Yom Kippur as Mercury Retrogrades

Mercury retrogrades on Saturday. We know the “rules” by now. As Mercury stations retrograde, we also end the 10 days of repentance (forgiving and being forgiven) with Yom Kippur, the Jewish festival of judgment and remembrance. On Rosh Hashanah God “opened” the books of judgment and creation, observing humanity for acts of goodness, kindness, forgiveness and service. Judgment has been “pending,” and prayers, forgiveness and service were required. Then on Yom Kippur, Friday and Saturday, the judgment is “sealed” (by God and the Heavenly Court).
But the verdict is still not finalized. There’s still an additional chance, positive expectation (until Sukkot, Oct. 8-15) and hope that God will see that we were or are “good.” Good is better than perfect.
May everyone be inscribed by God in the creation book. Let us prepare plates of apples and honey, pomegranates and wine, sharing with family and friends wishing everyone an upcoming “sweet year.”
Celebrating all religions helps us create together the new Aquarian world religion, which incorporates all religious teachings. At their hearts they’re all the same. We join together with our brothers and sisters around the world, participating in their holy festivities. Let us remember also to forgive everyone.

Esoteric Astrology as News for Week Oct. 1-8, 2014

Aries-March 21–April 20
Something appears, is seen, recognized, brought to balance and creates an interlude in your relationship(s). Perhaps you identify how to have right relations with those who love you. Perhaps you learn that through relationships your true self emerges because relationships are an I/Thou situation. Realize this balances you, provides structure, discipline and leads to true heart-to-heart intimacy.

Taurus April 21–May 21
There are times when others tell you their deepest needs. Sometimes you can’t hear or understand them. This week your needs, usually hidden and unknown to you, and thus hardly ever tended, emerge. Changes, small and subtle, begin to manifest in how you express yourself and state long term wishes, desires and wants. Since your usual word is “no” (which means “wait I need to think on this”) everyone, surprised, listens attentively.

Gemini May 22–June 20
Who is your family? What does family mean to you? Perhaps family means criticism and judgments or gardens of nourishment. Whatever family signifies for you, it’s time to create your own family, building balance and love, discipline and rules, kindness and communication into yours. Think on this. It’s a time to recreate certain new plans and ideals. This time has arrived for you.

Cancer June 21–July 20
You’re both in the world and not—at home while working at the same time. Family’s close by and yet not. They’re in your heart. Both have spiritual work to accomplish. A new set of realities concerning resources emerges. Your specific and particular skills are a deeply needed resource and they are recognized. They nurture and nourish and so many are grateful, including the kingdoms.

Leo July 21–August 22
A tradition, perhaps religious and intellectual, performed physically becomes important in order to summon you to a new discipline, structure and ritual that bring order and stability to your life. Perhaps you’re remembering a parent, teacher, grandparent, someone older and wiser, who instilled ethics and justice, seeing you as an equal. Who is this person? What is this ritual? Honor all of it.

Virgo August 23–September 22
You have resources in common with another? Resources don’t only refer to money. They include possessions and values held in common, intimacy, interaction and relationship. There’s a question about relationship and perhaps a feeling of restriction and grief? Recognize the beginnings of your relationships and their original value. Can you discover this again? What seems so far away is usually what is closest by.

Libra September 23–October 22
Saturn is in Scorpio. This is an important passage of time, a growing up and maturing developmental stage for you. There’s a challenge to change—frustrations and time issues—shadows and pressures and wisdom seeking to guide you. There will be times of absolute stillness and times of acceleration. Saturn loves you. He is your father, guide, disciplinarian, your dweller on the threshold. Have forgiveness always.

Scorpio October 23–November 21
Your deepest desires come forth. And although directed at others, the reality is the desire to know the self, to create a new image that better defines you, and the need for partnership between your emotions, intellect, body and soul. Emotions will be passionate; people may shy away should you display depth of feeling. Assess who’s safe, who understands, and who will stand with you.

Sagittarius November 22–December 20
Turn toward your religious roots. The teachings are guidelines that illumine and make sturdy your inner and outer life. This may sound old fashioned. However, a major planet is traveling through that sector of your life now providing you with needed direction. Another choice is to remain within self-enforced contemplation, solitude and seclusion. Include music and good food.

Capricorn December 21–January 20
A cycle ends soon enough and a new cycle begins. Hidden a bit from you, however, it’s connected to the harvest festival, gathering summer fruits into a root cellar darkness. It’s time to begin fall and winter planting. Study bio-dynamics, using special plant, animal and mineral (homeopathic) preparations, following the rhythmic influences of the sun, moon, planets, stars (of which you are one).

Aquarius January 21–February 18
As an entirely different set of ideals (values, goals) appear, you being to view your life differently. Notice rules have changed, previous values less important, things taken for granted are no longer useful, and perhaps your faith is being tested. It’s time for new studies, adventures and travels to new cultures. The confusion felt will not last forever. Life becomes more realistic. You do too.

Pisces February 19–March 20
You think about life and death, the changing seasons. Take walks morning and evening. Stand in the light of sunrise and twilight. Make contact with the elements, the plant kingdom in particular, the most balanced kingdom. Gather seeds, pods, notice changing colors, view the architecture, notice what soothes and comforts. Read A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander. Begin a new journal of hope. Life finds you very soon.