(This is a revision of an older Mercury in Retrograde article)

If you’ve been feeling a bit like a fire breathing dragon since Mercury went retrograde in Aries, read on for some Wisestars remedies for not just surviving, but thriving during Mercury Retrograde periods. This particular one lasts until April 23rd, 2011 when the planet turns direct, but give it a week or so to get out of it’s “shadow” period to really start forging full speed ahead back towards that old Western Civilization thing…..

(For those of you who may just be joining us on this Mercury in Retrograde track, see below the Survive/Thrive section for my summation of this phenomena)

SURVIVE

Back up your computer

Double check directions and appointment times carefully

Think carefully about word choice
And topic when having difficult
conversations

Slow down and drive more carefully

Read the fine print two or three times
before signing contracts or other important documents

Postpone buying major appliances until
Mercury goes direct

THRIVE

Research new computer equipment or software. Maximize time away from the computer.

Reschedule important meetings and appointments for after the Mercury retrograde period.

Rethink your position and be willing to admit your mistakes and apologize when having difficult conversations. Or try to forgive and forget more readily.

Refrain from rudeness and instead kill other drivers with kindness, or minimize driving and ride your bike and walk

Renegotiate current contracts that you want changed and postpone signing new important documents until Mercury goes direct

Repair and fix items that are broken

Remember: Retrograde starts with “re”, so incorporate “re” activities during retrograde periods.

Some Wisestars Words on the Mercury Retrograde Experience

Mercury, the planet of communication (which includes phones, computers, talking, listening, learning, teaching and also all forms of traveling), goes retrograde four times a year for three weeks each time. During this period, we will often notice that communications go awry, that our phones stop working, that computers freeze and travel plans hit snags. Despite all evidence to the contrary, the Mercury retrograde was not designed to make you suffer.

If you allow it to, Mercury retrograde periods can be a time to slow down and take a little break from the high impact, fast and furious information heavy world we live in. Think of it as a three week vacation from the communication of words and thoughts. This is a time when communication of spirit, body and emotion take precedence. Try saying what you need to with tools besides words, using body or sign language, eye contact and dream messages to communicate your meaning. The more you try to force other types of communications now, the more frustrated you might end up……….

Having an emergency kit ready to take care of your physical needs may seem like an obvious necessity right now, reeling as we are from a year of earth changes (The Gulf oil spill, Haiti, New Zealand, Japan,). But since physical suffering is only part of the fallout of loss, knowing your emotional needs as you navigate a world in transition can also help you to better cope.
Astrologically speaking, when events occur that are overwhelming, too big for our brains to process and make sense of, the moon comes to the forefront, responding to distress signals and taking over.
The moon is the ancestral storehouse of emotion, holding our deepest needs and instincts. Rooted in childhood, the moon’s sign and house placement indicate what nurtures us, what makes us feel safe and how we react most naturally when feelings arise.

Read your Moon sign and if you know your aspects to the Moon, read the corresponding Moon placement for that as well.

Moon in Aries (or Moon aspects to Mars especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)

The Moon in Aries will probably feel some anger and a need to act, but even more likely, they will have a completely individual experience that may bring on feelings of both irritation and restlessness. They’ll want to explore how impending events will effect them personally. Moon in Aries may even feel the desire to strike out and attack someone or something, just to feel the fire of being alive.
Physical activity (exercise, sex, work) will help this Moon sign process and integrate feelings. Invoking the opposite sign Libra qualities, Moon in Aries can benefit from seeking balance, other people’s input and a strategic, rather than a reactive mindset.

Moon in Taurus (or Moon aspects to Venus especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)
Moon in Taurus does not like change. Change is to be resisted, denied and protected against. When faced with the inevitable, this Moon sign will seek physical comfort (food, sleep, sex) and safe, familiar routines. Emotional release will only come when Moon in Taurus feels physically stable and grounded. Nature, massage and cooking can help Moon in Taurus heal when hard times hit.

Taurus can find even greater emotional strength when it draws on inspiration from the opposing sign of Scorpio. Scorpio’s ability to tap deep reserves of power from the well of spirit can remind Taurus that there is more to life than meets the eye.

Moon in Gemini (or Moon aspects to Mercury especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)
Naturally, the Moon in Gemini is going to want to talk when the going gets rough. Talk, talk and talk some more and if they’re not talking, they’ll be writing. News junky? Oh yes. If Moon in Gemini is not actually in the middle of the action, they’re going to want to know what’s going on, every minute of every day. This Moon will also feel the desire to be busy, constantly.
Finding balance with infusions of their opposite sign of Sagittarius, Moon in Gemini can benefit from taking some time to process and make sense of all the information they are gathering. What does it mean in the bigger picture? Is there a story to tell that may help others to heal? What is the meaning of what is unfolding? The truth hiding out in the facts?

