New Moon in Virgo and Mercury Retrograde

New Moon in Virgo: 5:03am.
Solar Eclipse at 9 Virgo: 5:07am.

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo all month.
Sun, Moon, Jupiter and the North Node in Virgo. That’s a LOT of action in the skies right now where Virgo falls in your chart. You can find your chart here, or set up a reading with me here.
Saturn at 10 Sagittarius
Mars at 13 Sagittarius
Neptune at 10 Pisces

It’s time for us to get organized and clear on our priorities as the Earth turns towards Autumn. How do you want to live this Winter? With Saturn and Mars squaring this eclipse, and Neptune opposing, we need to get serious and assess where we put our energy. How do you spend most of your day? What have you been ignoring? Where are you in fantasy? Today is a giant reality check. This is heavy energy so be gentle with yourself.

The North Node (destiny) is in the middle of this eclipse, leading us to our future. This is a wonderful aspect, allowing us to let go of the past and clear a path forward. You can actually get a glimpse of your future if you pay attention.

And regarding the Mercury Retrograde? Don’t freak out. Just try not to sign anything important or make large ticket purchases. Hold off on doing mercurial Magick until it’s done.

Whatever starts today and this weekend will build over the next two weeks. Huge opportunity for healing but focus on being of service to others.

Jupiter is entering Libra on September 9th which sets off a two year cycle of focus on partnerships of all kinds. What was happening in your life 12 years ago? Those issues are about to be revisited in September. You can also connect with like-minded people.

"What is Mercury Retrograde?

Three times a year (sometimes four), the planet Mercury appears to move backwards in its orbit. Do planets really move backwards? No. But a difference in orbital speeds creates the illusion of Mercury moving backwards.

What does Mercury represent in astrology?

In astrology, Mercury is the planet that symbolizes speaking, writing, critical thinking, information, the five senses, education, the mind, travel, transportation, movement, contracts, the market, duality, twins, and siblings.

Of course I cannot tell you what you should and should not do, but these activities are considered inauspicious during Mercury Retrograde: signing contracts, buying electronics, buying a car, and traveling — all Mercury ruled activities.

Other things to keep in mind?

• The retrograde is about review.
• Mercury Retrograde should not cause anxiety. Don’t spend three weeks in total fear of making the wrong move. Fear is the lowest energy to create from and you are an aspect of the Creator made physical. Work with Mercury Retrograde. Go back to something that’s been on the back burner. Revise a manuscript. Try a different path. Meditate and reflect."

"A month with two eclipses and Mercury Retrograde is NOT for a sudden move - it is for staying grounded. Pace yourself."

Spirits of Nature: Venus 5 degrees Virgo

Venus is currently at 5 degrees Virgo. The Sabian Symbol for this degree is: 

"A man becoming aware of nature spirits and normally unseen spiritual energies."

Have you noticed the spirit world in a peculiar way this week? This Sabian Symbol is active, AND we're approaching Halloween. Autumn is the time of year when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at it's thinnest point of the year.

Walk around in nature and take in the change of season. The air smells different, the light is lower... it's truly an amazing time! Spirits are nothing to be afraid of by the way. They often appear on waking or sleeping or in the corner of your eye.


From the expert on Sabian Symbols, Lynda Hill:

"This Symbol implies strong feelings of another level of awareness around you. Your rational mind is, at times, being overshadowed by intuitive thoughts and feelings. Your imagination or spirituality is showing a clearer path to understanding and knowledge. Equipped to see the invisible, you penetrate into the mystical levels of life. There may be messages to bring back into your waking consciousness.

This can show a creative, attuned mind that can perceive subtle phenomena, shifts and changes in the environment. Tap into your clairvoyance, but don’t be thrown off track by it.
 
Creative fantasies. Fairy tales. Seeing things or just imagining them? Fantasizing about people or experiences. Attuned minds. Seeing entities. Fairies. Nature spirits.

The Caution: Confusion or lack of true perspective. Time wasted. Being a space cadet. Losing the plot. Mental institutions. Not being taken seriously. Schizophrenia. Skepticism."

New Moon eclipse in Virgo at 11:40pm Pacific

There's a powerful New Moon happening tonight at 11:40pm Pacific. It's an eclipse which amplifies it into a major turning point in our lives. Think about what you would like to start and take some action towards it at this exact time tonight.

