Category: Astrology

How to be “Productive” during Mercury in Retrograde

Considering Mercury Retrogrades at least three times a year, these are excellent ideas for how to spend those three weeks …

How to be “Productive” during Mercury in Retrograde
by Ruby

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Have you noticed your electronics breaking down or glitching out, are you struggling with misunderstandings or having communication issues with people? Has your Wifi, computer, smartphone, and any associated technologies been acting just weird lately? Then there’s a very good chance you have been experiencing the effects of “Mercury in Retrograde.” Mercury is the planet that governs over communication, travel, and often electronics, and when it’s in a Retrograde cycle or appears to be moving backward, things can go a little haywire here on planet Earth!

Remember throughout this article I will be referring to Mercury in Retrograde as Mercury Rx. Rx is the actual symbol used in Astrology for “Retrograde,” and it helps me shorten this down a bit.

I have been writing about what not to do during a “Mercury in Retrograde” cycle for many years now. And even though I believe strongly in the advice I give, especially about how we shouldn’t be signing contracts at this time or making any long distance travel plans. It just seems to get to the point where I’m constantly telling this negative story, which is a drag. And isn’t exactly helping anyone, now is it? Each “Mercury in Rx” cycle lasts for 3 weeks and that’s not including the “Shadow Phases”, which are before and after a Mercury in Rx cycle. Each shadow phase last three weeks as well. So that makes Mercury in Rx a nearly two-month event! We have to get something positive out of this!

Being born during a Mercury in Rx cycle myself, I really understand its effects on a deeper level. I’ve had my fair share of Mercury Rx moments over the years, and I could go on and on! In some ways, I live in this electronic glitchy world full of misunderstandings and little mishaps all the time. Therefore I am used to it, but still thoroughly annoyed by it. But with all of that being said, I have also learned that “Energy Follows Thought” bottom line, no matter what the Cosmos is doing. I have proven to myself time and time again that if you focus on what it is you really want, you can ride the waves of any negative astrological influence and come out of it with something more positive. Not to say that if you make a list of what to do that you won’t have issues, because whatever part of your Astro “Birth Chart” Mercury Rx is transiting is the part of your life it will affect, and with this particular aspect there’s not a lot you can do to detour it. But you can learn how to work with it, and benefit from it!

Since I became aware of Mercury and it’s Retrograde cycles at a very young age, I have also learned a great deal about how to align my energy better with the Cosmos, to seek and find balance. I thought I would shed some light on how one can be productive during a Mercury in Rx cycle. So instead of explaining what not to do during this time, let’s focus on the progress we can make!

Astrologers are constantly explaining how during this cycle, communication is broken down… well that made me think about when something or someone is broken down, it’s an opportunity to rebuild the energy back up again, to align better with one’s soul path in life. Which means perhaps all the things glitching out or not working, or the misunderstandings that seem to come along with Mercury in Rx, are being brought to us for a reason, for a higher purpose. Maybe to help us understand something we otherwise may not notice, and to bring us clarity! But you may be asking, how when certain devices break down like our DVD players or our Wifi stops working, (happens every time to my household) do these annoyances have any meaning or substance spiritually? The answer is simple, Mercury is telling you to Unplug, it’s time to get Quiet and stop the constant chatter, and to get away from the movement that is our lives nowadays. Listen to your higher-self, or your spirit! And no it’s not conducive to be unplugged and miss work and run away from the world everytime Mercury Goes into Retrograde, I get it! But it does mean you can take a Vacation for even a day or two and simply unplug from the outside noise. If that’s just impossible to do during this time, then take just 30 mins a day and unplug, go meditate and recharge your own personal batteries.

Sometimes we have to start over to achieve our goals, and in Mercury Rx, that should be the rule… it’s time to not get bent all out of shape and frustrated and realize this is a time to re-work, re-do, re-learn, and do research. Don’t feel bad, trust me I can sympathize as I have already mentioned, I was born during a Mercury in Rx cycle and I have learned throughout the years once I do something, to do it again! Every time I redo whatever it might be, it always comes out better. Just ask my second husband! Yes, I had to even redo marriage! But that’s the extreme example. The bottom line is it can be very frustrating for those who aren’t used to it, to have to redo everything all the time but take my advice during Mercury in RX, it is the best thing you can do.

