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Business success through Astrology

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Straight to the Point Response Update

Aug 6

Posted by Ellen in What to do now, Your Questions | 1 Comment

Hubble Photograph (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello, everyone.

We just launched our new service, SPR or Straight to the Point Response, last week and already the questions are streaming in.  It seems that people really appreciate the personal style  (“I felt understood, perceived and reassured.”) as well as the information (“You are very insightful.  It was so helpful.”)

I encourage you to take advantage of this service.  It’s inexpensive and “straight to the point,” a quick and timely response to the business issues you are facing during this astrologically challenging time.

For the many new readers who join every day, here is the explanation of this new service.


Dear Friend,

Astro4Business is the premier astrological site combining business expertise and astrological knowledge. Ellen Longo, CPA, CFP has over thirty years experience in business ownership and executive level leadership and she brings this unique perspective to every astrological consultation.

Many readers of the Astro4Business Intersections blog have requested consultations with Ellen. We are offering a new service for busy business owners and leaders: the Straight to the Point Response (SPR for those who like acronyms.)

This is how the SPR works:

  • Email your specific question to ellen@astro4business.com. I will also need your astrological information if you are a new client. The charge for each response is $40 and will consist of a two page answer or a recording specifically related to you and your question.
  • I will send a PayPal invoice for you to pay online.
  • Within one week of the date we receive your payment, I will send your Straight to the Point Response.
  • After you have read or listened to your report, you are welcome to send up to three clarifying questions at no additional charge. (A clarifying question is a question you ask to make sure you’ve understood my response correctly.)

What kinds of questions are common?

Here are some examples of common questions. Of course, there are as many questions as there are specific situations; this is just to get you started. And remember, a general question will elicit a general answer; a more specific question will elicit a more specific answer; and the more background you can give me, the more the answer will meet your needs.

  • I am considering taking on a partner or investor. Is this a good time to make this move?
  • Is this a good time to open a branch office?
  • Everything seems challenging in my business right now. What’s the best approach?
  • What can I do to make sure my boss notices the work I’m doing?
  • A senior staff member and I keep clashing. Is there anything I can do to smooth things out?
  • I’m developing short-term career goals. Any advice, based on my chart?
  • I have to decide between two opportunities. Which has the most promise?
  • I feel stuck. Is there something else I should be doing?
  • I’m considering going back to school. What do you think?
  • My job requires public speaking, which I hate. Any tips on how to overcome this fear?

I hope you will find this new service a useful source of knowledge and support.

Best always,

Ellen

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Neptune transits – Mermaid Calls

Apr 9

Posted by Ellen in Client case studies, The Planets, Your Questions | 26 Comments

Hello, everyone.

I received a letter today from a reader who has become a client.  We’ve been working together lately as she goes through some business uncertainty and transitions.  Of course these transitions are reflected in the transits of planets affecting her natal chart.

"A Mermaid" by John William Waterhouse, 1905. (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

When a person is facing a major issue in their life, reflected by a transit of the outer planets to one or more of the inner planets, it will affect several areas of their life at the same time.  And even if not specifically transiting an area of the chart related to business, a major reconfiguration of your personal life is bound to affect how you conduct your business during the transit.

The Set-up

As it turns out this client’s current transit couldn’t be more impactful on her business life.  Natally, she has Saturn in the 10th house and it is squaring her Ascendant.  Remember, Saturn is the principle of contraction, of bringing visions and inspiration into the material realm, of making it real.  The 10th house is the house of your most public self, which for most people is their career and reputation.  Saturn is very comfortable in the 10th house and generally speaking a person with Saturn in the 10th is focused on making a name for themselves through their own hard work.  They invest time and energy into building their reputation step by step.

When this dedication to career and business success shown by Saturn is natally squaring the Ascendant, as this person’s is, this march toward success in the outer realm is part and parcel of the person’s self-image.  It is completely inseparable from how they feel about themselves and how other people perceive them.  And yet with the square the fit is not a comfortable one.  With Saturn squaring the Ascendant, it’s almost like they have a military general inside calling their marching orders and that officer will brook no opposition from the contented or fanciful.

