Star Stories: September 2020

strology for September 2020

Note for September: The social season will start buzzing in September. There are a few oppositions this month that will create some problems and static but also sign changes – including Venus’ movement into Leo that bring a good deal of blessings and opportunity. Jupiter also brings us one of the luckiest days of the year!

9/1: Mercury trine Pluto. This is a time when communication gets deep.
Ask: Where do my words need to go deeper?

9/2: Full Moon at 10 degrees Pisces, 12:22 AM. Some ideas for how to work with the Full Moon can be found here: https://brianasaussy.com/how-to-honor-the-full-moon/ and here: https://brianasaussy.com/six-months-of-magic-every-full-moon/
Ask: What am I ready to heal?

9/2: Venus opposed to Saturn. This is a tough aspect that can have us focusing on love gone wrong and sad stories. You can align with this in a more positive way by affirming or re-affirming your commitment to healthy romantic and financial habits.
Ask: Where would I like to recommit myself?

9/3: Mercury trine Saturn. This is good astrology for thinking through serious or difficult problems and arriving at elegant conclusions.
Ask: What needs to be carefully thought through?

9/4: Venus square Mars. Tough day for love and matters of the heart. This aspect can lead us all to pick fights and be extra aggressive.
Ask: Where can I practice kindness?

9/5: Mercury moves into Libra. Communication becomes fair, balanced, and has a helpful dose of charm and flirtation thrown in to boot!
Ask: Where can my words brings more balance?

9/6: Venus moves into Leo. The focus now is on luxury, fun, good times, and creative work!
Ask: What creative projects are in need of love?

9/9: Mars Retrograde begins at 5:22 PM in Aries and stations direct on November 13th at 6:36 PM. Review your energy levels, fitness habits, and health routines.
Ask: Where do I need to optimize my independence?

9/9: Sun trine Jupiter. This is a wonderful day for good luck, fortune, and general blessings. Asking for a favor or seeking a promotion gets a thumbs up on this day!
Ask: Where am I ready to take a chance?

9/10: Waning Quarter Moon at 18 degrees Gemini, 4:26 AM. A reminder that this is a great time to banish: https://brianasaussy.com/what-are-you-really-banishing/
Ask: What distractions do I need to remove?

9/11: Sun opposed to Neptune. Thinking and feeling can be fuzzy on this day. Letting yourself rest and especially watching your immune system are good ideas.
Ask: Where am I ready to rest?

9/12: Jupiter Direct!!!

9/15: Venus square Uranus can bring surprises in the areas of love and money so be on the lookout for those.
Ask: Where has my money gotten stagnant?

9/17: New Moon at 25 degrees Virgo at 6:00 AM. Here are Four Ways to Honor the New Moon just in case you missed them: https://brianasaussy.com/4-ways-honor-new-moon/
Ask: What do I want to plan for?

9/20: Mercury square Pluto. This aspect brings out the sting in all conversations. Watch out for overtly or passive-aggressive behaviors in yourselves and others.
Ask: How can I say it with kindness?

9/22: Sun enters Libra (Fall Equinox) 8:31 AM — Fall Equinox
Ask: What relationships am I devoted to?

9/23: Waxing First Quarter at 1 degree Capricorn, 8:55 PM. This is the perfect time to brush up on your divination practice! https://brianasaussy.com/teaching/20-question-tarot/
Ask: Where am I ready to build mastery and expertise?

9/27: Mercury enters Scorpio. Conversations get deeper, more raw, and have potentially more bite to them when Mercury hangs out in Scorpio.
Ask: What words are able to heal?

9/29: Saturn Direct!!!

magic, miracles: receive my lunar letters

ARRIVING on full moons each month.

20 Question
Tarot

How to Work with Mars Retrograde

Ceremony and Ritual

bout every other year the fiery plant Mars goes retrograde – the elusive state where a planet appears to be going backward in its elliptical orbit, but it isn’t really. In classical astrology the traditional understanding is that when a planet goes into retrograde it actually descends into the Underworld, descending into shadow. When Mars descends into the Underworld we can know that some of this planet’s more aggressive tendencies can be exacerbated, but as always there are many positive effects of Mars’ entrance into shadow. It is during this time that we are able to align ourselves with the elements of Mars that have perhaps been missing or overlooked in our lives over the past year and change.

Do’s

– Exercise and overhaul your physical fitness routine
– Review conflicts, disagreements, and battles that you have engaged in since the last time Mars went rx and consider what they have taught you
– Explore your relationship to self-discipline
– Inform yourself about the current geopolitical situation
– Refine your diet
– Avoid passive-aggressive behavior
– Dedicate the merits of your actions
– Optimize any areas that seem to especially be calling for your attention
– Refresh your self-defense skills
– Take action to honor those who have served in the armed forces
– Stay hydrated
– Amp up your protective rites and magic

Dont’s

– Pour gasoline on fires by ramping up disagreements and conflicts
– Glorify war and violence
– Give into dictatorial behaviors no matter where they come from
– Ignore your physical health
– Engage in destructive behaviors
– Let a diplomatic outreach or negotiation go off the rails
– Give into division and acrimony
– Stew in rage or anger that has no proper channel
– Leave yourself vulnerable
– Burn the candle at both ends
– Resist getting plenty of rest

Mars is the planet most committed to discipline and perfection. This can work beautifully in our day to day lives because when we are alignment with Mars we see what needs to be fixed and we have the energy to optimize it. However, the shadow side of discipline and perfection is never being satisfied and always wanting more…this impatience for the very best can easily lead to conflict that at the end of the day, no one really wins.

