Just like last week, this week we’re in the throes of even more shifts, and while some of us could mistake this week’s changes as the crescendo we’ve all been waiting for, my hunch is there’s still more to come. To be sure, last week’s chord will resonate for quite some time as will this week’s, but as unbelievable as this might seem there’s still more to be revealed. And much of what’s yet to come could turn even the most idealistic among us quite cynical about human nature. And while I can’t honestly criticize cynicism as a proper response, it might be wiser to resist that temptation and instead cling to a higher ideal. The human condition is imperfect, and while samsara is the realm of suffering—and it is our realm—when we transform our understanding of suffering and take personal responsibility for our choices, anything is possible. As Pema Chodron has said many, many, many times: When things fall apart—that’s the opportunity for change. Here we are in a flood of opportunities for change and the most important question is: How are we going to facilitate all the shifts that need occur? Keep that question in mind as the coming weeks and months unfold.
Here’s the good news: Mercury is direct—its retrograde ended on April 15 and it won’t be retrograde again until July 26.
But don’t get your hopes up for a full-throttle, forward-motion pace of daily life to begin anytime soon—at the moment, the only runaway trains are political—and there is so much retro-interference for the rest of the year that you might want to consider learning how to swim upstream. Yesterday, April 17, Saturn began its retrograde phase of the year, which will end on September 6. Saturn retraces its path all the way back to the position it occupied mid-January, so be prepared to review decisions, positions and strategies, personal and professional, put in motion since the beginning of the 2018. And as you do, keep in mind that when Saturn entered Capricorn, its Home Sign, in December 2017, it started us on an inexorable path toward the Saturn/Pluto conjunction that takes place in January 2020. This Saturn/Pluto conjunction is the actual crescendo many of us are anticipating—everything occurring now is pushing us to that point.
Also this week—and not such good news—Mars and Pluto, both in Capricorn, are tightening their conjunction, which is exact and separating on Thursday, April 26. Their perfect union occurs at 21degrees Capricorn, one degree away from where the Saturn/Pluto conjunction happens in 2020, which makes what happens this week and next key events contributing to the 2020 crescendo.
A Mars/Pluto conjunction is a pernicious influence that turns even the air prickly with desire to fight for control. Mars signifies war; Pluto symbolizes death and rebirth, and when they join together, their combined signature indicates a tendency toward using compulsive, obsessive brutality without regard to the consequences. Be careful what you say to family and friends in the heat of the moment—your words could have the shelf-life of Plutonium. From a collective perspective, this conjunction fans the flames of Mr. Trump and his new War Lord Bolton to act on their worst fears and put us all in jeopardy.
The other significant astral news of this week as well as the next several weeks is Uranus’ entry into Taurus on May 15. This is one of the primary reasons nervous systems are out of whack and lots of folks are feeling more than a little edgy—although Trump’s Gang of Hungry Ghosts are providing plenty of reasons to be nervous. That being said, from an astrological perspective we are caught in a huge Uranian vortex because the planet of surprising plot twists is leaving Aries, where it’s been for the last seven years, and simultaneously preparing to enter Taurus, where it stays for the next seven years.
We always feel a special kind of intensity when Uranus shifts. Many of us—and not only the most sensitive—are experiencing an increasing uneasiness about what’s next. And while we don’t need the planets to amplify our already queasy feelings about the state of the world, Uranus is exacerbating our individual and collective anxiety. Be aware, Uranus retrogrades back into Aries on November 6—yes, Election Day in the United States of America—which is certain to disrupt the voting process, making it all the more important to protect the voting system from being hacked.
I’ve been looking at the charts of Mr. Trump, Mr. Mueller and Mr. Comey and observed some interesting aspects:
(1) Biggest news: Mr. Trump and Mr. Mueller have a Mars/Venus conjunction: Mr. Mueller’s Venus to Mr. Trump’s Mars. Astrologers love this aspect because it signifies complete sympathetic resonance, and if people are so inclined, an exquisite sexual rapport. Astrologers would interpret this as a match made in heaven—the perfect partner, lover and best friend. Venus-receives-Mars is the traditional way of interpreting this aspect, which made me contemplate just how tuned-in Mr. Mueller might be, given that this contact would make Mr. Mueller highly receptive to every little move and mood of King Donald and able to anticipate what might happen next.
