Pre-shadow period occurs July 16 – August 3 Mercury Retrogrades on August 3 at 9:56 p.m. (4°06′ Virgo) Mercury Stations Direct on August 28, 2024, at 5:12 a.m. (21°24′ Leo) Post-shadow occurs from August 28 – September 11
In general, Mercury is the planet that astrologically represents travel, communication, and our thought processes. Known as the Messenger of the Gods, Mercury’s role is to speedily deliver clear and precise information. Retrograding 3–4 times a year, when the planetary trickster strikes, many of our daily activities go haywire.
Mercury rules electronics and is often blamed for all types of technical mishaps with cell phones, electric devices, and computers — warranting an important time to back up your computer files. In general terms, machines of all kinds tend to act strangely and take on a Murphy’s Law theme.
Remain flexible and prepare for delays and miscommunications of all kinds. It is best to avoid signing any contractual agreements as matters begun during Mercury retrograde periods tend to take unexpected twists and turns in the future. During Mercury retrograde periods we often find ourselves revisiting past projects or situations that, once again, need our attention. It is also a time period, however, when we often hear from, or feel compelled to reach out to old friends or lovers whom we haven’t spoken to in some time.
Although Mercury retrograde periods can seem frustrating, they often provide opportunities to review or finish up old projects, contact old friends, or clean out the closet and garage. Mercury retrograde periods are an opportune time for introspection and deep thought, especially a couple of days directly before and after the exact retrograde day occurs.
Note: Planets do not actually move backwards (retrograde). A retrograding planet is the result of an optical illusion per its orbital relative speed from our point of view on Earth. Upcoming 2024 Retrograde Periods
November 24 – December 15 (22°35′ to 6°28′ Sagittarius)
Pre-shadow period occurs November 7 – 24 Mercury turns retrograde on November 24 at 6:43 p.m. (22°35′ Sagittarius) Stations direct on December 16 at 12:57 p.m. (6°28′ Sagittarius) Post-shadow occurs from December 16, 2024 – January 3, 2025
~~~
April 1 – April 24, 2024 (27°13′ to 15°58′ Aries)
Pre-shadow period occurs March 18 – April 1 Mercury turns Retrograde on April 1 at 3:15 p.m. (27°13′ Aries) Stations Direct on April 24 at 5:54 a.m. (15°58′ Aries) Post-shadow occurs from April 24 – May 13, 2024
Note: Times are approximate based on pacific time.
The day the power of love overrules the love of power,
the world will know peace.
— Mahatma Gandhi
The ancient study of Astrology applies observation and correlation to help us understand planetary cycles. Therefore, when contemplating Pluto’s movement into Aquarius, it is helpful to note a couple of important events that occurred when it last completed its journey through this sign over 225 years ago (April 1777 – December 1798). Shortly before Pluto began its last Aquarian passage the 1776 United States Declaration was enacted. It was also during this period that the American Revolutionary War was fought and won (1775 – 1783). Additionally, with the motto, “liberty, equality, and fraternity,” the citizens of France incited the French Revolution, the removal of the ruling class, and the subsequent enactment of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789 – 1799).
Revolutions are an Aquarian theme, and obviously, many things occurred during Pluto’s last movement through Aquarius. However, and based on current global events, the correlations we can derive from the above monumental events are revelatory in terms of what we might expect in the upcoming years. With just these two occurrences, we can ask ourselves … what have we learned about Plutonian power and the Aquarian themes of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the last 225 years and how might we apply this knowledge to Pluto’s current passage through Aquarius?
Pluto will reenter Aquarius on January 20, but it makes one last visit into Capricorn (Sept. 1 — Nov. 19) before it settles into Aquarius uninterrupted.* Pluto’s reentry into Capricorn portents further reorganization, erosion, and potential collapse of outmoded patriarchal global systems: authoritarian governments, dogmatic religious organizations, financial institutions, and rigid social structures.
