“March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”  For so many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, that old adage holds true.  As the gentleness of Spring emerges from Winter’s last brutal assault, allow yourself to reflect on the fading past and give hope to the possibilities of the approaching future. And—it’s that time again—Mercury retrograde!  From March 12 to April 4, Mercury, will be retrograde.  Since Mercury rules communication, transportation and contracts, when it’s retrograde, all manner of mistakes and misunderstandings can occur.  If you can, hold off on buying (or leasing) any big ticket items.  It’s also a good idea to triple check any and all plans you make.  This is an excellent time for introspection and research, as those things that are usually hidden from view, show themselves more easily during a Mercury Retrograde period.  Wait until Mercury goes direct before making any big decisions.

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20) Chomping at the bit?  You’ll still have to wait a few more weeks before you get the ‘all clear’ from the Universe that will allow you to powerfully move forward with your plans and goals.  Please continue last month’s process—slow your outward activities and spend the next few weeks in deep introspection.  Continue examining your game plan, questioning your choices and contemplating the possibilities.  You’ll discover just how valuable this ‘inner exploration’ really is.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20)  Use this expansive time to do just that—be expansive.  Take a good look at what you want in life and ask yourself what more you can do to manifest your desires.  Be willing to recognize grace from the most unlikely sources and people.  Your theme song is “Got the World on a String.”

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20)  Your ruling planet, Mercury, is going retrograde again on March 12^th for three weeks.  In preparation for this thrice-a-year shift, dust off those plans you’ve had on hold and start taking the necessary steps to bring what you want to fruition before that date.  Just beginning your projects before Mercury goes retrograde will be enough to give you the added power that will keep you on track during the normally disruptive retrograde period.        

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20)  There’s a priceless treasure buried within you.  In order to get to it, you’ll have to take an honest (and courageous) look at yourself as you ask bold questions like—“Are my beliefs based on my own experience or someone else’s?”  “Am I the person I always dreamt I’d be?”  “Is the path I’m on leading me to soulful satisfaction or soul-numbing complacency?”  As you ask these questions and honestly seek your answers, the Universe will send you helpful people and circumstances.  

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22)  How do you turn lemons into lemonade?  The answer—it’s all about perspective.  The gift for you this month will come in the form of a series of challenges that will work in your favor if you approach them as opportunities to build your faith, trust and right action muscles.  By focusing on the solution and not the problem, you’ll turn the disadvantages to advantages and win, win, win.           

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22)  Mercury is also your ruling planet, so your message is similar to THE LOVERS.  During this retrograde period, don’t try to control the outcomes—simply observe the processes—yours, other’s and the Universe’s.  Everything will work out in the most beneficial way.           

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) Remember to heed your message from last month because Saturn, the great taskmaster is still in your sign and will be for a few more months.  However, this month, Saturn is influenced by the powerful allies, Luck, Grace and Ease.  Relax, ask for what you want, accept that it can be easy and enjoy the results.  A relationship opportunity will present itself to you.  Be mindful of what you’ve learned and handle it wisely.         

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21)  Patience, please—although the magical goose only lays one golden egg at a time—that’s all you need right now.  As each opportunity hatches, it will produce the people and circumstances you need to make your dreams a reality.  Use your gifts of intuition and charisma to help make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. 

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) Luck, charm, love and beauty—how can it get any better than this!?  Your good fortune continues and as long as you use your opportunities wisely, your good fortune will provide the seeds that will help you yield a wealthy harvest in the near future.  Be willing to win and express gratitude for all of the gifts that come your way.    

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) “Shh!  Do you hear that?”  It’s the sound of a powerful new force sweeping through your world.  What was once impossible for you to attain is at last within sight.  This month is a very busy time of preparation and self-reflection for you.  Work diligently and you’ll love the great results you yield by the end of April.                

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) “It is while trying to get everything straight in my head that I get confused.” Mary Virginia Micka’s quote sounds like something from “Alice in Wonderland”.  As wild and wacky as that story is, it’s also full of great wisdom, which you’ll never see unless you stop trying to get everything straight in your head.  The Universe is giving you signs, many of them unorthodox.  Instead of trying to analyze them, allow your intuition to lead you to the correct conclusions.    

 THE MOON (February 20 – March 20) Your message is similar to THE CHARIOT’s    and the answers to the questions posed are the most important components of the new foundations that you’re building to support the successful manifestation of your dreams.  As you discover the supportive building blocks, you’ll also discover and begin to appreciate the reasons for your journey.  In doing so, you’ll realize that you’ve also attained one of humankind’s most sought after treasures—wisdom.