(2) On April 18, the day after Mr. Comey’s book was released, transiting Mars conjuncts his natal Saturn. Synchronistically, the collective has been under the influence of a Mars/Saturn conjunction for the past several weeks, which was exact on April 2, in an opposition to Mr. Trump’s Mercury. (See the archived columns for more info.)
(3) On May 1, transiting Mars is exactly opposite Mr. Trump’s Saturn. I’m not sure he can handle the tension of that transit, given that its essence is the repression of anger. By the way, this transit also occurs at the same degree as the Saturn/Pluto conjunction we will all experience in January 2020.
Of course, we’re all wondering what happens next—and there’s just no way of knowing. Uranus symbolizes unpredictability, so how can we possibly know how it’s going to manifest? The one thing we know for sure is that Uranus sends its lightning bolts of illumination into stagnant waters, so wherever you might be feeling stuck or mired, you can anticipate a shakeup. But try not to dwell on all the difficult things that might occur. Pema Chodron is right—when things fall apart, we experience opportunities for growth. These are the perfect times to reaffirm your commitment to conscious living.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
You’re handling almost as much as you can, and while it’s hard work, you’ll succeed if you stay focused. Prioritize your goals and then make a commitment to yourself to honor the important tasks first. And even if the air feels a little testy or co-workers are complaining, make kindness a top priority.
Taurus April 20-May 20
There’s absolutely no reason to be afraid to step into the spotlight and every reason to find that light and hold onto it. Yes, you could encounter conflict and confrontation as you seize the moment and put yourself front and center, but don’t let that stop you from expressing yourself fully.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Ask yourself what endeavors you most care about and what about those projects would bring you the greatest personal satisfaction. Try not to confuse the notion of personal satisfaction with recognition or rewards. This is about you being true to you with deep self-awareness and self-respect.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You can succumb to negative thinking and worry about what was said and what was done and what wasn’t true and what was. But that won’t get you anywhere, especially if you’re trying to heal the situation. So rather than brood, be true—be honest with yourself and then share that truth with loved ones.
Leo July 23-August 22
What the world needs now is love, not just romantic love, although most of us thrive when we open our heart to a significant other, but also a Higher Love, a love that honors our essential unity. Tune into your innately generous heart and allow yourself to love without borders—it could be a transformative experience.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Make passion your passion and you’ll find a way to channel your intensity, because if you don’t, you might be overwhelmed by it and that would be a waste of your creativity. Search for a creative outlet that is completely engaging—so engaging that it positively transforms your perspective.
Libra September 23-October 22
Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, realize that you’re at the end of a long journey that has tried and tested your relationship universe. As this phase ends, you’re challenged to articulate your needs without being a victim or a victimizer. Remember, there’s a Higher Power that is always willing to help if you ask.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
I hope you’re still biting your tongue or that you decide to go on a silent retreat rather than spill over with acrimonious criticism of others. Yes…I know that sounds intense, but you’re bubbling with intensity and it wants to find a target. Continue to be circumspect and do whatever you can to keep the peace.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You are in a financially fertile phase, even though money issues persist. The good news is that you have the strength and stamina to tackle several recurring patterns. Rather than brooding about your situation, be determined to find new, inventive ways to untether yourself from dysfunctional behavior.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
The ongoing intensity is catalyzing an identity crisis, and you’re trying to figure out how to handle this process. It’s not as simple as deciding who you want to be. It’s more about allowing yourself to be more of who you are. It’s not possible to hold back, so rather than trying, find positive ways to express yourself.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Ask yourself if you’re repeating the same story, and if you are, ask yourself why—what’s to be gained? Often we repeat a story because we enjoy the telling of it. Other times we tell the story because we unconsciously know that the full story hasn’t been told and we’re searching for the missing chapters.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Be brave, face your misgivings and don’t let a negative mindset convince you that you should withdraw. Yes…there are some problems translating your intent into positive community action, but don’t let those challenges deter you. Face the conflict and use the criticism to better hone your idea.
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