Throughout the ages, people have studied and systematized information about the positions of planets and constellations, and their influence on humans and Earth. Ancient civilizations believed that the world was in constant cyclical motion, that earthly life was connected to the laws of the universe, and that the cosmic struggles of good and evil were reflected in earthly existence. Today, astrology serves as the key to understanding oneself, attaining inner harmony, and comprehending the correctness of life goals. Irina Nizhnik, the Celestial Navigator of Life, astrologer, and famous blogger, shares insights on whether the dreaded retrograde Mercury is truly as ominous and how to properly make wishes for them to come true!
Share your journey. How did you discover your calling?
I’ve been professionally involved in astrology for over four years now. But it wasn’t me who chose astrology; it chose me. From my early childhood, I was always curious about the moon’s current phase and when the full moon would occur. I tracked it since childhood, always understanding that the moon has an impact on us and that celestial bodies hold power.
As I grew older, my fascination with astrology only deepened. However, I had to take a break for a while. I met my husband, we got married, I gave birth to two daughters, and I didn’t focus on my development in this direction for a period. Then, one of the most challenging situations in my life unfolded. I was diagnosed with a severe illness, and our family faced a significant financial crisis. My husband had to leave us with the children and work abroad well before the war.
Amidst these challenges, true awakenings began for me. I would wake up in the middle of the night as if someone was calling me, hearing a clear phrase: “Go into astrology! Into astrology.” I couldn’t understand what it meant. Even on my old phone, which was five years old, I saved texts about these awakenings in the notes. Then, I started practicing my skills with friends, eventually finding my way into astrology.
I increased in this direction. People recommended me to each other, and word of mouth worked well. One client would come to me, bringing 5-10 different clients.
Currently, as I engage in astrology, I also teach. I have my own course, and I’ve graduated nearly 200 students. I create various projects and marathons. In 2023 alone, almost 11,000 people participated in my marathons. I talk about the power of energy, how planets influence us, and how the entire structure works. I teach people to feel themselves, to sense energies, and to align their lives in the best way possible.
Is it possible for every twelfth person on Earth to share the same fate based on their zodiac sign daily?
The zodiac sign is determined by the position of the Sun at the time of our birth. In the language of astrology, the most significant influences on a person come from the planets and their energy. Only after considering the planet’s position do we consider the zodiac sign.
However, placing too much emphasis on the Sun is a common practice. The horoscopes we see in the media often have very generalized meanings. This is because there is also the significance of the ascendant, which forms our personal portrait. It’s essential to consider both of these indicators. But, of course, a genuine horoscope can only be created on an individual basis.
Horoscopes are highly popular among Zoomers and Millennials. How can this be explained from an astrological perspective?
It’s a current trend, but my philosophy of astrology revolves around the need for comprehensive analyses, not superficial horoscopes. The work should be individual. From an astrological standpoint, the surge in popularity can be attributed to certain planets entering specific phases, indicating a profound esoteric resurgence and awakening. People are turning back to these mystical insights to enhance their lives. Horoscopes are highly popular across all generations.
You’ve mentioned both the sun sign and the ascendant sign. What’s the difference between them, and is the ascendant sign important?
The ascendant sign indicates how we are perceived in terms of our personality portrait. For instance, someone with a Virgo sun sign might be reserved, serious, and orderly. However, they could live comfortably in chaos, and their demeanor might be explosive and emotional, bearing no resemblance to a typical Virgo. The key is that this person may have an Aries ascendant, making them passionate, fiery, and energetic.
Society tends to read a person more by the qualities the ascendant provides. Knowing this sign is crucial, and it can be used to one’s advantage in life. Both signs are important.
There are numerous memes on the internet about Mercury retrograde. Is the retrograde motion of this planet truly as perilous as depicted? Does it affect everyone the same way, or are there exceptions?
Mercury retrograde is often blamed for all of humanity’s problems. The planet’s retrograde motion is a bit of a misnomer because planets generally move in one direction—they can’t go backward. However, the planet significantly slows down its movement during a retrograde period. During this time, the energy of Mercury may cause technological glitches and errors in analysis and have a less-than-positive impact on people’s energies.
But it’s only sometimes the case. Some individuals have Mercury retrograde in their natal charts from birth, which may not affect them. In fact, these individuals might even gain more from life than during its direct position.
