Mercury retrograde in Scorpio - 31st Oct 2019 - 21st Nov 2019

I was going to write this article a little earlier, but since the UK date for leaving the European Union was also on 31st October, I felt it was prudent to wait and see if this was still likely to go ahead. The latest news is that there will now be a UK election in December 2019 and all big decisions are therefore delayed.

As many people are aware, during a Mercury retrograde a certain amount of things will undoubtedly go wrong. Mercury retrograde periods are famous for the negative impact upon IT products and telephone communication in general, they usually coincide with transport issues also; such as increased traffic problems and train delays. Lesser observed is that Mercury will also cause issues with paperwork, legal decisions and contracts. It is incredibly fortuitous therefore, that the UK are to choose a better time for their monumental decision, than a day which likely be notably full of delays, miscommunication and niggling issues in general.

This Mercury retrograde takes place entirely in Scorpio, beginning on 31st October with Mercury at 27°Scorpio and ending with Mercury at 11°Scorpio; meaning that anybody born between 1st November and 22nd November will be more affected than most. If this is you, don't let this be a cause for worry, although there may be inconveniences, delays and minor issues which come to light during this time, there are many advantages to Mercury retrograde also!

Everything has it place and it's purpose and sure, if you are late getting in to work, or your internet connections starts dropping out more, you are going to feel annoyed and stressed. When under pressure from employers it's not easy to be blasé about; time commitments and legal necessities and communication problems.

I sometimes look at Mercury as an old fashioned fellow though. All of the areas which become more problematic, are ones which are very much examples of our modern lives. None of these issues could have occurred in the same way 50 years ago, and it seems that Mercury dislikes the so called 'progress' of our IT age! In fact when we are in a Mercury retrograde period, taking an old fashioned approach of our own can prove to be very beneficial.

There are ways to prepare for problems; do you need to travel as much as you do for example? Could you use the telephone, could you travel by public transport, is it worth considering working from home for often? We do also rely on telephones a great deal, yet actually speaking to people, or sending letters through the post can be so much more effective from time to time.

Is time as important as the modern era dictates? Do we really need to live by the clock when so much business is global and we can contact people from a park bench, just as easily as we can from the office? Perhaps delays and issues are arising to provide solutions rather than problems? It so easy to become fixed on what we believe should be the outcome to what we are doing, and in doing so we miss all the other possibilities and potentials that could be far better options after all.

We've all seen movies where somebody misses their plane or a train, only to find that they are in the right place to meet the love of their lives. Sometimes something far better and more meaningful is out there for us.

Dreams are far more vivid and meaningful at this time.  If you are somebody who wishes to learn more about your deep soul calling then paying attention to your dreams will be very insightful and interesting at this time.  You may also begin to develop your psychic abilities if you may more attention to your gut feelings and emotions.  Scorpio is a wonderful sign for development of insights and third eye vision, it also helps us to understand our shadow feelings and desires.

I also have studied dream analysis and the power of the subconscious mind for many years, so feel free to contact me if you would like a dream interpretation from me.  I can do this for £10 and you can request this via my page: www.facebook.com/waxyjo or directly by my email: waxlobster@hotmail.com

For those of you who are in a situation in which you are separated from one you love, or missing an old flame the chances of them getting back in contact with you are far more likely at this time.  Mercury will revisit energies which are still active and whilst it can be easy to keep busy and pretend that something, or somebody is no longer important, this type of approach will simply not work when Mercury is retrograde.  Particularly, with this being in Scorpio, which is all about passion, deep feelings and sexual connections.  Scorpio, as a sign is fixed and therefore will deal with areas of emotion which remain hidden beneath the surface.  There is no ignoring the depths and intensity of a sign ruled by transformative Pluto and many will begin to reunite with past loves during the month of November, I am happy to say.

If you would a twinflame or soulmate reading, contact me on my facebook page: www.facebook.co.uk/waxyjo to make a booking, or via email.  I will only charge £20 to look into the connection between yourself and your love and readings can be conducted via email, messenger, or telephone.

Workwise, if you have the kind of employer who threatens you because you have been unlucky enough to get stuck on a motorway, perhaps it's time to be looking for a much more reasonable place to work? There are always options, it's very easy to become blinkered and confined by expectations and routines but we are on this planet to live our lives, as WE wish, to experience all of what WE love and feel drawn to. Living for others' is a waste of life, and you'll never look back on years of compromise with fondness and gratitude; rather resentment and regret.

