Matthew Chapter 13, verses 24 through 32

This week our study group read and discussed Matthew, Chapter 13.  We decided to try to apply two concepts: the parable of the Tares among the Wheat in verse 24 and faith like the Mustard Seed in verse 31.The parable in verse 24 said to allow the tares or weeds to grow with the wheat until the harvest, to avoid pulling the wheat with the weeds. This could mean to allow the dissenters or trouble makers to work with the group instead of weeding them out because the good people could be weeded out, too. At the end of the project or situation, it would be obvious who is who and the good will be kept and the trouble makers let go.

Verse 31 says if our faith is like the mustard seed, the smallest seed that grows into a large bush or tree, we can grow spiritually.

To apply this, we thought that if we can recognize the dissenters or trouble makers, we need not weed them out; we can let them be. If we have faith only the size of the mustard seed, and give the solution to God, Jesus or whoever your Higher Power is, at the end of the situation, the good will prosper and the "weeds" bundled and discarded.

 The habit we are building is to put our faith or trust to our Higher Power.

 The chapter is interesting in that it says the harvest is  "at the end of the age," so it may take a long time.

Venus goes retrograde

Venus will be retrograde between October 8 and November 18.

Planets move forward, they cannot actually move backwards.  It is like two trains going in the same direction on side-by-side tracks.  When the faster train moves past the slower train, those sitting in the slower train feel like they are moving backwards, but they are not.  This is the analogy for retrograde planets, they only seem to be traveling backwards.  But.... they do go backwards in whatever sign they are going through.  When Mercury, Venus and Mars do this, they can wreak havoc in the areas of your life they rule.  They also repeat the situation when they go retrograde the next time.


Venus rules love & marriage, partnerships, money, harmony and diplomacy and the finer things in life.  When it goes retrograde, your money could slow down.  It is good to look ahead and be sure you have enough money to pay your basic expenses during the time Venus is retrograde.  There should be bargains in luxury goods.  If you have plenty of money coming in, there could be unexpected expenses forcing you to be at your basic financial level.  Getting married during a retrograde Venus is not a good idea because marriage is associated with Venus. Under a retrograde Venus, getting married indicates problems before you have a chance to establish the married relationship.  If you are in a relationship that is not compatible, the differences will arise, asking you to reevaluate the relationship and make adjustments or end it.  If you are a Taurus, expect money control issues, if you are a Libra, expect challenging relationships.  Relationship troubles are especially focused on the woman.  If you begin a new love relationship, something could be wrong with the woman’s reason for being with you, which will surface the next time Venus goes retrograde. 


With Venus retrograde in the sign of Scorpio, expect a focus on finances. The stock market could go in the opposite direction, the banks could lower fees and government could see a big shortfall in cash. 


Scorpio could experience a slow-down in your love life, which is out of your control because of your loved one's preoccupation with something else. Taurus could experience confrontation with your loved one over money. Cancer and Pisces could experience your loved one being less interested in love and more interested in money, but you can patiently help. Leo and Aquarius can be frustrated over money management and the preoccupation of your loved one. Capricorn and Virgo can help others understand that practical matters and patience will enhance your relationships at this time. Aries and Gemini can help others understand a situation with your creative ideas and diplomacy; but you are adjusting to or accommodating others, which is okay with you. Libra and Sagittarius are not as affected, but please save a month's expenses just in case.

Improve an undesirable trait

The week of August 16: We chose one characteristic or habit about ourselves that we wanted to change or improve. Then we chose the opposite good quality and wrote that down. Every morning we were to look at what we wrote down to anchor it in our minds for the day. During the week, we were to try to express the opposite of the trait we wanted to change.

Week of August 24 we discussed this.

One chose the habit of thinking and speaking criticism. She caught herself several times and substituted respect and praise. The result was a renewed appreciation for the good traits of the person or situation being criticized, including herself.

Another woman chose to be a good listener instead of trying to fix another's problem. It had been a habit of hers to fix things when her friend asked for advice. She said it was tricky because the other person was used to her fixing things for her. When this woman gently refused to fix it, her friend found a solution for herself that was good.

Mercury Retrograde

The planets only move forward, they cannot actually move backwards.  Several times a year, though, it appears like they do.  It is like two trains going in the same direction on side-by-side tracks.  When the faster train moves past the slower train, those sitting in the slower train feel like they are moving backwards, but they are not.  This is the analogy for retrograde planets, they only seem to be traveling backwards.  But.... they do go backwards in whatever sign they are going through.  When Mercury, Venus and Mars do this, they can wreak havoc in the areas of your life they rule.  They also repeat the situation when they go retrograde the next time.

    Mercury rules communications such as the phone, internet, newspapers, is associated with your siblings and written papers; especially legal papers.  When it goes retrograde it is not a good time to sign papers or make agreements.  The legal part of marriage is ruled by Mercury, so when it is retrograde it is possible the legal paperwork is not right.  Mercury rules electricity and electronic gadgets such as your computer, Ipod and cell phone, so when it goes retrograde these gadgets can malfunction, especially printers and be quite irritating.  If you must sign legal papers as part of your job, make sure you re-check them after Mercury goes direct.  If your car, printer or copier glitches, check the electronics first, it is most likely something simple but electrical.  It is not wise to purchase anything electrical during this time because something hidden is wrong and will surface when Mercury goes retrograde the next time. Check to some of the previous Mercury retrograde times to see what good happened, knowing this will repeat, too. If you are a Gemini or Virgo, expect troublesome communication misunderstandings and travel glitches.

Mercury went retrograde 20 August and goes direct or forward again on 12 September.

You may leave comments on things that happen when Mercury is retrograde. Your stories help others understand.