Showing posts with label Mercury Retrograde. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mercury Retrograde. Show all posts

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Swimming With The Fish


Greetings, Gifted Reader.

We’re baaaack!

But only for a short while. Let’s see how much longer we can keep this blog going amidst this already bustling 2019. Why is there so much to do all the time?

contrary to Astro-facts, these Pisceans are not swimming in circles
Speaking of “why”, we’ve just emerged from Mercury Retrograde in Pisces. Do you feel as if the fog has cleared, or are things even more confusing for you now?

What House does Pisces rule in your natal chart? Depending on the degree and aspects to other transiting and natal planets, that House should show the life area that was triggered during the recent Retrograde period.

And, a few days before Mercury Stationed Direct, Venus entered Pisces. 

For those who don’t know, Pisces is ruled by king of the seas, Neptune. Symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions in a circle, Pisces can be as murky as the waters it inhabits. Of course, it is of the water element and mutable, to boot. 

Others often feel that Pisceans are hard to read, indecisive and unreliable. On the other hand, they can be very kind, empathetic and charitable. It all depends on which of the two fish you catch!

Please ‘like’ our Urban Goddess page on Facebook, and check out our T_zing t-shirts on Cafe Press.



Until June 30, we bid you months of peaceful planets.


Good luck, light and love.

Gypsy Stars

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Retrograding With Mercury

Greetings, Gifted Reader.

If you’re fortunate enough to live on O’ahu, please drop by the Blue Moon Psychic Fair at Maunakea Marketplace in Chinatown (Honolulu), tomorrow (Sunday, September 20), to get a reading from some wonderfully insightful lightworkers. Besides Astrology, offerings include Tarot, energy healings, and more.
Seattle Astrologers contemplate Mercury Retrograde
So, how’s that Mercury Retrograde of September 17 treating you so far? Thanks to popular Astrology, a lot of folks freak out whenever they hear that Mercury is Stationing Retrograde. What does that mean exactly? Well, the planet Mercury, which rules communications, neighbors, siblings and transportation among other things, slows its motion so that it appears to be moving backwards. Some Astrologers attribute disasters like paperwork gone lost, misunderstandings with neighbors and siblings, and travel snafus to it.

But rather than fear the bad reputation of Mercury Retrograde, you can learn to embrace its good aspects. Since the planet is considered to be going backwards, it means that you can also move back with it. Stop, slow down, and relearn lessons; or, redo something that should have been done right the first time. Start looking at Mercury Retrograde as a second chance.

fear not the opened door
For those born with a Natal Mercury Retrograde, thank the stars you’re naturally able to walk back through situations and thoughts to arrive at a clear conclusion. While others go from point A to point B, you go from point B, the end, to point A, the beginning; thereby giving you the ability to see how you ended up where you did. What a gift!

Learn more about Mercury Retrograde and other Astrological phenomena, or just get a personal reading for yourself, tomorrow at Maunakea Marketplace.

If you have any personal Mercury Retrograde experiences you’d like to share, by all means please do. You can also contact us at TheUrban Goddess on Facebook where we promote all healers, readers and spiritualists.

Remember to check out our T_zing t-shirts at Café Press, too.

Good luck, light and love,
  

Gypsy Stars






Saturday, March 16, 2013

Walking Backward With Mercury Retrograde


Greetings, Gifted Reader.

So, how’s that Mercury retrograde working for ya?

By now, even the average layperson is aware that when Mercury turns retrograde (slows its speed so as to appear as if it’s moving backward), havoc is wreaked. Or, is it?

two Seattle Astrologers discuss Mercury retrograde
For many of us, Mercury retrograde means revisiting the past. This is a period that can give us an opportunity to fix something we’ve left hanging. Also, note how many people you haven't heard from in decades who suddenly contact you on LinkedIn.

