April 2016 Newsletter
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April sees five planets retrograde by the end of the month, making this an opportune and perhaps essential time for reflection and review.
Section 1 provides an overview of the month.
Section 2 outlines the key dates in the Mercury retrograde cycle.
Section 3 explores the all-important MARS RETROGRADE CYCLE.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell
0438 730 133
Email: christinerothwell@outlook.com
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Section 1 provides an overview of the month.
Section 2 outlines the key dates in the Mercury retrograde cycle.
Section 3 explores the all-important MARS RETROGRADE CYCLE.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell
0438 730 133
Email: christinerothwell@outlook.com
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
2016 Astrology Classes
Please email if you would like more information.
First year classes: Tuesday evenings in Sandringham.
Second year classes: Thursday evenings in Cheltenham.
The Advanced Group meets on the second Saturday afternoon of each month in Sandringham.
FAA Chart Calculation Study Group prepares students to sit the FAA Calculation Exam in August.
Please email if you would like more information.
First year classes: Tuesday evenings in Sandringham.
Second year classes: Thursday evenings in Cheltenham.
The Advanced Group meets on the second Saturday afternoon of each month in Sandringham.
FAA Chart Calculation Study Group prepares students to sit the FAA Calculation Exam in August.
Contents
All dates and times are for Australian Eastern Time. By the end of this month Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto will all be retrograde.
- April Overview
- Mercury Retrograde
- Mars Retrograde
- Consultations and Gift Certificates
- 2016 Astrology Classes
All dates and times are for Australian Eastern Time. By the end of this month Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto will all be retrograde.
- April 6: Venus to Aries
- April 6: Mercury to Taurus
- April 7: New Moon in Aries
- April 17: Mars retrograde
- April 18: Pluto retrograde
- April 20: Sun to Taurus
- April 22: Full Moon in Scorpio / WESAK
- April 29: Mercury retrograde
- April 30: Venus to Taurus
1. April Overview
The month develops a strong retrograde mood as Mars, Mercury and Pluto join Jupiter and Saturn in their retrograde cycles. The retrograde motion of the planets is a geocentric or earth based phenomenon that means the planets look as if they are moving backwards from our vantage point here on Mother Earth. This is similar to the phenomenon of two trains traveling along parallel tracks: the slower moving train appears to move backwards if you are in the faster moving train.
The traditional interpretation of retrograde planets suggests that they become weak, inhibited or repressed. Psychologically we can see this quite differently: the planet is no longer functioning in its usual mode and can offer us a new angle or perspective as it moves over one area of the zodiac three times. Retrograde motion always suggests a time for introspection, review and revision.
The retrograde motion of the planets offers us a new angle or perspective on our lives that allows us to BECOME CONSCIOUS of limiting beliefs, patterns and behaviors that may operate unconsciously as a default pattern. This gives us the opportunity to make CONSCIOUS CHANGES as we see attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that are no longer congruent with the person we are now, or the person we aspire to become.
Retrograde motion can slow things down. If this happens, give thanks for any delays, frustration and challenges and see them as messengers from your soul. If you can sit quietly with an open heart and mind, ask yourself if there is another / new way forward that is more compatible with your inner truth and the person you are now.
Pluto turns retrograde on April 18, just before the full moon in Scorpio, giving the last part of the month a strong Plutonic energy. The times when a planet stations are when it is said to be most powerful… it is as if the God is standing still and demanding we take notice. Pluto always invites us to engage in deep soul searching, confront our fears and own our shadows. The danger here is resorting to manipulative or controlling patterns or other destructive behaviors / attitudes that are motivated by fear.
Full Moon of April 22 falls at 2 degrees of Scorpio and marks the annual Festival of the Buddha, known as WESAK. It honors both the physical birth of the Buddha and his spiritual birth or enlightenment. In esoteric literature Wesak is the time when the Buddha returns to remind us of the possibility of our awakening or enlightenment. It is a time to refocus on our spiritual lives and look at what needs to be released or let go, so we can become more compassionate and awakened. The days either side of Wesak are potent times for inner work, reflection, meditation and letting go.