The dismantling of outmoded ways of being are simultaneously occurring in our personal lives. Pluto encourages deep internal transformation, Capricorn restructures, and Aquarius awakens us to new realities. Things are about to become more and more unfamiliar and in Aquarian speak, “very weird.” From the perspective of innovative Aquarian concepts, this is a good thing.
Pluto’s journey through Aquarius will inspire radical revolutionary ideas, technological breakthroughs, deeper metaphysical/philosophical understandings, and amazing new space discoveries. Aquarius also rules artificial intelligence (AI). This is important to remember from the standpoint of our awakening because we’ll need to empower ourselves with the knowing that our human body has the capacity to be far more intelligent than any AI machine. Therefore, we’ll want to be cognizant of our ability to use AI to assist us and not hand over our sovereignty, whereby it begins to use us to assist it.
From a personal perspective, we will seek liberation from crystalized forms of self-definition as we examine our fixed and rigid ideas about how things “should be.” As a result, many of us will sever attachments that prevent future growth so we can hold new ways of being. This will be the time to honor and learn from our differences and not fear them.
Aquarius represents groups, the collective, the whole. New organizations will arise with new social visions. The actual areas of focus will depend on the ideals that are operating within the whole of the group. The question is, will the vision manifest constructively and elevate humanity, or will it destructively attempt to hang onto power and control? When long-held traditions are deemed too radical, a sense of uncertainty and insecurity may arise. If this occurs, innovations can be rejected as a threat by mainstream society.
Contrary to how it may look and feel, Pluto in Aquarius will aid the human species to awaken to its intrinsic connectedness to the whole of life. As this awakening continues, the creative capacity to develop new models that support environmental changes, transform government corruption, and remedy many social challenges will arise.
The magnitude of change about to occur as we embrace this new Aquarian Era is profound. Past foundations are no longer supporting our evolution and the future is unknown. The definition of “power” (Pluto) is about to be transformed. This is our evolutionary moment to awaken and empower one another with the intrinsic realization that we are all connected to the whole. To deeply love, connect, support, and operate holistically is the greatest potential manifestation of Pluto’s journey through Aquarius.
May we all awaken to the power of love, cooperation, and
wholeness vs. hatred, misuse of power, and separation.
*This article was updated on January 18, 2024.
Dates for Pluto’s movement back and forth between Aquarius and Capricorn:
Aquarius:March 23 – June 11, 2023
Capricorn: June 11, 2023 – January 20, 2024 Aquarius: January 20 – September 1, 2024
Capricorn: September 1 – November 19, 2024
Aquarius: November 19, 2024 – January 19,2044
This in the second Solar Eclipse within seven years of which the path of totality is occurring over the United States —beginning in Texas and ending in Maine. It’s also visible in Mexico and Canada. Here in the US (from Dallas, Texas), the Moon will cover the disk of the Sun for 3 minutes and 52 seconds.1
Monday, April 8, 2024 11:20 a.m. PDT 19°24′ Aries
One of the hardest things in life to learn are which bridges to cross and which bridges to burn. ~ Oprah Winfrey
This rare Supermoon Eclipse is garnering lots of attention here in the US! The last coast-to-coast Solar Eclipse to take place over the US was almost seven years ago (August 21, 2017) and the next doesn’t occur until 2045. Another important happening alongside this eclipse is a planetary lineup party — seven planets and a space–guest comet.2
A Supermoon occurs when it’s at its closest proximity to Earth, which will create a celestial awe-inspiring eclipse viewing for those fortunate to be under its path. Also, Venus and Jupiter should be visible with the naked eye during totality. However, viewing the other five planets and comet will be dependent on sky conditions and a good set of binoculars.
Moreover, per Michael Zieler’s astute map depiction below, overlaying the past three eclipse paths reveals two X Marks the Spot locations.3 The energetic power that is forming with these combined eclipses will potently emanate during this final of the three on April 8. Anyone living or visiting along the eclipse path and especially one of the X Marks the Spot locations will experience these frequencies the strongest. Let’s review the astrology.
