PATRICIA O'NEILL

MONDAY MUSINGS: DOs AND DON’Ts DURING SATURN RETRO – MAY 11th – SEPT. 29th.

Hi Guys,

Today’s blog is a little longer than my usual ones. Grab a cup of tea! Saturn doesn’t like to be rushed! Especially now in his Retrograde Season.

The inner planets Mercury, Venus and Mars retrograde more frequently than the outer planets. Their retrograde period is also shorter. For example, Mercury goes retrograde around 3 times annually and usually for 3 weeks duration. Because these planets are nearest the Sun, they tend to affect us more on a personal basis, which is why they are known as the ‘Personal Planets’. Mercury affects our communications and thought process, Venus our relationships and resources, Mars our energy and sexuality.

On the other hand, the outer or slower moving planets such as Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto do not retrograde as frequently, and when they do, their retrograde period also lasts longer. They affect us globally. Saturn goes retrograde approx. every 1.5 years and it’s usually for around 4 months at a time. Currently, its retrograde period is from May 11th to September 29th.  So it’s longer. I told you this bad boy doesn’t like to rush the job at hand. He’s a hard taskmaster. A tough Cop!

Saturn is all about responsibility, tenacity, hard work, discipline, caution, limitations, delays, obstructions in our path, obligations to others, building a strong foundation, goals, roots, pain, fear, authority, control, denial and all that grown-up stuff which we would sometimes prefer to stuff under the bed! The saying No pain No gain was surely coined with Saturn in mind. So when Saturn, the Disciplinarian of the Zodiac, is retrograde, you get out from under your bed and face the music! He’s not going to make it sweet and dandy for you. It’s a time for taking stock of your life. Fixing the cracks in your foundation, your relationships and your commitments.

During Saturn Retro we can lose our focus and be rather aimless. The energy of Saturn which drives us to succeed has been lessened. There is less fuel in our career tanks. It’s harder to get work done when Saturn is Retro. We have to force ourselves to plough through — like it or not! Sometimes these work challenges are thrust upon us as COVID-19 can attest to!

You don’t need me to tell you about this newfound wisdom many of you are experiencing currently. Right? I’ll bet many of you have been questioning your life, your values, your purpose — your everything that comes under the title of ‘Life Philosophy’. That’s Mr. Saturn, a.k.a. ‘The Grim Reaper’ doing his retrograde dance in the sky and permeating your sub-conscious. A Pandora’s box of old memories, feelings, worries, concerns, has been opened during his current retrograde season. (And while he’s at it, he’s kicking in a bit of planetary karma too! Mother Nature is thanking him for that part!) Saturn is also known as the Planet of Karma.

Questions you’re currently asking yourselves, prompted by Saturn Retro:  Will I get the virus? Will it ever go away? What if I never get my job back? What if our World never returns to normal again? What if I can never hug my friends again? Yups! That’s Mr. NEVER-one-to-sugar-candy-coat-reality Saturn! Saturn, the ringed planet, happens to be my Ruling Planet, so I have come to respect, and listen, to his wisdom over the years. I know if I don’t, I’ll regret it! Saturn is the purveyor of blisteringly hard-earned wisdom!

I compare Saturn to a wise old Grandfather who sits you on his lap, his hands calloused from a lifetime of hard work. He tells you how tough life can be, and that you need to work hard to succeed, because what you reap is what you sow. Sobering stuff. And when you’re going through a really rough time in your life, you can be damn sure Saturn is involved! Yes, he can be a party pooper on occasion, but at the end of the day, he does have your best interests at heart. Jupiter, on the other hand, is the Party Boy, but with COVID-19, there will be no parties for a while! Jupiter, the fun planet, is also retrograde at the moment. It’s a sure sign of the times!

DON’Ts DURING SATURN RETROGRADE:

Don’t pick a fight with your boss or co-workers. Zip the lip!

Don’t try to start a whole new project. Let Saturn Retro blow over first. It’s better to re-assess things right now.

Don’t take your relationships for granted. Respect people’s boundaries. Respect is the word to remember. Both for yourself and others.

Don’t waste your money or overspend. There is a tendency to do this when we don’t have Saturn’s full attention to rein us in! Be sensible, even if you don’t have Saturn watching over you. Pretend he is!!

Don’t take unnecessary risks! Again, Saturn, the Policeman of the Zodiac is too busy being retro to give you his full attention. So, you may be feeling like a naughty teenager, wanting to go Crazy! With drink, with food, with everything. DON’T. I think you know what I mean. Most people in lockdown are going ape. Literally. Don’t.

