Libra

DSCN4679

Sun in Libra ☼ Sep 23 - Oct 23

The Sun transits Libra from Sep 23 (Fall Equinox) – Oct 23

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

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

I had many ideas about what the Virgo cycle would herald and yet the Goddess of Harvest still managed to surprise me. Do you feel like you got tossed into a wind turbine? Change is afoot! Seems like everyone is moving, getting new jobs, going to school, breaking up, generally gettin’ after it, whatever it is. This last month has been insanely busy. Indeed, Virgo gave us a peek into what the rest of the year holds. Life is not going to slow down, you lovely people. Whatever adjustments you made (or are still making) during the last few weeks will serve as a foundation for all that follows in 2016. We’re soaring through the upper echelon of the zodiac wheel, next stop Libra.

Let’s look at the greater context. Libra is situated between Virgo, who has proven to be a serious powerhouse, and Scorpio, creature of the night. Think of Libra as a resting spot - she’ll provide us with a relatively quiet period in which we can assimilate all the changes we’re making and also gear up for the scorpion realm. I say “relatively” quiet because I don’t think it will be at all. However, we can balance heavy schedules and responsibilities by retreating to a peaceful nook. Libra prefers grace and beauty in her surroundings, so grab your work and head outside. We can zone in to the task at hand while still satisfying Libra’s aesthetic needs.

Libra showers us with abundance only after we dutifully contemplate. Much has already been set in place since our rebirth in the spring, and now it’s time to reconfigure whatever’s not running smoothly. Insight is not always forthcoming - you are required to meditate and be honest with yourself and others! We’ll have to think while we work, because that’s just the pace of the Universe right now, but it won’t be a problem. Seize this opportunity to sort out your thoughts calmly or you’ll be thrown back into the mix feeling disarrayed. The good news is that Libra is not asking us to isolate as we process - she is the Goddess of Love, after all, and she doesn’t operate very well alone. Libra cultivates harmony.

I like to visualize Libra as a diplomat or mediator, smoothing out all the wrinkles. Libra has strong morals and enjoys actively participating in social justice. I have also observed that Libras are (traditionally) logical types who do not believe in astrology! This is due in part to the cardinal nature of this sign. Libra wants to make sure that her beliefs are practical and virtuous so that they may be of use to many people from all walks of life, not just herself.

To Libra, relationships are a mirror. Negotiating can be uncomfortable, but the alternative – internalizing negative feelings and remaining silent – is ultimately much more uncomfortable in the end. That’s what I remember struggling with most at this time last year: speaking up and holding my ground. Healthy confrontation comes naturally to some, but to others just the thought of verbalizing Truth makes us want to hide in the deepest, darkest cave. We have another Lunar Eclipse in Aries fast approaching, so I encourage you to get ahead of the curve and say what you need to say before something/someone else pulls the rug out. Of course this doesn’t mean that you need to be aggressive, in fact Libra is known for her classy communication. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to open the throat chakra and let your words fly out like doves: full of peace and compassion.

Libra is the sign of the scale. The scale is not only a symbol of balance but also of decision-making and listening. Before “weighing in,” the scale 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. Because Libra is a natural counselor, she recognizes many viewpoints at once and may ascribe to opposing beliefs simultaneously. 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. This stems from her remarkable tolerance, which is always a crowd favorite. Libra is a social goddess who may have difficulty being alone for long periods of time. When balanced, Libra sees all relationships as opportunities to work on the relationship with the Self. When taken to the extreme, this inclination, coupled with Venusian energy, can manifest as superficiality, judgment or egocentric behavior.

My intuition tells me that this cycle will be intense. This may seem to contradict what I’ve just written, but really my goal is to prescribe nature and reflection as a way to counteract all the commotion. I do not think that it is impossible to stay centered in the midst of chaos. It will take strength and courage and honesty. Stand close to the people who make you feel golden, invincible, validated, tranquil. We’re moving down the line of chakras, now centered at the sacral chakra – svadhisthana. Perhaps this transit will find you learning more about the chakras and how to align them.