Astrologers know that Mercury rules communications and short-distance travel and when a retrograde occurs, it’s like a blast from the past. Issues we haven’t dealt with come back to haunt us--particularly areas that Mercury rules; like, the aforementioned communications and short-distance travel.

Did you misunderstand an email, letter, note or voicemail—something written or spoken? Or, did your travel plans go awry?

Gypsy Stars revisits her visit to St. John USVI
For those of us with Natal Mercury retrograde, there’s little to fear. We know that by walking backward through any life area, we get clarity. Many of us do that often, naturally, due to our Natal Mercury placement. Personally, Gypsy Stars likes to read backwards, and even watch a film from ending to beginning.

Mercury also rules siblings, neighbors and neighborhoods. Anyone up for a garage sale? This is a good time to get rid of stuff from your past. Maybe, even dump your evil sister.

The current Mercury retrograde period is February 19 to March 18. On the 20th, the Sun will move into Aries to give us a sense of renewal and hope for spring. It will be a great time to jumpstart something brand spanking new. With Venus joining the Sun on the 22nd, check out how closely your love and money sectors sync with your will and determination.

Remember, if you have an interesting metaphysical moment--or many of them--to share with us, drop us a line so we can feature you here. We’d love to let the world know about you and your work.

And, of course, check out our T_zing t-shirts at Cafe Press.

Until the Sun is in bright and beautiful Aries,

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars



Saturday, July 21, 2012

It's In The Stars!


Greetings, Gifted Reader!

During this time of monumental--and often terrifying--world events, one way to find answers is by utilizing Astrology. A lot of people think that reading a newspaper horoscope that dispenses advice to only 12 Sun Signs can provide guidance and, at times, it does. However, for truly accurate predictions, one needs to have a Natal chart erected and interpreted. And, that’s just the beginning. There are also daily transits to consider as well as progressions and other Astrological happenings that act as triggers in our charts. Obviously, planets in our solar system are not stationary and change positions throughout our lifetimes. Mundane charts can also be erected for countries to predict global occurrences. In fact, there are so many ways to read Astrological charts that it would take a dedicated blog to cover the subject.

So instead, this month we’re spotlighting Freya Aer-Sharona, an incredible Astrologer who has accurately pinpointed events in my life even though I, myself, am a degreed Astrologer! That’s right, charts can be so complicated to interpret that Astrologers need Astrologers.

Freya thinks in stars and manifests them...
Q: Freya, when did you first develop your interest in Astrology?

A: After my divorce in 1973, I started dating and met a man whose birthday was three days earlier than my Taurus ex-husband's and in the same year. They were so much alike that I asked him when he was going to make a pond on his property. This scared him as, indeed, he was thinking about it; that was the last I saw of him. Then I met a Libra man whose birthday was one day before mine and in the same year.  We were alike in so many ways that it was uncanny! These chance encounters made me curious enough about Astrology to make an appointment with an Astrologer for a reading. She explained Astrological events that had led to a breakdown I experienced in about 1970. She called the breakdown a “breakthrough”, connecting it partly to a Saturn Return (note: Saturn returns to its Natal position in our charts approximately every 29 years) and putting a positive spin on a miserable process. The Astrologer made more sense and brought me more clarity than any of the therapists I had seen for years. I have been studying Astrology ever since.

Q: Did you study formally?

A: I bought a few Astrology books at the Dorothy B. Hughes Bookstore in Seattle. Back in the 70’s and early 80’s, there weren't many good Astrology books available. Later on, I found a lot more books at Astrology Et Al Bookstore. In the early 80’s, I found a teacher, Kate, to teach me one-on-one how to calculate charts and the basics of Astrology. Because math is not my strong suit, to say the least, months went by while I struggled with it and got discouraged. In fact, when I finally bought a computer in the late 80’s and used Blue*Star Astrology software to calculate charts, I discovered that a lot of my hand-erected charts were inaccurate! Money was tight, but I managed to take a few classes over the years. I experienced difficulty applying my scattered knowledge and feeling confident with my interpretation of a chart. I think this is a common complaint among those of us who have a passionate interest in Astrology, but don't find a structured curriculum to study it in.