Even the planet Mercury itself is going backward through a house in your own personal Astrology “Birth Chart” right now and a certain sign of the zodiac, and therefore is backtracking to help you learn and understand something you’ve probably already done or been through before. You have to take steps back during Mercury in Rx to move forward.

Here is my list to help remind me and all of you, what we can do that actually works for us during “Mercury in Retrograde.”

How to be Productive during Mercury in Retrograde:

REWORK SCHEDULES: Take a look at your schedule and ask: What’s working or not? Be flexible during this phase, and just know you may have to change your game plan. Think about letting go of any responsibilities that aren’t yours or that aren’t working for you.

DECLUTTER: It’s right after the Holidays, so many of us are clearing out old junk anyway, but during a “Mercury in Retrograde” cycle is the best time to get into your closet, basement, shed or attic and rid of what you don’t use anymore. I mean go through everything, even old junk drawers and make sure and recycle. Remember when you get rid of old stuff, you are getting rid of the old energy as well, and making room for new fresh energy to come in…which can bring in new beginnings.

REVISIT: If there’s any friends or family that you haven’t contacted in a long time for whatever reason, now is the time to make amends and open your heart up to healing. Working on these relationships can help heal old wounds. Which is beneficial to your spiritual evolvement. Catch up with old friends, go have coffee or meet up for dinner. Just make sure the people you choose to revisit are not dysfunctional or abusive.

SELF-CARE: It’s important to take care of yourself during this cycle, so working on self-care can be very helpful. Take it easy and make sure to eat right, exercise and move more. Spend less time being plugged into the net or social media if at all possible. Start some sort of new routine that benefits you and your well-being.

CHANGE THE ENERGY: Time to change the energies up in your life, add some nice candles to your home… to help burn off old energies and invite new energy in. Put some color in your home and redecorate with pictures that make you feel good. Add fresh flowers, burn new candles and burn some incense. Bless and release the old energy that’s been in your home or office, and bring in a hugger vibrational energy. There are many different ways to go about this. Just try it, you’ll see and feel the difference.

BE FLEXIBLE: This is very important so I am going to repeat it again, allow the energies to flow around you and stop trying to control everything, write a letter and let the Universe know what you’re trying to create in your life, and then sit back and relax. Just follow what feels natural and don’t fight, argue, or push.

REINVENT: Take some time to think about your past successes and bring new light to them, enjoy what you have created in your life, instead of trying to constantly manifest something new and different. Make sure to reuse what’s in your home and repurpose whatever you can, perhaps some DYI projects should be on the agenda during this period.

REWORK AND REDO: If you left any projects that you had started and never finished, behind, work on them again. Work on anything you feel passionate about, but this time finish them and enjoy what you have done. If there’s something you just couldn’t get done or get through, now is the time to redo it and fix it! “Mercury in Retrograde cycles tend to really help us finish up old business.

ORGANIZE: Do you have 3000 pics on your phone or computer just hanging around, this is a great time to organize your life. I like to organize my emails, pictures and just everything on my computer and smartphone or tablet during “Mercury in Retrograde.” Take the time to organize your world in any way possible. Use this energy to make something creative perhaps as well.

REMEMBER: Connect to your past in some way, watch old videos of your family, wedding or any life event that was a happy memory. Check out old high school pictures of friends and just simply reflect and reminisce about the old days, fill your heart up with memories and simply feel gratitude for the time you had with them. Connecting to positive energies will help you feel good, and can help you move forward in your life.

~Ruby

Source:  Ruby’s Readings

Palm Reading: – Letter M & the Mystic’s Triangle

Love these tidbits!

