Mercury in Leo and Virgo 2011

Mercury - Sanskrit name Buddha

Let’s examine Mercury’s path through the signs of Leo and Virgo, and it’s potential effects on life collectively.  Mercury’s journey through these two zodiacal signs began on July 20th, 2011 and will conclude on October 10th, 2011.

Mercury went retrograde in Leo on August 4th, 2011. 

Retrograde status brings out the more difficult side of Mercury in Leo.  From August 4th through August 16th, one’s mind may be moving too fast.  One may be easily confused by exaggerated promises. (However, if you feel it’s appropriate to take advantage of people through exaggerated promises, this is the time for you!) People may find difficulties through lack of attention to detail. One may also find that they are caught up in false pride, and arrogance about what they think they know.  So resist this influence and use your intentional ability to not make quick decisions, and be sure to reflect on what you’ve heard, and only take action when you completely clear about the right course.  Regular meditation will help.

Mercury re-enters Cancer as it goes retrograde on August 16th, 2011 until August 27th, 2011, when it goes forward again August 27th, 2011.

Mercury moving retrograde through Cancer can increase one’s intuitive capacity, but it can also make one overwhelmed by the emotional difficulties of others, that we are able to sense intuitively. Often the thoughts and the emotions are too intertwined to make good decisions. It’s best not to make decisions when in an emotional state now, or out of fear or attachment. It’s hard to get to the root of problems at this time, because we are often identified with the emotion that the problem causes, rather than seeing the problem clearly.  If you have any of these tendencies,  or have an inability to detach from your emotions, it’s best not to make any big decisions until Mercury moves back into Leo.

Mercury re-enters Leo on September 5th, 2011.

Leo - Sanskrit Name Simha

Mercury is a planet of communication, movement and commerce. Leo is a fixed (stubborn) sign of showmanship, royalty, and admiration.  As the natural 5th sign of the zodiac, Leo also represents the mind, and spiritual practices.  From July 20th through August 4th, this shows a time of positive expression of our thoughts and beliefs. It is a time for sharing that which is important to us, and being understood. The mind is more articulate and also more attuned to the masses, so we have a greater capacity for influencing the world around us through clear intentions, and consistent follow through. Our decision making capacity is increased as is our ability to share those decisions with others in a way in which they will understand the value of those decisions. (Mercury is also aspected by Jupiter in Aries during this transit, which brings out the more high minded philosophical aspect of the planet. This is a great time for mantra practice and devotional spiritual practices involving the chanting, and scriptural recitation.)

Mercury enters Virgo on September 22nd, 2011. Mercury tenets Virgo with the Sun, Venus and Saturn, until October 4th, 2011.

Virgo - Sanskrit Name Kanya

Mercury now comes home to its own sign of Virgo. Only to find it’s been occupied by the Sun, Venus and Saturn.  Happily, Venus and Saturn are natural friends of Mercury. Analytical, organizational, and thinking abilities are now focused and precise. Any activity that requires systematic, stable yet adaptable attention to detail and organization is advised. Mercury is exalted (the highest manifestation of its qualities) in Virgo, and this peaks around October 2nd, when it is at its highest point of strength. Writing, communicating, astrology, teaching, working with numbers and money are all advised during this time. Saturn gives Mercury focus and determination to succeed in logical, linearly minded endeavors. Venus gives Mercury a touch of right brain intuition and the ability to understand the wholistic summation of all the parts. Planning your life, the year ahead, a new business venture, or anything that takes long range mental capacity and intention is good to plan and begin during this time.

Finally Mercury leaves Virgo on October 10th, 2011.

Note: We have to remember, that planets have basic indications based on their nature. However, based on our individual charts they can represent different things. For example, for a Leo Ascendant or Leo Moon Sign, Mercury represents finances predominantly.  For a Pisces Ascendant or Pisces Moon Sign it can represent, our emotional states, home, and our partners in life. To fully understand the influences of a planets transit, we need to synthesize their general characteristics on a collective level (as described above) with the individual characteristics of our personal indications within the horoscope.

Vedic Astrology Mantra Remedies

A client recently asked me which mantras were best to use.  She indicated there were a number on the internet, and she could not decide which was most appropriate.

While it is best to learn a mantra directly from someone who has practiced the mantras, that is not always immediately possible.

The following mantras are effective, and ones I have used since beginning the study of astrology.

Jupiter 2011

We have spoken of Saturn. Now let us turn our attention to Jupiter in 2011.

Jupiter began 2011 in Pisces

 

The rising sign for 2011 is Sagittarius. This constellation is ruled by Jupiter. The qualities of Sagittarius are that of idealism, fairness, striving for freedom, aspiring, humanitarian, and both physically and mentally vigorous. This is a strong sign.

Within Sagittarius in the horoscope for 2011 is Rahu, Sun, and Mars. These are very outgoing planets. They show ambition, drive, and potentially over zealous willfulness. The Sun and Mars are both good friends with Jupiter, and so while these planets can be overbearing from the egoic standpoint, the fact that they are in Sagittarius, a sign of higher knowledge and philosophy, shows a strength towards being true to our selves. Having Rahu in Sagittarius with the Sun and Mars, does show some uncomfortableness along the way. Rahu is the pioneer, and the outcaste, and so may bring about some discontent from others, as we learn to move into our truer more dynamic selves.

Sagittarius is the Rising Sign for 2011

Jupiter is in the fourth house of this chart, in its own sign of Pisces. It is only at 2 degrees. This shows its youthfulness and dynamism comingforth as the year faces the challenges of growing up, and growing into wisdom, while learning to have a steady vision and solid ethic towards service.  Saturn’s gaze from the 10th house will make sure that the potential for growth is well contained, and doesn’t turn into a spoiled exuberance that quickly blows itself out.  Being true to our selves this year is not about the personality, but for the whole of humanity.

Jupiter is at 2 degrees of Pisces at the Beginning of 2011

Jupiter in the fourth house (emotions, home and family life) gives support from the family, and from our spiritual heart. As we grow through the year, we may need to turn to our families (those people whom we are deeply connected to) for support, wisdom, and guidance. Also, taking the time to cultivate family-like ties will do well.  We will find healing and strength both within our families, and by turning within to our inner heart often.