In the late 80’s, a friend from my Edgar Cayce study group told me about an Astrology meeting in Seattle, Dave's Astrology Get-Together.  It met once a month in the As-You-Like-It Library in the old IOOF building located in the Capital Hill district. During Dave's meeting, my sporadic, haphazard Astrology studies began to pay off. For the first couple of years of attending the meetings, I felt so boggled by all the shoptalk and “Astrologese” of the Astrologers that sometimes I had to leave early because I'd get a pounding headache! This, too, I think is typical of the early learner.

More time went by and I bought more books and took a few more classes. In 2000, I signed up for a correspondence course with a famous Astrologer, Noel Tyl. However, I discovered that I learn best in a physical class setting that allows me to exchange ideas with other students and the teacher. Thanks to his course of study, I have gained a real sense of “putting it all together”.

Freya interprets an Astrology chart
Q: Do you have a specialty as far as chart interpretation goes?

A: There are many different kinds of Astrology (natal, horary, event, mundane, medical, financial, etc.) and many techniques a person can use to interpret a Natal chart (secondary progressions, solar-arc directions, solar and lunar returns, transits, etc.), whether the chart is for a person or a nation. I have tried some of these techniques and feel some work better for me than others. I love the “a-ha! moment” when insights arise from my review of a person's Natal chart and the predictive techniques that I choose are confirmed by the person. If one can become aware of, and capitalize on, potential opportunities within a certain timeframe, that is very helpful. It's also helpful if one becomes aware of “Big Trouble Brewing”--a long-term aspect from one of the outer, slow-moving planets: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Being aware of the aspects to their chart can help a person make the most of a situation--be it a challenge, conflict or an opportunity.

Q: How does Astrology help you on a daily basis?

A: I usually keep track of what sign the Moon is in the sky. A Virgo Moon is a great time for digging in and getting housework or some organizational chores done. An Aries Moon is energizing and it's a great time for us to begin a new project. (I think a good introduction to Astrology would be studying the Moon. A good book for this is The Moon in Your Inner Life - Being a Lunar Type in a Solar World by Donna Cunningham.)  In addition, keeping track of Mercury-Retrograde periods (four times a year for about three weeks at a time) helps me. During Mercury Retrograde, I make extra efforts to double-check phone messages, appointments, directions, and communication in general. In fact, we're experiencing a Mercury Retrograde right now (from July 15 to August 8). Today, I spent over an hour looking for a bookstore (for yet more Astrology books!) in an area unfamiliar to me.  It seemed very confusing (Mercury Retrograde strikes again). Mercury also rules short trips.

I’ve also been experiencing challenges from transiting Uranus and Pluto aspects to my Natal Sun, Mars and Moon. This energy ramped up when transiting Mars was added to the mix and made a pattern called a T-square. Even though I knew ahead of time about this T-square from a review of my Natal chart last summer, and I was aware of which areas of my life most likely would be affected, now that the actual T-square is happening, I'm still finding the word "challenge" way too mild. Some days, I consult my ephemeris to see how much longer I can expect to feel bombarded by events that are beyond my control. Pluto is majorly transformative, so I will be learning to surrender in some respect.

Freya checks her emphemeris
Q: How have your predictions turned out?

A: Astrological predictions are not like doing a psychic reading. Logic, discipline and rules of delineation are involved, and I can track and explain how I arrive at my conclusions. The fact that a person armed with Astrological insight has free will can change a predicted outcome. Different topics and areas in life are assigned to each of the Twelve Houses. Sometimes, a prediction can be made about different topics found in a particular House. I recall one instance where I predicted my daughter's friend would get pregnant because her Fifth House was activated. One key word for the Fifth House is “creative”.  It turned out that the friend did not get pregnant as she was hoping, but creativity manifested as writings that she got published.

