Mercury ☿ is retrograde 12/10-12/30. Mercury rules the mind, communication, media, daily business & travel. When retrograde a planet’s expression tends to be more internal. Externally life may appear to go wrong or backwards, but it is to encourage a contemplative focus, and is part of the ebb and flow. Regarding business, decisions, and contracts that require sharp thinking or speaking wait until after 12/30 to act, if possible.

In honor of Hanukkah, here is an interesting bit of history — the Jewish phrase Mazal Tov, which is now used to express congratulations, has its roots in astrology. It literally means: “May you enjoy a favorable star.”

The current phase of the Moon is the Balsamic Moon, or the Waning Crescent ☾, after the last quarter and right before the New Moon (coming up on Dec 5). During the monthly cycle of the Moon, this phase is a good time for releasing or letting go of anything which has been fulfilled or has outlived its purpose, for tying up loose ends, and for quiet preparation for a new cycle to begin.

The Sabian Symbols are 360 symbolic vignettes each corresponding to a degree of the zodiac. All of the planets travel through the zodiac, but it can be convenient to look at the Sun, for in its 365 day cycle it spends approx 1 day per Sabian over the course of the year. Perceiving the corresponding Sabian that the Sun is in each day is a powerful way of tuning into the energy of the day.

Also, the degree the Sun was in on the day of birth and the corresponding Sabian is often a key symbol for understanding the core essence of that person. The symbols for the degrees of the other planets and points in a chart can also be useful.

Look up each Sabian symbol

*Please note: You always round up to the next degree when working with the symbols. Here is an explanation about that from Dane Rudhyar, “if the symbol is referred to the position of a planet in an astrological chart, Cancer 5º begins at 4º 1” (four degrees and one second or minute) and ends with Cancer 4º59’59”; just as the first year (year number 1) of a life begins at birth and ends with the first birthday. We are dealing with a process, and ‘Phase One’ starts the very moment the process begins.”

Venus re-entered Scorpio last night. Transformative material in relationships could resurface, in the service of growth or deeper bonding. After retrograding back into Libra, Venus is direct now but still passing over old territory - hopefully resolving certain issues - through 12/13. Mercury will be entering Capricorn tonight, supporting integrity in communication and a focus on practical, down-to-earth matters.

The MOMENT we take our first breath determines our birth chart. “The birth chart is a blueprint of the seed image of the soul, an archetypal map of the psyche” (Michael McLay, M.A.). In honor of the current Virgo ♍ Moon, I want to mention that the EXACT time is important for calculating a correct chart (an aspect of the Virgo archetype is the value of precision in order to be of better service).

If you are uncertain about your own birth time, check your birth certificate - it might be on there! Otherwise rectification is possible. Sometimes complicated or challenging, but nonetheless possible!