The Full Moon in Scorpio is asking us to face emotional blocks to intimacy and sharing in both our personal relationships and on a global level. The Scorpio Moon is both emotionally intense and fearful of rejection and can prefer solitude to risking the pain of intimacy and possible loss. This conflict can lead to times of deep grief and loneliness, whether we are in a relationship or not.
Pluto stationery and the full moon in Scorpio therefore invite us to dig deep, face our fears and own our shadow …or do the best we can.
The month develops a strong retrograde mood as Mars, Mercury and Pluto join Jupiter and Saturn in their retrograde cycles. The retrograde motion of the planets is a geocentric or earth based phenomenon that means the planets look as if they are moving backwards from our vantage point here on Mother Earth. This is similar to the phenomenon of two trains traveling along parallel tracks: the slower moving train appears to move backwards if you are in the faster moving train.
The traditional interpretation of retrograde planets suggests that they become weak, inhibited or repressed. Psychologically we can see this quite differently: the planet is no longer functioning in its usual mode and can offer us a new angle or perspective as it moves over one area of the zodiac three times. Retrograde motion always suggests a time for introspection, review and revision.
The retrograde motion of the planets offers us a new angle or perspective on our lives that allows us to BECOME CONSCIOUS of limiting beliefs, patterns and behaviors that may operate unconsciously as a default pattern. This gives us the opportunity to make CONSCIOUS CHANGES as we see attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that are no longer congruent with the person we are now, or the person we aspire to become.
Retrograde motion can slow things down. If this happens, give thanks for any delays, frustration and challenges and see them as messengers from your soul. If you can sit quietly with an open heart and mind, ask yourself if there is another / new way forward that is more compatible with your inner truth and the person you are now.
Pluto turns retrograde on April 18, just before the full moon in Scorpio, giving the last part of the month a strong Plutonic energy. The times when a planet stations are when it is said to be most powerful… it is as if the God is standing still and demanding we take notice. Pluto always invites us to engage in deep soul searching, confront our fears and own our shadows. The danger here is resorting to manipulative or controlling patterns or other destructive behaviors / attitudes that are motivated by fear.
Full Moon of April 22 falls at 2 degrees of Scorpio and marks the annual Festival of the Buddha, known as WESAK. It honors both the physical birth of the Buddha and his spiritual birth or enlightenment. In esoteric literature Wesak is the time when the Buddha returns to remind us of the possibility of our awakening or enlightenment. It is a time to refocus on our spiritual lives and look at what needs to be released or let go, so we can become more compassionate and awakened. The days either side of Wesak are potent times for inner work, reflection, meditation and letting go.
The Full Moon in Scorpio is asking us to face emotional blocks to intimacy and sharing in both our personal relationships and on a global level. The Scorpio Moon is both emotionally intense and fearful of rejection and can prefer solitude to risking the pain of intimacy and possible loss. This conflict can lead to times of deep grief and loneliness, whether we are in a relationship or not.
Pluto stationery and the full moon in Scorpio therefore invite us to dig deep, face our fears and own our shadow …or do the best we can.
2. Mercury Retrograde
Mercury moves retrograde on April 29 at close to 23 degrees of Taurus and remains retrograde until May 22 when it turns direct at close to 14 degrees of Taurus. Please be aware that the retrograde phenomenon is activated from the time that Mercury enters the loop to the time that it leaves: April 15 to June 8. The most chaotic times are when Mercury stations – the few days around April 29 and May 22 when Mercury adjusts to the change of direction.
Key dates / degrees
The whole retrograde phase is a potent time for reflection and review … a time when we can become aware of habitual beliefs and thought patterns and make the adjustments necessary to align our thinking with the person we are now. This is a great time to meditate, reflect, research, seek answers, sort out your paperwork, return calls and generally attend to all the things you have been too busy to do earlier.
