Today is Monday, Jan. 16, 2012.. Today the Libra Moon squares the Capricorn Sun for the last quarter Moon. This waning Moon enters Scorpio at 11:33 am EST, on its way to the Aquarius New Moon in one week, on Jan. 23. That’s the same day Mars stations retrograde in Virgo for its all-Virgo retrograde, and it does not station direct until April 13.
This is one of the signature transits of 2012, interpreted for each of the 2012 annual edition sign reports (which are still available – just follow the link in the banner in the upper right corner of this page). Mars retrograde doesn’t quite have the familiarity and superstition attached to it that a Mercury retrograde does. That may be a relief, though Virgo is a sign ruled by Mercury – and this Mars retrograde lasts almost three months, not three weeks, not including any ‘shadow’ period, either. Mars is entering nearly three months of straight up (apparent) backwards motion.
So what are we in for? The general consensus seems to be a certain level of spiritual/mental/environmental (as in personal space, and inner landscape)/organizational housekeeping and healing. Where in your life this is strongest for you will vary depending on your own chart (could be your desire, or your self-esteem, or your sense of individuality, etc.). Regardless, the direction is inward. Retrograde transits point us within ourselves, to see what there is to learn, what there is to heal, and where we could stand to do some growing. Mars may be a planet of action, and Virgo the sign of service, but this transit is less about taking action to serve those around us, and more about taking action within our selves. By doing so, we indirectly serve our relationships. We’re not ‘fixing’ ourselves ‘for’ anyone, per se. Taking responsibility for our own healing and growth simply happens to support authentic, loving, adult relationships.
Given that Neptune (planet of delusion, denial, drugs – as well as universal love and creativity) is joining Venus in Pisces in a couple weeks – the sign opposite Virgo — Mars may be given a run for its money. There is something here about relationship dreaminess potentially getting in the way of the self-work we’re being given the opportunity to dive into. With Neptune the modern ruling planet of Pisces and Venus exalted there, it could be easy to feel like whatever rosy glow you’re seeing is exactly how things are and ought to be. These planets know what they’re doing in this sign, right?
Yes, but… Don’t forget one very important thing: Both Venus and Neptune begin their Piscean journeys by conjoining Chiron. (Venus is conjunct Chiron today.) You’re probably aware that Chiron is known as ‘the wounded healer’ and that its tendency is to make us aware of old wounds to our psyche and spirit, so that we may go about the business of making changes and healing. There are two ways these conjunctions can go. One is that we use the transcendent power of love to address what is ready to be healed, using Mars’ retrograde journey in Virgo to point the way with some precision. The other possibility is that in getting lost in the fragrant smoke and roses, we keep repeating the very self-wounding, wounding of others, or allowing of ourselves to be wounded that has been undermining our intimate relationships. In that case, the potential is there for Mars in Virgo to show up as self-flagellation for continuing to screw up ‘just like we always do’.
Note that you have a choice. It may not always feel like a choice; our emotional habits can be quite ingrained and offer a strange sense of security in their familiarity. But if these habits are more hurtful than helpful, that is the sort of thing Chiron can help you to see with laser-like clarity. And since Chiron is in Pisces, it’s emphasizing the role of the imagination and soulful love in our healing process. If you can imagine truly symbiotic relationships — not the rosy glow, and not codependency — you’ll be able to see that version of yourself who knows how to get there within yourself first.
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your kindness and, I mean.
Thank you everyone for your kind and loving responses. My fear tells me that I could have a job tomorrow if I wanted one. Something deeper tells me to give myself time and trust that all will be well. I don’t want to move into the future with reservation and more of the same half heartedness that’s gotten me this far. But I don’t want to judge myself negatively either. The past has had positive accomplishments also that have gotten me here and will contribute to what will get me there. Thank you Be for your kind for the times you offer me to pay attention. I will do so.
I love the conversations that develop out of these comments. I’m glad I found y’all.
bkoehler, your response to susyc just makes me smile. You’re a good person.
susyc,
You seem to relate to the Moon regarding the tides (ups and downs, tidewaters) and fertilization, and you are also reserved. This tells me you are sensitive to the fluctuations of the planets, especially when they enter, abide and leave water signs. There is a Lunar Perigee tomorrow (exact around 4:30 PM EST) which means the Moon is closest to Earth at that time. This magnifies the Moon’s influences, like tides and moods. After tomorrow you will be less subject to worrying about where you are heading, hopefully. You are in a perfectly normal transition, just like the rest of us. Try to trust that the Universe will guide you to your next stage of life.
Another marker of your sensitivity to the symbols we call planets is that you are responding to Mars in Virgo as he prepares to station when you “inventory” your job loss and accept your share of responsibility. We are all experiencing a time of questioning about where we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to do. As so much is in transition/fluctuation at this time, try to take it one day at a time and at some point you will begin to see a picture emerge of your own path to the future.
Listen. Len spoke of the value of listening, especially when communicating under water. Tonight, around 5 o’clock (EST) see if you can’t hear what the Moon in Scorpio says to Venus in Pisces. They could be sending you a message about where you are meant to be and I don’t think it will be in the laundry room.
be
Thanks for this! As Len said, so refreshing! 🙂
Thanks susyc for sharing that and opening up to us.
I’ve had to make some lines in the sand this weekend. I’ve been able to see things very clearly in a way that came about from my willingness to surrender and to also understand that the person was not a good fit. It’s a weird balance because we need to feel our natural resistance to opening up while still doing the opening! Chiron/Mars placements are helping me navigate that landscape with greater clarity. I feel it in my heart and solar plexus.
I’ve also done some looking back on 4 women in my recent past and how I’ve had such similar problems. They’ve all had Mars in Cancer, which can be felt as a kind of passive aggressive trait – at least the ones I’ve met. And it doesn’t feel great with my Mars in Aries. That was an interesting coincidence. It’s also a lovely more relaxed vibe for sure.
Just sharing that….
HS
This is perfect for me today. Last night I began an inventory of my recent job loss, taking responsibility for my part in it, acknowledging, but not focusing on the dysfunction in my workplace. There is something in me that is unable to commit. Maybe I should say unwilling. There is always a reservation. This reservation extends to my twelve step commitments, my church life, everything except possibly my marriage and motherhood. Maybe it’s just codependency and laziness. But, I’m tired. I’ve focused these last 4 years of my life on the more vulnerable members of my family. It’s taken this long to get them resettled. I’m afraid even though I don’t want to admit it. What is the reservation based on? I work things like the tides of the oceans. At high tide I’m deeply, heavily involved in working whatever there is to be worked and at low tide I’m done. Done, done, done. I’m wondering at age 55 what to be going on with now. I’m afraid that choosing anything less than my bliss will only result in more of the same. And what is my bliss, and can it pay the bills and put food on the table? How do I find my way to it? I’m definitely ready for “a certain level of spiritual/mental/environmental (as in personal space, and inner landscape)/organizational housekeeping and healing.” On the other hand my physiology has recently (December 2011) begun to offer me a new experience of my sexuality, a new experience of fertilization from the female point of view, my body giving up the sea in tidewaters previously untapped. What could this new development symbolize besides more laundry? Guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
Veiled in light the Godhead see, beautiful, the yin and the yang of it. Nice photo Nicole Hanhan, Venus and her consort rising from the water.
Thank you for refreshing our awareness of the long haul with Mars. That is, appropriately, a vital and appreciated service. Thank you also for offering conscious tools to discern and navigate the cross-current that Venus will represent for the short haul.
Thank you so very much for the “laser-like clarity” of today’s blog, and the very very important pointer. xxx