The Sun last transited Libra from Sep 22 – Oct 23, 2014. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

Mantra: peace

Aphrodite_Anadyomene_from_Pompeii_cropped

Mercury Retrograde in Libra ☿ Sep 17 - Oct 9

Mercury will station retrograde in Libra from Sep 17 - Oct 9, 2015

Click here to learn about Mercury.

Mercury turns retrograde 3-4 times a year, more frequently than any other planet. Cool tidbit 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 sort of “backwards” functioning of the planets and their roles. Mercury is concerned with communication and mental activity. Areas associated with this planet: travel, transportation, negotiation, bargaining, personal expression, technology and writing. When Mercury is retrograde, these realms are particularly affected.

Significant changes begin cropping up about 10 days before, at the dawn of what is known as the “shadow period” (starting Monday, Sep 7). This is a trial run, an opportunity to gauge what’s ahead. We will now go back and finish that which has been forgotten or ignored. I always get lots of great work done during this period Be on the lookout for: delays, cancellations/sudden changes to travel or social plans; technological failures, especially with cell phones, laptops or anything Internet-related; communication breakdowns; objects mysteriously disappearing or getting lost/stolen; a creeping feeling that nothing is going right no matter how hard you try; everything seemingly 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 invest in major entities such as houses, cars or vacations. Be careful with both your words and your money. Despite all of the confusion and impaired decision-making, I see this transit as a lovely reminder of what’s good in life. Sometimes we need things to go wrong in order to see where we’ve become disorganized. It may be difficult to express to others how and what you’re feeling, so it helps to have another outlet for your thoughts.

It is quite possible that you will completely change your mind when Mercury turns direct again, even if you feel very strongly about something now; additionally, whatever you say or do now carries more weight than normal, so missteps will cost you greatly. There is no need to suspend work or projects that are already in progress. What I’m speaking to now only applies to new endeavors.

We’ve discussed Mercury entering Libra as of Aug 27. Let’s combine topics and wax poetic on the nature of Mercury Retrograde in this cardinal air sign.

We’ll be dealing with intense partnership issues. With Mercury in Libra, we acknowledge areas of life connected to our loved ones. It’s time to get honest with the Self - are my relationships healthy and peaceful? What is my role? Am I where I want to be?

Libra is the sign of the scales, glittering in equilibrium. It’s time to break out of relationships/partnerships that have calcified over time and no longer serve you. I think this retrograde period will sound something like - finally, I should have done this a long time ago, what was I thinking? I think we’ll learn (more than once) lessons of compromise; meeting others halfway; healthy sacrifice. Mercury Rx in Libra is an opportunity to harness the power of community and forgiveness. At its core, Mercury Rx is all about change. Know that the changes hurtling at you full speed are ultimately there to help and center you. Let’s reorganize social aspects of life that do not reflect peace and harmony.

Mercury Rx in Libra is graceful, classy, full of self-respect. She walks with equal parts confidence and awareness. She epitomizes the true essence of divine feminine cardinal energy. If you resist changes in the outer sphere, I expect that this transit will be difficult for you. All of the bold words churning in your psyche are just waiting to burst forth in an explosion of catharsis and truth. Holding a lid on this persistently prodigious force is like running from the wind: futile and exhausting.

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

cropped-bg.jpg

Mercury in Libra ☿ Aug 27 - Nov 2

Mercury transits Libra from Aug 27 – Nov 2, 2015

Click here to learn about Mercury. Click here to learn about Libra.

In Mercury’s dream world, he lives full-time in Libra’s gorgeous house on the hill. Libra is a cardinal sign, a modality which Mercury does not experience in his rulership of mutable Gemini or Virgo. In the cardinal realm, Mercury enjoys relative peace and harmony - his words are softer, not so rushed.