Mercury retrograde can point out the areas of our lives which need a fresh outlook and a furbished new approach.

In these busy modern lives we often find ourselves running from place to place, doing task, after chore, after favour etc. It can be that our feelings, our thoughts upon what matters to us, and our needs become neglected and squashed down. If you receive bad news whilst at work, the chances are you will try not to react so that you can continue with what you were doing. You could have harsh words with your partner in the morning and then have to spend the whole day telling everybody you 'are fine' when deep inside your stomach is churning and tears are caught in your throat.

Another effect of Mercury retrograde is that it helps us to revisit suppressed feelings and needs. It may seem inconvenient that an old emotion comes to the surface unexpectedly, but when this happens during a Mercury retrograde period, often a solution becomes apparent also. This is actually an incredibly healing time for many people, as often with a little time, new perspectives are available and resolutions and compromises are far more appropriate at this time.  It's not just soul connections which are drawn back together at this time, but friendships which have become stagnant can be rejuvenated and only contacts may waltz back in to your life.

Dates to watch out for during this period:

1st November – this will feel like a some tension is released and that more is possible, despite the retrograde. Freedom will be within your grasp.

3rd November – healing is very possible and powerful on this day, spending some time with loved ones and connection emotionally can really help relationships become closer.

5th November – passions will run high and arguments and power play are likely. Be careful on the roads and try to avoid acting upon angry feelings, as accidents and incidents will be more prevalent.

8th and 9th November – very good days for creativity ideas and putting down roots. Whilst change is never favoured during a Mercury retrograde period, recognition and promotions are well favoured at this time, just try to wait until after 21st to implement new beginnings.

12th November – Full Moon at 19°Taurus, this will be good for domestic projects, any kind of DIY, gardening. Book a massage and have your favourite food, nourish yourself!

16th November – destiny is calling, expect to hear from people you haven't seen for a while, or to experience great synchronicity. Write down ideas you have for your future today and start the Law of Attraction process at the next new Moon (which will be on 26th November)

20th November – this will be a day of even more confusion and misunderstanding, try not to book any important meetings or event on this day. You would be better to go to a spa, or be around water and music than try to do anything productive or useful at this time.

Wishing you all a very insightful and uplifting November – and a happy Halloween!
Shalom and blessings~~~~~
WaxyJo ♥

Astrology and the pursuit of love

Deep down most of us are searching for love, even the most unromantic of us end up seeking a partner, somebody to share our lives with. On the spiritual side we are told that, 'love is all there is' and so perhaps seeking love is not what life is about at all?

Traditionally in the astrological chart; Venus is known as the love planet. Always denoted to represent how we experience and express loved, based on its position in our charts; the simplest way to look at our relationship potential and compatibility has always been to regard the position of Venus.

In the older astrological teachings from say the Victorian era and prior; Venus was the only planet associated with love and in those days before; Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Chiron etc. were known about it worked well. Life was more simple then, more about survival and intrinsically love had to be bound up with ones financial prospects and trust particularly for women who were less able to survive without a man unless independently wealthy.

It's interesting to observe how much things have changed over a couple of hundred years, and how, interestingly the discoveries of additional planets represent these changes.

Neptune was discovered in 1846 and has always been linked to photography, film, music and higher love. It's interesting to consider that it was during this period that the in the UK the Queen Victoria was seen to be in a highly romantic relationship with her husband and that this was the first time a monarch, or figure head was recognised to be focused on their love relationship also.

In fact is during this period that the first onslaught of paparazzi as we know it now, began to develop. The media was just beginning to become more visual and due to the industrial revolution newspapers could be printed daily and started to be concerned more with gossip and aspirational lifestyles. Victoria was one of the first fashion icons and was the forerunner of many trends we still follow now.

Neptune has never been linked to fashion as such, and the industrial revolution has always been more connected to Uranus, discovered 50 or so years earlier, but Neptune's capacity to dream, aspire and imagine ones ideals was intrinsically affected by the new media world of the mid-19th century.