If you are Mars-sensitive and concerned about the effects of the retrograde you may engage in the following acts of honoring and propitiating the God of War:

– Make and keep doctor appointments, prioritizing the health of the physical body
– Add the color red and the scent of cinnamon to your altar
– Donate to a local veterans association
– Exercise and dedicate the merits of your work to Mars
– Donate blood
– Donate to a peacekeeping organization
– Offer dishes of meat (especially lamb, pig, or bull), red wine, and wheat
– Place iron objects, ideally weaponry made of iron, on your altar
– Learn to work responsibly with a weapon of your choice
– Take on a physical challenge you can work your way up to

magic, miracles: receive my lunar letters

ARRIVING on full moons each month.

20 Question
Tarot

Star Stories: August 2020

Ceremony and Ritual

strology for August 2020

Note for August: This month starts and ends with weeks that are packed with celestial weather and in between those two the seas a relatively calm with a few exceptions.

8/1: Blessed Lammas!!!

8/1: Mercury opposed to Pluto. Be extra careful of trying to get your way by any means necessary with this astrology and be extra careful of people trying to get their way with your through deception and/or manipulation.
Ask: Where do things feel less than forthright?

8/3: Full Moon at 11 degrees Aquarius, 10:59 AM. Some ideas for how to work with the Full Moon can be found here: https://brianasaussy.com/how-to-honor-the-full-moon/ and here: https://brianasaussy.com/six-months-of-magic-every-full-moon/
Ask: What community am I seeking out?

8/3: Sun square Uranus. This aspect can have a lot of restless energy bubbling up to the surface and the best thing to do is move your body with it. But, do exercise caution because Uranus can always bring the unexpected and sometimes a dangerous situation.
Ask: What needs to move?

8/3: Mercury opposed to Saturn. This opposition can make you feel like you are just spinning your wheels and getting no where fast. You can align with it by not trying to overly verbally communicate and instead by making plans and sussing out the best structure for your current project.
Ask: Where would I benefit from more thinking and less speaking?

8/4: Mercury moves into Leo. For the next three weeks communication is quick, fiery, funny, and a bit dramatic. You will definitely have opinions that you want to share during this transit.
Ask: What opinions am I ready to express?

8/4: Mars square Jupiter. This is actually a positive square that brings luck and opportunity to those willing to hustle for it!
Ask: What opportunity am I ready to seize?

8/7: Venus moves into Cancer. Venus in Cancer is all about home, family, children, food, and real estate. Privacy and security issues often loom large with this transit as we become especially loving and nurturing of our tribe.
Ask: How can I best protect and support my people?

8/11: Waning Quarter Moon at 19 degrees Taurus, 11:45 AM. Reminder that this is a great time to banish: https://brianasaussy.com/what-are-you-really-banishing/
Ask: Where do I need to banish laziness or sloth?

8/13: Mars square Pluto. This aspect has the potential to be violent and/or dangerous. Watch yourself and do not put yourself in harm’s way. Keep communications kind and do not engage in adversarial situations today.
Ask: Where do I need to simply wait it out?

8/15: Uranus Retrograde. Retrograde begins at 9:25 AM and stations direct on January 14th at 2:36 AM.
Ask: What needs to be shaken up in my life and what needs to be settled back down?

8/16: Sun trine Mars. This aspect gives us a ton of energy, makes us feel sexy, and has us all working to live our best lives.
Ask: What do I want to celebrate?

8/17: Mercury trines Mars. It is now time to make plans and optimize all the things. That is the gift of a trine between Mercury and Mars. Well, that and the fact that you have the energy and discipline to implement the changes you want to make!
Ask: What plans am I ready to make?

8/18: New Moon at 26 degrees Leo at 9:42 PM. Here are Four Ways to Honor the New Moon just in case you missed them: https://brianasaussy.com/4-ways-honor-new-moon/
Ask: What new luxury am I ready to embrace?

8/19: Mercury moves into Virgo. Mercury loves to be in this sign! Now is the time to get your house in order as the summer begins to come to a close. Paying the bills, making the doctor appointments, and cleaning off your altars never felt so good! Great time for writing, publishing, and speak as well!
Ask: What am I devoted to right now?

8/22: Sun enters Virgo 10:45 AM
Ask: What is holy for me?

8/24: Mars square Saturn. Things are just not going to move the way we want them to today so it would be better to stop trying so hard and celebrate a tiny win, make a check list (to honor the Sun in Virgo) or plant something in your garden.
Ask: Where do I need to let go?

8/25: Waxing Quarter at 13 degrees Sagittarius, 10:10 PM. This is the perfect time to brush up on your divination practice! https://brianasaussy.com/teaching/20-question-tarot/
Ask: What travels am I ready to undertake?

8/25: Mercury trine Uranus. This aspect brings out great ideas, brilliant insights, and all kinds of magical communications. Great day for writing, publishing, book proposals, public speaking gigs, and communications in general.
Ask: What insights are making themselves known to me?

8/25: Venus opposed to Jupiter. This aspect makes us feel like anything is possible but can also leave us procrastinating and/or not willing to do the work to make the possible happen.
Ask: Where would my big dream benefit from the concrete effort?

8/27: Venus trine Neptune. Right now we are all about positive thinking that verges into not helpful fantasy land. If this day has you thinking that things are not really that bad or hard you may need to check yourself and take off those rose-colored glasses.
Ask: Where am I kidding myself?

8/29: Mercury trine Jupiter. This trine is about as positive as it gets. Apply it to the areas of life that seem particularly sticky and tricky and you will be amazed with what emerges for you!
Ask: What areas of my life could use some brilliant positive thinking?

8/30: Venus opposed to Pluto. This aspect can go one of two ways. You can see your wounds and hurts with love and compassion and bring some beautiful healing to them, or you can go off in the direction of Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. I think you know what needs to happen, yeah?
Ask: Where would an old hurt benefit from some compassion and grace? August August August

magic, miracles: receive my lunar letters

ARRIVING on full moons each month.