2012 is the Chinese year of the Water Dragon.  So, in addition to being a ‘Gateway’ year of dynamic change and great opportunities, it’s also a year of unearthing and resurrecting the naturally dynamic aspect of ourselves that we hid in order to ‘keep the peace.’  For most of us this happened when we were young children being socialized by our primary caregivers so that we’d fit in to whatever it was that society asked of us.  That part of yourself is still alive and is demanding its place in the sun.  I encourage you to follow the advice of one of our most profound modern philosophers, Saint Jimi (Hendrix) and “let your Freak Flag fly.”  Your Freak Flag is your unique expression in life; it’s your personal perspective.  God doesn’t make mistakes and you have your particular “Freak Flag” for a reason—so with awareness, give yourself permission to responsibly explore, revel in and express it as you seek the answers to this question–“what do I want for myself and what gifts do I want this year to bring me?”          

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20) Although you thrive on action, you will go farther with your plans and goals if you slow your outward activities and spend the next few weeks in deep introspection.  Examine your game plan; question your choices; contemplate the possibilities.  The results you get from this exercise in ‘inner bonding’ will be priceless.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20)  “Ask for everything; let the Universe edit; then negotiate.”  Yes, the Universe has made this time just for you.  Be willing to think outside the box and hope without limits.  You’re luckier now than you’ve been in the last decade —use it well and wisely.  What you ask for will manifest right before your eyes.  

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20)  “Thoughts are things.”  How you think and what you think about during this time of prolific creativity will literally show you what you’re spending your mental energy on.  If you like the results you’re getting in your life—keep thinking along the same lines.  If you don’t like what’s showing up for you—please—change what you focus on. 

 THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20)  You’re used to caring for and nurturing everyone else.  Well, it’s your turn now.  Doing for others without their doing for you has you and your life out of balance.  Insist in gentle but firm ways that others return the favor.  It may feel awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it and you’ll find that you love it.

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22)  Metaphorically speaking, you’re experiencing an early Spring.  The winds of change are no longer stagnant and they’re blowing away the clouds that overshadowed you and blocked your brilliant light.  Move forward with your hopes, wishes and plans—support will come from the most unexpected sources.  Remember to express your gratitude.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22)  Your message is similar to THE EMPEROR’s.  Although you thrive more on mental action than on physical action, you will benefit most from ceasing to control the outcome that you want and going inward and spending the next few weeks in deep introspection.  As you examine your game plan and contemplate the possibilities, you’ll discover previously hidden information that will help you achieve great success. 

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22)  Saturn, the great taskmaster is overseeing your affairs.  Instead of resisting, try complying with it.  This isn’t the most comfortable time for you but it can be the most rewarding—helping you to break free from negative or outmoded people, circumstances, habits and belief systems.  As you experience this freedom, you’ll also experience a greater sense of power, security and inner peace. 

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21)  Now is not the time to hide your intense, powerful, seductive light under a basket.  You’re extremely charismatic now and good fortune is drawn to you.  Please do set up your stall in life’s marketplace—people want what you have to offer.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21)  You and THE EMPRESS are closely aligned.  This is a very lucky and powerful time for you.  Expand your viewpoint and your way of thinking and just watch the bounty roll in!  All manner of people and events will appear in your life to lend a helping hand.  You’ll be offered an opportunity to travel—do consider taking it.   

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) You’re undergoing a transformation and you and your world are changing.  There is a force more powerful than any other and it’s come to help you break away from the limitations and frustrations of the past.  Be courageous, bold and co-operative as you relinquish your hold on the outworn old and extend your hands to receive the bounty and freedom of the new.    

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) The last few years have presented you with a lot of changes and things have often seemed out of your control.  That period is ending and you’ll once again be the captain of your own ship.  Use your new found freedom to steer your course to the people and circumstances that now resonate with your deeply insightful vision.  Above all, trust your feelings.      

 THE MOON (February 20 – March 20)  “To boldly go where no MOON person has ever gone before!”  That paraphrase of the Star Trek mission statement applies to you, MOON.  Your new frontier isn’t the vast and formless stratosphere, but the definite, stable plane of earth-bound manifestation.  In other words, it’s time for you to literally put foundations under all of those castles you’ve built in the air.  You’re beginning a time of creating your defining legacy—let the moment and all it brings—assist you.         

