2016

Jupiter Retrograde in Virgo ♃ Jan 7 - May 9

Jan 7 - May 9, 2016

Jupiter is retrograde approximately 4 months out of the year. To be very clear, planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is entirely an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

The last Jupiter Rx cycle was from Dec 8, 2014 - Apr 8, 2015 in the sign of Leo. Jupiter in Leo placed particular emphasis on children, romance and recreation, but it was far from play time, especially during the retrograde period. We were pushed and pulled with constant tests of character. The grandeur of our dreams was matched only by the supreme difficulty inherent in their manifestation. Dark challenges crashed in day after day after day. After this last experience, I see the Jupiter Rx period as the real nitty gritty, the true purpose of any Jupiter transit: the point at which we are delivered to what we’re really supposed to learn. In fact, Jupiter is ruler of higher learning.

With Jupiter in Virgo since August, our attention has been directed toward work, health and routine. We’ve been taking an intensive look at our professional life as well as proper nutrition, exercise, sleep schedules, meditation, etc. Jupiter in Virgo seeks to regain bodily sovereignty. Jupiter in an earth sign comes back to the body: total agency and impressive self-discipline. If you’ve been waiting for some force to come along and kick you into action, this is it.

When Jupiter is retrograde, our collective quest for greater understanding becomes a very personal journey. We are now more preoccupied than usual with our path and whether we’re on the right one. This as an opportunity to stop, take a step back and get a good look at where you’re really heading. Jupiter encourages us to be aware, especially of our boundaries. In pausing and reflecting, we see what we need to change in order to move in the proper direction. Jupiter Rx in Virgo will illuminate the reality of our karma.

Anything you’re working toward is about to be turned up about 3000 notches. You’ll be more immersed in it than you could have ever imagined. For me this is a life commitment to yoga and art. In a month I’m traveling to India to manifest these dreams. Are you hoping to switch careers? Go back to school? Release ancient emotional pain? All of the above? Jupiter in Virgo can’t wait to get your life in order. He wants you to communicate with the Self. Deep within is an eternal wellspring of perfect wisdom. With a quiet mind, all bubbles up effortlessly.

We are about to revisit lessons we failed to learn the first time around. Retrograde periods return to that which has been ignored, forgotten or discarded. Virgo marks halfway around the zodiac wheel, which is appropriate considering her role as Goddess of Harvest. It is Virgo’s responsibility to cut and chaff all that has been growing. In the process, we come face-to-face with the results of our labor. We’ve reached The Inspection, my friends. Jupiter Rx in Virgo will tell us in detail what’s going well and what’s not, so listen up. This cycle is as brutally honest as it is helpful.

When direct, Jupiter asks us to reach beyond what we think is possible. When retrograde, we reach instead for the highest version of the Self. The paradox with all retrograde periods is that the very thing we are encouraged to do is the most trying. However, this is precisely what makes these transits so rewarding and powerful. As we jump higher and higher with each successive transit, we become ever stronger and more knowledgeable.

What were minor aches and pains before will be hard to dismiss now. Virgo brings even the most minute to the fore. Issues surrounding work, school or health will be magnified to extreme proportions if you try to ignore them. Let’s channel Virgo’s highest expression and make change – this is the essence of mutable energy after all. We can’t sit still, so keep moving, and if you’re trailing behind, look around and be inspired by the changes that others are making for a better life, now and in the future. Try some Virgo Yoga to calm the nerves.

To find your Jupiter sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here. It is interesting to note that, if you were born with Jupiter Rx, you may not notice the effects above as strongly, if at all.

Mantra: harvest time

Mars in Scorpio ♂ Jan 3 - Mar 5

Jan 3 - Mar 5, 2016

Click here to learn about Mars. Click here to learn about Scorpio.

