Tag Archives: Michelle Gregg

Jan 15 2010

Today’s Solar Eclipse, New Moon, and Mercury Direct

It’s probably no surprise to any of you that there’s alot going on in the sky at the moment – because there’s alot going on down here. I’m going to try to break it down a bit in astrological terms for you.

This morning, Jan. 15, 2010, at 12:45 AM EST an annular Solar Eclipse began, and at 2:11 AM EST we experienced the New Moon, both events in Capricorn at 25 degrees. This powerful energy, demanding a new course, is filled with the earthy, practicality of Saturn (Saturn rules the sign Capricorn and there are currently 5 planets and the North Node in this sign. That’s alot.) as well as the challenges, boundaries, and restrictions that are also the domain of Saturn.  Known traditionally as the Grim Reaper and harbinger of death, Saturn energy can be  harsh and cruel (Charles Dicken’s Scrooge before his happy transformation is a great example of the shadow personality of Capricorn), and it can also be clear minded, sensible, responsible and will carry through with complete perseverance to the end of whatever is set before it to accomplish. The way I see it, the earthquake in Haiti and the huge response to it is showing us both sides of the Saturn/Capricorn coin pretty clearly.

New Moons always equal New Beginnings and Eclipses require us to change direction or course, and have been known historically to occur simultaneously with huge, life changing events. The ancients believed that an Eclipse was a omen of doom. I don’t cater to that belief as the only possible outcome of an Eclipse, but see them as portals into something new. I believe there can be miracles and evolution – certainly transformation – within every catastrophe, whether personal, local, or global. This New Moon Solar Eclipse has provided us with a very real, very HUGE, portal into evolution and transformation in the very tangible form of this tragic and devastating earthquake. The transformation is certainly occurring for Haiti and Haitians, but also for all of us as our hearts are wrenched, our feelings of helplessness rise, and as we move forward despite hardship to rally forward to help. It is our job to see the miracles that are occurring moment to moment during the rescue and relief missions, and to continue to see them as countries from across the globe pull together to bring relief to this small Caribbean country as it rebuilds, after the shockwaves have dissipated. I am hopeful that somehow the spotlight on this suffering place will open eyes, minds,  hearts and wallets – that it will shift enough people – so that a critical mass occurs and something is done to finally bring Haiti out of such horrific poverty and long-term disease. It IS possible.

If you’ve been reading here, you know that not only is there a Solar Eclipse at hand, but there’s also a Saturn/Pluto square, which is “actual” for about 9 months (Nov. 2009 – Aug. 2010) and”felt” for alot longer. When we combine this energy with the New Moon Solar Eclipse, Mercury going direct, and Saturn going Retrograde, we come up with moment in time and space that is DEFINING. Resources are limited, so we are forced to do more with less, which is a HUGE lesson of our time in our culture.

Mercury going direct means that the channels needed for transporting goods, services, ideas, technology, vehicles etc. are opening up – but slowly. Communication can begin to get back on track. The shadow of the Retrograde continues until the first week of February. It may be that long before the road blocks are cleared and traffic can move effectively, and before we have confirmation of the full extent of the devastation and loss of life in Haiti.

I’ll inform you of the significance of Saturn moving Direct tomorrow.

Jan 6 2010

Yes…it’s Retrograde Season, Saturn and Pluto are squared, but here’s something to inspire you!

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I’ve been thinking about the current Saturn/Pluto square, and all these Retrogrades. And just like that, I came across, for the hundredth time in my life, my favorite quote ever. It’s by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, that wonderful German poet, writer, philosopher, dramatist, playwright, and civil servant. (He was a good Virgo, with a Pisces moon – a man of service and discrimination with a soul connected to the pulse of his world. He was born in 1749 and died in 1832 – like us experiencing the turning from one century to the next. He is known as one of most influential writers of all time.)

The quote I love so much, and that presented itself to me today, is this:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

I do realize of course, that Saturn and Pluto are squared, seemingly wreaking havoc on our very foundation; and that Mercury and Mars are Retrograde – and that in just a few days Saturn will be Retrograde as well. All this Retrograde action translates to a time for mental and physical retreat, and a true internal reality check.  This is not the best moment in time to begin anything new.

HOWEVER – there are words and ideas in the quote above that at this time on our journey, the time of Retrogrades and a Saturn/Pluto square, are of utmost importance. Goethe speaks of commitment, the realm of Saturn. He also speaks of hesitancy, drawing back and ineffectiveness – also the realm of Saturn, but from the lower vibration. He tells us that without commitment we can never be fully engaged in our dream! As long as we hesitate, i.e. as long as we act from a place of commitment phobia, our intentions are not clear to the Powers that Be, and therefore cannot gather force beneath and around us, to rally us forward toward our goals. As long as we are wishy-washy, even a little, Providence cannot help us fulfill our dreams, goals, and aspirations.

