Mercury Retrograde
The Dreamy Neptunian Waters Of Sean Connery
This year, on All Hallow’s Eve, I received news that truly rattled me. Halloween is normally a magical time for me, but I was left shaken with sadness this year, because one of my most beloved heroes, Sean Connery, had passed.
I think of Connery as Indiana Jones’s ingenious, funny dad, or as Daniel Dravot in The Man Who Would Be King, as well as the handsome love interest Mark Rutland in Hitchcock’s Marnie. But most of all, he is the true James Bond 007 original, of course, to which all subsequent iterations pale in comparison (although Daniel Craig does come a close second in my opinion).
Taking a peek at this iconic movie heartthrob’s astrological chart, one discovers some interesting nuggets as you dive deeper into his mysterious Neptunian waters!
His humble beginnings on “the street of a thousand smells,” as Connery once described it, was anything but easy. This is evident in his natal chart, with the serious nature of Capricorn, with its retrograde ruler, Mercury, sitting on his Ascendant.
However, this is also why he managed to make something of himself, often by using purely his wits, versatility and ingenuity, because Mercury is a capable planet placement that ruled his house of hard work! True to his Virgo nature, he worked diligently on his physique to become a notable bodybuilder, for example, which laid the foundation for his future stardom. The Moon in his 9th House further gave him the imaginative mind and empathetic understanding he needed to become so successful internationally.
An 8th House Virgo Stellium (a cluster of three or more planets in a single sign or house), made this meticulous, down-to-earth Virgo very much the perfectionist, and contributed greatly to the legend he ultimately became.
Retrograde Aromatherapy
I am very relieved that Mercury is turning direct today, since this recent retrograde has affected me a lot as an empath during these challenging times. Mars will also be turning direct again next week, after a two month retrograde that has left many of us feeling low in energy, demotivated, and struggling to take any real action in our lives. Fortunately, I have now found a useful tool in curbing the effects of retrogrades: essential oils and aromatherapy. This is something that has always been available to me, but I never before considered using in the context of such astrological influences. But now that I have tried it, and it worked, I will be much better prepared next time around!
I am no astrologer, but I do thankfully have access to some very talented ones in my circle of friends, and I received this very helpful advice from one such a friend when I was complaining to her recently about the effects of all the recent retrogrades on my emotional health and well-being. She suggested that my interest in essential oils could be very helpful to support my emotional energy during any major astrological events. I had never before thought of blending and diffusing oils specifically aimed at balancing retrograde energy, but I liked the idea. So, I have been experimenting a lot lately with ‘retrograde aromatherapy.’
There are some common energy themes that are present during retrogrades. For example, a feeling of being at loose ends, or a sudden shift in emotions, often followed by unexpected or unwelcome events. A retrograde is usually a time for us to ground ourselves and focus on unfinished tasks. It is also a time to evaluate our lives and choices, as well as our careers and relationships, whilst managing our erratic emotions.
A retrograde is often a time of upheaval, change and transition. Feeling peaceful, centered, clear and confident during a retrograde can therefore be very useful. To help achieve this I can recommend using some of my favorite oils. Some are maybe less well-known, but you may consider exploring their uses and benefits.
Clary sage
The oil of this flowering herb is wonderful for inspiring clarity and confidence, and is also excellent at soothing intense emotions. For me, it has quite a strong scent and I therefore prefer not to diffuse this oil on its own, but that is a matter of personal preference.
Astrological Forecast November 2 – 8, 2020
The big event this week is Mercury turning direct tomorrow, coinciding with the United States presidential election day. It could potentially influence the election process in a negative way, for example by slowing down or complicating the counting process with technical issues, or causing miscommunication and delays with the results. With a Gemini Moon overhead from Monday to Wednesday, there will many rumors and a lot of speculation about the final outcome. And globally, there may also be speculation about the effects certain world events are having on the economy in general.
On a personal level, we may find it impossible to move in any tangible direction this week. Mercury rules Gemini, so we can expect this week to be filled with confusing conversations and a lot of conjecture in an attempt to gather the information we need to make important decisions about our future and how to move forward.
