The sky is super busy this week as the stars and planets array themselves in dynamic patterns, patterns that are reflected through the goings-on of daily life here on Earth. Don’t be surprised if there’s just a little too much to handle but more than enough enthusiasm to make the overload work. Also be prepared for the erratic time signatures of Uranus Retrograde to continue till the end of the week, as we also adjust to Saturn starting its slowdown in anticipation of going Direct on August 13. Expect the days and nights to unfold to a disconcerting rhythm—during the day, you’re riding high, fast, and easy, but at night you’re dipping down into a peculiar lethargy that seems hard to escape. Or just the opposite—no energy during the day, and all night long you’re breaking the sound barrier.
But that’s not all: Mars just moved back into Sagittarius on August 2, putting the emphasis back on the Fire Element and stirring passionate responses to just about everything. But there’s a glitch to that passion: As Mars moves deeply into Sagittarius, it also draws closer to Saturn, a combination of planetary energies that translates into an increasingly judgmental atmosphere. Be careful as pointing fingers dominate the airwaves—don’t indulge the desire to blame, and if someone starts blaming you, take a deep breath and wait until September to respond. I know—that seems like a long time, but this Mars/Saturn conjunction is exact and separating on August 24 and its pernicious influence won’t be behind us until September 3.
And there’s more: Over this week and the next several weeks it’s probable that situations seemingly under control go will go out of control, especially as emotions, long held under wraps, consciously or unconsciously, suppressed, repressed or denied, erupt on the surface of daily life demanding attention and in certain cases resolution. The secret to handling these eruptions is to realize that expressed feelings often change when they are finally spoken. Be prepared to speak your truth, but also be prepared to listen closely as others speak theirs.
Expect these conversations to be punctuated with declarations of personal independence, especially as we move into a Sun/Uranus trine, which begins on August 9 and is in effect until August 24. Sun/Uranus contacts are all about being liberated from shackles that inhibit free expression, whether those shackles are physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. Notice where you are bound to behavior that no longer serves or where you expect others to stay enslaved or refrain from rocking the status-quo.
Uranus is currently in Aires, Sign of the individualist and individualism. It began its entry into Aries in May 2010, retrograding back and forth until March 11, 2011, the day of the Japanese earthquake and the Fukushima Tsunami. Uranus stays in Aries until May 2018, which means we’re in the final phase of this transit, the phase where we begin to see the consequences of this influence. So it’s interesting that Donald Trump has emerged as the emblem for Uranus in Aries. He’s individualistic to a fault and to an extreme, and he is a potent reminder of all the negative qualities that Aries can embody when Aries believes only in the ego and the self—small s.
I like to think of Captain James T. Kirk as the perfect positive pop culture icon for Aries—boldly willing to go anywhere at any time, and then when he finds himself in a heap of trouble, reaching out for help from Spock, Bones and Scotty. What makes Kirk heroic is his commitment to an ethical and moral code greater than his own ego—something he must be reminded of from time to time, but something he always acknowledges as more important than ego gratification. Not true for Mr. Trump.
But what’s even more worrisome than Mr. Trump are his supporters who don’t seem to mind his lack of ethics, empathy and moral compass. I’ve wondered for quite some time, since Sarah Palin emerged on the scene, how it was possible for people to be so completely bamboozled and enamored of such a blatant disregard for facts. Then I watched The Brainwashing of My Dad, a documentary about Fox News and its consistent intentional misinformation. And then I understood. It’s worth watching because it helps us understand what’s happened to the demographic of white men disenfranchised by a rapidly changing world. It’s heartbreaking to witness the consequences of such callousness, a callousness we now see embraced by Mr. Trump and his supporters.
Selfish callousness is not the best of Aries. It’s the shadow. And we are confronting the power of that shadow not just in America but everywhere in the world that still adheres to the idea that we are separate from one another. It’s an old paradigm and it is dying a slow and painful death.