So this is a tough set-up and one that my client has grappled with and made the most of.  She runs a small creative business with about 10 employees and is used to the cycle of work hard and win; work harder and win more; work harder still and win still more.

The Mermaid calls

And along comes Neptune.  Neptune is crossing that Saturn point in her chart in the 10th house.  Whenever Neptune makes a strong appearance in a chart, it is time for a change.  Not a sudden change brought on by technological progress (Uranus) or crisis (Pluto) but more from a lingering sense of disillusion or confusion. 

Neptune transiting Saturn is like our military general has been assigned a mentor by the powers that be and the mentor turns out to be a hippie artist mermaid who whispers to him to take off his uniform and join her in the warm sea.  Do you think he just says, OK, let’s go?  No.  The seductress’ song is the enemy of everything he has built to this point, every structure and accomplishment that has made his life respectable, safe, and stable. 

But the forces of the outer planets are strong, and since they are ultimately about the evolution of humanity as a whole rather than upholding our idea of personal success, they eventually engulf us.  There are really only two choices: to consciously invite Neptune’s long visit or to resist and be overwhelmed by seemingly external forces that dissolve the structures of our life.

Sacrificing Doing for Being

Neptune requires us to sacrifice some part of ourselves, something we think defines us, in order to grow in our understanding of our place within the larger coursing life.  Saturn is about doing; Neptune is about being.  If we are normally the type who sets one goal after another, always reaching to improve and perfect, then taking our hands off the wheel and letting life drive feels completely foreign.  Adrift within confusion, lack of clarity, and doubt about future direction, we grab at one “solution” after another, only to have it melt away in our hands.  Neptune’s transits are long and it takes a while to recognize that our old methods don’t serve anymore.  Each time we think we’ve found our direction, the destination becomes unavailable or we realize it’s illusory.

So what do we do during a Neptune transit?  We keep it simple.  We journal or paint or pray.  We develop a receptive state of mind.  In our business, we do what’s in front of us.  We explore the opportunities that come our way without investing too much.  We take notice of our community.  We look for ways to serve others.  We recognize we are adjusting our intuition to a new beam; we don’t trust too easily or too soon.  We use our lawyer and accountant to review the paperwork.

And we listen for the muse.  Remember that general?  You know that once he enters that mermaid’s warm embrace he’ll be most happy he did.

Are you feeling dazed and confused in your business?  Are you having a Neptune transit?  Share your experiences in the comments.  And if you’re not sure, see the box at right to send me an email and I’ll let you know if Neptune is visiting you.

For the basics of Saturn and Neptune, see these posts:

Saturn

Neptune

Don’t forget. If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com. I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I look forward to it! Have a question now? Email it and let’s get started!

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Your Questions – Investing in Real Estate

Mar 8

Posted by Ellen in Introduction to Astrology for Business, Your Questions | No Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello, everyone.

After reading the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for March, a reader asked:

How ’bout buying and selling real estate? Does that work this month?

This question addresses so many levels of business and astrology that I could write about it for an entire week!   I’ll try to do the questioner some justice in this post, but it may need further clarification over time.

The Macro Level

Let’s start at the macro level.  We’re all aware that a slow recovery has begun in the real estate markets.  At least that’s the opinion of most economic experts.  The speculation bubble coincident with Pluto in Sagittarius burst completely when Pluto entered Capricorn. 

Capricorn is an earth sign and rules the structural components of our society, including real estate.  Pluto rules shared resources, debt, and the crises that are sometimes necessary to bring us back into alignment with our fundamental values and principles.  These crises are not over yet; Pluto will remain in Capricorn until 2024, although I do believe that during the first few years of the cycle there are more major upheavals than in the later years.  In the later years, people are more used to the energy and the surprise element is gone  We respond more rationally, make better decisions, and learn to take advantage of the situation.

You could say we may be at the point where the major quakes in the market have already happened, but the aftershocks will be with us for some time.