In late December 2011, my stepson and his girlfriend were ready to leave New Mexico and move on from a difficult situation. I saw from his girlfriend's chart that a female would play a major role in helping them move in a few months. It turned out that by Spring, a female friend in California offered them a solution, but one that did not materialize. However, they eventually answered an ad placed, indeed by a female, which led to a different opportunity for them in California and resulted in a move.

As an Astrologer, I seem to attract people who are seeking reassurance and validation. Among other things, predictions can help a person to recognize that they could do something they had not thought of before and actually feel empowered to work toward manifesting it.  Sometimes, a person may not want to hear an Astrologer's prediction.  Interestingly, I did not give Kate, my first Astrology teacher, the birth data for my second husband before I married him. I did not ask her about how a marriage would work out with my having a Scorpio-Sun daughter who was 14 at the time. That three-month marriage resulted in a painful lesson. It is better at least to go into what could be a difficult situation armed with information!

Q: What does your own Natal chart say about you?

A: With a Libra Sun conjunct Mars in the Third House of my Natal chart and both the Sun and Mars opposing my Aries Moon, and with Leo rising, I am what you would call a passionate person. I have my Libra Sun and three other planets, Venus, Neptune and Mars, in my Third House. Third House planets can lend themselves to teaching roles. Libra likes harmony. I tend to be a patient teacher, in spite of the close proximity of Mars to my Sun. Normally, Mars conjunct Sun can find a person being short-tempered and impatient. I do enjoy teaching. With Pluto on the cusp of the First House, I can be intense and some people may find that quality uncomfortable to be around. One quality I possess, thanks to Neptune, is seeing the best in people. Neptune is conjunct my Sun which I have seen as both a good thing and a bad thing. Aspects between planets in a Natal chart can be like that. I have learned that only seeing the best in people and ignoring their faults can sometimes cloud my judgment. Incidentally, the word “cloud” is a key word for Neptune. This has worked against me in personal relationships in the past. My Astrology studies allowed me to become aware of this tendency.

My chart has a little-known 165-degree aspect called a Quindecile, which I learned about while studying with Mr. Tyl. Quindeciles have an obsessive quality to them. In my case, I find it really helps me focus to meet deadlines. Such concentrated focus served me well in my work in the legal field. Yes, my Libra sense of justice steered me into the legal field where I worked for over 20 years. My Taurus boss once asked me, as I was raptly pouring over some Astrology charts during my work break, "Do you really believe in Astrology?"  Well, DUH!

Q: You're a first-rate Astrologer. Is there any way our blog readers can contact you for a professional reading?

A: I will be happy to do a session for your blog readers. Since I don't have a website yet, they could contact me through yours. In any event, I did enjoy reminiscing and sharing some stories of my Astrology learning process with you all.

Thank you, Freya! Remember readers, contact Freya through us by emailing gypsystars@me.com And, here’s a reminder that we will have new t-shirt designs for Fall at T_zing. Gypsy Stars is also on Facebook and you can post your metaphysical musings on The Urban Goddess fan page. Perhaps you know of someone who would like to be profiled here. Until our online spirits meet again…

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars


Saturday, May 21, 2011

The End?

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

So, is this it? Are we finis? Did the world end today? Did The Rapture begin?

It blows my mind!
According to followers of radio host Harold Camping, this is the last day we humans will exist on planet earth. If Camping’s prediction ends up coming true, do you think that would be a tragedy? Or, would it be something positive--more like a gateway to a better future?

Yes, Gypsy Stars asks a lot of questions. Blame it on my Sag Moon, which also makes me an eternal optimist. I totally agreed with Bob Marley when he sang, “When one door is closed, many others are opened”.

In the law of cause and effect, wouldn't it mean that if life no longer exists on this plane (for spirits inside human bodies), it's bound to exist on another, new and improved plane? What do you think?

