It’s a good week to take a nice slow, long, deep breath and then to exhale, taking as much time as you need. Repeat this breathing exercise until you’ve expelled as much tension as possible. Breathing deeply is no miracle cure for what ails, but it will allow a moment of awareness to put you in touch with the shifting astral currents of the week. Mars is pivoting on its power point—it went direct on Monday, August 27—and as Mars takes the time to “reorient” itself, we have a chance to do the same. Mars isn’t going to gain momentum immediately, and neither are we. We are at the end of a long, difficult summer and before we gear up for fall, it’s important to notice if and how the summer of our discontent has transformed body, mind, and soul. So don’t be in a hurry to jumpstart all those things you’ve been keeping on hold—just about everyone is gonna need some time to get used to the new air, including all the people involved in your plans and projects.
Mars Direct began on Monday, but because it lingers at the same degree—28° Capricorn—until September 3, it doesn’t gain a full head of steam until mid-September. As Mars slowly gains momentum, it coalesces with Saturn’s preparation to go direct on September 6, and while they are not connected to each other, it’s likely that Saturn’s “course correction” will override the Martian need to move and that could turn certain efforts sluggish. The best way through is to enjoy the end of summer as you continue whatever it is you do to stay patient. Of course, it’s also possible to forge ahead—just try not to be too disappointed if you still feel trapped in retrograde delays and detours.
As the Sun moves forward in Virgo, the Grand Trine in Earth Signs loses some of its power, and by the weekend, we’re left with a trine between Saturn and Uranus. The power of this Saturn/Uranus trine isn’t much diminished, which means there are still plenty of opportunities for grounded, practical endeavors.
The Jupiter/Neptune trine is also lessening its influence, but its power still applies until mid-September. This positive interaction feeds the imagination, as it simultaneously provides insight and inspiration for altruistic action. Continue to use its bright light to motivate good works.
When you’re betwixt and between retrograde and direct motion, it’s a great time pick up loose ends or clean up dangling threads, both recent and those that have been lingering for a long time. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching out to old friends with an intention of clearing up misunderstandings or hurt feelings. Even if you can’t make actual physical contact, make a heart-to-heart connection that includes a strong wish for peace. There’s no need to carry any negativity forward.
I’m not sure peace offerings are going to help reorder Trump World; there are several cards Trump hasn’t played and those who support him, not just his base, but his wealthy patrons who have resolutely stood behind his dismantling of the United States government, are not going quietly. There’s plenty more ahead, and a lot of it will be at least as difficult as what’s already transpired—if not worse. I watched the John Brennan interview on Bill Maher last week and it was a chilling: Mr. Brennan says that he is “worried” because “we are in a crisis” that he believes will get “worse before it is better.” His concern is that as Mr. Trump grows increasingly desperate, he will continue to divide us as a country and that the animosity he is fueling could spill out into the streets, which would be a real disaster. And although Brennan doesn’t say this directly, his concern is that such that a disintegration of law and order could do real damage to our country. I never thought there would be a time in my life that I would support the CIA, but every indication is that the former director has assessed the threat and knows that it is real—real enough to break his silence as keeper of the secrets. That should worry all of us. As the rats leave the ship, Mr. Trump and the others invested in maintaining power will hold on tighter and tighter.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tv7-sIRwMg
As you deep-breathe your way through the week, try to relax but also try to keep your eyes and ears on what’s happening. I know that sounds like a contradiction but awareness has many facets. As you contemplate the state of the state as well as the condition your condition is in, start to think about how you can continue to hold the banner of democracy even higher. We are not at the end of our struggle, and what lies ahead requires all of us to go even more deeply into compassion for our fellow travelers—never has Earth been in greater need of loving-kindness.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
When Mars moves forward, it intensifies opportunities to heal from the intensity of a wide range of deep, personal feelings, some of which were easy to recognize and others were more complex to identify. Use this week and next to contemplate what might still be needed for you to experience an emotional renewal that has the power to support deeper participation in your community.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Mars Direct has you thinking about career or how to reinvigorate your sense of purpose even if you aren’t working. As you contemplate the next steps, pay particular attention to how you can build and maintain relationships that help you and those you work with sustain joint endeavors that support a positive and inclusive attitude.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Mars Direct inspires you to create closure in certain situations, skillfully and peacefully. I’m not suggesting you violate your principles or lower your standards. I’m simply advising you to generate goodwill so that nothing holds you hostage to a negative mindset—this isn’t so much about the power of positive thinking as it about healing your heart.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Mars Direct focuses on transformation—personal and planetary—so be prepared to be aware of several areas that need to shift. There’s no need to shy away from this phase. You’ve been earnestly working on yourself, doing your best to integrate what you’ve been learning. Others who have noticed your progress are likely to be asking for your advice and counsel.
Leo July 23-August 22
Mars puts the emphasis on relationships—all of them, from the intimacy of family and friends to superficial interactions with strangers. The best use of this phase is greater authenticity when engaging with others, no matter how near or far. I know that’s impossible to do all at once (it probably takes several lifetimes) but don’t let that stop you from practicing, now.
Virgo August 23-September 22
As Mars moves forward it stimulates a more than busy schedule, which translates into a real need to prioritize your goals and projects. But before you apply an old standard, take a moment to consider your new situation and then make your list according to those concerns. This isn’t a riddle—it’s about a new perspective that will help you to reorganize your time and efforts.
Libra September 23-October 22
Mars Direct stimulates new creative projects as well as a desire for new romantic adventures. Spend this dynamic phase wisely by concentrating on all those inspired ideas you simply never seem to have time for. Or if there is a special someone you’ve been meaning to contact, use this Martian moment to gather your courage and make your move.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Mars Direct creates a paradox: On one hand, its forward motion motivates you to find a new personal pace that facilitates a new way of moving through your daily routines. Yet on the other, Mars stimulates a need to hunker down at home and take care of your personal space. These two impulses aren’t actually at odds with each other, so rather than feeling polarized, synthesize.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mars moves into you Solar House of communication and you are talking—even more than usual. Be prepared for feisty exchanges on a variety of subjects. It might be wise not to be too aggressive—words as weapons wouldn’t be the best choice at this particular moment. You don’t have to water down your opinion; you just need to consider that yours isn’t the only one.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
As Mars moves forward and your attention turns to resources, making money becomes a top priority. Have at it—you like being abundant, and the next couple of months promise to be a particularly abundant phase. With that in mind, consider the idea that you are your greatest resource, which makes this phase a good time to build self-esteem and confidence as well.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Get ready to blast off as Mars moves back into your Sign and you move into maximum warp speed. Just be aware as you settle into hyperspace that not everyone or everything moves at the speed of light. It might be wise to pace yourself so that you have some company along the way—spaceships are quite exotic, but companionship also has its benefits.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Mars Direct stimulates an internal process that has you examining mental patterns with an eye toward refining or transforming several attitudes you thought would never shift. This isn’t about abandoning tried and true beliefs just because it’s time for a change, but about paying attention to what you believe to be true—and why.