Mars, ruler of the body. Divine masculine warrior-god of the stars. Since November 12, he has been in Libra, the sign of his detriment, 180 degrees across the zodiac wheel from Aries, the sign he rules. When a planet occupies the ruling sign, everything flows beautifully. In the detriment, it’s like pushing a boulder uphill. In short, things are about to get a lot easier with Mars moving out of Libra. However! Mars moves into Scorpio now, so when I say life is about to get easier, I should really say relatively. With Mars in Scorpio, we have a one-track mind. This is the commingling of prodigious, bloodthirsty Mars and the intense, probing scorpion. We are driven, focused like a laser. Emotional energy will be off the charts. Bow your head and surrender to Scorpio’s ensorcellment for one last time!

Mars in Scorpio takes us down to the very bottom of the soul where our emotional work awaits us. Although usually quite difficult at the outset, these transits leave us feeling reborn by the end. Normally Mars is concerned with more masculine pursuits and doesn’t like to venture beneath the waves of the psyche’s infinite ocean, but every so often he spins below to help fight our inward demons. The last time Mars transited Scorpio was July 25 - Sep 13, 2014. Prepare yourself for a truly powerful transit, my friends. It’s time to address that which has been repressed. Mars in Scorpio stirs up the silt in the darkest, most gaping caverns of Existence.

Mars, holding a fiery bow, now shoots a slick black scorpion arrow down into the murky subconscious netherworld. We are willing and able to face whatever we find down there. Our soul recognizes the great importance of what lies before us and stands tall. Drawn to trouble, wanting to feel everything at once, the scorpion sees challenges as opportunities for transformation. Mars in Scorpio prefers extremity to nothing at all. Let’s acknowledge all of the lessons from Mars in Libra over the last few weeks - yet another brutal spin through the sign of the scale. This last transit focused on interpersonal relationships, but now we’re centered on the Self. To embark on this journey, we must jump into an icy lake. Stand there shivering and dread will consume you, eventually dwarfing the reality of what lies within. Take the martial lead and dive in without hesitation. I suggest a ritual involving water and/or some Scorpio Yoga.

The pace of life will continue to slow now, but this does not translate to stagnation. This is the final push, the last leg of a theme that has been hanging like a heavy cloud since 2012. So it’s ALMOST OVER! Clinging to your bed, mumbling that you can’t, that you won’t, that you’ve had enough, but it’s here, one more sprint, one more shock to your core. Let’s get up and put on our armor. Peace to you!

To ascertain your personal Mars sign, click here.

Mantra: final plunge

Last Quarter Moon in Libra ☾ Jan 2, 2016

Saturday, Jan 2 at 12:30am EST

Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Libra.

The Sun in Capricorn squares the moon in Libra. The moon will rise at midnight, peak at dawn and set at noon. If you view the moon at midnight, the Sun will be positioned directly beneath your feet. Staring at the moon during this time will align you so that you are looking right out (approximately) along the forward path of Earth’s orbit around the Sun ^__^ The 3rd Quarter Moon in Libra last fell on January 13, 2015. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

For those who are strongly affected by lunar energy, quarter moon phases can be extremely emotional. Square aspects are sharp, angular junctions that prompt change. As CafeAstrology notes, these phases feel like a “crisis of consciousness.” Be compassionate with yourself.

This particular moon phase primarily affects our interpersonal relationships. All of the Libra transits this autumn were pretty brutal in this respect. So here she is again, reminding us right at the New Year just how important it is to be honest with the Self and others. Libra is a sneaky goddess! Just when you think she’s left you to your own devices, SLAM, suddenly you’re neck-deep in something truly challenging. A big secret to winning Libra’s game is listening to our intuition. When relationships blow up, it’s never really out of the blue, is it?

Another important piece to the puzzle is taking our time. I’ve come to realize just how much Libra hates when we rush and how she makes us pay dearly for it. Insight is not always forthcoming – you are required to meditate! Seize this opportunity to sort it all out calmly or you’ll be thrown back in feeling that much more blocked.