Aspects of life which fall under the cardinal modality are basic in nature, but not lesser. I find cardinal energy to be profoundly familiar and comforting. I like to think of the modalities falling upon a spectrum, with mutable at one end and fixed at the other. In the middle we have cardinal, our proverbial compass rose. Libra is not only a cardinal sign, but she also falls right in the middle of the zodiac wheel. In so many ways, she represents compromise - meeting others halfway - pacification of the extremes. You can see why Mercury, master of communication, craves this medial approach to life.

Mercury is the first planet to enter Libra this season. I see this transit as a continuation of what has proven to be a lovely shift into Virgo. Libra and Virgo are very good friends. I like to imagine these two goddesses walking slowly through the garden every morning, speaking of light, meaning, justice, virtue. This changeover will be quite painless. However, the imbalanced Libra constantly seeks validation, unlike her earthy friend Virgo. Many Libras express a deep need to be surrounded / partnered with others at all times. This does not necessarily mean that Libras are weak or clingy. I think they’re just hard-wired as social creatures and feel purposeless when they’re not actively participating in the communal flow.

Libra and Virgo both have a habit of getting tangled up in the mind, but for different reasons. Mercury in Libra may manifest as acute indecision or over-compromise, bordering on unnecessary sacrifice. This is because the imbalanced Libra is too concerned with group opinion, vacillating wildly in an effort to remain loyal to all sides at once. Libra may appear superficial as a result. She is so afraid of offending others that she will attempt to please everyone at once by simply having no opinions at all or readily agreeing with everyone. This stems not only from fear of rocking the boat, but also from a genuine and precious ability to see the viewpoints of many people simultaneously.

Mercury transited Libra’s opposite sign (Aries) in April earlier this year. I recall this being a very angry time, but empowering as well. It wasn’t until Mercury rolled red-hot into Aries that I finally summoned the words to stand up for myself and leave my horrible job. Mercury in Aries has a sharp tongue and a bad habit of speaking before thinking. This is when we recreated the outward Self for greater authenticity - and now we fine tune with Libra. It’s no longer challenging to stay cool and collected in the face of aggression or turmoil. Libra gravitates towards peace and mindfulness, Aries towards war and mindlessness. With Mercury in Aries there’s no bullshit, small talk or beating around the bush. There is a real danger in offending others here - Aries needs to keep things raw because there is so much going on internally. The ram’s psyche is constantly imploding with color, noise, movement and ideas. He knows intuitively that not everything can or will be communicated properly. Enjoy this time now as we swing to the other end - equilibrium.

Libra, ruled by Venus, is associated with beauty, aesthetic and art. Libra enjoys a certain level of tastefulness in her immediate surroundings. I have also observed that Libras often love fashion and all things related to the cosmetic world. Libra’s style, whether in writing or clothing or manner of speech, is understated, simplistic and classy. As with Virgo, Mercury in Libra keeps it clean and straightforward – no frills, no gaudiness.

Mercury in Libra is calm, sensible and refined. When imbalanced, we might be submissive or insecure. Experiencing a new level of clarity in our relationships can feel so refreshing that we might cling to pleasantness and apparent stability to avoid reconciling opposition. Remember that it is possible to accommodate others while still respecting our own needs. Mercury in Libra asks us to confront friendship or partnership issues that have been suppressed or ignored. The challenge here is to remain assertive! A keyword for this transit is grace. We choose our words carefully now. Let’s examine our connection to others and the words we use to affect these relationships. Mercury in Libra asks: does my message aid or detract from the stream of communication? We must now put ourselves in many different pairs of shoes.

Mercury last transited Libra from Sep 2 – 27, 2014. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

If you were born with Mercury in Libra, these next few weeks are your Mercury Return. If you don’t know your personal Mercury sign, click here. To learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: peace

First Quarter Moon in Libra ☽ June 24, 2015

The 1st Quarter in Libra comes exact on Wednesday, June 24 at 7:03 am EST

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

The First Quarter marks halfway between the new and full moon. The first and last quarter occur when the moon aspects the Sun at a 90 degree angle. (Seen from above, the moon forms a right angle in relation to an invisible line running through the Earth to the sun, hence “square” for the name of this astrological aspect. Here the moon has completed 1/4 of her journey around the earth.) In this particular phase, the Sun in Cancer squares the moon in Libra. The moon will rise at noon, peak at dusk and set at midnight.

