It’s a week of wobbling worlds, which makes this the perfect week to practice balance of all kinds—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. For some, the focus on balance translates into avoiding extremes, again, of all kinds, bad and good. There is actually wisdom in that old adage about too much of a good thing…so don’t forget the benefits of moderation. For others, establishing and maintaining balance might involve letting go, even if the circumstances are essentially positive and beneficial. Sometimes the willingness to release the outcome is the very thing that is most needed. If your creative process is true, you must be true to it, even and especially if you can’t see where you’re headed. For most of us, the need for balance will reveal itself in the small things of changed schedules, unanticipated interruptions or a niggling sense of dislocation in the midst of familiar activities and surroundings. Wherever you experience this week’s instability you’ll experience a need for balance. Make an effort to help your fellow travelers do the same. Everyone benefits from a helping hand, the receiver as well as the giver.
The source of discomfort this week is two-fold:
(1) Mercury began its third retrograde phase of the year on August 30 and it will stay retrograde until September 21. (And yes…there is another one that begins on December 19—just in time for Christmas travel.) For those unfamiliar with Mercury Retrograde, here’s the gist: When Mercury appears to be moving backward in the sky, all things related to Mercury—communication, travel, language, mail of every ilk, and commerce, including contracts of every kind—seem to move backward as well. That’s why during a Mercury Retrograde phase we tend to experience more detours, delays, snafus, and all other sorts of obstacles that impede forward motion.
The best use of a Mercury Retrograde phase is to avoid launching anything new and instead, to devote yourself to examining the details of what’s already in motion. Mercury is retrograde in Virgo, its Home Sign, and because Virgo is always about the details, this phase is likely to be extra-persnickety. Jupiter, also in Virgo, is conjunct that retrograde Mercury, and because Jupiter signifies the principle of expansion, the range of retro-detail is sure to be vast. Try to pace yourself through the slew of things that are likely to need your attention. And if the burden is on someone else, do your best to help out.
(2) The second source of discomfort is a solar eclipse on September 1, also in Virgo and also exacerbating that emphasis on detail! Solar eclipses almost always send a shudder through the world, for while they are completely predictable, they’re still weird—it’s just not right for the Sun to be overshadowed by the Moon. And by the way, our ancient ancestors in Mesoamerica as well as those in Mesopotamia were able to predict eclipses and saw them as powerful indicators of change and upheaval.
This solar eclipse has the potential to be exceptionally powerful because it forms a T-Square to the final exact square between Saturn and Neptune on September 10. The conjunction of the Moon and the Sun, in Virgo, forms an opposition to Neptune, in Pisces. The conjunction of the Moon and the Sun also forms a square to Saturn, in Sagittarius. The ongoing square between Saturn and Neptune has been and continues to be about knowing the difference between fact and fiction. And certainly we are bombarded daily with opportunities to discern the differences among propaganda, false narratives and authentic reports—the problem is being able to hear clearly, which is Saturn’s realm, rather than hear through the filters of what we want to hear, which is Neptune’s domain.
At worst, under the influence of this solar eclipse those already committed to veiling the truth will be spreading even more stories intended to distract, bamboozle and manipulate already agitated emotional bodies. Consider it an extended, endless episode of Wag the Dog. At best, this eclipse could reveal previously hidden information with the power to clarify muddy waters and provide vital details. And this is not just in the political arena. The power of this T-square is sure to be felt in individual lives. So if you’ve been telling tales to yourself or others or living a lie, get ready for a reckoning.
This T-Square could be viewed as an opportunity to see how prejudice creates false boundaries and how harsh judgment has the power to deepen the chasms that already divide. So where possible, be willing to bring down the walls of illusion that continue to separate us from each other.