20 Question
Tarot

Astro RX 2021

Divination and Dreams

iracles — Let us discover what astro events are happening in the heavens so that we might be fully rooted here in this gorgeous earth.

In this post we will go through the various phases of the moon, briefly look at what each of the planets will be up to in 2021, and of course, I will give you pertinent retrograde dates and eclipse dates as well.

As always for every single point, I will give you at least one question to consider. Why?

Because although the popular way of teaching astrology (and most other things) is by telling you dear reader what I think they mean, I have found that a much better way of approaching anything in the sacred arts is to give you the tools to think about it, feel into it, and figure it out for yourself.

Questions, the right questions, can help you do just that. I teach magic, tarot, and astrology in this manner and from the reports I have received and my own experience I know that it works.

So get those pens and notebooks ready!

But before we begin, I want to do something different and offer a brief summary of some of the highlights we can expect to see in 2021. At the end of 2020 a conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in the sign of Aquarius marks the definitive end of a 200 year long Earth era and the onset of a 200 year Air Era.

The next two centuries will, not surprisingly, see a huge emphasis on technology, information, collective efforts vs. individualism, and old structures giving way to new innovations. This new energy (truly ushering in a new Age of Aquarius) is, especially in these early years, going to feel more destabilizing and fast-moving than what we have been collectively used to. While information, ideas, and emotions will be zipping back and forth at break neck speeds and activism is occurring on all fronts, it is essential for individuals to find time to pause, think critically, engage with our feelings, and ground ourselves. Working with tangible magical objects and talismans, keeping up good grounding rituals, taking on stewardship for a piece of land near where you live, spending time with animals and people in real life (as opposed to virtually) and doing things like gardening or cooking are all excellent ways to take the aerial energy and channel it into good and useful areas in your own life.

2021 is also a year when attention is turned to the Fixed signs. The Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius and they are the major players in the skies for this year. In Taurus we have the planet Uranus, (you can read all about Uranus in Taurus and join in on magical remediation for this transit here.) We also have Saturn and Jupiter in the fixed sign of Aquarius for most of 2021. This means that anytime we have action (for instance the Moon) passing through Leo or Scorpio we have square energy among these fixed signs – leading to many points of small tensions, and a few points of BIG tension throughout the year.

Fixed sign energy is powerful. For instance, these signs are some of the best at direct action and activism, but fixed sign energy can also be rigid, controlling, and exclusive – it often has a “my way or the highway” kind of feel to it. Squares between Leo and Aquarius/Taurus are going to call out the conflicts between individualism and collectivism. Within the new Air era there is a move towards the collective over the individual, however, the collective can also become tyrannical and with the Fixed sign energy looming over 2021 we will all want to be on our guard against censorship, tyranny, and group think coming from multiple directions at the same time. Tensions can end up leading to big messes but tension is also necessary for the creation of any true harmony – keep that lesson in mind as we head into 2021. If you have a lot of Fixed signs in your chart or if your sun sign, ascendant or Moon falls into one of the Fixed signs then you will definitely want to pay close attention to your astrology over the course of 2021.

And now, the dance of planets:

The Many Faces of the Moon

La Luna is the most visible and easily trackable celestial body in the sky beside the sun. And so it makes complete sense that the earliest calendars were lunar to say nothing of the many ceremonies, rites, and feast days that honored Luna in her various phases.

Within the sacred arts there are four lunar phases to pay special attention to First Quarter, Full, Balsamic and/or Dark, and New.

New Moons are the best time to start any project or breathe new energy into any situation or area of your life. At this point the Moon is at the very beginning of her next 28-day phase – luna is starting fresh and so can we.

First Quarter Moons are best for looking at relationships and bringing harmony, balance, and intuitive insight to any given situation. Traditionally this phase of the moon was considered the best time to the divine and the very famous Oracle at Delphi only gave out her divinations during this phase of the moon.

Full Moons illuminate the land and the sky, allowing us to “see in the dark” and making this the best time to look at and uncover the aspects of a situation that usually remain in the shadows; revelations occur during Full Moons.

Dark Moons are traditionally times to rest, fast, dream deeply, and banish anything that is no longer relevant and/or of use to you.

It is important to note that everyone has a very different relationship with the phases of the moon. While the above descriptions are tried and true in my life and the lives of many of my students and clients, I also know a hefty number of folks who feel (for instance) very depleted energetically during new moons and much more alive and full of energy during the waning/dark phase. Use the information as a springboard but then pay attention to your own experiences.

Below are the lunar phases for 2021 in central time. If you need help with timezone conversation go here.

January

1/6: Waning Quarter at 16 degrees Libra, 3:37 AM
Ask: What imbalances need to be addressed?

1/12: New Moon at 23 degrees Capricorn, 11:00 PM
Ask: What financial and/or professional venture needs a blessing?

1/20: Waxing Quarter at 1 degree Taurus, 3:02 PM
Ask: What pleasure am I ready to develop?

1/28: Full Moon at 9 degrees Leo, 1:16 PM
Ask: What luxury needs to be celebrated?

February

2/4: Waning Quarter Moon at 16 degrees Scorpio, 11:37 AM
Ask: What traumas are ready to dissolve?

2/11: New Moon at 23 degrees, Aquarius 1:06 PM
Ask: What message am I ready to broadcast?

2/19: Waxing Quarter at 1 degree Gemini, 12:47 PM
Ask: What message is growing within me?

2/27: Full Moon at 8 degrees Virgo, 2:17 PM
Ask: What every day accomplishment deserves a celebration?

