Energy
Mercury Goes Retrograde Today
Mercury goes retrograde today. This astrological phenomenon occurs three to four times per year, when the planet Mercury appears to move backwards through space. Energetically, it can be a period of frustration, error, confusion, and delay, and each cycle lasts about two to three weeks. Mercury retrograde begins again today and will last until September 14th.
In ancient Roman mythology, Mercury is a prominent god who rules business and finance, communication, travel, luck, swindlers, and thieves. He also serves as the guide of souls to the underworld and as a messenger of the gods. He is also known for his ability to take things apart and put them back together again. In astrology, the planet Mercury is therefore associated with communication, intellect, technology, and travel, so all of these aspects of life can be affected when it goes retrograde.
During Mercury retrograde, all aspects of communication, logic and reason can become more difficult and dysfunctional. Misunderstandings and mix-ups are more likely, and we are sometimes less able to think and express ourselves clearly. This can cause problems in our personal and professional relationships. We are also more prone to making mistakes or overlooking important details, leading to frustration and confusion.
Communication systems and technology are also affected by a Mercury retrograde. Digital communication devices and electronics may malfunction or break down, and internet and phone connections may be disrupted, making it more difficult to stay in touch. Travel may also become more challenging during this time, with delays, cancellations, and other unexpected obstacles.
Astrology Forecast August 21 – 27, 2023
Increased awareness, focus and attention to detail are at the forefront this week. First, the Moon transits Scorpio today through Wednesday. To top it off, the Sun enters Virgo on Wednesday, followed by Mercury (its ruler) going retrograde.
This cosmic cluster will result in an energetic emphasis on paying attention, practicing caution, and not getting stuck in the minutiae of daily life. Flexibility and compromise will be essential to getting through the first three days of the week.
Be especially careful with financial matters and business dealings tomorrow, for a Venus in Leo square to Jupiter in Taurus tomorrow morning, followed by Mars in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces in the afternoon, could cause all kinds of trouble, including financial losses, poor money decisions, overspending, and even fraud. Do not book any events or trips, do not sign up for or order anything, and especially do not sign any contracts. Also, avoid discussing finances with your spouse, partner, business associates, or clients, as conflicts and disagreements are likely to arise.
A more light-hearted energy will bring some balance on Thursday and Friday under a Sagittarius Moon, allowing us to regroup after a trying few days. Make it a point to relax, play, have some fun, and leave the next batch of heavy lifting for another day.
This weekend the Capricorn Moon gives us a chance to re-ground ourselves, look at things from a more logical and practical angle, and work on our self-care. The week also ends with Mars moving into Libra, marking the beginning of a two-month cycle of more balanced movement and improved interpersonal relationships.
Karma Is A Teacher, Not An Avenger
People often talk about karma as if it’s some form of divine punishment or retribution that will eventually be visited upon those who have wronged them. Letting karma “take care of it” is a comforting reassurance that we may be rewarded for being the ‘bigger person’ in unfair situations. And certainly it is always advisable to do the right thing when others are being petty or behaving badly.
But this is not karma.
The universe is not in the business of handing out ‘karmic punishment,’ for we are not judged as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for our choices and actions. All of our choices and actions have value and teach us lessons. So, why would there be any need for a universal system of punishment? Or reward, for that matter?
This is not to say that karma does not exist. On the contrary, we can see karma at work all the time in everyday life, down to the most mundane things we choose to do. However, karma is not a force of reckoning, but the cause and effect of energy, which is a universal law.
When we live a heart-centered life, doing good deeds and being kind to ourselves and others, we will feel joyful, happy, fulfilled and at peace. We thrive in the vibrant flow of positive energy. On the other hand, when we live a heartless life, do things that are wrong, destructive, and evil, and we are unkind or cruel to ourselves and others, we will feel miserable, hopeless, dissatisfied, depressed. We suffer in the thick mud of negative energy.