DOs DURING SATURN RETROGRADE:

Do take it easy and reflect on life and matters of importance.

Do listen carefully to the lessons you are being asked to learn at this time.

Do play safe.

Do take care to do things right at this time. A stitch in time saves nine!

Do try and keep things as stable as you can in your life. No big moves!

Do take time for yourself through yoga, meditation, prayer, exercise, nature.

Do remember this mantra: I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE, THE CAPTAIN OF MY SOUL.

Take heart! It’s not all bad. If you look closely at your current life situation, listen to the wisdom being presented to you now, work diligently towards your true purpose, are patient with the process, trust in God, there is always a silver lining. Sadly, some of you reading this now may not currently see that silver lining as everything on your horizon looks bleak. Some of you may lose your jobs, only to realize later it was the best thing that ever happened to you! Hang on in there, especially if you are finding the going tough at the moment. You are not alone. Though our ships are all different, we’re battling the same storm. Same up and down days. Same Saturn Retrograde holding us back currently from making speedy progress in our lives.

Imagine a great big puppeteer in the sky. We are the puppets. Every time we try to move ahead, the puppeteer pulls us back. He controls our every move. The Puppeteers are the Planets and right now they are nearly all retrograde.

There is a process, and each of us has a different lesson to learn from a Saturn Retrograde period. I respect Saturn because he is the guy who helps you grow up, achieve your potential and develop structure and order in your life. Later, you will thank him! He will help you to earn gold and wear it. He will put a comfortable roof over your head, and best of all, give you a sense of achievement in your life! Not bad, eh?

Trust the process…

Peace & Love!

Patricia xxx

MONDAY MUSINGS: DOs and DONT’S DURING VENUS RETROGRADE – 13 MAY-25 JUNE.

Hi Guys,

By now you are all up to speed (pardon the planetary pun!) on Mercury Retrograde — the dos and don’ts. But how well do you know your Venus Retrograde? It’s a very important one, especially if you value Love and Money. And who doesn’t? One of the most common questions Astrologers are asked is “Tell me about my love life and my finances!” I’m telling you now ‘Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread’. True that. Especially during Venus Retro. The following is important information for everyone, especially those with Sun, Moon, Rising, or other planets in the sign of Libra or Taurus who both share the rulership of Venus.

Venus is the planet that governs our love life, and our assets. Many people know of its connection to love and beauty, but not to money and investments. So take heed! This is not a time to get too energetic about either! Remember — and it is important to remember this — Retrogrades are a time of reflection rather than action! The power of a particular planet, and in this case, Venus, is not up to par. It’s frazzled, lazy, tired, confused so why would you make important decisions when Venus is not her shining self? I certainly would not. Retrograde does not mean the planet is going backwards in the sky, it just means its pathway is temporarily disrupted. I reflect and listen to my inner wisdom at this time. I hope you will do the same. It’s only a few weeks, so I think it’s wise to defer gratification in matters of new love, beauty, and finances.

DOs and DON’Ts DURING VENUS RETROGRADE:

Don’t:

Make snappy decisions on Love or Finances!

Buy expensive beauty products (you may regret later). Cheap or familiar ones are ok.

Don’t change anything about your appearance — hair, plastic surgery, teeth — NADA! Wait!

Don’t begin new love relationships! (Love can be deceiving, weak, and fickle at this time.)

Don’t get married or engaged during Venus Retrograde. Unless you REALLY ARE 100% SURE! Wait, hold your horses on the carriage!

Don’t do any major home improvements at this time. Again, wait! Rather, plan and think it out carefully.

Don’t start a new company or sign any agreements at this time. Especially in the self-improvement industry.

Don’t go hog wild on investments. Employ caution and seek wisdom from a knowledgeable source.

Don’t invest in any expensive clothing or footwear. You may have buyer’s regret.

Don’t buy expensive jewellery, art, and certainly not a home! Wait! It’s only a few weeks to wait. Be patient!

Do:

Nurture yourself. Lather yourself with love, patience, and gentleness.

Tend to your Venus within!

This is a great time for Couples Counselling and working on existing relationships.

It’s a time to try and mend what’s hurting in yourself and others.

Wear Rose Quartz or keep a stone in your purse to remind yourself of the importance of self-love.

Wear pink if you can get away with it!

Take regular warm bubble baths and light scented rose candles. Rose petals in the bath would be nice!

