The Full Moon in Virgo will prove to be very cataclysmic for many people. Not only is the Full Moon being eclipsed, it will also be a Blood Moon.

According to various astrological news sources, the Full Moon will be at 13 Degrees of Virgo, which in my estimation is incorrect. The Moon will truly reach its full phase on March 3rd, at exactly 12:39 pm (PST), at 12 Degrees instead.

Traditionally the lunar title of “Blood Moon” is given to the first Full Moon after the harvest in October. It’s interesting to note that the Mayan culture had a special Goddess named “Xquic”, who ruled over the time of the Blood Moon, in particular.

My feeling about this Blood Moon is that it portends violence, loss, trouble with all things related to the astrological 6th House, ruled by Mercury. Things that will get further out of whack will involve Work, Health and Service issues (as Virgo is the Zodiacal ruler of this house). And since Mercury also rules the 3rd House of Gemini, expect squabbles with family members, and travel delays.

Since Mercury (ruler of Virgo) is also retrograde in Pisces right now (making annoying aspects with the Sun), there will be considerable problems in almost anything you attempt — so chill out already!

Contact me for help, ‘cos you’re gonna need it!

As an Astrologer, I’ve been talking a lot lately about the phenomenon called Mercury Retrograde. I thought I’d post this info for all my readers and listeners of my podcast.

Mercury Retrograde Explained: Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, as a rule, but the effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens.

A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. This traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth, with relation to other planets in our solar system.

[Important Note: Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, due to this optical illusion.]

Origin of the Retrograde Symbol: The astrological symbol for notating retrograde is “Rx”, the same symbol that is found on all medical prescriptions. In fact, physicians until the 15th century had to also be astrologers before they could practice medicine! The Rx symbol is also an ancient symbol of the God Jupiter, who was considered the Lord of Healing.

The Frequency of Retrogrades: Retrograde motion, although often problematic for us earthlings, is not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. Mercury retrogrades approximately three times a year.

The Planet Mercury: Astrologically, the planet Mercury relates to thoughts, concepts, ideas, and communication (including speaking and writing). Mercury energies involve the mind, mental processes, and travel.

What Happens When Mercury Goes Retrograde: We find that many parts of our life are being revised during this Astrological aspect. During this time, Mercury Retrograde gives us the opportunity to review decisions, directions and ideas.

Often these revisions can be a surprise or throw us back a step. However, these revisions which occur during a Mercury retrograde, are a “course correction” and provide a stop-gap measure until we can review situations. During this time of revision change is compounded and confusion is created by our reactions to the ever-changing situations. Thus anything started during this time will ultimately be taken back or even revised further, making a high-frustration time.

What to Expect During Retrograde Periods: Here is just a short list of things that tend to happen during this Astrological aspect.

Communication Breakdowns: Communications go awry, phone calls, letters, emails, faxes, conversations are delayed, misinterpreted, or blocked. Recheck everything like appointment times, spelling, wording, and even the very words you say. Expect the phone lines, cable lines, power lines to have problems. Expect problems with messages, books, letters, magazines, documents, contracts, wiring or flooding problems, and even squabbles with neighbors and family due to the inability to see each other’s point of view.

Traveling Dangers and Annoyances: Anticipate detours, memory lapses, confusion, failing to listen, failing to confirm, negotiation failures, and last-minute changes in plans. Expect travel delays, car trouble, delayed plane schedules, reservations that suddenly becoming “missing”, transportation difficulties of all kinds, including lost luggage.

How to Deal With Mercury Retrograde: The best line of defense is to anticipate what will happen and take precautionary measures to avoid the problems that most definitely will arise during this aspect.

Preparing for Mercury Retrograde: Plan ahead for these times. First thing’s first — make sure to backup your computer files! This is the time the screen goes blank and there is nothing there! Make sure you have a survival kit in the car, all your bills have been paid, etc.

Do the same things you’d normally do before you take a vacation, and make sure to double-check all details thoroughly. Mercury retrograde times call for you to recheck everything, anticipate and plan ahead, and to relearn lessons unlearned since the last Mercury retrograde cycle. It is also a good time for review and completing ongoing projects.

What to Avoid During Mercury Retrograde: Just remember, it is not a time to start something new. Avoid signing documents, contracts if possible. You can wait 3 weeks, hopefully.

Handling Emotions During Mercury Retrograde: The best mode to be in during a Mercury retrograde is one of “non-reaction”. Treat the time period as a time of gathering information, yet because the information will be in constant change it would be like trying to comb your hair in a wind storm. Best to wait til the changes stop before attempting to make things orderly.

Therefore, just let the winds of situations blow around you without reacting. Once Mercury turns direct, take a look at the information that is still around at that time and go about putting everything in order, while maintaining the fine art of flexibility.