Currently Mercury is still visible in the evening sky but he will disappear for about two weeks when he is lost in the blaze of the Sun from around May 3 to re-appear in the sky just before sunrise around May 16. In esoteric terms this is the most intense and powerful part of the retrograde process as this when Mercury assumes his alter ego as Psychopomp and Guide to the Underworld. In this role Mercury is associated with the Egyptian scribe Thoth, who has access to the Halls of Record [Akashic records]. It is during this phase that we may have our most powerful insights and shifts, peaking around May 10 when the new cycle begins at the Inferior Conjunction of Mercury and the Sun. Esoteric writers suggest that the retrograde phase of Mercury creates an opening that allows access to the wisdom of our soul and the wisdom of the Cosmos.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs. Concerns may arise early in the retrograde phase but around the time the new cycle begins on May 10 when new solutions and insight may emerge. Sit with your insights until after May 22 when Mercury goes direct. The next few weeks are the time to express your insights and put new plans into action.
Mercury moves retrograde on April 29 at close to 23 degrees of Taurus and remains retrograde until May 22 when it turns direct at close to 14 degrees of Taurus. Please be aware that the retrograde phenomenon is activated from the time that Mercury enters the loop to the time that it leaves: April 15 to June 8. The most chaotic times are when Mercury stations – the few days around April 29 and May 22 when Mercury adjusts to the change of direction.
Key dates / degrees
- Exact dates: retrograde from April 29 to May 22.
- Sensitive degrees: 23 Taurus to 14 Taurus
- Full time of influence: April 15 to June 8
- Time for insight: around May 10 when the new Mercury cycle begins at the Inferior Conjunction of Mercury and the Sun
- Time to act on new ideas / beliefs: May 22 to June 8.
The whole retrograde phase is a potent time for reflection and review … a time when we can become aware of habitual beliefs and thought patterns and make the adjustments necessary to align our thinking with the person we are now. This is a great time to meditate, reflect, research, seek answers, sort out your paperwork, return calls and generally attend to all the things you have been too busy to do earlier.
Currently Mercury is still visible in the evening sky but he will disappear for about two weeks when he is lost in the blaze of the Sun from around May 3 to re-appear in the sky just before sunrise around May 16. In esoteric terms this is the most intense and powerful part of the retrograde process as this when Mercury assumes his alter ego as Psychopomp and Guide to the Underworld. In this role Mercury is associated with the Egyptian scribe Thoth, who has access to the Halls of Record [Akashic records]. It is during this phase that we may have our most powerful insights and shifts, peaking around May 10 when the new cycle begins at the Inferior Conjunction of Mercury and the Sun. Esoteric writers suggest that the retrograde phase of Mercury creates an opening that allows access to the wisdom of our soul and the wisdom of the Cosmos.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs. Concerns may arise early in the retrograde phase but around the time the new cycle begins on May 10 when new solutions and insight may emerge. Sit with your insights until after May 22 when Mercury goes direct. The next few weeks are the time to express your insights and put new plans into action.
3. Mars Retrograde
Mars moves retrograde again on April 17 at 8 Sag 53 and will remain retrograde until June 30 when it turns direct at 23 Scorpio.
Mars is the Roman God of War and in astrology he symbolizes the action principle and our inner warrior. Normally Mars moves fairly fast through each sign of the zodiac [around two months per sign], but when he prepares to move retrograde his movement slows and he spends several months in one sign. This can sometimes lead to a time of frustration and delays as we are asked to review our actions, goals and modus operandi.
Mars appears to move retrograde when it is at its closest to Earth, this proximity can release repressed anger, especially at the exact opposition to the Sun which this cycle is May 22. Please take note of this date and try to avoid emotional reactions that can lead to arguments.
Key times in the cycle
Whenever a planet goes retrograde [appears to move backward from our vantage point on Mother Earth] we have an opportunity to develop a new perspective on how we relate to its energy. A doorway opens and we can become develop a more objective viewpoint. It suggests a time of reflection is necessary, especially about how we deal with the affairs of the house where Mars is retrograding.
…Therefore, whenever Mars goes retrograde we have the opportunity to become conscious of habitual actions, reactions and responses. We are challenged to reflect on how we go about getting what we want and how we
… especially in the house where Mars is retrograding in our personal birth-chart and in relation to any planets it may aspect at this time.
It may be a time of low energy where we lose interest in what we have been doing and find that what gave us energy and ‘turned us on’ no longer works and we feel confused and lacking in direction. Plans and projects may slow down and face obstacles, postponements and cancellations [by us or others] There is always a danger of acting out, or acting impulsively when Mars is retrograde so keep your finger near your pause button and try to think before you act and commit yourself.
