The symbolic Sun is direct in tropical Gemini, moving as it always does — counter-clockwise on the zodiac. Emblematic Mercury is also in Gemini, but retrograde, moving clockwise on the zodiac. On Saturday, the Sun and Mercury will meet (or ‘conjoin’) in passing at 8+ Gemini. The Sun’s conjunction with Mercury will imply a meeting for you as well, between consciousness and intellect.
You might want to begin preparing for your meeting with an understanding of what’s going on in the actual sky, then translate the astronomical events to the astrological framework of the zodiac circle. The planet Mercury is presently moving between Earth and the Sun, about to pass Earth from the solar system’s inside lane.
The process of Mercury catching up and passing Earth as both orbit the Sun gives rise to the illusive perception that Mercury is moving backwards, or retrograde — shown in abstract as clockwise apparent motion on the zodiac.
Mercury retrogrades happen three times a year, for approximately three weeks each time. The approximate middle of each Mercury retrograde period is marked by what is called an interior (or more traditionally, ‘inferior’) conjunction. This is because Earth, Mercury and the Sun are all lined up with Mercury in the middle. That’s what will be happening Friday.
Hence, the interior conjunction of the Sun with Mercury shortly before 12:56 pm EDT (16:55:46 UTC) Saturday will not be a rare event. Nonetheless, each Mercury retrograde and its midpoint are unique, based on the context in which they take place. As you can probably tell by the conditions of and events in your life and the world right now, the context implied by astrology is energetic and complex. Such conditions call for conscious awareness
The Sun represents consciousness, among other things. It’s the sort of consciousness that is evident and interactive, giving rise to personality and revealing something of what’s going on inside you and everybody else. Because Mercury is always so close to the Sun — and therefore difficult to discern separately — it represents (among other things) something close to consciousness but still discernibly different: the intellect.
The intellect is self-aware, frequently analytical and capable of abstraction. At its worst, intellect can get in the way of consciousness and inhibit awareness. At its best, intellect can moderate the vagaries of personality, facilitating better communication, greater awareness, and deeper understanding between conscious beings.
Hence, your role going into Saturday’s meeting of the Sun and Mercury. It will not be enough for you merely to show up and pay attention this week. You will be called on to participate and make a difference by recognizing and enhancing the highest, best potential in any situation and acting to prevent worst-case scenarios.
To participate most effectively, take a clue from Mercury’s position relative to the Sun. From our perspective here on Earth, Mercury will be in front of the Sun, representing the intellect in front of consciousness. Therefore, as a first principle, endeavor to show yourself as a thinking person as Saturday approaches.
In the heat of any particular moment this week, when others ask you why something is as it is, ask yourself how it could be as it should be. Should you be confronted by conflicting energies, consider not reacting in kind and not taking sides. Instead, try applying your own personal energy to solutions, even if you must venture to do so alone. When you encounter complexities, try what seems to be the simplest solution first.
Also, please remember that Mercury’s apparent motion is much slower than usual right now. Therefore, when you have time, take it — to think deliberately. Make notes, lists and even diagrams to get your thoughts out of your head and on paper (or some other printed media).
Finally, apropos of retrograde motion in communicative Gemini — where Mercury rules — employ words with an “re” prefix. Review, research and revise (among other things) before relating not just what you are conscious of in yourself, but also that you are aware of consciousness in others.
You have a meeting to be part of on Saturday, but really it’s for the rest of this week. In the midst of some of the most challenging astrology of the year, the implication is clear. This meeting will not be something to fear. Neither do you need to anticipate things getting worse in any way, shape or form. Rather, this week will be a chance to distinguish yourself as Mercury would have you do, and shine like the Sun you are. Be a natural resource in the world. Keep thinking. That’s what you’re good at.
Offered In Service
Len is available for astrology readings. You can contact him at lenwallick [at] gmail [dot] com.
phh! Len. It all feels very physical to me – there is that energy isn’t there of gearing yourself up to meet (whatever), even if it turns out alright.
Must be getting old to mind the buffeting?
pam: Thank you. Good point about the physical manifestations of Mars in Gemini conjoining with retrograde Mercury for the time being. As the week progresses (or on Saturday), please let us know if you sense a shift which reflects Mercury separating from Mars to conjoin with the Sun in their own big meeting. By the way, i have never thought of you as old – you are among the youngest at heart in my own experience. Finally: “phh!”???
I will give extra re-guard to re-sources of all kinds this weekend, Len. And have been mind-ful to be thought-full (as in full-of-thought) as re-late to a new community and new place so that I can see/be/feel (and all the Sun/Moon/Merc elements) just how I do relate to this new environment.
