November Astrology
Highlights: Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn retrogrades
by Lynn
Koiner, P.M.A.F.A.
MERCURY RETROGRADE: October
18 through November 7, 2000
The traditional statement
about Mercury retrograde is that it favors anything that begins with the
prefix "re-" -- re-negotiate, re-vamp, re-new, re-vise, return, re-issue,
re-visit, re-finance because the word retrograde itself means "to go back
and retrace one's steps."
Many people call me about
how to handle the decision-making process while Mercury is retrograde.
Always, decisions should only be made on contingency! With the element
of flexibility added to any change or decision, there seems to be some
guarantee of success. This period also favors finishing up work or returning
to complete a project. This motion can provide new insights into the material.
It favors re-considering prior decisions and getting others to change their
minds about a previously-made decision. Precision is always disrupted by
a retrograde Mercury. Going with the flow, keeping options open, using
contingency methods and intuitively processing as you go along seem to
give the flexibility needed to avoid Retrograde Mishaps.
Most of the time, Mercury
retrograde is about as welcome as a tax audit! The left hemisphere of the
brain is out to lunch, nothing works when you want it to, and nothing turns
out as planned. Generally speaking, this is not a time to make any major
commitments or sign any contracts or papers because you will change your
mind. It is not a time to place any importance in the decisions or commitments
of others since they, too, will change their minds. Sign agreements only
on contingency! All changes are subject to delays, last-minute postponements
or mix-ups.
This is a bad time to obtain
a medical diagnosis or visit a doctor for the first time. You may not be
able to obtain an accurate diagnosis until Mercury turns direct. It is
better for a later diagnosis.
General repairs are not favored
when Mercury is retrograde and these frequently have to be done over again.
Never purchase anything associated with transportation or communication
- such as a car, a bicycle, tape recorder, TV or even shoes. Such purchases
will not last long or they will be plagued with malfunctions - if they
work at all!
When Mercury is retrograde
and afflicting another transiting planet, this causes major communication
and decision-making errors in judgment. It is not a time to travel and,
when driving yourself, exercise great caution. People are more inclined
to be accident prone.
Caution Dates are November
1-2 (Neptune).
JUPITER RETROGRADE:
September 29 - January 25, 2001
When Jupiter turns retrograde,
the action of Jupiter is reversed so that the emphasis is upon inner awareness
and inner growth. It is an excellent time to get in touch with personal
integrity. Jupiter rules role playing in order evoke a positive external
reaction. When transiting Jupiter is afflicting natal planets, you will
find yourself dealing with phoniness in both yourself and others. When
Jupiter is retrograde, you should evaluate how you are not being honest
with yourself because you are playing a role that is disloyal to your true
self. When opportunities arise while Jupiter is retrograde, they are the
result of seeds planted in the past from people met or connections made
in the past.
Jupiter retrograde is more
spiritual and philosophical so it is a time to explore philosophies, possibly
something simpler from a time in your past. According to Delphine Jay,
this period may produce an event that reminds you of a time when you had
a better perspective on life. She furthermore feels that it is an excellent
time to complete Jupitarian projects such as going back to school to complete
your education, taking a long distance trip that you have postponed, and
making a connection with a long lost friendship. It is a good time to take
spiritual or philosophical courses with the objective of gaining a better
perspective on life.
Because of the spiritual
approach to this Jupiter transit, it is not a time to initiate material
activities. A business which starts while Jupiter is retrograde will find
that much of the business is connected with altruistic and charitable concerns
and good causes. Too much help is given for which the company will not
receive payment. Obviously, it is excellent for initiating a humanitarian
or fund-raising project.
In my chart interpretation,
I use the key phrase for the House-position of Jupiter retrograde that
it is an area wherein you are able to restore to life things or relationships
that are considered dead or dying. Jupiter natally retrograde in the 2nd
and 4th House is good for restoring objects or property for resale. It
is good for restoring troubled relationships ruled by the various houses.
Therefore, it can be assumed that, when Jupiter is transiting retrograde,
it is a good time to restore any project or relationship that is failing.
I consider Jupiter to be the relating principle in a chart - how we reach
out and connect with others and what we relate to most easily. During the
retrograde cycle, make the effort to revive that which is failing as ruled
by the House-position of the transiting retrograde. Make the effort to
go back and make the connection.
SATURN RETROGRADE:
September 12 - January 25, 2001
Saturn turning retrograde
will slow down the normal rate of activity so that better methods and strategies
can be developed. Saturn rules the physical and psychological supports,
structures and armatures in our life. It produces the rules and regulations
by which we guide our lives, our sense of responsibility, and our limitations.
It allows us to define boundaries for ourselves by saying NO! When Saturn
is natally retrograde, this capacity does not function properly, making
us insecure and unable to accurately assess what can realistically be expected
in any situation. The most common flaw is the tendency to say YES when
we should say NO, especially in activities and relationships ruled by Saturn's
house position. Stress hits: November 2 (Pluto) and December 22 (Mars).
During the period when Saturn
is transiting retrograde, it is essential that we go back and assess and
solidify commitments made, projects started and responsibilities undertaken
in the past. This must be done before we can continue. Saturn transiting
retrograde provides the opportunity to reassess what we have taken on,
to finally say NO, to back out of a commitment and to improve the organization
of a project. While the process is going on, while you are working with
what you have at hand, you should be warned against taking on any unnecessary
responsibilities or long-range commitments. Only deal with issues from
the past; do not take on new ones!
Saturn turning retrograde
gives us the opportunity to go back and reorganize or renegotiate any activities
or commitments that seem to be a source of frustration. If you merely persist
under Saturn frustrations, the frustrations will merely persist! Weed out
the source of frustration at this time. Remember, my definition for being
responsible is in knowing how much you can do before you start to feel
frustrated, trapped or confined - and drawing the line and saying NO before
you reach that point! It is essential that you do not start any new business
activity while Saturn is retrograde!! You will only find that a lot of
reorganizing has to be done before any successes can be made.
C
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