Mercury Retrogrades in Leo

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Mercury retrograde seem to generate a bit of nervous anticipation, even among people who’ve never seriously explored astrology. Clients ask, `it’s a bad thing, right?’ whenever it occurs.

The answer I generally give is this; mercury is no more bad' than a good night's sleep! Mercury retrogrades about a third of the time, the approximate proportion of our life spent sleeping. One third of our day is allocated to rest while a third of our collective time mercury is retrograde–the time this planet of logic and communication…rests.

Mercury represents the planet of linear connections; logic left brained analysis. When it’s retrograde it is not the time to make logical decisions based upon the meaning of mercury which is communications, contracts, travel. In other words, if you can, avoid signing important contracts, including ones associated with cars, computers, or marketing. It IS, however, the best time to shop, edit, reflect and redo.

While most of us are familiar with the anecdotal research pertaining to mercury retrograde, the Kepler Conference is doing research into this phenomenon, and, so much more. I am honored to be a part of a group of astrologers who apply rigorous research to their work. Check out the Kepler Conference 2019 where science meets astrology :https://canaveralresearchcenter.com/the-kepler-conference-2019-2/ .

This particular mercury retrograde occurs from the 23rd degree of Leo, on July 26th,  until the 12th degree on August 19th. This suggests we are reframing the Leo qualities of our life as reflected by our charts. For example, a Leo sun person might use this time to reflect upon their personal identity, while, the Leo  energy in the career house of another person might be rethinking their career path.

Since Leo represents the qualities of joy and creativity, playfulness and bliss, collectively we may be undergoing a period of identifying what gives us pleasure. During this retrograde make a commitment to discovering how your heart is leading you to your joyful purpose.

Be sure to check out where Leo is in your chart for your personal reboot during the mercury period. You can find your chart details at my website: https://cassandrajoanbutler.com/discover-your-natal-chart/.

And for more details, of course, consider attending a class, having a consult, or listening to my weekly FB webcast Wednesday nights at 9:00 pm here: https://www.facebook.com/cassandrajoanbutlerastrologer/.

It’s all about intentions; Intend to have a wonderfully reflective and productive mercury retrograde!

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Cardinal Point

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The Solar Eclipse in Cancer

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This solar eclipse has passed; 10:46 pm EDT on July 12, 2018. How did you sleep? Any interesting dreams or insights this morning? Make note of your feelings as you begin your Friday the thirteenth. It’s a new day, reflected by a new eclipse cycle which only comes about once every nineteen years.box-glow

Solar eclipses represent a shift in qualitative identification. Its as if a portal opens challenging us to reconsider that area in our chart which is being eclipsed. Most affected are the Cancer sun signs, the Cancer rising signs and Moon signs, followed by Capricorn Sun, Capricorn rising signs and Moon signs. ALL of us are affected in some way.

Cancer is the sign of home and belonging, sensitivity and feelings, food and nurturance, protectiveness and defensiveness. The solar eclipse offers us a new, and sometimes surprising perspective on these qualities. It’s an initiation into a new way of naming what `feeds us’. It’s as if we have an opportunity to move into a new place of psychological comfort.cancerimage

Before the comfort comes the challenge. Eclipses can initially feel unsettling and disorienting. What is an eclipse? That which we know to be true— and predictable— sunlight and/or moon light, disappears before our very eyes. And then; voila! The light returns….

You could say experiencing an eclipse cycle is an exercise in faith. What `appears’ to be lost isn’t lost at all; only our perspective shifts.

Sometimes an eclipse does indeed correspond with a loss; way of life, job, identity, relationship. If you are experiencing a major shift in your life then remind yourself that something new, and ultimately `better’ will replace what’s ending. It may take six months…the reflective period of the eclipse, but, the portal will usher in a new place of Cancer comfort and belonging.

The sabian symbol for this solar eclipse, 20 degrees of Cancer, is `The prima donna singing.’sabcancer20pimadonnasinging

Calling someone a `prima donna’ can be interpreted in a derisive way, as if we are calling someone out for their exaggerated importance or show-boating. However, it takes a lot of arduous work, and, courage to perform. One way of reflecting upon the sabian symbol is to simply acknowledge `excellence’ in your life, and, in the accomplishments of others. Sing a `new song’ of excellence; be proud in displaying your talents.

