Metaphysics
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.
Make The Most Of Your Next Saturn Return
Saturn can be a very challenging, difficult planetary influence because of the astrological phenomenon known as Saturn Return, which occurs every 27 to 30 years, which is the duration of its orbit around the Sun back to the same place in the galaxy where it was at the time of our birth. It literally returns to the same zodiac sign, degree, and house.
The three Saturn Return in our lifetime occurs around the ages of 27 to 31; 56 to 60, and 84 to 90. Although it is possible to estimate your dates using an online calculator, it may be best to have it calculated by an experienced astrologer.
This major astrological aspect is not to be taken lightly. Saturn Return is associated with major life transitions and personal upheaval. Such as relationship breakups, divorce, relocations, health challenges, and major career, business, or lifestyle changes.
It is a highly self-reflective time when we must contemplate our path, evaluate the choices we have made thus far, and carefully consider what is no longer serving us. People often get sober, get divorced, get married, change jobs, or decide to have children during this time.
Saturn Return exposes our dysfunctional habits and past mistakes, and we gain a new perspective on our life. If we carefully work through these challenges and redefine ourselves on a deeper level, we are empowered to move into a new and improved next chapter of our life.
My first Saturn return included personal growth and healing work brought on by two dysfunctional relationships.
The first was a crush I had on an older boy when I was 11 years old. I have since been shown that I have shared several past lives with him. This time he wanted nothing to do with me, because I was just the “weird psychic kid.”
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.
The Magical Possibilities Of 6,000 Thoughts
According to a 2020 study at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, we have more than 6,000 thoughts a day. From a spiritual perspective, this is fascinating, but also potentially troublesome.
Those of us who are metaphysically aware know that our thoughts create our reality. Not only do our positive or negative thoughts determine what will manifest in our lives, but also how we choose to feel and act based on those 6,000 daily thoughts!
In addition, we tend to have lingering thoughts and nagging worries that we obsess over throughout the day. The more we repeat those same toxic thoughts, the more they gain energetic momentum and manifesting power. Thoughts are energy vibrations, and thoughts become things.
We all have the innate spiritual freedom to act of our own free will. Every thought we have comes with choices and options. It can range from a simple decision to stop thinking a particular negative thought…to making a life-changing decision.
Unfortunately, most people make the same choices over and over again. They stick with what is safe, comfortable, familiar, or predictable, while ignoring the other options that may be open to them. This is often how we get stuck in comfort zones, or struggle to manifest the things we dream about.
In order to manifest new things and invite change into our lives, we must carefully examine our thought patterns and habits. If we choose the same responses and actions to the same thoughts every day, we cannot expect to move forward, or create a new reality. Often the problem is not the thoughts we think, but how we choose to feel and act in response to those thoughts.
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.