Astrologers do talk. And we noticed during the weeks of Venus retrograde (October 8 to November 18) that many of you were possessed by a certain Venus madness: An urgency to strike against your bad relationships with fierce precision. Or a lonely wringing-of-hands, unable to tolerate a lack of love. For some this retrograde brought profound forgiveness and healings. Others got motivated. “I need more money! More beauty! More free time! More passion!” During her retrogrades, Venus often names what’s missing from your life–the shiny thing that would make your days happy and more fun. This need is a precious souvenir from Her journey through the underworld. What should you do with it? You have options. You can throw it in a drawer, and by the time Her post-retrograde shadow ends (December 20), you will be back into the familiar stream of your life, having forgotten what all the fuss was about. Or you can write about it, make treasure maps and post them on your wall. You can give your desire to the receptive Mother in your Moon. She’ll pull your cranky Venus child onto her lap, soothe her, and suggest something wise to do next. When Venus and the Moon agree to pursue the same desires, your creativity, confidence, and power to attract what you want increases. That’s the secret of their monthly conjunction. The next one arrives on December 31.

Venus rules diplomacy and Scorpio rules secrets. In the shadow of Her retrograde, we’ve seen some of her feisty mischief, in the WikiLeaks release of sensitive diplomatic documents, much of it gossip about world leaders. Also in the shadow of Her retrograde, she sent us a frank and unashamed sexual message through her emissary, Eve Ensler, urging nothing less than a revolution in the treatment of the vagina. Sensitive to power and intimacy, Venus in Scorpio has her priorities!

The cashier at the the Co-op was bubbly. “I don’t know why, I’m just in a great mood today,” she said. Hmmm… perhaps it’s Venus and Jupiter stationing direct. It’s rare when two planets station direct in one day, but when both are benefics, sweet and bountiful, we might bask in their good graces. It’s been a tough year, with eclipses, retrogrades, and the general decline of the western empire. So let’s enjoy this day, arriving like a triple latte laced with caramel and piled high with whipped cream. Go to the spa. Buy an extra bar of chocolate. Revel in whatever pleasures come your way. Pray to these two gods of abundance and prosperity. Become their agent and change a life: donate to a Kiva entrepreneur. And dare to be optimistic about your own future. Stationing planets move slowly, with gathered strength, so let this good mood permeate your cells and last awhile.

Venus of course rules the feminine and Jupiter rules personal growth and politics. Perhaps it was a nudge from these two that prompted the release of Aung San Sui Kyi, the pro-democracy political activist who’s been under house arrest in Myanmar for fifteen of the past twenty-one years. The joy and celebration of her current freedom is a wonderful symbol of what can happen when these two benefics are strong.

And if you’re in the area, I hope you’ll join me and the San Francisco Astrological Society … I’m heading there now!

The veil between the worlds is at its thinnest during Samhein, and it’s an appropriate time to contact ancestors, release what’s unnecessary, and prepare for the birth at Yule. Samhein is a “Sabbat,” one of the special days of power on the wheel of the year. Perform the ritual on October 31 (traditional Samhein) or November 8 (astrological Samhein).

You will need: an altar; three candles, one a beautiful shade of blue, one black, one white; a lighter to ignite the candles; and a a piece of chocolate.*
Place the chocolate on a small plate on the altar, then the candles, from left to right: blue, black, and white. Have a lighter nearby. When you’ re ready to begin, ring a bell or clap your hands. Step forward and recite the following:

I now enter a time that is not a time and a place that is not a place, at an hour that is not an hour, but a sacred portal between the worlds.

Light the blue candle. For as long or as briefly as you desire, offer your heartfelt respect, love and gratitude to your ancestors. Bow when you’re complete.

Light the black candle. For as long or as briefly as you desire, ask your protectors to help you release all that interferes with your passion and joy. Bow when you’re complete.

