Category Archives: Astrology

Guest Blogger – Sheri Horn Hasan – The Spirited Woman: The Return Of The Matriarchy (Part Three)

For spirited women everywhere, the Spring Equinox is a big deal - it is an annual turning point in our lives and reflects many changes. But why does it affect us so? I invited Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology back as our guest blogger to give us some answers - since her posts on Mercury in Retrograde were such a big hit. This time she has written a three-part series on the Spring Equinox and how it really influences the divine feminine in us all. This is Sheri’s final post in the series.

As the Spirited Woman journeys into the season of Spring, she understands now that-- while the Sun is in the Mars-ruled sign of Aries—she’s blessed with the instinctual capability to act or react.

It’s easy to see how “instinct,” defined as “a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity,” has morphed from female archetypal energy (such as that of Artemis from the ancient past) toward the male-oriented martial principle of action in these more modern patriarchal times.

However, it’s intuition--defined as “a natural ability or power that makes it possible to know something without any proof or evidence”—that connects every Spirited Woman to the feminine divine and the days when the natural cycles of the matriarchy were far more revered than they are today.

Your Moon & You

The energy of one’s Moon--which represents our emotions, our soul, our inner child-- does not replace Mars or the martial principle. Rather, each Spirited Woman’s astrological Moon incorporates within both male and female-oriented instinct and intuition.

When the Spirited Woman allows herself to tap into this deep vein of archetypal intuitive AND instinctive wisdom, a big picture emotional awareness emerges from the depths of her soul. Without honoring both, we may lose our way and traverse paths that leave us only exhausted and depleted, rather than emotionally satisfied and fulfilled.

Astrology breaks down the 12 astrological signs into four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Every Spirited Woman has a Moon in her personal horoscope, or natal/birth chart, and the element of your Moon tells us how you react emotionally and what you need to feel secure in this lifetime.

How easy or difficult it is to live one’s Moon energy depends on its sign, location in the chart, and its aspects to other planets and sensitive chart points.

Fire & Air Moons

Fire Moons--Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius—encompass adventurousness of spirit, creativity, and a generally unabashed sense of joie de vivre. The Spirited Woman born with a fire Moon may leap before she looks, react before she thinks, and is undoubtedly imbued with a fire burning within.

Fire Moons may act quickly, but if the impulse to act is stifled it can result in issues that “somatize,” or manifest as potential dis-ease in the body. A fire Moon Spirited Woman must express her creative impulses in order to be true to her nature. While she may find she’s moved too quickly into anger or defensiveness at times, this is far better than suppressing the urge to move, create, express, or engage in life with gusto!

Earth Moons—Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn—are far more concerned with security and keeping their feet on terra firma, or solid ground. The Spirited Woman with an earth Moon may be conscious of what’s in her bank account, be an expert at detailed work, and/or possess the desire to climb the upwardly mobile ladder to success.

The issue to watch out for here is getting stuck—or too attached—to your body, your perfectionism, or a belief system that may not reflect the Spirited Woman’s true core values. Allow your earth Moon to intuitively dig deeply into the wisdom of your body and to obey the laws of the universe to understand that the one true constancy is change!

Also, it pays to be mindful that true security is not rooted in what you own, and success lies not necessarily in how many resources you may accrue. Rather, real peace of mind is gained by getting to the core of your soul’s definition of the value of TRUE happiness…

Earth & Water Moons

Air Moons—Gemini, Libra, & Aquarius—are usually social, rational thinkers. Curious and loquacious, their concern with fairness and equality in partnership, and communication of ideas trump their need for action.

The air Moon Spirited Woman must guard against allowing ideas to confuse rather than enlighten. Also, over-concern with “right” relations may eclipse the personal will. When compromise becomes the only solution for every situation, it may come at the expense of getting what you want—at least some of the time.

Additionally, watch out for ideas that become so fixed that your perception of “right” belongs only to you but isn’t shared by anybody else…and be alert to the propensity to rationalize your emotions instead of FEELING them…

Finally, water Moons—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—are visceral because they feel their emotions acutely. Of all the elements, Water Moons are most likely to be highly sensitive, and to exhibit compassion, loyalty, sympathy, and empathy through deep and lasting emotional bonding.

This propensity to absorb other people’s pain in an attempt to alleviate the sufferer can land the water Moon Spirited Woman in a bit of hot water as she may ultimately find she attempts to escape her own emotions by absorbing herself in those of others. This is a slippery slope, though on the other side of the coin, water Moons are extremely intuitive, emotionally deep, and spiritually connected...

Fire, air, earth or water—one thing is for sure: The Spirited Woman’s Moon puts her in touch with her divinely inspired feminine wisdom. As many of us already know, when women concentrate on accessing their precious gift of intuitive wisdom, the results are often most amazing!

SheriHornHasanAmazon #1 Bestseller & professional intuitive psychological/archetypal/evolutionary astrologer at Karmic Evolution Astrology, Sheri Horn Hasan analyzes natal horoscopes as the blueprint that can help one’s soul to recognize & reach its highest destiny in this lifetime. Her mission is to assist others to move from chaos to clarity and co-create their own future through astrology! Read Sheri’s story about her astrological awakening!