For those who are strongly affected by lunar energy, the quarter moon phases are especially trying. Square aspects are sharp, angular junctions that prompt change. As CafeAstrology notes, the quarter phases feel like a “crisis of consciousness.” Nearing the full moon is like creeping to the high point of a rollercoaster. Soon all undertakings will be realized and answers to lingering questions brought to the fore. We are encouraged now to examine all that was established with the New Moon in Gemini. The waxing moon symbolizes a return to total awareness. This is the best time to tweak and improve upon existing strategies. At every full moon we manifest new moon intentions; as such, the week between the first quarter and full moon (June 24 – July 1) is quite potent.

We have reached a corner and must choose a new direction. The building energy and excitement you feel is there to inspire you. The first quarter moon prompts decisive action, calculated risk-taking and deepened commitment to personal growth. The moon is asking you to gather yourself.

Diplomatic domain

The First Quarter Moon in Libra represents a conflict between external and internal life. I like to imagine each moon cycle as a procession of poignantly themed challenges. Generally speaking, the Cancer cycle seeks to empower the right brain. So here we are at the first stop along the crab path: a graceful encounter with Libra, classy diplomat of the zodiac realm. Libra, number seven in the wheel, is an auspicious sign with much to offer this world so full of strife and violence. The sign of the scale is associated with fairness, justice, equality and compromise. Let’s harness Libra power to better understand humanity’s capacity for unconditional love.

Cancer is the introverted homebody of the zodiac, and Libra her community-oriented mother, firmly and courageously defending the rights of all. What can Libra teach us to help the crab get out of the heart’s endless well and back to the voice of reason, back to the raw landscape of social reality? Imbalanced Cancers are so distracted by their own intense emotional responses to life that they may be unable to leave their own mindspace and connect properly with others. Libra exercises a rationality that the crab often lacks. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at any point during this transit, visualize the scales of Libra, glittering and golden, resting at perfect equilibrium.

Divine wind energy

The First Quarter in Libra connects us to air energy, something we are deeply familiar with after a lovely spin through Gemini. However, this transit is markedly more centered – indeed, Libra is a cardinal sign. Both Libra and Cancer are ruled by divine feminine planets, Venus and the Moon respectively. The purpose of this first quarter moon is to bring peace and harmony (Libra) to the emotional body (Cancer). Allow the Moon and Venus to work in tandem for you. Together they create a vortex of powerful goddess energy.

Balanced Libra have unmistakable joy for life. They love being around others and are adept at doing so. I expect that the transition from predominantly Gemini energy to easy, breezy Libra will be painless and lovely. This phase is connected to the Last Quarter Moon in Cancer of October 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface. At this time the pull towards peace and harmony in the outside world speaks to our intuition while the occasional desire to stay home and do nothing speaks to the ego. I suggest meditation in an outdoor location with strong wind and/or balancing yoga poses. Namaste.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: balance

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Libra - Apr 4, 2015

The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Libra came exact on Saturday, April 4 at 8:06 am EST

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

At the full moon we reap the seeds of our intentions. All that we aspired to during the Aries cycle now comes to culmination. This full moon was also a Lunar Eclipse, a follow-up to the Lunar Eclipse in Aries of last October 2014. This particular phase is called the Full Pink Moon because, according to The Farmer’s Almanac, it “heralds the appearance of the moss pink, or wild ground phlox—one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon.” The Pink Moon was really a “Blood Moon” as it turned dark red at the time of the eclipse.