The scale is not only a symbol of balance but also of decision-making and listening. Before “weighing in,” Libra gathers as much information as possible so that the final decision reflects careful deliberation. This inclination can make it more difficult to reach said decision when the time comes. Or Libra may purport to not have an opinion and thus communicate ineffectively with passive-aggressive tactics, when in reality she has known the entire time exactly how she feels…!

Everything churning in your psyche is just waiting to burst forth in an explosion of catharsis and truth. Holding a lid on this is like running from the wind: futile and exhausting. If you resist these inevitable changes, I expect that this transit will be difficult for you. However, this phase may manifest as over-compromise, bordering on unnecessary sacrifice. Libra can be so afraid of offending others that she will readily agree with everyone. When imbalanced, we might be too submissive or insecure, clinging to pleasantness and apparent stability in order to avoid opposition.

This phase may represent a conflict between personal desire and desire to see all people in harmony. The challenge may, on the other hand, have more to do with overcoming inertia and goading the Self into giving back, sincerely and unquestioningly, to the greater community. Another possibility: Capricorn rules conditional love, fully adorned with caveats, whereas Libra falls somewhere between this and unconditional love (ruled by Cancer, Capricorn’s opposite sign on the zodiac wheel). Balanced Libra is rational yet compassionate, vigilant yet fair-minded, now squaring Capricorn the father figure, who can be stubborn, authoritarian and self-absorbed when imbalanced. At this time the pull towards peace speaks to the heart while focusing on personal needs will feel more like a duty.

It is possible to accommodate others while still respecting our own needs. Libra asks us in particular to confront relationship issues that have been suppressed or ignored. Be assertive and graceful! Choose your words carefully. Are you aiding or detracting from the stream of communication? We must now put ourselves in many different pairs of shoes. If you’re feeling imbalanced, treat this for what it is: a phase, nothing more. Oh, and deep breaths I suggest ample time spent alone and/or some Libra Yoga.

To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: peace

Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn 🐐 Jan 8 - 25

January 8 - 25, 2016

Click here to learn about Mercury.

Mercury turns retrograde 3-4 times a year, more frequently than any other planet. From EarthSky:

On Mercury, for example, the Sun sometimes moves in retrograde! As the planet speeds through its closest approach with the sun, its orbital speed overtakes its rotational speed. An astronaut on the surface would see the sun partially rise, then dip back below the horizon, then rise again before resuming its east-to-west trek across the sky. Once a year, Mercury gets two sunrises on the same day!

To be very clear, planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is entirely an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. Click here to learn more about retrograde. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Mercury is concerned with communication and mental activity. Think travel, transportation, negotiation, bargaining, personal expression, technology, writing. When Mercury is retrograde, these realms are therefore particularly affected. There is no need to suspend work or projects that are already in progress. Mercury Rx only applies to new endeavors.

Significant changes begin cropping up about 10 days before during the “shadow period” (starting today, Saturday, Dec 26). This shadow period is a trial run, an opportunity to gauge what’s ahead. We will now finish that which has been forgotten or ignored. I always do great work during this cycle. Be on the lookout for delays, cancellations, sudden changes to travel or social plans; technological failures, especially with cell phones, laptops or anything connected to the Internet; communication breakdowns; disorganization, confusion and impaired decision-making; objects mysteriously disappeared or lost/stolen; general breaking, quitting, falling apart or malfunctioning for no apparent reason!

I do not recommend making major purchases or signing significant (read: any) contracts/documents during this time. This is not a good time to make life-altering commitments or investments such as houses, cars or vacations. Despite all of this, I see Mercury Rx cycles as lovely reminders of what’s good in life. It may be difficult to express to others how and what you’re feeling, so it helps to have an outlet such as a journal for your thoughts.

We’ve discussed Mercury in Capricorn as of December 9. Let’s combine topics and wax poetic on the nature of Mercury Retrograde in this cardinal earth sign. There will also be four days of Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius directly preceding this cycle.