Astrologically, eclipses are associated with our individual and collective patterning, as well as our future destiny. They offer profound opportunities to revisit the trajectory of our life and make course changes where desired. If there are areas in our life where we’ve felt stuck and unable to create movement then this eclipse in Aries can assist with creating important breakthroughs.
Additionally, the planets Venus, Mercury Retrograde, and Chiron are also in Aries with Chiron4 making an exact conjunction to the Sun and Moon at 19°24′. Any planet making an exact conjunction with an eclipse is both rare and important. In this case, Chiron’s exactness will ensure that his mythological wisdom will be emphasized.
The action-oriented, impulsive, and independent nature of the fire-sign Aries is correlated with cycles of desirous adventure and self-discovery. The half-horse — half-man Centaur, Chiron, is associated with wholeness and healing, as well as the rainbow bridge5 linking our external–material world with our inner–spiritual world. Chiron’s dualistic formis symbolic of our dual nature, specifically our higher and lower selves.
Spiritually, rainbows are associated with divine guidance because they occur with the presence of light. Interestingly, when Chiron is highlighted, rainbows frequently appear. Therefore, keep watch for rainbows of any form during this Supermoon Solar Eclipse! If one does gain your attention, you’ll know Chiron’s magic is calling you to symbolically walk across a bridge (or two).
Due to Mercury’s current retrograde cycle, old acquaintances and situations may revisit our lives. Use discernment and carefully evaluate how much attention you should give to these occurrences. Often, they are meant to remain in our rearview mirror as we decidedly move into the future we were destined to live. Keep an eye out for April 15–16 because retrograding Mercury will pass back over the eclipse degree at 19° Aries and join Chiron in the process. On May 4–5, Mercury — now in direct motion will once again pass over the eclipse degree. These dates may prove important for further reflection and refined action based on what was initiated during the eclipse.
Astrologers have studied Eclipses and their effects since the Babylonian Era and have found that they often coincide with Earth changes, modern stock market fluctuations, and political upheavals. Solar Eclipses have been associated with radical changes in governance, revolutions, and problems associated with the “king” or leader of the country they occur.
Eclipses always occur in pairs — the first, a Lunar Eclipse, occurred on March 25 during the Full Moon in Libra. The next pair of eclipses will occur on September 18 and October 2, 2024. The energies of an eclipse can be felt a couple of days before and after an eclipse.
The ancient sages believed that eclipses were a time for meditation and learning; a special time to honor the spiritual aspects of your life. Try to keep your schedule light, remain internally focused, eat only pure foods, and do not consume alcohol. The veil between earth and the heavens is thinner during an eclipse, allowing you to more easily connect to the eternal universal wisdom that is your divine essence.
References and Note: (All URLs were accessed in March and April 2024.)
The totality of an eclipse depends on where it viewed. For more on locations you can visit Space.com↩︎
The planet Chiron is also referred to as the Rainbow Bridge, because astronomically it resides in-between the orbits of Saturn (the physical realm) and the great awakener, Uranus (the higher realms). ↩︎
This penumbral Full-Moon Lunar Eclipse will be visible in Asia, North & South America, parts of Australia, and Africa. Because this is a partial eclipse, the Earth’s shadow will have a reduced darkening effect.
Monday, March 25, 2024 12:00 a.m. PDT 5°07′ Libra
If I love myself, I love you. If I love you, I love myself. ~ Rumi
Occurring just days of the spring equinox (March 19), the first eclipse of 2024 is assisting with the kickoff of the Astrological New Year! Most importantly, both the equinox and this Lunar Eclipse make alignments with the planet Pluto — residing at 1° Aquarius — a rare 225-year evolutionary marker (see more on this below).
As you may recall, eclipses typically occur in pairs within two weeks of one another. You may also have heard that the second eclipse of this pair — a Total Solar Eclipse — is occurring on April 8 in the sign of Aries, traveling over the United States.
Eclipses occur when they align with the Astrological Destiny Points (the nodal axis of the Moon). As these celestial points revolve around our horoscopes, they bring about inner and outer revelations that support our soul’s intentions and evolutionary growth. Therefore, eclipses offer profound periods of regeneration when we choose to align with our destiny and embrace needed change.
