrocurrents for April 2009

First of all, April will bring with it three main themes:  New and Unexpected Experiences, Release Old Stuff, Return of Old Relationships.

Across the board pretty much everyone will be experiencing something new this month from new job opportunities that one could never have anticipated to suddenly being interested in clothing that would have seemed atrocious before.  These new and unexpected experiences may make you feel a bit off-balance at times, like you don't recognize yourself, that is ok.  Sometimes we need to shake up our world a bit in order to grow and move forward.

This is a final clearing month for the year for many.  YOU NEED TO USE IT.  Clear out those closets, clear out your phone books of people that are no longer connected with you and MOVE ON.  Doing this will be setting the stage for months to come.  GET HELP if you need to here, it's important for you.  Pisces and Sagitarrius will have some extra energy for this this month as well - you guys will be on fire!

Return of old relationships can take place in many forms from a sudden call from a high school friend wanting to touch base to a letter from an old flame apologizing for the way they treated you.  You may also be called to call upon an old friend and reconnect/ heal what happened.  Those who choose this may just find entirely new and exciting relationships unfolding that they could have never anticipated.  Love those kinds of beautiful surprises.

Snapshot:  Honestly, this may be a weird month for some - I say that because the types of new experiences you will be encountering may seem odd yet somehow very attractive.  For example, you might be drawn to horse-back ride when you have never wanted to before.  You may suddenly find yourself drawn to a raw foods lifestyle when you used to be a meat-eater.  Or you may suddenly open your eyes to the fact that your life is really good and it's time to enjoy it.  Whatever comes through, watch it and respond rather than reacting too strongly and you will find what you need to enjoy the ride.

Much love!

Jenifer

PS - next month is an interesting retrograde month - look forward to the next newsletter for details!

Astrocurrents for March 2009

Think Letting Go and Flexibility.

March is all about movement for most signs. 

It's interesting how our weather is mirroring the energy of this moment in time.  From a weather perspective we have seen more 'movement', shifting weather patters, A LOT of wind (uncontrolled energy of movement), and dramatic climate changes happening in short periods of time (morning is 30 degrees and it's 65 by noon).  I feel it's important to notice the flexible, fast and powerful energy of the wind and weather and start owning that in our own life.

Many of us, myself included, are going through some radical changes in their lives.  As a Taurus, I know sometimes I can stick my feet in the earth and not want to move but this time, I know I need to.  It's all good, if we let it happen. 

With the opportunity to move quickly right now, you may find you don't have time to think things through - that's where going with your intuition is going to be key.  When we need to make a split decision, dotting the i's and crossing the t's can't always happen.  STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE - this isn't a time to be perfect, it's a time to LIVE!

Of course, I'm not saying to act unconsciously and be erratic in your moving forward.  Be clear of your own knowing, step forward in strength and know that you are the person in charge of your life.  Yes, making changes can be scary but that doesn't mean you shouldn't make them.  There is a big difference between fear and knowing something isn't right for you.  That is the difference between fear of the unknown and going with your inner knowing.  And if you don't know what you want yet, spend the time getting clear and then, TAKE CONSCIOUS ACTION.  the energy of the moment will assist you in moving forward quickly!

On a different note, for those of you going through a health crisis - this is a time to rethink what you have been doing.  To seek the care you need now and just let go of what isn't working - no matter how much time and money you have invested.  You will heal faster focusing on what you need than being angry or frustrated with people who are not of your consciousness.  Get clear and manifest the right healing team for YOUR NEEDS - regardless of what others think you need.  It's your life, it's your health and it's your decision.  I wish you light and strength - I know what it takes to choose your own path to healing, I've been there myself at times - to be honest, we all have.  We need to own our truth right now and realize that we as individuals are changing the healthcare system by choosing what we need and taking conscious action.  Everyone who says NO to what isn't conscious healing raises the energy for all of us.  We are all warriors of health.

Quick take on this month's energy:  Step out of your comfort zone quickly and directly, make the right decisions for you and let your inner self be your guide.  March might just surprise you!

Much love and light,

Jenifer

Astrocurrents for February 2009

Still in Mercury Retrograde...

While Mercury retrograde technically completes shortly after the 1st, it will still be moving through for the next few weeks so continue to be clear and concise in contracts and discussions.   See below for details.

Think completion - Completion of what you should have completed last year and keep putting off.  GREAT time to complete things for the next two-three weeks AND you might notice that as you jump in and just do it, things change in ways that you never expected.

Think community as well -  We are moving into a time of more small-town feelings in this world focused on expansion.  You may feel a tug between the two this month - between pushing outward and going inward. 