Guest Blogger – Sheri Horn Hasan – The Spirited Woman: The Return Of The Matriarchy (Part Three)

For spirited women everywhere, the Spring Equinox is a big deal - it is an annual turning point in our lives and reflects many changes. But why does it affect us so? I invited Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology back as our guest blogger to give us some answers - since her posts on Mercury in Retrograde were such a big hit. This time she has written a three-part series on the Spring Equinox and how it really influences the divine feminine in us all. This is Sheri’s final post in the series.

As the Spirited Woman journeys into the season of Spring, she understands now that-- while the Sun is in the Mars-ruled sign of Aries—she’s blessed with the instinctual capability to act or react.

It’s easy to see how “instinct,” defined as “a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity,” has morphed from female archetypal energy (such as that of Artemis from the ancient past) toward the male-oriented martial principle of action in these more modern patriarchal times.

However, it’s intuition--defined as “a natural ability or power that makes it possible to know something without any proof or evidence”—that connects every Spirited Woman to the feminine divine and the days when the natural cycles of the matriarchy were far more revered than they are today.

Your Moon & You

The energy of one’s Moon--which represents our emotions, our soul, our inner child-- does not replace Mars or the martial principle. Rather, each Spirited Woman’s astrological Moon incorporates within both male and female-oriented instinct and intuition.

When the Spirited Woman allows herself to tap into this deep vein of archetypal intuitive AND instinctive wisdom, a big picture emotional awareness emerges from the depths of her soul. Without honoring both, we may lose our way and traverse paths that leave us only exhausted and depleted, rather than emotionally satisfied and fulfilled.

Astrology breaks down the 12 astrological signs into four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Every Spirited Woman has a Moon in her personal horoscope, or natal/birth chart, and the element of your Moon tells us how you react emotionally and what you need to feel secure in this lifetime.

How easy or difficult it is to live one’s Moon energy depends on its sign, location in the chart, and its aspects to other planets and sensitive chart points.

Fire & Air Moons

Fire Moons--Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius—encompass adventurousness of spirit, creativity, and a generally unabashed sense of joie de vivre. The Spirited Woman born with a fire Moon may leap before she looks, react before she thinks, and is undoubtedly imbued with a fire burning within.

Fire Moons may act quickly, but if the impulse to act is stifled it can result in issues that “somatize,” or manifest as potential dis-ease in the body. A fire Moon Spirited Woman must express her creative impulses in order to be true to her nature. While she may find she’s moved too quickly into anger or defensiveness at times, this is far better than suppressing the urge to move, create, express, or engage in life with gusto!

Earth Moons—Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn—are far more concerned with security and keeping their feet on terra firma, or solid ground. The Spirited Woman with an earth Moon may be conscious of what’s in her bank account, be an expert at detailed work, and/or possess the desire to climb the upwardly mobile ladder to success.

The issue to watch out for here is getting stuck—or too attached—to your body, your perfectionism, or a belief system that may not reflect the Spirited Woman’s true core values. Allow your earth Moon to intuitively dig deeply into the wisdom of your body and to obey the laws of the universe to understand that the one true constancy is change!

Also, it pays to be mindful that true security is not rooted in what you own, and success lies not necessarily in how many resources you may accrue. Rather, real peace of mind is gained by getting to the core of your soul’s definition of the value of TRUE happiness…

Earth & Water Moons

Air Moons—Gemini, Libra, & Aquarius—are usually social, rational thinkers. Curious and loquacious, their concern with fairness and equality in partnership, and communication of ideas trump their need for action.

The air Moon Spirited Woman must guard against allowing ideas to confuse rather than enlighten. Also, over-concern with “right” relations may eclipse the personal will. When compromise becomes the only solution for every situation, it may come at the expense of getting what you want—at least some of the time.

Additionally, watch out for ideas that become so fixed that your perception of “right” belongs only to you but isn’t shared by anybody else…and be alert to the propensity to rationalize your emotions instead of FEELING them…

Finally, water Moons—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—are visceral because they feel their emotions acutely. Of all the elements, Water Moons are most likely to be highly sensitive, and to exhibit compassion, loyalty, sympathy, and empathy through deep and lasting emotional bonding.

This propensity to absorb other people’s pain in an attempt to alleviate the sufferer can land the water Moon Spirited Woman in a bit of hot water as she may ultimately find she attempts to escape her own emotions by absorbing herself in those of others. This is a slippery slope, though on the other side of the coin, water Moons are extremely intuitive, emotionally deep, and spiritually connected...

Fire, air, earth or water—one thing is for sure: The Spirited Woman’s Moon puts her in touch with her divinely inspired feminine wisdom. As many of us already know, when women concentrate on accessing their precious gift of intuitive wisdom, the results are often most amazing!

SheriHornHasanAmazon #1 Bestseller & professional intuitive psychological/archetypal/evolutionary astrologer at Karmic Evolution Astrology, Sheri Horn Hasan analyzes natal horoscopes as the blueprint that can help one’s soul to recognize & reach its highest destiny in this lifetime. Her mission is to assist others to move from chaos to clarity and co-create their own future through astrology! Read Sheri’s story about her astrological awakening!

