NEPTUNE RETROGRADE, RE-CAPTURE YOUR DREAMS!

Neptune begins it's retrograde cycle tomorrow, Thursday, 5/28. Neptune is a gaseous planet, i.e. cannot be read very well because like gas, it's energies cannot be easily contained. Neptune, like it's element, rules over things that cannot be easily defined or captured either, i.e. illusion, glamour, and mystery. I have a haunch that things that have been perplexing to you will start to become a bit clearer as Neptune re-tracks it's path through the Heavens.

According to astrology.com

It's time to tune in to your deepest core principles and create a larger vision! Neptune takes 14 years to transit through a sign, and has been transiting through Aquarius since 1998. On May 28, as Neptune begins its yearly retrograde -- a period that will last until November 5 -- be sure to revisit a dream, an ideal or a vision you've had. Think about how far you’ve come over the last 11 years, as you have been prompted to make positive, healthy changes in your life. Neptune has been in the same area of your chart prompting you to invest in your life vision. Examine the house in your own chart where the yearly retrograde is occurring for greater insight.

Neptune in Aquarius represents the quest for a better life, for freedom, equality, peace and contentment. With this placement we are all tuned in to our hopes, wishes and dreams. With this retrograde, see how you can realign yourself and your life to encompass these principles. Expansive, generous Jupiter conjuncts Neptune during this turnaround, so this is an especially idealistic time. But keep in mind that Mercury is about to turn direct in a close square to Neptune, and your thinking is not at its most logical! So, dream big but hire a fact-checker Virgo friend to help keep you on track!

FOR ANOTHER BLOGGER's POIGNANT TAKE ON THE NEPTUNE RETROGRADE CLICK AQUI

WOOO-HOOO SATURN GOIN' DIRECT!

If things have been seeming extra rigid and "by-the-book" for you for the past few months, this can be explained by the fact that SATURN, THE DISCLIPLINARIAN, of the solar system has been back-tracking, yes, it was Retrograde! And if you've been reading my blog at all, for any length of time now, you should have an idea of what this means, but if not a quick brush-up - when a planet goes retrograde, it means the areas which fall under that planet's jurisdiction, the areas it governs, are extra exacting and focused on in that area of your Life. So, for example, we are currently experiencing a MERCURY retrograde, and Mercury is the Messenger planet of Communication, so during this type retrograde, communication can become really sticky, technology more-than-likely goes ape-shit (can't tell you how many cell phones me & my People have misplaced or gotten stolen during a Mercury retrograde), short-term travel plans have a high likelihood of going awry, and one shouldn't make any long term plans really (if you don't prepare for it, but don't get scared by this statement because even mental preparation counts - and it's actually the most important, best kind of preparation one can do - to think about the things that could flub, and take the extra time to give them the extra attention and care neceassary to ensure "normal" functioning/success, is all this means)... So with the Saturn retrograde, Saturn governing the structures, rules, and laws, of Society (with a big "S" yes), we may all feel the need to fit the status quo, or just feel VERY hemmed in by it, wanting very much so to break free of it, but usually there is some sort of external pressure due to society's constructs inflicted upon us during this time. Also, we need to go over any legal obligations (for example I have a friend who got called to (Grand) Jury Duty the past couple of weeks, yuck) not necessarily to work on them during this time, but to at least be aware of them, so that when Saturn does start going direct again, we can be ready to tackle them issue. BUT WE ARE MOVING FORWARD ALONG WITH SATURN NOW, SO SHOULD STOP FEELING SO STUCK NOW, YAY!!!

And also, during Saturn Retrograde, Karma comes back to bite us in the bum, here's what tarot.com , and astrology.com, respectively have to say about it:


"Slow moving Saturn is finally reversing its backward motion and turning direct again. Stern Saturn rules karma, and teaches us about the cause and effect of our actions."

