Strong astral winds continue to blow through daily life this week, so don’t feel surprised if you feel tossed and turned, maybe even a little queasy, from emotional highs and lows—being buffeted by so many strong currents at once can make even the most experienced sky watcher falter. We’re currently in one of the more difficult passages of an already too difficult year and it’s hard to hang on to the hope that there’s a light at the end of this seemingly endless tunnel, especially when so much is being stirred up simultaneously. For some, these disturbances are manifesting as personal shifts that grow increasingly hard to manage. For others, the collective turmoil is so overbearing it corrupts what should be moments of joy. Figuring out how to stay on course in the midst of these winds is the challenge we’re facing. Fortunately, there’s also planetary support for getting grounded.
Here’s the planetary breakdown:
Mars Retrograde continues to disrupt time signatures and throw monkey wrenches into daily routines, which may be why you’re showing up early one minute and an hour late the next. Try to keep in mind that although all retrogrades share common characteristics, not all retrogrades are the same. This Mars Retrograde is slightly wonkier than usual and some days it feels more like Mercury Retrograde. That’s because when Mars ‘turned around’ in Aquarius on June 26, Mercury was moving forward into Leo, and by July 2, they began an opposition which was exact on July 5 and persisted until July 10. A Mercury/Mars opposition signifies an active mind but its energetic impulse tends to veer toward a nervous mindset that’s on the lookout for what’s wrong—and finds it.
Unfortunately, even as that Mercury/Mars opposition dissipates, that Mercury Retrograde je ne sais quoi doesn’t disappear. Mercury actually begins its second retrograde phase of 2018 in two weeks, and while Mercury won’t go back into an opposition with Mars, we will have a dual retrograde from July 26 – August 19. These are the two planets that drive the mechanics of daily life and their retro-combo is sure to drive some to throw away any and all sky-watching tools and just hang out by the pool. Mercury Retrograde is only two weeks away, so it might be wise to start your backup engines now.
One more bit: The middle of the summer becomes a retrograde triple header, because on August 7, Uranus also goes retrograde. So there it is…Mercury, Mars, and Uranus Retrograde for most of August. I think the appropriate cliché is ‘read it and weep’. And because Uranus also affects technology, start your backup now. (And no, I can’t say that too often.)
Here’s some good news: Jupiter Direct began on July 10, and even though it takes a couple of weeks to gather forward momentum, by end of the month it closes its trine to Neptune, which is exact on August 19, the day Mercury goes direct. (There’s so much going on this summer I am starting to consider flags to track the action—you know, like the ones they have on aircraft carriers or better yet, the flags they use at NASCAR.) This Jupiter/Neptune trine carries a strong emotional charge, so don’t be surprised if lots of people grow increasingly hypersensitive and sentimental. But also keep in mind that this trine is all about the spin—so much so that by the end of the summer you may never watch TV again. Of course this trine can also be beneficial—it symbolizes idealistic and altruistic inclinations—something we could use a lot more of right now, even though the movement toward kindness and compassion isgrowing. Let the power of this trine inspire a deeper commitment to help those in need.
More good news: We are also under the influence of a Saturn/Uranus trine, a positive interaction that provides the capacity to overcome almost any obstacle no matter how difficult the situation might be. It’s an indefatigable determination to endure whatever hardships might stand in the way of success. This force needs to be applied to reuniting families and ending the institutionalized abuse of children.
There is a solar eclipse on Friday, July 13, in Cancer, at 20°41′. This eclipse occurs opposite Pluto, in Capricorn, at 20°00′. During a solar eclipse, when the Moon overshadows the Sun, what’s unconscious—individually and collectively—comes to the surface of daily life and drives the action. Because this eclipse occurs in Cancer, the Sign of mothers and their children, the full breadth and depth of the cruelty the United States has visited on the families crossing our borders continues to resonate through the coming weeks.