Guest Blogger – Sheri Horn Hasan – The Benefits Of Mercury Retrograde

Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology to do a three-part series on Mercury in Retrograde - but from a positive perspective. This is Sheri’s first post. - See more at: http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/go_blog_blog_blog/#sthash.BFuKtV7m.dpuf
Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology to do a three-part series on Mercury in Retrograde - but from a positive perspective. This is Sheri’s first post. - See more at: http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/go_blog_blog_blog/#sthash.BFuKtV7m.dpuf

MercuryI invited Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology to do a three-part series on Mercury in Retrograde - but from a positive perspective. This is Sheri’s second post.

Last week’s blog centered on how Mercury retrograde periods are quiet, barely noticed opportunities for the Spirited Woman to incorporate her innate, inherent, intuitive wisdom from her subconscious into her conscious brain, and vice versa.

This week let’s look at Mercury’s primary function and how all spirited women may benefit from Mercury retrograde periods!

The ancients regularly watched the planets in the sky and noticed how activity occurring on earth mirrored planetary interactions in the heavens. Way before the invention of telescopes and other technological devices this cause and effect became clear to them time after time.

Mercury is the messenger of the gods. His movement in the heavens foretells times when archetypal themes related to communication, learning, and how the mind processes information, occur. Mercury represents the twins Castor & Pollux and so is also directly related to siblings, early childhood learning, local commerce, and transportation.

Often during his retrograde periods - this one has been in effect from January 5 and will last until January 25 - we find ourselves reviewing rather than moving forward boldly into new plans, be these plans personal or business-oriented.

Watch for the themes mentioned above to become prominent now in one way or another as they seem to have been placed temporarily on hold causing us each various degrees of frustration…

Tuning In To The Rhythm Of Mercury Retrograde

As the Spirited Woman is being called to listen to her soul’s internal intuitive wisdom, and her psyche is busy becoming wiser, she doesn’t have the space in her brain to concentrate on moving forward - yet.

“The use of this cycle alerts us to the unconscious rhythms of reflection, and attunes us to our inner clock by dint of knowing when concentration and introspection are most needed,” writes psychological astrologer Erin Sullivan in her book “Retrograde Planets.”

“When to consider and reconsider ideas, projects, relationships, and lifestyle according to one’s own unique timing is the greater purpose of Mercury retrograde,” Sullivan concludes.

All Mercury retrograde periods for 2016 will be in earth signs. Earth signs are always about manifesting on the physical plane, and their general purpose - at least in part - is to ensure not only that we survive but that we feel safe and secure in our environment, our relationships, our careers, etc.

The current retrograde period is in the sign of the sea goat: Capricorn.

Archetypal Capricorn energy is ultimately about becoming one’s own best authority (i.e., one’s own best parent) and standing on one’s own two feet as a mature individual.

Capricorn energy is also associated with making tangible concrete progress in one’s life, and so it is connected to the concept of success. But the question always comes up: success at what cost?

Often, a Spirited Woman’s ego may unknowingly get in the way of what her soul truly needs to be happy in this lifetime. When this happens, it becomes an ego trip down the wrong path toward a perception of “happiness” not based on an inner sense of intuitive wisdom, but rather ( and often) on a misguided attempt to achieve something that one has been told, taught, or forced to believe will bring true “happiness” or “success.”

Mercury retrograde in Capricorn now calls us to go deep about what kind of foundation we really want to lay in order to be certain that we may successfully build upon our dreams. Discerning which dreams stand the solid chance of becoming reality and which are solely flights of fantasy by listening to one’s gut is part of this period’s internal work.

For some of us spirited women, this means having the courage to listen to our internal voices - our higher selves - to ascertain what will ultimately make our souls truly happy.

When we heed the call of other - those who have had authority over our lives when young, those who told us, taught us, or forced us to believe a definition of “success” that does not match our true inner selves - we may be investing in the wrong dream.

Becoming mindful that any delays or slowdowns in your progress are for a reason right now is most helpful. We cannot multi-task Mercury retrogrades away with wishful thinking. It’s far more appropriate - and rewarding - for every Spirited Woman to honor the natural rhythms of life and go with the flow…in due time all will become clearer and you’ll be back on your path moving forward again!

Stay Tuned! More About What Happens When Mercury Moves Forward Next Week!  

SheriHornHasanAmazon #1 Bestseller & professional intuitive psychological/archetypal/evolutionary astrologer at Karmic Evolution Astrology, Sheri Horn Hasan analyzes natal horoscopes as the blueprint that can help one’s soul to recognize & reach its highest destiny in this lifetime. Her mission is to assist others to move from chaos to clarity and co-create their own future through astrology! Read Sheri’s story about her astrological awakening!

Guest Blogger – Sheri Horn Hasan – The Benefits Of Mercury Retrograde

Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology to do a three-part series on Mercury in Retrograde - but from a positive perspective. This is Sheri’s first post. - See more at: http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/go_blog_blog_blog/#sthash.BFuKtV7m.dpuf
Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology to do a three-part series on Mercury in Retrograde - but from a positive perspective. This is Sheri’s first post. - See more at: http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/go_blog_blog_blog/#sthash.BFuKtV7m.dpuf

MercuryI invited Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology to do a three-part series on Mercury in Retrograde - but from a positive perspective. This is Sheri’s second post.