Add to this the stressful square aspect that Pluto is making to Saturn, and soon unpredictable Uranus will join the fray.  At least during 2010, I expect a lot of volatility throughout the economic system and the different markets that comprise the system.

Back to Basics

All of this brings me back to the fundamentals:  the answer depends on what is the motive for purchasing real estate at this time.  Real Estate has advantages and disadvantages, just like all investment vehicles.  Home ownership, particularly, has potential tax advantages and the fact that the investment is tangible has distinct psychological advantages.  Historically real estate has been an excellent hedge against inflation, and you can leverage its value as security for loans.

The major disadvantage to real estate investment is the illiquidity of the investment.  Because there is no organized market like there is for stocks and commodities, it is difficult to convert it to cash quickly if you need it.  It takes a relatively large initial investment and there are extra costs related to the purchase or sale.  It is immobile, obviously, and as we have all learned, its future value can be completely unpredictable.

I know my reader was not asking me the question as a financial planner; the question related to the astrological advisability.  But since I am a professional CPA and CFP I can’t help but list some of the pros and cons.

Suggestions

Now to the astrology.  Like I noted in a previous post, life doesn’t just stand still.  There are always many different energies converging on any single moment or month.  The best use of astrology is to recognize these influences and then come up with a strategy that incorporates the best and mitigates the most challenging of these energies.

I would say, in direct answer to the question of whether real estate buying and selling works this month, the best strategies include:

  1. Check, double-check, and recheck again all of the paperwork and deals.  With the major squares and oppositions this month, expect to be at cross-purposes with everyone you transact business with.  This is not to say you can’t make a great deal.  It’s just to be extra-vigilant about the heightened competition and aggression of this time.
  2. Be sure you have all the legal advice you need.  With Saturn in Libra, a wise legal advisor is your best ally.  Talk over the deal and have them review any paperwork.  Money spent at this stage will pay off in the end.
  3. Continuing with Saturn in Libra, a good solid partnership will give you an edge, especially if each of you balances the excesses of the other.  And be sure the partnership paperwork protects each of you in case the other can no longer participate.  That legal advisor in #2 comes into this aspect as well.
  4. Wait until after Mars turns direct on March 10, and also until after the New Moon on March 15, to complete the deal.  Research and negotiations are fine now, but if you want your investment to grow, it should begin between the New and Full Moon.
  5. Keep in mind that in this economy and astrological environment, your investment should be seen as long-term.  The market is too volatile this year to invest in real estate for short-term gains.
  6. Be patient.  With Saturn retrograde until the end of May, bureaucratic snafus may hold up the transaction.

Do any readers have anything to add?  Let us know in the Comments.

Don’t forget. If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com. I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I look forward to it! Have a question now? Email it and let’s get started!

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Your questions – making the most of the Monthly Forecast

Feb 10

Posted by Ellen in Astro4Business Month Ahead, Jupiter in Pisces, The Planets, Your Questions | 11 Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)


Hello everyone.

Today I received an email from a regular reader.  Her question gives me a chance to suggest ways you can use the Astro4Business Monthly Forecasts.  She writes:

I answered an ad for a position as a Research Coordinator at a major hospital in my city.  I am really excited, because it brings together both my careers – my first career as a Chem. Tech in Research and Development, as well as my nursing expertise.  The (hopefully first) interview is next week, Feb. 18.  I am looking at Astro4Bus for the monthly guide, but I am not really sure where I am going with it.  If you get a minute, can you try to guide me through this?  I would appreciate it.

Some guidelines

First, some guidelines for using the Monthly Forecast.  When a major life transition is happening, like applying for a new position, the outer planets are always the focus.  The way Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto interact with your natal chart or business chart indicates the major trends in your life.    If you have natal planets in the signs these planets are currently passing through, your life will be affected by their passage.  Even if you have natal planets in the opposite sign or the sign 90 degrees away, you will feel the passage of these planets in a big way. 

This knowledge may be beyond what some of you know about your charts, but everyone knows their Sun Sign, and many people know the sign of their Moon and Ascendant.  These three points and the houses they occupy are extremely important and just with this knowledge, there’s a lot you can tell from the Monthly Forecast.