There is so much more to share with you about this solar eclipse, and the eclipses to come on July 27th, and August 11th. To do this important work justice I am offering a day-long workshop which will thoroughly explain the ebb and flow of not only THIS eclipse cycle but eclipses in general. Consider joining me at the internationally renown center of learning, Fellowships of the Spirit on Sunday July 22nd, Cassadaga, New York, from 9 :00 am-5:00 pm. EARLY BIRD PRICING IS GOOD ONLY UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT FRIDAY THE 13th!!levelsign Register on-line today!

‘Coming Home’: The Eclipse shift into Cancer in the Summer of 2018!

And! See you at Lily Dale Assembly this Wednesday the 18th at 7:00 pm for an `Astrology Discoveries’ working with the MOON; cycles along the pathway!

 

 

Jupiter Stations Direct

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Get ready …get jupiterinscorpiocystalset… GO! Its full steam ahead for wherever Scorpio is shining in your astrology chart. At 1:04 pm Tuesday July tenth Jupiter stations direct—that is—moves forward in the sky after being in retrograde since March eighth. It’s almost as if those happy feelings of generosity, and exuberance have been stalled for the past four months. Jupiter retrograde is all positive thinking without any of the manifestation. Using a science analogy; a retrograde period represents potential energy, while a planet’s direct motion is kinetic energy.

The Sabian symbol for the direct motion Jupiter is `the telephone linesmen installing new connections’. What a wonderful image! Before we make and new connections, goals or commitments on Tuesday think about disconnecting from whatever we need to release.sabscorpio14linemen

 The Jupiter in Scorpio retrograde has inspired us to examine the Scorpio parts of our chart. Now it’s timely to let go of any negative Scorpio thoughts or attitudes. You have until 1:04 pm Tuesday to consciously flush away nasty Scorpio `waste’…especially anger, jealousy and revenge. One needs a clear `telephone’ line to reconnect with whatever we wish after Jupiter stations direct.

The Jupiter Station is at the dark of moon a time of releasing all we planned at the Gemini new moon of June 13th. Gemini, of course, rules communications. Observe your thoughts over the next few days. How and what are you communicating to you? Behind every-thing is a thought. Being mindful of what words—`food’— you are feeding yourself is suggested this week.negativeemotions

And then there is the big SOLAR ECLIPSE on Thursday the 12th. I will sending another `Cosmic Connection’ newsletter in time for that cosmic event. But in the meantime…please be on the lookout for a most timely announcement on Tuesday the 10th …to be sent at exactly 1:04 pm at the Jupiter station.

What a shifting week it is!

Many blessings!

Happy July 4th 2018!

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Mars–the planet of all things hot: tempers, temperatures, aggression, and activity is RETROGRADE in the dry detached sign of Aquarius. So far this summer SO hot. You aren’t alone if your are sweltering; this heat wave is winding its way among some 60 million people, and, is expected to continue this holiday week. Why THIS summer? Let’s take a look at the BIRTH chart of the USA.chartUSA
It’s exciting to know this: every-thing has a chart. The inception of a business, an idea, a relationship ( wedding) and  even a country has an astrological signature or chart. I have learned, through a colleague and friend ( retired military & a high-ranking Mason) that the founding fathers ( who were largely Freemasons) CREATED the USA  when they began to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776 at 5:10 pm in Philadelphia.founding-fathers
Card-carrying Freemasons know astrology. It’s simply part of their training. They knew they wanted to create a country with a MOON in the inclusive, independent, progressive and brilliant sign of Aquarius. They knew they wanted a country reflecting the forward thinking sign of its RISING; Sagittarius. And lastly…. The SUN sign is in the sensitive, nurturing, and protective Cancer energy. These three signs form a YOD, or, `finger of God’ a configuration which reflects a sense of destiny through ….adjustment! Union through diversity.
THIS year the solar return chart of the USA has the MARS retrograde positioned right along the `south node’, or, karmic point of the USA birth chart, along with Black Moon Lilith. This suggests that we, collectively, are `feeling the heat’ symbolically and literally. At the SAME time CHIRON, the wounded healer, is conjunct the nation’s SR moon in Aries. There is a deep yearning to HEAL the wounds in a deliberate, aggressive manner. the issue is this; the ruling planet of Aries, MARS, is RETROGRADE in the SR chart of the USA this upcoming year. This suggests frustration….in the `how to’ of this healing.chartUSASOLARRETURN18.JPG
The frustration we feel is  real, and, reflected within the heavens. No words…no answers…yet I would suggest we all might reflect upon our own individual relationship with these two celestial bodies, Mars and Chiron. which will be in retrograde for some time. Emphasize the Re in retrograde; re-flect, re-mind, re-consider issues of anger, healing, aggression and woundedness. It’s going to be a summer to re-member! And to help you along the path consider the following offerings!
1) The Astrology of Healing: Chiron and Uranus in Taurus
July 7th at 7:30 pm at Dawn Fire Sanctuary in WIlliamsville
https://www.facebook.com/dawnfiresanctuary/