Because it's a New Moon, setting your intention at this time will spark tremendous forward motion for you!

The sign of Virgo rules the digestive system - it represents the assimilation of knowledge. We become systematic and practical in defining goals and accomplishing them. Because Virgo rules details and accuracy, it also rules ritual magick. We neutrally examine our lives and put plans into action.

Virgo is the sign of getting your chores done and taking care of business. What is your first step of action?

Venus Direct

This is a week of culmination.

The planet Venus returned to Direct (forward) motion on Sunday at 14 degrees Leo. Since June 22nd she's retraced her steps - setting off a purging of toxic sludge from our relationships. It's a 44 day re-calibration that happens once every two years.

Each of us experienced a transformation in how we view our partnerships. There's new clarity on what's working and what not. Some people shifted out of outworn relationships and still others found a soul mate. We were forced to let go and allow the universe to guide us to our next phase.

We've gleaned wisdom from our depths.

Now that Venus is direct we can assimilate all these wonderful insights. It's time to get real with yourself and what you really want - and with this event happening in Leo it's OK to put yourself first. In fact it's recommended you do that from now on.

Don't know the name or artist of this work!!! let me know if you recognize it.

Leo is the sign of the Sun and rules heart, meaning, playfulness, accomplishment and being noticed. Leo is the leader, wants the best of everything and demands dignity and respect. If you're not getting your fair amount of stage time and attention in your relationship, then sit back on your throne and kick that foolishness to the curb. Embrace the Queen or King in you!

Assimilation is the key word for the rest of September as the Sun and Jupiter roll through Virgo together. They join up with the Moon this weekend for a New Moon Eclipse! This heralds a powerful rebirth towards achieving our goals.

This week is the dark of the moon... the prelude to Saturday's eclipse in Virgo. Wrap up loose ends and prepare for rebirth. It's time to clean up our mess and streamline our lives. Let go of people that suck your energy, and set boundaries with relationships that aren't going anywhere. Dig deep.

Astrology of September: Virgo

Sun into Virgo at 3:37am Sunday, August 23rd, 2015.
The Sun is making it’s annual conjunction with Jupiter over the next few days, giving us a highly auspicious week! If you need some acknowledgement at work, a raise or even a new job – now is the time to ask for it. The Sun symbolizes authority, and Jupiter the jovial King, so the two of them in harmony can bring huge fortune and good luck to any activities this week. These two giants join Mercury and Lilith in Virgo – allowing clarity and focus in our thinking and aspirations.

And it’s just the beginning!

Jupiter entered Virgo a couple of weeks ago, sparking off a year of practical steps to achievement. If you have goals in mind, Virgo shows you the way to manifest them into reality. This makes Virgo one of the most powerful signs. On the challenging side, Virgo symbolizes doing our chores. Ugh. Who wants to do laundry, work out or clean the house? But we gain traction in our lives when we are organized and have our s*** together. That’s the truth of it. Basically, Virgo symbolizes “cleaning up the house” after the giant Leo party in July/August.

Interesting that the Sun moves into Virgo around August 21st every year; when people are returning from trips and kids are going back to school. Time to get back to work. Virgo is an earth sign ruled by Mercury, which encourages our organizational abilities (or the need to hire a friend who has them). Virgo brings crisp perspective, sharp decisiveness and detailed action. What does the foundation of your life look like? Do you need a health makeover? The devil is absolutely in the details and your daily habits. Show up for your schedule and do your best each and every day!

The Sun’s movement into Virgo means we have officially entered the harvest season. Burn gold and green candles for wealth.

 From Cosmic Intelligence Agency:

Jupiter in Virgo – August 11th 2015 – Sept 2016
Practice what you preach !

Jupiter planet of expansion, growth, truth and knowing enters the industrious, service oriented and highly mentally sensitive and aware sign of Virgo. Put them together and what do we get? A period ahead that indicates a great opening and focus on how to make things work best, most efficiently and effectively, as our minds are expanded to to pay attention to details, to cross our t’s and dot our i’s, a time in life to make the most of getting organised, sort information and do our research!. How boring that may sound for Jupiter, yet if you’ve been searching for answers, here you shall find. If you’ve been missing a piece of the puzzle, now you may complete the picture! If you’ve been working hard, now comes your reward, for it is harvest time!  Time to harvest all that has come before, but mostly  time to test your theories, time to prove to yourself  what you believe in as we get to look at life through a microscope or is that a telescope?