Do a good clean out of your home. It’s a great time to get your House Beautiful in ship shape!

Same with your wardrobe!

Same with your body beautiful!

It’s a great time to build up your immune system with Tons of TLC! Good food, music, and exercise!

Just like our Mamma Earth is currently getting a terrific respite from toxicity, YOU too have the opportunity now in Venus Retrograde season to do the same for yourself. Please DO!! You really are worth it. The Powers that Be ‘Up Above’ are giving you this gift of time on a plate. Accept it! Accept yourself! Accept there is a time for everything! A right time and a wrong time…

Peace & Love!

Patricia xxx

MONDAY MUSINGS: AS ABOVE, SO BELOW! THE PLANETARY PARTY FOR 2020.

Hi Guys,

Fasten your sanity belts! We’re in for a good jolt of adventure in 2020 as the Planets continue to take us hostage, and taunt us with their tumultuous and downright bizarre behaviour. What are they doing up there? many of you ask in frustration. Why can’t they start behaving themselves? A good question, but they have work to do — and that is to rein us in and give some respite to Mother Earth. The structures of our society were beginning to crumble, the graffiti was on the wall, Global warming, etc. It’s payback time now and boy do we ever know it! It’s all because we are transitioning from one Age into another. I find the whole concept of a New Age dawning totally fascinating, so I’ve been busy studying it. It helps me to understand the planetary process. I always knew there was a method to their madness and that we humanoids are just a tiny speck on the horizon. Trust me, the powers ‘Up Above’ know what they are about. They have been doing this an awful long time. As Above, So Below!

FYI every 2100 years the earth retrogrades into each of the 12 signs. For the past 2100 approx. we have been living in the Age of Pisces. It takes approx. 25,868 years to visit all 12 signs. When you do the math 25,868 divided by 12 = 2100 approx. This precession of the zodiac was discovered by the Greek Astronomer Hipparchus of Nicaea (c 190 – 120 bc). The Age of Pisces co-incides with the Age of Christ and Christianity. The Pisces period has been marked by the formation of the various religions in our world today. Astrological historians have done a lot of work researching this and discovered that before we transition into a new age, there are rumblings, upheavals, etc. in the world. This was the case in Rome prior to the dawn of the Age of Pisces. It takes over 100 years for a New Age to really manifest. But then it stays a long time!

Astrologers differ in their opinion as to when the Age of Aquarius began. Some say the 1960s. Others say it will take longer. It’s a matter of opinion. I definitely think it has begun already. Something this big has to have a reason. Besides, in 2021 we will see a lot of the big planetary players like Saturn transition into Aquarius.  I have seen a huge shift in our society in the past 20 years. The Age of Technology has come a long way but nothing compared to what is yet to come! The Age of Aquarius will be marked by genius inventions and scientific discoveries. We’re talking over two thousand years here, so alas, I may not get to see it all lol! But the glimpses I do get are indeed very exciting! A unigender society marked with equality, fraternity, and scientific discoveries. Astrology will be massive again like it was centuries ago, before Astronomers kicked us out of the bed! Yes to that! Uranus, the genius planet that governs Aquarius rules electricity, astrology — and truth. Amen!

The plan for us here on earth is to slow down the pace of life in 2020. The planets, by all going retrograde, almost at the same time, will ensure this happens. They are retrograding like I have never seen planets do retrograde! When planets are retrograde, it’s a time of reflection, rather than a time of action. Currently, Uranus, Pluto, and Neptune are all retrograde. Pluto, the power planet will be retro until October 4th. Neptune, the nebulous one is retro until November 29th, Uranus, the unpredictable planet is retro in Taurus the money sign, until August 15th. So things are going to be up and down economically and by no means stable. We’ll talk about the eclipses a little later. That’s more excitement!

This week more planets turn retrograde. Saturn, the tough taskmaster, goes retrograde today until September 29th, followed on Wednesday by Venus, the Goddess of beauty and money. Venus will stay retrograde until June 25th. Jupiter then goes retrograde on May 14th until September 13th. Finally, on June 18th Mercury goes retrograde until July 12th. What a year of retrogrades! So if sometimes it feels like all our efforts to move forward are being stymied, this may well explain. Clearly, the powers that be don’t want to rush the job in hand! We have to change and change takes time. Whenever a planet is retrograde, it means its energy is directed within. I call it lazy energy, or in the case of Mercury, careless. The energy of the planet is not as strong as it could be. We need to focus our energy on the inner world. Self-connection. Finding our truth. That makes sense as we’re spending more time alone and have time now to think about our lives. It’s a gift that needs to be appreciated. Tough Love some would say.