2) The Moon: Lunar Lights Along the Path
July 18th, Wednesday, at  7:00 pm Lilydale Assembly
https://lilydaleassembly.org/events/

3) `Coming Home’ : the Eclipse Shift into cancer this Summer
July 22nd, Sunday, at 9:00 am-5:00 pm at Fellowships of the Spirit
https://www.fellowshipsspirit.org/event/coming-home-the-eclipse-shift-into-cancer-in-the-summer-of-2018/

Mars Retrograde; Anger or Innovation?

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Hold onto your hearts; keep that blood pressure and pulse rate steady…we are in for an electrifying week! Mars retrograde PLUS the full moon equals hot and expressive emotions. Chances are you are already experiencing a sense of the high drama.

Tuesday the 26th, Mars retrogrades at the 9th degree of Aquarius; ‘A man who had become the embodiment of an ideal is made to realize that as a person he is not this ideal.’ This is the `fall from grace degree’, and, it is on the south node of the USA chart.chartmarsretrogradeusa

We as a nation is grappling with it’s ideals as a democracy based on humanitarian  ideals, ( USA moon), equality and truth. The issue is this; we are dealing with these issues through the lens of Mars; the archetype of war, anger, yet also innovation and motivation. This rare retrograde of Mars in the later degrees of Aquarius through Capricorn is a once in a lifetime transit. The last time this particular configuration occured was forty seven years ago; 1971.

Memorable Moments in 1971 include; 1) start of the digital age with the invention of microprocessor; 2) First mission to a planet, namely Mars; 3) the Indo-Pakistan War; and, 4) The release of the Pentagon Papers.

 

 

Daniel Ellsberg, a government consultant, gained access to some of the classified documents, known as the Pentagon Papers,  and leaked them to the New York Times in June of 1971.Image result for pentagon papers

The reports revealed many large scale attacks that the U.S. public were not aware of, causing many U.S. citizens to lose trust in the United States government. The general feeling was that the United States government had misled the public and withheld the truth.

War is the purview of Mars. With Mars retrograde in Aquarius, transiting over the south node of the moon, the proverbial heart of the USA we could see a summer of disclosure. What may be revealed is anyone’s guess! Why? because the very nature of Aquarius is unpredictability, and, it’s ruler, Uranus the planet of surprise(!) will be squaring the Mars retrograde. A square is like a trigger; focusing energy to take action. Expect the unexpected.