March

3/5: Waning Quarter at 15 degrees Sagittarius, 7:30 PM
Ask: Where has my aim gone awry?

3/13: New Moon at 23 degrees Pisces, 4:21 AM
Ask: What dream am I now ready to pursue?

3/21: Waxing Quarter at 1 degree Cancer, 9:40 AM
Ask: How can I best honor my families of blood and choice?

3/28: Full Moon at 8 degrees Libra, 1:48 PM
Ask: What relationship is ready to be celebrated?

April

4/4: Waning Quarter Moon at 14 degrees Capricorn, 5:00 AM
Ask: What can I stop pretending to be/do?

4/11: New Moon at 22 degrees Aries, 9:31 PM
Ask: What new discipline am I ready to cultivate?

4/20: Waxing Quarter at 0 degrees Leo, 1:59 AM
Ask: Where am I ready to shine brighter?

4/26: Full Moon at 7 degrees Scorpio, 10:32 PM
Ask: What deep intimacy am I ready to celebrate?

May

5/3: Waning Quarter Moon at 13 degrees Aquarius, 2:50 PM
Ask: What connections are no longer relevant?

5/11: New Moon at 21 degrees Taurus, 2:00 PM
Ask: What money magic am I ready to make?

5/19: Waxing Quarter at 29 degrees Leo, 2:13 PM
Ask: What luxury am I ready to include in my life?

5/26: Full Moon + Lunar Eclipse at 5 degrees Sagittarius, 6:14 AM
Ask: What freedom am I ready to unleash?

June

6/2: Waning Quarter Moon at 11 degrees Pisces, 2:24 AM
Ask: What lies can I stop believing?

6/10: New Moon at 19 degrees Gemini, 5:53 AM
Ask: What am I ready to connect?

6/17: Waxing Quarter at 27 degrees Virgo, 10:54 PM
Ask: What new daily practice am I ready to commit to?

6/24: Full Moon at 3 degrees Capricorn, 1:40 PM
Ask: What mastery should be celebrated?

July

7/1: Waning Quarter Moon at 10 degrees Aries, 4:11 PM
Ask: What fight am I ready to resolve?

7/9: New Moon at 15 degrees Cancer, 8:17 PM
Ask: What home am I ready to create?

7/17: Waxing Quarter at 25 degrees Libra, 5:11 AM
Ask: What relationship am I ready to grow?

7/23: Full Moon at 1 degree Aquarius, 9:37 PM
Ask: What community needs a celebration?

7/31: Waning Quarter Moon at 8 degrees Taurus, 8:16 AM
Ask: What self-indulgence no longer feeds me?

August

8/8: New Moon at 16 degrees Leo at 8:50 AM
Ask: What new luxury am I ready to embrace?

8/15: Waxing Quarter at 23 degrees Scorpio, 10:20 AM
Ask: What magic am I ready to make?

8/22: Full Moon at 29 degrees Aquarius, 7:02 AM
Ask: What aspects of my activism are ready to be heard?

8/30: Waning Quarter Moon at 7 degrees Gemini, 2:13 AM
Ask: What do I need to unlearn?

September

9/6: New Moon at 14 degrees Virgo at 7:52 PM
Ask: What health protocols will best support me now?

9/13: Waxing Quarter at 21 degrees Sagittarius, 3:39 PM
Ask: What new freedoms do I want to explore?

9/2o: Full Moon at 28 degrees Pisces, 6:55 PM
Ask: What dreams am I ready to celebrate?

9/28: Waning Quarter Moon at 6 degrees Cancer, 8:57 PM
Ask: What tribal connections need to be dissolved?

October

10/6: New Moon at 13 degrees Libra at 7:05 AM
Ask: Where will balance serve me best now?

10/12: Waxing First Quarter at 20 degrees Capricorn, 10:25 PM
Ask: What skill do I need to recommit to developing?

10/20: Full Moon at 27 degrees Aries at 9:57 AM
Ask: How can I best celebrate myself?

10/28: Waning Quarter Moon at 5 degrees Leo, 3:05 PM
Ask: What shame needs to be banished?

November

11/4: New Moon at 12 degrees Scorpio, 4:15 PM
Ask: What Ancestors are ready to be honored?

11/11: Waxing Quarter at 19 degrees Aquarius, 6:46 AM
Ask: What message am I ready to share?

11/20: Full Moon at 27 degrees Taurus at 2:57 AM
Ask: How can I best celebrate pleasure?

11/27: Waning Quarter Moon at 5 degrees Virgo, 6:28 AM
Ask: What daily practices are no longer relevant?

December

12/4: New Moon at 12 degrees Sagittarius, 1:43 AM
Ask: What adventure am I ready to take?

12/10: Waxing Quarter at 19 degrees Pisces, 7:36 PM
Ask: What are my dreams telling me?

12/18: Full Moon at 27 degrees Gemini, 10:36 PM
Ask: What friendships am I ready to celebrate?

12/26: Waning Quarter at 5 degrees Libra, 8:24 PM
Ask: What imbalances am I ready to release?

Sun

The sun moves through the zodiacal belt just as the moon does. Your astrological sign is determined by the Sun’s position at the time of your birth. As everyone has ALL of the zodiac signs in their own charts, it is very useful for you to know when the sun moves into a new sign.

1/19: Sun enters Aquarius 2:40 PM
Ask: What am I ready to see in the communities I belong to?

2/18: Sun enters Pisces 4:44 AM
Ask: What am I ready to see in my dreams?

3/20: Sun enters Aries (Spring Equinox) 4:37 AM — Spring Equinox
Ask: What am I ready to see in myself?

4/19: Sun enters Taurus 3:33 PM
Ask: What am I ready to see in my wealth?

5/20: Sun enters Gemini 2:37 PM
Ask: What am I ready to see in my connections?