We all know now that we can manifest our 'dreams' by using imagination, clear focus, imagery and then gratitude. This entire process is the realm of positive Neptune and is concerned with using the love that is all around us, as Universal power. Harnessing the beauty that exists to help co-ordinate our more ideal life paths.

As stated Neptune isn't so much concerned with the here and now; rather with what could and can. For the deep dark vibrant truths we tend to, as astrologers, look to Pluto.

If you would like to understand how to work with love in your relationship and access true love, then you can book a love reading from me via my etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Waxyjo 

Discovered in 1930 Pluto has been linked to splitting the atom and deep transformation. Interestingly, it was around this time that the analogue computer was invented, along with the jet engine and frozen food. All inventions that have gradually but completely altered the way we live in the modern world. Pluto has always been about great transformations; for better and for worse and the fact that without recognition of our deepest darkest truths we will only live in fear of them.

The discovery of Pluto is perfectly linked to the development of psychology, and studies of the subconscious, psyche and super-conscious becoming mainstream concepts which became integrated into teachings and therapies which are still used today.

The main precept of Pluto, or at least how best to deal with the dark fears that it can bring up for all of us, is to learn how to 'let go'. Most of us will be familiar with areas of our personalities which are controlling, and static. We all have a tendency, in the modern world, to become attached to people and things. Partly, because our basic needs are fulfilled and so the pursuit of happiness and contentment can become a more primary focus and also in part because we've mostly been encouraged to build our lives out of bricks; both physically and metaphorically.

The need to let go probably wasn't a necessity prior to 1930, in quite the way it is now. Certainly in the westernised class system with ultra traditional values, there weren't many options available. If one was wealthy then duties were clear, concise and unavoidable and if poor, then loss was so inevitable it had to be accepted as a part of normal life.

It's therefore interesting to consider how the Wall Street Crash had such an effect on the economy that the structures of the class system and concepts of who was rich and who was poor began to change forever and it all happened at around the same time that Pluto was discovered. In this case, “what goes down, must {eventually}go back up.”

To go back to the main preface of this article. What does any of this have to do with love?

Well, to consider that 'love is all there is', surely the only way to access true love is by letting go?

Pluto is very much involved in relationship astrology. As well as everything else it also represents sex, obsession, deep transformative connections and will also feature between the charts of soulmates.

Due to the deeply compulsive qualities of Pluto it can become all too easy to be addicted in a Plutonic relationship; when actually by learning to transmute jealousy into freedom, neediness into acceptance and sexual needs into tantra.

By allowing ourselves to be freed from shackles of all that Pluto uses to confine us, we can better experience the connection to all that is, and that which is true love.

And so what IS true love? Well of course it is about accepting the other and loving them unconditionally, but it's also about seeing them as they are, beyond ones needs. Again this comes back to learning to step into the depths of Pluto, in order to disregard the energies that hold us to all of the ego-based earth bound energies.

True love is freedom and faith; truth and forgiveness; kindness and giving. In order to access the higher more spiritual attributes of true love, one must then look to Chiron.

Chiron was discovered in 1977 around the same time the twin flame concept was beginning to surge in the modern world and it really does hold the key to understanding more about the twin flame connection….

More about that in another article.

If you would like to understand how to work with love in your relationship and access true love, then you can book a love reading from me via my etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Waxyjo

Shalom and blessings~~~~

Master of Illusion ~ the astrology of Johnny Depp ~ and being born in the 60s

I don’t tend to pay much attention to gossip, media or celebrity but this talk of Johnny Depp and how the public find it so difficult to believe he could have a violent temper is quite fascinating.

From an astrological point of view, I have no doubt whatsoever that he is not only explosive, but also has the capability to disengage from people completely at times. Since he has also admitted such, I don’t feel it is inappropriate to go into how this is backed up in his astrological chart.

I will begin by looking at the generational planets, which first illustrate an intensity commonplace to those born around during the 1960s. During this period Uranus and Pluto were transiting conjunct in Virgo, with this being exact on occasions between 1965 to 1967 and being within orb for most of the decade. As Uranus is the planet of revolution, humanitarian values and individuality and Pluto is about death, transformation and rebirth (like the phoenix from the ashes) these planets together create a potent combination.