Used productively this is a time to
In short it is an INVITATION TO BECOME CONSCIOUS of how you are using your energy in a specific area of your life and to decide if you want to continue this pattern. The possibility exists for CHANGE and the BREAKING OF HABITUAL PATTERNS OF ACTION AND REACTION.
Between February 3 and August 22 Mars is transiting the retrograde loop from 23 Scorpio to 8 Sagittarius and back again so the retrograde cycle will be experienced personally in the house [or houses] in your chart where this zone is located.
Mars retrograde will challenge us all around the Sagittarius and Scorpio archetypes in both their skilful and unskilful expression.
Mars starts the retrograde process in Sagittarius which is concerned with the search for meaning and the quest to grow and expand. Mars retrograde in Sag may challenge us to redefine our faith, passion, confidence and beliefs. It may herald a time when we lose our passion and question our beliefs. Honest assessment is called for, along with a willingness to change course if needed.
Mars retrogrades back into Scorpio on May 27 and remains there throughout the final part of the retrograde phase, turning direct on June 30 at 23 Scorpio, and then moving back into Sagittarius on August 3.
Scorpio is concerned with the process of transformation and pulls us into the shadow world of our unconscious mind in order to challenge us to face our fears and let go fear based control patterns. Mars retrograde may auger a time when we feel out of control and need to look at these patterns and create new, more conscious means of feeling safe.
Remember, this is an opportunity to become conscious of our patterns in these areas and TO CONSCIOUSLY ACT DIFFERENTLY. The time from April 17 can be a time when things slow down causing us to experience frustration and self-doubt. May 22 is the trigger point in the cycle when tensions can explode as repressed feelings surface.
Here we have a choice to
Mars moves retrograde again on April 17 at 8 Sag 53 and will remain retrograde until June 30 when it turns direct at 23 Scorpio.
Mars is the Roman God of War and in astrology he symbolizes the action principle and our inner warrior. Normally Mars moves fairly fast through each sign of the zodiac [around two months per sign], but when he prepares to move retrograde his movement slows and he spends several months in one sign. This can sometimes lead to a time of frustration and delays as we are asked to review our actions, goals and modus operandi.
Mars appears to move retrograde when it is at its closest to Earth, this proximity can release repressed anger, especially at the exact opposition to the Sun which this cycle is May 22. Please take note of this date and try to avoid emotional reactions that can lead to arguments.
Key times in the cycle
- Mars retrograde from April 17 to June 30
- Mars opposition the Sun in Gemini on May 22
- Mars in the retrograde ‘loop’ from February 3 to August 22
- Mars retrogrades back into Scorpio on May 27 and remains there until August 3.
Whenever a planet goes retrograde [appears to move backward from our vantage point on Mother Earth] we have an opportunity to develop a new perspective on how we relate to its energy. A doorway opens and we can become develop a more objective viewpoint. It suggests a time of reflection is necessary, especially about how we deal with the affairs of the house where Mars is retrograding.
…Therefore, whenever Mars goes retrograde we have the opportunity to become conscious of habitual actions, reactions and responses. We are challenged to reflect on how we go about getting what we want and how we
- Utilize our inner warrior
- Express or repress our aggressive and competitive urges
- Deal with anger and assertion
… especially in the house where Mars is retrograding in our personal birth-chart and in relation to any planets it may aspect at this time.
It may be a time of low energy where we lose interest in what we have been doing and find that what gave us energy and ‘turned us on’ no longer works and we feel confused and lacking in direction. Plans and projects may slow down and face obstacles, postponements and cancellations [by us or others] There is always a danger of acting out, or acting impulsively when Mars is retrograde so keep your finger near your pause button and try to think before you act and commit yourself.
Used productively this is a time to
- slow down and back off
- rethink strategies [especially if there are obstacles]
- reflect on WHAT you are doing
- reflect on WHY you are doing it
- reflect on HOW you are doing it
In short it is an INVITATION TO BECOME CONSCIOUS of how you are using your energy in a specific area of your life and to decide if you want to continue this pattern. The possibility exists for CHANGE and the BREAKING OF HABITUAL PATTERNS OF ACTION AND REACTION.
