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Launching 2023 with a Double Retrograde

By Dana Gerhardt

 

Mars is retrograde from October 30 to January 12; Mercury, from December 29 to January 18.

If during the holidays, your flight was cancelled and your luggage went missing, you know what it’s like to be caught inside of a double retrograde. Between December 29 and January 12, both Mars and Mercury—the Warrior and the Thinker—appear to be going backward in the sky. This visual metaphor tells us all we need to know. It’s just not the time to push ahead.

Forward motion is easily stalled, scrambled, even dangerous. Body and mind are in the wily hands of two Tricksters. One is a clumsy Warrior, the other a distracted Thinker. Together, they can make mayhem, small and large. Just in the past 24 hours …

  • As I write this, on day two of what should be a working day for the US House of Representatives, this body is effectively paralyzed. It can’t swear in new members, fill committees, set rules or introduce legislation. For the first time in 100 years, the majority party for the House couldn’t elect a Speaker on the first ballot. So far it’s been six. Kevin McCarthy’s long-held dream of winning this title is at best stalled, at worst crumbling. The numbers don’t add up, no one is negotiating, so vote after vote is taken with no resolution. Mars and Mercury retrograde.
  • Then there’s the actor who plays a Marvel superhero, Jeremy Renner. He was trying to clear a path through the snow-bound roads around his house, when his snowcat began to roll without him in the driver’s seat. While trying to climb back in, Renner suffered traumatic injuries. Blocked snowbound roads, of course, are another sign of the energetic times.
  • Never in NFL history has a game been cancelled like this. Injured players have been carried off the field before, but never have fans and players watched someone’s heart stop. In universal sympathy, the hearts of other players on the field, and everyone in the stadium, stopped too, watching Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin fall, after a rare blunt force trauma to the heart—which happened at just the wrong spot in just the wrong pause of his heartbeat—sending him into cardiac arrest.

Mars retrograde weeks are especially difficult for athletes. You’d think, with so much money on the line, sponsors of high stakes sporting events would consult their ephemerides and at the least, let the Olympics, Super Bowls, and World Cups go to other cities. During these backward periods, those who stand at the top of their sports for years can suddenly tumble, suffering a bad day or a devastating accident. Retrograde games are often riddled with upsets, injuries, or scandals.

So what does this mean for you? Don’t be surprised if you suddenly trip over invisible obstacles, bring a hammer down on your thumb, or find yourself wandering around, forgetting why you entered a room, opened this particular drawer, or picked up your phone.

But more importantly, it suggests you develop a slo-mo vision of launching yourself into 2023. There you are–with a smile on your face, heading towards something desirable, but for the first few weeks of this year, you’re going in slow motion. You’re avoiding overly ambitious plans, anxious pushing, or high-stakes drama. Rather, you’re choosing to harmonize with the heavenly signs. You’re looking ahead, perhaps, to the January 21 new moon–which is a better time to officially start your year.

It’s a deep and persistent myth that astrology controls or predicts what will happen. Despite constant evidence that this just isn’t true. During the double retrograde—most travelers actually got to their destinations and back home safely. Most NFL players were fully uninjured. And likely few of us have accidentally cut off a finger.  The celestial symbols signal how the energy is flowing–what happens after that is a product of the times and our free will.

Astrology does something better than predict events. It helps us get into the right groove. It signals how to harmonize with the energetic weather. Why should we do that? Because then life becomes increasingly effortless. We find ourselves more naturally engaged in auspicious activities.  Who doesn’t want that?!

Retrogrades aren’t just about delay. They help us to rest, rethink, repair, and prepare. Following this formula for the next couple weeks will save you time in the long run. I hope you enjoy shifting into this unique double retro gear.

 

I hope you’ll also follow me on IG and Facebook this year, where I keep track of the daily moon signs for you.  Want to go even deeper? Now is the perfect time to enroll in my monthly moon workshop–which has been running continuously for over 20 years.  If you have an inner witch, living in the forest of your psyche, who’s been craving a more magical experience–I want you to know that I designed this workshop for her!

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About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Judith says

    Jan 5, 2023 at 5:37 am

    Thank you for this summary. It’s always helpful to get an astrological perspective for practical action.

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth Berg says

    Jan 4, 2023 at 10:53 pm

    You do write with compassion wisdom and good humor. Wonderful to have you as my go to moon circle moon sister.
    Thank you Elizabeth

    Reply
  3. Ruth B says

    Jan 4, 2023 at 4:23 pm

    Mercury went Rx exactly conjunct my moon in the third house-square my natal Sun/Saturn -my daughter gave me a new phone for Christmas – you cannot imagine the problems! Even Apple asks that I give them yet another 13 days to figure it out!

    Reply
  4. g says

    Jan 4, 2023 at 4:03 pm

    buon capodanno 2023 dana!
    you write the best retrograde articles and this is no exception. with my mercury in gemini in the third house, i am a hot buttered mess pre, during and post retro, and let’s not even get into my mars!!! this sweet little taurus has been dropping f*** bombs like there is no tomorrow…
    thank you for your continuingly (yes, it is a word) fabulous newsletters and all you do.
    blessings and xoxox, gina (still) in new york.
    p s if any of you out there in this galaxy have not signed on for dana’s monthly moon reports ~ go for it! it is marvelous,,, and makes a great gift ;).

    Reply
  5. Mary J. says

    Jan 4, 2023 at 3:34 pm

    I am seriously considering this. So far, I love how you explain things.

    Reply

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The Moon is in its
Crescent Phase

in the
Sign of Aries


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Sun, 11:50pm  Jan 26 2023
  • Moon sextile Saturn, 3:13pm  Jan 27 2023
  • Moon sextile Sun, 7:17pm  Jan 27 2023
  • Moon square Pluto, 9:01pm  Jan 27 2023

Venus is currently
The Evening Star

in the sign of Pisces


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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.