Category: Astrology transits

Astrology October 2018 – Venus goes Retrograde

The event of the month is, of course, Venus retrograde in Scorpio. Venus changes course on October 5 at 10° Scorpio and will stay retrograde until November 15.

This is one of the most intense Venus retrograde we have had in a while. Why? Firstly, because it’s in Scorpio. Usually, that’s ‘enough said’. Scorpio is the sign of change and transformation. After any serious Scorpio transit, something inside you changes forever. Once you emerge from the storm, you’re never the same person again.  

Scorpio is the sign of hidden things, so Venus retrograde will expose your most hidden secrets, especially those related to love and relationships. No matter how happy our relationships are, there is always stuff buried deep inside. 

Venus retrograde will dive into the Underworld to expose this buried stuff. When Venus is retrograde, she is in fact in a perfect alignment with the Earth and the Sun. Venus disappears in the rays of the Sun to dive into the metaphorical Underworld, where she gets purified.

When Venus is retrograde, the pull of self-transformation is so strong that we cannot ignore it. Whether or not you are aware of it yet, you too are ready to dive in.

Venus retrograde makes an intense opposition to Uranus, the planet of unexpected change, freedom, and liberation. Usually, one Uranus transit is enough to break the chains of illusion. But this time we have an unusually long Uranus transit, because of Venus’ back and forth motion.

Because it takes so long, Venus-Uranus will break the strongest chains – those chains you thought are impossible to break. Ultimately, the Venus-Uranus opposition will liberate us from the prison of our outdated Selves, so that we can have mature, meaningful and authentic relationships.

Let’s have a look at the most important events of October 2018:

October 2nd, 2018 – Mercury is Square Pluto

On October 2nd, 2018 Mercury is square Pluto. We all have obsessive thoughts from time to time. The reason they become obsessive is that there are certain aspects of our lives we believe we have no control over. And the anxiety of ‘not having control’ creates these obsessive thoughts.

Obsessive thoughts are thoughts that got caught in a loop because we’re not addressing the underlying cause that created them in the first place. 

Your challenge during this transit is to pay closer attention to these obsessive thoughts. Where do you feel powerless in your life, and why? Pluto always asks for the ‘why’ and will ‘torture’ you until you find out. Once you have found out, the simple acknowledgment of the ‘why’ usually solves the problem.

October 5th, 2018 – Venus goes Retrograde

On October 5th, 2018 Venus goes retrograde. Venus is how the world makes us feel. When Venus goes retrograde in Scorpio, the sign of the truth, you may discover some things in your life that aren’t that pretty.

But the worst thing you could do is to try to brush them off. That strategy, my friend, is not going to work. Scorpio EXPOSES. The more you try to hide it, the more it will come to get you.

Venus goes retrograde in Scorpio for a reason. We all have some skeletons in our closet. These skeletons get bored too, and once every 8 years, when Venus goes retrograde in Scorpio, they want to come out. The question is: are you going to build a stronger lock to keep them in there for 8 more years, or are you going to let them out?

Are you ready? Have no fear. You can actually thrive during this process, and I’ll show you how. Watch out for my announcement of the Venus retrograde course!

October 9th, 2018 – New Moon in Libra

On October 9th, 2018 we have a New Moon in Libra. This New Moon is square Pluto. Venus, the ruler of the New Moon, is in Scorpio AND is retrograde. This New Moon in Libra will feel very Scorpionic, so don’t expect love, peace, and chocolate.

New Moons come with new beginnings. This particular new beginning has a ‘retrograde’ flavor to it. There is some ‘unfinished’ energy about it. Something about this new beginning will require some digging into the past. If you start something new around October 9th, there is more to it.   

On the same day, Mercury moves into Scorpio, the most investigative sign of the zodiac. Mercury likes to go into the secret corners of your mind and expose the most creepy thoughts and feelings. These are things we usually hide from others and even from ourselves.