Jupiter in Pisces spells opportunity

My reader’s Sun is in Pisces.  Looking at the monthly forecast we look for any outer planet that is passing through Pisces.  We see that Jupiter, the planet of opportunity, is passing through the sign of Pisces.  From the monthly forecast we read:

Jupiter entered Pisces, a water sign, in January.  Pisces is concerned with the emotional connections that bind people together.  This often expresses itself as devotion to an ideal, often mystical or artistic, and the desire to lose oneself in the shared feeling of the group.

Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, is the ancient ruler of Pisces.  This brings a very positive influence to all endeavors that attempt to unite people based on a shared intention for the future.  How should you work with this energy?  Work on connection.  Set up links between people and organizations.  Make venues available for your employees to express their ideas creatively.  Be willing to lead with your intuition and feelings; show your employees, customers, and business associates your heart.  These activities will bring good fortune.

Jupiter in 10th spells success

Jupiter, the planet of opportunity and expansion, is directly passing over my reader’s natal Sun.  From prior work with her, I know that her Sun is in the 10th house, the house of career and public position.  So, yes indeed, this is a time when she can expect opportunities (Jupiter) to expand her self-expression as an emotionally tuned, intuitive person (Pisces Sun) in the area of her career (10th house).

Now that we’ve discovered that Jupiter in Pisces is a major factor for her right now, we can look at the sidebar for any other posts about Jupiter in Pisces.  We see there is another post that describes this transit.  That post has a listing of Jupiter in Pisces going through each house.  Looking at the segment for the 10th house we see:

The sky’s the limit for you as long as you stay sensitive to the currents around you.  This time should be brimming with opportunities for success – if you grab them.  Get out in public with perceptive confidence and crowds will beat a path to your door.

Jupiter-warning

This segment gives a warning about Jupiter:  you must grab the opportunities that come.  Sometimes we feel so good under the influence of Jupiter we think we can rest on our laurels and that opportunities will always be there.  With Jupiter, you need to catch the golden ring when it comes by.

Both posts have advice for the interview:  stay sensitive to the currents and portray perceptive confidence.  Work on connection; show your prospective employer your heart.  Demonstrate that you can link people to organizations, perhaps by talking about how you will link your former research position and your nursing career to benefit your employer.

With Jupiter in Pisces in your 10th house, this may not be the only opportunity you will encounter and if you do get this position, you can expect continuing promotions or expanding work opportunities the entire time Jupiter is transiting your 10th house.

Anything else?

Looking back at the monthly forecast, is anything else in Pisces?  Yes, Uranus is finishing up its sojourn through Pisces.  Using the sidebar on Uranus in Pisces, you may be able to glean more insights about how to handle this time of change.  But just focusing on Jupiter in Pisces gives a lot to think about and work with.

Good luck in your interview and let us know what happens!

 

Don’t forget. If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com. I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I look forward to it! Have a question now? Email it and let’s get started!

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Your questions – cycles within cycles

Feb 5

Posted by Ellen in Introduction to Astrology for Business, Philosophy, Your Questions | No Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello everyone.

The following question comes from a reader with a good understanding of astrology.  Please don’t get discouraged by the technical terms – her question posts an issue that applies to all of us and allows me the chance to spell out some fundamental astrological principles.

She writes:

How does a personal astrology chart interact with the bigger astrological influences?  I’ve wondered this often, and my current situation brings it up again.  In my chart I have transiting Jupiter conjunct natal Saturn in my 10th house.  My understanding of that, is this is a great time to make things real in the material world – particularly as it relates to my career.  And since I own my own business, for my company.  Jupiter is within 1 degree of my natal Saturn tomorrow.  But, Mars is in retrograde and there will be a void Moon tomorrow afternoon.

I can’t tell you how often this is the case.  One part of the astrology says “go”; another part says “no”.  Life is like that, isn’t it?  It’s a complex undertaking, not often reducible to black or white.