As you read through the Sun Bursts this week, keep in mind that Mercury Retrograde and the solar eclipse occur in Virgo, which means they happen in the same sector of your solar chart, underscoring their effect.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The next several weeks play out on two screens: health and work. If you’ve been ignoring your health, this would be the moment to pay attention. I’m not suggesting there’s something wrong. It’s simply a good time to get in shape. Also anticipate new information about your work environment that could facilitate significant shifts. Again, you’re not in danger—forewarned is simply better prepared.
Taurus April 20-May 20
The core of the next several weeks is about the willingness to take risks, but don’t confuse this with a daredevil attitude that defies common sense. Gather your facts, know the difference between wishful thinking and your actual capabilities, and then be creative. Think about the challenges you’re dealing with as exercises in how to live life with greater courage and you’ll make your choices on the basis of what’s possible.
Gemini May 21-June 21
You’re in the midst of a deeply internal process that affects not just where you live within yourself, but also where you actually physically live. The challenge comes from significant others whom you perceive as trying to control you, and you’re resistant to the external demands. As you work your way through this phase, try to discern what’s an old charge. Work on those projections first and the rest will be easier to handle.
Cancer June 22-July 22
The conversations continue, but for the next several weeks there’s a new tone to the dialogue. As you review the details of previous communiques or attempt to handle new information, it would be wise to assume a positive attitude. I’m not suggesting you deny or ignore disturbing data. I’m simply advising you to stay as open as possible so you can make clear and level-headed decisions.
Leo July 23-August 22
The last couple of weeks have been about your relationship to money—and so are the next. And while I know just how done you are with this process, as you review the details of your finances yet again, consider the notion that money is never a measure of true value. Money is simply a side effect of the material world—we need it, but how much we have is not a reflection of who we are. Bank accounts never indicate character.
Virgo August 23-September 22
I can’t really predict what your reaction will be to the double astral emphasis in your Sign, but I do know that you’re likely to feel the effect more keenly than others. My guess is that you are in the midst of an identity crisis, trying to determine how you want to be seen. So don’t be surprised if you’re in the mood for an extremely detailed makeover. Have at it and use this time to renew and refresh your sense of self.
Libra September 23-October 22
Read Gemini, above, and add this: Going within isn’t about torturing yourself with a negative litany of coulda’s, shoulda’s and woulda’s. If there are regrets, face them and see what you have to learn. If there are others involved, and contact is appropriate, make amends. The point is not to be afraid of your feelings and stuff them back down, but to acknowledge them, which will allow a deep and abiding healing to take place.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The next couple of weeks require you to be far more emotionally exposed than you’re used to being—or would want to be. Yet even though you might be feeling raw, there are benefits to that kind of exposure, especially if you can stay with the process. Use this time to identify what makes you uncomfortable about prolonged social contact, and then ask yourself how you might benefit from it.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Even though you feel squarely in the leadership role, you don’t have to manage every little detail on your own. The trick to handling the burden of your current situation is to invite others to join in the process, and as they get involved, listen closely to what each has to say. There are a lot of contributors to the success of your endeavors. Consider this an opportunity to appreciate their presence.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You’re doing a lot of soul-searching, trying to determine what you actually believe in as well as how you want to express those beliefs. This sort of questioning can be extraordinarily beneficial because it enables taking stock of your belief systems, and in many cases that could revitalize your perspective on several key issues. Don’t hesitate to examine and refine tried and true positions and opinions.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The next several weeks are all about extraordinary changes, yours and others’. Expect to participate in events or situations that you never even imagined you’d be part of, and anticipate those experiences having a profound effect on your worldview. No matter what the details might be or how many details there are to manage, this is an inherently transformative phase that awakens a new level of creativity.
Pisces February 19-March 20
You’re in the thick of partnership issues, personal as well as professional, and this is also fundamentally about your relationship with yourself. So take a deep breath and expect revelations to occur. Yes, I know that sounds dramatic, but a solar eclipse coupled with Mercury Retrograde in your Solar House of significant others creates a focus that cannot be denied. There’s nothing to worry about and everything to learn.
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