Mercury in Capricorn broaches issues of masculinity, perhaps directly with male figures. The purpose of this retrograde cycle is resolution to any communication barriers in this realm. For those who embody strong masculine energy, this may be a time of honest self-reflection. And even for those with mostly feminine energy - we all have a responsibility to acknowledge, incorporate and enact the highest expression of the Divine Masculine. Mercury Rx in Capricorn asks whether we’ve harnessed this power for the greatest good.

I’m struggling, especially right now in the middle of this transit, to integrate yin and yang. I am often tempted to channel all masculine energy in my psyche as pure anger, but this is neither fair nor healthy. Part of my own journey is obviously learning enough about the other half of Existence to love and appreciate it in the way that I do the Divine Feminine. In particular this retrograde cycle examines father, male partner or authority figure relationships. Capricorn’s mantra is I use, and with Mercury the Communicator here, we tend towards ultra pragmatic language, no frills, no sentiment. This is where we see an imbalanced portrayal of masculinity as cold, ruthless, concerned only with applicability - what can others do for me? Let’s just say that if there are conversations that need to happen, they may not be very warm and fuzzy. We’ll have no problem getting our point across with a delivery that’s curt and business-like.

In the public sphere I think we’ll see conservative politicians making especially painful gaffes about women’s rights and/or work-related topics as Capricorn also rules careers, reputation, prestige, status and success. Or maybe it will happen right at your own dinner table! Mercury Rx in Capricorn is a mini exhibition of what we’re seeing daily on a global scale with Pluto in Capricorn. I think we can all agree that there is a serious imbalance between feminine and masculine energy on our planet and has been for millennia. Remember that any change happening in your personal life in this respect is a reflection of a current worldwide shift, a return to the worship of Shakti. May you be as calm as you are strong. Peace to you.

To determine your Mercury sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here. It is interesting to note that, if you were indeed born with Mercury Rx, you may not notice the effects above as strongly, if at all.

Mantra: change is good

Mercury in Aquarius ☿ Feb 13 - Mar 5

Jan 1 - 8 then, due to a retrograde period, Feb 13 - Mar 5, 2016

Click here to learn about Mercury. Click here to learn about Aquarius.

Mercury in Aquarius has the confidence to finally say whatever has been ripening slowly over time. However. HOWEVER! The water bearer is an unusually quarrelsome creature, despite being remarkably open-minded and socially tolerant. Ruled by Uranus, the freedom-at-all-costs rebel of the zodiac, Aquarius hates nothing more than feeling disrespected or unaccepted for exactly who he is and what he does. Mercury in Aquarius is childlike in enthusiasm and expression as well as in headstrong moments. He can be stubborn, almost forceful. On the other hand, Mercury in Aquarius is incredibly community-oriented and energetic. The water bearer is a social butterfly who loves long, meandering conversations about anything and everything.

Aquarius is easy to talk to but does not often give great advice as he is so unique and his vision so grand that his wisdom ends up being quite esoteric, although perfectly valid! Mercury in Aquarius is undeniably intellectual with lightning wit. It may be challenging to stay connected to both the heart and the mind; diehard rationalists leave little room for sentiment. We may come off as cold and uncaring, so keep a constant pulse on the emotional body of the collective.

When Mercury, ruler of the mind, teams up with Aquarius the non-conformist, it’s time to cultivate progressive ideas that push the boundaries of reality and social acceptability. Mercury in Aquarius could not care less about what other people are doing. He is serious about one thing: change, revolution. Expect to feel curious, excitable and ready for adventure.

Mercury in Aquarius has unquenchable thirst for knowledge and original ideas. As a spirited and spontaneous entity, he is notorious for hopping all over the place, conversationally speaking and otherwise. Mercury in Aquarius is scientific, analytical, radical and inventive, but not necessarily precise or patient. You may not be able to sit still or keep quiet for long here. Focus on wholeness: complete thoughts and sentences. Mercury in Aquarius energy is potentially volatile. Risk-taking is natural and deeply satisfying now.

