PLUTO RETROGRADE

Pluto moves in and out of retrograde several times each year.  It remains in retrograde for approximately 150 days a year, often lasting for several months at a time.

Transiting Pluto is a powerhouse in the horoscope, and it intensifies in strength when it makes aspects to planets and points within the natal chart or the progressed chart.  The orb for influence in the transit of Pluto can be felt for those with a strong sensitivity up to 5 degrees while approaching (0 degrees being direct) and 2 degrees separating (after being direct and moving away).  While in progression, it is most significant when it comes within 15 minutes of being direct. 

When Pluto moves into the retrograde motion, it intensifies and becomes very powerful.  The transformational abilities linked to Pluto increase and the regenerative abilities are enhanced.  Any power struggles can also become much more apparent when Pluto is in retrograde, so it is wise to avoid interaction that could lead to intense situations, especially if linked somehow to the planet Mars or Uranus.

It may be very challenging to avoid situations that require change especially when Pluto transits a planet while in retrograde.  It could be considered a time for cleansing and a time to release any worn out or outdated attitudes.  It is as though you are addressing a list of things to do that was written last year.  It is wise to review and remove those items that no longer apply and add more important requirements that are relevant to your life today.

During retrograde motion, it is a good time for inner study and to dig up issues that have been buried for too long.  It might not always be pleasant what you initially find but these challenging conditions will need to be confronted and dealt with.  Any patterns in your life that have reached a state of uncontrollable insistence can best be addressed now and dealt with and changed (usually on a permanent basis).

Much (as always) depends on which house Pluto is transiting and also the house that Pluto is located in within the natal chart as these will be areas of life that will undergo Pluto’s transformative energies.  You may be forced to challenge any issues you dig up and bring to the surface. 

An example might be communicative challenges if transiting Pluto is moving through the third house or if natal Pluto resides in this house.  Also you should look to see where Pluto’s ruling sign (Scorpio) is found as this will also indicate where these changing conditions might become apparent.

Those with Pluto retrograde at birth are known to have great recuperative abilities and they can withstand illnesses that might be considered debilitating for many others. 

We would suggest that you review how Pluto is aspected in the natal chart.  Also review the aspects linked to the planets that transiting Pluto is making aspects to during its cycle in order to get a feel for how these areas of life along with the energies associated with the planets involved will affect the overall conditions of this very significant transit of Pluto.

In general, it is a good time to get in touch with any issues that need dealing with or cleansing.  Review to see what your inner needs may be.  It is a time for inner reflection and transformation that usually takes a year or two to unfold. 

On an outer level, it is also a good time to begin exercise programs and detoxifying diets that help cleanse the body but do not forget your spiritual needs at this time as well.  Enjoy the rather intense transformation that often takes place as Pluto moves into direct and retrograde motion affecting planetary links and important positions in your birth chart. 

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology offers Astrology courses each spring and fall.  New courses will commence in the spring of 2020. Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

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If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

NEPTUNE RETROGRADE

The outer planets remain in retrograde for longer periods than the inner planets.  Those that have Neptune in retrograde in their birth charts will certainly be affected.  Those that have Neptune stationary in their birth chart will be even more powerfully affected. 

“Powerfully” may not be the appropriate word as Neptune’s energies operate in very subtle ways.  Its influences are felt often through intuitive channels and the unconscious mind. 

In direct motion, Neptune often suggests cloudiness with our reasoning, potential deception or we may not be facing facts.  In its higher representation is suggests idealism.  It also could suggest a romantic involvement often associated with an idealistic view of the partner or situation.  It is also linked to artistic abilities coming to the surface. 

Neptune is linked with fantasy and visions while in direct motion, but its energies turn to reality and dealing with the actual facts when in retrograde.  Openheartedness and level-headedness linked to common sense are terms that could also be associated with Neptune’s retrograde cycle energy.

Since Neptune deals primarily with the mystical and spiritual side of our consciousness, during the time when Neptune is retrograde, you may find that you realize more concrete solutions or answers to questions pertaining to these pursuits.  This applies particularly to those with Neptune retrograde in their birth charts.  Look to see which house Neptune is transiting through during this cycle and also look where Neptune is located in your birth chart. 

Neptune’s retrograde cycle is approximately 150 days in length, and it spends about 14 years in each sign.  Its return cycle is approximately 165 years, so we never experience its return in our lives.  About 40 percent of people have Neptune retrograde in their birth charts.  As a result, Neptune’s retrograde energies are quite common.

