Is it hot in here?

The big news this week is Mars stationing retrograde on Wednesday. This retrograde is less common than the other planets’ retros and only happens once every 26 months. It packs a good deal of punch and we have a tendency to gloss over its impact. Mars has been in its home sign of Aries since June 27th. He normally spends about a month and a half, but his time in Aries has been extended because of where he is in his orbit. Mars’ path will start at 28° and back up to 15° where it will turn direct on November 14th.

What’s interesting to me is that during this most powerful Mars position in its home sign, where he is more war-like, we won’t see it reach its full potential. We don’t get a 29° of mars in Aries! He has been fueling our anger, our initiative, our passions for months; he gets right up to 28° then he starts retrograding. Then in November he goes back over the degrees from 15° forward. But we don’t get 29° of Aries until the 5th of January!

I would liken this to collective blue balls. (Yes, I could have likened this to a sneeze that won’t come out. But this is Bitchscopes, and we aren’t beating around the bush. Ha. Besides, women also get the equivalent of blue balls, and more often thank you very much. So I will stick with that metaphor...)

As I was saying...we have all the drive, all the excitement, all the sensations, but we can’t quite get to climax or orgasm. And oh we are trying! Then we stop trying and we might mope for a bit; maybe we take a cold shower or go to the gym Eventually we WILL get that big O. Will it be satisfying? Yes. Will it be its MOST satisfying? That depends on the work you do until then. Your astrological, spiritual foreplay is to be conscious, clear about your goals an desires, clear about what you do and don’t want, willing to give a bit more than is comfortable to it, willing to go into the battle fully prepared to die. There is a French euphemism for the word “orgasm” - Le Petite Mort, which means “the little death”* While I may be wandering into the symbolism of the 8th house a bit, I feel this still fits. Full vulnerability is the (only?) (Best?) most effective to reach orgasm. But one must also be fully embodied, in touch with one’s own breath etc.

*(According to the Dictionnaire de la langue française, at least the editions between 1863 and 1874, this was a 19th-century expression for “le frisson”, the shivers. Honoré de Balzac used it this way in several works, including La peau de chagrin and Une instruction criminelle. It's possible that the English adopted it as a high-class euphemism for "orgasm," and then later came to assume that it had meant the same in French.)

Where was I? Um, Venus, no...Mars...Yes. Mars. 

Mars rules all of our drives, our energy as a whole. His retrograde can bring you some peace, some clarity, and also some frustration. But the real test comes this winter. Plan your strategy like a good warrior.

In refreshing news this week, Jupiter will station direct after months of retrograde in the Council Chamber of Covid Capricorns. She’s been in there with Saturn and Pluto, trying her best to keep things level. She gets to bust out of that total drag of a party this week and continue forward on her mission. She’s been fully informed of the deeper purposes of the Capricorn council, and will proceed into more humanitarian territory in December (when some other interesting breakthroughs are likely), thank goddess!

Now, on with the week!


September 9th: Sun trine Jupiter - positive and optimistic, also a good money day

September 9th: Mars Retrograde in Aries
Mars moves backwards until November 14th. .This is a less common and powerful transit. Having retrograde Mars in his home sign of Aries, the way you see yourself is under scrutiny. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Strategize more than act. Plan get clear about your desires. Keep your temper in check. Think before you act. Drive carefully and be very aware of others. Find an outlet for your frustration.

September 10 Mercury opposition Chiron - the courage to face whatever needs healing

September 11th: Sun opposite Neptune - confusion possible. Don’t be deceived

September 12th: Jupiter Direct in Capricorn
Jupiter began retrograding in May. We’ve been forced to be disciplined, and we understand our purpose, even if a little more on the unconscious side. Our optimism will slowly return and our exuberance for life will find expression again.

September 12th: Mercury inconjunct Uranus - push your ideas past your usual boundaries, explore new mental ground. Control your thoughts. The energy of invention.