Last week’s blog centered on how Mercury retrograde periods are quiet, barely noticed opportunities for the Spirited Woman to incorporate her innate, inherent, intuitive wisdom from her subconscious into her conscious brain, and vice versa.

This week let’s look at Mercury’s primary function and how all spirited women may benefit from Mercury retrograde periods!

The ancients regularly watched the planets in the sky and noticed how activity occurring on earth mirrored planetary interactions in the heavens. Way before the invention of telescopes and other technological devices this cause and effect became clear to them time after time.

Mercury is the messenger of the gods. His movement in the heavens foretells times when archetypal themes related to communication, learning, and how the mind processes information, occur. Mercury represents the twins Castor & Pollux and so is also directly related to siblings, early childhood learning, local commerce, and transportation.

Often during his retrograde periods - this one has been in effect from January 5 and will last until January 25 - we find ourselves reviewing rather than moving forward boldly into new plans, be these plans personal or business-oriented.

Watch for the themes mentioned above to become prominent now in one way or another as they seem to have been placed temporarily on hold causing us each various degrees of frustration…

Tuning In To The Rhythm Of Mercury Retrograde

As the Spirited Woman is being called to listen to her soul’s internal intuitive wisdom, and her psyche is busy becoming wiser, she doesn’t have the space in her brain to concentrate on moving forward - yet.

“The use of this cycle alerts us to the unconscious rhythms of reflection, and attunes us to our inner clock by dint of knowing when concentration and introspection are most needed,” writes psychological astrologer Erin Sullivan in her book “Retrograde Planets.”

“When to consider and reconsider ideas, projects, relationships, and lifestyle according to one’s own unique timing is the greater purpose of Mercury retrograde,” Sullivan concludes.

All Mercury retrograde periods for 2016 will be in earth signs. Earth signs are always about manifesting on the physical plane, and their general purpose - at least in part - is to ensure not only that we survive but that we feel safe and secure in our environment, our relationships, our careers, etc.

The current retrograde period is in the sign of the sea goat: Capricorn.

Archetypal Capricorn energy is ultimately about becoming one’s own best authority (i.e., one’s own best parent) and standing on one’s own two feet as a mature individual.

Capricorn energy is also associated with making tangible concrete progress in one’s life, and so it is connected to the concept of success. But the question always comes up: success at what cost?

Often, a Spirited Woman’s ego may unknowingly get in the way of what her soul truly needs to be happy in this lifetime. When this happens, it becomes an ego trip down the wrong path toward a perception of “happiness” not based on an inner sense of intuitive wisdom, but rather ( and often) on a misguided attempt to achieve something that one has been told, taught, or forced to believe will bring true “happiness” or “success.”

Mercury retrograde in Capricorn now calls us to go deep about what kind of foundation we really want to lay in order to be certain that we may successfully build upon our dreams. Discerning which dreams stand the solid chance of becoming reality and which are solely flights of fantasy by listening to one’s gut is part of this period’s internal work.

For some of us spirited women, this means having the courage to listen to our internal voices - our higher selves - to ascertain what will ultimately make our souls truly happy.

When we heed the call of other - those who have had authority over our lives when young, those who told us, taught us, or forced us to believe a definition of “success” that does not match our true inner selves - we may be investing in the wrong dream.

Becoming mindful that any delays or slowdowns in your progress are for a reason right now is most helpful. We cannot multi-task Mercury retrogrades away with wishful thinking. It’s far more appropriate - and rewarding - for every Spirited Woman to honor the natural rhythms of life and go with the flow…in due time all will become clearer and you’ll be back on your path moving forward again!

Stay Tuned! More About What Happens When Mercury Moves Forward Next Week!  

SheriHornHasanAmazon #1 Bestseller & professional intuitive psychological/archetypal/evolutionary astrologer at Karmic Evolution Astrology, Sheri Horn Hasan analyzes natal horoscopes as the blueprint that can help one’s soul to recognize & reach its highest destiny in this lifetime. Her mission is to assist others to move from chaos to clarity and co-create their own future through astrology! Read Sheri’s story about her astrological awakening!

Guest Blogger – Sheri Horn Hasan – The Deeper Meaning Mercury Of Retrograde

MercuryretrogradeIt appears that a multitude of spirited women are interested in astrology. The stars seem to fascinate us. From sun signs to rising signs we are hooked. And often times, when a Mercury in Retrograde period comes up, which we are in now - we panic just a bit - because we have read so many negative things about it. I invited Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology to do a three-part series on Mercury in Retrograde - but from a positive perspective. This is Sheri’s first post.

I turned to the study of astrology (a subject about which I'd always been curious) when I was diagnosed with a chronic, incurable, potentially-debilitating autoimmune disease nearly 16 years ago - to help me make sense of my world. I'd love to share with spirited women everywhere how the power of understanding the energies of the universe may lead us toward greater self-acceptance, self-love, empowerment, and true soul growth.

When I began my journey toward greater self-awareness, the first step became the realization that life is always a matter of choice and that my future lies in my hands and no one else's. Now a professional astrologer and past life regression facilitator (in addition to my work as a professional writing coach & editor), I believe the universe is benign, always works in our best interest, and provides us with continual and consistent opportunities to grow in consciousness each and every moment of each and every day.

