At 5:17 p.m. (Eastern) tonight, Mars slides into Taurus where he slows down considerably. In his home sign Aries, he was ready to move, quick to act, driven by passion, and assertive by nature. In Taurus, his movements are determined, purposeful, and well thought out. No rash actions here.

The astrological sky has been busy as we approached the end of May. Last weekend through to the middle of this week, we witnessed Jupiter (opportunities) perfect his links to Chiron (healing) and Neptune (spirituality). By the end of the week, Neptune changed directions and will be retrograde until November. Yesterday began with Chiron (wounded healer) stationing, as he followed Neptune's lead and will be retrograde until October; then that evening, Mercury (mind/communication) began moving forward after being retrograde for most of May. Following the succession of these celestial events, how timely and beneficial is Mars' entrance into Taurus today?!

Mars joins Mercury in Taurus. All that was planned, revealed, revised during the Mercury retrograde period is ready for implementation (Mars) in a deliberate fashion (Taurus). Saturn (the achiever) in Virgo (analytical), also newly direct since mid-month, aids our intentional actions and decisions to produce lasting results.

Neptune's retrograde offers a chance to reconnect with our subconscious, spirituality, and psychological self. Our mind (Mercury) is stable and grounded in Taurus for at least another week, hampering the Neptunian fog of confusion; so, we can establish a better understanding of that which are unseen but just as real. A clearer mind (Mercury) allows for an intensive introspection (Chiron), contributing to a more productive (Saturn) and enlightened (Neptune) set of actions (Mars).

Mars remains in Taurus until July 11. Let's take advantage of Taurus' slow but sure strategy and really get things accomplished!

Look to the house ruled by Taurus, Aries and/or Scorpio in your birth chart to get an idea of where Mars' energy might play out while in Taurus. Unsure of what house/s Mars in Taurus is visiting? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Or request a quote for a paid personalized reading. (both links open a new window)

Related articles:

• Mercury Direct ~ May 30, 2009
• Chiron Retrograde ~ May 30, 2009 to October 31, 2009
• Neptune Retrograde ~ May 29 to November 4, 2009
• Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune Conjunctions
• Saturn Direct ~ May 16, 2009

Photograph of Mars, as seen from the Hubble Space Telescope, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Has it been a long 3 1/2 weeks? Surprisingly, this has been a productive Mercury retrograde period for me. I still had delays, repeats, miscommunication, and misunderstandings, but decidedly less cumbersome than past periods. In addition to my natal Gemini-Mercury, as a Virgo-rising, both my Ascendant (self/potential) and Midheaven (goals/future) are Mercury ruled; hence, resulting in greater chances of being adversely influenced when Mercury slows down. Earlier in the week, one of my Twitter pals posted a comment that this is by far "the best" Mercury retrograde period for her. I'm inclined to agree!

Those with personal planets/house angles between 22 degrees of Taurus and 2 degrees of Gemini may feel Mercury's movement more strongly through to the end of the retrograde cycle on June 15 which includes the shadow period.

Unsure if you have any planets or house angles in these degrees or what house/s Mercury is visiting? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Or request a quote for a paid personalized reading. (both links open a new window)

On a separate note, in addition to Mercury's direction change, Chiron in Aquarius stationed this morning and will be retrograde until October 31, 2009.

This morning at 7:12 a.m. (Eastern), Chiron stations in preparation for retrograde movement lasting until October 31. Just yesterday, Neptune stationed and will be retrograde until November. Their parallel retrograde cycle marks an advantageous period to delve, penetrate, and bring to light deep-seated wounds/damages that have plagued and oppressed us for far too long. What is at the root of our brokenness, of what hurts us? Why carry the baggage we do?

When we have a headache, do we not reach for something to help alleviate the pain? Why then have we resigned to living with our afflictions, so much so that we've made concessions for them?

As a general rule when planets retrograde, we are granted the liberty of being able to experience the internal workings of that planet in retrograde. With Chiron, we are able to reflect, review, and repair. We become aware of the problem, the extent of the problem, the root of the problem, ushering in the solution and healing to the problem.

Chiron represents both what is broken and how to heal it. Unlike a headache where the discomfort can be dispelled by a pill, probing through the darkest recesses of our selves and piercing through our thickest walls to uncover what is at the root is a painstaking process, but well worth the effort.

Chiron transits Aquarius (the awakener), where his drives are motivated by improving situations that benefit the masses. As we heal the self, we are then able to turn around and help another heal their wounds. The favorable Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune conjunctions continue to be a strong influence, bestowing upon us faith, hope, and openness.

Along with Neptune's retrograde, while also in Aquarius, we have the chance to get in touch with our spirituality and psychological self, giving us the capacity to really open ourselves to a world of hurt that no longer needs to be a part of our present or future. Be aware that Neptune is known to cause confusion and is easily tempted with escapism. Remind yourself of the healing process you are committed to achieving and fight excessive escapism. If clarity eludes you, ride the wave of confusion, and arrive at your destination ... enlightened.

Chiron will retrograde between 21 degrees and 27 degrees in Aquarius. Look to the natal house/s that Chiron is transiting to find out how this transit might play out in your life.

Those with planets or house angles between 21 degrees and 27 degrees of of air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) or fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) may be feel this Chiron and Neptune retrogrades more strongly.

Unsure if you have any planets or house angles in these degrees or what house/s Chiron is visiting? Cast your own birth chart by clicking here (opens a new window) -- birth date, time, and place required.

Mid-next month Jupiter, also transiting Aquarius, will retrograde. More on that in a few weeks...

Also, changing directions today -- Mercury in Taurus turns direct.

Related articles:

• Neptune Retrograde - May 29 to November 4, 2009
• Mercury Direct - May 30, 2009
• Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune Triple Conjunction ~ 2009 to 2010

Painting of Chiron and Achilles from the National Archaeological Museum, Naples.