Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Saturn in Sagittarius
Today, September 17, 2015 is a very significant day for astrological transits. First we have the last retrograde of Mercury in 2015. This retrograde beginning September 17th is in the air sign of Libra. Libra is all about relationships, the balance, harmony, and peace that can result when two people relate honestly, openly, and with love. Libra also is concerned with aesthetics. The making of, or the appreciation of art, beauty, and that which relaxes or pleases.
During Mercury retrograde it is a time when mental activity turns inward. When reflection, reviewing, re-considering, and redoing something calls to us. It is a time to go back and clean out the cluttered drawers and closets of our lives and our minds. A time to reorganize and get clear, so that when Mercury stations direct on October 9th, we can move forward with greater confidence and purpose.
This is a great time to talk with significant others or those just on the horizon. Get to know someone better. Deepen a budding love. Strengthen and polish a long term commitment. Talk to each other. Listen with attention. Be aware of the balance needed between two people and their respective needs. Create healthy space as you knit the bonds of love or friendship even closer. Remember that words spoken in hurt or anger can’t be taken back. Breathe before you communicate if upset. And if reflection and communication reveal the need for release, may resolve, respect, and peace be your guides.
This also is a time when we can creatively work with ourselves. We each have a relationship with ourselves whether we are conscious of it or not. Create quiet space and allow thoughts and feelings to surface. Write a letter to yourself. Describe what may desired or who may be desired and why. Think about the type of growth that would enrich your life. Define methods to achieve greater ease and peace in life. Be specific. Be bold. Be honest.
And always the basics of a Mercury retrograde. Do remember to write things down, make your lists, double check your facts, and take a moment before you erase anything!! Make copies and back up your files. If you can, hold off on large purchases or long term commitments until you consider all avenues, discuss all feelings, understand all the details. If you can’t, again take a moment, or two, or three and be as clear as you can about all matters.
Now the big one! Saturn has been in the sign of Scorpio since October 5, 2012, except for the 6 month first entry into Sagittarius from December 23, 2014 to June 16, 2015, when Saturn then finished up its last few months of Scorpio. Today, Saturn leaves Scorpio and begins its longer and final leg of this transit through the fire sign of Sagittarius until December 20, 2017. It takes approximately 28 – 29 years for Saturn to go through all of the signs. The last time Saturn was in the sign of Sagittarius occurred between November 16, 1985 and November 11, 1988. If you can remember that time, think back on what your life was like and some of the things that were going on. This can give you some insight into this current transit and some ways it may affect you.
Saturn is the planet of maturity. It is a planet that brings into our experience the reality of things. It helps to define boundaries and limitations. In that, it can also help us to reach inside and find our strength, our patience, our self-discipline and determination to work with those boundaries. Saturn requires us to do the work, if we want the gifts it offers.
While Saturn was in Scorpio, many of the patterns of unprocessed, unconscious human behaviors were brought to the surface. Hiding from our wounds and denials were not as easy to do, and for many impossible. Individually and collectively we were called to look into our own shadow for the purpose of claiming our wholeness and the healing that can result from such emotionally honest work. In writing these words I don’t mean to simplify this process or this time period. For many it was difficult, yet cathartic. And for others it was too much. There have been many headlines and most of us are aware of the many events triggered by deep pain, uncontrollable anger, and overwhelming hopelessness, and the tragic outcomes that occurred. As a result of these events, the need to find understanding, healing and peace became even more pronounced.
Now in the fire sign of Sagittarius, the energy that was focused, intense, and probing to the depths of our souls is now coming up out of the dark. There is a need for movement. Saturn still requires something very significant of each of us, but now it is asking us to go out into the world after our time of deep inner reflection and healing, and grow. To go beyond the wounds that held us back and stretch further into life. To do something different. To reach for our dreams with faith that with a plan, hard work, and determination we just might achieve them. Travel to some place exotic if you can, study something new or intriguing, go on a quest that broadens your view of life and the world. Think about, about what you believe in, and delve into philosophical discussions with others.
Because this is Saturn we are talking about, even in Sagittarius, there can still be the feeling of pressure, that it feels difficult. For those that have their Sun or Moon in Sagittarius, this transit will be strongly felt and experienced, and if done well can be a time of continued maturity and dignity. For all of us the house that Saturn is moving through can provide important information about the area of life that is being affected. Wherever Saturn moves through the birthchart it is wise to give attention to that area of life and attend to it as responsibly as you can.
Every sign has a shadow expression and for Sagittarius with all of this fire signs exuberance and zest for life there can be the real potential for some insensitivity, carelessness, and over-confidence that can result in unwanted consequences. This transit urges us to take some action and grow, travel, explore life in a new and exciting way, but do so with your eyes on the road and awareness of those around you.
It’s time for all of us to take a deep breath and stretch our wings in anticipation. To get serious about growth and the exploration of life. I for one am ready for something new, for something positive, for something that will inspire! I am ready for my own version of an adventure…. are you?
If you would like to know the houses within your birthchart that these transits fall into, please send me your birth information. I would need your date of birth mm/dd/yyyy, time of birth am/pm (as exact as possible), and city and state of birth. Or if you have any questions or comments, please contact me at dksleo13@talkingskyastrology.com.
Be Well ~ Be Love
Deborah Sipple