Mercury is an objective planet, and Scorpio is all about the truth. Not the objective truth of Libra, but the emotional and sometimes ambivalent truth of deep-water Scorpio.

Mercury in Scorpio is about applying radical honesty in your everyday life. Radical honesty doesn’t mean telling your friend “you look fat in that dress”. It starts with yourself. Are you really honest – with your own feelings – when you tell someone they are fat? What really drives you to say that? Is it honesty or something else?  

October 10th, 2018 – Mercury opposite Uranus; Venus square Mars

On October 10th, 2018 Mercury is opposite Uranus and Venus is square Mars. This is a high energy, erratic day. You can have an irresistible desire to speak your mind or to take decisive action in one of your relationships.

Taking action is always a good idea, as long as you take it from a place of confidence and alignment. If you are out of alignment, is not a good idea to rush in into an action you will end up regretting later.

On a positive side, these dynamic aspects can help you find creative solutions to some problems you’ve been avoiding.

October 12th, 2018 – Sun square Pluto

On October 12th, 2018 Sun is square Pluto. The Sun is in Libra and Pluto is in Capricorn – we have some serious cardinal action! Power struggles are usually the norm when the Sun makes an aspect to Pluto, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Pluto only wants to show you that there is some higher truth about life that you may not be aware of yet. Pluto will push you outside your comfort zone to find this higher truth. It can be uncomfortable at first, but it is so much worth it. This is a great day for self-development or self-inquiry.  

October 15th, 2018 – Mercury conjunct Venus

On October 15th, 2018 Mercury is conjunct Venus at 8° Scorpio. Venus is making her last appearances as an evening star. In just a couple of days, she will disappear under the beams of the Sun, ready to be transformed in a morning star. Mercury, on the other hand, has just emerged from the beams of the Sun. He has a message for Venus. This is the call for transformation.

The Sumerian myth of Inanna begins with Inanna deciding to attend her sister’s husband’s funeral. This is her pretext to go into the Underworld. Venus will indeed disappear from the sky 3 days later, on October 18. This pretext, or call to action, is Mercury. He will bring you the message. What is YOUR call to action? 

October 19th, 2018 – Mercury trine Neptune; Mercury square Mars

On October 19th, 2018 Mercury is trine Neptune and square Mars. You can have lots of ideas thanks to the harmonious Mercury trine Neptune aspect, but the dynamic square to Mars will help you put them into practice. If you are more reserved, this transit will give you the impulse you needed to bring your ideas into the world. If you are very extroverted and confident, you can become a little bit too much in love with your ideas and try too hard to push them on others.

October 23rd, 2018 – Sun enters Scorpio

On October 23rd, 2018 Sun enters Scorpio. When the leaves start falling, and Halloween approaches, you know that the Scorpio season is about to start. Scorpio is the sign of change and transformation that can lead to inner strength. October/November is also the season when we usually get the flu. Getting the flu is not pleasant, but it can, in fact, help your immune system get stronger.

And this is how Scorpio operates. It creates a bit of discomfort so that you can become stronger, better and enjoy life even more. Venus (retrograde), Mercury and Jupiter are already in Scorpio. When the Sun joins in, you will become aware of what exactly you need to transform in your life so you can become stronger and better.

October 24th, 2018 – Full Moon in Taurus

On October 24th, 2018 we have a Full Moon in Taurus. The Full Moon in Taurus is on high voltage! This Full Moon should be called the “AC/DC Full Moon” as it is exactly conjunct Uranus.

The Moon and Uranus are in the first degree of Taurus, and Sun is in the first degree of Scorpio. The ruler of the Full Moon, Venus is retrograde and approaching the conjunction with the Sun. Something is in the making. 

Taurus and Scorpio are FIXED signs are they RESIST change. Uranus is the planet of change. What do you think it will happen? When it comes to Uranus, I don’t make any predictions. Prepare for a revelation. Something needs to change. You may not know what exactly, but you already feel it coming.

