Full Moon in Pisces - Within Everything, There is Nothing

The Full Moon invites us to embrace the balancing of opposites. This evening at 9:32pm PST the Sun in Virgo opposes the Moon moon in Pisces at the 21st degree. The energy of Virgo has been building for the last few weeks with the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all traveling together.

Virgo is Earth- it is focused, precise and detail-oriented. Pisces is water- it is romantic, creative, and non-linear. Virgo and Pisces are both symbols of change and renewal- Virgo is the time between summer and autumn, and Pisces is the time between winter and spring. Virgo and Pisces hold the wisdom of the seasons: of life, death, and rebirth. This process of transformation is deeply healing.

Virgo heals our physical and mental bodies- connecting us to our health, our environment, and our state of mind. Pisces heals the spirit- allowing us to open our hearts to forgiveness, compassion, and empathy.

The end of a cycle marks the time of release. As we courageously let go of our desire to control, we open ourselves to infinite possibilities. Virgo and Pisces remind us that everything is temporary.

Everything as we know it in form will end. Everything will transform. Everything will begin again.

Embracing the spiritual truth of impermanence gives us the ability to be present in both love and suffering. This Full Moon is an opportunity to ask yourself what needs healing- to show up whole-heartedly for the pain that surfaces, without succumbing to a tendency to escape.

This is a moment to stay with our feelings, to remember that they will pass, and to connect with that which is sacred to us.

What is Mercury retrograde?

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, taking about 88 days to complete its orbit. About 3 times a year, Mercury turns retrograde, or appears to move backwards from our vantage point on Earth. Mercury is not actually moving backwards, but it is the apparent movement we observe against the backdrop of fixed stars that creates this visual illusion.

Mercury rules things that move quickly- technology, travel, and communication. Mercury is also a symbol of the mind. As this fast-moving planet slows down and appears to move backwards, it is a time to reprocess and review the emotional content and landscape of the last few weeks. Repeating, reassessing, reevaluating, redoing…are all things that may surface during any Mercury retrograde.

From July 7 to 31, Mercury will appear to move from 4º28’ Leo to 23º57’ Cancer. During this part of Mercury’s orbit, it will be at its closest to Earth until the next retrograde cycle in October. When a planet moves closer to Earth, and therefore farther away from the sun, its energy can become louder and more intense.

Mercury in the signs:

Mercury will be retracing its steps in the signs of Leo and Cancer. Mercury in Leo is charismatic, charming and performative. In Leo, Mercury expresses itself creatively, passionately and courageously. Mercury in Cancer is reserved, intuitive, and cautious. In Cancer, Mercury is sensitive, emotionally intelligent, and expresses itself subjectively.

Mercury’s journey in the sky:

Mercury will appear to stop at 4º28’ Leo this Sunday, July 7. It will move backwards through the first degrees of Leo until it reaches Cancer on July 19. From July 19 through 31, Mercury will back up all the way to 23º57’ Cancer, where it will then begin to move forward again. It isn’t until August 14 that Mercury returns to 4º28’ Leo- where it is stationing to go retrograde in 2 days.

What does this mean?

Anytime a planet turns retrograde, its energy moves inward. As a symbol of the mind, when Mercury turns retrograde, so do our mental processes. This is not a time to fear, but instead a time to practice patience, awareness and intention. To remember that not taking action is a form of action. To remember that our reality is based on our limited and biased perception. And to remember that we can only control our attitude and response to others.

We are in between eclipses, and as the energy builds to the total lunar eclipse taking place on July 16, give yourself permission to slow down, and practice radical self-love!