Have you noticed how certain aspects of your life are slowing down or even coming to a halt? Mercury is heralding this period of impasse as he entered retrograde on February 6th, 2014. When planets go into retrograde (the perception of appearing to stop and then move backwards from the view of Earth), the energies shift and can even create opposite reactions. For example, Mercury is associated with technology, ideas, and communication. For this reason, people often blame Mercury being in retrograde when frequent miscommunication and technological disruption occurs--even if Mercury is not in retrograde. In addition, Mercury is a fast moving little planet, so he goes into retrograde so often people are almost used to the fluctuation in communicative energy.
However, what makes this month more interesting is by the time Mercury leaves retrograde (February 28th), two other planets are entering retrograde: Mars in Libra and Saturn in Scorpio. Mars will be in retrograde from March 1st, 2014 until May 19th, 2014. Mars goes into retrograde every two years and two months (approximately 2.167 years). The occurrence is not as frequent as Mercury in retrograde, but the impact is significant. Mars symbolizes our energy of individual action. The planet is related to how we directly overcome obstacles and conflicts using the masculine creative force. Mars is the planet that challenges us by saying "Move now!" or "Do it!" However, because Mars will be hanging out in the sign of Libra while going into retrograde, the planet will be completely out of his element. Libra symbolizes our energy of group action due to being ruled by the planet Venus, and encourages us to take the emotionally attuned and diplomatic approach resulting in a feminine creative force. Libra challenges us by saying, "How will this affect others?" or "How can I do this with the least amount of discord?" Mars is only concerned with moving forward no matter the risks, so the energy of Libra drives him nuts. Not only is the planet slowing down, it is slowing down in a sign that is stereotypically the most frustrating for him. Quick and spontaneous change will be difficult to do alone. Energy levels will not be as high, and many people will use this time to think carefully about where they want to invest their energies. This is a period of rest and reflection, but if you are determined to make change, then there is an answer within the sign of Libra: you need to work with others to help you move forward. Mars does not like to believe he has to rely on anyone (which is why he rules Aries), but Libra is the polar opposite and balancing aspect of this force. If you are used to "doing it on your own," then you might need to reflect on how you can work with others to achieve your goals. Otherwise, you might encounter a lot of frustrating obstacles. Alternatively, the difficult combination of Mars and Libra might result in unexpected conflicts with others that will be difficult to predict or control unless you stay aware of your own internal landscape.
Saturn in Scorpio is a little more of a comfortable placement (March 2nd, 2014 to July 20th, 2014). Saturn symbolizes our boundaries and limits. Imagine Saturn being like a strict, but fair, father figure who might seem a little cold on the surface, but he is actually extremely concerned about your well-being. Structures, rules, and organizations are important to Saturn. In addition, Saturn can call attention to what is lacking. Likewise, Scorpio has an element of control to his sign. Although historically ruled by the impulsive Mars, Scorpio is also associated with Pluto giving the sign an intensity that requires vigilance. Scorpio rules a variety of different arenas within the same sphere of transformation through letting go including sex, death, and money (through inheritance, taxes, alimony, or other due forms of payment). Therefore, as Saturn in Scorpio moves into retrograde, there needs to more caution about spending unwisely as well as overindulgence in sex or power struggles. You also might find yourself challenged with what to hold onto and what to let go. In addition, new structures will be challenging to create and/or maintain. This period is better used to evaluate what you have currently and what changes are needed. New commitments made during this time are unlikely to persist long-term or might come with additional problems later.
However, there is some good news for those who are struggling with the effects of the retrograde planets. Jupiter's period of retrograde (which began on November 7th, 2013) will be ending on March 6th, 2014. Jupiter symbolizes our luck and growth. Traditionally, Jupiter was related to intellectual and spiritual growth, but the planet can aid growth within whatever sign he finds himself. The effects of Jupiter's retrograde motion in Cancer has been a period of looking within to find your answers and initiate emotional healing. Material influences were not the priority, so money might have seemed to have slowed down forcing you to look at the cause of any spiritual and/or philosophical discord in your life. Spiritual and emotional wellness was priority over material wellness, so many obstacles related to work and money might have arisen in order for you to face what needed your attention the most. However, manifesting your dreams and vocational path will be easier now that Jupiter is returning to help you put the pieces in place after the previous hibernation period.
Concise Considerations for the New Moon:
- Intentions related related to inward movement rather than external movement will have greater success (i.e., healing, self-awareness, clarity, insight, creativity, reorganizing, boundary-setting, examining existing structures to determine what changes might be needed). Interestingly, those intentions will help create external change as a by-product.
- Remember to avoid "going it alone" during this period unless you are intentionally using the time for stillness and introspection. Any act of creation or movement made solo will be less effective to reach desired results.
- Be careful of how you spend your resources.
- Do not make too many commitments during this time unless you are comfortable with them changing. Evaluate which commitments might need to be changed or relinquished.
- Intentions focused on global and universal healing will be potent.
- Intentions focused on connecting to others and/or finding your path will be potent.
- Acts of Letting Go will be an essential part of this transition in order to allow something new to fill the void of what was released.
