The grade of Mercury and Saturn Noble Duty and Practical Skill
Bouguereau, "Rest in Harvest"
The first task Psyche is asked to perform is to sort out a massive heap of grains and seeds and beans into individual piles. Psyche is stunned by this monstrous command, but before she can get too depressed, a small army of ants arrives to assist her. The ants in this story are the embodiment of the planet Mercury. Mercury in astrology represents one’s intellect, communication style, and potential for detailed work and analysis. Where Mercury is placed in your chart can tell you where you need to get clear and focused, and what factors influence your decision-making. Mercury is an appropriate place to start any initiatory journey, because before any Great Work can be accomplished, you’ll need to get organized and have a plan.
Bouguereau, "Priestess"
This first grade of the journey is also the grade of Saturn, because Saturn rules over all endeavors which are long, arduous, and sustained. After Psyche’s pleas for help are rejected by Ceres and Juno, she asks herself, “What shelter is there, what dark hiding-place, where I can escape the unavoidable eyes of great Venus? No, this is the end: I must summon up a man’s spirit, boldly renounce my empty remnants of hope, give myself up to my mistress of my own free will, and appease her violence by submission, late though it will be.” Even though her words are grim, we can hear the resolve in Psyche’s promise to herself. She has vowed to get serious and endure suffering and privation for the all-important goal of being reunited with her husband. Saturn represents those life-goals which are worthy of our best efforts; we usually resist Saturn’s dubious gifts because they require so much of our blood, sweat, and tears, but they also yield the highest reward.
The individual grade of Mercury and Saturn is recommended for clients whose lives are in chaos and disarray, and for those who are stuck in indecision and confusion. Anyone who is overwhelmed and at the beginning of a large, long-range project could also benefit from a reading of this grade in his/her natal chart. The grade of Mercury and Saturn details how your style of decision-making and organization (Mercury) can work in harmony with your personal dharma, or capacity to produce a Great Work (Saturn).
$60 for the individual grade, or $275 for the complete series of all five grades