This week, it’s a “start your engines but don’t go too fast” frequency that seems to be a mixed message because it is. Mercury Direct began on Monday, January 25, and that “forward” motion freed-up a whole lot of plans and projects that have been on hold since the beginning of the New Year. But pushing ahead recklessly is never a good idea, if only because it may take a moment to gather the necessary components and participants to make positive progress. The best way through the next several days is to find and maintain your balance and, when possible, to avoid extremes.
As Mercury makes its course correction and shifts out of a slo-mo rewind and into a fast-forward pace, it sextiles Mars, squares Uranus and conjuncts Pluto—a complex bundle of astral influences, yet not an impossible bundle if managed wisely. We’ve been under the influence of Mercury/Uranus/Pluto since last week, but this week, Mars joins the team and that makes a big difference in possible manifestations.
A Mercury/Mars sextile indicates the potential for busy minds that are focused on ambition and success. Uranus amplifies those ambitions with urges to act quickly—perhaps a little too quickly. For while any Mercury and Uranus alliance is inventive and innovative, this dynamic duo can also stimulate a type of nervous anxiety that simply wants to take action and do something—just about anything—in the hope of finding relief. What’s more, Pluto’s presence amplifies that nervous energy, as it excites the need to achieve just for the sake of it, a need that might be tempted to use Pluto’s ruthless to get its own way regardless of how that might affect others. Pay attention: Intention determines karma.
Mars also squares the Sun, a fractious interaction that lasts until mid-February. This square exacerbates the already restless environment, and because the Sun represents “spirit” and Mars symbolizes taking a stand, this square usually tries to satisfy its irritable disposition by picking fights. Both the Sun and Mars are in Fixed Signs—the Sun is in Aquarius and Mars is in Scorpio. Fixed Signs are notorious for holding onto their opinions even when the facts indicate otherwise. It’s useless to struggle with stubborn attitudes that are more interested in the thrill of the argument than actually sharing information to find out what’s true. So take a deep breath and do your best to maintain a wholesome attitude that’s more inclined to make love than go to war. Try not to pick a fight to establish your “superior” point of view. Instead, harness the vitality of this Sun/Mars interaction and apply it to endeavors that require determination and persistence.
Again, as this week unfolds, do your best to avoid extremes. Make “moderation” your daily mantra, and when possible, do your best to practice compassion, even if others are more interested in a fight. As always, remember to be kind and compassionate toward your fellow travelers.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Channel the Martian currents into your goals. Mars is, after all, your Ruling Planet and when it’s strong, so are you. Own this moment, but remember to be magnanimous and generous with your followers. It’s important to remember that a leader’s power is often measured by the strength of his or her followers.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Resist the temptation to lock horns with significant others, personal or professional, over anything. Instead, let yourself or the object of your disaffection cool off. This cooling-off period could take more than a few days, which means you will need to make patience your constant companion.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Make a commitment to authenticity, even if it feels dangerous to be forthcoming. This is not about sharing every detail of your personal life—sometimes that’s just too much information. I’m simply advising you to be straightforward and direct about important subjects in need of clarity.
Cancer June 22-July 22
The Martian tone of the week stimulates a lot of change…okay, make that an overwhelming amount of shift in your life. It isn’t necessary to make every adjustment simultaneously, and if you do, you’re likely to turn cranky pants. Take your time, approach each situation in a thoughtful manner, and trust your instincts.
Leo July 23-August 22
Read Taurus above, and add this: An important part of living well with others is respecting ideological differences. So rather than roar your needs so loudly you blow over the opposition, figure out how to express those concerns in a manner that’s congruent with your innate generosity.
Virgo August 23-September 22
You’ve been putting off several major decisions until you had more information, and while you may not have gathered all the necessary data, you’re feeling an urgency about making up your mind. Give yourself a couple of days to reassess the data—your perspective may shift and you’ll want to include the new view.
Libra September 23-October 22
Allow Mars to stimulate your ambitions, particularly creative goals that often have to take a backseat to the practicality of making a living. I’m not suggesting you quit your day job. I simply want to remind you that when you nurture your creativity, you enliven every aspect of your life.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Although Pluto replaced Mars as your Ruling Planet, some of us still think that Mars relationship still applies. So this week, align with Mars and allow it to refresh your determination and confidence. Just be careful not to spend this energy doing battle. Instead, recognize your innate strength and use it wisely.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The challenge is figuring out how to avoid allowing any negative conversation to morph into a brain worm. Refuse to brood over what you should have said or done. The best way forward is to learn from your experience and move forward fortified with that information.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Interactions with friends over money or conflicting values could devolve into much larger disagreements. A fight would not be in anyone’s best interests, especially yours. So be the diplomat by being determined to negotiate a win-win resolution for all concerned.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You’re working on several projects simultaneously and although you feel stretched by the demands of each, you have the capacity to handle it all. What’s required for your success is the ability to delegate important tasks to significant others who have the talent and skill to be responsible, thorough and conscientious.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Part of this week’s puzzle is figuring out how to demonstrate just how much you’ve grown. Here’s some help: Before anyone else can spot what’s different, you have to identify just how much you’ve changed. So take some time to acknowledge who you have become and then move forward with confidence.
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