Ah. A much better thought.
Like a lot of religious leaders, Camping preaches exclusivity. Accordingly, if you don’t follow his particular belief system, then you will be doomed to exist on earth while his believers will ascend to some heavenly place that you won’t have access to. Pray tell, what would be so heavenly about that? If you’re a Camping believer and you end up in heaven, but someone you love who is not a believer is condemned to stay on earth, how heavenly will that be for you to be separated from them? Eternally!

But let’s suppose that the world does end today. Have you ever thought about whom you would like most to meet on the Other Side—presuming they retain some semblance of their old human self, that is? 

I have a long list, but one of the more interesting spirits to arrive here in human form, I believe, was martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. Below is a photo of his grave next to his son’s, Brandon's, along with some of Gypsy Stars’ international friends.


Another friend initially took me to the Lee's graves several years ago. On that shimmering summer day, she and I stopped to eat lunch in Chinatown. And, when we arrived at the gravesite, we decided to leave an offering of some of our leftover rice. 

You’re not going to believe what happened next! As we placed some grains of rice on Brandon's grave, the sky suddenly filled up with hundreds of crows. As they caw-cawed their way across the horizon, my friend and I stared at each other in disbelief. In case you don’t know, Brandon was killed working on the set of the film The Crow. At 28, he was probably entering his first Saturn Return. Although my friend and I were unsure of what to make of so many crows appearing to us that day in that particular space, we did understand that it was some kind of message from the Beyond. 

Have you ever had an unusual experience like that? Drop us a line at gypsystars@me.com and tell us about it.

Well, the Sun has officially entered Gemini making this a good time for communications. With Mercury, Venus and Mars all in Taurus, our relationships feel steadier and we should be able to exert more patience towards others. Relationships don’t necessarily have to be romantic and can concern anyone we relate to. Whether it’s a significant other, a parent, a child, a friend, a boss or a co-worker, try a little tolerance. You’ll be surprised by how much of it you have in reserve during these days of predominate Taurus energies.

You probably already know that author George Patton is a frequent commenter on the Facebook profile for Gypsy Stars. Friend us here: http://www.facebook.com/people/Gypsy-Stars/100001436618700

George, whose novel Black Jack is about his great uncle Herman (a well-renowned magician during the Harlem renaissance), was recently featured on the radio show Coast to Coast. Check out George here:


Remember, we have T-zing t-shirts for you at CafĂ© Press. 











And, George’s book is on Amazon.

That is, if we’re all still here after 6 p.m. today.

Until the end…

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Spring Has Sprung!


Greetings, Gifted Reader!

What could feel more like Spring than The Year of the Rabbit? Spring is the season of fertility, and we all know that there’s no animal more fertile than the rabbit. Right? Thus, the Easter Rabbit and those omnipresent, brightly colored eggs. But did you know that the original Easter holiday was a pagan celebration named for Eoster--the Goddess of Fertility?



Maybe it’s not all that spring-y where you are, but here on the West Coast the weather is currently mild. Some cherry blossoms are also beginning to bloom, and in Japan it would be hanami—flower-watching season. However, the recent earthquake and tsunami tragedy may prevent a lot of Japanese from celebrating--whether it’s due to a physical hardship or for emotional reasons.


When I meet with my Astrologers group the first week of April, I’m sure the hot topic of discussion will be Japan’s catastrophe. Interestingly, the planet Uranus left Pisces for Aries on March 11, the day of the horrific event. Uranus rules sudden, often cataclysmic and unexpected events. While the sign Aries is pioneering and always indicates something new on the horizon, it’s hard to see at this moment how something so awful will give way to something fresh and original. But it will.