Moon in Cancer (the Moon rules Cancer, so no aspects are possible)
It’s not to unreasonable to expect that the Moon in Cancer will feel the safest hiding away at home, eating, crying, sleeping and taking care of assorted plants, children and animals. This Moon needs plenty of time to sort out the overwhelming emotions that they may experience in the aftermath of a disaster. Any kind of healing water such as a bath, hot springs or the ocean can help Moon in Cancer come to terms with change.
Ultimately though, Moon in Cancer will benefit from drawing on the opposing forces of Capricorn for strength and survival. Setting aside specific times during the day to let feelings out, will help Moon in Cancer to be self-disciplined in taking care of practical physical matters that demand attention.

Moon in Leo (or Moon aspects to the Sun especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)
Hear that Lion roar? Moon in Leo may need to go through a particular kind of catharsis when hard times hit. Given this moon signs ability to tap into the fun of life, they’re usually able to keep their sense of humor when all hell breaks loose, but first they may need to have a diva moment.
Since this Moon can help others with its innate warmth and the gift of being able to make just about anything more fun, they can enlist their opposing sign of Aquarius to encourage their ability to keep an eye on the big picture by helping out in their community and being of service.

Moon in Virgo (or Moon aspects to Mars especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)
When the going gets tough, the tough (like Moon in Virgo) clean house. Sure it’s a cliché, but like every generality, there’s a shred of truth in it. Virgo needs to digest and analyze to process emotions and cleaning helps, by physically make sense of chaos. Since Moon in Virgo is rather particularly prone to worry and anxiety, cleaning, organizing or being of service to others can assist this Moon in releasing some of their pent up stress.
Virgo can also take a big load off though by drawing on the wisdom of their opposing sign of Pisces. Prayer, animals and nature will help calm Virgo’s furrowed brow. In fact, escapist activities in general can bring balance to Virgo’s during times of distress.

Moon in Libra (or Moon aspects to Venus especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)

Since disasters in generally usually bring the opposite of beauty, balance and justice, Moon in Libra can find it hard to reach an even keel when times of trouble arise. Coming back to center is possible though, through joining together with others to create a more harmonious environment. Relationships will be key for Moon in Libra when chaos reigns, so having a friend or loved one to join forces with is important.
Taking lessons from the opposing sign of Aries, Libra Moons can also benefit from taking courageous action, without first weighing every possible outcome, strategy or decision.

Moon in Scorpio (or Moon aspects to Pluto especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)
The deep emotional strength of Moon in Scorpio comes in handy in a crisis. Because powerful waves of emotions may first keep this Moon sign out of action, it’s important that Moon in Scorpio has a private and safe place to process feelings. But this Moon sign innately understands the changing cycles of life and knows how to courageously hang in there when things get tough. Not only that, but Moon in Scorpio can help to guide others through bad times with compassion and fortitude.
Moon in Scorpio benefits from the grounding effects of Taurus, which can help bring this moon much needed physical comfort. Eating, sleeping and touching are good medicine for Moon in Scorpio when they run low on their considerable emotional reserves.

Moon in Sagittarius (or Moon aspects to Jupiter especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)

Moon in Sagittarius will want to find a meaning in disaster or hard times. What’s the story behind it all? This Moon needs to believe that out of trouble and hardship, growth can come. This optimistic and hopeful energy can ultimately be helpful, but Moon in Sag may need to take some time to let others have the hard feelings first, before presenting the “sunny side of the street”. This Moon can help itself by seeking to understand the diverse beliefs involved in challenging situations and striving to find a way to present this to those around them.
Gemini’s opposing energies help the Moon in Sagittarius to stay open to other people’s ideas and thoughts. It can be helpful for Moon in Sagittarius to remember to invoke the “student mind” and learn what they can from unfolding events as they arise.

Moon in Capricorn (or Moon aspects to Saturn especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)

Moon in Capricorn may not let on to others that they’re having an emotional reaction, feeling the need to preserve their “tower of strength” reputation. This Moon sign probably will need plenty of time alone to process and come to terms with any changes that have occurred. Their natural reserve helps them to get in touch with their innate strength and instinct towards survival.
Cancer’s opposing energies can help Moon in Capricorn remember to stay in touch with the need to show some vulnerability from time to time in order to receive the natural human comfort that everyone needs in the midst of disaster.

