Transits of
the Season
The day after Mars retrogrades,
Pluto joins in (April 18) as it revers-
es its direction at 17 degrees of
Capricorn. Pluto retrograding energy can
affect the masses on a grand scale. It can
also bring issues of nuclear power, mass
destruction and collective efforts to the
surface. There can be natural and unnat-
ural disasters with Pluto retrograding so
close to the time of the Mars retrograde.
On a deeper level, Pluto urges us to go
within and connect with our inner power.
Pluto retrogrades once per year and
because it is doing it in April, it might be
a good time for personal renewals and
retreats and also to revive some waning
traditions with business associates, family
or friends.
Mercury’s Retrograde period from
April 28 - May 22 from 23 to 14 degrees
of Taurus bodes well for reminding us to
live true to our values and ethics for they
will be tested during this period, especial-
ly for those born under the sign Taurus
or those who have key planets at these
degrees. Taurus is also the sign of com-
fort and indulgence and with Mercury
here, it is a reminder to bring more joy
and satisfaction to your life without
overdoing it.
In the middle of the Mercury
Retrograde cycle in Taurus is the
Transit of Mercury. This occurs 13 or
14 times per century when Mercury
comes between the Sun and the Earth
and appears as a very small black dot
across the surface of the Sun similar to
an eclipse. As a result it forms a con-
junction with the Sun, this time at 14
degrees of Taurus 25 minutes. The last
transit of Mercury occurred in 2006 also
in Taurus because transits of Mercury
occur in May and November. A transit
of Mercury occurs only if it is in inferi-
or conjunction with the Sun (between
Earth and Sun) and is also crossing the
plane of the Ecliptic. Those with planets
at this degree (and depending on the
aspects and house positions) will be
compelled to focus on issues regarding
financial security, indulgences, and per-
sonal motivation.
On the same day as the Transit of
Mercury (May 9) Jupiter Stations Direct
The
Career
Astrologer
OPA’s Quarterly Magazine
V25 -01 MARCH EQUINOX 2016
page
37