Consider that during this period there were great changes in the western world, with the 1940s generations bringing forth the hippie movement with the backdrop of Uranus and Pluto demanding an ending from the old systems of values. These were the days when the term ‘teenager’ was derived and young adults demanded equality and freedom from the judgement of the past. Recreational drugs, the introduction of the pill and political activism all became game changers, as the Vietnam war began to create between the new wave of peace seekers.

This was an interesting time to be born and nothing which began during the mid-60s has ever reversed. Societal barriers had been broken forever, and popular culture was born.

A lot of these changes were initiated by the peace-loving, idealistic Neptune in Libra generation (born 1942 to 1957) whose peaceful focus continued through to the 1970s.

Johnny Depp was born back in 1963 when all these changes were beginning, along with technological advances symbolised by the meeting between Uranus and Pluto. Much of the generation with this conjunction in their natal chart have a need to make changes in the world around them on a regular basis. Just as the nature of this planetary combination brought societal changes, it has a similar type of effect in the personal charts of those born around this time.

For the most part this 60s generation are not peace-loving, easy going set of flower power kids that you’d hope (we had to wait for the Uranus in Libra generation to bring that back into the mainstream). No, this generation were angry, they didn’t want peace they wanted equality. This is the generation who invented punk, anti-establishment beliefs through aggression and were responsible for an increase in football violence. As they were coming to age, the post war financial boom was dissipated by a matching baby boom and conservatism and capitalism began to resurge in the UK. They had a reason to be angry and in the mid-70s when Saturn and Pluto squared up this reached boiling point.

There is also a desire for control and detailed analysis with this generation. This is the group that brought anorexia into the spotlight and when they came of age, made up a large portion of the forerunners of the internet. Their innovative talents brought us the modern world as we know it.

However, it is to be noted that those who were born with personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) next to the Uranus-Pluto conjunction, whilst often the ones who have attained more prominent careers, they also have control issues.

The spanner in the works is that Chiron was opposite this conjunct for most of the period also, along with Saturn, hence where the need for change and control becomes something far more emotionally wounding and complex. A lot of the emotional based diseases became more prevalent as a result of this very difficult configuration.

Looking now at Depp’s chart in more detail, we see that Chiron isn’t close enough to be a prominent feature in his chart. This is hardly surprising as Chiron does tend to dissipate self confidence when it features in a particularly conflicted position. Depp does however have Mars conjunct Uranus and Pluto and immediately we would expect to see the kind of self-expression that is unpredictable, erratic, powerful and very easily roused. Mars conjunct Uranus alone will show an individual who is drawn to the unusual, and likes to break from convention, rarely concerned with public opinion. Bring Pluto into this picture though, and we have a more destructive and aggressive potential. This person will not back down, relent, or see anything other than their needs and wants once opposed. It is a classic, out of control type of anger where they ‘see red’ and erupt like a volcano.

It’s very difficult to control this kind of anger and it can’t be easy to live with. In Depp’s chart the Mars-Uranus conjunction falling in the first house, ruled my Leo would imply that he rarely feels remorse. This is possibly why he hasn’t chosen to address, or soften this influence.

What fascinates me the most about all this though, is that the public apparently have such a difficulty in believing the reports. Whilst I’m not one to stay in touch with the media, I’m aware that those who read celebrity gossip are not usually those with the most discerning minds. In this case however, the majority have allegedly decided to reject these reports in favour of their own opinions (if only the masses were more inclined towards such choices!!).

This sway is of course shown in the astrological chart too though. Where in any person’s chart the MC and 10th House show the career, in the case of somebody who is well known this house becomes very important indeed. You can gauge ‘how the world sees somebody’ by the condition of the 10th House (the ruler, aspects to it, planets housed here etc.). So it is no surprise that Depp has a Mercury-Venus conjunction here, in the strong, reliable, predictable sign of Taurus no less.

No matter the circumstances, the public will see somebody who is eloquent and charismatic (Mercury-Venus), stable and grounded (Taurus MC) with a measure of self-control and conscientiousness (Saturn square Mercury-Venus from the 7th House) that simply cannot co-exist alongside a more complex, uncontrollable temper!

It fascinates me that an expectation of anybody could be one-dimensional. Surely we can all identify with having a number of contrary elements to our characters? Or perhaps not, perhaps one of the reasons depression and suppressive illnesses are so prevalent in this modern age is that people do try to fit themselves into a single behavioural expression.

