This week and for the next many weeks, we’re caught between two equally powerful astral currents. The good news is that these forces are not in opposition to each other—they aren’t polarized or partisan. The not-so-good news is that their combined power amplifies the ongoing, pervasive, soul-wearying (and seemingly endless) WTF psychic fatigue many of us are experiencing, as one startling revelation after another rips away the polite surface of daily life—the shallow interactions that we once so happily pretended was reality. And even though some of us knew it was a sham, it was still a whole lot easier than this. Couple that combined effect with the sheer force of their individual influences, and the result is a constant erosion of the regular routines that once held reality together, an erosion that makes it almost impossible to stay steady and stabilized. It hasn’t been easy…it’s not easy…and it won’t be easy. But that’s all the more reason to stay conscious. We are witnessing history as it is being created, and even though it doesn’t seem like it, each of us is a vital part of that creation. Our choices have a direct effect on the outcome, so even if it requires a Herculean effort to stay present, do your best. Be a glad participant despite the madness of the moment—each of us has the power to co-create with the universe.
Uranus rides and drives the first powerful astral current. Uranus, which is both the Mother of Invention and the Father of Revolution, leaves Aries and enters Taurus on May 15. In anticipation of that shift and because Uranus has such a potent relationship to the nervous system, lots of us are experiencing an antsy, uneasy restlessness that’s interfering with our day-to-day ability to either stay focused during the day or sleep well at night. Uranus literally sends shivers up the spine, and nervous systems can only stand so much strain—we all need more sleep than we are getting. Do your best to stay calm and help others to do the same. Children have a hard time coping with Uranian intensity, so be as patient as possible.
When Uranus changes Signs, we usually experience some sort of dramatic event. As I’ve written before in these pages, the best example of Uranus changing Signs is the tidal wave that crashed into the Fukushima Nuclear Plant on March 11, 2011, the day that Uranus made its final move from Pisces, a Water Sign, to Aries, a Fire Sign. My hunch is that we might not notice anything upon its first foray into Taurus—although even as I write this, I’m thinking, “Really…in this climate of dramatic events, you think Uranus will be subtle?” But given that Uranus signifies surprises, its very silence could be the surprise. Uranus retrogrades back into Aries on November 6 and makes its final entry into Taurus on March 6, 2019—and that’s when we may see some sort of dramatic event. Although, interestingly, there was an eruption of Mount Io in Japan, on April 19, a volcano that hasn’t erupted since 1768—250 years ago, also when Uranus was entering Taurus. (I’ve searched the Internet to find the exact date of that eruption and can’t find it. If anyone does find it, please share that information.)
Pluto is the orchestrator of the second and equally powerful current. This week, the ongoing Mars/Pluto conjunction that began on April 16 is exact and separating on Thursday, April 26. This is a destructive interaction that feeds the need for sheer brute force to get anything done, and while it can be harnessed to work without interruption, it easily slips into compulsive behavior that neutralizes its positive attributes. When hard aspects separate, we feel the full brunt of their inherent intensity, so watch the next couple of days carefully. Do your best to resist devolving into cruel or violent behavior toward anyone—and make no exceptions. Harmful actions will haunt the days ahead, because as Mars conjuncts Pluto, it triggers two future Plutonian events: (1) The Saturn/Pluto conjunction of January 12, 2020, and (2) the United States Pluto Return, which occurs on February, 20 2022. And while that may seem like a very long time from now, in cosmic time, it’s not even the blink of an eye.
Some planetary configurations take a long time to form and different astrologers calculate the orb, or range of a planetary pattern, along differing time frames. In personal astrology, I tend to use a very tight range, but for weekly and yearly calculations, a wider range seems more appropriate. And certainly that’s true of the 2020 Saturn/Pluto conjunction and the US Pluto Return. They both indicate the culmination of the current political and social chaos. They also indicate the culmination of individual shifts, which is one of the reasons it’s wise to be careful about what you put in motion.
One could argue—and I do—that we are already in the disruption, deterioration, turmoil, and upset of those two future astral events. Saturn represents authority. Pluto signifies death and rebirth, particularly the death of what is inauthentic, as it simultaneously represents the resurrection and rebirth of what has value. We’re certainly witnessing the dismantling of what were once deemed inalienable ideals, and as those values crumble, so do the reliable structures of daily life. And as we know, these are not just the structures of government—although who ever thought it would be possible to feel sorry for the FBI? The structures I’m referring to are the very bones that hold the country together and support the promise of freedom for each of its citizens.