While our egos may not always get what they want, we may rest assured the universe will always provide the spirited woman's soul with what it needs.

So when Mercury retrograde periods happen, as they do 3-4 times per year, instead of quaking in my boots, I began to go deep about how this time is better spent recognizing it as an opportunity for me--and all spirited women--to become wiser.

Many people think of these periods--when the planet Mercury appears to stop in its tracks in the sky and move backward for approximately 21 days—as times when communication between humans on Earth gets all screwed up.

Indeed, often we do miss appointments, lose our cell phones, forget our plane tickets, suffer the agonizing indignity of not having our phone calls or emails returned—for weeks!—and generally miss the small print on just about everything, from major contracts to minor purchases.

Never heard of it? Then let me give it to you straight: Mercury retrograde periods—which will occur four times in 2016—are meant to help, not harm, us.

We are, in fact, in a Mercury retrograde period right now--one that began on January 5. This period will last until January 25 when Mercury appears to stand still and then begin to move forward slowly, gradually picking up speed as he goes.

The good news?

This period--often one in which other astrologers shout dire warnings about not signing contracts, making large new purchases (especially of electronic equipment), starting a new project, or forming a new business--actually presents the spirited woman with the capability to incorporate her innate intuitive knowledge (from her subconscious) into the more empirical part of her brain as true wisdom.

Similarly, the reason astrologers tell you that Mercury retrograde periods are a time to engage in all of the  “re’s”—i.e., to re-do, re-think, re-organize, re-process, re-evaluate, re-view, etc.—is because we’re also being given the opportunity to take information collected consciously and to process it into our unconscious.

This cannot happen, however, without a suspension of the more logical portion of our brains, with often results in the kind of confusion that leads one to think she's purchased the tickets but hasn't, to leave one's cell phone on the bus, or generally get communication signals crossed in one way or another.

However, the result--an increase in the spirited woman's consciously realized creative capability and resulting empowerment--is almost always worth it!

Stay tuned! Next week: More About THIS Mercury Retrograde Period!

SheriHornHasanAmazon #1 Bestseller & professional intuitive psychological/archetypal/evolutionary astrologer at Karmic Evolution Astrology, Sheri Horn Hasan analyzes natal horoscopes as the blueprint that can help one’s soul to recognize & reach its highest destiny in this lifetime. Her mission is to assist others to move from chaos to clarity and co-create their own future through astrology! Read Sheri’s story about her astrological awakening!

Guest Blogger – Sheri Horn Hasan – The Deeper Meaning Mercury Of Retrograde

MercuryretrogradeIt appears that a multitude of spirited women are interested in astrology. The stars seem to fascinate us. From sun signs to rising signs we are hooked. And often times, when a Mercury in Retrograde period comes up, which we are in now - we panic just a bit - because we have read so many negative things about it. I invited Sheri Horn Hasan, an expert in Karmic Evolution Astrology to do a three-part series on Mercury in Retrograde - but from a positive perspective. This is Sheri’s first post.

I turned to the study of astrology (a subject about which I'd always been curious) when I was diagnosed with a chronic, incurable, potentially-debilitating autoimmune disease nearly 16 years ago - to help me make sense of my world. I'd love to share with spirited women everywhere how the power of understanding the energies of the universe may lead us toward greater self-acceptance, self-love, empowerment, and true soul growth.

When I began my journey toward greater self-awareness, the first step became the realization that life is always a matter of choice and that my future lies in my hands and no one else's. Now a professional astrologer and past life regression facilitator (in addition to my work as a professional writing coach & editor), I believe the universe is benign, always works in our best interest, and provides us with continual and consistent opportunities to grow in consciousness each and every moment of each and every day.

While our egos may not always get what they want, we may rest assured the universe will always provide the spirited woman's soul with what it needs.

So when Mercury retrograde periods happen, as they do 3-4 times per year, instead of quaking in my boots, I began to go deep about how this time is better spent recognizing it as an opportunity for me--and all spirited women--to become wiser.

Many people think of these periods--when the planet Mercury appears to stop in its tracks in the sky and move backward for approximately 21 days—as times when communication between humans on Earth gets all screwed up.

Indeed, often we do miss appointments, lose our cell phones, forget our plane tickets, suffer the agonizing indignity of not having our phone calls or emails returned—for weeks!—and generally miss the small print on just about everything, from major contracts to minor purchases.

Never heard of it? Then let me give it to you straight: Mercury retrograde periods—which will occur four times in 2016—are meant to help, not harm, us.

We are, in fact, in a Mercury retrograde period right now--one that began on January 5. This period will last until January 25 when Mercury appears to stand still and then begin to move forward slowly, gradually picking up speed as he goes.

The good news?

This period--often one in which other astrologers shout dire warnings about not signing contracts, making large new purchases (especially of electronic equipment), starting a new project, or forming a new business--actually presents the spirited woman with the capability to incorporate her innate intuitive knowledge (from her subconscious) into the more empirical part of her brain as true wisdom.

Similarly, the reason astrologers tell you that Mercury retrograde periods are a time to engage in all of the  “re’s”—i.e., to re-do, re-think, re-organize, re-process, re-evaluate, re-view, etc.—is because we’re also being given the opportunity to take information collected consciously and to process it into our unconscious.