The Sun and Moon face each other in total opposition: cardinal fire Aries vs. cardinal air Libra: Self vs Other. The Aries-Libra polarity is between me and you. Indeed, this particular dichotomy is known in astrology as the relationship axis. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac: pioneering and fearless. I like to visualize the ram at dawn, standing proudly at the top of a mountain to welcome a new day, a new realm, a new cosmological cycle. Aries is associated with physical and sexual energy, masculinity and outward action. The ram embodies the essence of the following quote, written over the temple Delphi in ancient Greece: “Know thyself and thou shalt know the Universe and the gods.”

The Aries-Libra polarity presents a wonderful opportunity to achieve balance between modes of independence vs. dependence upon others. Unlike Libra, ardent keeper of the peace, Aries is self-assertive, drawing us back again and again to the ego. Aries would rather be brutally honest than tactful! However, we may learn now that our dreams and goals are made possible only when we are gracious to others. How well are you meeting the needs of both the Self and others? The ram wants us to charge full speed ahead with a brilliant personal agenda. The scale asks us to remain egalitarian and diplomatic. As with any polarity in astrology, our utmost duty is to simply be aware of how well we’re doing with each end of the spectrum.

This full moon proved to be quite powerful. If balanced, I hope you’re feeling quite enlightened and alive. This Lunar Eclipse is actually just one in a series of eclipses falling on the Aries-Libra axis which began in October 2013 and will continue through March 2016. This is the Universe’s way of pushing us to address issues embodied in this polarity. Each eclipse is a check-up on our progress. Don’t forget that we just had a Solar Eclipse too! I would like to emphasize, once again, that this full moon was very intense. Lunar Eclipses tend to be dramatic, forceful and passionate. In many ways, we are now rapidly entering a time of major Self-evaluation.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: balance

Last Quarter Moon in Libra - Jan 13, 2015

The Last Quarter Moon in Libra comes exact on January 13, 2015 at 4:46 AM EST

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

We are approaching the Last Quarter, halfway between Full and New with the Moon squaring the Sun at a 90 degree angle. (Seen from above, the Moon is at a right angle in relation to an invisible line running from the Earth to the Sun. Here the Moon has completed 3/4 of her journey around the Earth.) In this particular phase, the Sun in cardinal earth Capricorn will square the Moon in cardinal air Libra. One half of the Moon reflects the Sun’s rays while the other remains obscured in darkness. From Earth, we will perceive this brightness on the “left side” of the Moon.

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 along another invisible line. Staring directly at the Moon during this time will align you so that you are looking out (approximately) along the forward path of Earth’s orbit around the Sun ^__^

A checkpoint

The Full Moon provides illumination and revelations: total awareness of all that was hidden, lurking in the depths. Now we decide which information and new ideas serve us so that we may toss out the rest in preparation for the New Moon. The waning light of the Moon represents gradual descent into darkness: a return to the womb. It is wise to wait now before chasing new endeavors. Better to prepare yourself for what’s next than take on extra work. The week between the Last Quarter Moon and the New Moon (January 13-20) is when we buckle down and wrap up any loose ends of that which was set in place with the New Moon in Capricorn three weeks ago.

Squares mean change

We have come to a corner and must choose a direction. The stress and anxiety you may feel during this phase is there to encourage decision-making. This is a time of release, forgiveness and destruction of useless internal edifices. The Moon is asking you to empty yourself. This phase falls in cardinal signs, meaning that the most attractive path now will be one that centers you. The entire Capricorn cycle has encouraged us thus far to take initiative and build anew from the ground up. This phase is also connected to the First Quarter Moon in Capricorn way back in October – whatever themes predominated at that time will now resurface.

Personal vs. communal success

I will proffer a few different interpretations of the Last Quarter Moon in Libra. It may represent a conflict between desire for personal status and prestige, especially in a professional sense, and desire to see all people succeed as they work together in a harmonious community. It is important that we put in the hours, maintain a healthy work ethic and feel proud of all that we do, but not at the cost of losing appreciation for the beautiful web of people upon which we rely. The battle here is between the success of the individual and the general wellbeing of the people who support the individual. 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 in between this and unconditional love (ruled by Cancer). Libra energy is rational yet compassionate, vigilant yet balanced. Breezy, fair-minded Libra now squares Capricorn, a sign which can be stubborn, authoritarian or self-absorbed when imbalanced. At this time the pull towards our community speaks to the heart while focusing on personal success will feel more like a duty.