This does indeed seem to be the perfect astrology for exploring; slow but sure, no turtle, but certainly not the hare-more like that meeting in the middle. Thank you.
phh is just the sort of outbreath our dog makes when he doesn’t like anything, or doesn’t ‘agree’.
But thank You Len as always for your positivity and encouragement! I used to love the physicality of life, but find these days putting myself entirely into everything and changing shape and coming out completely different (modified) is not always something I enjoy at the drop of a hat. I find people’s hidden agendae difficult most of all!
I’ll let you know if anything changes on a pin!
(I’m 50 already).
xxxp
This is part of the answer Len (and I know it) but it still feels like ‘physical impact’… (perhaps until I try)
Apr 23, 1999
LIBRA – Weekly
Different ideas exist about the value of confrontation in close relationships. In many instances, though, the confrontation is centered on the complaint rather than in the relationship with the person (please see Taurus). “The expectation is that something bad is going to happen, and we’re braced for it… one of us is gonna blow… and one’s attention is then on controlling him/herself, and manipulating the other person. Even the idea that ‘I’ve got to figure out the right thing to say or do’ is fundamentally manipulative, treating the other person like an object. Establish contact with the person. Then everything changes. Say something simple and direct, look them in the eye, be with them, and stay with them… that contact is what creates trust.”
Pam, that is a powerful Libra reading and very profound for Libra. Libra really needs security but fears it soo much because of early trauma. Hang on to that idea and follow its guidance for all you can.
I believe, through experience, that connection is the only obstacle we actually face.
…….We are one, but we’re not the same – We have to – carry each other, carry each other…….. Awwwahwww……. 🙂
(thank you cowboyiam from this Libra moon! BTW didn’t find either Jere or you OTT in the abortion debate – just so difficult. i wrote a couple of things but didn’t post: just so difficult – even medically)
Whoa, I almost missed a big one Len, but thanks to your noting of this meeting taking place at 8+ Gemini, the lethargy I’m experiencing has been vaporized. Poof! That’s because the U.S. Sibly chart’s Uranus is at 8+ Gemini and U.S. Sibly chart’s Ceres is at 8+ Pisces (& square the meeting place), where transiting Neptune was as recently as April 16th. (Need I re-mind you, transiting Neptune is now in the same degree as the U.S. Sibly Nessus, 9+ Pisces, and will station retrograde there in about 2 weeks?)
The Aries New Moon on April 18th put Venus at 8+ Gemini also (while square Vesta in Pisces, trine the North Node in Libra and opposite Saturn retrograde in Sagittarius). This explains a lot my friend! Your comment that “At its worst, intellect can get in the way of consciousness and inhibit its awareness” brought to mind the brouhaha over the TPP fast track initiative being discussed on the blogosphere and includes the apparent rift between Pres. Obama and Sen. Eliz. Warren.
Consider that the U.S. (Sibly) progressed Centaur Amycus (per P. Sedgwick, relates to “doctrines and policies designed to produce a result”) is at 8+ Aquarius, along with U.S. progressed Pholus (small cause, big effect), and U.S. progressed asteroid Terpsichore (dancing all around the matter). All 3 progressed bodies are trine the U.S Uranus at 8+ Gemini (and quincunx the U.S. Ceres at 8+ Pisces), and all 3 will be there at Saturday’s meeting too.
I would imagine that President Obama, by his own nature, is and will be “acting to prevent worst-case scenarios”, making notes and lists and diagrams as well. I dare say that transiting Neptune and U.S. natal Nessus haven’t helped smooth matters regarding this government initiative (nor did the long transit of Nessus over the U.S. Moon that finally ended after the 2014 elections), but your calm , conscious and intuitive analysis of this event, this meeting between transiting Sun and retrograde Mercury at 8+ Gemini on this coming Saturday, has. At least now I have a better understanding of why this has happened and why it had to happen. Bless you Len!
be
The Sabian Symbol for 8+ Gemini: A MEDIEVAL ARCHER,WITH BOW AND ARROWS, READY TO FIGHT
Marc Jones:” Superiority and ease based upon training. Sure marksmanship. Certain self-direction. Preparedness. Invisible help in trouble.”
That almost makes me wish I was doing something with high stakes on Saturday. It sounds so intense.
Len, I am very intrigued by this long foreword heads-up. Interest in seeing what unfolds, as my main planetary influence is Mercury. It is my gift – and also – my alkalis heel.
Something else this Saturday meeting between Sun and Mercury will activate is the Neptune-Pluto conjunction of 1891. From 8+ Gemini these two outer planets made a sextile to Mars and Chiron both at 8+ Leo. only 2 degrees away from the Sun. The 4-some connected with Hybris at 8+ Capricorn to form a yod. Hybris (hubris?) was at the point of the yod that requires adjustment.