The influence of Mercury exists, but it varies significantly on an individual level. I understand how it works, so I only take the positive aspects from the planets, emphasizing the bonuses and always explaining how to navigate them. Someone who could focus more on Mercury being a troublemaker may find those moments more challenging. What we believe in has a powerful impact.
Why is the date of birth so important? How can planets influence a person’s destiny? Or do we ultimately choose our own fate?
Not just the date but also the time and place of birth are crucial in astrology. Astrology is a tool. Each soul coming into this incarnation chooses to live life on Earth, pre-selecting various transformative periods. It picks karmic partners, people, society, and relatives. Some of these choices will help navigate through challenging periods, while others will add experience as the soul evolves through experience. Therefore, the date, place, and time are chosen in advance, containing a unique code. Astrology helps decode it and guides where and in which direction one should move.
In essence, everything revolves around energies. When people choose the wrong path, they start moving against their energies. Planets assist if you know how to use them to your advantage. So, a lot of information about your life is hidden in the date of birth.
Visiting an astrologer should be a conscious decision. The information an astrologer reads is only sometimes sweet. It could involve details about significant changes or specific actions. Unfortunately, people often seek a magical solution that solves all problems, but such a thing doesn’t exist. To improve life, a lot of effort needs to be made.
There’s a lot of talk these days about the importance of being in a good mood, maintaining a positive and friendly mindset, and tuning into positive vibrations. Do these practices genuinely help attract happiness and wealth into one’s life?
We are in a highly transformative period that has been ongoing for four years and will last until 2027. Right now, we are laying the foundation for our lives. It’s not about waiting for miracles or hoping that something magical will happen because we are the creators of our reality.
Imagine being given empty, huge crates. Everything we put into them is what we’ll use and live off. Every emotion, action, and thought has a specific vibration. This vibration either improves us or plunges us into even deeper depression. A person living in a good mood, with good intentions, in gratitude stores everything they will use in the crate for the next 20 years. Positive emotions significantly enhance our well-being. Of course, a person who puts positivity in will receive the maximum from life. They will feel great, and life can undergo substantial positive changes.
Conversely, a person living in negativity will continue to benefit from that. It’s a closed loop that’s challenging to break free from. Being positive and grateful is crucial.
How do you make wishes correctly so that they come true?
The topic of making wishes is very delicate because the energies influencing our planet are not overly optimistic when it comes to wish-making. Unfortunately, nowadays, for the sake of hype, various experts on TikTok and Instagram have started recommending making wishes on supposedly magical dates. However, things often turn out differently than expected. Let me explain why. There are four eclipses yearly—two in spring and two in autumn. Between them are corridors of eclipses that gain strength three weeks before and affect us three weeks after. In total, four months are involved. It’s crucial to understand when an eclipse occurs, it’s the influence of dark negative energy on our Earth. When we make wishes during this time, it’s not the benevolent forces that hear them but the dark ones. What happens during such times? For example, someone wishes to lose weight, and they do, but due to a severe illness. Or if a person wishes for a car, they may get it but won’t find happiness in that purchase. Perhaps a relative will pass away, and the vehicle will be inherited.
I had a case where a client, influenced by TikTok experts, made a wish during an eclipse, saying, “I don’t want to live in this house.” The formulation is destructive because, in essence, she just wanted to move to better conditions. What happened was her husband kicked her out. Technically, the wish came true, but at what cost?
There are few periods in the year suitable for making wishes, and each has specific recommendations. I always provide guidance on when and how to do it. For instance, I conduct various webinars and projects at the end of January because it’s a fantastic time for wish-making. My clients and subscribers know that when the date is precisely chosen, these wishes manifest powerfully and harmoniously.
What should we expect in 2024?
Without intending to instill fear, energetically, 2024 is karmic. However, there is no need to be afraid. Karma is experience. Karma is what we must go through for something. The best thing we can do to grow our potential and develop our soul is to learn a lot, listen to ourselves, and learn to manage energy. Become the creator of our life.
This year, one cannot simply go with the flow. It’s time to be responsible and to live by our own rules. People will experience things they might not have even dreamt of. A period of awakening has come. It is crucial to finally be oneself; it will work well. People shouldn’t close their eyes to their desires. Doing so lays the foundation for energies that will sustain you for the next 15-20 years. Therefore, 2024 should be a year of gratitude. Learn to be thankful for everything you have, starting with simple things. Be grateful for what you see and breathe and for having hands and legs. Be grateful for absolutely everything. Take care of yourself and be thankful even to those who brought a lot of pain as we grow and become individuals through pain.