Business Astrology 101
Apply these simple principles yourself. Consult your astrologer for more complex strategies.
Principle #1: Mercury Retrograde.
Starting your own business? Astrology can make the critical difference between one that starts off with momentum and one that limps along. There are clearly auspicious astrological times and difficult challenging ones. Knowing when to begin gives you your best chance of success.
For instance, you need to know about Mercury retrograde periods. Three times a year for a period of three weeks the planet Mercury appears to be moving backwards against the backdrop of the zodiac. In 2013-14 these times are: October 21-November 11, 2013; February 7-March 11, 2014; June 7-July 2, 2014.
Succinctly, Mercury is associated with communications (marketing, branding and PR), negotiations, contracts, trading, commerce, products and sales. When Mercury is retrograde there is a much higher chance of wasted efforts, misinterpretations, and very slow forward progress.
For example, in my hometown of Chicago, I notice "Grand Opening" announcements (signs or print advertising) especially for restaurants. Then I pay attention to how long they last. More restaurants that open Under Mercury retrograde, closed within a year. Those that survived likely had capital reserves that allowed them to hold out.
Mercury Retrograde is the first astrological cycle I teach to my business clients. When they pay attention, most learn to see this pattern operating in their lives within two Mercury retrograde cycles. Here are some common examples -- marketing campaigns launched then are a waste of money--embarrassing typos in print materials occur, or meetings with the decision-maker are delayed or canceled, or they just say, "No." Why doom yourself to more hard work or disappointment than necessary.
For more, see my Mercury Retrograde article. There you will find all of the Mercury retrograde periods through 2015. Mark them on your calendar to keep you aware. This is the first astrological principle you should know for giving you the best chance to launch a successful business.
Also, look here for a truly funny Mercury Retrograde story: Read about my friend Pat's dinner party in Greece, and its hilarious outcome.
Principle #2: Using New Moons
Clearly there are auspicious times and perfectly horrible times to start your business. Learning to recognize the two phases of the Moon's monthly cycle, will give you an advantage when it comes to beginning any new business initiative--a successful launch, marketing campaign or new product introduction as examples.
Simply watch the moon. Approximately every 28 days, the moon moves through two phases--for two weeks it appears to be waxing (growing), then for two weeks it appears to be waning (shrinking). If you pay attention you will find the moon is a reliable indicator of either the growth or the difficulties you encounter in the developments of your professional life or in the life of your company. While the moon is waxing, it is a time of activation, while waning it is a time of retraction.
It will prove best to start your business, or any initiative you need to make to advance your business, just after any New Moon. Imagine as you watch the moon grow, you can see your business grow as well. As the moon wanes take stock of your progress, make adjustments, rest up to take up initiatives again with the next new moon.
The evidence? We know that the moon influences the tides of all of the water on earth. We ourselves are composed of water--85% of our brain, 80% of our blood and 70% of our muscle is water. (Link: essortment.com). Water moves in a wave action. The rhythm of the tides in the oceans is exactly like your breathing. Tide in. Tide out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Your business has a similar cycle whether you recognize it or not.
Successful gardeners and farmers have learned that crops (plants and trees) respond to moon phases. Planetary planting guides first appeared in 1457 in Germany. In the US Benjamin Franklin wrote Poor Richard's Almanac from 1732-1758 under the pseudonym Richard Saunders. Yes, Benjamin Franklin was an astrologer!
Here is what Ben Franklin learned, and you can too.
Below are the New Moons for 2013-14 and the best times to launch initiatives:
· August 6, 2013 (in the sign of Leo)
· September 5 (in the sign of Virgo)
· October 5 (in the sign of Libra)
· November 3 (in the sign of Scorpio)
· December 3 (in the sign of Sagittarius)
· January 1, 2014 (in the sign of Gemini)
· January 30 (in the sign of Aquarius)
· March 1 (in the sign of Pisces)
· March 30 (in the sign of Aries)
· April 29 (in the sign of Taurus)
· May 28 (in the sign of Gemini)
· June 27 (in the sign of Cancer)
· July 26 (in the sign of Leo)
Pay attention to these times! Within a few months of observing you will find that your efforts pay off more easily, that you experience less obstacles in your forward momentum and therefore you will learn to use the moon cycles to help you with your strategic planning. Let me know what you discover. In further blog entries I will provide case studies and stories from my current business clients and the kinds of successes they have experienced using the New Moon principle.