Moon in Aquarius (or Moon aspects to Uranus especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)

Moon in Aquarius, like it’s ruling sign Uranus, tends to react somewhat surprisingly during “big” emotional times. You’ll never know exactly how this moon sign will feel, but chances are it will be a little bit offbeat. Detachment and a bit of removal from the intensity of deep emotion are one thing that it’s probably safe to predict, but other than that, all bets are off.
Moon in Aquarius does well in the realm of symbols, so taking refuge in tarot, astrology and other esoteric, metaphysical pastimes can be comforting.
Leo’s counterbalancing m.o. can help Moon in Aquarius return to the planet by infusing life with a bit of fun, humor and creativity.

Moon in Pisces (or Moon aspects to Neptune especially conjunctions, squares and oppositions)

Moon in Pisces can quickly become emotionally overwhelmed when bad things happen. The emotional sponge capabilities of this sensitive Moon take on more than they can deal with alone and they then head towards “Planet Escape”. This is fine if drugs, drink and other physically destructive substances aren’t overly involved, but otherwise Moon in Pisces can sink in the swift current of their emotions.
Energetic protection like flower essences (particularly Yarrow and Red Clover), sea salt (and Rosemary or other purifying oils) baths and psychic tools can help Moon in Pisces not only stay sane, but also enable them to be a compassionate beacon of light for others.
Virgo energy can help to bring Moon in Pisces down to earth. List making, cleaning, attention to diet, exercise and other health and wellness routines will all keep Moon in Pisces functioning more smoothly on “terra firma”.

Chiron and Neptune in Aquarius are conjunct today at 9:07 pm pst. Like a luminous net being woven throughout the galaxy, these two celestial bodies are joining together to remind us of our connection to each other and to the planet.

Chiron brings us an awakened awareness of the wounds of alienation. As the Centaur, Chiron offers both an instinctive, animal like knowing of the wound and also a more rational abstract knowledge. As Chiron has traveled through Aquarius, the sign of groups, friendships, technology and the future, we’ve seen a hunger for forms of more collective connection in the form of Facebook, Twitter and other social networking mediums.

Are we wounded in our ability as humans to connect with each in a humane way? Yes. But Chiron also shows us the pathway to healing by adjusting, like a Chiropractor, our perspective so that we can understand the wound in a slightly different way. As the sign of “holy experimentation”, Aquarius has allowed us all the chance to engage in one big human science project, exploring what it means to connect with others through the medium of space, time and computers.

Neptune joins the Centaur, bringing magic, mystery and a touch of confusion. Are we really making connections on-line? Does it count if it’s not embodied? If so, then what is the value of the body in social connection? Beyond our intimate partners, how do we benefit from physically connecting with groups of friends and communities? With Neptune involved there’s a nebulousness or diffuse awareness that permeates all of our questions and all of our answers.

Through the fog we can’t see very clearly now, but the soft focus perspective sure looks good. Neptune with Chiron blurs our relationship with the body, leading us to question how the physical realm fits into the grand scheme of things. Like the movie Avatar, it raises the question of how much of our reality and engagement with life is limited to our experience in a human form and how much is possible with just the mind, emotions and spirit.

As Neptune and Chiron both begin a slow transiton out of Aquarius and into Pisces over the next several years, we may find that our compassion and sense of humanity begins to evolve, growing more finely tuned, more sophisticated. It is during this experimentation time now, that we have the chance to practice and take chances, learning what creates explosions and chaos and what gives us our desired outcome.

It’s looking like the curtains are ready to rise on a whole lot of action this Fall, as stuck places loosen up and wheels start to turn. Many of you may be waiting with baited breath now, wanting to get going already, put your hands on the reigns and ride free, finally, (without all those damn restraints), towards the future.

My Mars in Sagittarius and Moon in Aquarius are right there with you, ready to embark on whatever adventures await as the seasons of the skies change once more. But my Sun in Virgo and Venus in Cancer is experiencing a wistful sort of tug, remembering the sweetness of the slow and steady routines that make up the weave of life. Though I’m ready for change, eager for it even, the Moon in Taurus today has encouraged me to meditate on some of the more simple pleasures, the ones that already exist in this present moment.

So I wanted to invite  those of you who might appreciate it, to take some time before the pace of this cosmic game of musical chairs picks up,  to look around you. Observe all the things that are in your life right now that bring you  small moments of appreciation, those simple, but sweet times, that fill up the spaces  between the big events.