Can you even imagine life BC? That is, before computers?  The microprocessor is the key to our computerized life today, and, was brought about during this last Mars retrograde in Aquarius, the sign of technological inventions. Who knows what amazingly innovative inventions are brewing in the world governed by Aquarius/Uranus: science and technology.Image result for image of microprocessor

 

We all need to be mindful of the way we navigate our truth, ( Aquarius) and our anger, (Mars) during these upcoming weeks. The parts of our charts in early degrees of the fixed signs—–Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio and Taurus—are more vulnerable to managing the power and potential of Mars. Mars unleashed is anger and war. Mars channeled is motivation and innovation. sabian0leoBETTERhothead

As with any astrological guidance; the choice is ours.

angerhewhoangersyou conquersyou

 

 

 

 

New Moon in Aries: April 15, 2018

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Winter-weary Western New Yorkers are wondering when will spring weather finally arrive? Best cosmic estimate is Sunday April 15th! The 15th is the day of our new moon in Aries this year; the sign of beginnings, spring, and the first fire sign. So… take heart, green will once again grace our world!springflowers

Any new moon is a time to plant proverbial seeds, and, to visualize intended outcomes. This is especially true for the new moon in Aries, the first of the zodiacal signs. In some ways the energy of spring is more of a `new year’ than January first, and, the new moon in Aries signifies the first impulse of starting over.

The new moon occurs (when the sun and moon are in the same degree of Aries) at 9:57 pm EDT. Try this: mediate, and pray, and set your intentions after 9:57 pm. (This of course will work best if your bedtime is after this time!)  newmoonsetintensionsAs you sleep Sunday you could awaken on the 16th  with a more inspired strategy for one of your goals.

THIS year the new moon in Aries falls just after another restart of sorts; mercury stationing direct. Mercury—communication, logic, and connections—has been mercury1betterretrograde since March 22nd. Have you noticed that these past few weeks have been a time of greater reflection, redo, and reconsideration? Where Aries falls in you chart has been the apex of all this mental chatter. With the new moon comes the not only intention setting, but greater clarity of thought as you identify exactly what you DO want!

The sabian symbol for our new moon is  26 degrees of Aries-‘through imagination a lost opportunity is regained.’ This is the degree of `second chances.’secondchance

What a delightfully hopeful degree, as we gear up to plant the seeds of a fresh start! It gets better. Uranus, the energy of electrification, excitement, originality and innovation joins the new moon by conjunction. This means the more daring and bold the goal the better. Uranus has only one more month to complete its’ redefining impulse which began way back in 2011. It’s time to make that leap in consciousness. Aries is all about `definition’ of self. This new moon is all about exclaiming to the world; `I AM!’ And of course, it’s up to YOU what follows the proclamation.ariesimage

Aries’ ruler, Mars is the winner-take-all planet; competitive, aggressive and motivated. At this new moon Mars in Capricorn is creating the aspect of easy-flow, a trine, to Venus’s placement in sensual Taurus. At the same time, Mars is making a supportive sextile to imaginative Neptune/Juno. In the realm of romantic relationships this suggests we want more than a feisty night with our partner. A good dash of grounded stability is what will really ignite our passion.groundedlovers

Jupiter opposite Venus at the New Cycle suggests a see-saw of all or nothing as we could vacillate between what’s `good for us’ and what we `crave’ in the arena of desire; relationships, work, even food choices. The opposition begs the quest for balance; easier said than done.newmoonaries18

After many months, the intense Pluto square Uranus aspect is losing some of it’s steam, yet it’s drama still casts a wide net. We have been living through a long cycle of knowing the `time’ has come to make commitments `now’ to whatever our heart (Leo’s north node) desires.  It all just seems a bit out of reach! What’s significant about this new moon is the Uranus influence-propelling us just `go for it!’  Uranus offers a blast of confidence overriding the caution of Capricorn. One more hurdle to overcome is the inertia suggested by Jupiter in Scorpio, retrograde, and inconjunct to the new moon. This aspect reminds us that successful results rest upon detours. Enjoy the journey it seems to say. At the same time, the aspects remind us to`do now’ yet continue weave dreams, big ones,  for tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for Valentines Day 2018!

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

A lovely friend piped up yesterday to me “happy marketing of chocolate & flowers day!” Indeed….Valentine’s Day does seem to reflect yet another `have-to-holiday’, doesn’t it? Woe be it to anyone in a `romantic’ relationship who fails to buy their sweetheart yet another heart-shaped box of candy, especially the serotonin-producing- chocolate type. By the way—serotonin is the hormone which chemically does make us feel better in that moment. It’s only later with our bigger belly that we feel sluggish!