Principle #3: Great Beginnings Through the Elements
Now that you know your New Moon Dates, the best twelve two-week periods of 2013-14 launching initiatives, let's be more specific so that your efforts are most rewarded.
Each New Moon appears in one of the four elements. For instance, on August 6, 2013, the Sun and Moon conjoined in Leo, a fire sign. Next, the New Moon on September 5 appears in the sign of Virgo, an earth sign. Then on October 5 in an air sign, Libra and November 3 in water sign, Scorpio. The sequence of Fire, Earth, Air and Water starts over again with a New Moon in Fire (Sagittarius), then Earth (Capricorn), Air (Aquarius) and Water (Pisces), and so forth.
So during any one-year period you will have three two-week periods, each dominated by one of the four elements. (Credit for the theory of the four elements or goes to Physician/Philosopher Empedocles in his treatise, "On Nature.") The influence of the elements is well established in Astrology.
How can we apply this knowledge to successful business strategy? As follows:
When the New Moon appears a Fire sign, and the two week period that follow each date is the best time of the year to initiate any sort of action. Focus on the "spiritual health" of your business. Look ahead to your future goals and vision, re-evaluate your mission statement, catalyze enthusiasm--especially with your sales force--deal with leadership matters, introduce new products or services, travel to see clients face to face, schedule on-line conference calls, especially if you have to "rally your troops."
When the New Moon appears in an Earth sign, the two week period that follows each date is the best time of the year to manifest and concretize planned actions. Focus on the physical health of your business--accounting, organizational structure and process, in-house efficiency, investments, health care issues, existing products and services, project schedules, manufacturing changes of processes, operations management (systems, equipment, etc.), purchasing products, materials or services, buying or selling real estate, signing agreements about brick and mortar offices or store-fronts, maintain or repair of facilities, product delivery, shipping services and scheduling contractors.
When the New Moon appears in an Air sign, the two week period that follows each date is the best time of the year to communicate and inspire. Focus on the mental health of your business--administrative (emails, scheduling events especially on line conferences), team building, group brainstorming, promotional activities (hold public events, participate in trade shows), advertising strategies, building alliances, computer purchases, (hardware or software), electronic maintenance, launch your new website, social networking, public relations, writing, speaking, or training, legal matters, negotiations and contracts, marketing strategies, print collaterals and publishing.
When the New Moon appears in a Water sign, the two week period that follow each date, is the best times of the year to heal and regroup. Focus on the emotional health of your business--human resources, hiring, firing, issues of power dynamics. Suggestion: Draw a staff power diagram: 1). Who has power in title? 2) Who has power in actuality? Unload the "dead weight," or anyone who exhibits childish, selfish or manipulative behavior. You want a team of adults working toward the same goal, with the aid of creative arts (web designing, graphic arts, photo shoots), team retreats, group coaching, process work or training, cultural sensitivity training. Address issues of bullying, discrimination, or any unhealthy or dysfunctional group dynamics. Take leaves of absence, sabbaticals, long weekends and initiate flextime.
To conclude: In my practice, these guidelines have shown their power to promote business success. Try them on your own. However, at this level of complexity and beyond, the better option for some is to schedule a business consultation with me in which we examine the upcoming astrological cycles in your own chart as well as that of your business. Your business has a birth chart just like you. These dates are important: when the state legally recognized your enterprise, when you opened the door for customers, even when you first were inspired by the idea. The latter is especially recommended for a business that has your own name on the marquee. Your own chart's transits will have a greater effect than that of your business. See "Premium Services," on my site, for further details. Or Contact me for details or an appointment.
With the stars as your guide, your Enterprise, too, may "live long and prosper."