After the pompousness of Leo,  having blown ourselves up with confidence and knowing  fully absorbed with the inner truth we now carry, Jupiter’s transit through Virgo will  help one to embed this knowing, this inner confidence into our daily grind, into our daily routine, into a way we can see it work and put it into practice. Virgo likes to find evidence, Virgo is practical, Virgo is prudent and doesn’t like to waste time on frivolities. Virgo cleans and fixes the mess left by Leo, Virgo tends  and mends to the bits that will keep things working well, for longer  and more efficiently. Jupiter is the judge, Jupiter is symbolic of our living truth. Jupiter now expands the Virgoan tasks and calls us back to the drawing board where need be. Jupiter in Virgo becomes like our own personal Judge Judy, calling us out where we might be slipping off the rails, helping us get  back on the track we know we need to be on. A damn good sign for getting things done on the collective front evn if it does sound like a pain personally.

It’s a bit like, after moving out of Cancer, home and security, we take the Leo journey to become that individual that we and others love,  away from family ties and strings. In Virgo in order to continue to be the person that we love to be, we need to continue to preserve ourselves, tend to the pruning and the care, the self preservation,  eat well and look after ourselves. We are our own responsibility, we mature with Virgo and leave that foolish young Leo behind, it’s best to find our true colours and then remain and be at our best.  Or else we come to Virgo , to scrutinise the hell out of ourselves , to get it right,  to fix it where we need to. Benevolent Jupiter’s gift is now to shine a light on the parts of life and ourselves that need a touch up, a bit of attention, some extra care and scrutiny. And as we know with Jupiter only the truth will hold, total honesty is key to reaping the benefits of this transit. Virgo does represent a harvest and if you do the work, put in the hours, pay attention to growing the best crop, the details, the harvest can be big and rewards come with genuine intentions set.

So put into practice what you preach, what you believe in and what you want to uphold, as Jupiter now accentuates all things Virgo~!

1. Virgo represents efficiency, order and cleanliness so that one maintains containment and focus.
2. Virgo symbolises perfection and doing things to the best of one’s abilities.
3. Virgo picks apart, analyses and critiques in order to comprehend how all parts are connected and to discern what is useful from what is not.
4. Virgo is concerned with the sacredness of time, daily routine, and taking regular care of fitness and diet for physical and mental wellbeing.
5. Virgo is the final sign within the personal sector of the zodiac and therefore prepares the personal, ‘virginal’ state of self for the experience of relationship.
6. Virgo aims to centre and ground the self so that one’s sense of self is not lost when relating beyond the self.
7. Virgo’s opposite sign, Pisces, looks at the whole picture whereas Virgo looks at everything frame by frame.

 

Mercury Direct today!

Mercury turns Direct today at 3:32pm. If you've had a rough three weeks, things will be changing direction for the better, especially if you are a Gemini or a Virgo!

This week is still in flux though. When a planet changes direction in the sky it appears to stop and hover above us. If you were to watch Mercury through a telescope this week, it would appear motionless. When a planet "hovers", it's presence is magnified. Since Mercury rules communication and understanding, you can expect the Truth to be popping up in conversations. The air will be cleared and situations will reset themselves.

This event is heightened by the planet Neptune which is also slowing down and going retrograde tomorrow night. Neptune rules feelings, so if something doesn't feel right, Mercury will make sure you speak up!

Turning of the Seasons

The Equinox (equal day - equal night) arrives next week, and we are currently in the dark of the Moon.

This is a good week to let go of anything you've outgrown. As the Sun gets lower and the days get shorter, our primal energy turns toward surviving the winter ahead. We celebrate the current harvest season, but at the same time purify and simplify our lives.

Just do it.

image by Larry Carlson

Joseph Campbell and Right Livelihood (finding the right job!)