"Saturn, the slow moving planet of karma and the taskmaster of the zodiac, which has been retrograde since December 31 of last year, finally turns direct on May 16. This ushers in a period of possibilities as our inner plans begin finding their way into the outer world, and vague outlines of concepts begin to sharpen.
Saturn asks for commitment, discipline and a sense of purpose to work its magic of making dreams real. He commands us to get to work, and to work hard. Discipline and responsibility are important to this planet. Saturn reinforces responsibility, carrying your share of the load and being held accountable for what you say or do. Saturn rules wisdom, but it is wisdom gained from hard work and experience -- earned one difficult step at a time. During a direct period, Saturn inspires confidence. As its role as a teacher, during a direct transit, Saturn also bestows inner strength -- a strength of spirit, a deepening sense of compassion and understanding of self, others or a particular situation."

WHOOO-HOOO!!! VENUS FINALLY GOES DIRECT 2DAY!

And what a grueling & confusing month or so it has been on the "romantical" front!

Here's a little summation courtesy of astrology.com


April 17: Venus turns direct

On March 6, Venus turned retrograde in bold Aries, helping you take care of unfinished business and gain a deeper perspective on the status of your relationships. You may have been contacted by someone from your past; perhaps you met someone new who seemed strangely familiar. It has been important during this relationship review to evaluate the important people in your life and the strength of those connections. Now that Venus is direct, assess the changes that have occurred since she turned retrograde and put into practice everything you've discovered about yourself and your loved ones.

Are you ready to rev-up your romance? Ever since Venus turned retrograde on March 6, you've probably encountered plenty of twists and turns in your love life. You may have met the love of your life; perhaps you were contacted by someone from your past who wants another chance; or maybe you've seriously considered leaving your partner.

Whatever your particular scenario, evaluating your needs and the strength of your connections has been the essence of this retrograde. While relationship review is the motto of any Venus retrograde, maintaining the balance between independence and closeness has been especially important during the last six weeks. Why? Because lovely Venus was retrograde in assertive Aries. Additionally, with Pluto’s square to Venus during this time, you've yearned to connect deeply, and may even have considered letting people go if that spark could not be fanned into a steady flame. Venus finally turns direct on April 17 in Pisces, just in time to get your love life back on track.


Question of the Day (Venus's Expression for You Over the Past 6 Weeks Holds The Key For Your Particular Situation):

("How It Was Supposed to Be" Remix: Ryan Leslie feat. Jada Kiss - This Song is Straight Fiyah! ON THE SERIOUS REPEAT.)

MORE FUN W/ RETROGRADES! SUBJECT: PLUTO

All this talk about the Venus Retrograde, which began on March 6th, and lasts through April 17th, ALMOST made me forget to inform you guys about the PLUTO RETROGRADE WHICH STARTS TODAY, APRIL 4th!!! I REMEMBER WHEN PLUTO USED TO BE A PLANET. DO YOU???

Pluto, the Lord of the Underworld in mythology, is the astrological ruler of death, destruction and rebirth. So when it goes retrograde -- or appears to be moving in reverse from the Earth's point of view -- you might feel like important aspects of your life are out of your control, but Pluto's retrograde can inspire major reevaluations on a very profound level … bringing transformation, and rejuvenation.

Pluto Retrograde

4/4/09 (3-Degree Capricorn) - 9/10/09 (0-Degree Capricorn):

This is a time to begin to cleanse pollution both from our bodies and from our immediate environment.(RAW FOODIST? YOU CAN DO IT! B's Sidenote) Pluto requires acquiring a broader perspective of the process of life, learning the responsibilities of power, and teaching others to use poweful tools without destroying themselves and others.(WHOA! They are singing my Life right now...another Sidenote.)



APRIL 4 through SEPTEMBER 11 2009

In the natal chart, Pluto tends to operate even more Plutonian when it is retrograde. It is far more intense, it possesses a higher degree of concentration and it, therefore, gives greater insights into the subconscious. Because of this intensity, the individual can see much more than normally possible and it is easy to become suspicious of the motives of others. The powers of regeneration are far greater when retrograde. People with a natal retrograde Pluto have a tremendous ability to overcome major illnesses that might otherwise cause permanent disability. Remember, retrograde motion is always directed toward inner activity such as the psyche or psychological patterns that affect the physical body. Direct motion, on the other hand, is directed towards external circumstances.