When Neptune is in its direct cycle, there can be a cloudiness about life, depending on how it is aspected in the birth chart.  There may be deception and deceit or often illusion and disarray when it comes to seeing things as they are.  When Neptune turns retrograde, it becomes more genuine and more lifelike as Neptune can be illusionary when direct.  It is more reliable and life becomes more real although what you see, at times, may not be all that pleasant.  There can be a real feeling of let-down after a period of feelings of idealism and wonder but the truth is what we want, regardless of how it may look.  Because of Neptune’s influence, when we view the world as it is, a part of us still wants to see it through rose coloured glasses.  There is the unrealistic hope under this retrograde influence that what we see might just vanish; but it will not, and we have to face facts. 

Life becomes more practical and realistic with the retrograde cycle, and this can also include “visions” that are real.  This can also include mystical understanding that is also real and identifiable. 

Neptune retrograde is not a bad thing but it is truth in a broad scope.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology offers Astrology courses each spring and fall.  New courses will commence in the spring of 2020. Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

AWAKEN; YOU ARE THE GIANT WITHIN

Recognizing who we are can certainly be paramount to our awakening.  

We have to understand our true identity, which is not of an earthly nature.  Our connection with our true self begins with this understanding and any progress can become stagnant is we are caught up strictly in the mundane concerns of earthly living, although much can be utilized from our life’s experience.

We are not our bodies.  We are not our achievements.  We are not our failures. 

We are spirit opening up in varying degrees to true awareness.  We are spirit wrapped in human form; temporarily experiencing a human experience.  We are the one that dwells within.  We do not have to wait until we move into the next level of consciousness or pass over to gain entry to the door to our higher self.  That door is accessible now.

Recognize ego’s fear based manipulation and refrain from identifying with it.  Many of us can be caught up in this transitional stage and have a hard time seeing beyond ego’s grip.  Many individuals actually believe that they are their ego.  They recognize its negative influence in their lives and believe that for some reason that they do not deserve anything better.  Guilt is a by-product of ego and as long as ego maintains its stranglehold, guilt accompanies us in our journey.

For many of us, how we live our lives is often based on guilt and fear.

When we look down on ourselves and our qualities, we are lacking in self love.  Too many people believe that ego is their only identity, and more often than not, ego has a negative influence not a positive one.

We CAN love ourselves enough to rediscover the wonderful energy that resides within.  We can awaken to our true potential through self love.  From there, we can then radiate that love outward into the global consciousness. 

We are all one consciousness which is aligned with source.  There are no exceptions.  We are one and we move as a whole. 

Working on ourselves moves our global consciousness in an enlightened direction.  Accepting ourselves for who we are allows us to see the beauty within but also allows us to see the beauty that surrounds us. 

Recognize the chatter of ego and experience life as we were always meant to experience it.  We can 

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology?  Holm Astrology’s Fall courses have already commenced but we will be offering courses again in the spring of 2020.  Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

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If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

URANUS RETROGRADE

Uranus’ energies are very revolutionary.  They seek freedom of expression and have a strong desire to remove us from anything that has gone stale or no longer serves a viable purpose.  Uranus’ energies act in unexpected manners, and you can never be totally sure how they will respond under pressure. 

Under most conditions, the area of life being affect by Uranus will be the house it is transiting through especially when in retrograde motion.  There is often a feeling that something has to change or be shaken up somewhat before its expression is activated.  Quite often, you get warnings of necessary changes in the area of life under its influence when in retrograde and then when it turns direct either you make the necessary changes or life makes things happen for you.  If you choose to do nothing, life will often take a leading role and see that the changes take place.  More often than not when changes are forced upon us, they may not be overly pleasant in their expression.  Things can happen at the spur of the moment, suddenly, unexpectedly, without warning. 

Uranus motto could be “Expect the unexpected”.

When a planet is in retrograde, the energies related to the planet and the house(s) it is transiting are stifled or held back.  The energy is turned inward and a time for review is at hand.  It is a time to re-think things, to re-do things and in an attempt to repair things, you can prepare for when the energies are released so that you can move forward in the new direction of choice.  The best time to move forward in your objectives is when the planet goes direct.

Uranus suggests that this is a time for inner reflection not only about your life but on a more personal level – the level of “who you are”.  It often provides you with more freedom of expression and you just want to be you, or the new you.  This is particularly so if Uranus is retrograde in your birth chart.  (Any planet that is retrograde in the birth chart becomes more powerful when it turns retrograde through transit.)

Uranus is known as the awakener and this is what it will try to achieve in the area of life dictated by the house it is transiting through in your chart.  You should also have a look at the natal placement of Uranus by house and also by aspect as this will give you clues into how things might unfold.  As with all of the outer planets, Uranus will make suggestions along the way but it will often create a course with little or no direction or input from you. 

Life happens and things change.  Uranus will be the instigator behind these actions, but remember regardless of how drastic and challenging the conditions may be, Uranus always provides you with exactly what you need.  The end result is or will be beneficial.

