The final round for Mercury retrograde in 2021 is coming! This retrograde is entirely in the sign of Libra. The Basics - What is Mercury retrograde?
A retrograde occurs when a planet appears to be moving backwards from our vantage point here on Earth. It isn't actually moving backwards, it just appears that way. Mercury turns retrograde most often, about 3-4 times per year, and lasts for several weeks. When a planet retrogrades, what that planet rules tends to be thrown off, along with what the sign it's retrograding in rules.
With Mercury retrograde, we experience a shadow and a storm. The shadow period starts when Mercury first hits the point in the Zodiac it will turn direct at, and ends when it last hits the point in the Zodiac it will turn retrograde at. Most people don't feel the effects of Mercury retrograde until it enters the storm period though. The storm period of Mercury retrograde is when Mercury is moving at its slowest, less than 40 minutes per day. Mercury is a fast-moving planet and hates it when it's moving slowly. There's usually two storm periods, one around the time Mercury turns retrograde, and one around when it turns direct. Mercury Retrograde in Libra 2021 Key Dates:
Mercury Retrograde in Libra Effects:
Mercury retrograde in Libra tends to be a time when we struggle with getting along. Libra rules the people in our lives and our relationships, so this period tends to be one where we have difficulty communicating with others, especially one-on-one, and it's hard to be on the same page. We may struggle with understanding other opinions, or we may get lost in weighing all of the options and ideas and vacillate endlessly. Having more self-confidence can help with that.
It can be a good time to focus on our relationship issues, the old issues we have and the existing issues in relationships, to make improvements. We can strengthen our connections with some, and may decide it's time to walk away from others. We may consider reconnecting with those from the past, which can be good, but if it's not totally for the right reasons, it may not last once the retrograde is over. Libra is the Scales, ruling balance, so we can work to restore balance where everything has gotten out of sorts. We may be more easily unbalanced when we're stressed out, and this can get us off track, so it can be important to work on maintaining balance, surrounding yourself with all of the peace and harmony you reasonably can, and avoiding the chaotic people. We do need to be mindful of getting dragged into drama. Libra likes to play mediator so it often gets dragged into lots of people's drama. Don't do that! It's good to be diplomatic, but ask yourself if it's really something you need to be participating in. Mercury Retrograde in Libra 2021 Aspects:
During the retrograde, Mercury will make 4 major aspects to the other transit (moving) planets. They are:
- Square Pluto on October 1st (@ 24 degrees 19 minutes Libra Mercury, Capricorn Pluto; this is in effect at the start of the retrograde and may bring out major fighting for power and control; we have to resist the urge to force our will on others, or let ourselves be controlled, and try to find something positive to channel our passionate energy into) - Trine Jupiter on October 3rd (@ 22 degrees 40 minutes Libra Mercury, Aquarius Jupiter; this can be a pleasant aspect where we're trying to focus on opportunities and expansion, giving them another try, and looking at the bright side again) - Conjunct the Sun on October 9th (@ 16 degrees 35 minutes Libra: this is the Inferior Conjunction, a positive point in the retrograde for starting something that can be a focus for the next 6-8 weeks; find where it falls in your chart, and that may be where you can start something) - Sextile Venus on October 16th (@ 10 degrees 21 minutes Libra Mercury, Sagittarius Venus; this can be helpful for bringing us together, especially with those from the past and reconnecting, and find some middle ground, be more diplomatic and considerate, and find some balance and restore stability) The Moons of Mercury Retrograde:
The Moon travels through both signs Mercury naturally rules as well as Libra during this retrograde. It's in Virgo (ruled by Mercury) October 3rd (4:38AM ET/1:38AM PT) to October 5th (8:41AM ET/5:41AM PT), which can increase anxiousness, and we need to take better care of ourselves. It's in Gemini (ruled by Mercury) September 25th (8:36PM ET/5:36PM PT) to 28th (9:34AM ET/6:34AM PT) at the start of the retrograde, so we may be extra scattered as it begins.