Now we turn to our social circle and big plans for the future. Mercury in Aquarius also encourages us to thoroughly examine how we know what we know. Prepare to be reengaged with the source of your own organic brilliance and inner wisdom. It’s time to break out of mindsets that have calcified over time and no longer serve you. In particular, Mercury in Aquarius directs our attention toward aspects of life that may have become too emotionally charged. We can make change now while remaining comfortably detached, unconcerned with how or when things will happen. Visualize a gale force wind rearranging and readjusting. All of the projects and goals and ideas dancing in your psyche are just waiting to burst forth in an explosion of color and heat. Other possibilities for this transit: exploring fringe/alternative activities; developing your faith in humanity; connecting to anything and everything outside the Self – connecting to the Oneness which gives perfect meaning to each and every individual. Clear the cobwebs and get funky, you creative and ingenious people.

If you were born with Mercury in Aquarius, these next few months include your Mercury Return. To find your Mercury sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.

Mantra: I speak my mind

Venus in Sagittarius ⚢ Dec 30 - Jan 23

Dec 30, 2015 – Jan 23, 2016

Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Sagittarius.

Venus in Scorpio has been just as inspiring as it has been challenging. Scorpio is the sign of transformation and rebirth, but we are graced by this new light only after the wounded heart, the spirit’s agony. Under this influence, Venus is suspicious, probing, beholden to compulsions. So the Goddess of Love will now burn through Sagittarius for a little pick-me-up. Although the Sagittarius season has just ended, we’ll revisit the party to catch his luckiest stars. Venus last transited Sagittarius from Nov-Dec 2014. Themes that surface now are a reflection of our progress since then.

Dialing back for a moment, I remember the day Venus entered Scorpio. I had an energetic release that left my entire face numb and tears leaking into my ears. This was the first whisper of the scorpion’s ultimate lesson: not until we break down do we break through. At the beginning of this transit, the scorpion unsheathed her stinger, poised to destroy, but just as Shiva rebuilds the world from utter ruin, so too does the powerful scorpion. In the end, this transit was less about sex than it was healthy self-discovery. The passion we sought in interpersonal relationships was really intended for fierce Self-love. I learned once again that the most meaningful and important connection we’ll ever make in life is with the Self.

Now we have Venus in Sagittarius where she’ll be in great need of stimulation. Time to go out meeting people and mixing it up. Sagittarius is a restless beast who must wander freely, dashing this way and that, excitedly and endlessly exploring.

I’ve learned by now that Sagittarius is not all sunshine and rainbows. The centaur archer’s ultimate lesson is justice and Truth. You may run until you can’t breathe anymore, but these horse legs do not tire, my friend. Speak your truth now lest it rears its magnificent head in the middle of a would-be sparkling holiday chit-chat. Venus in Sagittarius glimmers and gleams beneath the light, so that’s where she prefers to stay. Forget grand ideals and fairness for all; if Truth abides somewhere cold or dark or desolate, Venus in Sagittarius will immediately speed off toward the nearest star. Resist the urge to flee. A few lines from Jelaluddin Rumi’s poem titled Tattooing in Qazwin: “Brother, stand the pain. / Escape the poison of your impulses. / The sky will bow to your beauty, if you do. / Learn to light the candle.”

I visualize Venus in Sag as a party to which everyone is invited. Sagittarius is a web of acquaintances; abiding faith in humanity; spontaneous conversation with a stranger; good vibrations; a carefree attitude. We are determined to expand now, particularly through higher learning. You may talk more about philosophical subjects, for example. The centaur archer is not known for being deep or intense, but that does not mean that he is not profound or insightful in his own lighthearted way.

