Retrograde Mercury-Mars-Pluto Conjunction

Tonight (Monday, December 13, 2010) and on into tomorrow, retrograde Mercury will slide over the Mars-Pluto conjunction at 4 degrees Capricorn.  Those with planets or chart angles between 2 degrees and 6 degrees of cardinal signs will be most strongly affected by this energy.  With the Mars-Pluto conjunction, anger readily comes to the surface, including long-suppressed or -denied anger.  With retrograde Mercury conjoining this pair, arguments or harsh words can burst out.  We might hear ourselves or others saying such things as "In all of our 10 years together, not once have you ever . . . " and "Mom, I was never your favorite child!  That's it, I'm never coming home for the holidays again!" 

We are commonly advised to think before erupting, but the very nature of this energy makes that difficult.  Long-suppressed or subconscious issues have a way of surfacing before the rational mind can get ahold of them.  A catharsis is definitely needed, so you might try activating the rational side of Mercury in advance and give some thought to what old issues might be lurking.  When you identify an old issue that is being triggered, consider meditating, journaling, or release ritual.  A discussion with the other person/people involved is also a viable choice but a risky one!  Keep perspective on your own anger or that of others.  If argument does ensue, avoid unnecessary cruelty or harshness, and watch out for flying objects!  Don't be the thrower! 

Whatever issues come up at this time, and however you handle them, rest assured that you have not seen the last of them.  Another shoe will drop, late in December, around mid-January, or perhaps even in August 2011. 

Peace and blessings to all.

The Spirit of Santa Claus

As an adult woman, I continue to believe in Santa Claus.  Why?  For the very good reason that my father gave me when I was a small child.  I had just reached that tender age of doubt where it first occurred to me to wonder if there really was such a being, and I asked my father about it.  I can't remember everything he said, but the part that stuck with me, even to this day, was this:  As long as there are parents on this Earth who love their children, there will always be a Santa Claus. 

While the evolving myth of the magical elf who emerges in midwinter, and treats children to everything from bundles of sticks to foil-wrapped electronics from big box stores, has many forms and much lore attached, I find the wise and loving response my father gave to be the best description I know of the spirit of Santa Claus as we experience it in the current culture. 

I'll take this opportunity to say thanks, Dad, for embodying the spirit of Santa Claus so well. 

Mercury Retrograde, Day 2: In the Mountain Metaphysical Shop, we are already noticing return visits from folks who dashed out a few weeks or days ago with the proverbial "I'll be back!"

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury Retrograde starts tomorrow.  It's going to be an even more exciting Saturnalia season than usual!