Tonight, one week past the tragedy, we’re seeing the fullest Moon in 18 years, which compelled a friend to request a Full Moon spell from me. Maybe someone out there knows one, but the only Moon spell I do begins with a New Moon, which guarantees the spell comes to fruition at the Full Moon. The Moon rules the female principle, particularly older women, and the Ifa deity Yemaya or Yemoja. Yemaya has rulership over the seas as well as pregnant women and children. If you want to connect with her, bring watermelons to the ocean and chant, “Fetifum, Mama Yemaya!”



On the 28th, we’ll be visited by another Mercury Retrograde. If you believe retrogrades are a time of communication disasters, try, instead, to think of it as a chance to reflect. Going backwards gives you the opportunity to re-do something that might not have been done right the first time.


With so many planets in fiery Aries—Sun (March 19), Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus--now is the time to do something brand new. One thing Gypsy Stars promises to do is create more T_zing t-shirts, so please stay tuned for our Spring Line. Meanwhile, check us out here:


Remember, to friend Gypsy Stars on Facebook, and join The Urban Goddess Facebook Group where we support all metaphysicians.


Until next time, I leave you with photos of Spring flowers and one of the Hindu Goddess Komon, above, who is recognized by Japanese. This statue of her appears on Kalaukaua Avenue in Honolulu.


Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Jupiter: The Gigantic, Giving, Goof

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

Did ya miss me? Apologies for not appearing here last week, but this blogger has moved to a biweekly format. From now on, look for us keeping you in the know with our metaphysical musings on an every-other-week basis.

Since last we connected, Gypsy Stars has been experiencing her own Jupiter Retrograde disappointments. How has Jupiter been treating you?


As you may know, Jupiter’s generosity is legend. Here is a big fat, jolly planet that lives to give. Jupiter also loves to laugh and because of his naĂŻvetĂ© can be a total dork. Due to his hedonistic tendencies like over-imbibing and overeating, Jupiter is also the quintessential partier slash playboy. In Ifa, Obatala is sometimes compared to Jupiter. Children of Obatala wear white, are considered chaste and holy, and not allowed to drink alcohol. Obatala, it is said, created humans. But as he sat in heaven, making people of clay then blowing them down to earth with his breath, he thought he’d have a shot of palm wine to make his work go faster. In fact, Obatala thought he’d have several shots. Soon, he became so tipsy that he accidentally began breaking off the arms, legs and even the heads of the unfortunate earthlings; sending them to earth as disabled and undeveloped.

Discipline, boys and girls, is not Jupiter’s forte either. In the case of retrogrades, Jupiter will often take back what he gave you in abundance while he was in direct motion. Because Jupiter is in Aries now, generally (because it will differ for each individual), we’re looking at issues dealing with ego, personality and the physical body. For instance, if you have Aries Ascendant, Jupiter Retrograde over your First House could be that time when you lose weight. On September 8, Jupiter will be retrograding his way backwards into Pisces while both Venus and Mars enter Scorpio! Okay, I think I’ll sit this one out in my Gypsy Stars cave. Scorpio is intense and with both Venus and Mars in it, you can expect lots of fireworks or firearms going off in personal relationships.

Switching subjects now, a lot of people often ask me for advice about how to attain mental clarity. First of all, stop ingesting dead animals. Seriously. Although it’s a good way to stay physically healthy, too, not eating putrid carcasses is also a way for you to avoid taking in any residue negative vibrations. An animal in its last moments of life, realizing that it’s dying, is fighting hard to live. That is what you’re bringing into your psyche—fear, helplessness, and the overwhelming pain of loss. Check out most Eastern religions like Buddhism and you will note that priests do not eat dead animals, for a good reason.

Once you’ve gotten to that point (and I’m not saying to do it overnight), be sure you’re always well hydrated. Drink lots of water and natural non-concentrated juices. If you have a juicer, excellent. For tea, I stick with genmai (green with brown rice bits) and if I really want to open my chakras, I use gotu kola, which is made from elephants’ favorite leaves. Drink gotu kola regularly and you will never forget. If you don’t already practice yoga, try it for both the physical rewards and meditative qualities.