For the last several weeks, as Mars has moved through Capricorn, it not only moved into a conjunction with Saturn, but it also began a conjunction with Pluto. As Mars approached Pluto, it moved through the position it occupies on the exact day of the US Pluto Return. This is significant because what’s being set in motion now is an indication of what’s to come. Do not think that Mr. Trump, his Gang of Hungry Ghosts, and the mendacious, aggressive agenda of those who support him will go lightly.
Even if you aren’t political…even if you don’t care about your fellow travelers…even if you don’t care about the fate of Planet Earth, it’s almost impossible to ignore the atmospheric discharges of a world where evolution currently resembles devolution. Just about everything feels tenuous, and many of us—far too many—feel uncertain about everything, from what to wear to what to say to what to think to what to believe to where to live and everything else that binds the ties of daily life. Yes, I know this all sounds extreme, but…really…in this present moment, isn’t life itself extreme?
In times of crisis it’s important to know how to self-soothe in healthy ways that promote soul-growth, so do whatever it is you do to calm your nervous system and then help others do the same, especially children who feel the intensity but have no way of naming it. We are witnessing as well as creating history together, and we need to remember each and every day that each and every one of us has a role to play.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
There’s actually no separation between our public and private personas—who we are at work and who we are at home are facets of a deeper wholeness, even if we aren’t aware of that underlying unity. With that in mind, use the intensity of Mars—your Ruling Planet—to deepen your commitment to living your deepest spiritual values by aligning thought, word and deed.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Through all of the tumult and turmoil it’s essential to stay grounded and practical. While that’s not necessarily a challenge for you—it’s your innate ground of being—the tricky part of the process is staying fluid as you stay steady. Avoid rigid attitudes—especially the should’s—and you’ll sidestep the potential to ossify into old behavior that no longer serves.
Gemini May 21-June 21
It’s an interesting conundrum: Mars provides the inclination to make tangible, actual financial gains through any endeavor you set your mind to, but it also has the power to draw you more deeply into personal transformation and a rejection of the material world. While straddling universes is one of your superpowers, managing this tension requires a clear vision of your goals.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Mars stirs relationship issues so don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to go to extremes, especially if you have an attachment to a specific outcome. While I’m not suggesting you surrender your desire for perfection, I am advising you to consider the benefits of moderation. A middle path might help you find and maintain an abiding balance even in the midst of madness.
Leo July 23-August 22
While I almost always—okay, always—advise authenticity, being true to yourself isn’t easy, especially if you’re seeking the approval of others. But this week, easy or not, it is the one choice that can effectively guide you through some difficult choices. So even if you have to deliver a difficult message, speak from your heart—it will help you soothe and heal yourself and others.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Mars is stirring a creative fervor that is sure to show itself as the desire to explore and express your passions. Have at it—because in spite of any difficulties you may encounter, your creative efforts will have an exponential benefit over time. And don’t think that this applies only to an art or a craft—life is the most creative endeavor of all, which is why it is wise to live it fully.
Libra September 23-October 22
Make patience your constant ally and you will find the resources to handle a wide range of demands regarding issues of safety and security, yours or others’. Don’t confuse security with finances—this isn’t necessarily about having enough money, because when we’re feeling unsafe, no amount of money will do. This is about facing emotional anxieties and then building safety from the inside out.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Mars fuels the temptation to spew words you might later regret. I know I’ve issued this warning before and I’m sorry I’m repeating myself, but choose your words wisely. This isn’t because you’re spreading lies or rumors, but because what you say during this phase has a unique potency that won’t diminish over time. So rather than inadvertently cause harm, think before you speak.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mars stimulates your desire for greater abundance in all areas of life, but especially when it comes to self-confidence and self-esteem. It’s not that money and material gains aren’t important—they are—but you can’t take them with you. And money has never been and will never be an accurate measure of true value. Be ambitious but keep in mind what’s truly important.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Yes…it is all happening in your Sign, and all that attention isn’t necessarily easy for you to handle—you like things quietly intense, without the brouhaha. But that’s just not the way the cards are being played, especially as Mars throws its weight around, encouraging you to take the lead. There’s no need to doubt your abilities and every reason to let your light brightly shine.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You are going to need your sense of humor to modulate the intensity, especially when it comes to mulling over past choices, because Mars is encouraging the temptation to brood over what you could have said or even what you should have said. Rather than succumb to a long and intensive brooding phase, find a way to see the cosmic joke—it makes learning from mistakes much easier.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Allow Mars to put all your anxieties out on the table, and from that vantage point, give yourself permission to examine all the things you are most afraid of. This isn’t about physical confrontation—I’m not suggesting bungee jumping or anything extreme or exotic. I’m simply advising you to stretch into greater self-awareness so you can determine what’s a real fear and what’s an illusion.
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