Apply these simple principles yourself. Consult your astrologer for more complex strategies.
Principle #1: Mercury Retrograde.
Starting your own business? Astrology can make the critical difference between one that starts off with momentum and one that limps along. There are clearly auspicious astrological times and difficult challenging ones. Knowing when to begin gives you your best chance of success.
For instance, you need to know about Mercury retrograde periods. Three times a year for a period of three weeks the planet Mercury appears to be moving backwards against the backdrop of the zodiac. In 2013-14 these times are: October 21-November 11, 2013; February 7-March 11, 2014; June 7-July 2, 2014.
Succinctly, Mercury is associated with communications (marketing, branding and PR), negotiations, contracts, trading, commerce, products and sales. When Mercury is retrograde there is a much higher chance of wasted efforts, misinterpretations, and very slow forward progress.
For example, in my hometown of Chicago, I notice "Grand Opening" announcements (signs or print advertising) especially for restaurants. Then I pay attention to how long they last. More restaurants that open Under Mercury retrograde, closed within a year. Those that survived likely had capital reserves that allowed them to hold out.
Mercury Retrograde is the first astrological cycle I teach to my business clients. When they pay attention, most learn to see this pattern operating in their lives within two Mercury retrograde cycles. Here are some common examples -- marketing campaigns launched then are a waste of money--embarrassing typos in print materials occur, or meetings with the decision-maker are delayed or canceled, or they just say, "No." Why doom yourself to more hard work or disappointment than necessary.
For more, see my Mercury Retrograde article. There you will find all of the Mercury retrograde periods through 2015. Mark them on your calendar to keep you aware. This is the first astrological principle you should know for giving you the best chance to launch a successful business.
Also, look here for a truly funny Mercury Retrograde story: Read about my friend Pat's dinner party in Greece, and its hilarious outcome.
Principle #2: Using New Moons
Clearly there are auspicious times and perfectly horrible times to start your business. Learning to recognize the two phases of the Moon's monthly cycle, will give you an advantage when it comes to beginning any new business initiative--a successful launch, marketing campaign or new product introduction as examples.
Simply watch the moon. Approximately every 28 days, the moon moves through two phases--for two weeks it appears to be waxing (growing), then for two weeks it appears to be waning (shrinking). If you pay attention you will find the moon is a reliable indicator of either the growth or the difficulties you encounter in the developments of your professional life or in the life of your company. While the moon is waxing, it is a time of activation, while waning it is a time of retraction.
It will prove best to start your business, or any initiative you need to make to advance your business, just after any New Moon. Imagine as you watch the moon grow, you can see your business grow as well. As the moon wanes take stock of your progress, make adjustments, rest up to take up initiatives again with the next new moon.
The evidence? We know that the moon influences the tides of all of the water on earth. We ourselves are composed of water--85% of our brain, 80% of our blood and 70% of our muscle is water. (Link: essortment.com). Water moves in a wave action. The rhythm of the tides in the oceans is exactly like your breathing. Tide in. Tide out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Your business has a similar cycle whether you recognize it or not.
Successful gardeners and farmers have learned that crops (plants and trees) respond to moon phases. Planetary planting guides first appeared in 1457 in Germany. In the US Benjamin Franklin wrote Poor Richard's Almanac from 1732-1758 under the pseudonym Richard Saunders. Yes, Benjamin Franklin was an astrologer!
Here is what Ben Franklin learned, and you can too.
Below are the New Moons for 2013-14 and the best times to launch initiatives:
· August 6, 2013 (in the sign of Leo)
· September 5 (in the sign of Virgo)
· October 5 (in the sign of Libra)
· November 3 (in the sign of Scorpio)
· December 3 (in the sign of Sagittarius)
· January 1, 2014 (in the sign of Gemini)
· January 30 (in the sign of Aquarius)
· March 1 (in the sign of Pisces)
· March 30 (in the sign of Aries)
· April 29 (in the sign of Taurus)
· May 28 (in the sign of Gemini)
· June 27 (in the sign of Cancer)
· July 26 (in the sign of Leo)
Pay attention to these times! Within a few months of observing you will find that your efforts pay off more easily, that you experience less obstacles in your forward momentum and therefore you will learn to use the moon cycles to help you with your strategic planning. Let me know what you discover. In further blog entries I will provide case studies and stories from my current business clients and the kinds of successes they have experienced using the New Moon principle.