I believe in this statement below with all my heart. And since Virgo is the sign of work and service, it fits nicely in today's New Moon in Virgo:

"I think a person who takes a job in order to live––that is to say, for the money––has turned himself into a slave. WORK begins when you don't like what you're doing. There's a wise saying: make your hobby your source of income. Then there's no such thing as work, and there's no such thing as getting tired. That's been my experience. I did just what I wanted to do. It takes a little courage at first, because who the hell wants you to do just what you want to do; they've all got a lot of plans for you. But you can make it happen. I think it's very important for a young person to have the courage to do what seems to him significant in his life, and not just take a job in order to make money. But this takes a bit of prudence and very careful planning, and may delay financial achievement and comfortable living. But the ultimate result will be very much to his pleasure."

Joseph Campbell, An Open Life (with Michael Toms)

"How do you find the divine power in yourself? The word enthusiasm means 'filled with a god,' so what makes you enthusiastic? Follow it. That's been my advice to young people who ask me, 'What shall I do?' I taught once in a boys' prep school. That's the moment for young boys––or it used to be; I don't know what's going on now––when they had to decide their life courses. You know, where are they going? And they're caught with excitement. This one wants to study art, this one poetry, this one anthropology. But dad says study law; that's where the money is. OK, that's the decision. And you know what my answer would be––where your enthusiasm is. So I have a little word: follow your bliss. The bliss is the message of God to yourself. That's where your life is."

Joseph Campbell, interviewed by Jeffrey Mishlove ("Thinking Allowed: Understanding Mythology")

 

Dharma Wheel

"The dharma represents the teachings of the Buddha.This mandala represents "The Four Noble Truths" and the eightfold path of right view, right intention, right action, right speech, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration."

Horoscopes for August - September

New Moon in Virgo this morning at 7:13am PDT. Today we start fresh and begin a new month long moon cycle. Virgo is about cleaning up and attending to details.

Now is when we focus on our health and start new, positive habits. Virgo contains the seeds of success! It's the first harvest sign of the year, and signals our first move towards Fall. It's time to get serious and decide what or who we want to bring with us through the Winter.

Virgo succeeds because it is practical. It attends to details and because of it's Airy nature it uses scientific thinking rather than emotional communication. Virgo is the main sign that can set a goal and take practical steps to achieve it - therefore assuring success. If there's something you want to create what are the practical, mundane things that need to occur for it to happen? Burn yellow, gold and green candles for wealth.

I think Mother Nature is communicating with us too with that huge earthquake in Napa yesterday. Virgo is an earth sign ruled by Mercury, and I found it interesting that the earth shook the day before this new moon.

The horoscopes below show the focus for the next month. Read your Sun sign, but look at your Rising sign or Ascendant too. This gives me the most accurate read for the month.

Aries:  The Ram
The Sun and Mercury are traveling through your House of Work and Health for the next few weeks. You will shine at work and it's a great time to negotiate with your boss. Try not to get swept up in other people's objectives and stay focused on your goals. Meanwhile, Jupiter, Venus and Lilith are hanging out in your House of Romance and Creativity - so that corner of your life should be getting a HUGE boost right now.

Taurus:   The Bull
This is a great time of year for you! Mercury and the Sun are traveling through your House of Romance! It's the most important part of life for Taureans. Your creativity is being activated the next few weeks too so write some poems for your sweetheart. Jupiter (luck), Lilith (equalizer) and Venus (love) are traveling through your Home, giving you the energy to redecorate the places you feel most secure - including yourself.

Gemini:  The Twins
The strong current of fortunate opportunity is running through your home life for the next few weeks. You can attract the people and resources you need to feel more secure... not just your Home but your state of mind too. It's a very powerful time for Gemini people. Jupiter (good luck) is now forging a path through your House of Communication. Expect harmonious negotiations with people.

Cancer:  The Crab
Good fortune will come to you through Communications over the next several weeks. This means person to person, but also through the computer. It's a great time to start an online business or other project. Reflect on your current path. With the Sun and Mercury here, the conditions are ripe for you to achieve a new level of fulfillment. Meanwhile, Jupiter (luck) and Venus (love) are in your Money House tossing financial opportunities in your direction for the next year.

Leo:  The Lion
You are a VERY lucky lion. Two fortunate planets - the Sun and Mercury - are moving through your Money House the next few weeks. This sends you great financial luck. September will be a great month and you will finally get some traction with money issues. Not only that but Jupiter (luck), Venus (love), and Lilith (rebellion) in your sign supercharge your life for the next year. This doesn't happen often so make the most of it.