What do you think?

New Moon at 21:44 at 10° Leo – What you resist persists

This new Moon, meeting up with the Sun in fiery Leo tilts the balance of planets into the fire signs. With the Moon making its impact; by joining up with the Sun, Venus continues her sojourn further into the sign at; 22° Leo. The timing of this new Moon, also coincides Mars’ recent return to Sagittarius – also on Tuesday 2nd August, after its long backwards dip into Scorpio. As mentioned in previous articles, Mars was retrograde from 18th April 2016 until 30th June 2016. It had reached 8° Sagittarius at the time of its retrograde and so will still be in the so called ‘shadow of the retrograde until it returns to that point on 22nd August. Still, with Mars back in Sagittarius, energies are higher and anything which has been moving slowly in your life over the last few months will start to gather momentum again.


Saturn is also in Sagittarius, interestingly sitting at 9° very close to the retrograde point for the whole of the month of August as it slows down, ready to turn to forward motion itself. If you have any planets around 8-9° Sagittarius, these are significantly highlighted, once again (just as they were in April). For those of you born around 30th November, that would be the position of your Sun at birth, so most likely this has been a very low energy year for you so far. Do look at what comes up in August in this case, you will learn far more from observing other areas of your life which come to the fore. There is no need to fight against what should be, if you’re tired then rest. Rather than be frustrated look at what IS working for you and embrace it.






In the new Moon chart Neptune sits angularly on the ascendant throwing quite a dampener on the usually energetic Sun-Moon conjunction in Leo. Confusion is the theme of this new Moon, this is not a time to begin something constructive or to make a wish. Neptune always brings a deeper, spiritual and emotional tint to whatever it connects. It is linked to confusion and deception, because we live in a world where facts and figures are valued more highly than creativity, but really Neptune is about all that is elevated and of a higher frequency.

There is a bit of a conflict of interest however, as the Sun-Moon in Leo fall in the detail oriented 6th House implying that facts and figures at this time may well be obfuscated and unavailable. As always, if flowing with the cycles choosing to allow a more creative approach to what is usually mundane will work incredibly well at this time.

I personally postponed the tidying and plant repotting that I need to do to coincide with the new moon and allow new energy to flow more freely around my space. Feng Shui is very important to procure new energy and allow change to occur, and this new Moon favours energetically enhancing ones’ personal space. Whilst many of the more constructive parts of our lives may not be easy to navigate at this time, there is a great deal of cleansing energy which can be worked with and utilized at this time.

A bit of a clean, a move around, to bring new kinds of energy into stagnant areas of your life will work well at this time. This isn’t a time for constructive thought and there won’t be a feeling of great action and celebration in the usual new Moon in Leo sense. Allow action to take place where it is needed, let go of anything which doesn’t seem to be flowing at this time and this can be a very positive new Moon.



August is quite a static month as we wait for Mars to reach as far in Sagittarius and Saturn sits tight awaiting Mars to surge past on 24th August. After which things will begin moving so quickly it will be a very exciting an eventful Autumn.

Enjoy the rest, don’t fight the forces of nature and this can be a tranquil, uplifting and inspiring new Moon time.

If you’d like to know about where 8° Sagittarius falls in your chart, or perhaps to have a personal prediction for this exciting Summer ahead, then do contact me at: waxlobster@hotmail.com

Blessings and joy to you all~~~~~

Full Moon at 29’32 Sagittarius ~Monday 20th June 2016 ~ setting standards

It’s always interesting to see a Full or a New Moon within the last degree of a sign. It means that it’s the second Full or New Moon in this sign in a month, which implies ‘unfinished business’ or a reiteration of a theme. In this case the ‘theme’ is Sagittarius; the sign of optimism, considered opinion, exploration, religion, higher education, cultural awareness and travel. This centaur is more interested in looking to the source of a subject, than transmitting information, it wants to know; why, how and where before considering a debate upon a topic.

When you consider the situation in the UK at present; the appopriacy of a second Full Moon in Sagittarius becomes apparent. Here we are at the pinnacle of a possibly portentous change that could affect the economy and fortunes of not only this generation but the next, and so many are willing to vote flippantly on the basis of visceral propaganda thrust so transparently by the media campaigns.