When Uranus goes direct, this will often be the time when these areas of life that are involved will be motivated to move towards the new and to make necessary changes.  Again these can be in disruptive ways but just for the moment.  Do not spend any time worrying about how things might manifest, as Uranus acts on impulse and without warning and often releases in ways that you cannot be prepared for.  

Remind yourself, as these changes are taken place, that these are happening for a better future.

Some people fear changes.  Those who are more evolved, or open to the new, know that when the timing is ripe and change is necessary, it should be welcomed with open arms.  Uranus will take you where you need to go, so be open and listen.  You will know which avenue to take, if life does not dictate, that is.  You have freedom of choice on your response however.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology offers Astrology courses each spring and fall.  New courses will commence in the spring of 2020. Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?

Specific monetary and material goals can become a fixation for some people.  They strive to achieve monetarily and often can become obsessive and relentless in this pursuit.  Material abundance or financial success becomes their sole objective and some individuals will stop short of nothing to achieve what they set out to do.

Financial security is not wrong or evil as some would want us to believe.  We currently live a material existence, and comfort and enjoyment are all part of this experience.  Unfortunately, for many individuals financial rewards and positions of power only serve to pad their feelings of superiority and accomplishment. 

For many there is an excitement of accomplishing these material goals but an unhealthy relationship with money can lead us to believe that more money provides more happiness, but far too often the financial rewards of “happiness” are short lived as are the feelings of security for some.  Nothing seems to satisfy the hunger for more and they are never satisfied for long.  This is when the drive for security becomes an obsession.

We can have a healthy relationship with money but for those who become obsessed, material success often comes with a very steep price, (including unsuccessful family relationships and the ability to truly live for anything other than increasing the bottom line). 

For those that have climbed the corporate latter, and when the time comes to retire, do they lose their identity and purpose once they are no longer connected to their job?  Are their efforts soon forgotten by the corporation?  Does it matter?

During the ascent of the corporate ladder, many have mentioned a period of when nothing seems to satisfy them and an empty void was experienced that nothing in their lives seemed to fulfill.  This can be a lonely and empty place where gratification and happiness just cannot be found because they were attached to an unrealistic source.  Perhaps this is when we begin to realize that material gain just isn’t enough.  It is then that many can begin to look beyond this one focus.  

We begin to realize that happiness cannot be purchased.  We realize that happiness is an attitude.  We begin to realize that we can work towards security but we cannot make this effort the sole purpose of living. 

We certainly live in a material world and have come into this life to learn from each of the lessons we experience here.  Find security in whatever form it is representative to you. 

Be sure that your goals include the ability to feed your hunger to experience, to grow, to love, to be truly happy without attachment.  I believe balance is the well known solution which is often neglected. 

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology.  Holm Astrology’s Fall course have now begun; however courses will be again offered in the Spring of 2020.  Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

SATURN IN RETROGRADE MOTION

Saturn has a 28 year cycle and remains in each zodiac sign for approximately 2 and ½ years.  During its cycle, Saturn moves into retrograde on a regular basis and about 15 degrees of each astrological sign experiences the retrograde motion of Saturn.

To show the contrast of the energies of a retrograde planet, we will look at Jupiter.  Jupiter often brings good luck and expansion in its direct motion but when in retrograde motion as discussed in our last Astrology post, its energies are similar to Saturn while it is in direct motion. 

Saturn’s energies in direct motion are restrictive.  Its energies are challenging and can make life difficult.  Saturn is known as the teacher and disciplinarian of the Zodiac. 

On the other hand, Saturn’s retrograde energies work similar to Jupiter’s energies when in direct motion.  As a result, the extreme energies apparent with Saturn in its direct motion become somewhat softened.  Saturn direct normally deals with past issues but while in retrograde, it can and will open doors to new things that somehow we may feel familiar with, even though they are new to us.

Some Astrologers link Saturn with diseases that have longevity and the duration of their affects are sometimes lengthened due to the influence of Saturn.  When Saturn is retrograde in motion, any recovery process with these ailments may become sped up and often the individuals that are involved feel more carefree and worry-less about these conditions in their lives.  This is beneficial as any focus or concentration can enhance illness and draw even more energy into these areas.  In many cases, disease can stem from adverse reactions to life’s events and it is wise not to allow obstructions or hard lessons to become personal or to own them.  This free flow attitude can provide us with ease of moving beyond these experiences.

Saturn is often linked to business in some way including searching out a new career, entering into a study programme or beginning a new business.  During the course of transiting Saturn turning retrograde, it is wise not to enter into any news enterprises or business dealings.  It is best to wait for Saturn to turn direct before moving forward in business related activities, even if you may feel somewhat positive about the outcome.  Utilize this retrograde time to review your plans and make sure you are ready to move ahead.  When Saturn turns direct (even though things might stagnate for a little while or be slowed down) another planet in transit will come along to start the process of moving forward. 