September 13: Venus trine Chiron - relationship needs and awareness of personal needs for safety can shift


ARIES: With your ruling planet going retrograde for a pretty intense period, you’re likely to feel the frustration as the weeks tick by. Strategize. Plan. You will find stability and power in having a battle plan. You are in charge of your own life, now more than ever. Establish a good way of releasing energy.


TAURUS: Whatever challenge comes up now, or in the coming days, you are more than equipped to face it, deal with it, and succeed. Don’t second guess yourself or sell yourself short. You DO have the tools and you ARE worthy of the opportunity that is coming.


GEMINI: The light at the end of the tunnel should be coming in to view soon. Of course you won’t see if it your eyes are squinched shut. But the end of a difficult period is here and you can breathe. Movement is coming.


CANCER: Ironically during this time of retrograde, you may see progress. Things you’ve been trying to get off the ground may suddenly soar. New beginnings are here, and they offer a change of direction that can bring more happiness


LEO: You are one of the signs that may really start thriving now and in the coming weeks. Check in with your sense of gratitude and polish up your affirmations. You are in a window of manifestation and inspiration and your mind set matters now!


VIRGO: The sun is in your sign now, and that energy is at your back. However, if you have your head in the clouds too much, you can get taken advantage of in the coming week or 2. If you’re feeling distracted by things like refrigerator organization and color coding towels, make sure you are paying attention to the world outside as well.


LIBRA: Ready, Set, GO. When the challenge or the call arises, and it will soon, you’ll be ready. Right? This would be your sign to GET ready, whatever that may mean. Whatever the thing is, you already have it in mind. A new adventure awaits and it’s coming soon!


SCORPIO: You may not like this message, Scorp...but it is not only OK to ask for help, it is highly encouraged. That may not be the shitty humble pie you immediately suspect it to be. You may be ready to hire an assistant or expand some part of your life. This could be a partnership of almost any flavor. But the key to its success is sharing the ...everything.


SAGITTARIUS: Try to get your ponies in a line. Your finances may be tied up or restricted for a period of time so you’d be wise to be aware and prepared. It’s very possible that this is the result of a new job or change of jobs, which feels very positive. But that transitional period could be touchy. Just be prudent for the next few weeks until your ruler, Jupiter, is at full speed.


CAPRICORN: Your good friend frustration may finally be moving out! You currently have the ability to attract just the right team to help you with your goals. Their influences may be subtle, but you’ll know them when you meet them. With Jupiter turning direct in your sign, you have some rocket boost type energy at your back for the rest of the year.


AQUARIUS: You’d be well served to do some release work now regarding the past. If some people come to mind as you read this, then ...bingo! Whatever resentments you may be holding (and they may have just revisited you very recently), it is to your benefit to clear them and let them go now. I don’t like using the word forgiveness, per se. This is more about scrubbing that energy off of yourself so you can move forward unencumbered. But if forgiveness happens, that’s great!
PISCES: Your investments (primarly in yourself!) will pay off! If you’re thinking of returning to school, do it. If there’s another self investment on your mind, do it. Have patience for the process, but the harvest will be worth it! Reflection and meditation and other awareness work will yield great results for you.

PISCES: Your investments (primarly in yourself!) will pay off! If you’re thinking of returning to school, do it. If there’s another self investment on your mind, do it. Have patience for the process, but the harvest will be worth it! Reflection and meditation and other awareness work will yield great results for you.

Soul/Goal Exfoliation

This week could feel a little frustrating and tense until around Friday the 4th when things lighten up and shift.  But as this week starts we are fighting for what we want, feeling our feelings deeply and maybe feeling frustrated by the limitations that Saturn reminds us of.  Collectively, though, we will feel a shift around the weekend and generally be less agitated as we move away from the very feely full moon.   This full moon, get clear(er) about your passions are desires and work on releasing the unnecessary aspects, constraints or fluff you’ve applied to them.  Let’s call this the soul facial.  The goal is a smooth and healthy skin on the soul.  Let’s  exfoliate the unnecessary stuff, removing  anything that is too extreme in either direction: too logical and critical (acne and impurities), or too emotional and unrealistic (make up and residue).  