Light the white candle to signal your willingness and desire to receive a message from your ancestors, protectors, or guides. If you have a specific question, ask it. You may receive the answer now or sometime in the next 24 hours. Bow when you’re complete.

With all three candles lit, thank all the spirits and powers who have been in attendance. Take the chocolate into your mouth. Eat it slowly, with tremendous pleasure. (And don’t judge your level of pleasure; just surrender to whatever amount is available.) When you’re complete, ring a bell or clap your hands, and take one step back.

Recite the following:

I now leave the time that is not a time and the place that is not a place, at this hour that is not an hour, but a perfect moment in my perfect world.

Blow out the candles or let them burn—your choice! Of course always take care with unattended burning candles.

* You can also use a garden trowel instead of or in addition to the chocolate. At the conclusion of the ritual, take the trowel out to your garden to dig and/or weed in the moist dirt, thinking of how this act has the magical power to clear away inner obstacles. Feel gratitude for the earth and how it recycles death into nutrients for plants, people and worms.

Venus in the underworld is at her most powerful, especially when she descends in magical snaky Scorpio, as she did for this retrograde. You should expect to hear from her–if you haven’t already–through overwhelming desires, intuitions, unusual messages or dreams. Wilhelm, a MoonCircles reader, recently shared with me this Venus retrograde dream:

I had submitted a request to a committee of senior teachers. After they had deliberated, they sent a messenger to me, letting me know that the goddess Aphrodite had responded directly to my petition. As her note was handed to me, it changed into a very ethereal looking dove that changed into four doves who flew off in an equally sided cross formation. Then the doves changed into transparent butterflies…

The dove is Venus’ bird. There were five (one plus four) doves and five is Venus’ number. Clearly she was giving Wilhelm a sign. She gave us all a sign when shortly after her descent into the underworld, the 33 Chilean miners were finally released and returned above ground. What did it mean? I suspect it’s much like Wilhelm’s doves: it’s a sign of hope. As indeed there’s much darkness around, let’s remember it. And treasure that the goddess is watching and with us.

Venus stations retrograde tomorrow. Fuddy duddy astrologers are usually alarmed, advising caution in all matters related to Venus: relationships, creativity, pleasure, finances and fashion. Venus might inspire you to buy a lime green coat (“It looks so merry,” you think, “and I need a little more spice in my life!”)—although after the retrograde you’ll wonder how you ever bought such a thing. Venus could draw you towards an enticing stranger who seems to be everything that’s missing from your life—until you realize he’s worse than any jerk you’ve ever been with.

It’s true—such things can happen. But there’s a reason. Venus has needs you’ve been ignoring and during her retrograde she demands that you listen. She wants to shake up your life. She wants more pleasure! During her retrograde, Venus descends into the underworld and makes herself new. She’d like you to do the same.

These are high holy days for the Feminine, when Venus is at her most powerful in the inner world. Listen. Make necessary changes, but consider any sudden (and possibly ill-advised) decisions. If you’ve been ignoring Venus for the past few months, she may push you to extremes. If you have a good relationship with her, this can be a particularly delicious time. In Scorpio, be prepared to go deep. She wants you to peel back the veil and find answers to your personal mysteries.

Venus retrogrades on October 8 at 13.14 Scorpio; she goes direct November 18 at 27.40 Libra.. She will be in her post-retrograde shadow period until December 20. If you have some knowledge of your chart, find which house(s) she’s touching. Eight years ago she was retrograde in this same part of your chart. What happened then? How are those themes playing out now?

Two weeks ago, just before his 89th birthday, my father died. At three in the morning his sister heard him mutter “Christ!” It wasn’t until the next morning she discovered him on the floor of his bedroom unable to get up. He fell again that afternoon while opening a can of tuna. “Shit!” he moaned. Blood poured from his head.

