Mercury still Retrograde, but no longer in Combustion with the Sun

We have three more days before speedy Mercury, the Planet of Communication, Commerce and Trade resumes its forward path. Fortunately Mercury is no longer in Combustion with the Sun, as a matter of fact, because of its retrograde motion, Mercury is getting farther away from the Sun.

Screenshot of the sky in Subang Jaya Malaysia, notice the distance between Mercury  and the Sun

   One detrimental position, the Combustion, is now over, so Mercury's energy is not nullified by its extreme closeness to the Sun. However, it is still in its Retrograde Cycle, so the time is still not favorable for Mercury related "actions", such as financial deals, signing of contracts, or investments.

   On the other hand, if Mercury is well placed in the Birth Chart in Houses that DO NOT affect money and income of any kind, or communication, Mercury's beneficial energy is already available. You can put back on your Emeralds, Peridots, or other translucent green gemstones, but don't start yet anything that needs Mercury's fast moving energy.

Demantoid Garnet, rare and pricey, but a wonderful gem for channeling the energy of Mercury

Emerald, the traditional Primary Gemstone recommended for Mercury

Chrome Tourmaline, its color is caused by the same element as that of Emeralds, "chromium"

The picture doesn't do justice to the actual color and fire of Peridot. Affordable and stunning gem for Mercury!

   This is the good time to make plans and preparations. Get ready with your resume if you are looking for a job, look over the contract you are planning on signing, prepare your advertising campaign, but wait with action till January 26th.

The conduit between Heaven and Earth, all 4 suits are represented on the Magician's table

   In the Tarot Deck, the Planet Mercury is represented by The Magician, the number 1 card of the Major Arcana. Initiation, beginning, ideas, fresh starts, new opportunities are the main keywords for The Magician. It is a very strong card when it shows up in a spread, always signifying something new. As number 1, The Magician is related numerically to all the Aces of the four Tarot suits. Also to The Wheel of Fortune, the 10th of the Major Arcana (10, 1+0=1), and The Sun, the 19th card. (19, 1+9=10, 1+0=1)

Wheel of Fortune X is Change, Cyclical rise and fall and Good Luck

The Sun XIX is Good Times, Security, Abundance and Success

  Astrologically, The Magician is related to The Lovers (Gemini), and The Hermit (Virgo) as these are the signs that are ruled by Mercury.

The Lovers VI represents the Mutable Air Sign Gemini

The Hermit IX represents the Mutable Earth Sign Virgo

The Planet Mercury is Exalted in Virgo, (it's own Sign) and in Fall in Pisces. This means that when The Magician shows up in a Tarot Spread with The Lovers (Gemini) or The Hermit (Virgo) , it will reinforce and "help" The Magician, but when The Moon (Pisces) card show up in the spread, it will automatically weaken the effect of The Magician.

The Moon XVII represents the Mutable Water Sign Pisces

Venus in Sagittarius January 21

   Venus is currently transiting the Mutable Fire sign of Sagittarius, joining Retrograde Mercury. Venus is very well placed in Sagittarius, as the ruler of the sign, Jupiter is in Planetary Friendship with the Planet of Love and Beauty. The time of this transit is beneficial for creative and artistic pursuits, especially as right now the whole sign is aspected by Jupiter. Even though Jupiter is Retrograde at the moment, it still casts some of its benefic energy on Venus in Sagittarius.

   The mutable nature of the sign promotes "big picture" ideas, a flexible approach, and a generally free spirited way of dealing with relationships. There is a lot of opportunity for growth and development in the areas of relationships, art and creativity during this transit.

   Mercury, also in Sagittarius, is still Retrograde, so investments and financial dealings will not benefit from this otherwise favorable planetary position until Mercury resumes its forward motion on the 26th of January.

   As Mars, the Warrior Planet is in Libra, this is also an excellent time to solve disputes, as Mars in Libra is focused and strong, but without its often unnecessarily aggressive edge.

Unless otherwise indicated by the Birth Chart, Diamond, White Sapphire and White Topaz will enhance the beneficial effect of Venus for Love, Relationship, and Art during this transit.

Diamond, the Primary Gemstone For Venus

   Red Coral or Carnelian can be very helpful for focusing efforts and increasing stamina. Be mindful that natural (untreated) Red Coral is a very hot gemstone. Regardless of the position of the planets, Red Coral should not be worn on very hot days. (Like right now here in Malaysia!)

Red Carnelian, the secondary gem for Mars

Natural Red Coral, the gemstone of Mars

Natural Red Coral

   The best gems for hot and dry weather are Blue Sapphire, Gomed, Diamond, Emerald and Pearl. These are Planetary Gems, so before you put them on, you need to check whether these gems are suitable for you as per your Birth Chart, or not. (On my website www.tarotgems.com there is a page on explaining the suitability of gemstones in details.)

   Other than the Planetary Gems, there are other very safe gemstones that have the ability to considerably lower body temperature. Clear Quartz, Kyanite, Fluorite and Smoky Quartz, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz and Amethyst are perfect for anyone for cooling the body on a hot day.

Clear Quartz, also known as Rock Crystal is a very cooling stone

Amethyst, basically a purple Quartz is cooling and calming

Blue Zircon is a rare, but wonderful gem with a cooling, calming effect

Smoky Quartz is probably the most "manly" of all the cooling stones

Kyanite comes in many colors, the most spectacular is a strong blue