 |
|
 |
|
|
| Departments |
Home
Columns, Special
Topics & Features:
The Columns:
Angel Blessings:
with Dr. Doreen Virtue
Ask Valerie Morrison,
Internationally
Acclaimed Psychic
Astrologer's Notes:
Ask Carrin Martin,
Astrologer
Basil Fearrington,
Astrology
Diana Stone,
Astrologer &
Huna Shaman
Jeff Jawer,
Astrology
Alan Oken,
Astrology
Glenn Perry,
Astrologer
Ray Merriman,
Financial Astrology:
MMA Market Week
Erin Sullivan,
Astrologer
Noel Tyl,
Astrologer
Daily Aspect Calendar
by Care
Monthly Horoscope:
Stellar Scopes
by Daija De Mornay
Creating Bridges:
The Spiritual &
Philosophical
Awakening to the
Miracle of Ordinary Life
by Dennis Lewis
Avant-Gardening:
Insights by Frank &
Vicky Giannangelo
Bodymind Integration:
A Psychology of Potential
by Kevin Roberts
Breaking Free:
Anne Brewer
Dowsing: A Path to Enlightenment:
Joey Korn
Teachings from the Western Mystery Traditions:
The Esoteric "Paths of Return"
by Jacquelyn Small, Eupsychia
Pathways to the Self:
Dr. Connie Rodriguez
Understanding
Kabbalah
by Aeon
Understanding
Wicca: Ask Fyre
Understanding Kashmir
Shaivism with
Swami Devi Nostrum
Mythology & Legends
Pearls of Wisdom:
with Care
The Practical
Practitioner
Feng Shui
Wind & Water:
Carole J. Hyder
Tarot:
Soulforest:
Tarot and Spirituality
Rachel Pollack,
Tarot Grand Master
Ask Teresa Michelsen:
Tarot Reader
Unexplained Phenomena:
Humor:
Wake Up Laughing.Com:
Swami Beyondananda
Features:
Blessings & Messages
Crystals, Gemstones
& Minerals
Event Calendar
Historical
Notes & Data
The MetaPersonals
Predictions
Reviews
Symbols, Seals,
Amulets & Talismans
The What in the
World Department
Trivia & Other
Novel Moments
Your Views
Interviews:
Ray Merriman!
Jacquelyn Small!
Healing & Alternative
Health:
Flower Essences
by Donna Cunningham
Empower Yourself
to Heal
by Gerri Shapiro
The Holistic Pet:
Dr. Shawn Messonnier
Living in Harmony-Astrology, Yoga & Ayurveda: Venkat & Christine Machiraju
"Spirit and Practice
of the Wise Woman
Tradition"
By Susun Weed
Tai Chi & Qigong
by Bill Douglas
The Holistic Mystic,
by Lonny Brown
The Eclectic
Metaphysicist:
by Jim Hansen
The Directory
Archives:
Past Issues
General Information:
Synopsis of Contents
Editorial Submission
Information:
Articles
Columns
Editorial Opinions
"Your Views"
General Content
Event Calendars
Graphics & Photos
Editorial Deadlines
Advertising
Information &
Opportunities
About
The Meta Arts
Magazine
Department
Contacts:
Publishers
Editorial
Advertising Sales
Graphic Design
Promotion Dept.
Employment
Contact Us
Legal Notices
|
|
|
|
|
|
Astrologer's Notes: |
|
|
Mercury Retrograde: Astrology's Scapegoat |
|
|
by Diana Stone |
|
|
|
|
|
In my February column I referred to the beginning of the Chinese New Year, which is the Year of the Goat in 2003. This prompted my column for this month.
Dateline March 2003. Astrologer Steve Nelson's newsletter serendipitously arrived to remind me that March is the month of Mars, the god of war, and that this is also scapegoat season, a time of shadow projection. I nominate Mercury retrograde as a candidate for the title of astrology's scapegoat upon which we project all manner of ills.
Retrograde motion occurs when a planet appears to move backward in the zodiac. The planets, of course, do not actually stop in their orbits around the sun and back up like a car shifting into reverse. If they did, we would not be here talking about it. We would be blasted to smithereens. Since astrologers interpret any reverse in direction to have symbolic meaning for life on Earth, all of the planets' retrograde periods are carefully observed. Mercury normally has three retrograde periods a year, each lasting roughly three weeks. (This year a fourth retrograde time begins in December.)
