Mercury and Venus Retrograde

Mercury turns retrograde on Sunday, April 9th joining retrograde Venus until she turns direct next Saturday.  Both Mercury and Venus in retrograde motion during the coming week signal a time when decisions are based on incomplete or inaccurate information, and long-standing partnerships, alliances and agreements are tested.  This is the time to review, revisit and reconsider your options, but expect some agreements to fall apart. 

Venus turns direct Saturday, April 15, while Mercury remains retrograde for the next three plus weeks. Mercury is associated with decisions, and all forms of communication, so during the retrograde cycle, people change their minds, cancel plans, delay decisions and procrastinate.  This is not the best time to sign contracts, agreements, leases or anything else of a legal nature because there will be hidden complications. Mercury's province extends to communications equipment and hardware which often malfunctions or completely breaks down during this cycle. If possible, delay the purchase or installation of new equipment until Mercury is direct.   

If it is necessary to make a commitment or a final decision during this cycle, it will be revisited at a later date.  It is, however, a good time to re-consider all your options then move forward once Mercury is direct.   

Current cycle:  Mercury Rx 4/9/2017 – turns Direct 5/3/2017 Venus turns Direct April 15

Venus Turning Retrograde

Between Saturday March 4 and Saturday April 15, Venus will be retrograde. Venus is the planet associated with matters of the heart, marriage, creativity and money. During her retrograde cycle, it is not unusual to experience challenges in these areas. So personal, business and even casual relationships, may all come under review in one form or another.  It is therefore, not a favorable time to begin a new relationship or to get married.  But you may reconnect with someone from the past, or hear about an old flame, and if this happens, things will move slowly.  

It is likely that you will reflect on the value of all your relationships, ending those that no longer feel supportive or fulfilling. If a relationship is entered into at this time, it may not be an open and rewarding experience. Often affection is withheld, denied or limited, and not everything is as it appears.

Since Venus also relates to money and finances, the Venus retrograde cycle often inhibits the flow of money and material rewards. It is not the best time to apply for a loan or to take on too much debt. If an investment is made at this time, it may not be profitable or it may be less profitable than anticipated. Moreover, the purchase of luxury items should be delayed until Venus is direct. This is an appropriate time to engage in some form of charitable work.  

As with all retrograde cycles, use this time to review, reconsider and reevaluate your options, make whatever changes you deem appropriate, and look forward to rewarding experiences ahead.

Variable Day - Lunar Eclipse

The full moon lunar eclipse in 22 degrees of Leo occurs this evening at 7:34 PM eastern time. The lunar eclipse in Leo, sign of children, will bring attention to all things concerning their welfare, learning and education. A great deal of scrutiny and oversight will likely accompany any new initiatives in these areas. On a personal level, you can garner publicity for your business or project by launching an ad campaign, marketing program or promotion.  

Variable Day - First Quarter Moon

The moon has moved into Taurus aligning with the Sun to form the first quarter moon at 11:19 PM this evening.  Quarter moons often provoke a mini-crisis of some kind, and in the sign of Taurus, expect finances and personal gain to be highlighted in the next few weeks. Since Taurus also rules the arts, we are likely to see cuts in funding all around.  Furthermore, Venus moves into Aries today, suggesting bold moves and new initiatives in these areas in the weeks ahead. However, this is a favorable time to review your own financial stability and to make changes as needed.

Challenging Day - New Moon

The moon has moved into Aquarius, sign of sudden and unexpected changes. She will conjunct the Sun this evening for a new moon in early degrees of Aquarius.  In the next few weeks we are likely to witness some surprising headlines and we are challenged to remain diligent in weeding out the truth.  On Saturday Mars moves into Aries, its natural sign. This is a strong position for the action planet, where forceful behavior is to be expected.  The challenge is to listen carefully while remaining ever ready to spring to action when a line is crossed.

Neutral Day - Last Quarter Moon

The day begins with a void-of-course moon until 5:09 PM eastern time when she moves into Scorpio forming the last quarter moon in zero degrees of Scorpio.  Quarter moons often provoke a mini-crisis of some kind, and in the secretive sign of Scorpio, expect new disclosures or disturbing information to surface. However, once we sort through the veil of secrecy it is possible to make headway. The Sun moves into Aquarius later today, suggesting that new and innovative ideas will show the way forward.  

Variable Day - Mercury Direct

The moon has moved into Gemini, sign of communication, and ruler of this sign Mercury, has turned direct.  Although it will take a few days before Mercury gains momentum, we begin to see clarification of misunderstandings that occurred during the three week retrograde. Things start to move forward, although slowly, inaccuracies are addressed, misleading information is reexamined, and missteps corrected. Thursday’s full moon will shed more light on needed reforms in the months ahead.