It's in Libra, the sign of the retrograde, October 5th (8:41AM ET/5:41AM PT) to October 7th (10:22AM ET/7:22AM PT). This can bring extra focus on the retrograde itself, and on the issues that we're working through. Final Notes:
The retrograde begins at 25 degrees Libra, so those of you Librans born October 16th - 20th may feel the start of the retrograde most. The retrograde ends at 10 degrees Libra, so those of you Librans born September 30th - October 5th may feel the end of the retrograde most.
For the rest of you, check the house(s) Mercury will be retrograding in your own natal chart, and any aspects Mercury will make during its retrograde to your natal planets, to fully understand how it will impact you personally. If you have Mercury retrograde in your natal or progressed chart, you may not feel the worst of this. Those individuals generally don't experience the difficulties of the retrograde because it feels more natural to them. Of course, chances are everyone else around them doesn't have the same aspect, so they can still experience difficulties brought on by others. If it's in your natal chart, check out this article about Mercury retrograde in the natal chart. Suggested Reading: The Mercury, Venus, & Mars Retrogrades page for interpretations 
Hard aspects by transit Saturn can definitely be a challenge. They're probably second in line to hard transit Pluto aspects. Saturn is the teacher and disciplinarian, and doesn't want to make it easy! An aspect is when two bodies are at certain distances from one another in the Zodiac. The Zodiac is made up of 12 signs, and each sign is 30 degrees, so there are 360 degrees total. Some aspects are major, and they have the strongest impact, and of the major aspects, 3 can be considered hard by Saturn: conjunction, square, and opposition. Conjunctions occur when they're in the same location in the Zodiac. They are neutral aspects that amplify energy. When transit Saturn is conjunct one of your natal planets, this can amplify the restrictive. limiting nature of Saturn on whatever that planets rules, and it can be very difficult. Squares occur when they're 90 degrees, or 3 full signs, apart. They are aspects of internalized friction, and with transit Saturn, they can *really* turn up the challenges you have with yourself internally. Oppositions occur when they're exactly opposite one another in the Zodiac. They are aspects of external friction, and with transit Saturn, difficulties may seem out of your control to some degree, and more flexibility is needed. As for the personal planets, they are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars (well technically the Sun and Moon are luminaries and Mercury, Venus, and Mars are the personal planets, but they tend to be lumped together and are for this post). Saturn is the planet of restriction, demanding lessons be learned first, and this is most present under a hard aspect by Saturn to your personal planets. You absolutely must do things the right way (Saturn's way), and learn your lessons, otherwise Saturn continues to squeeze you. Surviving Hard Aspects to the Personal Planets by Transit Saturn:Transit Saturn to Natal Sun
With the natal Sun ruling the self, transit Saturn conjunct, square, or opposite can make you feel extra restricted overall in your life. It may be difficult for you to pursue what you want, and you may have extra responsibilities. It can feel like everything falls on you, and you can be easily overwhelmed and pessimistic.
How to survive: You really need to do things Saturn's way, and be as responsible, ethical, and smart as possible. You likely have to work harder than you have before, but it can lead to good things once this passes. Basically, just keep moving forward doing things the right way, and for the right reasons. Look around at what you may need to learn, and don't be stubborn and refuse to learn it. Remind yourself of the good little things in your life to manage the pessimism. All of this can be most focused on the areas of life ruled by the house your natal Sun rules (the house with Leo on the cusp). Transit Saturn to Natal Moon
With the natal Moon ruling your emotions, transit Saturn conjunct, square, or opposite can make it difficult for you to express what you're feeling openly or properly, and you may avoid emotions as much as possible. You may have trouble getting your emotional needs met, or feeling supported. You can experience developments that make you feel more insecure and unstable.
How to survive: Saturn to your natal Moon is likely trying to get you to focus on old emotional issues that you've avoided and lessons you haven't learned. Saturn wants you to be logical and objective about it, hence being more cut off emotionally, but you can learn how to properly express what you feel and manage your emotions in a healthy way. If you feel unsupported, you likely need a new support system with better people. All of this can be most focused on the areas of life ruled by the house your natal Moon rules (the house with Cancer on the cusp). Transit Saturn to Natal Mercury
With natal Mercury ruling your mind, transit Saturn conjunct, square, or opposite can make it difficult for you to express your thoughts, ideas, and opinions. You may be quieter and keep more to yourself, worried about what other people will say or think. You can be more down in the dumps, a little too realistic.