After you’ve gotten clear on what you really desire, and released the extraneous detritus (man, my Gemini is having fun with this!), do the work of the Virgo sun and get busy taking concrete steps toward your goal. 

Overall your personal goal this week is not to get entangled with others via words, anger, emotional arguments, etc.  

When hear the word "facial", all I can think of is Will Smith in Men in Black and this scene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqlFiTOi6QQ

But I love this scene as a descriptor for the energy I talk about in all the scopes this week.  Let go of the past and  move on. Change is good! Get a decorator. 

8/31:  Venus Square Eris - impatience, resentment and other “negative” feelings about your intimate relationships, likely in regard to your close male counterparts, is possible.

9/1: Mercury trine Pluto - powerful thoughts and words.  Your powers of manipulation are strong and you are likely to get what you ask for. Caveat: this is a global transit so other people’s powers of manipulation are also strong so be aware who you tangle with                                         

9/1 - 9/2 (depending on time zone) Full Moon Pisces: This is about the harvest, and the end of a season.  Endings can feel emotional if we resist them. Denial is possible and problematic.  Your feelings and intuition are juiced up and highlighted.  You will feel freer about expressing them, and this could be either positive or...not.  This full moon is sextile Uranus so inhibitions will be lower and a sense of personal freedom will be afoot. Mars square Saturn energy is still present.  An issue that’s been bugging you that you’ve been trying to deal with could come to a head, or you could finally lose your patience with it.  A full moon is Sun opposite moon.  The Virgo sun opposes the pisces moon in this case. Virgo is about work and physical reality, the body.  Things are finite. In Pisces the energy is ethereal, boundary-less, hazy and dreamy and infinite.  Finding the balance between the 2 is the sweet spot.  Life is not about all work, nor is it about lying around daydreaming all day.  The houses (and other planets) activated by this lunation are where you will see this opposition play out. 

9/2 Mercury quincunx Eris: anger and impulsiveness could stretch you beyond our resources 

9/2 Venus opposite Saturn:   frustration about limits in love or finances. Try not to push

9/2 Sun trine Uranus: brilliant thoughts   

9/3 Mercury trine Saturn: focus and get tasks done   

9/3 Saturn quincunx North Node: a (rude) reminder of responsibilities and committments

9/4 Venus square Mars: strong desire to do something.  Can also be sexual or relationship tension, driven by a need to act on something

9/4 Mercury sextile Venus: a chance for your brain to relax

9/5 Mercury enters Libra: diplomacy in speech, we are friendlier and less critical

9/6 Venus enters Leo: we are more invested in our love lives.  Passion and adoration are desired

ARIES - This week is about priorities.  There is something in your professional life that needs balance.  This could mean pulling back from some of your other activities to focus on finances or duties (ew), but only temporarily.  You’re lined up to have great success going forward, but it is important that you utilize the windows of opportunity as they come up. This week’s window offers you a chance to let go of some projects (or feelings or people) that aren’t really in alignment with you anymore.  

TAURUS -  Either you have recently experienced a loss or betrayal, or you’re lingering in the energy of one from the past.  It’s also possible you could be causing someone else heartache.  Its time to let go of whatever this is so that you can move forward and truly move on.  This full moon gives you a great opportunity to do this, so take advantage of this energy.  Remember that endings are also beginnings.  But if you have one foot on either side of the threshold, neither door can open or close.  

GEMINI - You could feel the conflictive energy this week and be caught up in it. This could take the form of competition, or even someone who is trying to make you look bad.  If you take the time to be very clear on your goals, your necessary actions will be easier to take.  Strip away things that don’t contribute to your desired result.  Your presence of mind will help you avoid getting entangled in too much drama.  But do let this conflict point you in a direction and motivate you.  The change that can come of this is excellent if you don’t resist it. 

CANCER - You have the power to manifest in the present energy.  It may be time for you to have your eyes on longer term goals.  Your most recent new projects are the most ripe for giving you long term success.  Chances are, if you are clear, anything you begin at this time is going to pay off greatly for you in the long run.  But you are in the long game right now, so don’t get distracted by short term squirrels. 