So take heed of the Retrogrades and ruminate, stand still instead of running forward just for now, and work with Saturn to get the REAL dream in place so that the Pluto purging of whatever is getting in your way or holding you back can work its mysterious magic that will lead to an incredible transformation in your life as you know it! (Think “work toward transformation”.)

This month and through the next several weeks, during this time of introspection, renewal, rehearsal and not so intrepid and forthright action, go inside and figure out what you WILL COMMIT yourself to. Make lists, meditate, visualize, test and rehearse. Be bold and allow your genius to arise from within – and then, when the time to move forward is ripe (you’ll feel it), the magic will happen – the support will show up, the people of like-mind will appear to help, like the shoemakers elves.

Saturn + Pluto = REAL MAGIC, COMMITMENT TO RELEASING WHAT’S USELESS AND DYING, TRANSFORMATION TAKING FORM, DEEP AWARENESS OF YOUR INNER TRUTH

Read the quote from Goethe several times, only say it in the first person (Until I am committed…etc.) until you can recite it without reading it. Allow it to become a part of you. Internalize it and meditate on it. Feel it. And then…when it’s time to move forward…feel your power, be BOLD and do it! Commit with no concept left of turning back.

See? Retrogrades, Saturn and Pluto really can be your friends!

Dec 31 2009

Happy New Year! January Forecast w/ something for everyone…

I know. I’ve been away a long time (3 months exactly) and I really don’t want to explain, but suffice to say that it wasn’t because I didn’t want to be here. Sometimes things get in the way, sometimes the path diverges unexpectedly, and sometimes I really need to be more than one person to fulfill my personal expectations…but I think I’m back and I have something for you…

Happy New Year!  Happy New Decade!

(If you want to have a printed copy of this but are doing your part for the planet and don’t want to use even more paper, pick up a copy of the January issue of Aquarius magazine. In February you can use it to build a bonfire for Carnival…)

For Sign by Sign Forecasts for January 2010, go to the Current Forecast.

“Your soul is oftentimes a battlefield, upon which your reason and your judgment wage war against your passion and your appetite.”  ~Khalil Gibran

The portal into 2010 is a profound New Year’s Eve Blue Moon Lunar Eclipse! That’s a mouthful and indeed 2010 opens with serious emotionalism leaving you with a lot to chew on over the coming weeks. Be aware that the effects of an Eclipse are felt long after the event, and this Full Moon in Cancer on New Year’s Eve demands a change of course in terms of your family, close ties, your history/tradition and the way you nurture and need nurturing. With Pluto and Saturn involved in the Eclipse your fears and limitations may try to get in your way over the next 6 months. Instead of falling to that dark side, tap the positive energy of Pluto/Saturn as the year begins: voluntarily purge what’s no longer useful in your life, particularly in the areas of family/tradition, career, and relationships. Willingly envision practical steps you can take for a more effective, more efficiently run life. Then take on the responsibility of actually accomplishing those necessary steps. Patience and perseverance will be required as well as a good dose of deep, soulful, self-reflection. Tightening the money belt may also be necessary, and there may be financial loss – learn to do more with less. Remember when being Eco Friendly was called being frugal and was the territory of common sense? Your depression era parents and grandparents can teach you all about that. Spend some time with them and learn the beauty of using only what you need, and saving for a rainy day. The era of boundless waste and thoughtless immediate gratification without consequences is over. With Mars Retrograde  in Leo, Saturn turning Retrograde in Libra on Jan. 13, and Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn until Jan. 15, don’t expect your new course to simply fall into place with your first effort. Persistence, diligence, and perseverance, 3 positive traits belonging to Saturn and Capricorn, will likely be required. January is more about charting the course than acting on it – get clear, get real, plot the map. Previously beloved projects may lose their shine and your interest may be projected elsewhere – it’s okay to let go IF you practice the proper rumination and use realistic judgment. Letting go may be a part of your changing course!  On Jan. 15 we are released from Mercury Retrograde and the communication, transportation, and technological glitches that come with it, and we are gifted with another moment to chart a new course with the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Capricorn. This Eclipse puts emphasis on your outer place in the world and your ability to perform with responsibility and dedication. The purpose of this moment is to offer the potential to balance the home/family/nurture energy of the Lunar Eclipse that began the New Year. The completion of duties is necessary to achieve goals and accomplish dreams that are dear. This is not the time to take off the yoke – but to ponder how you will throw your weight and strength into the practical, earthy furrow before you, despite the rocks and roots in your path. In what new way can you go about these responsibilities and tasks? If the way you’ve been at it has gotten you nowhere, this New Moon Eclipse brings the opportunity to go about bringing your dreams to fruition in a new, better, way – one that leads to fulfillment. You need only do the work, while maintaining focus and integrity.  Jupiter moves into Pisces on Jan. 17, Venus moves into Aquarius on the 18th and the Sun moves into Aquarius on the 19th. These new positions will offer a lighter feel, a softening  toward those who suffer, perhaps a bit of rebellion against the work that is now required, and some new innovation and new ideas to put toward achieving the goals began at the Solar Eclipse. Jan. 30 offers the Full Moon in Leo, the grand, high energy moment that is the culmination of the month, letting us know that despite limits and intensity, life is worth living, particularly when shared in relationship. Open your heart, watch for drama, and give love. And try to balance “yourself in the moment” with “altruism and the big, future picture”. The last day of the month is the second exact square between Saturn and Pluto – the first occurred Nov. 15, 2009; the third will occur on Aug. 21, 2010 heralding the demise of this nine-month Saturn/Pluto era. This second square is the time that we start to understand what we’re supposed to learn from this chafing combination of energies: limits, boundaries, time and tradition from Saturn; and purging, intensity, transformation and rebirth from Pluto. The rub creates the friction necessary to motivate a huge change…what will yours be? It’s not a warm and fuzzy start to 2010, but it can be one that gifts you with the practical reality of taking control of your own life and becoming authentic – live from your true core.  Be willing to steadily pass through any crisis and wholly experience the resulting transformation. Carry this Saturn/Pluto spirit with you throughout 2010.


