Hello Friends!

If you are like me, you are feeling this Mars and Mercury retrograde - that is because I am a Virgo and Mercury ruled (I hear that internalized Mercury "to do list" very strongly) and I have 2 planets in Leo, which is where Mars is retrograde. Now, some of you may have Mars retrograde in Leo in your natal charts - in which case you are likely feeling just fine - but for many of us we are just drained and can't sleep and vegetate enough. Why? Because Mars handles our personal energy and drive while Mercury rules communications and thinking - now both those energies are turned inward. Interestingly enough, that internal energy focus, coupled with the Sun having been conjunct Pluto in Capricorn this past week bodes well for internal self work - habit quitting, self control and transformation.

The thing is that right now, the Sun, Pluto, Mercury and Venus are all in responsible Capricorn, which inspires us to be responsible, take care of business and stabilize our families. Add Saturn exalted in Libra and we can see that doing what we are supposed to do, being responsible and focused on our work and family will be the path to success as we begin 2010. The Full Moon on New Year's Eve will be in Cancer (opposing all that stuff in Capricorn) and may bring family issues to light - though it may be hard to communicate them with Mercury restricted by both the retrograde and it's being in controlled Capricorn.

2010 will be a rebuilding year for many of us - and if we measure from the Chinese New Year, the time when the Earth's energy is at it's lowest and begins to build again, Mercury will not be an issue, but Mars will. This year will be the time for refining, rebuilding and realigning ourselves to who we planned to be, so that we can successfully accomplish what we set out to do. It may not be easy, but it starts with baby steps toward getting our selves, our homes and our business affairs in order, no matter how we dread the tasks. The Universe will support us when we act responsibly and it will go much smoother than any other time, if we just take the necessary baby steps.

Having said that, January 4th - the first business day of the new year - is a circle day and will have the Moon in organized and hard working Virgo, which should help us get back to work happily. Mercury will be conjunct the Sun that day, so you may find that people want to speak passionately about what is on their mind, but are less likely to listen to others - though with Mercury retrograde, they might just want to be quiet and think about their stuff, too. Monday the 11th will also be a circle day, though not quite as stable, as Saturn gets ready to turn retrograde on the 13th. The 13th and the 14th are black box days, and we get ready for Mercury to turn direct on 15th - so please be careful driving during that time.

So, off we go...onto another year together. I want to thank you all for all your warm wishes throughout the year. You've been such an encouragement - I thank you! Wishing you and yours the very best throughout the New Year. May the stars smile upon you!

Peace!
Carole