It’s that time again—Mercury retrograde! From August 2 to August 27, Mercury, will be retrograde. Since Mercury rules communication, transportation and contracts, when it’s retrograde, all manner of mistakes and misunderstandings can occur. If you can, hold off on buying (or leasing) any big ticket items. It’s also a good idea to triple check any and all plans you make. This is an excellent time for introspection and research, as those things that are usually hidden from view, show themselves more easily during a Mercury Retrograde period. Wait until Mercury goes direct before making any big decisions.

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20) You are an adventurer and the Universe has an important message for you—it’s time to broaden your horizons. Take stock of your current situation and make plans to introduce yourself to new, interesting people, places and experiences. Enhance your journey by talking with your fellow adventurers and sharing your new-found perceptions with each other.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20) With your ruling planet, Venus, in the sign that governs self-esteem, it’s time to ask yourself how you’re teaching others to treat you. If you’re feeling loved, cherished and respected by those around you—others are reflecting the great value you place in yourself. However, if you’re feeling taken for granted or worse—then it’s time for you to take honest stock of how and why you’re not valuing yourself and make the necessary inner changes that will reflect a more honored you.

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20) It’s that time again—Mercury retrograde! >From August 2 to August 27, your ruling planet, Mercury, will be retrograde and as such—operating as a discerning, introspective guide, leading you to a greater and more expansive fount of self-knowledge and wisdom. The best actions for you to take during this period are sorting through and reviewing your plans for your future. Save your big decisions until after September1. THE

CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20) Oh sensitive one, you’re ready to take some giant steps and move beyond your natural inclination to stay in your shell. Good! Show the world (and yourself) that you’ve got a firm grasp of your power by courageously “grabbing the bull by the horns” and at long last, putting an old emotional issue to rest. As you clear up this old issue, you’ll discover that you have much more strength and support than you previously thought.

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22) Your financial future promises to shine as brightly as your ruling planet, the Sun. Through your direct experience of relating to the principals of finance, time and energy management of your own resources, you’ll more clearly understand the concept of profitable manifestation. Create a point system for the way you use your energy and attach a monetary value to the points. As the points add up, you’ll have a conscious understanding of how you need and want to invest in yourself in order to create the kind of life that reflects your brilliance.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22) Your ruling planet is Mercury, too, and your message is the same as THE LOVERS. Mercury is retrograde from August 2 to August 27 and as such, it will be acting as a discerning, introspective guide, leading you to a greater and more expansive fount of self-knowledge and wisdom. The best actions for you to take during this period are sorting through and reviewing your plans for your future. Save your big decisions until after September1.

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) Every action creates and attracts a reaction of equal power. Pay attention to the little things that happen now. Learn to truly appreciate and value their contributions to your life and you will put yourself in a powerful position of authority in your life and affairs. What you create, attract and learn to handle wisely will always be rewarding to you. THE

MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) What the world needs now is— you. The truth of the matter is, you really do know how to run your world! You just have to do it with a healthy dollop of tolerance, flexibility and grace. I encourage you to listen to and trust your intuition. As you do so, your other great natural gift—charisma—will open doors for you.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) Your message is similar to THE EMPEROR. Life is an adventure and can be very exciting and a lot of fun. The Universe is telling you that it’s time to broaden your horizons. Be spontaneous—do something different like take an art or salsa class. Introduce yourself to new, interesting people, places and experiences. Enhance your journey by talking with your fellow adventurers and sharing your new-found perceptions with each other.

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) OK—you’ve made it this far and you ’re wondering, “What’s next?” Well, “What’s next” is it’s time for you to relax and trust that as long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you’re on the right track and will arrive at the proper destination on time and fully prepared. Be aware, though—traveling your path in this way could lead to your experiencing unusual feelings of contentment and confidence. Although it’s been a long time coming—you have finally found a priceless treasure within yourself. Don’t try to analyze it—just enjoy it.

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) Be the center of your Universe. There is so much going on around you now and many of those occurrences are blessings. Pay close attention, relax your mind and see your life from all perspectives and you’ll learn what is of real importance to your process. In this receptive, enlightened space, you’ll meet the people who are to assist you in achieving one of your most cherished goals.

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20) Those born during the time of THE SUN aren’t the only ones who get a little dramatic—you’re pretty good at it, too. Because you’re an empath, you naturally soak up the vibrations of whatever space you’re in. When you’re aware of doing that, you’re in charge of your energy and emotions; when you’re unconsciously doing it, your energy and emotions can take you to some pretty gnarly places. Please be especially mindful of your emotions during this Mercury retrograde period.