I think it’s a good idea to start this week with inspiring news: A couple of weeks ago, on March 28, donorschoose.org announced that ripple.com was fully funding all the requests for help from teachers all around the country—35,647 requests, to be exact—the total amount was $29 million. If you don’t know about donorchoose.org, it’s a great website where you can make a donation of any amount to help teachers get the supplies they need for students. This enormous contribution is a great story about someone having the courage to ask for what’s needed for those in need. And it’s an important story to keep in mind in these days of increased greed and parsimony by Mr. Trump, his Gang of Hungry Ghosts, and all the others following their lead and choosing selfishness over altruism. It’s good to be reminded that lots of people care about the welfare of their fellow travelers and are willing to put their money where their hearts are and share their success so that others may prosper. It’s especially good to know that we care enough about all of our children to help them learn. As most of us know, education is the most important gift and knowledge is the greatest superpower.
Read the New York Times story here.
This week, we need a big story of kindness to counter a tendency to turn pessimistic about the state of the world. The list of what must be transformed continues to grow and continues to be overwhelming. Recently I saw a video about all the garbage floating in the oceans—not something new—but for some reason, this particular clip which showed waves crashing on a beach filled with debris became a metaphor for daily life: The Internet has enabled each of us to open up our heads and pour everything out into the oceans of cyberspace. And now we are swimming through the garbage of what’s been dumped there—everyone, everywhere, sharing everything without discrimination or hesitation to the point where our collective waters are now so murky, inside and out, we can no longer ignore the problem. The planet is literally and figuratively demonstrating what needs to be cleaned up so we can save ourselves from ourselves.
This week we also need an inspirational story to soften the strident tone of the current planetary patterns. Mars, still in Capricorn, is separating from its conjunction with Saturn, also in Capricorn. This is a pernicious interaction that leans toward stern, authoritarian attitudes, and as it pulls apart, tempers are likely to do more than flare. Some of us—okay, maybe many of us—could get so angry about anything, big or little, that we run the risk of going off at the slightest provocation or infraction of personal space. Don’t be surprised if you, someone you love, or a co-worker melts down. Especially be prepared for children to have a hard time coping emotionally with what’s happening around them. They have no way of contextualizing their feelings as part of a bigger picture, and they may be frightened by the intensity.
Definitely keep those patience pills within reach because as the week progresses, Mars moves into a conjunction with Pluto, in Capricorn, another pernicious interaction that is exact and separating on April 26. This conjunction signifies brute force and the desire to use it as a solution for every problem—it empowers bullies and encourages violence. The bellicose behavior in the White House is certain to escalate to an even more fevered pitch as this next Martian phase unfolds.
But that’s not all. An ongoing Sun/Pluto square is separating today—it was exact a little before 1:00 AM EDT—and as it pulls apart, appetites for power increase. This square feeds the craving to be Number One, so anticipate despots, petty or otherwise, to assert their authority, real or otherwise, whether or not their ‘authority’ is welcome.
Also be aware…the Sun, in Aries, is closing in on its conjunction with Uranus, which will be exact on April 18. Please note that Sun/Uranus conjunctions will continue as Uranus changes Signs, but the Sun and Uranus will not be conjunct in Aries again until March 2095. This conjunction is all about the need to break free from whatever enslaves—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—so make the most of this contact and liberate yourself from the stagnant ties that bind you to situations that are no longer congruent with your desire to grow.
More good news: Mercury Direct begins on April 15 at 5:21 AM EDT. Yes…it’s been a rough retrograde ride, but don’t get too excited and jump the gun—give Mercury a couple of days to gain forward momentum before you start setting too much in motion.
Power issues, personal and collective, dominate daily life this week, and while too many fellow travelers are enduring tremendous suffering at the hands of others, many more have the power to choose how to respond to the turmoil that surrounds us. This is why we need to be reminded that many good deeds are being done in a world that needs many good deeds. Use this powerful week to contemplate how you can make a positive difference in your world. It’s not necessary to donate a gazillion dollars; it might be a simple as this: Be kind to everyone you encounter and engage with. Kindness always has an exponential beneficial effect.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
It’s a cliché but I’m gonna say it anyway: Be kind to yourself. Clichés distill tried and true wisdom, and you’ll need that advice as you negotiate the power plays of the week. Hold onto your values by being authentic without being overbearing, and you’ll skillfully navigate the danger zones.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Have faith, but don’t define it as believing in something in the absence of proof. Be confident in your beliefs and align your efforts so that they embody your attitude about how things should be done. Do the best you can to stay true to yourself and trust that your efforts will yield positive results.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Yes, it is a financial challenge, and yes, again, it is challenging your capacity to stay calm and confident about the outcome. Unfortunately, I don’t have a crystal ball that shows me the future. But I can see this: Being honest with yourself and others will open up the possibility of a win/win solution for all.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Sometimes it’s really hard to stay on the field and endure whatever comes your way without retaliating. And while I’m not suggesting you wimp out in the face of opposition, I am advising you to err on the side of caution. Take your stand but avoid reactive, heat-of-the-moment behavior you might later regret.
Leo July 23-August 22
You’ll need clarity to handle the demands of the week, so do whatever it is you do to maintain your mental health. For some that translates into making extra time for meditation; for others that means making extra time for exercise. Whatever your method, apply it liberally to the many moments of stress.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Allow yourself to shine brightly and freely share your creative ideas with collaborators—generosity will only increase your charisma. And don’t worry about others stealing your fire—your creative signature is unique to you and you only. Anyone else trying to use it will only look like a wanna-be.
Libra September 23-October 22
You may not realize—especially if you’re embroiled in an argument with a significant other, personal or professional, over whose need for power is greater—but you’re in the midst of a deep internal process that isn’t that easily resolved. So stake out your territory but embrace the notion of impermanence.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
My impulse is to advise you to refrain from saying anything unnecessary to make your point—anything said in the heat of the moment will land like a grenade and there won’t be any recovery from the damage. So if you must, bite your tongue until it bleeds—eventually you’ll be able to speak your truth.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
It would be wise to assume a cautious attitude toward your finances, not because you are in any danger, but because acting in haste will undermine your existing plan. Take a deep breath and wait until you have a clear sense of the consequences of your actions.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
This is a great time to be thorough and precise about where you’ve been and where you’re going. Take a survey of your goals and notice which ones are a priority—and be sure to examine what you might once have considered an unusual choice. This is about gathering information for realistic decisions.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Oh, those brooding brain worms—it’s as bad as having a catchy but meaningless pop song looping through your head. Chewing compulsively on what could have been will only squander your precious mental energy. The antidote is in finding the discipline to stay in the moment. It won’t be easy, but it can be done.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Lots of people will tell you that it doesn’t really matter what others think, but that’s easier said than done, especially when you are sensitive—and you are. Instead of dwelling on how to please others, spend time thinking about what it would be like to be genuinely satisfied with who you are—all of you, all the time.