6/20: Sun enters Cancer 10:32 PM — Summer Solstice
Ask: What am I ready to see in my tribe?

7/22: Sun enters Leo 9:26 AM
Ask: What am I ready to see in the masks that I wear?

8/22: Sun enters Virgo 4:35 PM
Ask: What am I ready to see in my every day devotions?

9/22: Sun enters Libra (Fall Equinox) 2:21 PM — Fall Equinox
Ask: What am I ready to see in my lover?

10/22: Sun enters Scorpio 11:51 PM
Ask: What am I ready to see in my pain?

11/21: Sun enters Sagittarius 8:34 PM
Ask: What am I ready to see in my worldview?

12/21: Sun enters Capricorn 9:59 AM — Winter Solstice
Ask: What am I ready to see in my attempts at mastery?

Lunar and Solar Eclipses in 2021

There are six eclipses in 2020. You can learn more about eclipses and how to work with them here. In short, I have found that eclipses are very useful for breaking long-held patterns of thought, behavior, attitude, and action that no longer serve. Many astrologers talk about eclipses in negative terms but don’t let that keep you from noting eclipse times and trying your hand at working with them in an intentional manner. If you want to truly optimize your eclipse experience then check out my Eclipse Magic offering.

5/26: Lunar Eclipse at 5 degrees Sagittarius at 6:14 AM
Ask: What patterns around freedom are becoming restrictive?

6/10: Solar Eclipse at 19 degrees Gemini at 5:33 AM
Ask: What patterns around connecting and true voice need to be disrupted?

11/19: Lunar Eclipse at 27 degrees Taurus at 2:57 AM
Ask: What patterns around self-indulgence are ready to be broken?

12/4: Solar Eclipse at 12 degrees Sagittarius at 1:43 AM
Ask: What patterns around spirituality are no longer relevant?

Planets

Just like the stars, planets move throughout the sky all of the time. The inner planets (Mercury, Venus, and Mars) all move relatively quickly through signs and sections of the chart. The outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto) all move at a much slower rate through the various constellations and houses of the chart.

Inner planets traditionally are understood to deal with everyday, practical, daily life issues while outer planets are understood to work with big cycles, realizations, and patterns in our lives. First, we will spend some time with some of the inner planet happenings in 2021, starting with the ever-dreaded (but actually awesome if you know how to work with them) Mercury retrogrades.

Mercury Retrogrades for 2021

Every planet has retrograde periods but most people are only familiar with Mercury in Retrograde – mostly because many astrologers and non-astrologers alike make this period out to be terrible, full of bad luck, and extremely frustrating. It can be, but I prefer to practice with Mercury retrograde instead of in resistance to it.

You can learn more about Mercury retrograde in my Mercury RX archives here and check out this article to start to get a sense of how you might deepen your retrograde experience. If you are what I call Mercury-sensitive you will want to make a note of the things to do BEFORE Mercury goes retrograde and join up with the Mercury RX Survival Kit.

In 2021 the Mercury Retrogrades all occur in Air signs. When Mercury retrogrades throughout our aerial friends we see a tendency for our thoughts to run away with us, verbal communications to go sideways, and a perception that we are more concerned with our ideas than we are with the way they actually play out and affect other people. Mercury retrograde in Air signs brings up the usual tech and transportation issues in an even greater way and can leave us feeling ungrounded. These retrogrades also often bring up synchronistic learning opportunities and the just right and needed books so be on the lookout for that!

Here are the dates for the 2021 Mercury Retrogrades:

January 30th – February 20th, 2021: Retrograde starts at 9:52 AM in Aquarius and stations direct on February 20th at 6:52 PM.
Ask: Is my vision of the future and what is possible relevant and up to date or does it need a review/revision?

May 29th – June 22, 2021: Retrograde starts at 5:34 PM in Gemini and then stations direct on June 22nd at 5:00 PM
Ask: What teachings and lessons need to be revised and reconsidered?

September 27th – October 18th, 2021: Retrograde starts at 12:10 AM in Libra and stations direct on October 18th at 10:17 AM.
Ask: What relationships need to be reformed and recommitted to?

Inner Planet Awesome: Mercury, Venus, and Mars

These three inner planets move through the sky and around the zodiac relatively quickly which means that they make many transits throughout the year. I post a Star Story for each month on Canto, my blog, that covers all the transits and aspects that the inner planets are up to so for the full scoop make sure you check out those posts. Besides the Mercury Retrogrades listed above we do have a Venus Retrograde in 2021.

December 19th 2021 – January 29th 2022 Venus Retrograde begins at 4:36 AM in Capricorn and stations direct on January 29th at 2:46 AM.
Ask: When I re-examine my relationship to work, what do I find?
For more on Venus Retrograde please see this article.

Outer Planet Amazement: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto

Big Events in 2021

Saturn + Uranus Squares

In 2021 we have three squares between Saturn in its native sign of Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus. These squares do not occur often and the next ones will happen in 2043. Squares represent two energies that are in a tension with one another. In the case of these three squares there are many areas that will be brought to a head by the interactions including: technology in service of the collective good and specifically the idea of a free and fair use internet for all versus technology as a means for personal gain and corporate enrichment and a highly regulated, pay to play internet, the collective vs. the individual, rule of law vs. anarchy and utopian ideals, and tradition vs. innovation. In some cases there will be a clear “right” side but in others there will not be or there will be multiple sides, factions, and facets that need to be considered. As always with squares, the hope is that we take the best of both sides and build something beautiful and useful from them, but in the case of 2021, whatever we build will have absolutely gone through the alchemist’s fire first.
Ask: What extravagance no longer serves? What discipline is required to create a better future?

