It’s a good week to intensify your search for inspiration—we all need to feel the power of compassion right now. Be sure to look everywhere, even in those places you might deem unimportant or insignificant. The deepest wisdom can be found in the simplest act of compassion, so don’t be fooled by the seemingly hopeless madness of our current moment here on Earth. Goodness and heart have always held the fabric of daily life together and they continue to do so; it’s just not that easy to see their enduring effect at this particular moment in time and space. The waves of hatred that crash daily against the shores of life are disconcerting and disheartening, so much so that it’s easy to get lost in grief, anger, despair, or numbness. As I write this, I’m thinking that soon someone will identify and name the stages of Post Traumatic Trump Disorder. It will probably go something like: disbelief, horror, anger, fear, and galvanized resistance. Wherever you find yourself along this range of reactions—and I am sure there are many more to name—to the recent political and cultural tilt in the world’s axis, this is the week to focus on what gives you the strength to endure.It’s also the week to reach out to your fellow travelers and help those less capable of persistent resistance to make it through these turbulent waters.
The planetary combination opening this gate to greater inspiration is a Jupiter/Neptune trine. Both planets are in Water Sgns—Jupiter is in Scorpio and Neptune is in Pisces—and that placement amplifies their already expansive and intuitive qualities. I always get a little nervous when I write about the commingling of these planets because in addition to enhancing spiritual pursuits—meditation, contemplation, and visualization—their combined force also feeds addictive appetites. Not the best news for addicts struggling to resist temptation. Neptune represents all altered states of consciousness, from the lowest form of drug and alcohol states of awareness to the highest levels of mystical bliss. It’s an interesting arc of symbolism that I think is best understood when we define drugs and alcohol as the false gods, offering only temporary relief to those too sensitive to endure the hardships of daily life. Of course, once the demon of addiction bites, the reality of physical suffering only increases, and along that line, I think that’s one of the reasons Alcoholics Anonymous works: the false god is replaced by a Higher Power, a force that restores sanity and makes it possible to live in one’s skin, again.
On August 17, the Moon conjuncts Jupiter, in Scorpio, magnifying the effect of this inspirational trine, but at the same time, encouraging emotional reactions to run a little higher than you might like, so be careful not to get swept away in waves of feelings. I’m not suggesting an absence of feeling as an antidote, but I am advising taking a long view that anticipates the consequences of overreacting.
The Jupiter/Neptune trine is exact on August 19, the same day Mercury goes direct. Yes…Mercury Retrograde is over soon, but before you get too excited and rush to implement all those plans you’ve been waiting to initiate, be aware that for the first few days nothing—nothing—is going to move quickly. The very day after Mercury goes direct, August 20, as Mercury begins to gain forward momentum, Mars starts to “slow-down” in preparation for its “turn around” on August 27. But before Mars goes direct, it will linger on the same degree for nearly three weeks, which makes pushing forward with Mercury Direct a whole lot harder than it should be, so take your time. What’s more, the degree Mars lingers on is its degree of exaltation—28° Capricorn—a point that amplifies all of its mighty Martian potency, and that amplification is certain to intensify aggressive attitudes. Be prepared for even more bellicose and belligerent tirades from everyone, but especially from Mr. Trump and his already inflamed, encouraged, and out-of-control base. From an individual perspective, expect everyone—even you—to be flexing muscle and taking a stand for what they want as well as what they need. State your case, but try to negotiate your terms without harsh words or implied threats. There’s enough aggression in the world to last ten thousand lifetimes, and those of us who know better need to lead by example.
As the week unfolds, we’re likely to be bombarded by even more stultifying revelations about the degree of corruption in Washington, D.C., and other power spots around the world. It’s nearly impossible to stay idealistic or optimistic about the outcome of the current cultural chaos in the midst of so much moral decay, which is why we need to find inspiration. There have been, there are, and there will be leaders who have served the greater good. But as we are beginning to realize, each of us has to be the leader we long for. Find your inspiring leader and help others to do the same. Let the light and wisdom of those you admire guide your choices through these unrelenting times of personal and planetary upheaval.
Here’s my choice this week: www.akong-remarkablelife.com/#film
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
As you search for an inspirational teacher or archetype to help you on your journey, be sure to include a practical approach to one of the major qualities you are seeking to emulate. Idealism is the point, but practical application of those ideals—integrating them into action—is the goal.
Taurus April 20-May 20
You’re grappling with how to define your personal power, and while this process demands unstinting honesty and self-awareness, hard as that may be, it will eventually yield tangible, practical guidelines about what you can and can’t handle—and those boundaries will only make you stronger.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Although it’s often easy for you to assume a neutral stance, your current situation requires a squeaky-clean presence that doesn’t lean one way or another. The best you can do is show up, stay present, speak your truth, and trust you’ll be able to handle the outcome—no matter what it is.
Cancer June 22-July 22
The only requirement is authenticity—sounds simple, I know, but actually not that easy to pull off in every situation. Before you move into action, contemplate the long-range benefits of staying in your integrity. Once you’ve assessed what it takes always tell the truth, you’ll know what to do next.
Leo July 23-August 22
You survived the eclipse (yay, you!) and now you can move into your true power spot and start to manage all the things that matter to you. If you haven’t already prioritized those goals, get going—soon life will be too busy for you to procrastinate any longer.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Use the rest of this retrograde phase to tie up loose ends and deal with whatever little details still need attention. Yes, I know it sounds like a cliché, but you are really good at organizing all sorts of projects, so there’s no reason to leave anything unfinished.
Libra September 23-October 22
It’s likely you’re more than slightly overextended and wishing you could take a quiet break and replenish your reserves. Well, now’s the time, so don’t hesitate to turn off your phone, put the Closed or Do Not Disturb sign on the door, and take the break you need. All the madness will still be there when you emerge.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
It’s your time to let your light shine as brightly as you can, without hesitation, inhibition, or self-consciousness. Just allow yourself to be the most and the best you can be and the rest will simply take care of itself. Yes, I’m aware this might be a little scary, but you’ll easily adjust to the excitement.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Contemplate the relationships that truly matter to you and why they are so important. Don’t worry—there’s nothing wrong. I’m simply suggesting that you get in touch with how you feel about the ones you care about the most because in that process you will identify what you need and what they need.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Sometimes it’s okay to simply say enough is enough, but your current situation isn’t as clear as you need to make that decision. While it’s hard to gauge whether or not to disengage, if you sit with your feelings and notice what’s balanced and what isn’t, you’ll be inspired to take the appropriate steps.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You’re in the midst of several significant shifts and while part of you wants to hide away until you’ve adjusted to the new situation, it might be wiser to just put yourself out there and take your chances. Others may not be as judgmental as you are expecting—you might actually be surprised by their support.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Read Scorpio, above, and add this: Let yourself have as much fun as possible enjoying this powerful moment. You are in your element, all feeling all the time, and while it is possible to be overwhelmed, I wouldn’t be worried for a minute. You know how to swim in these waters, so strut your stuff.