Bumps and bruises sustained during Venus in Scorpio will heal now. Take a deep breath and relax, ascend from the scorpion’s deep black cave. Venus in Sagittarius draws us out and into our surroundings. Suddenly the gigantic supernatural whirlpool in the heart bursts forth with a sigh of relief (feeling -> moving).

What do we gain by focusing on the negative? Nothing! I find it helpful to illuminate what to watch out for, but I really hope you just climb on the centaur’s back without a second thought and rocket toward the next brilliant horizon.

You have a choice, standing here with nothing left between you and Truth. We fool ourselves into believing otherwise, but there is no separation. May you feel empowered, may you hold strong. Say it kindly, whatever it is. Step in to the light without guilt or judgment and don’t look away. I suggest a ritual involving fire and/or some Sagittarius Yoga.

If you were born with Venus in Sagittarius, this month is your Venus Return! If you don’t know your personal Venus sign, click here.

Mantra: expand

Sun in Capricorn ☼ Dec 21 - Jan 20

Dec 21, 2015 – Jan 20, 2016

Click here to learn about the Sun. Click here to learn about Capricorn.

Disclaimer: The Sun sign is a much-celebrated, often oversimplified astrological element. Remember – you embody a whole soup of planets!

Ever since Venus moved into Scorpio a few weeks ago, I’ve been emotionally exhausted. And, once again, I underestimated the power of the Sagittarius cycle and its real purpose, which would be the illumination of TRUTH. This insane little planet hurtling through space seems to be fraying quickly. Every day we descend exponentially deeper into a pool of chaos and violence. More than ever before it’s imperative that we SHINE our light. We’re settling in to the upper echelon of the zodiac wheel, next stop Capricorn. Deep breaths now, rest your bones here awhile.

Sagittarius and Libra both turned it up a notch this year. Just when you think you know what’s coming, these celestial entities grabbed me by my soul’s collar and said NOPE, try again, my friend. So I’m feeling a little more drained than I thought I would be at this point, but who doesn’t love surprises eh?

The Capricorn cycle heralds the Divine Masculine. As an earth sign, Capricorn also grounds and stabilizes us in whatever/wherever we happen to be in life. Since he is the last earth sign of the zodiac wheel, I see this phase as resolute culmination, the last pouring of the concrete, if you will. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the iron fist of the solar system. The sea goat is therefore often one to believe that things absolutely must be done a certain way. More precisely, they must be done the conventional way. You may notice that the people who enter your life at this time are hung up on this notion. Capricorn understands better than anyone that we do our best work when we are deliberate yet efficient, but the greatest challenge now is simply remembering to smile and shake it off. It is very important to keep it light during this cycle.

The sea goat enjoys deep conversations as long as the subject material is not too intangible. I like to visualize this cardinal sign as an axis, a foundation, the face of a clock - anything that draws us to what is. Capricorn is a realist. What could or should be does not interest the goat. There is certain comfort in knowing what to expect and planning accordingly. You can see why the goat has a reputation for being a little boring. This stiffness stems from the way Capricorns carry themselves, as they are not prone to being bubbly or outwardly emotive. This is not to say that Capricorns don’t like to party – if anything, they go really hard and then feel the most guilty about it.

Watch for a tendency to be critical of the Self and others. Capricorns set the bar high then struggle to understand why everyone else can’t keep up. The goat would do well to have more empathy and compassion for the Self. Embrace structure and discipline as worthy tools for reorganizing your life and providing a bit of direction, but don’t ignore your heart in the process.

Unlike Sagittarius, the goat is willing and able to move slowly…maybe too slowly. If you are like me and have heavy earth energy in your chart, this time of year probably signals hibernation. Like clockwork, when the Sun moves into Capricorn, I hit the sheets bear-human style. Overcoming inertia…not impossible, but pretty damn close.