Here are the dates for the Saturn + Uranus squares of 2021

February 17th

June 14th

December 24th

Jupiter in Aquarius and Pisces

Jupiter in Aquarius: Jupiter’s tour through Aquarius will begin with a bang when Jupiter and Saturn conjunct one another. Jupiter in the sign of the Water-bearer will support those who have messages that they wish to broadcast into the world gain greater clarity on how to do that. It will be a time when change is well-aspected and given a cosmic blessing and when significant decisions that will have long-term effects on the future come into being. In 2021 while Jupiter is in Aquarius it will lend its strength and blessing to erstwhile buddy, Saturn, as Saturn squares up against Uranus in Taurus. Expect extravagance, expansion, greater scrutiny, and luck when it comes to global activist causes.
December 19th, 2020 – May 12th, 2021: Jupiter blesses all projects that deal with expansion, connection, technology, and broadcasting. Congregations and groups of all kinds are especially auspicious now.
Ask: Where am I ready to expand my horizons?

Jupiter in Pisces: When Jupiter enters Pisces, initially in mid May and then for its long tour in December, it is returning home. Long before Neptune was discovered, Jupiter was the ruler of the sign of the Fish. Jupiter in Pisces can usher in a period of great personal creativity and artistry. Those who make a living as artists can see their industries expand, change, and stand to profit from the changes that occur. It is a time when everyone is interested in their dreams and psychic intuition and so learning about those areas is an ideal endeavor during this transit. Jupiter in Pisces can also encourage deep healing on both personal and collective levels. However, as always Jupiter can be a double-edged sword. This planet of excess in the sign of Pisces can encourage harmful habits such as drinking in excess, unbridled drug use, and the telling of lies and spreading of deception. Working with Jupiter in Pisces at its best literally has the capacity to make our world more gentle, kind, and beautiful but Jupiter in this sign unchecked and in excess can lead to the worst kind of hangover.
May 13th, 2021 – July 28th, 2021 ~ Jupiter enters Pisces at 5:36 PM and departs Pisces on July 28th at 7:43 AM.
December 28th, 2021 – May 10, 2022 ~ Jupiter enters Pisces at 10:09 PM and departs on May 10 at 6:22 PM.
Ask: What does a prosperous creative life look and feel like?

Jupiter Retrograde: There is a Jupiter Retrograde in 2021 in the sign of Pisces and Aquarius.
June 20th, 2021 – October 18th 2021: Retrograde starts at 10:06 AM, retrogrades into Aquarius on July 28th at 7:43 AM and stations direct on October 18th at 12:30 AM.
Ask: What aspects of my daily devotional and spiritual practices are still relevant and what needs to be released?
For more on Jupiter Retrograde, please see this article.

Saturn in Aquarius

Saturn in Aquarius: Although in modern astrology Uranus is listed as the ruling planet for Aquarius, in classical Astrology it was Saturn, not Uranus (which had not yet been discovered) that ruled over this sign. This combination gives rebels a cause and can infuse needed discipline and responsibility into ideals that have been seen (up until this point) as too “out there” or “fringe.” It ushers in a new era of technological developments, some of which may have hard effects on the current economy and job market as we know it. We have seen all of this come to pass as both work and schooling went online in a massive way as a result of the novel Coronavirus. Saturn in Aquarius can also call in more oversight and legal obligations for big tech companies. On a personal level this alignment is a time to take the discipline of Saturn and harness it to the future facing energy that is present within Aquarius. In 2021 Saturn in Aquarius squares up three times with Uranus in Taurus. The is Discipline vs. Spontaneity but it is also old vs. new with typically conservative and restrained Saturn putting its energy behind the new. Expect both more discipline and more intolerance from change agents. Knowing where you stand and why you stand there is the way to meet this moment.
March 21st, 2020 – June 30th, 2020 and December 18th, 2020 – March 8th, 2023
Ask: How can my activism benefit from more discipline?

Saturn Retrograde: There is a Saturn Retrograde in 2021 in the sign of Aquarius. For more on how to work with Saturn Retrograde, refer to this article.
May 23rd, 2021 – October 10th, 2021: Retrograde starts at 4:21 AM and stations direct on October 10th at 9:17 PM.
Ask: Where am I being too rigid?

Uranus in Taurus

On March 7th of 2019, Uranus moved into Taurus. This marks a seven-year cycle that is going to shake up our most solid institutions and assumptions in both the personal and global spheres. To give you an idea of what Uranus in Taurus can look like, the last time it occurred was between the years of 1935-1942 – that was the Great Depression and beginning of WWII. While this transit may not be easy, it will absolutely re-orient some of the fundamental assumptions we make and the basic ways we engage with life. Expect to see tech on all fronts including AI and Robotics gain ground and importance in both global economies and everyday life while at the same time basic skills like growing our own food, mending clothes, and canning also gain in popularity. In 2021 Uranus in Taurus squares up against Saturn in Aquarius three different times. As stated above this is old vs. new energy and taking Uranus in Taurus at face value and renewing your personal relationship to the natural world is one of the best ways to navigate through it.
March 7th 10:28 AM – July 7th 2025 and November 7th 2025 – April 25th 2026
Ask: What basic skill is ready for innovation?

Uranus Retrograde: There is a Uranus Retrograde in 2021 in the sign of Taurus.
August 19th, 2021 – January 18th, 2022: Retrograde begins at 8:40 PM and stations direct on January 18th at 9:27 AM.
Ask: What has gotten out of control and needs to be grounded?
For more on Uranus Retrograde, see this article.