.
Information about Mercury retrograde times is increasingly escalating into a "Chicken Little-the sky-is-falling" syndrome. The truth is that the wheels of civilization do not grind to a halt every time Mercury turns retrograde. Contracts are signed, surgeries are performed, marriages are solemnized, books are published, the mail is delivered and not all of these things end in biblical Armageddon.
What is the reason for the frequently obsessive preoccupation with Mercury retrograde? Astrology is so complex that it is nearly irresistible to focus on one single thing that everyone can understand at a glance; and if anyone knows just one thing beyond sun sign astrology, you can bet it is Mercury retrograde.
I dread Mercury's retrograde periods, not because it is so evilly disposed, but because I am bombarded with warnings that it is upon us once again. Horror stories abound. Before we can all heave a collective sigh of relief when Mercury turns direct, the cadaver must first be autopsied to see just how disruptive it was this time.
The unfortunate result of painting Mercury retrograde with such a broad brush is that it precludes the fine-tuned analysis that reveals the real meaning and value it may have for you in your particular set of circumstances at any given time.
We need to know what sign it is in. We need to know how it is related to all the other planets. We need to know if it is in mutual reception. We need to know where it falls in your individual chart. Every Mercury retrograde period is not created equal.
I recently mailed out my snail mail newsletter. It cost me a lot of money and I advertised the release of my new book, an upcoming workshop and some tapes for sale. I was very invested in a vigorous response. I delivered the newsletter to the printer during Mercury retrograde. He got it ready on time without a hitch. I gave it to a business that labels it and mails it under their bulk mailing permit. Not a hitch. I am enjoying a very good response, and all of this during a Mercury retrograde time.
This time Mercury was retrograde in conjunction with my natal Venus and otherwise well aspected. It was in mutual reception with Saturn, a combination that allows for the correction of any mishaps. Transiting Jupiter was trine my natal Jupiter. I used this particular retrograde time to my advantage. However, immediately after Mercury turned direct my phones went out for two days and my schedule was a nightmare of canceled and confused appointments (probably a Mercury direct problem). Mercury moves very slowly as it turns direct and is a time that needs to be considered as well.
Most astrologers would never deliberately use Mercury retrograde in the chart of a new business. Yet, half of the Fortune 500 companies have Mercury retrograde in their business charts. These particular companies are noted for being exceptionally cautious and careful before making changes and certainly no one can argue with their success. All of this is to say that Mercury is not automatically going to be a problem. It needs to be analyzed by an astrologer who appreciates the complexities involved.
And in closing, did you know that there is a special Mercury retrograde hell for people who unduly terrorize the citizenry about Mercury retrograde? Nothing works in Mercury retrograde hell and communication is so screwed up that the souls there cannot even talk to each other. A word to the wise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diana Stone,
Astrologer
& Huna Shaman
|
 |
Diana Stone began astrological studies in the 1960s under the tutelage of Charles Luntz, author of Vocational Guidance by Astrology.
In 1973, she established a private practice in Portland, OR. She serves a clientele that includes an extensive network of telephone clients.
Her book on the U.S. horoscope was published in 1976. In the early 90s she contributed to three anthologies published by Llewellyn Publishers and edited by Noel Tyl.
Diana has lectured extensively and is a popular keynote speaker. She delivered the keynote address at the United Astrology Conference in Orlando in July 2002.
She has been a student for over 30 years of Huna shamanism, the system practiced by ancient Polynesian kahuna. Huna Research, Inc. certified her as a teacher of the ancient lore.
Diana serves an extensive international clientele as a shaman specializing in soul retrieval. She and her brother formed a publishing company, Crystal Triangle Publishing, and the book they co-authored, The Lightbody Activation Manual, will be released in February 2003. Diana now resides in Vancouver, WA.
Diana Stone
12005 NW 14th Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98685
dianas@spiritone.com
www.DianaStone.com
|
 |
You'll find it in
The
Directory!
|
|
|
|
|