Eclipses have the power to unveil and bring light to previously hidden conditions, i.e., political, geological, collective, and individual. Therefore, remain vigilant during this eclipse season1 and watch for important opportunities to transform your current understanding of life that can lead you and the world into its next evolutionary chapter.
When an Eclipse occurs in the sign of Libra, we’ll see that relationship themes are garnering our attention, specifically the balance or imbalance therein. Are we able to maintain our individuality while embracing partnership? Are we able to receive love or do we push it away? Are our needs being met? If we do become aware of imbalances, this eclipse will inspire us to strive for harmony and balance within our important relationships.
From our soul’s perspective, balance can equate to karma and/or a balancing of the evolutionary scales. Sometimes this happens quickly as in instant karma but in more challenging soul lessons it can take many incarnations. And most of us would agree that there is no better learning space for a soul than Libra’s domain — the partnership arena. From a Libran perspective, all relationships provide endless opportunities for further evolutionary growth — whether that relationship is with a business colleague, friend, family, or a significant other.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the planet Pluto — the individual and collective astrological significator of our soul’s evolutionary journey — is involved in this eclipse. Currently at 1° Aquarius, Pluto is at a critical-juncture point as it slowly prepares to retrograde and move back into the final 29th degree of Capricorn on September 1, before making its close to 20-year sojourn through Aquarius on November 19.2
Lastly, Pluto’s current location at 1° Aquarius is givingus a sneak–preview of what’s possible when it settles into Aquarius uninterrupted. Therefore, pay close attention to what is being revealed to you during this eclipse and let these powerful energies inspire you to dismantle outmoded barriers that have kept you from your true dharma — your earthly purpose and soul’s destiny.
Reference and Note
Eclipse seasons are believed to be in effect for a few days before the first eclipse (March 25) until a few days after the second eclipse (April 8, 2024). The ancient sages believed eclipses were a time for meditation and learning; a special time to honor the spiritual aspects of your life. Try to keep your schedule light, remain internally focused, eat only pure foods, and do not consume alcohol. The veil between Earth and the heavens is thinner during an eclipse, allowing you to more easily connect to the eternal universal wisdom that is your divine essence. ↩︎
Click here to learn more about Pluto’s transition from Capricorn into Aquarius. Following are the dates for Pluto’s back-and-forth movement between Aquarius and Capricorn, which began on March 23, 2023, and will end on November 19, 2024: Aquarius: March 23 – June 11, 2023 Capricorn: June 11, 2023 – January 20, 2024 Aquarius: January 20 – September 1, 2024 Capricorn: September 1 – November 19, 2024 Aquarius: November 19, 2024 – January 19, 2044 ↩︎
“When wolf shows up, it is time to breathe new life into your life rituals. Find a new path, take a new journey, take control of your life. You are the governor of your life. You create it and direct it. Do so with harmony and discipline, and then you will know the true spirit of freedom.” — Ted Andrews, Animal-Speak
Thursday, January 25, 2024 9:54 a.m. pacific time 5°14′ Leo
It was during the first Full Moon of the yearthat the “Wolf Moon” attained its status by native peoples as wolf packs howled hungrily outside their snow-laden villages. Moreover, ancient wisdom keepers viewed wolves as spirit animals of the Dog Star, Sirius. Many Astrologers and ancient cultures also credit Sirius as the original home of our ancestral teachers. In fact, Sirius is referred to as the “home of the gods” by the Egyptians of antiquity and is still considered so by the Dogon tribe in Africa.
Marking an auspicious timeto access your inner passion, this first Full Moon of 2024 occurs in the courageous sign of the lion — Leo. Ruling over our hearts, Leo emphasizes action that aligns with our true heart’s desires. It represents the “I AM” consciousness of creative actualization, which encourages greater levels of confidence and self-love. Connections with our inner child, play, and romance are also themes of Leo’s fiery domain.
