Aquarium Age

The Aquarium Age: Dec. 28-Jan. 3

By Ralfee Finn

The planets provide a rocky ride this week, with plenty of ups, just as many downs, and an erratic pace that’s sure to rattle regular routines (not that anything is actually regular these days). And even though “expect the unexpected” has been the mantra of daily life here on Earth for far too long, it would be wise to take that cliché to heart and make it your mantra for the final few days of 2016 as well as the opening days of 2017. As we leave an historic year of far too many unprecedented events, there’s still a potential for even more surprises before the New Year begins.

The source of this week’s inconsistent pace is two-fold. First, we are in the midst of Mercury Retrograde. Infamous as the energetic signature for delays and detours, under the influence of a Mercury Retrograde phase, details from the past dominate all other concerns. And because many of those details are in need of resolution, our attention turns toward a review of recent (and sometimes ancient) history instead of the present moment. Anticipate reviewing and reconsidering decisions and plans already in motion.

The second source of the “time warp” is the ongoing Jupiter/Uranus opposition that continues to generate surprising plot twists. It was exact on Monday, December 26, and normally, after an exact contact of any influence, and as the planets pull apart, we enter the separation phase—the time we feel the full thrust of that particular influence. But this Jupiter/Uranus opposition is anything but normal. (What else is new?) Jupiter and Uranus stay in close contact with each other until March, and because their opposition resembles a seesaw, we have two more months of unpredictable and often extreme highs and lows. (Psychic seatbelts remain necessary while navigating the daily grind until further notice.)

Jupiter symbolizes good fortune and expansion. Uranus symbolizes spontaneity as well as invention. Oppositions indicate tension, and when Jupiter and Uranus oppose each other, sudden reversals of fortune are possible, positive as well as negative. The tension generated by this Jupiter/Uranus opposition for the next several months will be most apparent on the political stage, but personal interactions are also affected, especially relationships mired in habitual patterns that no longer serve. Jupiter is in Libra, the Sign of partnership, and Uranus is in Aires, the Sign of individuation. Or in other words…I want to hold you forever but I also want to be absolutely completely free.

The good news is that Saturn, in Sagittarius, continues to sextile Jupiter and trine Uranus for approximately the same period of time, which means Saturn’s presence continues to act as a grounding rod while we’re in the midst of many wild mood swings.

And this week’s swings require a strong anchor because on Thursday, December 29, at 4:30 AM EST, Uranus goes direct, ending a retrograde phase that began five months ago on July 29. We always feel a bump when Uranus makes a “course correction” and this time is no exception. But this bump could be even more surprising than others for two reasons:

(1) Uranus goes direct in its opposition to Jupiter, and because Jupiter signifies expansion and excess, responses to Uranus Direct are certain to be extreme.

(2) Those extreme responses are also likely to be highly emotional, given that a few hours earlier, at 1:53 AM EST, there is a New Moon, in Capricorn, conjunct Mercury Retrograde, and as Thursday and Friday unfold, the Moon conjuncts Pluto, turning attitudes more than a little compulsive and controlling. But that’s not all. As the day progresses, that New Capricorn Moon squares both Jupiter and Uranus, making what is technically known as a mess (just kidding). Actually, that New Moon forms a T-Square with Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto, a configuration that is best spent under the covers with a good book or simply asleep. (Also just kidding.) The whole bundle makes for highly sensitive nerves and a need for clear and distinct boundaries.

You’ll need all the tools you’ve been using for the entire year to make it through these last days of 2016. Continue to build and maintain a strong internal compass that keeps you centered on what matters most to you. In my world, compassionate action is the key to making it through these waves of change, especially the extreme waves of upheaval that challenge all of us to find our best selves and to activate that “bestness” in the love and service of all sentient beings.

Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.

Aries March 21-April 19
Be prepared for certain career challenges to stimulate several emotional patterns you thought were long gone, especially feelings of insecurity and uncertainty. Rather than give into those feelings, acknowledge their potency, but also review the work you’ve already done to transform those patterns. And if you’ve been in denial, now is the time to get to work.

Taurus April 20-May 20
At first glance, you’re likely to think it’s easier to hide rather than face the situation and search for a solution. But if you take a deep breath and look a little closer, you might discover that having honest conversations with all involved has the potential to stimulate creative ideas with the power to solve the problem with great benefit to everyone.

Gemini May 21-June 21
It is fundamentally a financial issue, and identifying and separating the threads to locate the knots takes time, but don’t let that discourage your efforts. There are significant others, personal and professional, who are willing and able to help you through this process. Enlist their help and you’ll turn the entire situation into a transformative win.

Cancer June 22-July 22
Rather than pretend you’re not emotional, own your feelings. That’s right: If you’re upset, express it. If you’re joyous, share the love. Not everyone will share the same sentiment or be comfortable with your intensity, but all attempts to hold back will backfire. Concentrate on taking responsibility for your emotions without making others the cause or target of those feelings.

Leo July 23-August 22
The secret to handling the intensity is not brooding about what could go wrong and interfere with your plans. I’m not suggesting you throw caution to the wind and just let what happens happen. I’m simply advising you to learn a deeper level of trust so you can identify when being in control may not serve your best interests. That distinction will only improve your attitude.

Virgo August 23-September 22
It is ultimately a question of values and how what matters most to you aligns with what matters most to others, particularly the people most important to you. The best way to find the clarity you’re seeking is to involve yourself in projects that require mutual participation, because that interaction will allow you to witness everyone’s values in action.

Libra September 23-October 22
Work-related projects, whether professional or personal, will provide the best outlet for pent-up tension or frustration, so don’t procrastinate on those tasks or hesitate to volunteer where help is needed. I’m not advising you to deny the issues at home; I’m simply reminding you that there are many ways to spend excess emotional energy.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
The challenge is believing in yourself and trusting your intuition to help you make the best choices about how to handle situations that require clear communication. You can blurt the truth or parse your words to effectuate a specific outcome—either way will get the job done. Or you can listen to your deepest wisdom and allow your heart to guide your choices.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You’re looking for a specific sort of clarity that allows you to be able to gauge the concerns of others without succumbing to codependence—and that’s great. But to do that you have to be clear about what you want, regardless of what others may think or feel about your choices. Make a promise to be true to you, and then let that guide your words and deeds.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
It is a deeply emotional week, so take a deep breath and start singing “feelings…nothing more than feelings.” Give yourself permission to be sincere and heartfelt, but also rely on humor to get you through the rough and tough spots. Yes…there will be moments of frustration with those you love, but there will also be moments of great and satisfying joy.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
During the last few days of this incredibly intense year, the focus is on how you take care of yourself. Yes, I know I usually encourage taking care of others, but sometimes that external concentration can become a reason to neglect taking care of yourself. Rather than ignoring or pretending that you’re “just fine,” make the time for self-care. It will work wonders for your physical and mental health.

Pisces February 19-March 20
You can focus on practical concerns—and there’s no denying the importance of reality—but it’s equally important to allow yourself to explore creative solutions to situations in need of resolution. There is plenty of planetary support for this process and no reason to be concerned that you won’t find solid, wholesome ways to effectuate the desired changes.

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

This article was originally published on December 30, 2016.