Word of Warning: Ignore this list at your own peril. Whatever is begun during the time of Mercury Retrograde will simply either not work (at worst), or will have to be completely redone at a later time (at best). Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Of course, if you’re having problems during this difficult aspect, please feel free to contact me for a Psychic Reading. If you’re interested in learning more about Astrology, contact me about taking a class.

Happy New Year to all of you! For those who wish to know the specific Chinese name, it’s the year of the Ting Hai Fire Boar (more commonly known as a pig).

Today, February 18, 2007 is considered the true beginning of the New Year, according to the Chinese calendar. As such, it is the single most important celebration of the year.

The Chinese celebrate their New Year on the date of the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice (which occurs approximately on December 21st, each year).

Calculating their months by using a Lunar calendar, the Chinese start each new month on the New Moon (the “darkest” day of the Moon). Ordinarily, the celebration of the New Year begins on the first day of the month, continuing on to the fifteenth day of the month, when the Full Moon occurs (the “brightest” day of the Moon).

The people of China are able to take weeks vacation from their jobs in order to prepare and celebrate this most auspicious time of year.

Year of the Golden Fire Pig: The year 2007 is the Year of the Pig, specifically, the Red Fire Pig. In particular, this is a very special Pig year considered to be “Golden”, and it’s extremely lucky for parent to bring children into the world during the next 12 months, as the child will bring good fortune (as well as be lucky themselves.)

The Sign of the Pig: According to ancient lore, people born during the Year of the Pig, are socially adept, popular, have many loyal friends (and are wonderful friends themselves). They are diligent workers, who enjoy prosperity in order to surround themselves with the luxurious rewards for all their dedication. The are considered to be quite affectionate, and loving and make wonderful partners to whomever is lucky enough to win their love.

Famous Piggies: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and David Letterman.

Historical Piggies: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ernest Hemingway, and Alfred Hitchcock.

If you’re interested in learning more about Chinese Astrology, or want to know more about your Chinese Astrology Sign, contact me for more info!

I wanted to send out a special Astral Happy Birthday to my friend, the late John Balance, (aka Jhonn). He would have been 45 in earth years.

John was a founding member of the remarkable musical group, Coil, with his life partner, Peter Christopherson. I’ve been an avid listener and fan since he first began putting out his music. During the 1980’s, we began a correspondence which lasted a few years.

John was an extraordinarily talented Magician who worked with soundwaves. We shared an insatiable interest in Magick and the works of such men as Aleister Crowley.

John, wherever you are, may you have accomplished your True Will, continuing to play the music of the spheres as you shine your lovely light upon us all.

Find out more about the works of Aleister Crowley and Austin Osman Spare thru the links provided.

Artwork by Austin Osman Spare, reprinted with kind permission of Fulgur, Ltd.

February 2nd is the time of Midwinter, celebrated as the Pagan holiday known as Imbolc, more commonly known as Candlemass, (also spelled “Candlemas”). Astrologically, this holiday is celebrated when the Sun is at 15 Degrees of Aquarius.

Imbolc, literally means,”in the belly” (of the Mother), for the seeds that are planted at the Winter Solstice are beginning to grow.

Symbolism of Imbolc: This is a time for ritual purification, and is a major Fire Festival (one of 4 celebrated by the ancient Celts). Sacred fires marked this holiday, in honor of the Maiden, Brigid (also known as Brigit) who symbolized the fire of healing and birth. In essence, this holiday celebrates the beginning return of the sun.

Although this is a season of coldness and rain, the sun is actually closest to earth at this time, even though we do not feel its warmth. It is at this time that we bring light into our lives.

Symbolism of Candlemass: Known as the “Festival of Lights”, at this time, we prepare light so that the goddess Brigid may find her way out of the darkness and return to us. In pagan lore, this is the time where Brigid (the Celtic Fire Goddess) acts as midwife to Spring, and this is the beginning of that season. Brigid is the triple goddess of poetry, smithcraft, and medicine.

Myths of the Goddess Brigid: The daughter of Spring is born of the White Goddess after her sexual union with the Horned God last Beltane. Under another name, Branwen, the virgin fertility goddess is invoked at this time.

It is also customary to weave “Brigid’s Cross” from straw and hang it upon the hearth. This is made in the shape of a wheel and during a sabbat, it is rolled down a hill while burning. At this time, a Witch attempts to understand the direction his or her life is taking. The Oak King rules.

Brigit as Bride: In Ireland, the Candlemass holiday is celebrated as the Feast Day of Brigid of the Candles (also known as “Bridget of Kildare”, the Celtic goddess of fire, the hearth, smithy, fields, poetry, and childbirth.)

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