For those of us who know that we are simultaneously independent and interdependent, the work that lies ahead is countering the ignorant notion that each of us exists separately, that each of us is an island unto ourselves—there’s no such thing in this world anymore. From physics to metaphysics, we are all but drops in the same ocean. The ignorance of separation cannot be remedied easily. But we have to try as best we can wherever we are, every day, doing whatever it takes to stay connected through the small things. Doing that diligent work requires staying aligned with a personal “true north”—that guiding light that allows each of us to stay on course even if our path looks strange to others. Although in all honesty, the connected course to the future looks more familiar to most of us than the old paradigm of the angry individualist who sees conspiracy in every corner. In the reality of today’s world, the only conspiracy we face is a conspiracy of ignorance. Actual knowledge is the best antidote we can apply.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Try not to sweep any of the details under the carpet. Instead, embrace all the little things required to make the bigger projects run smoothly. This isn’t just about dotting your i’s or crossing your t’s. You’re weaving a tapestry of disparate threads into a marvelous fabric of creative self-expression—and that’s your personal declaration of independence.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Your ability to cut the ties that bind is dependent upon your ability to liberate your mind. Yes, this is a Buddhist idea, but it translates easily into a non-Buddhist world: Freeing your mind means freeing yourself to concentrate your mental energy on what matters most to you and using that concentration to create greater clarity and peace of mind.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Heartfelt, meaningful conversations are necessary and probable, especially as you try to reconcile differences with significant others, personal as well as professional. Make a commitment to authenticity and even if that means putting pride aside, do your best to acknowledge your feelings as you simultaneously acknowledge the feelings of others.
Cancer June 22-July 22
There are positive opportunities for you to build your self-esteem and all that’s required is your participation in projects that free you from the hum-drum of your usual routines. For while habits can be quite satisfying and build a strong sense of internal security, spontaneity can open new pathways that help you to embrace a more fulfilling life.
Leo July 23-August 22
Express your ideas, dreams, insights, opinions, and concerns, and as you do, listen carefully to how those attitudes reveal what really matters to you—what your true values are. There’s no need to be shy or self-conscious about this process. This is simply your moment to stand in the creative fire of self-expression that is your natural element.
Virgo August 23-September 22
You’ve certainly been through a lot of changes and the non-stop shifts aren’t stopping any time soon. So rather than resist these waves of change, immerse yourself in this transformational phase. Let go of opinions that no longer serve anyone’s greatest good, including yours, and start looking for creative ideas that better reflect the new you.
Libra September 23-October 22
You must choose: Hang onto tough words spoken in the heat of the moment, or reach for a truer understanding of the underlying causes giving rise to ultimatums. Sounds easy but it will take an open heart to move past old habits of closing off, pulling away or shutting down. Remember, the current creative moment is ripe with new possibilities.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Channel your need for greater personal freedom into innovative strategies capable of transforming places in your life that seem permanently stuck in the past. Consider a new approach to how you send your time. You can brood over financial constraints, but that won’t fix what’s wrong. So take a deep breath, inhale a new attitude, and breathe life into an old situation.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mars is back in your Sign and it is raising a ruckus best characterized as taking a stand for yourself. Be bold, brave, and confident, and use this fiery current to liberate yourself from the negative ties that bind. You’re in a powerful creative phase, and while it’s important to handle this power wisely, it’s equally important not to be afraid of being all you all the time.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
It’s always wise to dedicate one’s super powers for the good of all sentient beings, but sometimes when we’re experiencing a surplus of power, it can feel as if we’re channeling an uncontrollable magic wand. So take a breath, imagine yourself as the valedictorian at Hogwarts, and aim your best intentions for the highest good, where they are needed most.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Set yourself free from inhibition by giving yourself permission to speak words of love, soft and sweet or loud and proud—it makes no difference as long as they come from the heart—to your significant other, whether that partner is a spouse, lover, friend, foe, family member, pet, or yourself. Whoever it might be, simply share the soothing sound of love.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Liberate yourself from old ways of thinking about finances and instead apply innovative techniques for understanding how money flows in your life. There are lots of perspectives on how to handle personal finance, so explore your options. And don’t be shy about asking questions of experts—it’s the best way to learn.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-212-222-3232, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com. Copyright © 2016 by Ralfee Finn