How to survive: If you're keeping a lot to yourself, there is likely an issue that needs to be worked on that is blocking you, or a lesson that needs to be learned about proper expression. You may need to learn to be more confident in your ideas and thoughts, and worry less about what others think. Try to focus on the big picture so you don't get lost in the challenging details. All of this can be most focused on the areas of life ruled by the houses your natal Mercury rules (the houses with Gemini and Virgo on the cusp). Transit Saturn to Natal Venus
With natal Venus ruling your relationships, transit Saturn conjunct, square, or opposite can make you feel more limited in your relationships. You may see people leave your life, or you walk away from others. You may take on more responsibilities in relationships that stick around, and this can cause issues. Existing issues in your relationships can be exposed, and it can be a make-or-break moment.
How to survive: First, you have to either work on issues in existing relationships, or walk away from them. It needs to either get better, or end. That's kind of it with Saturn. People who leave your life likely weren't very good for you anyway, though it may not feel like that in the moment. Focus on what a healthy relationship is and means to you, what your wants and needs are in relationships, and how you can both be a better partner with others, and attract better partners for you. Saturn only wants you to have positive, enriching, supportive relationships, so it's time to work on that. All of this can be most focused on the areas of life ruled by the houses your natal Venus rules (the houses with Taurus and Libra on the cusp). Transit Saturn to Natal Mars
With natal Mars ruling your energy and drive, transit Saturn conjunct, square, or opposite can zap your energy. You can find it difficult to be motivated to get anything done, and it may seem like when you do get moving, everything takes so much longer. It can take a while for you to take initiative with anything, if you even do.
How to survive: Saturn may be focusing on a few different things for you. If you struggle with taking initiative normally, then Saturn may be trying to get you to develop better confidence in yourself to do that. If you struggle with motivation normally, then Saturn may be trying to bring attention to what drives you and inspires you to take action so it's not only healthier, but also something you can tap into whenever you need it. And if your energy is zapped, Saturn is likely trying to get you to take a break because you've been pushing yourself too hard. All of this can be most focused on the areas of life ruled by the house your natal Mars rules (the house with Aries on the cusp). Suggested Reading: The Survival Series: How to survive transit Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Full Moons, and Mercury retrograde in the houses, and Hard Pluto to the Personal Planets 
Uranus is the planet of change. It rules the sudden, the unexpected, the original, and the different. Uranus is independent, and embraces individuality. Yet it also rules the masses, our causes, and how we can impact large groups and the world. But when Uranus is retrograde, this may not be the way it operates. Instead, it's impulse, impatience, and rebelliousness. What does it mean if a planet is retrograde?
A planet is called retrograde when it appears to be moving backward from our view here on Earth (it isn't actually moving backward, only looks that way because of the way the planets move in relation to one another). Uranus is retrograde for about 5 months every year.
What does it mean when Uranus is retrograde?
When Uranus is retrograde, it gets reckless. Uranus always wants things to be happening, big change to occur, and that slows down in a big way when retrograde. We either want changes that we can't work on for some reason at the moment, or we experience changes we don't care for and have to adjust. The retrograde period for Uranus is a good time to adjust to the changes that have already been made instead of fighting them. Be flexible and go with it.