October 26, 2018 – Venus conjunct Sun

On October 26th, 2018 Venus retrograde is conjunct Sun and a new Venus cycle begins. The interior conjunction with the Sun basically means the end of the Venus current cycle and the beginning of a new one. This is the most important day of the Venus retrograde and one of the most important days of the year.

Venus throws herself into the arms of the Sun. This is where she gets purified, where she sheds her old skin. And this is where she gets clarity and where she seeds her intentions for yet another 19-month journey.

And this is where she will metamorphose from an evening star into a morning star. Today is a turning point. Mark this date in your calendar. Pay attention to what happens around this date. Journal it.

October 29th, 2018 – Mercury conjunct Jupiter

On October 29th, 2018 Mercury is conjunct Jupiter at 27° Scorpio. This is the last aspect a planet makes to Jupiter in Scorpio before Scorpio moves into Sagittarius. Jupiter moved in Scorpio in October last year and brought us the #metoo movement.

Mercury is the planet of news and announcements so we can expect the big announcement of the Jupiter in Scorpio transit.

In your natal chart, you will get some information about the area of your life ruled by Jupiter. If you are a Gemini ascendant for example, and Jupiter rules your 7th house, you will get some news about your relationships.

October 30th, 2018 – Mercury enters Sagittarius

On October 30th, 2018 Mercury enters Sagittarius. Sagittarius may not be Mercury’s favorite sign, but it’s certainly an interesting transit.

Mercury is the planet of factual information. Mercury only believes in what he or she can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.

Sagittarius, on the other hand, is the planet of abstract knowledge, of dogma, of what we believe without questioning. Sagittarius is the sign of philosophy and religion.

Where Mercury sees the details, Sagittarius sees the big picture. In the coming weeks, you may struggle with seeing the forest for the trees. That’s unless your natal Mercury is in Sagittarius or Pisces… in this case you will feel at home with this transit.

Nevertheless, by striving to find details in the big picture, to see the concrete in the abstract, you can have some revelations. This transit is great for studying and any kind of intellectual work where a fresh perspective is needed.

October 31st, 2018 – Venus opposite Uranus 

On October 31st, 2018 Venus is opposite Uranus. Venus makes another exact opposition to Uranus (the 2nd) and shortly after Venus leaves Scorpio and moves back into Libra. After the exhausting process of digging into the depths of our souls, Venus moving back into Libra will feel like the light at the end of the tunnel.

Finally, there is hope. Finally, you will be able to see the silver lining of this heart-shattering transit. Not only Venus moves back into Libra, the sign where she feels at her best, but on the same day, Venus rises again in the sky. This is the first appearance of Venus as a morning star. She’s alive, and ready to start again. And so will you be!

How are you recovering after the intense lunar eclipse on July 27? Things will be a little less intense in August, but not for too long, because on August 11 we have yet another eclipse in the sign of Leo.

We have a record of 6 planets retrograde in August: Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. That’s a lot or retrograde energy! Although retrograde planets slow things down, they also teach us to act more thoughtfully – and be better humans, in general. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Overall, August is a MUCH better month than July. We have less drama, even with 6 retrograde planets, thanks to some positive supporting aspects which I will detail below.

The Full Moon on August 26 is gentle and healing and VERY different from the Full Moon / Total Lunar Eclipse in July. There is hope!

But let’s have a look at the major astrological events of the month:

On August 1st, 2018 Mars is square Uranus. This is the 2nd Mars-Uranus square in the cycle –  the first one was on May 16, immediately after Uranus entered Taurus. That was an unsettling day for many of us.

This 2nd square won’t be much easier, but because Mars is retrograde and Uranus is stationary (preparing to turn retrograde) the effects will be less “in-your-face”.

In fact, you now can get a completely different perspective on something you started or experienced mid-May. But the final outcome of this aspect will come on September 21st – there is more to come!  