Neptune in Pisces

Neptune continues moving through the sign of Pisces, giving us plenty of deep ocean to swim around in and go diving for treasure. Neptune in Pisces both supports our ability to dive deeply into our intuitive selves and also to heal not only on a personal level but on a global level. It also stirs up the waters so that problems and issues that need to be seen are able to float to the surface. On the flip side, as Neptune swims through its favorite sign we can all engage in more fantasy and problematic escapism – this is a time when it is especially easy to run up those credit card bills and engage in creative storytelling that allows us to escape accountability. How to do Neptune in Pisces well? Don’t lie, trick or deceive – yourself or others, note your addictive tendencies, and focus on healing. In 2021 Neptune in Pisces offers up some profound opportunities for collective healing but can also ratchet up feelings of victimization in all corners as well as deception on a massive scale. Be super selective in the information you take in and vet it thoroughly, the lies are becoming harder and harder to separate from the truths.
April 4th 2011 – March 30th 2025
Ask: What vision am I ready to see?

Neptune Retrograde: There is a Neptune Retrograde in 2021.
June 25th, 2021 – December 1st, 2021: Retrograde starts at 2:21 PM and stations direct on December 1st at 7:22 AM.
Ask: What deception am I no longer willing to participate in?
For more on Neptune Retrograde, see this article.

Pluto in Capricorn

Capricorn works hard and Pluto goes deep so this pairing cannot help but leave an impact wherever it happens in your chart. Capricorn is often thought of as the career sector of the chart but I think of it more as craftsmanship. The difference is that for many of us career is a notion tied distinctly to our jobs, while craftsmanship is a virtue that we can apply to many areas of our lives. Pluto relentlessly tears down whatever is not working and Capricorn has the good sense to continue moving forward and refining all needed skill sets. In 2021 Pluto in Capricorn makes its presence known as workplace habits and cultures begin to shift quickly and power dynamics, especially in politics began to be increasingly visible and winner takes all.
January 25th 2008 – March 23rd 2023
Ask: Where do I locate my power?

Pluto Retrograde: There is a Pluto Retrograde in 2021 in the sign of Capricorn.
April 27th, 2021 – October 6th, 2021: Retrograde begins at 3:04 PM and stations direct on October 4th at 1:29 PM.
Ask: What elements in my work and career need to be re-examined?
For more on Pluto Retrograde see this article.

Sync up with the stars

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magic, miracles: receive my lunar letters

ARRIVING on full moons each month.

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Tarot

Mercury Retrograde in Cancer: Low Risk Securities

Foundations

iracles, securities

The final area of our lives to pay special attention to while Mercury is retrograde in Cancer deals with privacy and security. This is not a good time to install a security system but it is a great time to do research on what security system is best for your needs and the needs of your home. Think and feel into what makes you feel secure and then do research and at the end of the RX period invest in those products. Mercury RX in Cancer can often reveal to us the areas where we are not as secure or where we need more support so pay attention to omens and information that you receive during this time.

Likewise, Cancer is one of the signs affiliated with money so make sure that you are watching your finances during this time. We are especially vulnerable to attacks and break-ins during this astrology so exercising extra vigilance and deciding intentionally what you want to make available and what you want to have locked down and classified as “for your eyes only” is a very good move with this astrology. Valuable should be insured and all insurance policies should be up to date.

Magically doing protection work is an excellent idea at this time, especially around your home and those who dwell within. securities securities

magic, miracles: receive my lunar letters

ARRIVING on full moons each month.

20 Question
Tarot

Hearth and Home Vol. 17: All Stars All the Time

Alchemy and Magic

Miracles, moon

Happy New Moon in Libra! I possessively consider this “my” New Moon. Why? I am doing some deep magic during this time, sowing seeds for even bigger magic that will come to fruit later on this month when the full moon occurs…on my birthday!

It is appropriate to begin this missive talking about the moon because I feel like I am saturated with brilliant moon-shine, stardust, and planetary frequencies. Did you know that the planets make sounds? I’m in full tilt astro mode because I’m working on my second book which is about astrology and parenting.

At the same time, I am preparing the Mercury Retrograde Survival Kit reports and the Star Stories for 2020. I am doing both of these reports pretty early because I think in both cases it is useful to have the information sooner.

For Mercury Retrograde especially I like people to have at least a week to work with their information before the planet retrogrades. In the case of the Star Stories, it is necessary to start early. Each report takes 3-4 hours to put together and I have 40 to complete! A lot of my clients do their planning for the next year in November and December, so I like them to have next year’s astro info as early as possible.

And of course, while tackling all of this, I’m still sharing far and wide the joy of my first book! I recently got to sit down with Michael Stone for an interview that covered a big range of topics: from magic (naturally enough) to enlightenment philosophy, to the importance of language. You can listen to it right here.

One of the most lovely things has been opening up my inbox to find wonderful little messages from readers who just adored the book and wanted to reach out and say hi. I’ve had several mental health professionals seek me out specifically and give the book accolades, and I’ve also heard from a couple of folks in locked institutions (ie, jail) who were deeply moved by the book.

To me, this is far and away higher praise than any award or top pick book list could confer. (One day I want to go into the energetics of writing a book because it is so fascinating, but that’s another story.) But the short version is: it takes a lot of out of you!

I was speaking to a client of mine who has a BIG book coming out next year (you’ll see her name in national media coverage) and she was talking about how much energy the output has been for her. I reminded her that she will receive energy back from the book. In the most obvious way, remuneration, which honestly is usually not very much at all; but the money is not really the most important consideration in this case. The real exchange is when people reach out to you and say…your book…changed something for me. That is the payoff, the knowledge not so much that someone likes your work, but that your work is out there, being of good use to others.