We can get super frustrated by this though, and that can lead us to act impulsively, irrationally, and impatiently. We don't usually want to wait for things to happen, and try to force it. Taking initiative can be a good thing, however there's a season for everything, and Uranus retrograde may not be the season for that for you (depending on what it's doing to your natal chart, along with what Mars is doing, the planet that takes initiative). And, part of the problem is, we may not be very smart about it because we're just jumping into things, and that doesn't work out for us (especially once the retrograde ends). Anything we do, we need to take a deep breath, think about it logically, and make a plan. Be smart! Rebelliousness is often super high during Uranus retrograde. Like with taking initiative, rebelling against the norms can be a good thing - when it's in season! When it's the right time (in general or for you specifically based on what's happening to your natal chart). Otherwise, it's rebellion without a plan or purpose, and it's rebellion that's just acting out and releasing frustration. And that kind of rebellion doesn't usually lead to good things, or at least any lasting positive things. We may feel a little stuck with Uranus retrograde because we're not as free to pursue the changes we want, and this is part of what makes us frustrated, impulsive, and rebellious. We can curb that by finding smaller ways to make changes with the little things. It may not seem like much at first, but it can lead to bigger change over time. Uranus retrograde lasts for several months every year, and this can be strongest for you if you're ruled by Uranus (so an Aquarius Sun, Moon, or Rising). For each of us, the areas of life ruled by the houses the Uranus retrograde occurs in, and ruled by the house Uranus rules in your chart (so the house that falls in Aquarius), may get most of the attention. For the most part, you'll only need to worry about the potential challenges if Uranus will make a hard aspect (conjunction, square, opposition) to any of your natal planets while retrograde. If that doesn't happen (or if it only makes sextiles and trines), then you may have a quiet, or even positive, retrograde period. Suggested Reading: The Transit Uranus page for general interpretations 
September is coming, and with it comes a new moon in Virgo and full moon in Pisces. Let's review them! What is a New Moon?
A new moon occurs when the transit (moving) Sun and Moon are in the exact same position in the Zodiac (called a conjunction). New moons are related to beginnings, have high energy, and are enthusiastic.
What is a Full Moon?
A full moon occurs when the transit (moving) Sun and Moon are in the exact opposite positions in the Zodiac (called an opposition). Full moons are related to endings, culminations, and are emotional energy.
New Moon in Virgo: September 6th 2021 (8:52PM ET/5:52PM PT)
Virgo new moons are times to get focused on work, projects, tasks, and chores, and get things done. That is extra the case with this new moon since Mars is in Virgo for it. We have the energy and drive to get things done, and we want to tackle all of the things we didn't get a chance to in the last few months, and before we lose the energy for it (when Mercury retrograde kicks in again late September!).
This can be a good time to start a new project, whether at work or at home or personal, but it may need to be either something that can be finished quickly (before the retrograde starts, so in 2-3 weeks), or that will take a long time (so it will go beyond the retrograde, like 6 months or longer). Our focus on the little things can be better, so we can tend to the details. We can break up bigger tasks into smaller ones to make them more manageable, and we can be more efficient, organized, and structured. This new moon is trine (positive aspect, 4 signs away) transit (moving) Uranus in Taurus. This can help us try out new, different ways to get things done and be more productive. We can focus on our future and dreams, and what we get done now can help us get closer to what we hope for. The new moon occurs at 14 degrees 38 minutes Virgo. The aspects to this new moon are: Conjunction: 12 degrees 38 minutes - 16 degrees 38 minutes Virgo Sextile: 12 degrees 38 minutes - 16 degrees 38 minutes Cancer or Scorpio Square: 12 degrees 38 minutes - 16 degrees 38 minutes Gemini or Sagittarius Trine: 12 degrees 38 minutes - 16 degrees 38 minutes Taurus or Capricorn Opposition: 12 degrees 38 minutes - 16 degrees 38 minutes Pisces Full Moon in Pisces: September 20th 2021 (7:55PM ET/4:55PM PT)
Pisces full moons can be emotional times where we're much more sensitive than usual. We can absorb everything, feel everything so much stronger, and it can be a lot to take in. This can make us more vulnerable to deception and being victims, so we have to work on protecting ourselves. Having solid, healthy boundaries can be a focus that can help long-term.