Astrology Forecast August 14 – 20, 2023
The week begins with a confident Leo Moon this morning that will boost our self-esteem, assertiveness, and creative expression. It will culminate in a Leo New Moon on Wednesday morning, causing our emotions to dominate in a positive, uplifting way the first three days of the week and ensuring that our interactions with others will be kind and harmonious.
However, the gentle, sentimental mood of tomorrow night’s Leo Moon conjunction with Venus could later turn into an irritable mood, irresponsible actions, or hypersensitivity under the Leo Sun square with Uranus in Taurus tomorrow night. What may start out as a lovely romantic evening with someone special could morph into an impulsive, emotional whirlwind, so try to avoid spiraling into unnecessary emotional drama.
The best time to get anything of a detailed or organized nature done this week is Thursday and Friday, when the Moon moves through intellectual Virgo. Whether you’re clearing out clutter at home, creating a new organizational system at work, restructuring your finances, or dealing with personal health issues, the Virgo Moon will ensure a more successful effort. A Virgo Moon conjunction with Mercury also ensures that Friday will be a great day for business success and sound judgment in professional matters.
The weekend is all about balance, as a Libra Moon reminds us to look closely at any areas of our lives that have become unbalanced or out of order. Relationships are also highlighted this weekend, inviting us to spend more time with our loved ones and give thanks for the special people in our lives. The Libra Moon sextile Venus in Leo makes Sunday the perfect opportunity for a romantic outing with your partner, or a blind date with a new love interest.
Astrology Forecast August 7 – 13, 2023
This week promises to be harmonious and productive as cosmic enegies unfold in a steady and uplifting manner. All in all this week will be the calmest we’ve experienced in a while, with more of the same next week.
The Moon will glide through Taurus today and tomorrow, making the first two days the most productive of the week. Grounded, energetic, and optimistic, we will get the week off to a good start under this influence. A Taurus Moon sextile with Saturn in Pisces today, and a trine with Mars in Virgo tomorrow, will further boost our organizational skills and resourcefulness. It will inspire us to take responsibility and pursue our goals with determination and practical action.
Three days of social interaction and informative conversations follow under the Gemini Moon on Wednesday through Friday. It offers a great opportunity to lay the groundwork for future enterprises, so use these three days to gather more information, research the validity of what you know so far, and brainstorm with others for fresh ideas and alternative paths to make your ideas a reality.
Stepping back to focus on self-nurturing and relaxation will be the focus this weekend, as the Moon enters Cancer and reminds us to take care of ourselves, the people we care about, and our surroundings.
Sunday will offer a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your partner, or hang out with friends. A Cancer Moon sextile with Mars in Virgo, as well as with Uranus in Taurus, will set the scene for romance, or some well-deserved fun and laughter! If you are not in a social mood, Sunday will also be the ideal time to redecorate your home, or finish that creative project you have been procrastinating on.
Crown Chakra Meditation For Mental Health
These days, many people face mental health challenges. In a world where so many demands are placed upon our time and energy, there never seems to be enough time for relaxation and proper self-care. One way to improve one’s mental health and gain greater clarity is to regularly do some energy work focusing on the crown chakra.
The chakras are a system of energy centers that regulate our physical health, mental acuity, and emotional well-being. Chakra (cakra in ancient Sanskrit) means ‘wheel’ and it is essentially a ‘spinning disk’ or vortex of energy. The chakras represent the flow of life force or pranic energy through the mind-body.
There are seven primary or major chakras in the subtle or light body, spanning from the base of the spine up to the crown of the head. Each chakra has its own frequency, symbolism, color, and function. For optimal health and well-being, the chakras should be kept activated, open, balanced and aligned.
The seventh chakra at the crown of the head, also known as sahasrara padma, is the highest of the primary chakras. It is depicted as a 1000-petal lotus flower and represented by the color violet. This chakra is the energy center of our spiritual connection to the divine, from which all the other chakras emanate. The crown chakra is where we connect to God, Goddess, Source, Spirit, the Divine. It is also my experience that it is at the crown where we engage with our guardian angels and spirit guides.