Under any Pluto transit, we feel pressured to eliminate and release the old, outworn, outdated and obsolete in our lives. When Pluto is transiting retrograde, we are urged to let go of attitudes, thinking or communication patterns, security drives, rigid emotions; a time to undergo an internal form of house cleaning. It is a good time to research into our own Souls in order to determine exactly what we do or do not need. Because Pluto retrograde imparts an intense power for investigation, we should use this time to assess what reoccurring patterns in our lives make us feel out of control, where and why do we continually give our power away, and under what circumstances do we react so defensively that we elicit attacks from others. Pluto retrograde marks a time wherein we should seek to gain greater control over our personal life; Pluto direct is better for gaining control over professional and financial areas. My most frequent observation of Pluto retrograde is that many people do seek some form of regenerative activity. I have seen people undertake a series of internal cleansings, detoxifying diets, Eastern disciplines that put them in touch with the inner self and even intense psychological reforms.

CRITICAL DATES:
PLUTO-MARS: APRIL 26-27; AUGUST 25-26 2009 – Pluto- Mars be intense and even obsessive mentally. When afflicted, we are urged to resist external pressure, control or manipulation by others. Do not act under pressure.
PLUTO-VENUS: APRIL 2-3 2009 – This indicates a need to change attitudes in relating. Money and relating can become complicated.

by Lynn Koiner

VENUS SQUARE PLUTO

LIGHT BULB!!! This explains all that workplace tension I've recently felt...


"Dear Friend and Reader:

Today, Venus retrograde is in an exact square to Pluto, inching her way toward the Aries Point. The square was exact at 6:21 am ET and because Venus is slow and powerful in the sky, it’s within exact orb as you read this.


I’ve been working up to this aspect in previous columns all year, and the Venus retrograde series of events are described in the most precise astrological and psychological detail in the Next World Stories editions for Taurus and Libra (the signs with which Venus is most closely associated).

Let’s consider the theory of the square for a moment. Remember that the square aspect is about inner tension that the psyche is trying to resolve and build on. In natal astrology, typically when we’re younger, squares create a kind of split personality. We will jump from one side of the square to the other, living it out in pieces. This can feel like a deep inner division that cannot be reconciled, but it will keep demanding our attention.

As we grow and grow older, if things are going well, we’ll gradually integrate the two sides of the energy dynamic, which results in an increasingly mature, consistent person. If things are not going well, some people will camp out in one side of the square, in denial of a crucial, deeply influential side of their nature. This other, neglected side will erupt from time to time (usually when under transit) and can cause a lot of problems. We’ve all met these folks, we meet them every day and we may even live with one.

With a transiting square, we all go through a similar process. Venus square Pluto is particularly strong because it happens three times in close proximity: Feb. 6, 2009 (with Venus direct), April 3, 2009 (with Venus retrograde) and May 2, 2009 (with Venus direct).

When a pattern like this takes place, nearby standing points in our chart will also be activated repeatedly, and from two directions (from each side of the square). Many people can seem to be going through the same kind of change, crisis or growth process at the same time."

-By Eric Francis of Planet Waves

VENUS RETROGRADE - CLEAR IT UP!

Venus Retrograde in Aries: Slamming the Brakes on Love?



March 4th, 2009 by Jeff Jawer
Venus, the planet of love, normally transits a sign in about a month. She entered fiery Aries on February 3 and won’t leave it until June 6. This prolonged stay is caused by her retrograde cycle that begins on March 6 and ends on April 17. Venus related subjects like love, self-worth and partnerships can be complicated during this six-week stretch, especially when old issues resurface from the past to put a wrinkle in our plans. Aries is not the most comfortable place for Venus because this is a sign of independence, and Venus is all about relationships. Throwing in the twist of the retrograde cycle could make the conflict between Aries’ self-interest and Venus’ instinct for compromise even more difficult. Still, the reviews and revisions of these retro periods also supply a second chance, in this case, to reconnect with love, regain approval, and to recover income-producing opportunities.