This is the time of year to just DO IT – no second thoughts. Dive right in. Whether that means welcoming some discipline into your life or surrounding yourself with people who embody the positive qualities of the sea goat, smile and accept this gift knocking at your soul’s door. Of course this is also Christmastime for many humans around the world. What better way to honor the sea goat’s love of tradition and ritual than by enacting our own, year after year? My only prescription is surrender through laughter. Open up, everyone. We’re still here, trying to figure this shit out. Big belly laughs. Put your feet up next to the people you love. Wrap yourself in a huge furry blanket by the fire.

The Sun last transited Capricorn from Dec 21, 2014 – Jan 20, 2015. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

Mantra: rest your bones

Mercury in Capricorn ☿ Dec 9 - Jan 1

Dec 9, 2015 – Jan 1, 2016

Click here to learn about Mercury. Click here to learn about Capricorn.

In my recent post on Mercury’s transit in Sagittarius, I wrote about the centaur archer as a blunt and honest creature. Well hot DAMN he did not hold back this year folks! The name of the game these last couple weeks has most definitely been Truth. Bombs were dropped and some friendships ended, but we’re moving on with Mercury now entering Capricorn, first planet of the season to do so. The sea goat is one beast I’m still trying to better understand. Capricorn’s mantra is I use, so with Mercury here, we examine the applicability of our thoughts and words. Definitely less exciting than Sagittarius, but I’m not complaining about that.

One thing I have observed about Capricorn is his innate ability to carry on, carry on, carry on. The sea goat climbs with sure, steady feet up the mountainside. Ruled by Saturn, all-business-and-no-games boring uncle of the zodiac, Capricorn struggles to free himself, and what’s holding him down could be anything. This means that the tightness and constriction may all be in the head. In any case, there’s something rigid in the sea goat’s psyche. The sea goat finds infinite comfort in structure and discipline, and he both admires and emulates those in positions of authority.

The sea goat does not like to take risks, as these inevitably lead (if only in his mind) to a long and painful fall. Detecting a theme here? Many of the restrictions that we talk about with Capricorn originate from the goat himself. Don’t be so hard on yourself, Cappys. When I visualize this sign, I feel a strain in my body. The goat sets and maintains extremely high standards, both for the Self and others. One of the greatest challenges for Capricorn is to lighten up! Don’t be so critical of everything (read: the Self)! Although you may feel like you will “lose everything” in saying the wrong thing, this is an illusion. What you should say is not always what you need to say.

Mercury in Capricorn leaves no room for sentimental anecdotes, wishy-washy ideals or rambling tangents. This is a good time to get organized and refocus on projects/plans/goals that have been ditched in favor of wild Sagittarian adventures, although this may feel impossible considering the insane pace of this year. I promise that the rhythm of life will slow as we wade deeper into the Capricorn season. I like the sea goat because he is deliberate and cautious - maybe too cautious sometimes. He’s not racing ahead to the next most enticing thing. The sea goat prefers to study. I visualize Mercury in Capricorn as an enormous library with heavy wooden paneling, thick carpets and thousands of intricate volumes. Here we want not only to know, but to know how.

Capricorn has a reputation for being old-fashioned. This is not how I would describe Mercury in his natural habitat. As a result, you may feel stuck when it comes to communicating your heart. The sea goat is not prone to open emotional expression so just SAY IT. Capricorn reels us back to center with his overwhelming need for life to operate smoothly and efficiently. He’s the proverbial father figure instilling order to the chaos. Focus on contraction: ask yourself where and when life feels excessive or out of control. This should all be a welcome change, although you may feel like life is giving you constant reality checks. This is not a particularly social phase but you can expect others to be conventionally polite, even hesitant.

Mercury last transited Capricorn from Dec 16, 2014 – Jan 4, 2015. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

If you were born with Mercury in Capricorn, these next few weeks are your Mercury Return. If you don’t know your personal Mercury sign, click here.