On August 6th, 2018 Venus enters Libra, its rulership sign. That’s great news because Venus loves being in Libra! This is when she gets crystal clear about what she wants, and this is where she can exercise her charm with self-confidence and purpose.

Venus will spend a pretty long time in Libra due to the retrograde. I know, we have Mars retrograde, Mercury retrograde, and now I’m telling you Venus will go retrograde as well? The good news is that Venus will not go retrograde until October 4, so no need to worry too much about it… yet.  

Venus will move back into Libra from November 1st until December 3rd. This means Venus will spend more than 2 months in Libra in total, so if you have personal planets or angles in Libra (especially in the last decan) this transit will be huge for you.

The goddess of love reaches her greatest elongation on the 17th of August. Basically, she will now rise as an evening star farthest away from where the Sun is setting. In this phase, Venus is all by herself, unconcerned with what the Sun wants from her. This won’t last long though. Venus will soon realize that this is as far as she can go.

In the same way, you can experience an “and now, what?” type of feeling. Now that you got what you wanted, you may realize that the price you paid was not really worth it if you have no one to share it with. And because Venus hates being all by herself, she will soon start to slow down and find her way back to the Sun.

On August 7th, 2018 Venus in Libra is trine Mars in Aquarius. In the same day, Uranus goes retrograde. Venus, Mars and Uranus will have a very interesting ‘triangle’ relationship in the 2nd half of the year. Venus will square Mars twice, and then trine it twice, and will oppose Uranus three times!

These transits will initially bring disruptions, and later freedom and authenticity in relationships.

On August 9th, 2018  Sun is conjunct Mercury retrograde, marking a new Mercury synodic cycle. Even if Mercury is retrograde, contrary to the beliefs, today is a good day to start a new Mercury-related project.

The only condition is to start by planting the intention (don’t bring your project to the world yet). So you can think about it, go to the drawing board and plan it. But don’t make official announcements, or launch it on social media. Wait until Mercury becomes visible 10 days later to do that.

In the same day, Venus in Libra is square Saturn in Capricorn. This is normally a gloomy transit, but because now both Venus and Saturn are in the signs of their rulership, they both act from their ‘higher planetary selves’. They can basically agree to disagree.

Libra and Capricorn are cardinal signs so they will push you to take action. You know what you want, now it’s time to go and get it!

On August 11th, 2018 we have a New Moon and Solar Eclipse at 18° Leo. The eclipse is conjunct Mercury retrograde and quincunx Pluto. Long forgotten memories can come to the surface and find a new meaning. Solar eclipses are about starting afresh from the dust of the past.

This is a partial solar eclipse linked to the solar eclipse of July 2000. What was going on in your life back then? Similar themes may resurface, but now you have an opportunity to see things in a new light.

Needless to say, you will be affected if you are a Leo, if you have Leo ascendant, or if you have other personal planets or angles in Leo.

On August 12th, 2018 Mars retrograde moves back into Capricorn. If your life has been turned upside down at the eclipses, now the universe is giving you a second chance to make things right.

That’s right! A solar eclipse leveraging Mars, the planet of action means you CAN start again. You CAN turn things around.

The 2nd half of August is better than the first half, and definitely much better than July. Phew!

August 19th is a wonderful day. Mercury finally goes direct and life starts to flow a little bit smoother.

On the same day, we have the last Jupiter-Neptune trine. This is one of the most positive aspects of the year bringing beauty and healing in our lives.

Jupiter, and Neptune especially are slow moving planets and although they won’t affect us on an individual level, they set the overall trends, thus shaping the future of our everyday lives. Jupiter and Neptune are in sensitive, feminine water sings so they are all about emotions, depth, beauty, and feminine expression.

Just look at the trends! When it comes to the catwalk, for example, I’ve never seen so many fluid, floral, colorful, feminine designs in years. And apparently liquid clothes (Jupiter and Neptune are in water signs) are the newest trend for this summer!