Palms up by Phoenix of Elder Mountain – Palmistry is a prehistoric divination because we have had our hands long before any written language, occult symbols or symbolic languages such as runes and because of that, diviners have a full and unwritten past. The more modern roots of palmistry came through India and also the Chinese book I Ching or at least that is what is said, I am sure many places on earth have practiced the art. Its also endured and survived the skeptics.

I have had my palm read three times in my life, but the last one was the best, I was around 37 years old, already having been an astrologer for twenty years and a symbolist, so I understood the readings and descriptions by the palmist. The last palmist was an elderly gentleman around 85 years old and still reading palms, he took my hands and began to draw on them with his red marker while he was reading them. He wore very thick glasses and I thought it was because his eyesight was bad that he used the marker, but apparently Palmists do that.

Rest of the article …

Reading of the Week December 11, 2011

Ten of Spears

This is a time when you must come to terms with things you avoided in the past. It’s time to clean up loose ends and complete projects before adding new things to your plate. The words of another will spark more work for you leaving you overworked and overtired. Money you were counting on is delayed or falls through. Do not act impulsively though a new opportunity that comes your way will have you completing the old and beginning the new simultaneously.

 Knight of Shields

In the process of sending out the old and bringing in the new, you fear your full schedule will cause you to miss an opportunity for the personal relationship you’ve been hoping will develop. During this stressful time, do not let fatigue and distraction lead to accidents. If you are beginning a new relationship, do not become enamored to the point of excluding everything or everyone else in your life. Your efforts will be rewarded in more ways than one, but remember to set aside time for yourself to regroup and re-center. Listen to your intuition.

 The Moon

This time of endings and beginnings will be trying mentally, physically and spiritually. As with all endings and beginnings there is disappointment, disillusionment and mangled feelings. The recompense you are paid will hardly seem adequate for all you’ve been through. Through all the unforeseen changes and unexpected happenings, attempt to walk the middle of the road to avoid the peaks and valleys of the emotions associated with times of change. Be sure to look for the lessons and the balance, and you will find a new you coming out the other side.

Brother Russell & My Grandpap Edd Bittinger

Ancestors

Adder

Transformation, Healing, Life Energy

Work to shed your old ways of tearing down others to build yourself up. You will see the healing in both you and those around you when you come to terms with that which you carry inside, lancing festering wounds and allowing them to drain and heal. Shedding the old leads to fertility in the new.

 Wren

Humility, Cunning, God

‘Small is beautiful’ as in self-realization is not from grandeur or the appearance of power, but in humility, gentleness and subtlety. Cunning if tempered with humor and good intent along with honest use of others’ achievements is a good way to get much accomplished. Be careful that you do not begin to hide behind your gentle nature as to cause yourself to become invisible to those around you or to avoid facing reality. Be mindful of how you use your cunning that you do not proclaim as yours what has been wrought from the sweat of others. It is a thin path between benign and malignant.

 Sow

Generosity, Nourishment, Discovery

It’s OK to enjoy the abundance and fertility of life, enjoy its beauty and delights without feelings of guilt. As you enjoy the fruits of your labors remember the checks and balances or you could find yourself becoming ‘piggish’ or greedy. Don’t judge others by their outward appearance but be patient and draw your conclusions from the whole of the person.

Finally… 

In this time of the changing of the year, it is imperative in these times of great change and chaos that we look inward to stand in our truths and balance so that we may project a sea of calm for those seeking guidance and shelter.

Reading of the Week for December 05, 2011

Temperance

You feel hurt and slighted because a partner in work or love is ignoring you, not being honest with you or not honoring their commitments. There will be a delicate situation where you need to collect monies owed you. Information regarding finances will cause a chain reaction. Things on all levels seem to be transforming into something else and you’ll find yourself moving in a different direction…for the better.

Unforeseen or unexpected events are going to occur causing a variety of changes with a positive end in sight. Work on yourself. Let your demons out so they may be confronted. If you need validation or verification—ASK!

Queen of Cups

You want your work to mean something and you want to enlist someone to help you. Home or work could be very chaotic. Travel plans may be disrupted so you may want to reassess the reason for the plans. You tend to scatter yourself, but being around others helps ground you. Your focus will be on finding the answers and the guidance you need. Someone you counted on will disappoint you. A time to reflect on your spiritual side.