Think Bear Energy - You may even think at times the introspections are depression or sadness when really, they are rest and renewal for what you want and who you want to be in your world.  Take the time to listen to yourself and spend some time alone reflecting and refreshing yourself.

Think Compassion and Being Present - When change occur, other people might be volatile.  That isn't about you, but it can affect you.  Choose to live compassionately, know that if people don't seem like themselves right now, they are probably going through things you aren't aware of.  Continue to be the person you wish to be and when you bring that kind of compassion to others, those times you are stressed and not quite yourself you may just find that compassion coming back to you.

Enjoy and LIVE~

Love, Jenifer

Mercury Retrograde January 2009

Retrograde Dates:  January 11th Mercury Retrogrades in Aquarius - February 1st Mercury goes direct in Capricorn

This is going to be an interesting experience.  First off, January 11th also is in the midst of the full moon in Cancer so let's know that energy and emotions are going to be high.  Also, Aquarius and Cancer are movement signs so things may move a bit out of order to what we are expecting. 

If you can take this retrograde with the idea that it will be an experience and take an observer role instead of trying to control everything, you may actually enjoy it as along with things moving in unusual directions, things will be flowing quickly due to other energies up during this time period and you just might come out of it with a new and exciting take on life.

As all mercury retrogrades allow for deeper introspection to allow us to get clearer on our goals and beliefs, I'm actually excited to have this particular one in January in 2009 as it offers a great way to start the year - shaking it up a bit and offering us new clarity on our deepest desires and true belief systems.  This is also a great time to review and create your personal plans and visions for the year ahead (if you would like to do this in a group setting, see our upcoming Power Planning class January 17th - purposely in this midst of this retrograde to teach you how to use the energy).

For those looking for new jobs, this could be a great time to explore your options as new resources will be flowing through endlessly if you allow for them to.  Take your time to meet new people, expand your network and listen to your intuition as you choose your new path.

For those of you who felt stuck in 2008, this is a great time to complete and release what didn't work last year and move your focus to creating something new.  Make your mantra - 'I CHOOSE TO MOVE FORWARD IN 2009!" and you will find the power of intention propelling you forward.

And don't forget the communications aspects of what Mercury Retrograde energy can create.  See below for details.

Blessings!  Jenifer

Astrology Update - What's happening during the holidays - Part 2 - December

It is amazing to think it's already December.  This year has gone by quickly, energetically as well as physically.

This month is going to a be a wrap up month for many.  Completing projects you have left for the back corner would be a good idea as would taking some time to think about how much you have changed this year.  Whether intentionally or not, there are few people (and doubtfully anyone reading this) that didn't experience profound changes this year - either changes of beliefs, solidification of beliefs or shifts in life patterns.  Now is the time to fully integrate this energy as this 'life jump' energy spiral will be completing as the new year begins.

One thing to look at the next couple of months has more to do with your personal lineage.  I'm seeing energies of connections coming into many charts this month through February.  What this sort of energy expresses is the ability to look at your personal history, and that of your current (and past for some) life's lineage to gain understanding of how one's personal values and beliefs have been created - an how to change them.  This would be a great time to choose your values NOW based on who you are and release the old beliefs that no longer make sense in your world.  For many, this shift will be one more toward spiritual and global consciousness.  For some it will be a shift back toward their hereditary lineage and for all who choose it, this completion phase will allow for a deeper grounding into who you are in this lifetime and bring you closer to understanding your place on this planet today.

The elections this month I believe were a part of this energy - a part of both the change and the shifting of beliefs toward a more global view of what we need as a planet to heal.  Non-judgment, global visioning and personal responsibility are all critical aspects of healing in the world we are creating today and each of us has the power to bring this energy to the world.

I wish you each a powerful, loving and healthy holiday season. 

Many blessings,

Jenifer

Astrology Update - What's happening during the holidays - Part 1 - November

FINALLY, retrograde is over.  This was an intense one for many with intensity in communications being key.  Many of us, me included, had some interesting experiences - often heated ones - with people we didn't know very well.  That type of intensity should be shifted by November 2nd so let's thank the stars - literally - for a more peaceful November.

We are going to be experiencing an interesting November, the energy surrounding this month will be reminding us that the decisions we are making will show not only our beliefs, but also our values.  An interesting time for a political discussion to ensue and a powerful time for us to choose the type of values that are really important to us.

In fact, this election may feel more personal to many people so let's keep a check on our emotions and recognize that we need to honor each individual's personal belief system rather than trying to make them believe ours. 

With this energy surfacing, I feel it's a good time to sit with our own values and ask ourselves what we want to put energy toward in our lives.  Where are we living our values and where are we missing them?  Do we value people, relationships, truth, integrity, honesty, money, power...what is our own inner truth?