Mantra: I mean what I say

Jupiter in Virgo ♃ Aug 11, 2015

Jupiter transits Virgo from August 11, 2015 to September 9, 2016

Click here to learn more about Jupiter. Click here to learn about Virgo.

Jupiter transits have a profound impact on the arc of human life from year to year.

Since last summer 2014, Jupiter transited Leo. Whenever Jupiter transits a fixed sign, life is rough around the edges. Not only that, but Jupiter in a fire sign is aggressive, full-throttle, yang energy to the max. Jupiter in Leo placed particular emphasis on children, romance and recreation, but it was far from play time. He pushed and pulled with constant tests of character. Although we had energy at our disposal to create opportunities and take big risks, Jupiter struggled mightily with the powerful, all-consuming leonine ego. The grandeur of our dreams was matched only by the supreme difficulty inherent in their manifestation. I was so optimistic at the outset as I thought this year would favor self-confidence. I suppose it did, but not as expected, with all the dark challenges crashing in day after day after day. Rather than feeling supported in our efforts to be courageous, we had to cultivate it all on our own as a way to defend against endless obstacles.

I am thoroughly excited for what’s coming next. Jupiter in Virgo turns our attention towards work, health and routine. We’ll take an intensive look at our professional life as well as daily activities conducive to ultimate productivity: proper nutrition and exercise, sleep schedules, meditation, etc. Jupiter in Virgo will help us regain bodily sovereignty. Jupiter in an earth sign comes back to the body: total agency, with impressive self-discipline.

Jupiter normally rules mutable fire sign Sagittarius so he is quite at home in fellow mutable sign Virgo. As Jupiter moves through the signs, certain domains in our life become more prosperous or “lucky.” This is not a very social year - we’re focused, diligent, working without breaks. Jupiter in Virgo can’t wait to get your life in order. It’s time to iron out all the kinks and polish the cogs. Jupiter in Virgo is a life coach, personal assistant and diehard rationalist all rolled into one. No more bullshit, no more excuses, no more lollygagging - Virgo dislikes nothing more than procrastination! If you’ve been waiting for some force to come along and kick you into action, this is it, my friends.

Virgo marks halfway around the zodiac wheel, which is appropriate considering her role as Goddess of Harvest. It is Virgo’s responsibility to cut down all that has been growing over the first half of the astrological year. In the process, we come face-to-face with the results of our labor; Jupiter in Virgo inspects as he chaffs, noting with exceptional detail what’s going well and what’s not. It’s time to sit at the table with Virgo and listen to her report - where are the weak links in our systems? She is as brutally honest as she is helpful. In fact, we should be careful not to get too concerned with making repairs. Jupiter in Virgo tells us that we’re slacking if we’re not sweating, which is false of course. It may take a few months, but we’ll find a balance between work and relaxation. This year will be incredibly busy. It’s up to you to decide how much you are willing/able to accomplish - just remember that it’s very easy to go overboard.

This is the perfect time to go on a diet, quit smoking and head to yoga. What were minor aches and pains before will be hard to dismiss now - Virgo brings even the most minute to the fore. Try ignoring areas of the body or your professional life that are less than ideal, and you’ll find that those issues are suddenly magnified to extreme proportions. Open your closet, find the skeletons, and then scrub the hell out of the floor. Virgo is a serious creature, perhaps to a fault. Let’s channel her expertise and make change - this is the essence of mutable energy after all. Jupiter in Virgo needs massive stimulation. We can’t sit still with such a long to-do list. If you’re trailing behind, look around you and be inspired by the changes that others are making, changes that will render a better life, now and in the future. This is the beginning of an entirely new chapter! Tune in, get ready.

I was born with Jupiter in Leo, so this last year was my Jupiter Return for me and everyone else with Jupiter in the sign of Leo. If you were born with Jupiter in Virgo, now comes your Return - more to come on that subject. Click here to see what sign Jupiter occupied on your day of birth.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: lucky harvest

♅ Astro • Yoga ♅