LEO - Eyes on the road, whiskers! You could be feeling very impulsive and fired up. New ideas could have you feeling really excited, and that’s good.    You want things to happen and you want them to happen now!  The good news is, things can happen quickly for you right now. But make sure you have coordinates plugged in to your ships navigation system or you’ll just be on a wild ride going to who knows where.  

VIRGO - This is a particularly poignant time for “exfoliation” for you, Virgo.  Seeds that you’ve planted that haven’t sprouted...stop watering them.  It’s time to move on from old ideas and situations and journey ahead.  You may begin this journey feeling quite alone, but I also don’t feel you’ll mind much.  Your own company is pretty perfect right now.  But leave your old baggage on the curb and don’t drag it along with you...and that could take some emotional work.  Use the full moon to your full advantage!

LIBRA - Good news is coming! A project or problem or frustrating time will reach closure now. This will be in your favor. But you also may have some realizations during this time that could be uncomfortable at first.  Those realizations could be about others in your life, or about how you live your life in alignment with your true self.  Be open to receive this information and allow it all to move you forward. 

SCORPIO - It is time for a celebration...finally!  Friendships and connections, new and old will come together for you.  You may be trying to find a new tribe, or community, or solidify the one you already belong to.  That tribe could now bode well for your success in a variety of ways.  Stay open during this time. 

SAGITTARIUS - Your own creativity is the most important source for you right now.  Youthful enthusiasm for a particular project or person  or adventure will point you in the right direction. But be aware of taking on too many youthfully exuberant projects at once.  Be discerning about where you put your money during this energy. 

CAPRICORN - Synchronicities are afoot this week.  Tune in so you can notice them.  These will point to a path that will excite you and lead to positive growth and new projects that you can continue to be excited about for a long time.  Listen to your intuition, your dreams, and the whispers of your unconscious mind.  The Pisces full moon could be particularly enlightening for you if you use it.

AQUARIUS - Despite your hard work on something, you may be tempted to take your ball and go home.  You may have been victorious in some sense, but you still feel rather defeated, or your victory feels somewhat hollow.  The question arises: do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy? Your inflexibilities may have alienated some people and you may be feeling regretful.  Do what you can to make amends where it feels right. 

PISCES - This full moon in your sign could bring you a significant amount of personal power.  Charisma and charm will be your power tools. But do be aware of the tendency to want to manipulate people  via their emotions.  Particularly if something is trying to end, don’t fight it.  Avoid the tendency to burn bridges at this time.

A Shift

There’s a shift happening. I feel that this one is in your personal relationships (thought it could be your bank account, or a work partner). If you can stay loose and not be in resistance, this is, I feel, the beginning of a new phase that is more in alignment for you. In the middle of the week there is a sweet energy for feeling good, having an optimistic outlook, and relaxing. But on either side of that there is some tension. On the front side of the week, there is a push for new ideas. On the back side of the week there’s potential for impatience and resentment. But rather than blow up on your people, or repress the feelings, just be with them. Maybe journal your thoughts and feelings. Within a few days you’ll be feeling much less jagged and cranky. There is also the possibility that this week you have a window to exit or escape a situation that you’ve just had enough of or that isn’t right for you. Use the empowerment that comes from the information you’ll receive for good, not evil…*wink wink*

8/24: Mars square Saturn - As mentioned last week, this transit can bring frustration and inhibition. Your desires are strong, and your responsibilities are stronger. The harder you push, the more you’ll meet resistance. Authority issues may come up around this time.

8/25: Mercury trine Uranus - opens your mind to new possibilities, exciting news

8/25: Venus opposite Jupiter - the energy of indulgence, possibly too much!

8/26: Mars sextile North Node - strong sense of purpose and ambition; allow yourself to receive guidance

8/27: Venus trine Neptune - romance, relaxation, and daydreaming.