Another interesting scenario from this 19th century chart is the clustering around the U.S. Sibly chart’s Moon (27+ Aquarius) and Pallas (26+ Aquarius), The Pluto-Neptune conjunction chart’s Juno (28+ Aquarius and Ceres (29+ Aquarius) and Nessus (25+ Aquarius), as well as Magdalena at 28+ Aquarius and Hades (29+ Aquarius) foretold of growth as well as hardship for the U.S. People through unacknowledged or un-faced guilt from the past . The Aquarian group was in a trine with the Pluto-Neptune chart’s Uranus at 27+ Libra who also squared the U.S. Sibly chart Pluto at 27+ Capricorn, as well as trining the U.S Moon. That to me suggests the breakthroughs Uranus promised would come easy for the People but harder to accept for the Power base of the U.S.
There was a coalition in the Neptune-Pluto chart that was conjunct the U.S. Sibly Neptune made up of Black Moon Lilith, Borasisi and Salacia, all at 22+ Virgo, suggesting the U.S. would play an important part in this new cycle between Pluto and Neptune in Gemini. That part would include a healing of water resources, reintegration of ostracized groups, and groups who had been cajoled through false religious beliefs.
The Pluto-Neptune chart’s Uranus in Libra square the U.S. Pluto in Capricorn was also square the Pluto-Neptune chart Venus at 27+ Cancer, who was opposite the U.S. Pluto. This opposition pitted the values of home and family vs. the power and fear associated with institutions, including Government of course. Beginning in June, 2017, transiting Uranus will begin it’s opposition to it’s position in the Pluto-Neptune chart, and, in Full Moon style, we will see how far we have come on that front.
Any or all of this could be stirred up and/or addressed by that Saturday meeting between Sun and retro Mercury. Pay attention as Len might say.
be
This retrograde has been the most conscious one I’ve ever experienced-normally I’m in the thick of things being tossed around, but this one is so distinctly different for me. Perhaps it’s the positive words from Len as to the potential of the situation, sure, as well as Eric’s mercury retrograde reading. I’ve never felt so protected on this planet, thank you! I have gemini ascendent (at 7 degrees!) And natal nessus at 13 degrees gemini – can i be using my ‘buck stops here’ energy finally? I am curious about that interaction…
aWord: Your literate wit is just as deeply appreciated as your astute perspective. Best of luck settling in to your new surroundings.
pam: Love you, love your dog! Also, you might want to keep an eye on transits to your second natal and progressed houses while your Chiron return is functional.
cowboyiam: My thanks to you as well for adding a cogent interpretation of Libra astrology and relationship dynamics. Given that Mercury is the subject and retrograde is the context, it’s not all that long a look forward for a heads-up to an event that takes place but three times a year. May your own experience of mind in front of consciousness yield efficacious results as result of your well-prepared awareness. Finally, a modest proposal: instead of “We are one.” how about “We are one with…?”
Barbara (be): Thank you so very much. It’s gratifying to know that my service helped to dispel the pall of lethargy. Please also accept my sincere gratitude once again for generously sharing your in-depth understanding of the US (Sibly) “natal chart” – WOW, that degree of Gemini (where the Sun will conjoin retrograde Mercury this weekend) is indeed deeply resonant with the astrology of the United States (and recent astrological events as well). Perhaps we will soon see the end of preventing worst-case scenarios and the beginning of enhancing the probability of best-case scenarios. Finally, thank you for noticing yet another occasion to integrate the Neptune-Pluto conjunction chart into the discussion – you have provided yet another rewarding interpretation to the long sextile (within orb) that Neptune and Pluto have held since WW II (largely caused by the period of time Pluto’s orbit was “inside” of Neptune’s).
Michael: And sincere thanks to you for bringing a pertinent Sabian symbol to the discussion. The state of intensity is indeed palpable.
Elizabeth: Thank you for bringing your own experience to how Mercury’s retrograde in Gemini has unfolded thus far. For my part i do believe that your interpretation of retrograde Mercury’s transit to your personal astrology (implementing your “buck stops here energy”) resonates very well with your experience as you describe it. It’s worth your conscious follow-through with the active component Mars might provide.
Thank you for the heads up Len
xxxp
So Len, 8+ of Gemini is the location of my natal Sun. All this reads like both a homecoming in the deepest sense of Self, and also the signal of a shift into a new manifestation of said Self in the actions of the daily self.
In the immortal words of Spongebob Squarepants: “I’m ready! I’m ready! I’m ready!”
chief niwot’s son: Happy birthday! Love the Spongebob cite! May your solar return this year exceed your fondest expectations and allow you ample opportunity to “count the ways” in the best sense possible.