Chiron, a minor planet of healing is currently in the sign of Aries. It was in Aries in the mid-1960s and during the roaring 1920s. So if history is to repeat itself, it was indeed a time of individual expression and change. Uranus, a volatile and unstable planet is currently in the sign of Taurus, the money sign, until 2026. We can expect our economy to have its ups and downs. Again, not as stable as we would like.

We have five eclipses coming this year. In astrological jargon, they are called Drama Queens, and with good reason. Both solar and lunar eclipses bring massive shake-ups and surprises. Solar eclipses are all about doors slamming in our faces, and new ones opening. It can be a time of great opportunity, but equally a time of challenge. Lunar eclipses on the other hand are about letting things go that no longer serve us. The eclipses activate the North and South nodes in our individual birth charts, also referred to as our ‘karmic pathway’. So to see how they will affect you personally, check the house position and sign of the nodes in your chart. The eclipses will illuminate some birth charts more than others.

Each year, there are about 3-7 eclipses and they occur in clusters. A nearly two-year long eclipse series began on the 13th of July, 2018, illuminating the Cancer/Capricorn axis, shifting our public perception of safety (Cancer) and authority (Capricorn). Since then when you think about it, matters of the planet and global warming have been in our faces ever since. Those recent bush fires in Australia, and closer to home, Fort McMurray in Northern Alberta had savage fires causing the city to be evacuated. Just recently they had massive flooding. Some people lost their homes both in the fires, and now in the floods! As regards safety, the current Coronavirus epidemic speaks for itself.

When it comes to Authority (Capricorn), we just need to look at the current political playing field. It’s clear many people are unhappy with their leaders, as in the U.S.A. So yes, I can relate to that Cancer/Capricorn axis being illuminated. The final eclipse on this axis will occur on July 5-6, 2020, when a total lunar eclipse at 13 degrees Capricorn concludes this 2-year cycle.

2020 brings a series of eclipses upon the Gemini/Sagittarius axis, starting with the lunar eclipse on June 5th in the sign of Sagittarius. Retrograde Venus will be in Gemini at this time, making activity around money and spending matters a lot more tricky. Both Gemini and Sagittarius are very sociable signs. Sagittarius tends to take risks and be adventurous. My take on this June 5th eclipse is that people will be chomping at the bit for more social activity, and will become more daring in this regard! The sluice gates will be opening! I already see that on the beaches around here as the sun blazes down. People will be choosing adventure over fear! I guess that is easy to predict.

Below are our Eclipses dates:

Friday, June 5th Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius.

Sunday, June 21st, Solar eclipse in Cancer.

Sunday, July 5th, Lunar eclipse in Capricorn.

Monday, 30th November, Lunar eclipse in Gemini.

Monday, 14th December, Solar eclipse in Sagittarius.

So June 5th, we will be chomping at the bit to get moving and out and about. June 21st, some of us may begin to worry again about our safety, and question ‘should we be more cautious?’ July 5th, we will be questioning the authority and decisions made by our Governments with regard to the Coronavirus epidemic. The last two eclipses are coming near Christmas, the most sociable time of the year for many. You can see with that Gemini/Sagittarius axis illuminated, people will want to break free!! So, between retrograde planets coming and going for most of the year, as well as the eclipses, we are in for some adventure.

Remember, it’s how you react to all this excitement! That’s what really matters! At the end of the day, we all know this current world mess is not going to go away overnight. There are consequences, challenges, and many changes to deal with, as a result of the pandemic. Patience is a virtue that needs to be cultivated in 2020. For your own sake, stay grounded as best you can. Keep your eye on the big picture. Know this all needs to be done, for the sake of our planet, if nothing else makes sense to you. You will agree, Mama Earth is looking better for the rest! She really does want us to love her more and take responsibility for our actions on society.

Please be kind to yourself and those around you. We’re all suffering from growing pains, and trying to make the best of it. There is comfort in camaraderie. It’s a time to spread love like you would butter on toast — lavishly! We have more time on our hands currently to do this. Use this time wisely. It’s a gift from the Gods. Use it to repair your relationship with yourself and others.  We will not always have it. Maybe some day we will all look back on this time of great pause in our lives and actually miss it! There certainly will be stories about the ‘Great Pause’. As for the money — it will take care of itself. It always does!

Keep fighting the good fight!

Hugs,
Patricia xxx