Mercury Retrograde in Pisces, February 2013

What’s up with Mercury retrograde in Pisces?

Mercury begins its first retrograde phase of 2013 at 20 degrees of Pisces on February 23^rd.   Neptune rules Pisces and is currently transiting Pisces (Neptune’s  home).  Neptune is the fog and the deep blue sea. We can get lost in both.  I expect this retrograde period to be a little tough.  Neptune tends to dissolve what it touches.  Mercury is the mind and communication.  Neptune will make it hard to stay on track mentally.  Expect to misplace objects.  Hold onto your keys! Any planet in Pisces is compromised in its ability to focus.  We might start preparing now.  Get organized. Have the “to-do” list prominently displayed.

Let your mind be open and flexible   

We know from experience that Mercury retrograde brings up electronic/ computer problems as well as mechanical problems.  Problems may be a little harder to diagnose with Mercury in Pisces since Pisces is a feeling, intuitive sign.  During this Mercury period (February 20 to March 17) problem solving is best approached with a relaxed mind that is open and flexible.

Time does not exist!

And that brings us to the most important aspect of Mercury retrograde.  It is always an opportunity to think out of the box; to slow down the mind; to let our thoughts drift; to stare into the fire; to gaze at the sky; and to step out of culturally ordained time.  Mercury retrograde in Pisces gives you three weeks to soften the mind and to think with authenticity and originality.

Re-boot your life

Mercury retrograde will still require left-brain attention to appointment times and all scheduling details.  Be sure you show up to the party on the right day!  Avoid signing important documents unless they have been reviewed by more than one set of eyes and brain cells.  Buy a new car if your jalopy falls apart.  Avoid buying new toys or merchandise on a whim since you might end up needing to return the items.

Mercury retrograde is full of “RE” words:  recheck you data; re-read the document before you send it; re-think what you want to say when you get mad; re-run any medical test that is scary or threatening; re-dream what you think you want in your life.  Finish projects that got put on the shelf.  Think about re-booting not just your laptop but also you body and mind.  Re-start that exercise and mindful eating program. Re-ignite the love in your partnership.  

Mercury in Pisces is otherworldly…Go Away! I’m busy transcribing from the cosmos!

Keep in mind that many of us have stepped into a new experiential realm.  It is easier now to walk through vibrational doorways and visit other dimensions.  Our earth plane is just one realm of experience.  With Mercury retrograde in Pisces, we might easily slip into other places in the Universe! That’s exciting.  This is a good time to practice our “psychic” skills or to “download” new information that upgrades our spiritual understanding.  Yes, we might find ourselves spacing out into the non-tangible dimensions.  Some of us might be communicating with animals (or getting messages from them).  Maybe I will hang out a sign that says:  “Go away.  I’m busy transcribing from the cosmos.”  Sounds like a good few weeks for a sabbatical from work.  That would be terrific for Mercury retrograde in Pisces; however, there is still that to-do list that never goes away.  Perhaps the best way to manage this retrograde period is to honor the sign of Pisces with your mind:  carve out some time to meditate, read spiritual writings, read or write poetry, attend artistic functions and spiritual gatherings, take up your paintbrush and give it a go, sign up for a flower arranging class, get a Tarot reading or have a Reiki session, go to a musical event that inspires you and touches your heart, and go to the lake and listen to the birds and the wind.  Pisces is an imaginative energy.  Take time to honor Pisces and I predict you will not misplace your keys.

Mercury retrograde in Pisces February 23^rd to March 17^th.  

Astro Tips February 2013

The New Moon in Aquarius: February 10

The New Moon at 21 degrees in Aquarius is almost overshadowed by a cluster of planetary energies in Pisces.  Neptune, Mars, Mercury and Chiron are huddled together in spiritual, sensitive, hard-to-understand, Pisces.  This Neptune, Mars, Mercury trio is interesting.  Mars and Mercury together want to speak the truth, but Neptune sometimes forgets some facts.  There is definitely fascination and intrigue.  For example, a very disturbed, murderous ex-cop in California is lurking in the Neptunian shadows.  We await his capture and the revelation of truth.  Will his story throw light on the Uranus/Pluto battle that demands some changes in established bureaucratic systems (like the LAPD)?  Or will we learn that he is another mentally ill soul fallen into the darkness?