When the Moon transits an air sign, we itch to mingle, share and cooperate. This is a mentally and socially stimulating transit. Libra energy will make interpersonal relations smoother and calmer. If balanced, expect to feel quite peaceful. If you are imbalanced, decision-making may be exceptionally difficult now.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: my heart is peaceful

Mercury Rx back in Libra until October 25

Mercury is retrograde in Libra from October 10 – 25 before turning direct

Click here to learn more about Mercury.

So we’ve talked about Mercury stationing retrograde since October 4 and Mercury entering Libra all the way back at the beginning of September. After briefly transiting Scorpio, Mercury has moved backwards into cardinal air sign Libra. Click here to learn more about retrograde motion.

As the word “retrograde” implies, this is a time when we go back to finish, review, redo. With Mercury in Libra, we revisit unresolved relationship issues. If we are balanced, this process should be graceful and peaceful. When imbalanced, we may keep quiet out of fear: fear of how others will react to our words or fear of change. First and foremost, it is important that we are in relationships that nurture our mind, body and soul. It is difficult and uncomfortable to end relationships of any kind, but with avoidance we sacrifice inner peace.

Decision-making will probably feel especially laborious now. Be compassionate and allow yourself plenty of time to make up your mind. Imagine that you are trying to find your balance on a beam. When Mercury is direct in Libra, all is still and steady. When Mercury turns retrograde, the beam begins to move beneath you, forcing you to exert much more effort. Remaining silent and allowing resentment to build in the heart is tempting. It is better, however, to let the heart speak calmly and diplomatically - then listen.

Mercury Rx in Libra presents an opportunity to open the throat chakra and the passage between the heart and throat. If you are in relationships that are not mutually beneficial, recognize this transit as the Universe telling you that it’s the right time to walk away. We have a tendency now to don our rose-colored glasses in an attempt to ignore the things that are bothering us.

Libra reminds us that all partnerships are meant to be loving. This transit will help you discern which relationships - to the Self, others, the Divine - are in need of repair. It’s time to get to the root of our pain in order to reestablish inner harmony. Ask yourself sincerely: am I receiving just as much as I’m giving? Am I afraid to stop being overly accommodating? See any difficulties now as karmic lessons about the Self. Through trial and error, we learn to be more conscious of our words and actions and are reminded of what is truly important, what makes us feel whole and healthy. Mercury Rx often makes us relearn the lessons that we half-assed the first time around.

Mercury Rx in Libra will help you find your voice, like a birdsong rising above thunder and lightning. Remember that you owe it yourself to be the most consciously aware human being that you possibly can! So in an effort to raise your own vibrations, let your words be light yet meaningful; elegant yet crystal clear. This is a bite the bullet / eat the frog kind of ordeal. If you can summon the courage, become Mercury’s aide: stand your ground and speak your mind. Now is the time to detox from the relationships which no longer serve you.

So far this Mercury Rx cycle has been extremely rough - I hope everyone is staying in good spirits and reaching out for help when you need it. Keep in mind that people might not mean what they say or say what they mean during this transit - nothing in life is personal (: Only two more weeks of the madness!

To find 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 born with Mercury Rx, you may not notice the effects above as strongly, if at all. More to come on natal Mercury Rx!

YOGA CHALLENGE

Go to class! Mercury Retrograde will try to make you late, throw “better things to do” in your way and steal your enthusiasm. So just get up, put your shoes on and don’t think twice (:

Mantra: no fear

Venus enters Libra - Sep 29, 2014

Venus transits Libra from September 29, 2014 - October 23

Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Libra.