We may want to help others as much as we can, feeling more understanding and empathetic, and this can be a good thing, but we also have to make sure we're not letting ourselves get taken advantage of. On the flip side, we also need to make sure we don't go the other way and lack any and all empathy as a way of protecting ourselves. Middle ground! Creativity and imagination are often super heightened with Pisces full moons, so this can be a great way to channel emotional energy positively. Make time for creative hobbies and projects, and let your imagination soar. This can also be a good time to get in tune with your intuition and spiritual self. Pisces is a highly spiritual and intuitive sign, so we can be more sensitive to the subtle energies all around us. Pisces is the very last sign of the Zodiac, and full moons connect to endings, so we may see important endings with this full moon. We've come full circle, we've reached the end of the road, and we're ready to move on. The full moon occurs at 28 degrees 14 minutes Pisces. The aspects to this full moon are: Conjunction: 26 degrees 14 minutes - 29 degrees 59 minutes Pisces Sextile: 26 degrees 14 minutes - 29 degrees 59 minutes Taurus or Capricorn Square: 26 degrees 14 minutes - 29 degrees 59 minutes Gemini or Sagittarius Trine: 26 degrees 14 minutes - 29 degrees 59 minutes Cancer or Scorpio Opposition: 26 degrees 14 minutes - 29 degrees 59 minutes Virgo This full moon is late in sign so technically it can make out-of-sign aspects, however it would only be with planets so early in sign (up to 0 degrees 14 minutes) that impact is likely too minor to be felt. Suggested Reading: The New & Full Moons page for general interpretations Astrology & Incompatibility: What It Means When You Don't Like the Zodiac Signs You're Supposed To8/13/2021
Astrology compatibility keeps in mind many different factors, but the baseline you usually start with is compatibility with your Sun sign. This often means you're told that you'll be most compatible with the other signs of the same element as your Sun sign. But sometimes, that isn't the case for you, and you may find you often can't stand others of that sign. So what can explain this astrological incompatibility? Basics of Compatibility: The Elements
Using elemental compatibility is a bedrock of astrological compatibility. Zodiac signs of the same element have the same base energy, and this gives them a very natural, easy understanding between them. The fire signs are energetic, the earth signs are practical, the air signs are intellectual, and the water signs are emotional, and generally speaking, signs of the same element just get each other.
In case you're unfamiliar with the elements and signs, they are: Fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius Earth - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn Air - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius Water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces But it's more than just Sun sign!
First, you need to understand that compatibility is more than just based on what's compatible with your Sun sign - WAY more! You have to assess all of the planets and houses (and asteroids and other positions) in your natal chart to get a full picture.
Often, we're most compatible with those we have a Moon connection (since the Moon is our emotional self), a Jupiter connection (creates genuine like between you), a Venus connection (who rules relationships), and a 7th house connection (also rules relationships). If these points in your natal chart are in a different sign from your Sun (usually the case), and a different element from your sign, then you're probably going to be more compatible with different signs from your Sun. So what about when you actually can't stand a certain Zodiac sign?
Normally, you do tend to get along, at least on a base level, with the Zodiac signs of the same element as your Sun sign, even if they're not the most compatible to your Moon, Jupiter, Venus, or 7th house. But sometimes that isn't the case, and you may find that whenever you encounter someone of a certain sign, they get under your skin.