This cannot happen, however, without a suspension of the more logical portion of our brains, with often results in the kind of confusion that leads one to think she's purchased the tickets but hasn't, to leave one's cell phone on the bus, or generally get communication signals crossed in one way or another.

However, the result--an increase in the spirited woman's consciously realized creative capability and resulting empowerment--is almost always worth it!

Stay tuned! Next week: More About THIS Mercury Retrograde Period!

SheriHornHasanAmazon #1 Bestseller & professional intuitive psychological/archetypal/evolutionary astrologer at Karmic Evolution Astrology, Sheri Horn Hasan analyzes natal horoscopes as the blueprint that can help one’s soul to recognize & reach its highest destiny in this lifetime. Her mission is to assist others to move from chaos to clarity and co-create their own future through astrology! Read Sheri’s story about her astrological awakening!

Missing the Memo





Last night, I had dinner (on the porch in spite of the record-breaking heat here in the mystical MidAtlantic! Of course, we did have shade, the ceiling fan, and a bottle of icy grand cru from Arnould & Fils, recommended by my brilliant friend Stoat) with a beloved magical Sister. I asked her, "You'd tell me, right? Mercury didn't unexpectedly go retrograde and I just (in retrograde Mercury fashion) missed the memo?" Because it would explain a lot. (Blogger, you fickle, evil BitchGoddess, I am looking, inter alia, at you.)

And speaking of missing the memo, I'm not sure why I am just now finding out about the amazing sculpture of Fidelma Massey. If I'd known about her sooner, I'd have planned my garden around one of her sculptures. As it is, I'm going to have to sit down w/ Landscape Guy and see where we can work one in. There's a spot he's been pointing to along the Southern boundary for a few months and saying, "Something needs to go there. You need to figure out what."

And, in true if-Mercury-isn't-retrograde-who-is? fashion, I'm not sure where I first found Ms. Massey's work. I thought it was at Sally J. Smith's site, but now I can't find it there. (And I'd love, someday, to get Sally to build one of her fairy houses in my garden for G/Son, too. He's so fascinated w/ the fairy door on the big maple in my woodland). Whoever brought Ms. Massey to my attention, many thanks!

Which of her works do you like best?

Pictures: Google "Fidelma Massey" and click on "Images".

Missing the Memo





Last night, I had dinner (on the porch in spite of the record-breaking heat here in the mystical MidAtlantic! Of course, we did have shade, the ceiling fan, and a bottle of icy grand cru from Arnould & Fils, recommended by my brilliant friend Stoat) with a beloved magical Sister. I asked her, "You'd tell me, right? Mercury didn't unexpectedly go retrograde and I just (in retrograde Mercury fashion) missed the memo?" Because it would explain a lot. (Blogger, you fickle, evil BitchGoddess, I am looking, inter alia, at you.)

And speaking of missing the memo, I'm not sure why I am just now finding out about the amazing sculpture of Fidelma Massey. If I'd known about her sooner, I'd have planned my garden around one of her sculptures. As it is, I'm going to have to sit down w/ Landscape Guy and see where we can work one in. There's a spot he's been pointing to along the Southern boundary for a few months and saying, "Something needs to go there. You need to figure out what."

And, in true if-Mercury-isn't-retrograde-who-is? fashion, I'm not sure where I first found Ms. Massey's work. I thought it was at Sally J. Smith's site, but now I can't find it there. (And I'd love, someday, to get Sally to build one of her fairy houses in my garden for G/Son, too. He's so fascinated w/ the fairy door on the big maple in my woodland). Whoever brought Ms. Massey to my attention, many thanks!

Which of her works do you like best?

Pictures: Google "Fidelma Massey" and click on "Images".

Missing the Memo





Last night, I had dinner (on the porch in spite of the record-breaking heat here in the mystical MidAtlantic! Of course, we did have shade, the ceiling fan, and a bottle of icy grand cru from Arnould & Fils, recommended by my brilliant friend Stoat) with a beloved magical Sister. I asked her, "You'd tell me, right? Mercury didn't unexpectedly go retrograde and I just (in retrograde Mercury fashion) missed the memo?" Because it would explain a lot. (Blogger, you fickle, evil BitchGoddess, I am looking, inter alia, at you.)

And speaking of missing the memo, I'm not sure why I am just now finding out about the amazing sculpture of Fidelma Massey. If I'd known about her sooner, I'd have planned my garden around one of her sculptures. As it is, I'm going to have to sit down w/ Landscape Guy and see where we can work one in. There's a spot he's been pointing to along the Southern boundary for a few months and saying, "Something needs to go there. You need to figure out what."

And, in true if-Mercury-isn't-retrograde-who-is? fashion, I'm not sure where I first found Ms. Massey's work. I thought it was at Sally J. Smith's site, but now I can't find it there. (And I'd love, someday, to get Sally to build one of her fairy houses in my garden for G/Son, too. He's so fascinated w/ the fairy door on the big maple in my woodland). Whoever brought Ms. Massey to my attention, many thanks!

Which of her works do you like best?

Pictures: Google "Fidelma Massey" and click on "Images".