Some astrologers consider any planet’s retrograde period to be a decidedly unfavorable time for the subjects it symbolizes. Yet, while it is true that the course of love may not run true during this time, there are enormous opportunities for resetting your personal compass. Venus is about values: what we like and what we want to be liked for. Her presence in pioneering Aries could set us off in a new direction, one in which a fresh assessment of what we hold most dear is likely. The single-mindedness of Aries can be helpful in screening out over-socialized behavior that turns us away from our true desires. Instead of being so concerned about others, this is a period of self-love when we connect more directly with our desires. The retrograde can awaken images from the past: pictures of old lovers, grandma’s brownies, and summer camp walks in the woods. These are reminders of what has delighted us in the past and what may have been lost over the years.

Venus Retrograde in Aries in not about the end of love, pleasure or income. It is about an instinctual alignment with tastes that please palettes and values that make sense. Some may be revivals of the past, but others can represent the fresh new direction of our post-Wall Street meltdown period. Yes, we may not feel secure in the torrential rains of economic bad news, but a renewed source of self-worth can arise out of these troubled waters and lead each and every one of us to bright ideas about the economy and a renewal of love and joy.

How COULD(the science of the stars is all subject to free will Luvies) The Venus Retrograde Specifically Affect Your Sign???(CLICK HERE)

AND

ANOTHER GREAT LINK WITH MORE INFO ON THE CURRENT VENUS RETROGRADE

(Here's a Snippet - CLICK ABOVE LINK FOR FULL ARTICLE - FOR THE SERIOUS ASTOLOGERS):

3. What does it mean?
During this particular period of Venus' cycle, everything the planet stands for tends to play out inwardly and affect psychological states. Therefore, expect matters related to the five senses, financial and material possessions, love, fertility in the literal and figurative senses, harmony and justice, aesthetics, relationships, and negotiations to be at the core of your thoughts. You may not enjoy socialising as much as usual.

You prefer to withdraw in some kind of retreat and concentrate on in-depth introspective work in order to discover the real meaning of your daily interpersonal exchanges. The other possibilities are that you are blessed with extraordinary inspiration, or on the contrary, you feel that your creativity is totally drained, strangely enough. In any case, after the cycle is completed, more often than not, you realise that the principle of evolution inherent to Venus retrogradations has worked. You are empowered and you find it easier to influence your world.

4. Who Is Concerned and How?
In astrology, a sensitive point is the spot of your chart where the Sun, the Moon, a cluster of planets, the Ascendant or the Midheaven axes are found. The four following groups of persons are very likely to powerfully feel the influence of this retrogradation:

people with sensitive points at 29° of mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces),
people with sensitive points between 0° and 15° of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn),
people with natal Taurus or Libra highlighted,
people having natal Venus as part of their planetary dominant.
People with sensitive points at 29°Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn, or between 0°-15° Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius, are very favoured. However, since they receive only soft aspects from Venus, there are not enough tension and stress to prompt them to take action. As a consequence, they may miss good opportunities for personal growth.

For all other people, the retrogradation will go more or less unnoticed. Please note that we are analysing exclusively the transits of Venus. Transits by other planets occurring within the timeframe indicated above may bring about concrete events and/or psychological developments which do not fit our description.

5. Do's and Don'ts
Since Venus is mighty in Pisces, the sign of her exaltation, she is unlikely to wreak havoc in the affairs of the houses that her retrogradation activates. Nevertheless, her station direct at 29° Pisces, an anaretic degree (the 29th degree of all signs) often deemed to be crisis-oriented, warns that indecisiveness may be an issue. To offset possible setbacks, it is advisable to keep all your lines of communication open, to tap into your analytical skills, and to avoid fuzzy situations. You must also pay high attention to details and concentrate on the matters ruled by the houses involved.

In Aries, Venus is in the sign of her detriment, and according to the Tradition, she is inefficient since she is unable to express her qualities. Modern astrologers disagree with this ancient interpretation and argue that the powers of Venus in Aries are nothing close to weak since they take on the fiery, pioneering, swift, and impulsive nature of the sign. Suffice it to say that Arian energies counterbalance the possible laziness of Venus and, provided that you accept to exercise some patience and thoughtfulness, you can fare successfully throughout Venus' retrogradation cycle.

Do not hesitate to exploit the tools Venus is lending you. Charm, softness, love, financial matters, on the one hand, and relationships, partnerships, harmony, fairness, legal affairs, on the other hand, are the trump cards you should take full advantage of. Indeed, they may open the path to entirely new opportunities.