Seven of Shields

A situation or delay in progress will cause a reevaluation. A means of turning a negative situation positive will inadvertently be provided. Be mindful of relating your ideas to others. You’ll be disappointed that your plans are not progressing at the speed you want. You have what it takes you just need a hand up. Hang on, baby, help’s coming. Do not spread yourself too thin by jumping from idea to idea when things don’t move as fast as you think they should. Keep something back for later.

 

Grandma & Grandpap with My Father, Uncles & Aunt

Ancestors

 The Star

The focus is on faith, future, and what can be. You want to find or regain your sense of meaning, inspiration or purpose. People will offer insights on what you need to know. Paperwork that will connect the past and present will flesh out details. There is an emotional link or spiritual tie to someone that even if you wanted to walk away…you cannot. Follow what you know to be true for yourself and rewards will follow.

Four of Cups

You will put an end to things that serve no purpose or go nowhere. No matter what things look like now, there are still ways to succeed. Take care of yourself first. Some of your goals will be accomplished, but you will still be ‘wanting’ emotionally.

Page of Shields

You will be disappointed in the results you’d hope to see in an endeavor, but don’t abandon the project. The clearing of a snag could get it back on track. Physical problems could be brought on by your inability to say what you need to say or hear what’s being said to you. Be willing to listen to or act on new ideas. You won’t want something that isn’t ‘right’ no matter how much you want it, but you won’t give up until you have it the ‘right’ way.

 

Reading of the Week November 28, 2011

Temperance

You feel if you continue as you have been without relief that you will explode. You desire change so badly you may find that it manifests and you get what you want, but not without consequences. The stress of the situation may cause a chronic health condition to reoccur. You’re going to have to work to maintain emotional balance and not let your temper get the best of you.

There will be a financial success on a project, but not the windfall you anticipated. A time of change, transformation, chaos and new beginnings. Confront you fears head-on, and always ask for clarification if even the slightest question arises in a matter.

Moderation, patience, and diplomacy; learning to balance your passion and reason. Learning the art of bridging the spiritual and mundane worlds. Rigidity can stifle imagination.

Queen of Swords

Loss, isolation, delay of plans causes physical and mental upheaval. You need to maintain an island of calm in the confusion, depend on yourself to steer clear of disappoint when others don’t do as they promise. Learn to occasionally relinquish logic for intuition, continue to do the right thing until what you need to know is revealed.

Seven of Cups

Don’t let conditions, appearances, or what others have to say sway you or cause you to veer from your ideals. What you want is waiting for you. Attend to details be sure to get things in writing to avoid confusion. When you reach a point where you don’t feel capable of succeeding, someone or something will appear that will help you on your way. Temper fantasy with practicality and effort if you want hopes and dreams to become reality.

Maternal Grandfather Paul Uber

Ancestors 

King of Cups

The focus is on activities centering around the home or business you can do from home. You may find yourself in a situation to promote yourself or business, but there may be unexpected obstacles. You want to make it with your own business or work from home. There will be a new direction that will facilitate that wish.

You may be looking for a way out of your present relationship because you feel you’re being mistreated.

Don’t overindulge in food or drink as a crutch.

Before agreeing to anything having to do with your business be sure all negotiations, financial agreements and transactions are thoroughly completed to avoid misunderstandings. Success will come by maintaining your personal integrity.

Do not let the isolation of your work insulate or alienate you from the world.

Queen of Cups

You will feel scattered as opposition; discord and disputes will arise at home or work. You may be forced to change or postpone plans. Keep your attitude in check to keep from escalating emotional situations. People may not ‘get’ you, but there will be someone who will utilize your talents. Now is the time to work on your intuition and truly listening to your ‘inner voice.’

Nine of Cups

Don’t resign yourself to ‘that’s the way it is and it will never change’. Don’t make premature evaluations. Changes in plans may be caused when something better comes along. Problems with contracts so make sure everything is in order before signing.

