Mars Turns Direct in Taurus

Mars turns direct next week. If you've been feeling somewhat stalled or lethargic lately, this could provide the push to propel you forward and to begin to see results on any activities you've been working away at diligently over the past couple of months.

Mars turned retrograde at the beginning of October at 23 degrees Taurus. It is now stationing at eight degrees Taurus and will turn direct on Friday.

If you are an Aquarian born between January 27th and February 2nd, (or if you have personal planets at between eight and twelve degrees in the fixed signs (Aquarius, Taurus, Leo or Scorpio) this current Mars station in Taurus is impacting greatly on your birth chart and hence your life. Mars stationary direct, as it will be for the next couple of weeks, can provide you with a period of very concentrated energy.

Mars is not alone in its action now. It is completely tied in to a t-square with Jupiter and Saturn. Saturn is retrograding in Leo (at 11 degrees) and currently squaring Mars. Jupiter in Scorpio at 7 degrees is opposing Mars and squaring Saturn. These three planets will remain in this t-square relationship throughout December.

Any Aquarians with personal planets between eight and twelve degrees of Aquarius will now have the effect of 'a grand cross in fixed signs' in their charts. This is an extremely strong configuration and could create major breakthroughs in some aspect of your life. However if you are the type of person who is predisposed to anger, it could be an emotionally trying or accident-prone time for you. Even very peaceful Aquarians with planets in these degrees may find that people close to them (their 'projected selves') are more irritable or jumpy than usual.

For more on the current Mars transit through Taurus see the previous Mars post here.

Birthstones for January and February

According to the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers, the gemstones for people born in January and February are the garnet and amethyst gemstones.

The garnet gemstone is sometimes referred to as a 'stone of health'. It is supposed to aid in the circulation of energy. It is said to remove nightmares and depression and help heal various skin conditions. It is affiliated with the root chakra and is said to help stimulate the pituitary gland.

And what about the February birthstone; the amethyst? According to the writers at Wikipedia amethyst is no less than 'a symbol of heavenly understanding, and of the pioneer in thought and action on the philosophical, religious, spiritual and material planes'.

Wikipedia has much more to say about the amethyst birthstone:

Tradition maintains that amethyst assists those who wear it in maintaining their faithfulness, causing peace and calmness of mind. It was often carried by soldiers on the shafts of spears and on swords as a charm against death, being thought to bring calmness and victory in battle. However it is also thought that the protection and long life that amethyst owner has is being drawn from people nearby/enemies killed, thus stealing other's lifeforce in return of prolonging theirs. It is useful for the revelation of prophetic truth. It is said to strengthen wisdom, faith and religion, and is an aid in prayer and in dreaming. It is also said to be a charm against witchcraft, poison (it warns of the presence of poison by dimming), and evil thoughts; it is an aid to chastity, a power against all forms of overindulgence, and a strengthener of the mind. It is used as a charm for securing the favor of people of wealth, influence and power, people with prophetic ability, poets, travelers, publishers, and others. Ranking members of the Catholic Church traditionally wear rings set with a large amethyst as part of their office.

Bound to the left wrist, the amethyst is said to enable the wearer to see the future in dreams. It represses evil thoughts and actions, gives a keen business sense, and warns of ill health. The amethyst attracts love and good luck, and helps to prevent drunkenness.

Geez, with credentials like this, I better run out and get myself an amethyst ;-)

Just kidding but if you are interested in seeing the best birthstone jewelry on Amazon, check out their amethyst collectionand their garnet jewelry collection.