Horoscope for the week starting May 15, 2009

Tip of the Week:

            Mercury is now Retrograde. It began on May 6 in Gemini and on May 13 re-entered Taurus. Taurus is, of course, the Sign that precedes Gemini and that is what can happen when a planet is in Retrograde motion, which means that it ‘appears’ to be moving backward. The phenomenon of planets slowing, stopping and actually appearing to move backwards is what is understood in Astrology and Astronomy to be its Retrograde motion. The phenomenon of planetary retrogradation is actually ‘apparent’. Planets do not technically slow, stop and reverse only to slow, stop and advance again. However, from our subjective perspective here on Earth all the planets, not the luminaries – Sun and Moon, retrograde regularly and rhythmically. This phenomenon has confounded Astronomers for millennia. Some of the ancients knew that the Sun was actually at the center of the solar system but it took until Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo arrived to make it official. As Astrology is geo-centric, Astrologers worked with the retrograde phenomenon and still do. It is widely recognized and accepted among Astrologers that persons born with planets retrograde will exhibit either counter culture tendencies or timing anomalies in their life or personality quirks and challenges. Numerous books have been written on the subject. Most Astronomers tend to balk at such notions. Not that many demonstrate to know much about Astrology or have studied or practiced it or reviewed their own charts or those of others or know much about the natural psychological realities that Astrology has honoured-cross culturally for centuries and have since and so on, but there is bound to be some who do. These will be quiet about it because the orthodoxy of science frowns upon such notions in a virtually dogmatic fashion and promising careers in Astronomy can be ruined quickly. Little do most critics of Astrology realize that most of their arguments against it are fragile and outdated and they embarrass themselves with biased bigotry all the time! Hubris, however, is not so biased. Astronomers and other critics and so-called sceptics rather proudly and yes emotionally assume that they look to and assert ‘facts’ and the fact is that planets do not turn retrograde, right? Wrong!  Yes, right from a left brain linear perspective and ‘if’ we were actually ‘on the sun’ we could say that. However, since we ‘experience’ life from here on earth, yes honouring a subjective ‘experiential’ right brain perspective on reality, we can say that planets do turn retrograde. That is what the right brain asserts and retrograde planets do most certainly do have an affect on human psychology. So, both positions are true actually, yes both…and is the word, not or; right ‘and’ left brain. Einstein did his best to demonstrate this subjective perspective as having a bearing on our so-called purely objective perspectives, which we are learning to recognize to be environmentally programmed and therefore conditioned. That fact is, facts are not what they used to be…! Einstein even went so far as to say that not only do we ‘see’ reality from the subjective; we even have an influence on the outcome of events by our very participation of perception. Einstein’s revolutionary views have since contributed to the spawning of quantum physics, string theory, holism, psycho-spiritual understandings, right/left brain balance and integration therapies, and so on. However, orthodoxy tends to be resistant to alternative views. Ironically, challenging rigid, orthodox views was one of the reasons why the scientific revolution emerged in the first place… Perhaps with Mercury Retrograde, it can effectively support a ‘review’ of such staunch attitudes.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Taking pioneering steps to establish a new foundation in your life is now a central theme. Financial interests and concerns are a central focus. You are in an experimental mood and are willing to try new angles. You are clear that certain key changes must occur and this is the year to make important decisions. Accepting the learning curve that is involved will help a lot. Knowing what you need to learn is the other side of the coin. Although you feel optimistic, be careful not to expend more energy than is required.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

Narrowing your focus even more than you have done over the past few weeks is in the spotlight. While you may have outlined an array of inspiring potentialities, you are determined to zero in on those that will bring the most reliable returns and sooner than later. You may still feel uncertain about longer term interests or at least are willing to address them more slowly. However, current realities requires that you be here and take the necessary risks to succeed, now.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

You are happy to continue to lay low and focus on things behind the scenes. This is a good time to prepare the ground for future prospects and projects. These may be as basic as preparing the ground of your garden or fertilizing your mind with new ideas and insights. This is probably not a great time to make important decisions or take key initiatives. Patience is your ally. So, enjoy the slow pace and simply set intentions and make plans to act upon soon….

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

In order to make your dreams reality, you must fist have some. This is a time to summon forth dreams. However, knowing the difference between dreams and simply dreaming or fantasizing is important. To this end, you are wise to be gathering new tools, techniques and methods. These may be a key component in the investments your stars indicate that you are making. Inheritances are also indicated yet there may also be some liabilities. Let wise investment, generosity and temperance guide your decisions.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

Gaining recognition for your efforts, skills and talents past and present is keeping you busy these days. You may feel the need and desire to enter new territory and, where necessary, to break with convention or through lines of resistance. This is an expansive time, yet one that requires the assistance of other key players and allies. You are also being pushed by circumstances to pay closer attention to the details. Acknowledge your past achievements yet accept and work with the power of now!

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

Your mood is deep and yet also ambitious. Blending philosophical and spiritual inclinations with cultural and practical ambitions presents a unique and perhaps a rich synthesis. Proceeding with full confidence may require extra efforts. With so many changes brewing on relationship fronts – both personal and professional – it is not easy to know exactly where you stand. Make extra efforts to keep an open mind and maintain a balance between the big picture and the small, the distant future and the near.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Clearing and cleaning excesses, clutter and/or blockages of any kind is a central theme now. Your goal is to create a clearer and smoother flow. Circumstances of late may be stirring fears. This is your opportunity to practice staying focused in the moment with gratitude and trust and to rise above tendencies of the imagination to conjure negative future circumstances. Meanwhile striking the balance between short and long term needs, desires and choices requires practical consideration.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Making sincere efforts to create balance in your relationships continues as a core theme. The biggest danger is that you may try too hard. Be aware of tendencies to try to create harmony at the expense of authenticity only to find that you are out of your truth and center. Connecting with your sense of individuality and feeling confident by doing so is an important lesson now. Honour your individuality and independence and break away form the herd, if even for a while to regain a healthy balance of perspective.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The desire to entertain and explore relationships, romance and love continue to guide your focus. You are in the mood to play with the possibilities and to take a few risks. You are also interested in establishing a more stable base and the two fronts – love and home – may well converge. You may feel more sober and conservative than you used to. Yet, you also want to play and explore new territory. Balance passion with long term commitments.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Creating beauty in your home and surroundings continues as a central theme. This may include making key changes that include renovations. The changes may also be in you as much as they are in your environment. You may have strong notions about what you want and won’t easily be distracted from your vision. Inventive and innovative ideas are activating your creative aspirations. Take a tailored approach to achieve the right fit and image.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

Feeling comfortable and at home with your thoughts, dreams, visions and ideals is in focus. Forcing one’s self into false moulds is the way to unhappiness and ill health yet many seem to do it due to fear and reaction. It takes courage to be true to your hearts calling. Practicality is important but so too is staying true to your sense of integrity. With your energies running high now and your curiosity peaking, this is a good time to entertain new ways to achieve your personal objectives.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

For the sake of ambition you are willing to explore and venture into new territory. Something deep within you is calling you out and is guiding your journey. Call it your soul. On one hand your objectives are clear and practical, yet woven within them is a search for deeper meaning and integral action. Commitment on both accounts is important and the more your practical and spiritual objectives are woven, the more balanced will you be.