Pluto is all about power and control, personal and collective. It signifies change at the core, and because of that, it always points a finger at what needs to change as well as the resistance to that transformation. It has the power to both destroy and create and its influence is relentless. Capricorn thrives on discipline, responsibility, organization, and authority—it is the expert. The shadow of its need for expertise is often a ruthless authoritarianism and a stern, controlling reach that tends to be cold and dismissive. The effect of an eclipse can be felt six weeks prior or after the actual event, so there’s no denying that the separation of these innocent children from their parents is the signature of this eclipse.
Children in cages, separated from their families without comfort and reassurance is the worst of this eclipse—and it is the worst of us. Surely these souls are brave beyond belief, for they have taken on the burden of reflecting back to us the depth of our moral dilemma. They are making evil impossible to ignore because they are innocent and because we know they are innocent, their suffering has awakened the conscience of many who were still sleeping through this nightmare called Trump. The Parkland students are transforming their tragedy into positive action. We must transform the assault on these children and children everywhere into positive action because the consequences going forward are dire. If you haven’t seen this TED talk on the effect of trauma on children, please watch because the science reveals that when we ignore the consequences of trauma, we do so at our own risk and at the risk of our young—a risk we shouldn’t take.
As you navigate your way through this week’s winds listen closely to your heart. It knows your best course and it knows how to help others find their way. We need each other. It’s that simple.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Yes, your plate is full, which is why you need to make a firm commitment to finishing all the challenges set before you without resentment that you have so much to do. Prioritize your time and energy and then move forward, one task at a time.
Taurus April 20-May 20
The only way through a temptation to despair is to concentrate on all that’s good. I realize this might sound simplistic, but it is the basis of a gratitude practice that can transform anxiety into a positive attitude born of experience. Remember, whatever you focus your attention on becomes your reality.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Steer clear of overextension, especially when it is financial. Instead of holding an extravagant stance, tighten your belt, not because you are afraid, but because you are being practical. This isn’t about a poverty consciousness. It’s about the wisdom to replenish your reserves before the well goes dry.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You’re correct—finding the perfect balance in a relationship is a next to impossible task, especially when you are trying to find the balance between your individual needs and your partner’s needs. Take a deep breath and stay aware that this is a process and you are constantly gathering information.
Leo July 23-August 22
It’s time to demonstrate your commitment to self-awareness by deepening your internal exploration. Whether it is meditation, a workshop on parental issues, or a course designed to help you listen to your Higher Self, jump in and get busy. You may discover that you actually like growing.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Despite eclipses and retrogrades and any other type of obstacle, be courageous and determined to make forward progress. It can be done, but only if you’re willing to resist moody brooding about what could have been or what should be. Stay in the moment and appreciate the perfection of your situation.
Libra September 23-October 22
If you can accept that your current journey is all about self-discovery, you’ll have an easier time handling all the distractions keeping you from making the progress you desire. Look at it this way—your reactions to these distractions are also opportunities for awareness.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Although you’ve been thinking about what it means to belong, you still haven’t found an answer that satisfies. Rather than continuing this exploration on your own, reach out for help. Listening to the opinions of those you respect will not diminish your ability to make up your mind—it will only enhance your options.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Moderation…let me say that again…moderation…it’s the key to your happiness right now because any extreme is going to be a personal pole tilt and you might not like the new direction. Take a deep breath before you decide on any radical action—there’s plenty of time later for course corrections, if necessary.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Of course, it’s all about relationship issues, and while I am not suggesting you capitulate to others’ agendas, I am thinking that it might be best to at least consider the value of opposing opinions. You don’t have to agree, you simply have to listen with an open mind.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Make a commitment to authenticity and then be honest with yourself about what you want to accomplish and why. You can keep this promise private and you don’t have to share your revelations with others. You just have to be aware of your true motivation.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Don’t hesitate to find the help you need to make grounded, practical and tangible changes in your life. It’s time to transform what you’re learning about yourself into positive action—even if your biggest discovery is that you need therapy. Don’t hesitate—the time is ripe with opportunities for growth.