In my garden I’m noticing: the sweet smell of the last roses of summer, the tomato plant that never quite got going and only now is growing a small green fruit, the pink jasmine that hasn’t bloomed but that I hope will this Fall. I’m appreciating: my dog’s little dinner dance and my lover’s ability to always make me laugh, the Mayberry on acid vibe that permeates Fairfax and the golden haze that the light brings with it now.

I’m almost ready for that show of planetary fireworks ahead, but it may find me in the kitchen, indulging my very own Venus in Cancer as I finally try that recipe for Lemon Poppyseed Cake I’ve been waiting to make all summer. At least I’ll have something to serve at the party that is sure to accompany Venus as it transits into Libra and Mars as it roars into Leo (ready to party for a looong eight months, but that is a whole other blog….)

Now, I am not naturally a person who wins things, maybe it’s my rebellious Aquarius cusp ruling my 5th house, or maybe my luck comes in other ways, but for one reason or another, I’ve just never thought of myself as a “winner” of things. I’ve had many blessings in my life, but winning contests and prizes has never been one of them.

Aiming to change this, I’ve been entering contests like crazy , and also bought my first and second lottery ticket ever, about a week after Jupiter first slipped over that 5th house cusp about two months ago. (Thanks Reya for the recommendation!)

Lo and behold, I actually won $30 from my second lottery ticket. And, more exciting, I’ve won a prize I didn’t even try for-A “Lemonade Award” for my blog, the Lemonade Award is for sites that are seen to have great attitude or gratitude. So thanks to Julie Dembowski, at http://juliedemboski.wordpress.com, a powerhouse astrologer, who actually includes an analysis of the asteroids in her blogs, (which I love ), for nominating me as one of her choices.

So part of the deal with the Lemonade award (I was so happy that I didn’t win some kind of lemon award!), is that you “pay it forward”, and nominate 10 of your favorite blogs to win their own Lemonade Awards….

So without further ado-here are the 10 Blogs I Nominate for Lemonade Awards:

1. Big Sky Astrology-There are lots of things I love about April, besides being a fabo web designer, astrologer and just amazingly cool lady, she also is one hell of a writer. Her blog is one I read very regularly check out: http://www.bigskyastrology.com/

2. Jessica Shepherd is so wise, so wonderful and has inspired me more times than I can count, check out her astrology blog at: Moonkissd http://www.moonkissd.com

3. Deborah Oak Cooper writes with wit, humor and humanity about all kinds of crazy things read her at: Branches up Roots Down http://www.branchesup.blogspot.com

4. Matthew Currie is so weird, so wacky and so funny. Though you may not always understand what he’s writing about, you will laugh… http://matthewastrology.blogspot.com/

5. Mary Greer, oh I’ve been a fan of Mary’s for over 20 years, ever since I first took a class with her at a Women’s Herbal Symposium in Occidental, CA. Imagine my delight when I discovered her wonderful tarot blog, see it here: http://marygreer.wordpress.com/

6. Lara Owens, has a wonderful perspective on the stars and the healing art of astrology, I’v e loved her long time:) See her blog at: http://planetaryenergies.net/

7. Astrology Mundo, concise, interesting, current events type astrology at: http://astrologymundo.wordpress.com/

8.Planetary Apothecary, just discovered this blog, and love the way the author has integrated earthy healing tools with the starry sky, I aim to follow in her footsteps. http://planetaryapothecary.com/

9. John and Susan Townley, this duo compile interesting astro news and write a current events type blog that is always insightful: http://www.astrococktail.com/news.html

10.Reya, has one of the most interesting minds of anyone I know, and I love to follow her tracks whenever possible at her Gold Puppy (love the name), blog: http://thegoldpuppy.blogspot.com

It’s requested that each nominated site also do its own noms, include the logo shown on Julie’s site (I can’t figure out how to add it to mine…, and notifiy each nominee at their own site.

So thanks Julie and Lemonade Award initiators for helping my 5th house transiting Jupiter dreams come true and in such a cool Aquarian community oriented way, on the day of the first Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunction which happens to be right on my natal Moon and square my 2nd house Neptune. You astrologers out there will know what that means!

Everything in nature seems to be moving, falling and changing now, as we enter more deeply into the time of Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of bottomless depth, mystery and transformation: birth and death and birth again. Now we turn inward, circling closer to ourselves and each other, and moving forward into the growing darkness of winter.

The Full Moon tomorrow is in Taurus, and it serves as a reminder to nurture our bodies and anything pertaining to the physical realm. This moon was named the “Beaver Moon” by the Algonquin, and signaled a time to set beaver traps to prepare furs for winter. In the modern world, this moon can similarly be a reminder to get busy as beavers and make sure we have all that we need to sustain us through the cold and dark. Are we practically prepared for winter? Will we be warm, fed and sheltered?