Virgo: The Virgin
Happy Birthday! This is a fantastic time of year for you. Your ruler Mercury is in Virgo - giving you a lot of forward motion. Over the next few weeks you will go through your solar rebirth. It will touch on your appearance, how you interact with others and your overall approach to life. What would you like to see happen in your life over the next year?

Libra:   The Scales
You have some fortunate planets moving through your House of Spirituality. This brings the opportunity to undo your self sabotaging behaviors, which I think is the best gift of all. With Saturn and Mars in residence in your Money House, it's definitely time to get serious about your money goals in life. Prepare to have some obstacles cleared from your path. 

Scorpio:   The Scorpion
Good Fortune and Romance come through your social circle this month! This applies to contacts you make over the internet too. Meanwhile Jupiter (luck), Venus (love) and Lilith (bitch goddess) are moving forward through your Career House sending great opportunities your way. But the big news is your ruler, Mars (courage) and Saturn (responsibility) sitting in Scorpio. You're feeling intense drive to make solid strides in your goals. Busy month ahead.

Sagittarius:  The Archer
CAREER. PROMOTION. MONEY!! These are your buzzwords for the next month! The benefics (fortunate) planets, the Sun and Mercury, are in your Career giving you INCREDIBLE opportunities and luck! This part of your chart also rules the public face you show to the world, so it can mean a rise in status too! Jupiter (luck) is moving forward in your House of Other People's Money, so it's a fabulous time to negotiate agreements. You can't lose.

Capricorn:  The Sea Goat
The Sun and Mercury are moving through your House of Perspective and Travel over the next few weeks! You will gain new insights about your life, both in the present and where you're headed. Pay close attention to any revelations you have in September! Higher education is also enhanced so if you're heading to school you will have a blast - socially and in the classroom.

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer
The focus for September will be Banks, Credit and Shared Resources. The Sun and Mercury are beneficial influences in this area for you, so if you need a loan now's the time. If you're in the market for a new house, you will find the perfect one. Financial arrangements line up in your favor for the next month so make the most of it.

Pisces:  The Fish
Virgo is beaming some glorious relationship mojo your way for the next few weeks. It's a special time because Virgo is your polar opposite, meaning partnerships are highlighted. With Mercury and the Sun traveling through Virgo, you have strong positive force on your side. This is the month to find that special someone, or to deepen the bonds you already have with a partner. Business relationships will also be harmonious, and you can attract resources and prosperity.

The Harvest Fields of Virgo ~ Horoscopes

We made it to September! The crazy month of August is at an end. Lots of turmoil in planetary configurations the last few weeks... and we've seen it manifest here on Earth. The planets made several tension-producing Grand Crosses in the sky... plus the Mercury Retrograde which lasted most of the month.

Meanwhile transformative events sprang up from every corner of the globe. The violence in Syria, riots and fires in London, the dip of the US credit rating and the resulting upheaval in global stock markets. The final Grand Cross occured the last week of August and spawned the fall of Gaddafi's regime, a rare east coast earthquake and a hurricane!!

You'll be happy to know the month of September will be much quieter.

The New Moon in Virgo occurred last Sunday night at 8:04pm Pacific time. Venus leads the Sun, Mercury and Mars through their yearly journey through Virgo, enhanced by Mercury's Direct motion.


Virgo is the only earth sign in the zodiac that's ruled by Air. This is significant because AIR is about ideas while the EARTH element is Manifestation. Virgo helps us take practical steps towards achieving our dreams.

The Sun's movement into Virgo means we have officially entered the harvest season. Burn gold and green candles for wealth. Venus is our guide, asking us to slow down and pay attention to what we are harvesting - especially in the area of relationships.

The horoscopes below reflect the focus for the next month and Mercury's Direct station. Read your Sun sign, but I find looking at my Rising sign or Ascendant to give me the most accurate read for the month!

Aries:  The Ram
The Sun and Venus are traveling through your House of Work and Health for the next few weeks. You will shine at work and it's a great time to negotiate with your boss. Try not to get swept up in other people's objectives and stay focused on your goals. Mercury has turned Direct in your House of Romance and Creativity! If you and your sweetie have had communication issues the last few weeks, they are about to be smoothed out.

Taurus:   The Bull
This is a great time of year for you! Venus and the Sun are traveling through your House of Romance! It's the most important part of life for Taureans. Your creativity is being activated the next few weeks too so write some poems for your sweetheart. Mercury is now traveling Direct through your Home, giving you the energy to redecorate the places you feel most secure.