Should I mention the best selling artist of the year is Ed Sheeran? Ed is notoriously famous for his rich vocals and romantic, lyrical songs. I personally love his music. Thank you, Jupiter and Neptune!

When we are bombarded on a daily basis with fake or fear-inducing media, don’t forget that underneath it all, the world is a beautiful place.

On August 23rd, 2018 Sun moves into Virgo. Happy birthday to all the Virgos out there! As the Sun is approaching the equinox, it’s time to reflect on what we have done so far this year. There is still time to adjust and improve.

Virgo is an earth mutable sign, that’s why is associated with analysis, productivity, and adjustment. In nature, now is time to water, prune and improve the outcome of the harvest.

On August 25th, 2018 we have a grand Earth trine between Sun, Uranus and Saturn. When I said the 2nd half of August will be much better, I meant it!

Grand trines are the most positive aspects in astrology, bringing joy, harmony, and balance. Unless you thrive on struggle, you are going to love this sense of flow and ‘rightness’.

Saturn represents structure while Uranus represents freedom. The Sun is You. The grand trine will bring you the opportunity to strike the right balance between structure and discipline, and freedom and authenticity. You will benefit from this transit if you have planets around 2° in feminine signs: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces.

On August 26th, 2018  we have a Full Moon in Pisces. I absolutely love this Full Moon which comes as a well-deserved relief after the intense eclipse season!

The Full Moon forms a beautiful kite aspect, engaging with the Sun-Saturn-Uranus grand trine. Kites are dynamic aspects which bring opportunities. If you have planets around 3° in feminine signs, you will be offered an opportunity. Make sure you don’t miss it!

On August 27th – Mars goes direct! It’s been a long two months, so pat yourself on the shoulder. You made it! You survived a challenging, eclipse-infused Mars retrograde. Mars retrograde tested your inner strength, but as a result, you’ve become more resilient and powerful than ever.  

 

I don’t even know how to start this month’s blog about the Astrology of May, but I promise you that the May 2018 is going to be a month to remember. The month of May might not have started very eventfully (I know, the 1st week of May was pretty quiet – there was was literally not one single major transit)… but things will soon change, and will change BIG time.

Let’s put it this way: the first third of May is the silence before the storm. Mid-May is the storm! And the last week of May (when we have a beautiful Jupiter – Neptune trine) is the blessing after the storm.

The event of the month is by far, the ingress of Uranus into Taurus. Unless you are older than your mid-80s, you were not even born the last time  Uranus was in Taurus. Uranus takes 84 years to go around the zodiac, so when it changes signs, it brings big changes.

Last time Uranus changed signs and moved into Aries was 11 March 2011… Fukushima happened on the same day. I don’t want to scare you, Uranus transits are not always bad, but I just want to make you aware of the magnitude of this transit.

You have probably heard it before, and I will remind you again: with Uranus, you can only expect the unexpected. Uranus is the most unpredictable planet. It is the box of chocolates of the zodiac – with Uranus, you never know what you are going to get. What you can be sure though, is that what you will get will bring positive changes in your life, in the long run. Uranus might shake you at first, but Uranus ALWAYS brings freedom and liberation so you can live more authentically and purposefully.

Let’s have a look at the most important aspects of the month of May 2018:

We have the first transits of the month on May 7th 2018: Mercury (21° Aries) is square Pluto in Capricorn, and Venus (16° Gemini) is square Neptune in Pisces. Some little things might start to bother you. Maybe a colleague tries to outsmart you at work, or your partner has stinky breath in the morning.

Try to stay with these feeling of frustration of dissatisfaction. Try to understand where are they really coming from. What is really bothering you? What needs to change? Squares show you different angles of a problem, so you can take action, and do something about it.

On May 9th 2018 the Sun (18° Taurus) is opposite Jupiter in Scorpio. Sun in Taurus is the Builder; Jupiter in Scorpio is the Anthropologist. Sun in Taurus wants to build, Jupiter in Scorpio wants to dig. This conflict will push you to find true stability in your life. The strongest buildings have solid foundations: it is equally important to build on the ruins of the past, AND to erect new structures, designed to better meet your current needs and circumstances.