Between February 3 and August 22 Mars is transiting the retrograde loop from 23 Scorpio to 8 Sagittarius and back again so the retrograde cycle will be experienced personally in the house [or houses] in your chart where this zone is located.
Mars retrograde will challenge us all around the Sagittarius and Scorpio archetypes in both their skilful and unskilful expression.
Mars starts the retrograde process in Sagittarius which is concerned with the search for meaning and the quest to grow and expand. Mars retrograde in Sag may challenge us to redefine our faith, passion, confidence and beliefs. It may herald a time when we lose our passion and question our beliefs. Honest assessment is called for, along with a willingness to change course if needed.
Mars retrogrades back into Scorpio on May 27 and remains there throughout the final part of the retrograde phase, turning direct on June 30 at 23 Scorpio, and then moving back into Sagittarius on August 3.
Scorpio is concerned with the process of transformation and pulls us into the shadow world of our unconscious mind in order to challenge us to face our fears and let go fear based control patterns. Mars retrograde may auger a time when we feel out of control and need to look at these patterns and create new, more conscious means of feeling safe.
Remember, this is an opportunity to become conscious of our patterns in these areas and TO CONSCIOUSLY ACT DIFFERENTLY. The time from April 17 can be a time when things slow down causing us to experience frustration and self-doubt. May 22 is the trigger point in the cycle when tensions can explode as repressed feelings surface.
Here we have a choice to
- Blame others, hold onto our anger and resist self-reflection
- Look within to see what our Higher Self is trying to bring to awareness and gain clarity, perspective and objectivity that can lead to lasting change.
May the Goddess & God Bless You All
Christine
www.christine-rothwell.com
christinerothwell@outlook.com
2016 Astrology Classes
Please contact Christine for more information
First Year/ Beginner’s - Tuesday nights
Second Year / Intermediate – Thursday nights
Advanced Group - one Saturday afternoon a month
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. These classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
Classes can be taken on a term by term basis and sound files are provided for any classes you miss.
First Year covers all the basics that you need to begin to understand a birth chart.
Second Year goes deeper into horoscope and looks at predictive techniques.
Third Year gives you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a tutorial and experiential format.
Please ring or email for a brochure
christinerothwell@outlook.com
Or
www.christine-rothwell.com
For more information
Consultations & Gift Certificates
Are available as:
Personal Consultations
Mail readings [recorded onto a CD]
Skype Readings [recorded]
Telephone consultations [recorded].
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced in order to realize this potential.
Other readings available include:
In-depth Consultation: Two one hour CD’s exploring both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead: Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child: A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials and challenges.
Relationship Analysis: Helps explain the dynamic between two people to facilitate their understanding of each other and themselves.
Relocation: Explains how a different location may impact on your psyche. This can be helpful if you are thinking of re-locating and can be included with any of the above consultations.
Christine
www.christine-rothwell.com
christinerothwell@outlook.com
2016 Astrology Classes
Please contact Christine for more information
First Year/ Beginner’s - Tuesday nights
Second Year / Intermediate – Thursday nights
Advanced Group - one Saturday afternoon a month
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. These classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
Classes can be taken on a term by term basis and sound files are provided for any classes you miss.
First Year covers all the basics that you need to begin to understand a birth chart.
Second Year goes deeper into horoscope and looks at predictive techniques.
Third Year gives you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a tutorial and experiential format.
Please ring or email for a brochure
christinerothwell@outlook.com
Or
www.christine-rothwell.com
For more information
Consultations & Gift Certificates
Are available as:
Personal Consultations
Mail readings [recorded onto a CD]
Skype Readings [recorded]
Telephone consultations [recorded].
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced in order to realize this potential.
Other readings available include:
In-depth Consultation: Two one hour CD’s exploring both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead: Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child: A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials and challenges.
Relationship Analysis: Helps explain the dynamic between two people to facilitate their understanding of each other and themselves.
Relocation: Explains how a different location may impact on your psyche. This can be helpful if you are thinking of re-locating and can be included with any of the above consultations.