For Sign by Sign Forecasts for January 2010, go to the Current Forecast.


For a complete look at Mercury Retrograde in a positive light, read my article Mercury Retrograde – The Unlikely Healing Gift here.


Oct 1 2009

Mercury Direct! Now the shadow…

Mercury - Roman MythologyTuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 – Happy Mercury Direct everyone! Mercury began its forward motion at 22 degrees of Virgo and will continue into Libra as the days progress. We’re now entering the after-shadow period; the down-time during which Mercury heads back to the same degree it was in when it went Retrograde 3 weeks ago. That means we have until October 15 to assimilate all that we’ve re-structured and received around our communication skills and needs within relationships (Libra), how and where we can truly serve from the heart while engaging our heads and our hands (Virgo). This time also gives us a couple of weeks to re-engage our brains into forward movement and to pull together a mental plan for the next 3 months so that we’re prepared for the next Retrograde that begins the day after Christmas in Capricorn (that should make for some interesting last-minute holiday shopping and party going! Word to the wise – if you’re buying electronics, cars, or anything that includes a contract this year, shop early!)  We can utilize the current shadow time to figure out how we can now take action and move forward on the juicy information that we may have been able to harvest from our psyches during the Retrograde. We can still expect communication glitches and other Mercury antics for the next few days, but if you’re paying attention you can feel the energy shifting. Don’t expect too much too fast; just breathe in the newly forward feeling and focus on what you’ve learned and how you incorporate that new knowledge into your daily experience of life.

Sep 8 2009

Classic

writingI’ve been trying to write a post to remind you of this particular energy for two days now. What’s the hold-up? Hmmm. I’d say, at the risk of sounding woo-woo, that it’s Mercury Retrograde. No kidding…I woke up Monday morning, the first morning of Mercury Retrograde, and my phone, internet and TV were all down. There was a problem with Comcast. I made the call to report the outage, and over 3 hours later my service was restored…but only for a little while. I spent the rest of the day trying to work without much luck. Pretty much the same thing happened Tuesday, except the outage came late in the day instead of early. Late afternoon I finally threw in the towel and decided to take my own advice. I stopped pushing…stopped forcing. I decided that a walk with my family was a better idea than watching the “connected” bubble at the bottom of my screen, hoping for a few minutes of work time. I picked up a book that I’ve been wanting to read…and what happened? I became inspired to start reworking a scene of my own book. Not at my computer, not in my office. I was curled up with a notebook and a pen in a comfy chair with my son beside me, my mom happily watching Turner Classics, and my dog at my feet. And all this stuff just started coming up! It was fabulous. I connected with my immediate relationships, relaxed, allowed myself to take a step back and WOW. Inspiration flooded me. So don’t despair my friends. Yes. Mercury is Retrograde…maybe you should be too!