On May 11th 2018 the Sun (21° Taurus) is trine Pluto in Capricorn. This is a power transit, so make sure you take advantage of it! Today you can get crystal clear about what you should focus your energy on. As a result, you can get a lot done with minimum effort, expense or waste.

On May 12th 2018 Mercury (28° Aries) is square Mars in Capricorn. This transit is the interlude to Uranus’ dramatic entrance into Taurus. Both Mercury and Mars will square Uranus – Mercury immediately before, and Mars immediately after Uranus’ ingress into Taurus. So basically Uranus is sandwiched between Mercury and Mars.

Mercury is about talking and Mars is about action, so when these two get into friction you are asked to walk the talk. Mercury square Mars will point where you are not walking the talk in your life. You don’t have to feel bad about not always walking the talk. You have some reasons for feeling less committed to a particular thing in your life.

Maybe there is something that doesn’t excite you that much anymore, so it is difficult to put your heart where your mouth is. But rest assured, Uranus will change that. Uranus is the breeze of freshness you were longing for.

On May 13th 2018 Mercury applies a conjunction to Uranus just before moving into Taurus. Imagine, Mercury and Uranus meet at the last degree of Aries. This will be the ‘final act’ of Uranus’s transit into Aries. In which house you have Aries in your chart? Get ready to have a revelation about that particular area of your life. Mercury conjunct Uranus will show you what Uranus in Aries was all about.

May 15th 2018 is the big day. We have a New Moon in Taurus and just 3 hours later, Uranus enters Taurus! New Moon = new beginnings and Uranus changing signs = major new beginnings. I will cover this very important transit in future blog posts. But just keep in mind that this is BIG. Something in your life will shift. If you have planets or angles in the first degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) you will feel the shift even stronger.

On May 19th 2018 Venus enters Cancer. Cancer is a sensitive, nurturing and maternal sign. Wherever you have Cancer in your chart, you feel ‘at home’. With Venus in Cancer, your love relationships can become more intimate, more connected. Venus also rules money and finances so you can become more careful with your money in the coming weeks. If your Venus is in Cancer, you will have your Venus return, which will mark the beginning of a new cycle in matters of love, relationships, and finances.

On May 21st 2018 Sun enters Gemini. Happy birthday to all Geminis out there! This is the time of the year when opportunities arise everywhere in nature. No one knows better than a Gemini how to seize opportunities – the Sun transit through Gemini is an invitation to be curious, explore the world with a beginner’s mind, and find what works and what doesn’t through trial and error.

On May 25th 2018 Jupiter in Scorpio is trine Neptune in Pisces. This is a wonderful transit and although it may not bring big changes in your life (not that you need more changes now, with Uranus shaking your life…), it will make you feel more at ease, more in touch with your spiritual nature.

This transit is all about faith – and a reminder that whatever you dream of, IS possible and achievable. If you have planets around 16° in water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) you will especially benefit from this blissful transit.

On May 29th 2018 we have a Full Moon at 8° Sagittarius. The Full Moon in Sagittarius is not engaged in any strong aspect. There might be a sense of confusion about what to do next, now that Uranus changed signs and your life was turned upside down. Listen to your intuition! The ruler of the Full Moon, Jupiter is engaged in a beautiful water trine with Neptune in Pisces and Venus in Cancer, helping you with a smooth transition.

On May 30th 2018 Mercury enters Gemini. Mercury has been busy like a bee this month. He changed signs three times! Mercury was at 13° Aries on May 1st, on 14th of May Mercury moved into Taurus, and end of May finds him already in Gemini! Things can happen so fast this month, that you don’t even have time to make proper sense of what’s going on. Wait until Mercury goes retrograde in July to get a clear retrospective of the May events.