 In any case Valentines Day 2018 falls on the dark of the moon….and.. on Ash Wednesday the first day of Lent! The waning moon is the BEST day in the cycle to surrender, release and let go…of `something’ which is blocking us from our magnificence. Because the waning moon is in Aquarius I suggest you release some fixed idea, thought, or belief which just isn’t working. If you are having a problem identifying what I mean, close your eyes and see/feel/hear that fear-based thought which is always swirling inside your brain. The elephant inside your head– Yes, THAT thought!

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar also reminds us to sacrifice something to remind us of the suffering of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to be a Christian to take a cue from this season. A sacrifice is whatever you MAKE sacred for a higher purpose. And of course, I think we would all agree that the highest purpose of all is love.

Which brings me back to Valentine’s Day. We all love LOVE when it’s all about the hearts and flowers. But all love has an element of sacrifice. We do for the beloved even if in that moment—we’d rather not. And here is another take on V-day. Whether you are in a `romantic relationship’ or not use the energy of this Day to sacrifice SOMETHING (maybe give up chocolate for lent? ) to make YOUR life healthier-more-balanced-and happier. And the dark-of-the-moon will help in this release! You can still give your sweetheart a rose, but, be sure to sacrifice (release) what needs to be released` to produce a better YOU. That better you is the gift that keeps on giving long after the `national marketing day of chocolate and flowers’ is over. Happy LOVE Day!

Super-Blue-Blood-Lunar Eclipse!

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A SUPER moon=a full moon at its closest orbit to earth which creates a pinkish BLOOD red coloring and receives the title’ BLUE moon for being the second full moon in one calendar month. WOW! Today’s celestial show at 8:27 am EST created quite the stir worldwide for its beauty and rarity. Beyond its’ astronomical significance what does it mean for YOU…emotionally, spiritually and physically?womanwalkingonpath

Eclipses are portals of change. The lunar eclipse, which is the disappearance of the moon, creates emotional shifting. THIS particular eclipse reflects directly backwards to the cycle which was born in August; The `Great American Eclipse’, of 8/21/17.

Today’s Eclipse is the emotional back-splash of whatever intentions you set into motion way back in August. A full moon–any full moon- allows us to receive another perspective on our feelings. We see `better’ by the light of the full moon. The full moon is positioned directly across from the sun, and therefore gains us access to a different point of view.

  • Because the  1/31/18 full moon/ lunar eclipse is in LEO, it is directly tied to completing your summer dreams of 2017. leoimageetherealWhat questions, concerns, goals and aspirations were  you experiencing? How have they changed? Leo is all about the heart; joy, bliss, creativity, plus romance and children. Look to where LEO lights up your chart. Today’s eclipse will assist you in crafting the holy grail of your soul.

To ground one sign we turn to it’s opposite. The Aquarius energy within your natal chart needs to be recast and reconfigured. Specifically the negative aspects of Aquarius which is : detachment, cold logic, judgment and group think.aquariusimage2 This lunar eclipse is asking each of us to surrender and release those cold indifferent qualities so that the brilliant warmth of our hearts’ desire can manifest.heartforwedding

Obviously the Leo and Aquarius energies are most affected by this whole eclipse cycle. If you ARE a sun, moon, or rising sign in Leo or Aquarius you are truly on a roller-coaster of emotion! However, because ALL of us have these energies somewhere in our nature these eclipses affect us all. I invite you to explore those planets & houses in your chart by  turning to my free app ( astrology 101) on my website, or, come to any one of my workshops this month on the eclipses OR the webinairs!

One more thing; The Leo/Aquarius polarity is fixed, meaning, these signs are powerfully fixated on not changing , bending or modifying their personal agenda. Since an eclipse pattern is about surprise!!, then it’s best to cultivate an open receptive mind to the creative principal of the God of our understanding. Meditate and pray today. We have two more weeks of exploring our heart’s desire, without making a `decision.’ Go with the flow now. Be open to downloads of added joy. Once the the second eclipse, the solar one,  occurs on February 15th THEN it’s time to truly ground our new beginning.