Check to see which house Saturn is transiting through in your birth chart as this will provide you with some specifics.  Also check to see which house natal (birth) Saturn occupies.  These houses will both be areas of life affected by the retrograde motion of Saturn. 

When Saturn is direct in its motion, these areas will be avenues you can move ahead in although it is wise to take things slowly as you move forward.  Saturn insists on structure and a solid foundation.

If Saturn is poorly aspected in your birth chart, the house where it is situated in may require additional hard work and a conscious effort to resolve any issues related to that area of life.  Since Saturn often points towards a dominant individual in your life (sometimes the most restrictive and strict parent or an authority figure in our life), Saturn retrograde in the birth (natal) chart has been associated with that particular individual somehow missing in your life.  The most authoritarian parent could be away often perhaps on business or actually missing from your life in early childhood.

Wherever Saturn is found in a chart, whether it is in retrograde motion or direct motion, this is often an area of life that requires more work and challenging conditions to overcome.  However, it should be pointed out that Saturn is the educator as well as the disciplinarian in the chart, so it also rewards hard work and diligent efforts.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology.  Holm Astrology’s Fall course have now begun; however courses will be again offered in the Spring of 2020.  Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

MARS IN RETROGRADE MOTION

Mars traditionally is reflective of energy directed outward.  During its retrograde cycle however, those affected by this transit may feel stagnated in their efforts and feel as though they had little to no energy.  This is particularly true if you have a natal planet in conjunction (the most powerful aspect), square or in opposition to transiting Mars.  These aspects are known as maleficent energies when associated with Mars, the planet of aggressive force and drive, although the conjunction can be released in many other ways.  Much will depend on the sign and house position as well as aspect to this conjunction in the natal chart.

When Mars is in its retrograde motion, the energy is turned inward, which is not a comfortable expression of Mars’ energy.  You may feel that you could neither release your inner drive nor could you motivate yourself into a forward direction.  You may feel a release of that energy once Mars turns direct again and what previously felt restricted or held back may now come to the forefront and be released.  Make sure that the release of these energies is not in an aggressive manner, even if you have felt thwarted in the past few months.  Mars can be quite forceful in its expression.

If, for example, transiting Mars in retrograde was conjunction with the Moon in your chart.  You could have felt as though your emotions were on hold or even though you had strong inner emotional reactions to life’s events and situations, you were not able to release those emotions.  This could have included the want to make changes in your life.  Your emotions were so stifled that they kept you at bay and nothing seemed to have moved in the manner you wanted.  All you really wanted to do was to express how you felt on an emotion level.  After Mars turned direct, you would have been able to express yourself which is what you wanted for what may have seemed an eternity.

A further example, if Saturn had been involved in the equation with this retrograde Mars, this cycle would actually have been to your advantage as you undoubted had needed that time to examine all the details before you plunged into some activity. 

Most planets in retrograde suggest a time of review before moving ahead once the planet go direct again, transiting Saturn in retrograde however often works in the opposite.  Be sure to watch for our post on “Saturn in Retrograde Motion” coming soon. 

Mars retrograde is a time to examine and review all details to make sure that you were prepared and on a solid foundation before you moved ahead.  Saturn normally restricts action and suggests that you build a proper base before you move ahead and your drive would have been held back which gave you the perfect opportunity to prepare.  Once Mars goes direct again, you may be ready to move ahead in your endeavours. 

Mars is also about sexual energies and sexual drive, and you may have felt as though you were stifled in this area.  Perhaps you wanted to pursue a sexual union with someone you were interested in and the events never seemed to play out to allow this union to come together.  You may find that once Mars goes direct that things move along in ways that were previously stagnated or held back.  Just make sure that your feelings go beyond just a sexual nature.  Mars tends to be overly aggressive when it comes to sex and the sexual drive, especially when it moves through Scorpio.

Check to see which house transiting Mars is moving through as this will indicate the areas of life involved in the process.  Also you will need to review which houses are involved with other planetary energies and how they may surface or fail to surface during the retrograde cycle and again when Mars goes direct.  The placement of natal Mars by house position will also be highlighted.  Transiting Mars may pass over planets or significant areas of the natal chart (ascendant and midheaven) three times as it goes through the retrograde and direct cycles making these areas of extreme importance in your life at that time. 

If Mars stations on a planet or significant point in the birth chart, it will also be noteworthy.

  

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology.  Holm Astrology’s Fall course have now begun; however courses will be again offered in the Spring of 2020.  Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us