8/29: Mercury trine Jupiter - optimism and good news

8/30: Venus opposite Pluto - pressure in close relationships; suspicion and jealousy are possible

8/30: Mercury opposite Neptune - mental confusion and the potential for miscommunications

8/31: Venus Square Eris - impatience, resentment and other “negative” feelings about your intimate relationships, likely in regard to your close male counterparts is possible.


ARIES - Be clear about what you want this week. And then be clear about how you’re going to hang on to that. Don’t let anyone deter you from a dream that you are set on. When you start to feel like you need to change you or your core desires to fit int someone else’s narrative, stay awake. It isn’t you that needs to change...its the narrative.

TAURUS - While it feels strange to say this to a Taurus, I’m going to anyway… don’t let anyone cage you in. That means doing things that are contrary to your moral compass, your personal ideals, or things that aren’t going to get you to your goals. It isn’t necessary for you to be a pleaser when this situation arises. Stand your ground. (Yep, that sounds silly, but...I’m just the messenger)

GEMINI - Live life, and go forward on your own terms. You’ve already realized that no one is going save you, and you’re a badass so you’re saving yourself. But now you have to take a moment to figure out what you want and not what others want for you. This could look like a pretty big shake up or change, and that’s more than OK!

CANCER - You’ll need to tackle this problem (and you know what it is) head on. It is much more comfortable for you to approach a problem sideways, in a protective and indirect stance. But this thing you’ll need to charge headlong into in order to make progress. Don’t let anyone dissuade you or distract you. Claws up!

LEO - You need a dose of earth and nature. Even though it was your birthday month, you’ve been through the wringer the last few weeks and you need a breather. You’re likely a bit exhausted and have lost sight of a few things. Get back in touch with the essence and core of who you are. To do that, you need some quiet time of reflection and nature will expedite the process.

VIRGO - Get the sage. This is your birthday month and its time for a clearing. For new energy to come in, old energy must go out. Change is coming. And before you freak out about change, let’s assume its positive and meant for your betterment. Let’s also assume that if you don’t fight and question and resist the change and point out ever flaw with the new reality, it could be a very positive experience!

LIBRA - You are about to undergo a spiritual-relational transformation. Where you’ve had judgement, particularly in love, you will find a new kind of grace and forgiveness. It may come from you, or it may come from someone outside of you. This grace is going to create a hope that you have not felt in a long time. And that hope will transform you from the past, forward. Breathe this in...

SCORPIO - “Ridiculous beats boring”. You may need a reminder that being 1000% yourself is the best way to be. You being completely authentic enables others to be totally authentic. This is also your reminder that speaking up and looking “ridiculous” is better than standing by and being an accomplice to bullshitery.

SAGITTARIUS - You are asked to find the warrior within you...no...don’t interrupt me...I gotta finish this sentence...the warrior within you that still allows you to display kindness. Fierce but compassionate is the goal. Warrior and fierce are not foreign words or concepts to you. But tapping into a different style of engagement is the opportunity opening for you. Setting aside aggression or manipulation (including intellectual) of any kind is your mission.

CAPRICORN - Its time to take back what is your, or what has been taken from you. This could be anything. Additionally, don’t allow anyone else, or any circumstance to dictate how you feel about yourself. If you screw up, forgive yourself and get back in alignment. If you have to forgive someone else and feel you can’t, don’t beat yourself up. It will come. But don’t let the theft of what’s yours, or your inability to forgive the thief tear you down in any way.

AQUARIUS - The world isn’t over, a new world is just beginning. Endings and beginnings are 2 sides of the same coin. And while all these platitudinous wisdoms are swell, things still feel shitty and tiresome and exhausting at times. Like Sisyphus, you feel like you keep pushing the same rock up the same hill. Groundhog day. Two steps forward, one step back. I’ve got a million unhelpful cliches. The point is, you’re going through some tough stuff because you need to be tough because the world needs you, now more than ever. Allow the growth.

PISCES - If I say the word “surrender”, what situation immediately comes to mind for you? Yep, that’s the one! It is time to find, or re-find your faith. The Universe is bringing together all the tools and resources and people you need for the next steps. You don't have to do anything except believe and surrender to the unconditional love of the Divine to take care of your needs.