Principle #3: Great Beginnings Through the Elements
Now that you know your New Moon Dates, the best twelve two-week periods of 2013-14 launching initiatives, let's be more specific so that your efforts are most rewarded.
Each New Moon appears in one of the four elements. For instance, on August 6, 2013, the Sun and Moon conjoined in Leo, a fire sign. Next, the New Moon on September 5 appears in the sign of Virgo, an earth sign. Then on October 5 in an air sign, Libra and November 3 in water sign, Scorpio. The sequence of Fire, Earth, Air and Water starts over again with a New Moon in Fire (Sagittarius), then Earth (Capricorn), Air (Aquarius) and Water (Pisces), and so forth.
So during any one-year period you will have three two-week periods, each dominated by one of the four elements. (Credit for the theory of the four elements or goes to Physician/Philosopher Empedocles in his treatise, "On Nature.") The influence of the elements is well established in Astrology.
How can we apply this knowledge to successful business strategy? As follows:
When the New Moon appears a Fire sign, and the two week period that follow each date is the best time of the year to initiate any sort of action. Focus on the "spiritual health" of your business. Look ahead to your future goals and vision, re-evaluate your mission statement, catalyze enthusiasm--especially with your sales force--deal with leadership matters, introduce new products or services, travel to see clients face to face, schedule on-line conference calls, especially if you have to "rally your troops."
When the New Moon appears in an Earth sign, the two week period that follows each date is the best time of the year to manifest and concretize planned actions. Focus on the physical health of your business--accounting, organizational structure and process, in-house efficiency, investments, health care issues, existing products and services, project schedules, manufacturing changes of processes, operations management (systems, equipment, etc.), purchasing products, materials or services, buying or selling real estate, signing agreements about brick and mortar offices or store-fronts, maintain or repair of facilities, product delivery, shipping services and scheduling contractors.
When the New Moon appears in an Air sign, the two week period that follows each date is the best time of the year to communicate and inspire. Focus on the mental health of your business--administrative (emails, scheduling events especially on line conferences), team building, group brainstorming, promotional activities (hold public events, participate in trade shows), advertising strategies, building alliances, computer purchases, (hardware or software), electronic maintenance, launch your new website, social networking, public relations, writing, speaking, or training, legal matters, negotiations and contracts, marketing strategies, print collaterals and publishing.
When the New Moon appears in a Water sign, the two week period that follow each date, is the best times of the year to heal and regroup. Focus on the emotional health of your business--human resources, hiring, firing, issues of power dynamics. Suggestion: Draw a staff power diagram: 1). Who has power in title? 2) Who has power in actuality? Unload the "dead weight," or anyone who exhibits childish, selfish or manipulative behavior. You want a team of adults working toward the same goal, with the aid of creative arts (web designing, graphic arts, photo shoots), team retreats, group coaching, process work or training, cultural sensitivity training. Address issues of bullying, discrimination, or any unhealthy or dysfunctional group dynamics. Take leaves of absence, sabbaticals, long weekends and initiate flextime.
To conclude: In my practice, these guidelines have shown their power to promote business success. Try them on your own. However, at this level of complexity and beyond, the better option for some is to schedule a business consultation with me in which we examine the upcoming astrological cycles in your own chart as well as that of your business. Your business has a birth chart just like you. These dates are important: when the state legally recognized your enterprise, when you opened the door for customers, even when you first were inspired by the idea. The latter is especially recommended for a business that has your own name on the marquee. Your own chart's transits will have a greater effect than that of your business. See "Premium Services," on my site, for further details. Or Contact me for details or an appointment.
With the stars as your guide, your Enterprise, too, may "live long and prosper."
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