Neptune rules the media and mass consciousness.  With Neptune, Mars and Mercury in Pisces (the sign ruling confusion and fogginess) we are susceptible to all kinds of information.  Jupiter in Gemini is making a hard edge angle to many planets all month. Keep your ears and eyes alert for information that rings true. Allow yourself to wait and not jump to conclusions on the final facts of any situation.  We are overwhelmed by data.  How do we learn to discern the truth?

When it comes to love, Mars and Neptune holding hands sometimes means deep, mysterious infatuation—a good lead in for Valentine’s Day.  Remember, though, the symbol for Pisces is two fish swimming in opposite directions. There is always the element of ambiguity when we interact with Pisces.

For now Venus, the love planet, is flying through Aquarius and connecting nicely with Jupiter. We have a chance to be generous in our love.  We can learn about kindness and compassion.  At the same time, Venus and Saturn are struggling to get along.  We want things to be nice but Saturn in Scorpio takes love a little deeper. Saturn in Scorpio is serious while Venus in Aquarius likes to keep things lighter.  Some folks may battle between these two energies. 

The Full Moon in Virgo:  February 25 

By February 18^th the Sun moves into the sign of Pisces.  The Sun joins Neptune, Mars, Mercury and Chiron while Venus remains behind in Aquarius.   On the day of the Full Moon we confront our yearly polarity between wanting to love and be loved unconditionally (Sun in Pisces) and wanting to pick our love apart and tear ourselves and someone else into little pieces (Full Moon in Virgo).

Is this why Valentine’s Day falls in February?  There is idealism in both Aquarius and Pisces.  Both aspire to high forms of love.  The opposite sign of Aquarius is Leo, the dramatic sign of ego expressing love in creative forms.  The opposite sign of Pisces is Virgo—the archetypal sign of perfection.  Virgo rules the healing arts.  Virgo wants to help, heal and make perfect.  On a higher level, Virgo knows that wholeness is more important than perfection.  This Full Moon at seven degrees of Virgo challenges us to be generous with our words and our hearts.  Expect emotional fluctuations during the Full Moon.  Uranus and the Moon are in constant adjustment mode, meaning they are excitable and unpredictable.  Venus in the 29^th degree of Aquarius joins Neptune at 2 degrees of Pisces:  love and loftiness prevail.  However, some of us may have serious karmic encounters with love while Venus sits at 29 degrees.

Tips for Valentine’s Day:  Read  your Sun sign but realize that your Venus, Mars, Moon and Rising Sign might affect how you handle Valentine’s Day.

“Oh, mirror in the sky what is love?”  (Landslide)

Stevie Nicks, singer, songwriter

Aquarius           

You like to be where the people are. You prefer a party instead a candle lit dinner.  Being with friends is okay.  You do not have to be with a date to have a good time. Doing something unusual or “anti-valentine’s day” might be more to your liking.

Pisces           

You like to send little handmade valentines to family and friends. You want to include everyone on your love list.  Everyone on the receiving end appreciates you.  Light a candle for your dream lover.

Aries           

You will take a chance and surprise someone with your affectionate invitation or gestures.  Unafraid and daring!  Have fun. 

Taurus           

Try to do something you didn’t do last year.  Loving someone can be a beautiful habit, but finding new ways to express love is important. Give your sweetie something pretty or valuable.

Gemini            

You are good with words and humor, so you might write a poem or send a song to your lover.  You want to keep it light and at the same time make a unique impression.

Cancer           

It’s all about the right restaurant!  You will either cook a good something or go somewhere for a good something.

Leo                       

Get tickets to a concert or special show,  or go to a club where you can dance with your sweetie. Show off a little.

Virgo:                        

A couple’s massage might be the right choice, or look for a Valentine’s Day yoga class for couples.  Practice the art of compliments.

Libra

Venus rules Libra so any expression of love will work for you.  Give flowers or drop a hint that you want them.  Be sure the card is beautiful.  Tell everyone about your valentine on FB.

Scorpio           

Do something that demonstrates your passion for your honey.  Plan some private one-to-one intimate time.  Stay home if possible and keep your plans a secret.

Sagittarius           

Depending on the kind of Sag you are . . .. you could plan a bike ride around the lake with a surprise dinner to celebrate the day. . .or go a romantic musical event.  You might go somewhere you have never been before.

Capricorn           

Saturn rules Capricorn.  You will probably prefer a traditional approach:  flowers, candy, dinner and a very nice piece of jewelry.  Capricorn might choose Valentine’s Day for taking the relationship a step further (for example, engagement).