Gemini:  The Twins
The strong current of fortunate opportunity is running through your home life for the next few weeks. You can attract the people and resources you need to make yourself feel more secure... not just your Home but your state of mind too. It's a very powerful time for Gemini people. August was challenging with your ruler moving backwards, but Mercury is now foraging a Direct path through your House of Communication. Expect harmonious negotiations with people.

Cancer:  The Crab
Good fortune will be coming to you through Communications over the next several weeks. This means person to person, but also through the computer! It's a great time to start an online business or other project. Reflect on your current path. With the Sun and Venus here, the conditions are ripe for you to achieve a new level of fulfillment. Meanwhile, Mercury is dancing through your Money House - tossing financial opportunities in your direction!

Leo:  The Lion
You are a VERY lucky lion. Two extremely fortunate planets - the Sun and Venus - are moving through your Money House the next few weeks. This sends great financial windfalls in your direction! September will be a great month, and you will finally get some traction with money issues. Not only that but Mercury just turned Direct in your sign giving you extra negotiating ability!

Virgo: The Virgin
Happy Birthday! What a Fantastic time this is for you! Your ruler Mercury has just turned forward, setting your life in the right direction. Over the next few weeks you will go through your solar rebirth. It will touch on your appearance, how you interact with others and your overall approach to life. What would you like to see happen in your life over the next year?

Libra:   The Scales
You have some fortunate planets moving through your House of Self Undoing. This brings the opportunity to undo your self sabotaging behaviors, which I think is the best gift of all. With Saturn in residence in your sign, it's definitely time to get serious about your goals in life. Prepare to have some obstacles cleared from your path.

Scorpio:   The Scorpion
Good Fortune and Romance come through your social circle this month! Spend some time with friends and have some fun! This applies to contacts you make over the internet too. Meanwhile Mercury is moving forward through your Career House sending all sorts of great opportunities your way! Busy month ahead.

Sagittarius:  The Archer
CAREER. PROMOTION. MONEY!! These are your buzzwords for the next month! The benefics (fortunate) planets, the Sun and Venus, are dancing in your House of Career giving you INCREDIBLE opportunities and luck! This part of your chart also rules the public face you show to the world, so it can mean a rise in status too! Mercury is moving forward in your House of Other People's Money, so it's a fabulous time to negotiate agreements. You can't lose.

Capricorn:  The Sea Goat
The Sun and Venus are moving through your House of Perspective and Travel over the next few weeks! You will gain new insights about your life, both in the present and where you're headed. Pay close attention to any revelations you have in September! Higher education is also enhanced so if you're heading to school you will have a blast - socially and in the classroom.

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer
The focus for September will be Banks, Credit and Shared Resources. The Sun and Venus are extremely beneficial influences in this area for you, so if you need a loan now's the time to apply! If you're in the market for a new house, you will find the perfect one. Financial arrangements line up in your favor for the next month so make the most of it.

Pisces:  The Fish
Virgo is beaming some glorious good fortune your way for the next few weeks! It's a special time because Virgo is your polar opposite, meaning partnerships are highlighted. With Venus and the Sun traveling through Virgo, you have strong positive force on your side. This is the month to find that special someone, or to deepen the bonds you already have with a partner. Business relationships will also be harmonious, and you can attract resources and prosperity!

Horoscopes for the Full Moon, Virgo and the Mercury retrograde

My new favorite picture! This is the archangel of the Air element - RAPHAEL

(painted by Howard David Johnson).

I've been thinking about the Air element a lot lately...

First there's the heat in San Francisco the past couple of days. It's because the winds have changed direction. They are blowing East to West for the first time in several weeks. It's significant when winds change direction. It means magic is in the air and transformation is imminent.

The Sun just followed Mercury (Lord of the Winds) into the sign of Virgo - the only earth sign in the zodiac that's ruled by Air. This is notable because AIR is about ideas while the EARTH element is Manifestation. They work well together. Virgo helps us take practical steps towards achieving our dreams.

Today (Tuesday) is also a Full Moon in Pisces - the sign of the dreamer, artist, musician, humanitarian and mystic. It's perhaps the most spiritual of the signs and brings us closer to the God of our understanding.