Death is one of those mysteries that hides behind a hideous surface. It’s universally sad. We consider it a defeat. But as my father lay barely conscious in the hospital, his upper body thin and wasting, his legs swollen three times their size, with a fatty tumor bigger than a cantaloupe in his belly, death seemed more friend than enemy. The final week my father was in the hospital, I began to think of him as Christopher Columbus heading off for a New World, the pioneer of our nuclear family, embarking on the greatest adventure of all. Indeed, when he finally passed, it was within hours of the Jupiter Uranus conjunction, that wonderful aspect of discovery and invention. It was trine his Scorpio Ascendant.

I once heard the great astrologer and data collector Lois Rodden discussing death. I was surprised when she said that benefic Jupiter was often involved. Yet why not? From the soul’s point of view, it’s such a gift to move on. Grim Reaper Saturn also takes an interest, and the day my father died, Saturn was marching toward his Libra Sun. But when I put the transits of my father’s death chart around his natal wheel, it was neither Saturn nor Jupiter who vied for my attention. To an astrologer’s eye, the planets will often wink, vibrate, or grow larger to announce that they’re involved. The blinking planets this time were Mercury and Mars. Transiting Mars in Scorpio was conjunct my dad’s natal Mercury (ruler of his 8th house of death); transiting Mercury in Virgo was conjunct his natal Mars (ruler of his Ascendant and the body). These were the psychopomps who arrived at 1:10 pm to escort my father into the other world. He took two gasping breaths and was gone.

Today is his birthday. Happy birthday, Dad. I love you.

It’s a special Full Moon, the Harvest Moon, occurring just at the Equinox, when the Sun enters Libra, and the Earth turns toward a new season. Libra is a cardinal sign and in cardinal months we’re often inspired to take new action. There is energy for movement and change! But first, bless yourself with a little Moon magic. On the morning of the Harvest Moon, write down this question: “What do I wish to manifest in the next three months?” Return to this question several times throughout the day and record all of your answers. Before moonrise, select the wish that feels most energetic and true. After the Full Moon has risen, find a secluded spot and stand naked (or nearly so!) under the Moon. Scrub your skin as though you were bathing in moonbeams. Keep your eyes on the Moon and when you feel ready, ask Luna to help make your wish come true. Watch the Moon for a sign. If she remains clear, that’s a “Yes!” If she brightens and her light intensifies, that’s a strong “Yes!” If a cloud passes over the Moon, you may need to re-think or refine your wish. You can try again the following night, as the Harvest Moon lasts at least three days.

Each time the Sun entered Virgo during my schoolgirl years, I’d take out a clean sheet of paper. With a bold, optimistic hand, I’d write at the top: “The New Me.” Below it I would list all the wonderful qualities I was determined to adopt in the coming school year. (“Smile,” “Be helpful,” “Always say something nice.”) One year I read Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and following a suggestion in the book, I made note cards of its winning slogans and strategies. Each time I conjured my New Self, I felt like this act was itself new. I wasn’t aware I did it every year, cycling with a zodiac I hadn’t yet discovered. I did something creative and self-expressive during every Leo month, and in Virgo, I was always inspired to improve myself.

Virgo brings a precise, analytical, and useful energy to our September New Moons. We’re invited to survey our lives and sort what’s useful from what’s not—like the Virgin, separating the wheat from the chaff. Virgo brings a humble willingness to work. We feel an urge to get newly organized. Sometime in my middle years I gave up on “New Me” lists. My goals are more modest now: “Virgin, I pray, please help me clean out my garage.” At the least, my refrigerator might get scoured. Or the shed at the back of the house cleared, or maybe a bathroom drawer. Whatever it is, I know I’ll enjoy that delightful moment when the space sings with new energy. That’s my Virgo New Moon ritual. May the Virgin make something new for you too!