Venus will be the last planet to move into Libra until 2015 (with the exception of Mercury, who will briefly reenter Libra during a retrograde period next month). This also means that Venus is the last planet to transit Virgo until next year, so we can say now that the Virgo season is officially done. Time to become fully immersed in the magic of Libra.

The focus this past month was on practicality. We were asked to consider, which relationships serve a meaningful purpose in my life and which no longer make sense? Virgo desires, first and foremost, to be thorough and pragmatic. You might have felt more reserved than usual. This placement encouraged us to be cautious and calculating. The mutable aspect of this transit manifested in the speed and agility of the mental body. The energy here was mercurial, seeking, quick to conclusions. If imbalanced, you might have been anxious, judgmental, picky or neurotic.

Venus rules both fixed earth sign Taurus and cardinal air Libra. In astrology, we say that she is returning “home” now. What to expect with this auspicious placement?

The move now is from a reserved heart to a balanced heart. The energy of this transit is calm, agreeable, diplomatic and maybe even a bit indulgent. Our love is given away freely and happily, but not wildly. We stay grounded and reasonable. Herein lies the cardinal nature of this placement. Libra is the sign of the scale, representing justice and equilibrium. We are masterful now at weighing the pros and cons of each relationship, considering all sides and listening sincerely. Libra asks us to be fair-minded, both with others and the Self. Venus encourages us to consider – does this further peace? Do my surroundings, including my relationships, reflect inner harmony?

We show our love now with our ability to compromise. Libra energy is extremely thoughtful, but not in a detail-oriented way such as we found in Virgo. Libra strives to understand how it really feels to be someone else. This placement is not exactly selfless or self-absorbed, but rather perfectly between: we are encouraged to find the Self in others. Libra reminds us that we all have common ground, that to share and co-create is essential. If Venus in Virgo was akin to the long-term humdrum of a relationship, Libra is the expertise with which true lovers successfully wade through disagreements and differences. Libra is masterful at remaining clear, assertive and empathic all at once.

When taken to the extreme, Venus in Libra may have us spending too much money, eating lots of rich foods or being especially lazy. However, when balanced, this cardinal energy can also help you to launch new projects. The whole Libra cycle, as with every cardinal cycle, is the ideal time for initiating and moving forward.

Venus in Libra is lush, lavish, romantic, pleasure-seeking, luxurious, ravishing…! Expect to feel a deep sense of satisfaction if your heart is balanced. When a planet returns to its ruling sign, it operates at full strength. You may find that you feel like treating yourself and others for no particular reason. Maybe you spend lots of time at home, just lounging around. There is also a tendency here to buy more, so go easy on the shopping sprees. For the most part, this transit should be smooth and delicious, like your favorite chocolate bar. Just remember all that we have learned from Virgo about the importance of keeping up on our work!

Venus in Libra is majestic and sophisticated. The energy is less particular and more contented now than it was with Venus in analytical Virgo (thinking -> listening). I compared the last transit to an emotional retreat, a time of reflection. Now we open our eyes and return to the flow with a smile and warm heart. We approach our leisure and love life with ease and amiability.

Finally we no longer feel an almost overwhelming desire to love and be loved, as we might have for the last three months or so. We are eager to share our dedication, affection and devotion, but we are not desperate. With Venus in Virgo, we resorted to the utmost caution and precision when resolving conflicts. Now we are out of the mind, in tune with our surroundings. We truly see and hear, taking in information with a relaxed heart. Expect to feel more levelheaded if balanced, and otherwise indecisive or lethargic.

To find out your personal Venus sign, click here. If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

YOGA CHALLENGE

Libra rules the lumbar spine. A friendly PSA about lower back pain: oftentimes the reason we have pain here is not because our back is tight, but rather because our hips and lower abdomen are tight. When the muscles in front become stronger than those in the back, they begin to pull, causing pain and misalignment to ensue. Likewise, if we overstretch the back, the muscles in front contract more, creating an imbalance. So - I recommend, next time you’re about to move into a forward fold in an effort to relieve lower back pain, to try a hip-opening pose instead. It can even be as simple as half frog pose (see Yoga Challenge here for more info).