Our World of Cycles

When we are born, we enter a world in the midst of cycles.  The moon may be waxing or waning, the sun may be heading into the northern or southern hemisphere, some planets may be retrograding, others are in the signs they rule so are very strong, others may be weakened by aspect, etc, etc, etc.  And we step in to all this motion, stamped indelibly by these first impressions, or if you prefer, aligned perfectly with the needs of our soul’s journey. 

These cycles don’t stop.  Within a few moments after your birth, planetary positions have shifted and the degree on the horizon which indicates your rising sign has changed.  The cycles zoom ahead – all of the way to the present moment.

The moon completes a full cycle every month, the Sun every year.  Each planet has its cycle, with the outer planets taking so long they don’t complete a full cycle in our lifetime.  Some cycles repeat themselves over and over in our lives and some don’t have time to repeat at all.

Now it gets complicated

The position a planet occupied at the moment of your birth is always sensitized in your life.  The planet moves on from that point, but that point in the zodiac continues to hold meaning for you.  When another planet in its orbit passes that sensitized point or forms a mathematical angle to it, there is an opportunity to work with the issues described by the two planets, the original one and the one passing through.  Sometimes this is a purely inner experience, an awakening of some kind.  Sometimes the inner experience is reflected in the outer world and we learn more about ourselves in relation to others during the transit.

Now all of this can get very complicated, very quickly.  Just think of all your experiences and relationships even in the current point in time, all the roles you play, your interests, your feelings, your yearnings, what has gone before and your hopes for the future.  Every single facet of life is reflected in the cycles of astrology, so you can imagine how complex each moment is, astrologically speaking.

One thing is certain:  the experiences you came for, you will get.  My spiritual teacher once said that we came to this earth with something to learn and something to offer. You will have the opportunity to both learn and offer within the cycles shown in your astrological chart.

In this way, the unfolding of our personal astrology chart is part of and contained within the bigger astrological influences.  So if you are having an influence that lasts a few weeks, like the reader’s Jupiter transit of her natal Saturn, but Mars is retrograde at the time, the retrograde Mars is part of the unfolding of the Jupiter/Saturn transit.  That Jupiter/Saturn transit was always going to unfold that way, with Mars retrograde.  If you’re looking at transits ahead of time, they must always be considered in concert with the other cycles happening at the time.

Keep it simple

Like I said, all of this can get very complex.  So I appreciate the advice of my current astrology teachers, Darrelyn Gunzberg and Bernadette Brady.  They use the K.I.S.S. principle, which they say means, Keep It Simple, Student.  They advise us to pick two or three of the most important cycles unfolding in relation to our birth charts and interpret all of the lesser cycles in terms of these major ones.  In other words, if you are experiencing a major Pluto transit now, the theme of transformation through destruction and irrevocable change will be playing itself out in some part of your life.  The monthly lunar cycles, or Mars retrograde, or even a Jupiter transit to your natal chart must be interpreted within the meaning of regeneration shown by the Pluto transit. Everything will contribute to and become part of this overarching development. 

So, specifically in answer to the reader’s question, if Jupiter is bringing opportunities for expansion of responsibility and structure (Saturn) to her business (10th house), then retrograde Mars indicates that these opportunities will be found by looking back at ground previously covered, rather than initiating something brand new. In this way, the Mars retrograde becomes a helpful clue to discover the source of the Jupiterian opportunity.

Each moment is auspicious

There is more to be said regarding how to choose which cycles are the overarching themes, and the timing of the unfolding of experiences as they are revealed in the chart, but I think this is enough to digest for now.  I’ll just leave you with one other thought, something I have learned from my spiritual studies:  each moment is auspicious.  Each birth is auspicious because your Soul, the great Soul, has decided to enact a certain play in these cycles of space and time.  Your chart is a translation of the infinite light of the truth into everyday life in this world.

Enjoy!

Don’t forget. If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com. I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I look forward to it! Have a question now? Email it and let’s get started!

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Your Questions – Big Client Meeting Coming Up

Jan 25

Posted by Ellen in Introduction to Astrology for Business, Your Questions | 5 Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello, everyone.

