Mercury, The Messenger of the Gods and the planet ruling communication goes stationary direct Sunday at 22 degrees in Taurus after a 3 week retrograde. Retrograde Mercury typically causes delays, problems in communications, and breakdowns of machinery and situations.  It can also reveal certain situations and bring issues to light that we are unaware of. It is a long held belief that a retrograde Mercury is actually a time for reflection of our lives, business and personal situations.  Of course, most of us don't have 3 weeks to reflect in the real world, thus retrograde Mercury often gets a 'bad rap.'  You may have noticed this retrograde was particularly difficult as it began in Gemini on May 7, the sign that rules communication and is a ruler of Mercury. Things may become a little more confused before they get better, and it will be the following week before Mercury is back to full steam ahead. Mercury will return to 1 degree of Gemini, the degree it turned retrograde on June 14, so projects and situations that have been put on hold over the past 3 weeks may not totally resume until then.
 
When Mercury stations in Taurus (the ruler of the 2ond house of money) the mental process can become somewhat slower. Thinking can become more difficult, rigid and change resistant.  When decisions are made however, it they become firm, stubborn and resolute. On the positive side serious decisions made at this time are likely to stand, but it's important to examine every side of the issue at hand, and make sure the actual decisions you make are truly in your best interest and not based on stubbornness or unwillingness to see others' viewpoints. In this way you turn the energy to your advantage.
 
Life situations at this time can become additionally complicated as Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion and lack of clarity turned retrograde on Friday, May 29, at 26 degrees of Aquarius. This will increase the energy of this planet until it moves at least a degree away on July 12, and it's energy will be greatly lessened when it retrogrades several more degrees, which does not occur until October 2009. Retrograde Neptune may make us feel especially idealistic, depressed or over exuberant about situations that we need to view clearly. Of course, some will be effected more by Neptune's retrograde than others', especially if you have a personal planet in you chart that is between 22-29 degrees of Taurus, Aquarius, Leo or Scorpio. 
 
Add to this mix the fact that Jupiter (the planet of expansion) is now at 26 degrees of Aquarius conjuncting Neptune until June 12, again June 20 until July 10, and once more in December. Talk about  exuberance and over optimism! We must take the time to view things clearly and without rose colored glasses.  It is great to be optimistic, but this is a time to use your best reason and sound judgement. 
 
In terms of events effecting the world stage Neptune-Jupiter is coinciding with the recent gains made in the stock market and reports the world recession is almost over. I do not believe the US stock market will continue it's upward trend forever.  How can this possible be when the dollar is at an all time low, and unemployment is nearing 10 per cent in the US.? In other words my advice remains the same as in my last newsletter: use your head and do not put your life savings in the stock market and do not expect the economy to return to the pace it was going in recent past years.  There is money to be made in short selling, but only if you are schooled in the ways of the stock market or trust your broker enough to sign over your first born.
 
I do not believe the banking situation in the US or around the world is anywhere near resolution, nor do I believe we are yet aware of how the bail out funding is really going to effect our economy.  I absolutely do not believe all recipients of the bail out funds have put this money to the best possible use, and I still expect more fraud to be uncovered.
 
Jupiter-Neptune rules infectious diseases and this transit has been indicative of the recent swine flu epidemic.  This transit will return in December and the CDC reports that we will not yet know the severity of this disease until we are into the winter season.
 
In my last newsletter posted April 29, I stated, "As Jupiter also rules governments I believe scandal will emerge relating to 8th house concerns. We will hear more about the condition of prisoners of war, and techniques used by the Bush Administration will be revealed."
 
Thursday, May 28, it was revealed by British newspapers that torture techniques violating the Geneva Convention,  including rape were widely used in Abu Ghraib Prison. I believe this is only the beginning of these revelations.  The Pentagon has denied the story.  Below is the link if you are interested. 
 
 
 
 
Stay well, use your head, and keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.
 
Leslie