by Linda Kaye | Apr 1, 2016 | 2016, Current Astro News
Current Retrograding Planets
The Task Master – Saturn – retrogrades in Sagittarius: March 26 – August 12
Passionate, Action-oriented Mars retrogrades through the signs of Sagittarius and Scorpio: April 18 – June 28
Transformational Pluto retrogrades in Capricorn: April 19 – September 25
Mercury, the Trickster, retrogrades in Taurus: April 29 – May 21
While on his trek through Sagittarius, the planet Saturn kicked off an impressive cosmic retrograde party shortly after the Equinox on March 26. Following closely behind Saturn and also in the sign of Sagittarius is Mars – the action-oriented planet that turns retrograde on April 18. The cosmic participants of this party list isn’t complete however, until Pluto turns retrograde on April 19, and Mercury joins the gathering on April 29. Wow! That’s a lot of “retro-movement!”
You may be wondering, “What exactly does it mean when a planet is retrograde?” From an astronomical perspective, retrograding planets appear to move backwards from our point on Earth, as they orbit around the Sun. However, they don’t really move backward, but rather move at an apparent backward speed from our Earth-centered perspective at certain times of the year.
Astrologically, retrograding planets are powerful and mysterious periods that encourage reflection on our past in order to gain a better understanding of our present life circumstances. As a planet retrogrades or travels backward by degree, it encourages us to contemplate where we’ve been and to notice where we are going.
Since Mars only turns retrograde once every two years, it will be the focal point of this retrograde party, as well as this article. Mars is a planet of passionate, outward action and manifestation. It thrives on adventure and can exude a strong “warrior” quality. Its natural propensities are passion, independence, impulsiveness, and leadership – while its evolutionary purpose is to initiate brand new cycles of adventure and self-discovery. However, during a Mars retrograde cycle, initiating new cycles of becoming may be temporarily put on-hold as this time period (April 18 – June 28) is better spent preparing for new action once Mars turns direct.
Because Mars is currently traveling alongside Saturn – also retrograde in Sagittarius – this will be an important time to evaluate where and how we find meaning in our lives. This can manifest in a couple of different ways: if there is lack of meaning in your life you may feel disheartened, restless, bored, and even blocked from pursuing a course of action. If, however, you are currently inspired by what is transpiring in your life, you can use this period to strategize and plan how you will start new projects once Mars turns direct on June 28.
Mars will retrograde into the sign of Scorpio on May 27. This transition back into Scorpio has the possibility of bringing about very intense experiences and emotions. It can incite a need to uncover the deep hidden mystery of your life. If something has been deeply buried within your psyche it may wish to reveal itself during this retrograde period. It will be important to monitor your feelings and to recognize that any powerful reactions emerging at this time can be indicators of repressed or unresolved past experiences that are now seeking your attention. This will be a powerful time of transformation if you choose to actively participate in healing and or removing anything blocking you from your desired future.
Lastly, while Mars is retrograde it is best to practice considered response versus impulsive reaction to situations and people in our lives. This period will also provide an opportune time to examine our egotistic actions and make appropriate adjustments where necessary.
Key Phrases for Mars Retrograde
Seek to develop deeper levels of meaning.
Question any beliefs that may be limiting my fullest potential.
Monitor intense emotions to identify their origin and need for transformation or healing.
Return to my center or “core” self.
Identify and examine motivations of egoic actions.
Learn to listen more closely to my inner versus external desires.
Create considered response versus acting impulsively.
Copyright 2016 by Linda Kaye
by Linda Kaye | Feb 21, 2016 | 2016, Current Astro News
Monday, February 22, 2016 – 10:19 a.m.
3 degrees and 33 minutes of Virgo
WOW! Did you happen to notice the date and degree of this month’s Full Moon? “2-22” and “3-33”? These two sacred Master Numbers are contributing to the high vibrational energies of the Virgo Full Moon. Master Numbers are known by numerologists to represent a connection to higher planes of existence. The number 22 denotes Mastery of Self and magnifies the feminine intuitive power and the number 33 indicates the proficient expression that exemplifies the Master Teacher. These Master Numbers combined with the Virgo Full Moon are providing an amazing opportunity to connect to higher states of consciousness that can guide you on your soul’s evolutionary path.
Full Moons occur when the Moon moves into an opposition to and reflects the light of the Sun—in this case, Pisces. When Virgo, and or Pisces, is emphasized in our horoscopes or in the heavens as they are under this Full Moon, we will want to pay special attention to our bodies, thoughts and spiritual practices. Pisces encourages us to dream our desires into reality. With this potent Full Moon we can intend to identify our imaginative dream-world and integrate it with the down-to-Earth reality of Virgo– unifying spirit and matter.
