Astrological Forecast for June 29 to July 5, 2006

by Ellen Zucker

Numerous sonnets and songs are written about the romance of a beautiful sunset. Many are the masterpieces painted by artists of a sunrise.

But our eyes trick us. Unlike the ancients who believed the Gods drove a chariot across the sky ferrying el Sol, sunrise and sunset are just optical illusions.

Our illusions are crushed in science class where we learn that the Earth makes a complete turn on its axis every 24 hours. The Sun's apparent journey is nothing more than a reflection of its changing position in the sky relative to our actual journey going 'round and 'round on Earth's rotating axis.

And our sunsets ... leave them to our poets.

But likewise, the journeys of our solar system planets are also not as they appear from our perch here on planet Earth.

Each appears to move forward. Then it slows and eventually comes to a complete stop. It starts to move again. Slowly. But this time, it moves in the opposite direction. It picks up speed for a time, then slows once more. Finally it comes to another stop. Again the planet moves forward. Slowly, unsteadily at first, and then it picks up steam.

With the exception of the Moon, our satellite, and the Sun, of course, all planets used in astrology undergo this errant motion.

Astronomers recognize this phenomena and have given names. A planet's backward motion is called 'retrograde.' And its apparent stops are called 'stations.' The planet is not really moving backwards. It only appears that way because of the relative speeds of the Earth's orbit versus that of the other orbiting planets. It is much like traveling on a highway when the car in the next lane is traveling just a bit slower than you.

He appears to be traveling backwards, but he is not, really.

When a planet is in retrograde motion, its energy works differently than it normally does. It's not unlike reading a Tarot card in the reversed position. The key is to be aware and to adapt to the changed conditions that are likely to arise.

I tell you all of this because planet Mercury is about to go retrograde. It has been slowing and will slow even more until it makes its station on July 5th. Then it will retrograde, or move backwards for three-and-a-half weeks until July 29th.

Consequently, you may already be feeling its effects.

Mercury rules our mental energy and thought processes. It also rules communication, short-term travel, our immediate surroundings, and mechanical items. These items are more likely to experience glitches now.

So double-check your appointments, be particularly conscientious about backing up your computer, and make sure your car has been properly serviced. Most astrologers counsel their clients to refrain from signing major contracts and embarking in such activities as direct mail campaigns during this period.

However, Mercury Retrograde is an excellent time to reconnect with old friends, family, even old leads. For more see my bonus article, 9 Ways to Turn Mercury Retrograde into a Positive http://www.celestialcurrents.com/mercury-retrograde.html

June 29
Now that Mercury has entered Leo, albeit for a short stay,we are more open in speaking up for ourselves. Mercury's stay in Leo is a good time to put our mental juices to work towards creative aims. And it doesn't hurt to hear what others have to say, too.

June 30
This is an active day as we tie up loose ends to get ready for the long 4th of July weekend. Moon enters Virgo for the next two days, giving us some needed earth energy. Sun trines Jupiter, we feel expansive and maybe a bit lucky. The Moon's easy aspects to the Sun and Jupiter, add to the flow.

Enjoy.

July 1
Our feeling of ease should continue, but with lessintensity. Moon opposes Uranus in the very earlymorning. Pay attention to the thoughts you haveupon awakening. There may be the germ of asolution to a tough problem.

July 2
The morning begins slowly, but we enjoy socializingin the afternoon as Moon enters Libra at 1:07 pm EDT. But as Venus makes a sextile aspect to Saturn today, we want to spend quality time with people whose company we value.

July 3
Another nice day with the moon in gracious Libra.Get out and enjoy some holiday festivities.

July 4
Happy Independence Day!
Mercury comes to a halt in its apparent journey in the sky to begin its three-and-a-half week retrograde period.

Communications take center stage, but be sure you are extra-conscientious about checking appointments and backing up the computer.

With Mercury beginning its retrograde journey and Mars moving to oppose Neptune, the opportunity for confusion and misunderstanding is higher than normal.

July 5
You may awaken to vivid dreams this morning. Moon enters Scorpio (1:14 am EDT) giving us themeans and the inclination to examine our drives and motivations.

Nonetheless, the mood is upbeat as Jupiter slows to make its direct station tomorrow.