Mercury is now retrograde, from August 20 through September 12. During the Messenger’s retrogrades, I’m reminded of Pythia Peay’s marvelous metaphor for this time–when we become like Odysseus, waylaid by monsters, upsets, and unexpected adventures while trying to sail a straight line home. During the Trojan War, wily Odysseus conceived of the Trojan Horse scheme, then bragged how he ended the war without the gods’ help. The gods don’t like such hubris. Poseidon sent fierce winds to blow him off course.

We have crimes to pay for too. We go for weeks without noticing all those serendipitious encounters with divine grace. We get caught up in our churning minds. We’re burning with opinions, projects and plans, forever texting, talking, and multi-tasking. Mercury’s thrice-yearly retrogrades are meant to take us off course. And maybe down a peg. The gods might foul our communications, distract us with stupid mistakes. Giggling, they may put the pen in our hands to sign unwise contracts or entice us with purchases we’ll later regret.

But if you honor Mercury now, he just might be willing to rescue you. He did that for Odysseus, slipping him an elixir made from the magical plant Moly (which grows underground and can only be seen by the gods). Moly inoculated Odysseus against Circe’s seductions. She couldn’t turn him into a pig like the others! An amazed Circe figured she’d met her match in Odysseus and immediately released his men and served them all an amazing feast. You can have a good time during the retrograde too if Mercury slips you some Moly. First you must resist the seductions of your usual ambitions, habits and deadlines. Slow down: a perfect enterprise for this Pisces Full Moon. Don’t think too much or take yourself too seriously. Just listen, play, and let the chimeras of your imagination soak in, along with a little Moly.

It’s arrived. The Cardinal Cross astrologers have been talking about for years. First taste: the lunar eclipse in late June. Second taste: end of July/early August as warrior Mars entered Libra, quickly opposing Uranus, stomping on Saturn, and charging at Pluto. These aspects make astrologers shudder. At their best, they foster great determination and effort. At their worst, they’re explosive, violent, and combustible. Mars is a fiery lord. It’s hot here in the Northern Hemisphere. Six hundred fires are raging across Western Russia, elsewhere too. The skies in my Oregon town are smoky. Throughout this week, we’ve all been wicks, ready for igniting. Yet how we’ve blazed depends on what’s gone into the candle.

Someone who’s been feeling victimized may have exploded like Omar Thornton, the truck driver who brought weapons to his disciplinary hearing and became an instrument of death and mayhem. Those who’ve been hiding dark secrets may have suddenly been exposed, like Dominique Cottrez, who admitted to smothering eight babies, burying some in the garden while hiding others in the garage. Those filled with the importance of an urgent mission and allied with like-minded others may have seen a great success, like the team working in the Gulf who finally, after months, capped that leaking well. The name of their mission, “Static Kill” is an appropriate nod to the gods involved. Superhuman efforts are possible with the Cardinal Cross, given you enter the scene with focus, preparation, and a willingness to do your best, as did Masato Akamatsu with his amazing catch. Of course it’s much easier to simply lose your cool, as did New York state Senator Pedro Espada who threw money at angry protestors.

My own candle burned on a much smaller stage. No big dramas. No big efforts. Just a busy schedule and an asteroid belt of small events that threatened to undo me… missed appointments, client crises, emails that weren’t answered quickly enough. Many times I felt an inner mob collecting, eager to start a riot. But gratefully, my inner constable worked overtime, patrolling the corridors of my psyche, offering “Calm down, move along, no big deals here.”

It is the Leo New Moon. It’s our annual opportunity to celebrate our individual star power. During times like these, being a star may simply mean holding ourselves together, offering a kindness when we’re stressed, or digging deep inside our pain to finally extract an old psychological thorn. The celestial picture is always a reflection of our personal picture, which leads to my simple recommendation for this New Moon. With fresh eyes, observe the dramas in your life and say “Yeah, this is my action movie.” Maybe you don’t feel particularly big or handsome or sparkly enough to sell tickets and popcorn. But understand that you’re still a hero. All you need do is rise up and meet your life with the Best Self you’ve got at the moment. And don’t forget to applaud.

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