Barbara Hamilton, Consultant, Speaker, Futurist, Coach, and International Astrologer TEL:  561-394-6965    
FAX:  561-394-7263    

Mars Retrograde

Imagine driving a cross-country trip in reverse gear. That’s pretty much the scenario for successfully coping with Mars in retrograde motion from Nov 15, 2007 through

Jan 30, 2008 in Cancer and Gemini. You can certainly make progress and get there, but the perspective, speed and attitude will require major adjustment!

f.y.i. A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backward in its orbit through the zodiac. The cycle of Mars turns retrograde every 26 months for about

2½ months.

Mars represents our assertive, masculine and aggressive urges and how we express them. It also symbolizes how we initiate in our lives and manifest our leadership and our physical energy. As such, it’s plain to see why Mars would not be too happy with an enforced slowdown. In a global sense, people and countries can feel pushed to inappropriately defend themselves, with sorry consequences for all.

During this time, it’s common for old anger issues to resurface and get our attention. Where have we held in anger or resentment toward a person or situation that’s still fermenting inside us and affecting our own well-being? Years ago, I was furious with an injustice that someone had inflicted on me and I stayed up all night upset and raging. Suddenly, early in the morning, I realized that the other person was probably sleeping soundly while I was tormenting myself!

Assertive Mars is not thrilled to travel in watery Cancer emotional territory even in direct motion. So, on a rough day, the retrograde effect can simulate chalk-on-a-blackboard. Cancer has to do with our sense of security, family, home and territory. If we perceive that any of that is threatened, it’s tempting to overreact. Mars is heat and Cancer is water. Boiling water can either scald or cook delicious food.

Rules of the Retrograde Road

What NOT to do:

Try not to initiate new ventures.

Avoid purchasing anything major mechanical.

Aggressive actions backfire.

Don’t initiate any lawsuits.

Whoever fires first loses.

If you push too hard, you’ll get pushed back.

Watch for old behavior patterns to re-emerge.

Make the best of this time:

If you have to buy something major that’s mechanical, insure or warrantee it.

Use this time to assess and plan.

Pilot test and use feedback.

Research now will really pay off later.

Evaluate emotional wants and needs.

Eliminate habits that result in dissipation.

Find ways to balance over-aggressive behavior.

Find ways to balance passive/aggressive behavior.

If you must be involved in a lawsuit, aggravate the other party so they litigate first.

Get to the bottom of family issues and release them.

See what stresses you and eliminate it.

Exercise moderately and consistently.

Yoga or meditation help.

Practice patience.

Come to peace with the past.

Be nice to yourself.

We can use this time to discover what is really important to us and learn to express our energy in healthy assertive ways. After all, we are the fortunate ones. We have the greatest resources to cope with this time – awareness and willingness to do things differently. Besides, we’re entering into Holiday time and we deserve a break.

Mercury Retrograde

Get your Communications Goggles on!  Mercury will next be Retrograde in Libra from 
September 24th at 03:11am until October 15th at 03:57 pm.
    
Ok, in common vernacular, Mercury retrograde indicates a time during which Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit. Now, since Mercury basically rules communications of all types, the concept of “appearing to move backward” may seem somewhat daunting. And indeed, it can be.

The good news is that you’re reading this and knowledge is power.

If at all possible, here is what not to do during this period.

Try not to sign any contracts or make major purchases or commitments. Especially stay away from buying cars, electronic equipment or computers or installing major software/upgrades. An acquaintance rushed into closing on a new home and later found herself paying for extensive roofing damage that had been undetected. Selling is not as precarious as buying, but can still bring unexpected complications down the road.

Here is what works during Mercury retrograde. Retrograde is best known as the “re” time- research, review, revise, return and redo. Finish up loose ends. Clear out your closets. Reorganize the office. File that box of receipts. Return unanswered phone calls, emails and correspondence. Categorize your CDs and alphabetize your spices.

Make sure your computer is backed up and your virus protection is kept current. Send important documents via certified or registered mail and keep receipts for everything you buy. You may well decide to return some of them.

You may want to revisit that restaurant you went to long ago. On the other hand, you may just find out why you never went back there! It’s also helpful to double check travel plans, reservations and appointments. Allow extra time for most things.

This can be a great time to renew relationships from the past and heal misunderstandings. Although there may be temporary frustrations, we can strengthen our own ability to experience the Grace of patience and perhaps come to know a depth of self that is usually overlooked in our haste.

Photos by:  Greg Brooks