In the sign of Virgo, this Full Moon will encourage you to become more organized and meticulous with the details of your life. Use Virgo’s talent for analytical thinking and discrimination to generate new ventures that align with your Piscean desires and dreams. These dynamics are especially important if you want to enhance or change your daily work routine.
Jupiter is also currently moving through the sign of Virgo. Therefore, this Full Moon is highlighting benefic Jupiter’s optimistic domain of higher wisdom, expansive movement and philosophical ideals. This is a great opportunity to explore your personal thoughts and belief systems. Are you optimistic or pessimistic? Do your thoughts and beliefs support adventure, exploration and new growth? Are you experiencing fulfillment and meaning in your life? Following is a relevant and beautiful quote by Lao Tzu:
“Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry
and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream.
Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success.
Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity
for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dreams.”
The purification and integration of body, mind and spirit is Virgo’s most important domain. Pay special attention to your nutritional requirements, ways of thinking and communicating, as well as your spiritual needs. If any one of these essential areas is out of balance in your life, now is the time to set goals for improvement.
Virgo Key Words: Analyze, Discriminate, Daily Work, Purification, Diet, Health (intestines, nervous system, hands and feet), Mental Constructs, Spirituality
Join our Full Moon Ceremony on Monday, February 22
Copyright 2016 by Linda Kaye
by Linda Kaye | Feb 3, 2016 | 2016
19 degrees & 15 minutes
Monday, February 8, 6:38 a.m. PT
The sign of The Water Bearer and Freedom Seeker
Aquarius is the celestial sign that bestows the universal cosmic waters onto humankind and our planet. Although Aquarius is an air sign, it is known as The Water Bearer and this connection through the healing element of water symbolizes an ability to spread its cosmic gifts of giving and restoring life to humanity.
Among many things, Aquarius is the sign associated with futuristic thinking. Aquarians are humanitarian and philanthropic by nature and desire to make the world a better place. This February New Moon is harmoniously aligned to its modern ruler – Uranus – the Great Awakener. Uranus has a rebellious nature desirous of the freedom to take action and ensure evolutionary progress – change! More about Uranus in a moment…
This February New Moon also happens to be aligned in a challenging aspect with Mars. Mars is the god of action that provides the passion to embark on our instinctual desires. When Mars feels constrained, trapped or unable to move in the direction it desires it can become wrathful. Therefore, during this New Moon you may find yourself face-to-face and more than a little frustrated by any “stuck-ness” or “lack-of-movement” in your own life.
Fortunately, the two planets that rule Aquarius – Uranus and its classical ruler, Saturn – are supporting this lunation. Saturn in Sagittarius encourages freedom in order to explore a deeper meaning of life and Uranus in Aries can assist with the dismantling of barriers preventing deeper awareness and therefore growth. They are both powerful catalysts to radical change and forward movement. Their energies can compel us to find deeper meaning in our lives and subsequently ensure we make the necessary change to support our own evolution.
This New Moon is an important time to evaluate your desires and need for change. Is your life full of meaning or devoid of meaning? Are you feeling passionate or fearful about your future; trapped or free to move in the direction needed?
Set intentions for how you wish to experience the winds of Aquarius directing your life!
Join our Aquarius New Moon Astrology and Shamanic Drumming Ceremony!
Copyright 2016 by Linda Kaye
by Linda Kaye | Dec 9, 2015 | 2015
December 11, 2015 (2:27 a.m.)
19°02′ Sagittarius
“The Universe is in your favor, and life is in your favor – even if, sometimes, things don’t happen the way you wanted or the way you expected. Freedom means not being tied to absolutely anything. Only when one is no longer attached to anything can one sustain ecstasy, joy without cause and an enduring contentment that nothing can deter.” ~Sri Prem Baba
December 11 marks the zenith point for the last New Moon of 2015. Occurring in the zodiac sign of Sagittarius it is associated with the center of our galaxy — the position of the black hole. This location is referred to by the Mayans as the “road to awe.” They revered it as the “cosmic womb of the great mother” and it is the celestial point in space where our solar system is currently making its 26, 000-year cyclic passage. As you likely know, the Mayans have an extraordinary astronomical calendar that predicts the occurrence of this sacred passageway of our solar system from 1980 through 2016.[1] They believe it is during this time period that humanity will undergo an unprecedented spiritual rebirth.
Sagittarius and the center of our galaxy represent “wisdom” or “truth consciousness.” The cosmic light emanating from the center of our galaxy is intended to transform and purify each of us into an unprecedented awakening! This awakening is the truth consciousness that we are not separate from divine. It is this truth we will each ultimately seek and are destined to realize.