Mantra: my heart is peaceful

New Moon in Libra - Sep 24, 2014

The New Moon in Libra comes exact on September 24, 2014 at 2:14 AM EST

Click here to learn more about the Moon.

Every New Moon falls in the same sign as the current sign of the Sun. This is precisely what makes it a New Moon. For example, last month when the Sun was in Virgo, the New Moon fell in Virgo. Now that the Sun has transited to Libra, the New Moon is in Libra. The Full Moon falls in the opposing sign. Libra’s opposite sign on the zodiac wheel (180 degrees across) is Aries, so this month’s Full Moon will fall in Aries. Quarter Moons land in between on the squares; Moon cycles therefore always fall together in either the fixed, mutable or cardinal signs. The Moon phases this month will all be in the cardinal signs.

The New Moon in cardinal air sign Libra marks the kickoff for the coming month and the official end of the Virgo cycle. In classic astrology, Libra concerns relationships, negotiation, compromise, balance and diplomacy. You are probably already feeling a shift from the busy-body Virgo cycle. Virgo is ruled by Mercury, so life moved rapidly over the past month. We transition now to a more extroverted period. The focus is less on the Self and more on our relations with others. Libra is ruled by Venus, lover of art, pleasure and peace.

You may now spend your time attending to areas of life that need more harmony. Libra, sign of the scale, thrives on pleasant conversations; tasteful style; groups of people working together; calm debates; feng shui; problems resolved smoothly; silence; fairness and justice for all. When balanced, Libra energy is sensible, sophisticated, amiable and refined. More than anything, the Libra cycle asks us to work on meeting the needs of the Self and others simultaneously. We are encouraged to take an honest look at our social circle to determine which relationships are working and why others are failing.

The New Moon is a chance to recreate, to start anew. This phase is like an infant: impressionable, vulnerable and wide-eyed. How will you set the tone for the coming month? What projects have you been meaning to launch? What changes need to be made? This is a time of beginnings, or perhaps going back to the start. Words, thoughts and actions that happen now are seeds planted for harvest at the Full Moon in two weeks.

The New Moon in Libra challenges us to make sacrifices yet still remain true to our principles. In other words, we’re trying to make it work for everyone without simply backing down and giving up all power. We are reminded that the people in our life are there to teach us lessons and help us on our own personal journey. No one is an enemy unless you make them one. We cannot change others, only the way we think about them!

The Virgo cycle encouraged us to create order within. Now we create order in our surrounding environment. This includes making a genuine effort to meet others halfway. In fact, Libra is masterful at coalescing opposites. However, because the sign of the scale is so good at finding common ground between two seemingly diametric opposites, this sometimes puts them in the position of appearing loyal to all sides at once and holding no opinion whatsoever. Imbalanced Libra energy can therefore be vacillating, superficial and indecisive. You always have permission to speak your mind without fear of offending others! Remember all that we have learned over the past month from Virgo: we must first respect our own health and wellbeing to function properly.

The cardinal nature of this phase is apparent in the undeniable importance of connecting to others. We rely on our loved ones both in times of happiness and sorrow. Without fully acknowledging where we stand in relation to friends, family and partners, we fail to take accountability for our actions. By looking around us, we gain greater self-awareness. The people in your life reflect who you are as an individual. What do these people say about you? In what ways do they reflect your maturity and understanding?

On a personal note, this New Moon has been, once again, quite symbolic for me. I quit my job and I’m feeling so happy and fulfilled with this decision.

If you would like to learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

YOGA CHALLENGE

Any and all balancing poses! Some options include (from easier to harder): one knee to the chest; one leg extended in front or to the side, holding onto the big toe with the “peace” fingers or using a strap around the ball of the foot; garudasana, eagle pose; natarajasana, dancer pose.

Mantra: inner harmony