After you’ve gotten yourself physically conditioned, create a place in your home where only you alone can always go. That will become your altar space where you will meditate and ask your higher consciousness, gods and/or goddesses, spirit guides, or whatever you look to for guidance, to assist you with a clearer, calmer mind.

Another time, I’ll give you some ideas of what to put in your altar space.


Above are some of my fave photos of the psychic vibes surrounding Santa Monica, a city chock full of ghosts and legends. For instance, a statue of Saint Monica stands on Ocean Boulevard and Wilshire. It’s reported that Ms. Monica was beyond consoling because her son, the future St. Augustine, was a drunkard and womanizer. Monica cried every day until her tears formed a pool near downtown Los Angeles where Spanish explorers landed. Seeing the spring of water there, they decided to name the area Santa Monica (not to be confused with present-day Santa Monica located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean). As Fate would have it, the city of Santa Monica is Sagittarius which means it's ruled by generous, jovial Jupiter and the same sign that my Moon (home) is in.


That’s me at the top in my favorite Santa Monica cemetery on 14th Street followed by a shot of Zoltar, the famous psychic living on Santa Monica Pier. Drop in a coin, and voila! Zoltar will tell you whether or not that knuckle-headed boyfriend will call you with an apology, or if your lottery ticket holds the winning combo.

Santa Monica:

Zoltar:


And, don't forget our T*zing t-shirts at http://www.cafepress.com/t_zing and George Patton's book about his great Uncle Herman, a famous magician during the Harlem Renaissance.

Remember, you can friend us on Facebook and like The Urban Goddess, too.

Leaving you with good luck, light and love;
Gypsy Stars







Sunday, August 22, 2010

Ellegua, Legba and Mercury

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

Apologies for the delay this week, but Gypsy Stars had a party to attend on Saturday and missed her own deadline. That, plus Mercury Retrograde was the culprit for things falling apart.

By now, most people who read their daily horoscope have some sense of what Mercury in Retrograde means. For decades, popular Astrologers rarely discussed it and now that they do, it seems a lot of the general public has a misunderstanding of the effects of this planetary phenomenon.

Personally, Gypsy Stars has heard from some lay folks that this configuration is the worst thing that could happen as miscommunications abound and nothing is settled. While that's somewhat true, there are times when things going wrong turn out to be blessings. Think of Mercury Retrograde as a rest stop on the long highway of life and you'll be just fine.

First of all, let's take a look at the planet itself. Here's the guy responsible for communications, basic education, siblings and short-distance travel; thus, neighborhoods. In the religion of Ifa which is incorporated in Santeria and Vodoun, the deity Legba or Ellegua is highly representative of Mercury. As the Trickster,  he has 21 paths so he's quirky and changeable. In Ifa, you must first petition Legba or Ellegua to ask him to open the doors to the other deities in order to fulfill your desires. If he likes the ebbos (sacrifices) you offer him, he just may let you enter. You can think of the planet Mercury in a similar fashion since he is all about the way we think and speak. When Mercury is in Retrograde motion--meaning he appears to be moving backwards as he slows his speed--that's the time when our thoughts and speech also retract themselves. That's why mail gets lost, voicemails are garbled, emails are never delivered, etc. They occur to gives us a chance to stop action on something, retrieve it, and rethink it before releasing it again.

Since this particular Mercury Retrograde is in the sign Virgo, it's an ideal time to analyze Sixth House activities--or matters of health and employment. Virgo is also about "service to others", so reconsider what you give away so freely.

Use this time wisely. If you have a Natal Mercury Retrograde in your chart, you're already backtracking regularly. For the rest of you, remember this is an opportunity to reassess and resolve an issue that continues to confront you.

To learn more about Legba, read Jambalaya by Luisah Teish pictured below. Remember, we have t-shirts, too. And, don't forget to join us on Facebook!











Leaving you with good luck, light and love;
Gypsy Stars