As a fiery and freedom oriented sign, Sagittarius is also associated with travel, abundance, learning, inspiration, optimism, joy, nature and most importantly, that which provides purpose and meaning in our lives. If you are seeking a new direction this auspicious lunation is a powerful time to intend and follow through on goals that will support you.
Because New Moons represent new beginnings and Sagittarius highlights freedom, this is an opportune time to contemplate the areas of your life where you feel trapped or prevented from manifesting your truest desires. Then, set a course of action to create the freedom needed to embark on your desired new endeavors and journeys. Let this powerful New Moon inspire you to find meaning, optimism and joy for your future and gratitude for the life you are living.
Gather with others in ceremony and meditation and celebrate this extraordinary time that is catapulting you into your intended future. Lastly, be kind, gentle and loving with yourself, especially during the busy holiday season.
Gratitude and New Moon Ceremony
2016 New Year Consultation
Saturn in Sagittarius
1. The Galactic Alignment zone is 1998 +/- 18 years = 1980–2016. Precession is caused by the earth wobbling very slowly on its axis and shits the position of the equinoxes and solstices one degree every 71.5 years. Because the Sun is one-half a degree wide 36 years is the suggested time window for the Sun to precess (journey) through the galactic equator. John Major Jenkins: http://www.alignment2012.com.
Copyright 2015 by Linda Kaye
by Linda Kaye | Oct 25, 2015 | 2015
Tuesday, October 27 – 5:04 a.m. PT
3 degrees and 44 minutes
“Scarcity of self-value cannot be remedied by money, recognition, affection, attention or influence.” ~Gary Zukav
This month’s Full Moon occurs at three degrees of Taurus. Full Moons illuminate the subconscious realms of the human psyche and highlight the areas symbolized by the zodiac sign and its planetary aspects.
Astrologically, Taurus represents the material and spiritual realms. From a material perspective it is the sign that correlates security with survival – what brings us security, or allows us to feel secure, will promote our survival. When the Moon is in Taurus we can find ourselves wanting to enjoy and relax within the sensual and material realms that we have created. Spiritually, Taurus represents the divine and sacred mysteries.
This Full Moon’s rulership to the inner side of Venus makes this an auspicious time to turn inward and focus on one’s connection with self and the divine spark within. Venus is synonymous with LOVE and when associated with Taurus she is asking us to cultivate a loving relationship with our inner-self.
Venus is also making a conjunction aspect with benefic Jupiter, the expansive philosophical planet of truth. This is a favorable time to question your values and beliefs around intimate relationships. What do you truly value and how do you love others based on your values? Expect this Full Moon to bring about inner revelations reflecting how you love yourself and love others. Most importantly, if you currently believe that your security comes from external resources then now is an excellent time to contemplate and initiate new intentions for the following:
- To appreciate beauty and the finer things in life without a need to possess or own.
- To display self-worth that radiates inner security regardless of my financial status.
- To honor and nurture my individual gifts and values.
- To love myself unconditionally.
Copyright 2015 by Linda Kaye
by Linda Kaye | Oct 10, 2015 | 2015
Monday, Oct. 12th, 5:05 p.m. PDT
19 degrees and 20 minutes
“Falling in love and havng a relationship are two different things.”
~ Keanu Reeves
This month’s New Moon falls in the cardinal zodiac sign that represents the desire for balanced and harmonious partnerships—Libra.
A New Moon occurs in the first phase of the 28-day lunation cycle. During this phase, New Moons are often called Dark Moons because they are not visible to the naked eye. The darkness of a New Moon represents a symbolic time to plant seeds of intention for new beginnings in your life. Take time today and ceremonially set intentions for future growth that can sprout when the Sun’s light is once again reflected in the lunation cycle.
This New Moon will highlight the equality, or perhaps the inequality, existing within our partnerships. The planet Uranus happens to be opposing this lunation making this an opportune time to contemplate any important relationship imbalances. Uranus is known as the great awakener and the harbinger of change. Under this lunation his influence can bring an unexpected longing for the type of change that can instill more peace and harmony in our personal and collective lives.
The Libra archetype is often associated with codependency or the dynamic of giving far more than it receives. This New Moon offers an opportunity to observe areas of your life where this behavior may be exemplified. When Libra is involved, sometimes the greatest gift we can give another person is to know when not to give, thereby allowing that individual to independently determine their own needs.
Lastly, because Libra is associated with the kidneys and blood sugar balances this will be a great time to commit to consuming less sugar and alcohol and finding healthy alternatives.
Copyright 2015 by Linda Kaye
