Thank goodness Mercury is direct in motion albeit slow for the next few days. I feel that all the issues that arose during the retrograde can now be resolved. Retrogrades are periods in our lives where we are exposed to things that need repairing or reflection. Sometimes we are aware of a niggle or two in the background, but decide to ignore it, during the retrograde this niggle turns into a situation that now needs you attention.

Retrogrades are an opportunity to regroup, replace, react, reflect and revise you situation and path you are on in life. Each bump is a lesson and ends up as becoming a resource. Don’t fight the retrograde, respect them and make them work to your advantage. But yes I agree it’s challenging and I have been cursing this Mercury Retrograde almost daily.

The upside of Mercury is when he goes direct he will move into Virgo on the 10^th of September. Mercury rules Virgo so delights in the mutable earth sigh where his intellectual, analytical and communicative skills are at their best. It is literally the perfect energy that can stimulate us to do the most perfect spring cleaning ever! If you need to implement a new system, or analyze projects, this is the time to buckle down and do it.

After all Jupiter the planet of expansion and growth in his journey through Gemini this year, is ruled by Mercury. Growth will happen if we put in the focused hard work that is necessary for achievements.

Uranus is a bit of a challenge as this planet that exposes us to the truth whether or not we like it, is retrograde and will once again connect with Algol, so this is a time to relook at what made us lose our heads mid July and sort out any issues rising from that time.

We have the 4 slowest planets that are further away from earth all retrograde, because they are so far this lasts months. This gives us time to relook at areas of our lives where these planets are transiting through. These planets remain for a long time in these areas and at times trigger events that can have long lasting results.

They are all talking to each other, so Pluto wants transformation, Uranus says by facing the truth while Neptune advises us to work through the Chaos that life continuously throws our way. Yup this is how life has been for a while, but this is what makes us think and challenges us to face our reality.

As Mercury speeds up in Virgo mid month, Jupiter will slow as he starts to enter his station before going retrograde. This is a time to take it easy and not rush into any big growth planes, rather make sure you have the correct systems in place or at least think about what systems you will need to carry you through for the rest of the year.

Mars will move into Cancer, a rather emotional, caring and somewhat needy sign. Having this Action planet in Cancer, in a way, will enable us to actually express our needs and stand up to emotional abuse. Mars prefers the fire signs where it totally suites his hot headed temperament, in a water sign he cools down and becomes more emotionally driven. It may be difficult and we may experience many a pity Party from ourselves and others. This is a time where grown men are allowed to cry, but not a time to become emotionally aggressive.

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

September is spring month and a good time to spring clean our bodies and bring to an end the winter indulgences.

Many of us are feeling a deep seated sluggishness creeping in, our bodies are getting tired of winter and need a boost to get them into a spring action mode.

Let’s look at some cleansing foods know for their antioxidant properties that can produce detoxification. Asparagus, Broccoli, Grapefruit, Avocado, Kale, Artichokes, Collard greens added to your diet will be a great start to boosting your energy.

Introducing healthy detoxing drinks throughout the day will be an added plus, replace that hot chocolate with one of the following, Green Smoothies, Cucumber and Ginger Coolers, Berry Antioxidant Water, Turmeric tea, Pineapple and Coconut Water Elixir or Herbal Infusion tea. Drink extra water and add lemon and mint to your water bottle for extra detoxifying properties.

And for those of you who have been enjoying your couches a bit too much lately, how about finding 20 minutes to just take a brisk walk?