At the same time, the mystery of Scorpio is calling us to go deeper into the dark cave of night, asking us to wander in our own depths, and reminding us of adventures of the spirit. The Scorpio Sun asks us who we really are? What gives our life meaning? If we were to die tomorrow, what would we spend our time doing NOW?

This Full Moon challenges us to find a balance between our Taurus need for physical comfort and sustenance, and Scorpio’s desire for spiritual and emotional quests. Look to the houses in your astrological chart that the full moon falls in for more clues as to how this full moon may manifest in your life. (for a free chart go to: astro.com)

The Taurus Full Moon is also squared by Neptune in Aquarius which went direct on November 1st. This aspect indicates that our personal journey is currently directly influenced and effected by the ongoing collective story. In the last several years, as Neptune has transited through Aquarius we have been learning about our illusions and fantasies in relation to the qualities of freedom, technology and independence. Neptune is approaching a conjunction with the Moon of the chart of the United States, offering us the opportunity to let go of our deceptions and self-defeating behaviors as a country.

The year-long Saturn and Uranus opposition, and also transiting Jupiter in Capricorn make harmonious aspects to this moon, offering support in undergoing dynamic change and transformation. We may find these transitions unsettling to the fixed nature of our Scorpio and Taurus selves, but ultimately, we will arrive at a place that is new, juicy and full of life. The earth trine formed by the Moon in Taurus, Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo offers us some practical and grounded tools for moving forward towards the future.

At the Full Moon we also have the opportunity to get a first look at any seeds we might have planted at the Scorpio New Moon on October 28th.Though it may not yet be time to harvest these seeds, we can gather clues about the state of their growth. What new projects or relationships did you begin at the New Moon? What has grown or changed with these projects since that time? The coming dark moon on November 26 may bring a greater sense of resolution to these new beginnings, but now is a time to assess and witness your unfolding journey.

By now I was hoping I would come up with some kind of really pithy, savvy and wise astrological analysis of the recent election. But I have to be honest, all I can think about is that red dress that Michelle Obama wore on election night. I mean wow! Is this Venus in Sagittarius square Uranus and Saturn or what?!

There were a flurry of interesting astrological aspects taking place on the day of the election, from the Moon void of course, to Mercury’s placement, to Mars square Neptune. Many astrologers focused on the Uranus and Saturn opposition, looking at McCain as representing stodgy, boring Saturn, and Obama as a symbol of the wave of the future, the iconclast, and the rebel known as Uranus. Somehow Venus in Sagittarius making a tight square to both of these big players has mostly been missed…(Except, I have to say, by my esteemed, and fellow, Venus ruled colleague Jessica Shepherd, who writes all about it on her new blog on Venus matters).

So fancy that, leaving the feminine out of the equation, when she’s really in the starring role……

What exactly am I talking about you might be wondering? How does Michelle Obama’s red dress have anything at all to do with the planets or astrology, and why should you care?

Well…… it’s all about Venus, baby…

Venus, which is currently transiting through the sign of Sagittarius showcases the feminine at her bold, fiery, optimistic, expansive best. Sagittarius is a sign that thrives on cultural diversity and building bridges between people. This is a sign that wants to explore, grow and live life large. Venus also symbolizes fashion, adornment and beauty. Put the two together and you get a bright red dress worn on a night few will forget.
But there’s more…………..On the day of and the day after the election, transiting Venus in Sagittarius was in an exact square to both Uranus and Saturn. The dress was not just bright and fiery, it was also unexpected, a little suprising and shook up the traditions and fashion “rules” of the past. This is Saturn and Uranus facing off in their ongoing year-long opposition, trying to make sense of each other and Venus.

As odd as it might seem to some, this red dress is a symbol we can work with over the course of the Obama presidency. How will the Venusian qualities of diplomacy, peacemaking, relating, art and beauty express themselves in the White House in the Sagittarius fashion of expansion, growth, cultural diversity, education and mass media? How will these things shake up (Uranus), electrify, and revolutionize our culture? How will they challenge(Saturn), confront and interact with the past , with tradition, with roots and the foundations of our country?

Though Michelle Obama may not be the actual individual who carries the Venus in Sagittarius mantle throughout the coming years, her red dress is an awakening, a flag waving, and a heads up. This is a call to pay attention to Venus, to the feminine, and to the powers of attraction, receptivity and peace. These energies aren’t coming in quietly, this is a bold Sagittarian hurrah, blunt, to the point and obvious. It will be hard to ignore, and hard to squash, even if we wanted to.