The gathering is upon my daughter’s natal Sun too, chief niwot’s son! Happy Birthday!
Thank you aWord, and please wish my “twin” a happy birthday.
Opposite my Neptune: the thinking required will most likely involve not only the human adaptations on the outside of the meat brain but all the way back and down, all the way to the bubbling springs on the soles of the feet.
wandering_yeti: That’s an absolutely beautiful characterization – the bubbling springs, i can literally feel it. Your best poetic phrasing since interpreting the nature of the lunar nodes as umbilicate in their function a few years back. Thank you so very much!
Oh goodness, Len, I needed this.
Mercury retrogrades aren’t normally too tough for me, but holy cats, this one is kicking me in the head. All sorts of things hitting me _square_ in the middle of long-term issues. It is =uncomfortable=, and I feel like I lack the coping mechanisms yet.
But if Saturday is the mid-point, maybe I’ll start moving forward again after this weekend…
Maeve: You have both my empathy and my compassion as regards to the experience you have so eloquently expressed of this Mercury retrograde. Many is the time i have found relief from square-aspect issues by simply gaining better awareness of the time frame in which to make the most of them. May next week find you once again making progress after having achieved the crest of the hill.
Feels like the wild, Wild West and the ground is still shaking beneath my feet.
29 April following a phone interview I go for F-2-F meeting on 1st May. Advised later that day that we have a 2nd Interview for the following Monday 4th May, meet with two others and it’s all done and dusted in 15 minutes. I wait for a week before I start, 11th May and 4 days into the role the temperamental tyrant emerges, along with a great deal of other details.
We have a Manager from the UK on secondment for the past six months who was meant to train a BDM that left in November, along with his non-existent team, that was the incumbent before me who had hardly vacated the seat when I walked in the door, several unhappy staffers, and a company looking for ROI to the tune of £600,000 (A$300,000).
We were done by the 20th. It’s so weird out there and getting weirder. Fortunately, I am taking refuge with some part time Market Research, but pushing strings’ uphill is not my idea of happiness.
Now for other data and natal backdrops:
Sun in Cap; Moon in Taurus, Mercury & Venus in Sagg; Mars in Libra; Jupiter in Aries, Saturn in Libra, Uranus in Cancer, Neptune in Libra, Pluto in Leo; Chiron conjunct Sun in Cap; Lilith in Cancer, Path of Fortune in Pisces, Vertex in Aries, Ceres in Pisces, Pallas in Aquarius, Juno in Cap; Vesta in Virgo, Pholus in Aquarius, Eris in Aries, Nessus in Taurus, Ixion in Libra, Orcus in Gemini, Quaoar in Libra, Sedna in Aries, Varuna in Taurus.
I have no idea what all that means, but it’s certainly been interesting.
Heather: Thank you for sharing how the Mercury retrograde (probably along with other transits to your nativity) is manifesting in your life. Your resolution to take a productive tack in challenging winds is inspirational to read. If you can manage to sustain your resilience and exercise restraint where appropriate, you could conceivably find the going easier and the options greater sometime between the Full Moon next Tuesday and the Cancer solstice on June 21. Given your natal Sun in Capricorn, however, you must remember that any given period of weeks (or even months) is only part of a longer process. Welcome to Planet Waves and please feel safe to further share your how your personal experiences (and even more important – personal choices) correlate with the flow of the ambient astrology.
chief niwot’s son, I for one will be interested in hearing from you how your birthday went. Your natal Sun will not only connect with the transiting Mercury rx and Sun, but the U.S. Uranus and two long-term outer planet cycles as well; the afore-mentioned Neptune-Pluto cycle and the Chiron-Uranus cycle that began in 1898.
Both of those outer-planet cycles (that are still in operation) featured a Yod , a 3-point configuration at the degrees of 8+ Gemini, 8+ Leo and 8+ Capricorn. Both Yods, the 1891 chart of Neptune-Pluto and the 1898 chart of Chiron and Uranus featured Mars at 8+ Leo.
In addition to the Saturday conjunction at 8+ Gemini, the Saturn station-retrograde this past March at 4+ Sagittarius was the same degree where the 1898 Uranus-Chiron cycle began. There is every reason to believe that Saturday’s conjunction, the same day as your solar return, along with transiting Saturn’s station in March, is connecting us to universal processes that began before the start of the 20th century.
The Yod formations in both the Neptune-Pluto and Chiron-Uranus charts had their apex (energy release point) at 8+ Capricorn, the same degree as the U.S. (Sibly chart version) Eris. If you (or your daughter, aword) also have a planet or point in your chart at 8+ Capricorn, you will be serving the universal plan in some specific way that should become apparent soon. In any case, a shift into a new manifestation of self is indeed your special birthday blessing!
be