(I want to note that I am NOT talking about when one person hurts you and you use that as an excuse to hate on everyone of that sign - that's YOUR problem, not an astrology problem) There are a few points in your natal chart that, if you connect with someone of that sign, you maybe can't take them. First is going to be your Saturn sign, and this is because Saturn is a restrictive planet. You may feel very restricted around these people, limited, judged. Saturn always has to be considered carefully when gauging compatibility because it can help with long-lasting relationships, but if it's too strong, it can kill it before it ever starts. Another one may be your Pluto sign. Pluto rules power struggles and control issues, so we can see that play out when someone connects to your natal Pluto. You just butt heads and fight-fight-fight, and it's rarely light at all. At the same time, Pluto can generate major heat and passion between you, so it can be difficult to walk away from, which ends up making it more unhealthy. Pluto connections often need to be balanced with lighter connections, otherwise it can go very, very bad. A third would be your Chiron sign. Chiron is ruler of wounds, so a Chiron connection can actually create more wounds in your life, and you may find there's a lot of mutual hurt between you. Chiron connections can help with healing though, but this usually is only the case when you've already been doing that separately and you come together in a better place. If you're both still a mess when you come together, you'll usually make it worse for each other. A surprising one would be your North Node sign. This is surprising because your North Node is a positive position showing your potential and what you should grow into in this life for ultimate life fulfillment. But, it's unfamiliar and uncomfortable because we haven't learned it yet, so often, when you encounter someone who connects with your North Node, it's an uncomfortable connection. Once you learn your North Node and manifest it properly in your life, that can change, and you can find your North Node connections help you grow even more. But until then, it's total discomfort! So, these are just a few instances where you may feel incompatible with a certain sign. Good luck in your relationships! Suggested Reading: The articles in the Love Astrology Series for Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, the 12th house, Chiron, eclipses, retrogrades, the Asteroids of Your Name, and the Lunar Nodes 
Leo is the sign of drama and theatrics. It's a ruler of fame, celebrity, and royalty. You know this sign needs some attention! This means wherever you have Leo in your natal chart, that area is one where you need to get attention, praise, acceptance, and adoration. This is an area where you want people to see what you're doing! About Leo:
Leo is a fire sign, along with Aries and Sagittarius. The fire signs have lots of energy, and can be quite creative. They're optimistic and want to focus on the good with everything. They don't care too much for the serious or boring.
Leo is also a fixed sign, along with Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The fixed signs are fixed in nature, so they tend to stay put. This makes Leo a bit calmer than the other fire signs, who can be go-go-go. Leo is governed by the planet the Sun. The Sun shines a light, naturally getting lots of attention. The Sun is bright and illuminating, and helps Leo with getting attention. Leo definitely needs it, and the areas of life ruled by the house in your natal chart that falls in Leo gets this energy. Leo Houses:
1st house: This house rules your outer self, so you may seem like someone who gets a lot of attention for your personality and the way you come across. You may be super friendly and funny, and people can gravitate to you because of this.
2nd house: This house rules money and values, so you may be someone who wants to get attention for your values, showcasing them openly with others. You can also make money in ways that are very open and public, and can be open with your purchases. 3rd house: This house rules the mind and communication, so you may be a loud talker, always cracking jokes, or are someone who can keep the conversation going in any situation. You can get attention for what you say and how you say it, for better or worse. 4th house: This house rules the home and family, so you likely get a lot of attention at home or from family, or at least want a lot of attention from them. You may be the star in your support system, and seek praise from those you're closest to. 5th house: The 5th house naturally connects to Leo, and rules love and creativity, so you can get attention for your creative hobbies and projects, and want love to be fun and dramatic. You or they may be a star who gets a lot of attention. 6th house: The 6th house rules your work and daily life, so you may want lots of attention for the work you do every day. You can seek praise and recognition for the little things you do, and you may be the star in your daily life or with your work. 7th house: The 7th house rules your relationships and the people in your life, so you either attract people to you who are bright stars and need lots of attention, or you are the star in all of your relationships and need lots of attention. 8th house: This house rules transformations, so you may get a lot of attention once you've undergone a major transformation in your life. After transforming, you can find praise and attention comes your way much more easily. 9th house: This house rules your beliefs, so you may be very open about your beliefs and what you're passionate about. You can get attention for what you believe. You may also get attention and praise for your learning or teaching. 10th house: This house rules your goals and career, so you can get a lot of attention professionally. Whatever career you end up pursuing, you can do so publicly, and want recognition for your work. This is the most common position for celebrities. 11th house: This house rules your friends and dreams, so you may attract friends who are bright stars themselves, or you may be the bright star in your group of friends. You can be open about the dreams you have for your future, and get attention for your dreams. 12th house: This is the house of the hidden, so you may not get much attention at all openly and publicly, but can be a star behind the scenes and in the background. When with those you're most comfortable with, you can be super friendly and funny. Suggested Reading: Aquarius Houses: Where You're Different |
|
RSS Feed