This month will also feel more introspective in general for many people.  For some signs this may feel good, as some are naturally more introverted and excel in this energy.  For other signs it may feel a bit inhibiting.  It doesn't need to.  It simply requires a shift in perspective.  If you are feeling like there is nothing to do - try something new this month.  A book club, class, or even sitting in a coffee shop with a good book.  Recognize that this energy is more about learning about what you enjoy - and the simplest things are sometimes the most balancing and enjoyable. 

Baseline is this month could actually be quite transformational and enjoyable when you allow yourself to let yourself live and think out of your box at times.  Remember what it is like to just say 'what do I want to do today' rather than trying to stick rigidly to a plan and you will have a lot more fun.

I encourage you to use this month's energy to choose how you want to be in this world, and make your actions match your values. 

Mercury Retrograde Update for October 2008

About this Mercury Retrograde

Whew, September was quite a ride for a lot of people astrologically speaking.  With various changes going on at the same time, it may have felt like a few months went by.  Now why do we feel the retrograde so far before the 24th when retrograde actually occurs?  Because planets, like people, are not black and white.  They move in a rhythm and that rhythm means there is a retrograde energy that is building before and releasing after a retrograde.  For this one, I felt it starting around the 2nd of Sept and plan to see it release until the end of October.

A few things to notice this month.  First, let's look at this intensity.  The energy many of you will feel during this time is an internal passion as Mercury goes retrograde in Libra.  If you have Libra in your chart in rising or ascendant, you may want to pay special attention to the intensity of the month and the messages it brings, as should Libra's sister signs Cancer, Aries and Capricorn.  For everyone, this is a time for introspection and also, with all of the other shifts going on, you may see emotions getting out of step a bit.  You know, those times when you go back and think, why did I say that? 

Tension between partners and parents/children may be high at times.  Know this is part of what is going on and try to take a deep breath.  During this period, everyone may be feeling more indecisive than usual.  You may find the retrograde shakes up your perceptions and leads you on a knew path quickly.  Listen to your instincts and if they aren't clear, you may choose to wait until they are (most likely after Oct. 15th).  Sometimes silence is the best medicine.

One thing to note this month, whatever you were dealing with the first week of Sept. may return for a rethinking toward the end of this retrograde cycle on the 15th or thereabouts.  This can be a very good things as retrograde shook it up, and can help you clear it out at the end.

Also, the standard retrograde info on technology and communications holds, so keep reading if this topic is new to you! 

Retrograde Calendar is below.

Blessings,

Jenifer

Mercury Retrograde Periods and About Mercury Retrograde:

Retrograde in astrological terms is the apparent backward movement of energy through the zodiac of a planet. This changes as well the relationship of that planet to other planets.

All the planets (excluding the Sun and Moon) may have retrograde periods, however, due to the type of changes that occur during Mercury retrograde, it is the most well-known.

Mercury retrograde affects communication. That means more than conversations. Mercury retrograde can also affect written communications, e-mails, communication networks (i.e. computers), and even mail. Now this isn't a negative thing. The changes that occur during this time period are often for the better as well. Some of the apparent 'mishaps' may just cause you to connect with people you may not have otherwise. Or, they may cause you to connect with an inner power and patience you may need to reconnect with.

What this means is be a bit more careful with contracts, computers (anything with wiring and communications), and more patient in communications. You may hear more of 'I didn't get that message' or 'that e-mail never arrived'. Some would say don't sign contracts during this period. I don't feel that is reasonable for most, nor is it truly necessary. Mercury wakes us up to the fact that communications in any form may need more clarification and patience and, if we are open to that and allow it to occur, these periods could be times of great learning and growth.

I find if I am more patient and recognize that strange occurrences are simply that, it's usually pretty easy.

Some concrete advise I would offer is:

keep copies of all documents keep computer virus protection and firewalls current conserve electricity and unplug what you aren't using read contracts carefully and be sure to ask questions if you are unclear of anything if you are traveling, recognize that you may have delays and take them as opportunities to read and catch up with old friends breathe, be patient, be honest and clarify all communications If you look at any of these tips, you'll see they are useful at all times, not just mercury retrograde.

During Mercury Retrograde, it is also a good thing to practice meditative tasks such as cleaning, writing, or simply meditating. Most of all, it's a good time to be aware of what is going on around you. Taking an observer role rather than reacting to the changes will give you a better state from which to live, grow and laugh.

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Upcoming Retrograde Dates

**Note that different astrologers may differ in their accounts of the start and end dates of these periods due to personal interpretations.

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