Additionally, potency and power dynamics are dominant during this lunation because the reflective light of the Sun onto Earth is increased by the close alignment of theplanet Pluto in the sign of Aquarius. These powerful Aquarian–Plutonian energies will encourage us to find creative ways to blaze new paths that allow us to transform and liberate ourselves and others from the status quo.
The Leo–Aquarian themes of this Full Moon can provoke radical new ways of thinking. We can feel inspired to dismantle outmoded barriers that have kept us from our true dharma — our earthly purpose and soul’s destiny. A Full Moon in Leo only occurs once a year so tune in and be aware of what’s arising within your beingness and remember, the common Aquarian axiom “expect the unexpected” will be in the air.
Leo Full Moon Key Words: I Am, creative actualization, passion, purpose, leadership, romance and love affairs, generosity, playfulness and the inner child, heart consciousness, pride, self-love.
December 12, 2023 – January 1, 2024 (8°29′ Capricorn to 22°10′ Sagittarius)
Pre-shadow period occurs November 25 – December 12 Mercury turns Retrograde on Dec. 12 at 11:09 p.m.* (8°29′ Capricorn) Stations Direct on January 1 at 7:08 p.m. (22°10′ Sagittarius) Post-shadow occurs from January 1 – 20, 2024
In general, Mercury is the planet that astrologically represents travel, communication, and our thought processes. Known as the Messenger of the Gods, Mercury’s role is to speedily deliver clear and precise information. Retrograding 3–4 times a year, when the planetary trickster strikes, many of our daily activities go haywire.
Mercury rules electronics and is often blamed for all types of technical mishaps with cell phones, electric devices, and computers — warranting an important time to back up your computer files. In general terms, machines of all kinds tend to act strangely and take on a Murphy’s Law theme.
Remain flexible and prepare for delays and miscommunications of all kinds. It is best to avoid signing any contractual agreements as matters begun during Mercury retrograde periods tend to take unexpected twists and turns in the future. During Mercury retrograde periods we often find ourselves revisiting past projects or situations that, once again, need our attention. It is also a time period, however, when we often hear from, or feel compelled to reach out to old friends or lovers whom we haven’t spoken to in some time.
Although Mercury retrograde periods can seem frustrating, they often provide opportunities to review or finish up old projects, contact old friends, or clean out the closet and garage. Mercury retrograde periods are an opportune time for introspection and deep thought, especially a couple of days directly before and after the exact retrograde day occurs.
Note: Planets do not actually move backwards (retrograde). A retrograding planet is the result of an optical illusion per its orbital relative speed from our point of view on Earth. *Pacific time used throughout
Previous 2023 Retrograde Periods
December 29 – January 18, 2023 (24°21′ Capricorn to 8°08′ Capricorn)
Pre-shadow period occurs December 12 – December 28 Mercury Retrogrades on December 29 at 1:32 a.m. (24°21′ Capricorn) Mercury Stations Direct on January 18, 2023, at 5:12 a.m. (8°08′ Capricorn) Post-shadow occurs from January 18 – February 6
~~~
April 21 – May 14 (15°37′ Taurus to 5°50′ Taurus)
Pre-shadow period occurs April 7 – 21 Mercury turns retrograde on April 21 at 1:35 p.m.* (15°37′ Taurus) Stations direct on May 14 at 8:17 p.m. (5°50′ Taurus) Post-shadow occurs from May 14 – 31
~~~
August 23 – September 15 (21°51′ Virgo to 8°00′ Virgo)
Pre-shadow period occurs August 3 – 23 Mercury turns Retrograde on August 23 at 1:00 p.m.* (21°51′ Virgo) Stations direct on September 15 at 1:21 p.m. (8°00′ Virgo) Post-shadow occurs from September 15 – 29
On this website we use first or third-party tools that store small files (cookie) on your device. Cookies are normally used to allow the site to run properly (technical cookies), to generate navigation usage reports (statistics cookies) and to suitable advertise our services/products (profiling cookies). We can directly use technical cookies, but you have the right to choose whether or not to enable statistical and profiling cookies. Enabling these cookies, you help us to offer you a better experience.