Sometimes you feel like a lost soul, fighting a lost cause, but you will have success in attaining what you want but it may take a different form than what you envisioned.

Reading For The Week of November 14, 2011

Seven of Shields

You see all your projects and ideas stretching out before you, but are anxious and stressed over what seems to be a lack of progress. Be mindful of the information you give to others or you may wake to find your ideas in someone else’s hands.

Something that seemed undoable will again seem possible when another’s offhanded remarks strike a chord in you.

Remember, ‘the only way to eat a bear is one bite at a time’.

Be careful not to overload your already full plate of projects as stress from unfinished business could affect your health and well-being.

Keywords during this time: Patience, restraint and perseverance.

Page of Swords

Unexpected developments and occurrences in personal relationships.  You may be put in what seems to be an untenable situation, but you make it work, easing the pressure of the situation. Previous obstructions will begin to break down giving you a chance for a fresh start…a token of better things to come.

Information will become available that will keep you hanging on the knot at the end of your rope. The ‘real’ truth of an uncomfortable situation will be revealed causing a most satisfactory outcome. 

The Fool

You want to begin something new hoping a change of scenery will bring about a miracle  that will solve your present circumstances. Don’t run off on wild goose chases. A project that has been completed could dovetail into something along the same lines, but better.

Do not become a rider on the emotional rollercoaster. You have to consciously work to maintain a cool head in emotionally charged situations.

The end result rests on your head and in your hands.

Paternal Great Great

Ancestors

Listen to your intuition (spirit guides, egun, i.e. ancestors) and let them steer your course. In time you will understand why you had to go through all those trials and tribulations.

Don’t let fear and impatience blind and deafen you. All will be revealed when it is time, but in the meantime don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Don’t blame yourself for the fault of others as their ethics are not yours. Problems caused by others can be overcome leaving you with greater skills and abilities.

Problems will be resolved one by one as this cycle comes to an end and another is about to begin. Take care of today and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Greetings H20 Family,

Spiritual Guide Cards Of The Week 

Crystal: Have faith and hope because there is something positive, and new on the horizon that you can’t see yet

Astara: You deserve the best! Reach for the stars with your dreams and desires, and don’t compromise

Rosetta: You have a gift working with young people, and your divine purpose involves helping, teaching, or parenting children.

Message From My Ancestors

Something from the past has returned into your life as apart of a pattern, this is because you have mistakenly thought that the door was closed on a past event. Are you, or someone from your past seeking forgiveness? Remember we can’t forgive others unless we forgive ourselves first, and do it in an authentic way. You can’t forgive and rehash old feelings you have to forgive fully. That doesn’t mean that you forget…You use the information provided to you by the situation as a tool for growth.

Are you a good caretaker of yourself or are you the caretaker of others more than you should? Sometimes when we are the caretakers of others to an extreme, individuals begin to depend on you for survival. This also apply’s in the reverse. Support is good, BUT sometimes one has to back away so individuals can learn from the road that their on.

Other Things To Ponder

Depression, possibly requiring therapy, Feeling trapped options seeming unclear. Issues that stem from childhood; subconscious childhood beliefs impacting life choices. Needing to review one’s map of belief’s. Potential for spiritual birth, great awakening. Possessing great faith having No fear!Confidence, nerve, and courage.

HUMANITY

Massive devastation; a destructive force affecting many

RELATIONSHIPS

Finding the wrong partner-not your prince charming, this can be in reference to someone that you have just met, and or a realization that one could have when you have already partnered with another for a period of time. Pay attention to your internal tracking system in reference to this situation.

DO NOT IGNORE YOUR FEELING DUE TO FEAR FOR BEING ALONE BECAUSE YOU ARE ALREADY ALONE BECAUSE YOUR NOT WITH THE RIGHT PERSON, THUS THIS EQUATES TO BEING ALONE.