With Lammas behind us and Mabon ahead, we are in the harvest season. Mercury is our guide, asking us to slow down and pay attention to what we are harvesting.

The horoscopes below reflect the Full Moon and the recent Mercury retrograde. 

Aries:  The Ram
Tonight's Full Moon lands squarely in your 12th House of Your Blind Spot. It's also the arena of Dreams and Spirituality. Try to remember your dreams this week - they will send you insightful messages from your unconscious. Mercury’s retrograde lands in your House of Work and Health, so prepare for some short circuits around the workplace. Stay focused on your goals and it will all sort itself out. One of your greatest gifts is your originality, and now is the time to let your light shine.

Taurus:   The Bull
The Full Moon in Pisces today shines a light on your 11th House of Friendships! Get out and be sociable this week. Hang out with your tribe. On the other side of your chart Mercury’s retrograde has landed in your 5th House of Relationships. Keep open communications with your partner. You might notice some of the past returning too...

Gemini:  The Twins
The Full Moon today brings light and focus to Career issues. Put aside analysis and pay attention to the wise voice inside you that "knows" the answer. Listen to your heart, this is the key to any events occurring this week. Meanwhile the Mercury Retrograde (until mid-Sept.) will be running through your home life. Listen carefully to other points of view and convey your own thoughts honestly - you want to aim for balance in your dealings with people.

Cancer:  The Crab
The Full Moon in Pisces today may send you off on a journey, or have you wistfully daydreaming about where you'd like to go. Today is also a great day to ruminate on your life perspective, and update where necessary. The big thing to watch out for though is the Mercury retrograde in Virgo in the Communications sector of your chart! Try to be as clear as possible in your communication because misunderstandings are possible. Get everything in writing!

Leo:  The Lion
Today is the day to put some attention on your business partnerships. How do you envision them moving forward? Who would you like to be working with and under what conditions? Meanwhile your Financial House will be going through some reorganization the next few weeks. Get all your paperwork in order so the retrograde won't hand you any unexpected surprises.

Virgo: The Virgin
The Full Moon in Pisces today puts a laser beam on your relationships. Strive for balance - remember your needs are important too. The Mercury retrograde will have a big affect on you since Mercury is your ruler and he's going backwards through your sign! Over the next few weeks you will go through a rebirth concerning your appearance, how you interact with others and your overall approach to life

Libra:   The Scales
This week the Moon puts the focus on Work and Health issues that need attention. On the other side of your chart Mercury will be moving backwards through your House of Self Undoing until mid-September. You could Undo your Undoing! Cool. With Saturn in residence in your sign, everything is geared towards you facing reality and maturing nowadays... focus on the footwork, the universe will guide you through the rest.

Scorpio:   The Scorpion
Ooooh La La! Watch for sudden events regarding Love and Romance this week! Just try not to lose your discernment while you're having all that fun. Mercury’s retrograde in Virgo has you clarifying your relationships with friends and coworkers over the next few weeks. I encourage you to strive for fairness, justice and balance.

Sagittarius:  The Archer
This Full Moon is illuminating situations regarding your Home. Try to be diplomatic regarding the issues you're dealing with - you will make better progress. For the next few weeks Mercury’s retrograde has you reworking your career path. Try to hold off making critical decisions or signing anything until September 15th.

Capricorn:  The Sea Goat
The Full Moon in Pisces highlights your communications with others for the next few days. You will do well to first get clarity on what you want - then you can speak your truth most accurately. Mercury’s retrograde has you rethinking your perspectives about your life, both in the present and where you're headed.

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer
Tonight the Full Moon is lighting up your financial sector. It's a good week to get your records in order especially since Mercury is dancing backwards through your House of Banks, Credit and Shared Resources. You will experience a strong financial rebirth in the middle of September from the reassessment and negotiations you do today.

Pisces:  The Fish
The Full Moon is shining down on you tonight, bringing good feelings, luck, and oneness with the universe. Pay close attention to your dreams this week. They will bring information from the aethers that will illuminate your path. Meanwhile Mercury's retrograde in Virgo gives you the chance to reassess and rework your important relationships.

Mercury Retrograde in Libra & Virgo

Long time no see! You know why? Cause my computer DIED the day before Mercury went retrograde! (see article below)

Arrrrgh!