A regular reader sent this question:

I have an interview/meeting for a new big and exciting project on Wednesday, it should go well…I think.  Anything I should do or avoid? 

As I wrote in the weekly forecast, this is a week of oppositions topped off by the second contact of the Saturn/Pluto square.  Although oppositions often bring us face to face with others, they can feel like push/pull, or advance/retreat, especially since this one involves the Mars retrograde influence which has been with us since mid-December and will continue until early March.

The advice in the weekly forecast applies to this question.  I’m not surprised there is an important meeting on Wednesday.  Venus represents meetings and alliances, and I agree with the reader, “it should go well,” if you are able to maintain your balance that day.  You may have a sparkling presentation that may wow your prospective client, but with Mars retrograde they may not be ready to act.

As we’ve been working together and I have access to your natal chart, I thought I’d take a look to see what more may be revealed about this.  When I saw your chart, it was one of those times when astrology just astounds me with its ability to forecast timing and to reveal other aspects of a situation.

The clue to success

Your natal Mars is in Taurus, forming an exact square to this week’s Venus/Mars opposition, Sun/Mars opposition, and the Full Moon.  Your natal position of Mars is the clue to success with this meeting.  Mars in Taurus is steady and patient; once motivated it is willing to work long and hard to amass material security.  With Mars in Taurus you understand that actual physical resources are vitally important and this knowledge extends not only to your personal affairs but to your client’s business too.

Make sure the client understands this about you:  that you are committed to their material success and that you are there for the long term.  And remember to make your client’s resources the focus of the meeting, not your own.  It’s not so much a matter of what you can provide, although this should be clear and well presented.  The focus should be on your client’s assets and how you can help them exploit these assets to insure their own success.

In other words the meeting should be all about them.

Patience

And then if you sense hesitation on their part, don’t take it personally.  My sense is they are making a second attempt at securing the services they need (Mars retrograde) and may have run into difficulties in their last attempt.  They may be slower to act this time no matter how prepared you are.  So don’t expect a commitment from them right away.  It may take more time than usual for them to come to a decision or gain the approvals they need.  Patience is one of the qualities of your natal Mars in Taurus, so rely on that patience.  This is an exciting meeting and I’m confident it will go well.  Let us all know how it turns out!

Don’t forget. If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com. I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I look forward to it! Got a question now? Email it and let’s get started!

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Your questions – client presentations with retrograde Mars

Jan 22

Posted by Ellen in Retrograde Motion, The Planets, Your Questions | 1 Comment

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello, everyone.

This is a question from a reader in Texas.  Concerning the current Mars retrograde period until March 10, she asks:

I have several clients where we are presenting our 2010 plans. They are existing clients and in one way it is a continuation of what we’ve been doing, but it is also a new year and new plans. Any suggestions on how to handle?

Her question stems from our advice in a couple of recent posts that during a Mars retrograde period it is best not to commence anything new.  Mars rules beginnings of activities and projects, and when it is in retrograde motion, its energy is diminished and not actively supporting new endeavors.  Mars also rules new ideas, productivity, and will power.  It’s hard to move forward when these are missing.

When Mars is retrograde our drive is backtracking, stepping into the shadows.  We continue to stay alert but our will to move forward is arrested.  Our inclination is to silently watch as matters unfold, without our reaction or participation. 

Of course, there is no standing still.  As I said in a recent post, the other planets continue to move forward; life goes on!  And in business you have to strike while the iron’s hot, or even lukewarm.  Especially now, it is important to offer existing clients the consistent service they have come to expect.