WORK

Putting the competition at ease; being well liked

Reaping rewards for past good deeds

An ally, a champion (on your behalf)

Networking; connections

Underserving of a reputation; being misunderstood

LIFE

Seek more adventure, If you desire more spice to your life, GO FOR IT USING DISCERNMENT!

Reading For The Week of November 7th

Reading For The Week Of November 7

Queen of Cups

Discordant energy in the home and workplace. The emotional turmoil from last week carries over into this week. Plans have to be rearranged as your mundane life is in a state of flux.

Those who are in tune with the metaphysical side of life will find it contains new and exciting things that may come to play in everyday life.

In the workplace, people will not be interested in what you are selling, but someone you meet there could be interested in you romantically.

If your stress levels have been high, be careful of your health.

Someone will soon be coming into your life that will give you the answers or guidance for which you’ve been seeking.

Someone you counted on for support will not be able to help you.

You’re feeling scattered and out of sync with everyone and everything.

People won’t understand your ideas or see things the way you do, but there will be someone that will give you the opportunity to utilize your skill and talents.

Things take a turn toward the spiritual and esoteric. What you couldn’t see before will be revealed. If you work in the metaphysical realm you may find your abilities to ‘see and hear’ enhanced.

8 Swords

There is a feeling of oppression, restriction or of being ‘boxed’ in.

On a mundane level it may be time to change your place or line of work.

On a spiritual level you are in a protective box so you won’t be distracted from your path.

You may be caught off guard by problems with your health and other sudden handicaps.

You may need to take a time out to recharge mentally and physically, and remove yourself from a situation where you feel trapped in a negative cycle.

Choose your friends with great discrimination.

Situations brought about by others will cause high levels of stress.

Someone who left will find that the ‘grass was not greener’ and may wish to return to the fold.

Don’t let your fears bind you to people or places.

Empress

Communication will be hard because you feel scattered, intolerant or critical of others, but this also motivates you to make yourself clearly understood.

You feel you are in a holding pattern and feel unable to make the changes you want in your life, but learning to ‘let go’ and intuit what you need to do will go a long way in alleviating the stress you now feel.

You are overloaded mentally and need to step back and let things play out. You’re in a period of reorientation where you have to regain your balance mentally and physically.

This may cause delays but the promise is there for fut

Great Grandfathers

 Message From My Ancestors

Things are not going to be easy, so keep trying.

Your relationships are a reflection of your relationship with self. To improve one you must honestly look to the other. Trust yourself.

Things may be improving financially, but don’t let that loosen your purse strings. The best gifts are those from the heart.

Though this is a time of re-uniting with friends and family, you may find yourself frustrated as the road you have been traveling leads you to shed people and things you no longer need, and cleave to those that support the person you are now.

Things are working faster than you think and your mountains will soon become mole hills.

Reading For The Week From OmoYemaya

GREETINGS H20 FAMILY, 

SPIRITUAL GUIDE CARDS OF THE WEEK:

 DANIEL: Guiding individuals through marriage/s.( Note: this can be a break-up, or the gaining of a new marriage. This also includes partnerships business, friendship etc) 

ISAIAH:  It’s a good time to give birth to new ideas, and situations in your life. You are being guided, and protected during these changes. 

ROCHELLE: As you honor, and follow the guidance of your heart, prosperity will come your way. 

Message From My Ancestors

For individuals that are drama kings/ queens and have a tendency to blow things out of proportion be careful because this week you will get called out, and in a way that you were not expecting. It’s a full moon and emotions are high, so tolerance levels will be quick to break. For what has been accepted in the past will not be acceptable at this time.

Individuals, communities, and humanity is experiencing  massive devastation; and destructive forces that will affect many. For some, this may be stomach turning/disgusting, and you may think you will not survive, BUT you will. Now is the time to master the fundamentals before proceeding into anything, so one doesn’t miss important steps on the journey. Living in the now with a detachment from negative/past experiences, and future expectations will be key.

Learn to respect yourself, and others.

Examine being a perfectionist, being highly critical, one’s inner judge.

Feeling cursed, a run of bad luck. Good, and bad news; VICTORY AFTER STRUGGLE