Explaining Myself



Just the first few minutes of so much empty space allows my breath to sink deeper into my belly, my spirit to expand. My INTJ self looks at those images the way a thirsty woman looks at pictures of icy water. The times in my life when I've been most surrounded by emptiness have felt the most freeing to me.

This weekend, G/Son asked me, apropos of nothing as far as I could tell, "Nonna, why Pop Pop was your only husband and you never had another one?" (There was another one, but we'll wait until he's older to get into that.) I replied, "Well, what I found out about myself was that I really like to have some time alone so that I can think my own thoughts." G/Son replied, "Well, why you don't like to be around people?" I said, "Oh, I do like to be around people, a lot. But I also need time to myself." G/Son then said something that floored me. "Well, sometimes you don't see me for days and you don't miss me."

If anyone has ever misperceived anything about me, surely this. But I think that it was really more an inquiry than a statement.

Honestly, there's not a day, indeed, there's hardly an hour that goes by when I don't think about G/Son and his 'rents, offer up energy for their safety, health, and happiness, and wish that I could be with them. Luckily for me, my family lives close by and I get to see them more often than, say, DiL's 'rents or Pop Pop and his partner. Goddess knows, there are more days when I stop myself from bugging them (with a phone call, a request to iChat, a visit to take them out to dinner or brunch) than there are days when I give in to my longing to be with G/Son. And, of course, often when I do call or iChat, this busy 5-year-old wants to head off to look for worms under bricks or to watch some Harry Potter before bedtime.

So I was floored.

I paused a bit before answering, especially because, as G/Son has his Sun in Pisces, Moon in Taurus, and Ascendent in Scorpio, I imagine that he's going to be, maybe even more than his Nonna, one of those people who will need a lot of time alone as he gets older. So I want to lay down enough breadcrumbs, along the appropriate paths, to be of some use. After grounding and centering, taking some connecting breaths, and touching the Great Grandmother in the Sky Depository of All Wisdom, I said, "Well, actually, I do. I think about you every day and I wish that I could be with you. But I know that you, and Mommy, and Daddy need space to live your own lives. And so, when I miss you a lot, I think about how I want you to be healthy and happy and then, sometimes, I light incense for you. And, I think about how, by really thinking my own thoughts, I can be a better Nonna to you and a better mother-in-law to your Mommy and a better Mom to your Daddy."

G/Son thought about this for a moment and then said, "Nonna, Guess what?"

Me: "What?" (This is a phase all kids go through, in my experience. "Guess what" is sort of a way of beginning a conversation.)

G/Son: "My new favorite colors are red and yellow, because those are the colors Harry Potter wears and, tonight, if you read me the book about Geronimo Stilton, can you let me read the words that are in big print, because I can read them now and I can also type the word "Batman" on the computer and, Nonna? do you have any blueberries for me because I am hungry and when I am hungry I like blueberries a lot, even though blue isn't my favorite color any more, and, Nonna, Guess What?"

I love this kid.

Explaining Myself



Just the first few minutes of so much empty space allows my breath to sink deeper into my belly, my spirit to expand. My INTJ self looks at those images the way a thirsty woman looks at pictures of icy water. The times in my life when I've been most surrounded by emptiness have felt the most freeing to me.

This weekend, G/Son asked me, apropos of nothing as far as I could tell, "Nonna, why Pop Pop was your only husband and you never had another one?" (There was another one, but we'll wait until he's older to get into that.) I replied, "Well, what I found out about myself was that I really like to have some time alone so that I can think my own thoughts." G/Son replied, "Well, why you don't like to be around people?" I said, "Oh, I do like to be around people, a lot. But I also need time to myself." G/Son then said something that floored me. "Well, sometimes you don't see me for days and you don't miss me."

If anyone has ever misperceived anything about me, surely this. But I think that it was really more an inquiry than a statement.

Honestly, there's not a day, indeed, there's hardly an hour that goes by when I don't think about G/Son and his 'rents, offer up energy for their safety, health, and happiness, and wish that I could be with them. Luckily for me, my family lives close by and I get to see them more often than, say, DiL's 'rents or Pop Pop and his partner. Goddess knows, there are more days when I stop myself from bugging them (with a phone call, a request to iChat, a visit to take them out to dinner or brunch) than there are days when I give in to my longing to be with G/Son. And, of course, often when I do call or iChat, this busy 5-year-old wants to head off to look for worms under bricks or to watch some Harry Potter before bedtime.

So I was floored.

I paused a bit before answering, especially because, as G/Son has his Sun in Pisces, Moon in Taurus, and Ascendent in Scorpio, I imagine that he's going to be, maybe even more than his Nonna, one of those people who will need a lot of time alone as he gets older. So I want to lay down enough breadcrumbs, along the appropriate paths, to be of some use. After grounding and centering, taking some connecting breaths, and touching the Great Grandmother in the Sky Depository of All Wisdom, I said, "Well, actually, I do. I think about you every day and I wish that I could be with you. But I know that you, and Mommy, and Daddy need space to live your own lives. And so, when I miss you a lot, I think about how I want you to be healthy and happy and then, sometimes, I light incense for you. And, I think about how, by really thinking my own thoughts, I can be a better Nonna to you and a better mother-in-law to your Mommy and a better Mom to your Daddy."