Welcome to the 21st century. For those who are reading this outside of Europe, I refer to the impending vote that UK citizens are about to make upon whether to remain a part of the EU or exit.




As the Full Moon in Sagittarius suggests; there is a strong emphasis upon cultural diversity, immigration laws and religious dogma in the political debate. Jupiter; the ruler of Sagittarius, sits on the Ascendant of this chart, further embellishing this superficial stance being used as a spurious sway tactic. Interestingly though, is the accompaniment of the North Node bringing destiny to the picture. Is it the destiny of the UK to make a flippant and unconsidered decision by appealing to the masses who are most easily influenced? Does Mercury (the thought planet), on the MC (the bigger picture) in Gemini (which rules the media) point to choices made on the basis of media?

I think it will be a close call, looking at the angles of this chart. I am glad to say that Saturn at the IC (the home and in this context – Country) with its restrictive and repressive conscientiousness, is forming a close opposition to Mercury in this chart. This restraint; I believe, will be just enough to release us from a rash decision which will leave the UK floating alone, with its nostalgic superiority complex stubbornly held onto as it sinks deeper into the future of the modern world.

No, it seems that by a small majority we will stay in position. Ridiculed by many, hostilely viewed by others, but intact – so to speak, for now.



So to look at the backdrop of this breakdown of civility in the land of the ‘stiff upper lip’ the whole scenario is represented by the ongoing Saturn-Neptune Square.

Of course everywhere is affected equally by this aspect, the outcomes and manifestations will vary greatly but the energy creates the feeling of a tousle between all that one values as safe, structured, reliable and orderly (Saturn) and that which is ephemeral, aspirational, creative and soulful (Neptune). These are probably the two least compatible planets as one stands for all that is tangible (Saturn) and that is (intangible) Neptune. They couldn't be more different, and when they form an aspect which creates tension we feel we are vacillating wildly between these two opposing concepts. All that we can usually control and predict (Saturn – Saturn, or Kronos also rules time) is suddenly unreliable; all that we are moved by and use for escapism (Neptune) is encumbered and blocked.

It's a complex and uncomfortable aspect for which the exact timings are; 26th November 2015 (at 7º Sagittarius and Pisces), 17th June 2016 (today – at 10º Sagittarius and Pisces) and finally on 10th September 2016 ( 12º Sagittarius and Pisces). Those of you born between 26th February and 3rd March or 27th November and 2nd December will feel this most strongly. Or if you have planets between these degrees being aspected, you will also be more affected than most.

Ultimately we can all feel the uncomfortable tension in the air however. Usually one would turn to optimistic and hedonistic Jupiter for respite and freedom but, as mentioned earlier; Jupiter is also in the fray and is blocked and confined by the conflicting energies of these two astrological heavyweights. There is no escape. We have to look at who we really are, and who we actually want to be at this time and decide whether we are working towards who we most choose to be, or not. This is a time of deep and often uncomfortable truths.

“It is during the worst times of your life that you will get to see the true colors of the people who say they care for you. “ - Ritu Ghatourey

What choices are you going to make?



As an addendum; may I also express my great sorrow for the shooting of Jo Cox yesterday; cruelly shot in a fit of insanity yesterday in broad daylight. She was clearly a loving, kind and forward thinking lady and I wish to send some reiki and love to her family at this terrible time.

*** For fellow astrologers – a really interesting note about the EU formation chart (25th March 1957, 18:30 Rome, Italy) and that of the referendum vote on 23rd June 2016 is; 1. The Moon is the same place; at 2° Aquarius, 2. Jupiter is coming up to its Virgo placement, 3. There is a Saturn return also! Also in the EU chart there is almost a star of David – missing a point only at 4° Sagittarius, which tells me this is a significant transit position and that Saturn transiting here for February to April and during November 2015 is intrinsic to this set up (since the announcement of the act and the ratification where in May 2015 and December 2015 respectively, this informs me the information release was delayed by a month on each occasion.)

If you are feeling the pressure at the moment and would like a consultation, or an email reading based upon your personal chart; please do contact me at: waxlobster@hotmail.com. Prices start from £25.

Love and peace to all ♥