April 10, 2016

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          At the time that I am writing this, we are now in the season of Spring & the sun is moving through the astrological sign of ARIES.  Since Aries is the first sign, it marks the beginning of the astrological New Year.  This means that we all have a chance to start again and renew and replenish ourselves at this time.

            The sun will be in Aries from now until April 19th.  The time that the sun is in Aries is said to be a time of new beginnings and rebirth.  So this can be an excellent time to make new starts in your life and to consciously choose to go forward in a new, more positive direction.  It is also a good time for expressing yourself in creative ways and increasing independence.

            However, (and this is a BIG however), Mars is the ruler of Aries, and it is going retrograde on April 17^th.  Indeed, it is already in its pre-retrograde shadow as of this moment (think of this as the retrograde warm-up).  Having Mars go retrograde at the start of spring can be frustrating, because it tends to slow action down and generally makes it more difficult to proceed.  And it is likely that right now with the Sun in Aries and the spring upon us, you are probably feeling restless * excited * enthusiastic * and IMPATIENT for change, and you certainly don’t want to be slowed down any!  (smile)

        The best guidance I can give to help you to get through this paradoxical time is this:  Know that sometimes the Universe needs to slow you down a just little at the beginning of new ventures, so that you will stop a moment to really think about what you are doing and perhaps do it a little bit BETTER than you would have if you hadn’t *paused* to think more deeply before acting.   

       Even if you feel “sure” about a new beginning or step that you are currently taking, know that if you experience temporary difficulties or set-backs during this time, it the Universe’s way of giving you the chance to slow down and get it “right” the first time.

      Also, do keep in mind that whenever you are trying something new or setting out on a new path, you are likely to encounter at least SOME difficulties, since the path that you are on is new & unfamiliar to you.  This doesn’t mean that it has to be over-the-top with pain or struggle.  But let’s face it, if you are setting out to do something you have never done before, that means that you can’t possibly know ahead of time what problems you might encounter.  (And problems there will be, with 5 major planets total in retrograde by the end of April 2016!)  NOTE:  In late July 2018, we are once again in the same boat of 5 major planets in retrograde at once!

    Setting out on a new path is a lot like road construction….it can get MESSY and delays happen.  In fact, some re-routing and even out-right destruction may be necessary in order to lay the groundwork for the new path.  So if life slows you down a little, or if a relationship, project or deal meets a dead end between now & June 29^th, know that this may simply be part of your own soul re-construction.  Celebrate the growth that will appear as a result of this time of re-routing & re-wiring, even if you can’t yet see it with your human eyes!

    Also, please know that during this whole entire time that Mars is in retrograde, harmonizing and getting along well with others is of upmost importance if you are to achieve your goals and aims. 

         When attempting anything “major” or important right now, ask for advice and other people’s opinions, especially if you expect cooperation or help.  Take other people’s perspectives into account.  Seek out wise counsel, and do NOT try to solve anything all on your own during this time that Mars is in retrograde, and avoid being “dictatorial” or attempting to force your will on others right now.  If you are pushy or aggressive right now it will only BACK-FIRE on you!

            Even best of all would be to help support someone else in their goals & desires right now, but only if you can do so in a gentle, non-interfering, non-confrontational kind of way.  Cooperation is very much appreciated at this time, but meddling or trying to tell others what to do or how to do it is not.  (And again, will only back-fire on you!)  Also, know that if someone is not open to your help (and they will let you know if this is the case), it really is best to back off and let them be on their own path and do it their own way right now.  For that is probably what they are going to do anyway, ESPECIALLY with Mars being retrograde at this time.