The Moon will move into Cancer on Thursday, calling for us to pull back into our personal world, and attend the things that keep us safe, comfortable and secure. The weekend will unfold under a Leo Moon, restoring our sense of self and reminding us to share all our hopes and dreams with the world – or at least the people who make up our little world! Being proactive is a theme this weekend, so let’s all focus on getting what we need, and making sure those we love have what they need.
Astrological Forecast October 26 – November 1, 2020
As Halloween approaches, we’ll have two significant astrological events to move us through the week, beginning with Venus’ move into Libra on Tuesday, and culminating in a Hunter’s Full Moon in Taurus on Saturday. This rare second Full Moon in the same month is also known as a Blue Moon. Keep in mind that the Moon has an obvious effect on us as it waxes full this week, and in Taurus it will remind us to honor the beautiful things in our lives and appreciate all those who we share our worlds with.
With Mercury still retrograde, it’s important to pay attention to those mixed messages and use the Scorpio Sun to filter out what’s true and what’s merely an illusion. We may not get much done under Monday and Tuesday’s Pisces Moon, but that will shift on Wednesday and Thursday as the Moon charges through productive Aries. The weekend closes out under a Taurus Moon, calling for us to attend our most physical needs and financial balances. It could be a good time for a garage sale, as the full Moon promotes release, and the Scorpio Sun inspires ingenious ways to make a little extra money.
Astrological Forecast October 19 – 25, 2020
The Sun will move into Scorpio on Thursday, joining with Mercury retrograde to call on us to review, revise and go deep within, to see where clearing or change is needed. Scorpio will add intensity to our spiritual movements over the next four weeks, reminding us to honor the intuitive and soulful messages that arise during this cycle.
A light-hearted and productive week arises as the Moon travels through Sagittarius on Monday and Tuesday, followed by an industrious Capricorn Moon through Thursday. The weekend unfolds under an Aquarius Moon, encouraging us to think outside the box,. Expect the unexpected and embrace the joyful unity you feel with all those around you. Friendship is the theme, so reach out to those important people who sustain your life and support your every effort.
Astrological Forecast October 12 – 18, 2020
Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio on Tuesday, so we need to be alert and stay on our toes, especially in aspects of communication, technology, legal agreements and travel. And because Scorpio is a water sign, this will also be a time of intense emotional introspection and clarity.
Interestingly, Mercury will resume its normal forward motion again on election day in the United States, on November 3, 2020. This may affect voter turnout, the functioning of voting equipment, early ballots being lost, and delays in the final results. Not the best timing, Mercury! Even without the retrograde preceding the election by three weeks, it is sure to be an interesting time, full of twists and turns!
The Libra New Moon on Friday will set the stage for two weeks of new beginnings, and potentially redirect us if we’ve lost sight of our current goals. This is also a strong lunation for relationships and the possibility to create new ones, or re-balance current ones, and embrace new potentials.
Practice extra caution over the weekend, as the Moon travels through Scorpio. It has a tendency to create an illusion, or throw us off balance, so be as mindful as possible at the end of this somewhat restless, scattered week.
Astrological Forecast October 5 – 11, 2020
An easy-going week awaits us, with no major astrological shifts or surprises, but do keep in mind that Mercury will be going retrograde next week, and could create a few electronic and technical glitches, as it slows down. This is a great week to back up your computer, iPhone and any device that stores lots of your personal information.
Monday will turn out to be our most productive day of the week as the Moon travels through Taurus, so get important work out of the way as best you can. Tuesday and Wednesday are ideal for socializing, information gathering and learning new things, as the Moon dances through curious Gemini. The Moon will enter Cancer on Thursday and have us turning inward through Saturday, attending our emotional, home and personal needs. A bit of over-sensitivity could loom on Friday, so be careful not to take things too personally, or fall under an illusion. The Leo Moon will brighten our Sunday as it encourages self-care and generosity with others.