G/Son thought about this for a moment and then said, "Nonna, Guess what?"

Me: "What?" (This is a phase all kids go through, in my experience. "Guess what" is sort of a way of beginning a conversation.)

G/Son: "My new favorite colors are red and yellow, because those are the colors Harry Potter wears and, tonight, if you read me the book about Geronimo Stilton, can you let me read the words that are in big print, because I can read them now and I can also type the word "Batman" on the computer and, Nonna? do you have any blueberries for me because I am hungry and when I am hungry I like blueberries a lot, even though blue isn't my favorite color any more, and, Nonna, Guess What?"

I love this kid.

Explaining Myself



Just the first few minutes of so much empty space allows my breath to sink deeper into my belly, my spirit to expand. My INTJ self looks at those images the way a thirsty woman looks at pictures of icy water. The times in my life when I've been most surrounded by emptiness have felt the most freeing to me.

This weekend, G/Son asked me, apropos of nothing as far as I could tell, "Nonna, why Pop Pop was your only husband and you never had another one?" (There was another one, but we'll wait until he's older to get into that.) I replied, "Well, what I found out about myself was that I really like to have some time alone so that I can think my own thoughts." G/Son replied, "Well, why you don't like to be around people?" I said, "Oh, I do like to be around people, a lot. But I also need time to myself." G/Son then said something that floored me. "Well, sometimes you don't see me for days and you don't miss me."

If anyone has ever misperceived anything about me, surely this. But I think that it was really more an inquiry than a statement.

Honestly, there's not a day, indeed, there's hardly an hour that goes by when I don't think about G/Son and his 'rents, offer up energy for their safety, health, and happiness, and wish that I could be with them. Luckily for me, my family lives close by and I get to see them more often than, say, DiL's 'rents or Pop Pop and his partner. Goddess knows, there are more days when I stop myself from bugging them (with a phone call, a request to iChat, a visit to take them out to dinner or brunch) than there are days when I give in to my longing to be with G/Son. And, of course, often when I do call or iChat, this busy 5-year-old wants to head off to look for worms under bricks or to watch some Harry Potter before bedtime.

So I was floored.

I paused a bit before answering, especially because, as G/Son has his Sun in Pisces, Moon in Taurus, and Ascendent in Scorpio, I imagine that he's going to be, maybe even more than his Nonna, one of those people who will need a lot of time alone as he gets older. So I want to lay down enough breadcrumbs, along the appropriate paths, to be of some use. After grounding and centering, taking some connecting breaths, and touching the Great Grandmother in the Sky Depository of All Wisdom, I said, "Well, actually, I do. I think about you every day and I wish that I could be with you. But I know that you, and Mommy, and Daddy need space to live your own lives. And so, when I miss you a lot, I think about how I want you to be healthy and happy and then, sometimes, I light incense for you. And, I think about how, by really thinking my own thoughts, I can be a better Nonna to you and a better mother-in-law to your Mommy and a better Mom to your Daddy."

G/Son thought about this for a moment and then said, "Nonna, Guess what?"

Me: "What?" (This is a phase all kids go through, in my experience. "Guess what" is sort of a way of beginning a conversation.)

G/Son: "My new favorite colors are red and yellow, because those are the colors Harry Potter wears and, tonight, if you read me the book about Geronimo Stilton, can you let me read the words that are in big print, because I can read them now and I can also type the word "Batman" on the computer and, Nonna? do you have any blueberries for me because I am hungry and when I am hungry I like blueberries a lot, even though blue isn't my favorite color any more, and, Nonna, Guess What?"

I love this kid.

Everybody, Take a Chill-Pill


Mercury in Retrograde

BY SHERYL LUNA

The day ended badly with a broken ankle,
a jinxed printer, and a dead car. The dry yellow grass
against the sunset saved me. Roosters

pranced across a lawn of shit, proudly plumed
in black feathers, bobbing before the gray goats.
It was the first day I saw god in the quiet,

and found a mustard seed was very small.
There I had been for years cursing “why?”
and all the gold in the sun fell upon me.

There was a white mare in the midst
of brown smog, majestic in the refinery
clouds. Even the radio wouldn’t work!

My mother limps and her hair falls out.
The faithful drive white Chevy trucks
or yellow Camrys, and I’m here golden

on the smoking shock-less bus.
I lost language in this want, each poem
dust, Spanish fluttered

as music across the desert, even weeds
tumbled unloved. The police sirens seared
the coming night, dogs howled helplessly
sad.

Lo I walk the valley of death, love
lingers in my hard eyes. Mañana never
comes just right. I mend myself in the folds

of paper songs, ring my paper bells
for empty success. Quiero Nada,
if I sing long enough, I’ll grow dreamlike
and find a flock of pigeons, white under
wings lifting awkward bodies like doves
across the silky blue-white sky.

Picture found here.

Not Easy


Back from listening to the insightful and entertaining Janet Kane discuss levels of expression of each sign of the Zodiac.
You know, it's not easy to be a Pisces in this culture.

Based upon my 54 years of experience, I'd say that's about right. But like the YouTubes for gay teens, I would say that, "It does get better."

What's been the biggest challenge of living your sign?

Picture found here.