But I'm back now with a new found appreciation of electronics:)

Here's a great article I found about Mercury Retrograde that I want to share with you. I'm waiting to find out who wrote this so I can give them proper credit, but in the meantime I think you'll find it very informative!

Mercury, the Divine Messenger

Mercury Retrograde in Libra & Virgo [Sep. 7 – Sep. 29, 2009]
At 04:46 UT (Universal Time), on Monday, September 7th, 2009, Mercury the cosmic trickster turns retrograde at 6°13' Libra, in the sign of the Scales, sending communications, travel, appointments, mail and the www into a general snarlup! The retro period begins some days before the actual turning point (as Mercury slows) and lasts for three weeks or so, until Sep. 29, when the Winged Messenger reaches his direct station. At this time he halts and begins his return to direct motion through the zodiac.Everything finally straightens out on October 18, as he passes the point where he first turned retrograde. Mercury normally turns retrograde three times a year, but this year he turns tail four times, which is unusual. The effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens (see box for Retrograde Periods in 2009).
A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. According to modern science, this traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth with relation to other planets in our solar system. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow-play. Click here for more on the science of retrograde planetary motion.
Retrograde periods, although often problematic for us earthlings, are not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. Although a powerful astrological influence, Mercury is quite a small planet that travels at a relatively fast speed through the zodiac. Despite being the closest planet in our solar system to the Sun, he is not always in the same sign as the Sun. This time, Mercury turns retrograde in Libra (relationships; tastes; harmony) while the Sun is in Virgo (analysis; critical ability), but retrogrades into Virgo at the Virgo New Moon on Sep. 18 (while the Sun of course is still in Virgo). The Sun moves into Libra at the Equinox on Sep. 22 while Merc is still in Virgo, but Mercury soon heads back to join the Sun in Libra on Oct. 10.
Fated Events: As a rule, retrograde planets mark a period of seemingly inevitable or fated events that relate to their sphere of influence. Unresolved issues from the past tend to rear their heads. Retro phases present us with a series of events over which we seem to have little or no conscious control, relating especially to the sign in which the retrogradation occurs. For example, Mercury retrograde in Libra (relationships; tastes; harmony) awakens quite different sets of circumstances from those generated when he retrogrades into Virgo (analysis; critical ability).A retrograde period is best seen as a cycle, beginning when a planet begins to slow to a halt before travelling backwards through the zodiac, and ending when it returns to the point where it first paused. However, during the cycle, a planet's energy is most powerful (and more likely to generate critical events of universal importance) when the planet makes a station: appearing motionless in the sky.
These stationary periods occur near the beginning of the cycle (when the planet first halts as it prepares to move backwards) and midway through the cycle when the retrograde planet slows to a stop before moving forward again. The direct station (when the planet halts before moving forward again) is the most powerful and can be used for maximum benefit.

Many astrologers consider that the "Mercury Shadow" begins between two and three weeks before the actual retro station, so the "shadow phase" begins on August 18, when Mercury passes the point of direct station for the first time in this cycle. This period of "Mercury Shadow" extends to the Return date, something under three weeks after the direct station. Bear this in mind, because experience shows that the effects of the retro period are still marked during the shadow phase. Some of the most characteristic annoyances often occur just after Mercury makes the direct station, while he is crawling forward before picking up speed.

What does Mercury affect? In general, Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially those who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, teachers, travellers, tricksters and thieves. Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray or awry. It is not wise to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde these intellectual characteristics tend to be less acute than usual, as the critical faculties are dimmed. Make sure you pay attention to the small print!

The key issue here is one of focus. Mercury sets out to restructure our thinking processes and for many of us this is painful and frustrating. Unresolved issues from the past tend to push themselves forward. Moreover, these experiences reveal flaws in our internal organisation as well as our external planning, which can make us feel foolish and inadequate. Mercury retrograde, like any cosmic aspect, affects people differently, depending on where it hits their personal charts. Some people actually prosper under a retro Mercury, especially if Mercury is retrograde but otherwise well-aspected in their birth charts. It is also a time when matters begun under a previous retro period will come to fruition, or completion as the case may be. Firm decisions that have been previously made when Mercury is travelling normally through the zodiac may be implemented or finalised while Mercury is retrograde without too much worry, for experience shows that this can be done without undue problems arising.