The other big piece of personal news is that after a 9 month sabbatical I am back on Facebook. Why did I return? Well, Sounds True, my amazing publisher, invited me to do a Facebook Live video in their private book club group and I saw a host of familiar faces, people I realized I only get to see on Facebook. So I thought about it, got clear on my intentions, and returned in a way that works for me and my busy life. You can see on my page evidence of this work. When I am on Facebook, I am conveying a steady beam of goodness out into the noisy, negative world. So my personal profile is full of inspiring news and my business page features information about upcoming events, recipes, enchantments, how-to’s, classes, offerings, and of course…books!

In October David and I celebrate our fourteenth year of marriage and 17th year of togetherness. He continues to be my true love and best friend. We still feel like we got married yesterday and, perhaps most importantly of all, we still have so much FUN together!

Then, right after that milestone, I’ll be celebrating my 39th birthday — wha??? As I indicated above, it is happening on the Full Moon in October so I’m pretty excited.

Heath has started going 2 days a week to our local day school. He is enjoying it although he did get mad at the teachers when they encouraged him to move from an art making project onto something else (typical of this family!) But great teachers as they are, they let him continue working on his pictures – something he loves doing with his daddy and big brother. Jasper is playing flag football and composing music, getting ready to start learning the ‘cello, and planning an elaborate Halloween costume that involves a piano and a Phantom of the Opera costume.

So…as we round out September I am celebrating a rich month and getting ready for another. I’ll be back around the Full Moon with a lunar letter that looks a little different, as I’ll be focusing on specific ways to make magic. So keep your eyes out for that! In the meantime, blessings of the season and pumpkin-spiced kisses!!!

xo,
Bri

magic, miracles: receive my lunar letters

ARRIVING on full moons each month.

20 Question
Tarot

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio Vol. 1

Ceremony and Ritual

he Lay of the Land, er, Underworld retrograde

Miracles,

Today kicks off a short volume of writings on Mercury’s upcoming retrograde into the sign of Scorpio – which begins on October 31st. You can also find these writings at Canto and on my Facebook page where you may comment or ask a question if the spirit moves you!

Mercury’s retrograde into Scorpio is truly a descent into the Underworld of Shadow and Secrets. This retrograde period has the ability to powerfully shift our perceptions and bring about deep healing – especially to old wounds and traumas, but it also comes with a fair amount of drama and traps that we can easily fall into if we are not helpful.

Here are some of the highlights that you will want to be aware of during this retrograde period.

Those of you who have Scorpio as your sun, moon, or ascendant should be particularly careful during this rx period as you will most likely feel very affected by it. Those with Pluto or Mars as ruling planets or those with loaded 8th houses should also take special note of the retrograde and make plans now to work proactively with it.

The first thing to note is that Mercury retrograde in Scorpio is similar to Mercury retrograde in Pisces in that these are both water signs and therefore our feelings, emotions, and instincts are much closer to the surface than usual.

For those accustomed to working from a place of deep feeling, this will feel normal but for those who are not, this can feel precarious and you may find yourself saying and doing things that usually you would keep to yourself.

Of all the water signs Scorpio has the most passion so during this rx period strong passions may be stirred up within yourself and definitely within those around you – proceed with caution. It is not uncommon during Mercury retrograde in Scorpio to see someone leaning heavily into their most passionate conviction only to discard it as soon as the retrograde period is over.

In classical astrology Scorpio was ruled by Mars and only later did Pluto come into the picture. As a Mars-ruled sign, Scorpio, like Aries, can be aggressive, protective, and combative. (It can also be disciplined, just, and heroic).

These lesser tendencies of aggression, over-protection, and combativeness can be on full display during the retrograde period and they show up in behavior but especially in speech.

It is really easy for everyone to take on a harsher and less kind edge in their speech and voices during Mercury rx in Scorpio. On the flip side, it is a wonderful time to write about anything deep, thought-provoking, or fantastic.

The third aspect of this retrograde deals with money. Scorpio is the ruler of “other people’s money and resources” so while this sign does not correlate directly to your day in and day out income (that would be Taurus) it does speak to investments, borrowing, lending, and working with money.

Stocks and many financial instruments are Scorpio in nature so you will want to keep an eye on your cash, and especially watch your investments. Typically Mercury rx is a bad time to make a new big investment or go in with partners on some financial scheme (no matter how sound it looks). Better to wait until the retrograde is complete (or has not yet started) to buy, sell, trade, or transfer any significant aspects.

This is also a time when each individual will be rewarded if they pause and take a long look at where they are investing their own resources – think about money but also beyond money – and determine whether those investment choices are still sound.

Finally, Mercury retrograde in Scorpio can speak to plumbing issues both in your body and in your home. Scorpio rules the bowels of the body (as well as our sex organs) and the bowels of the home as well.

Plumbing issues are likely to emerge at this time so if you know you have something upcoming then getting a start on it before the rx period is a good idea. At the very least make sure you have a good plumber on speed dial.

When it comes to our physical bodies, Mercury rx is always a good time to go in to see your medical provider and get an opinion or a second opinion on a situation. It can encourage revised or meticulously reviewed opinions and treatment plans. If you are having any tummy troubles this is the best time all year to have those looked at carefully by a doctor that you trust and the same goes for any issues with your sex organs and/or intimacy issues.

Arching over these specific points is the fact that Mercury retrograde in Scorpio is a powerful time spiritually for all of us. This is the sign of Life, Death, and Resurrection and as such it is a time when we may consciously choose what needs to die, what needs to be aided and supported in coming back to life, and what needs to be born.

Considering your spiritual affiliations, congregations, and practices at this time is a powerful thing to do that will yield much fruit. Making magic and engaging in any Sacred Arts practices is especially auspicious now and you can learn much from any endeavors you make in that arena.

This is one of the deepest retrogrades, so make good use of it!

xo,
Bri

magic, miracles: receive my lunar letters

ARRIVING on full moons each month.

20 Question
Tarot