In light of this, I have several suggestions:

  1. Especially with existing clients, revisit projects or campaigns you conducted from October 15 to December 20, when Mars was covering this ground the first time.  See if there is something to finish, something you were perhaps too busy to complete last fall.  Mine that period for ideas to bring into this year. 
  2. Know what you’re bringing to the table and what you’re not.  There are other planets, energies, available.  Just because Mars is retrograde doesn’t mean your other faculties aren’t working.   Venus, for example, is very useful in client presentations.  In Aquarius, she brings sociability, innovation, and inclusion.  Perhaps an innovative setting or unique use of technology can support your work.   Jupiter in Pisces makes us all more open to images, music, color, and sensation.  Perhaps working in highly creative or artistic content will fuel your imagination and gain the client’s appreciation. 
  3. Take the support of the Moon.  The Moon in Aries and the other Fire signs can help mitigate the missing spark.  Upcoming Fire sign Moons are January 29-31, February 7-9, February 17-19, February 26-27, March 6-8. 
  4. Pitch projects with shorter timelines and wait until Mars turns direct to begin longer-term projects. 
  5. Put a lot of space into your timelines.  Projects may take longer than you expect until Mars resumes direct motion. 
  6. Remember that the clients, too, are experiencing the retrograde motion.  Expect delays in decision-making and approvals. 

Do any readers have additional suggestions?  Please post them in the comments section.

Don’t forget. If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com. I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I look forward to it! Got a question now? Email it and let’s get started!

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Your questions – should I let this employee go?

Jan 21

Posted by Ellen in Retrograde Motion, The Planets, Your Questions | 2 Comments

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Hello, everyone.

I’m so excited!  I let you all know in this blog that I’d love to receive your questions to answer in these posts, and the questions are coming in!  Fantastic!  I think this can be an excellent forum for all of us interested in the astrology of business.

In my commitment to answer your questions anonymously, I will paraphrase this inquiry.  It is from a business owner about an employee, and who knows, maybe the employee is a reader too. 

The question is regarding Mars retrograde, and whether this is a good time to end or re-arrange the employment of a key person in her business.  She wonders whether she should address these issues now, expecting that when she does, the employee will either leave or there will be a major change in her role.  She says, “Either way, it will change, marking a new beginning in its own way.”

Thorny Cycles

I really like this question because it points out a thorny issue with cycles:  every ending is the first day of something new.  It’s like the commencement ceremonies at the end of high school.  Commencement means beginning, but it certainly felt like an ending, didn’t it?  Now we know, it was both.

Let’s take another look at the quote from Karen Hamaker-Zondag that we noted in our last post:

If we wish to undertake a really important activity, then a retrograde Mars should be seen as an unmistakable warning of difficulties, certainly when the chart is for the commencement itself.  What retrograde Mars is saying is, “Finish what you are already doing, and begin nothing new until I turn direct.”

As this quote makes clear, if we are commencing an activity, then it’s best to wait.  If we are finishing something we have been doing, then a retrograde Mars is the right timing.  In this case, our questioner will have to decide whether she has been having ongoing discussions about the issue with this person and this meeting is simply finishing what has been started.  Or is it a new conversation? 

Did I miss something?

But let’s look a little deeper.  We’ve discussed how retrograde motion is like a hiker who covers a certain portion of the trail, then turns around and retraces her steps, then reaches a certain point and heads forward again.  We said possibly she missed something, that she had to backtrack to discover something about the situation she didn’t take proper note of the first time.

In my post, Fours Ways to Benefit from Mars retrograde, I noted,

In the chart of a business, Mars represents operations, productivity, and the skills of the second tier of leadership.  These may falter over the next couple of months.  The line managers and supervisors you’ve come to rely upon may experience a setback and productivity may fall.  This is in the natural order and serves the same purpose as above:  are you on the right track with your staff?  Are your expectations for productivity reasonable?  Are people working on the right projects, tackling the important assignments?

Mars indicates the second tier in a business.  Since this question concerns her second-in-command, I’d like to see her let the Mars retrograde period complete before she takes this step. She’s retracing her steps now, and so is her employee.  There might be something more that needs to come to light.

All in all, I’d suggest that she wait if she can.  As she astutely pointed out, letting someone go or revamping their job description is a new beginning, for her, for her business, and for the employee.  So I’d say to give it more time, to let the retrograde motion do its work to reveal all the facets of the situation.  When Mars turns direct, she can take the action she needs to take, with the confidence that all of the factors are clear.

Don’t forget. If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com. I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I look forward to it! Got a question now? Email it and let’s get started!

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