The astrology of the last few weeks has been relatively harsh.
At the moment we find ourselves in the thick of Capricorn Season. Capricorn, the cardinal earth sign, starts off with the longest night of the year. This Saturn-ruled sign helps establish structure amongst the chaos. However, sometimes that means things must fall apart in order to be rebuilt. Capricorn begs us to think about the longevity and sustainability of it all. This Capricorn season will have us feeling especially introspective as Venus is retrograde in Capricorn from 12/18 through 1/29. This week Mercury will also begin a retrograde transit from 1/14 until 02/03.
When a planet appears retrograde from our perspective on Earth it looks to be moving backward. With the reversal of Venus’ motion we may have begun to notice a shift in thinking regarding our values, our relationship with money, what our expectations are in love or friendships (any relationship really), what we are willing to accept, and where we must draw our boundaries.
Venus ascertains what we value and Saturn is the keeper of time.
This retrograde transit will help us fully realize the ways we can find value in every second. Capricorn energy asks us to optimize our functions in order to maximize our output. This means even finding value in times where you have to stop, rework, rest or slow down in order to be more productive later on.
Retrograde transits inspire reflecting, re-doing, re-visiting, reviewing, revising, and redirecting. Venus retrograde is asking us to analyze our own behaviors in relation to our big picture. How do you show up for yourself and others right now in a way that is sustainable? What behaviors or patterns are you fostering that will better fulfill you and lead you towards your overall goals? How do you prioritize the many different areas of life in a way that satisfies your needs? If you can afford to be still at this time it is advisable as these are heavy ideas to weigh with.
Mercury and Venus are so close to Earth and govern so much of our mundane experience which is why their retrograde transits are so acutely felt. The past has a way of recycling itself during retrograde. It’s not always as blatant as a text from your ex (though it can be). Oftentimes old skeletons in our closet perpetuate in new forms. The idea is not to react the same as you always have. When Capricorn is at the helm of our Venusian desires we are being asked to do better because we deserve better.
Right now represents an opportunity to accomplish massive healing in all matters of the heart; however, the Saturnian principle says you must be willing to work for it.
With Mercury retrograde approaching we may also find breakdowns in communication, transit, and technology as well as a sense of non-linear or liquid time. Mercury in astrology rules over the mind, how we process information, communicate, and make connections. This retrograde transit takes place in the sign of Aquarius, the water bearer. Aquarius is the fixed air sign of winter despite its symbol having the word water in it.
Where Capricorn is concerned with optimizing the current structure in place, Aquarius is concerned with reinventing the wheel.
Mercury typically functions well in the sign of Aquarius as the nature of the sign is highly individualistic, innovative, and forward-thinking. With the reversal of its motion, we may find revision is needed within our friend groups, groups that we work in, our sense of community, our ways of detaching or our objectivity, collective causes, activism, or standing up for what’s right. These also may act as areas of tension for us during this time.
As Mercury shifts from Aquarius to Capricorn, our mercury retrograde story may become centered around what was vs what could be, old vs new, or tradition vs revolution.
Oftentimes when an astrologer is speaking on a retrograde transit there is a lot of language used around it such as “be careful” or “don’t do x, y, or z” until the transit has passed. And yes, if you are thinking of signing a contract right now I would definitely recommend carefully reading and then re-reading it before finalizing that signature. I also would hold off on buying electronics or making big purchases (if you can). If you can’t, simply purchase insurance or a warranty because life must continue and we cannot live out of fear during the process. The point is to be mindful in doing and knowing that things aren’t always what they seem during a retrograde. This is why it is pertinent to be prepared for any outcome. We should expect delays or events that take us off our intended path or that we may encounter miscommunication. Additionally, it is important to not jump to any conclusions based on hearsay or partake in gossiping at this time.
The most important thing to remember during Mercury retrograde is to not force anything. Let it go, let it flow and you will be a lot more at peace. This isn’t a time to keep pouring into anything that doesn’t pour back into you. Lately within my own circle of friends I’ve found myself coming back to this metaphor of self as a cup often in conversations.
I imagine this as appears in the temperance tarot card, one cup representing self and the other all areas of life. In my mind’s eye, every area of life is a smaller cup that we use to fill our own bigger cup. If someone is only using one area of life to fill themselves this will lead to imbalance. When we have many different areas of life pouring into us equally we can easily find more fulfillment, It isn’t as easy to be taken aback when one cup stops pouring into us. The current astrology is the perfect storm to assess exactly what it is that you should be pouring your energy into, starting with this idea as the baseline.
Retrograde transits are not the most favorable of times for new beginnings, but it is a positive time to return to a creative project you’ve shelved, or pick back up old hobbies. It is a good time to reconnect with friends and most of all, reflect on all that’s happening outside of you to simply observe.
Mercury retrograde in Aquarius and Venus retrograde in Capricorn will help clear out whatever doesn’t actually work anymore. If something exits your life during this time it certainly isn’t aligned with you. Retrograde transits are like a centrifuge that removes anything that isn’t meant to be in your life. People often become complacent in less-than-desirable circumstances. Unless they are pushed out by force, change will not take place. If this sounds like what you’ve been experiencing, don’t worry; it is all bringing you to somewhere even better. I’ve found through the process of my own healing that the more centered you are, the less likely a retrograde is to dramatically shake up your life. Capricorn season this year is here to guide us along the path to stability.
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