Aquarium Age: December 26 – January 1

2019 is a conundrum: On the one hand, astral patterns unfold with super simplicity—there are normal retrogrades and normal eclipses, which means we’re free to breathe an almost normal air. But that ease is countered by a pattern of deep red karmic threads, threads that continue to reach deep into individual and collective hearts, illuminating fundamental human issues and demanding that we bring consciousness into our mad, mad, mad world. 2019 offers moments of bliss as well as moments when some of us may feel that our hearts are failing. It’s not a pretty picture, but you would need the best drugs in the world to think that all the recent trials and tribulations around the planet—not just in the United States—will disappear at the stroke of the first day of a new year. Quite the opposite. On December 31, at 9:20 PM EST, Mars enters Aries, its Home Sign, signaling a dynamic end to 2018 as well as a dynamic start to 2019. Mars is a fiery planet that revels in assertion, ambition, and aggression—it thrives on challenge and competition, and because it likes to win, New Year celebrations could play out with an edge.

One thing is certain: 2019 is an inexorable planetary march toward January 12, 2020, when the Saturn/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn is exact. We start to feel the full force of this conjunction in April, and even though Saturn retrogrades away from Pluto for the summer, by the fall, this contractive force kicks in. By the end of 2019, we’ll find ourselves caught in the tractor beam of a contracted universe.

Saturn is always about limitation; Pluto is always about power; and when these two Titans challenge each other, we experience profound cultural shifts. Of course, there’s always the possibility that these shifts are beneficial—the groundswell of resistance to Trump and his Gang of Hungry Ghosts continues to grow steadily and throughout 2019 its presence will only increase. But the shadows that have been revealed—the hatred and greed that have been released and encouraged—won’t go quietly, and it’s up to those of us who value awareness and compassion to find ways of creating a new paradigm for conscious living, one that includes all of us, even those who hate. It won’t be easy to dismantle the polarization that has been so assiduously fed by the right-wing propaganda machine, but if we are to move forward toward peaceful resolution we must find a way for all of us to come in from the cold. As Dylan once wrote: “I’ll let you be in my dream if I can be in yours.”

Uranus also plays a key role in 2019. It goes direct on January 6, at 3:26 PM EST, less than 24 hours after the first solar eclipse of the new year at 15° Capricorn 25′, so the year is off to a dynamic start. Uranus Direct moves steadily forward, finally leaving Aries on March 6 and moving into Taurus, where it will stay until 2025. Uranus is sure to rock the financial world, but for those who aren’t invested as well as those who are, the transit of Uranus through Taurus is about more than money—the next seven years are about a revolution of values.

Just a brief look at history to add some context to what we might expect. In 1988, Saturn entered Capricorn, where it was quickly joined by Uranus that same year, and by 1991, as Saturn exited Capricorn and moved into Aquarius, the Soviet Union dissolved, evidencing that communism doesn’t work—at least not in its Russian iteration. Since the Saturn/Uranus oppositions of 2008/2010, we’ve been learning that capitalism doesn’t work either—the most recent crash course was the market collapse of 2008/2009. (We may be witnessing another one as I write.) Saturn moved back into Capricorn in 2017 and throughout 2019 it is steadily closing in on Pluto. We’re learning lessons similar to those we learned in 1988, only now we’re learning about the failure of capitalism.

We don’t really need the planets to remind us that economic inequities are at the heart of most of our problems, both local and global, but just in case anyone had any doubts, Uranus’ journey through Taurus, the Sign of resources—which includes m-o-n-e-y—makes those imbalances and their consequences undeniably clear. The next seven years—the length of a Uranus transit through each Sign, is likely to put a period at the end of capitalism’s reign. This examination of what matters most, individually and collectively, starts in 2019. As part of that process, many could find themselves bereft of resources, while others could find themselves experiencing overwhelming abundance. At either side of that spectrum, there are deeper value issues to be examined. For example, once survival needs are met, how much is enough? And if all your needs are met many times over, when does generosity become a responsibility?

To live authentically we need to know what we value most. It’s not enough to accept the party line—what we’ve been taught or told is “right” by family, church, school, or other authorities. Living consciously requires identifying intentions and being aware of what motivates our actions. Why is kindness important? Because it’s the right thing or because it feels good, strengthens the heart, and helps all of us to feel more connected to ourselves and each other?

As you sort through your values, keep in mind that hatred only feeds a negative energetic field—it’s ultimately a dead field, but it still radiates with power, especially when it catalyzes fear. Figuring out how to neutralize hatred with love and how to awaken compassion in the heart of an enemy…now, that’s magic, of a kind that’s both practical and necessary, so don’t confuse it with magical thinking. Find your magic in the coming year and help others to do the same.

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

Aries March 21-April 19
2019 is a year to embrace success and anticipate recognition for a job or jobs well done. The only requirement is a deep commitment to personal integrity, the kind of self-awareness that fosters emotional authenticity—this is a no B.S. year, so rather than pretend to anyone, including yourself, be true to everyone, especially yourself.

Taurus April 20-May 20
2019 opens up expansive new horizons, so be willing to explore new territory. If you’re interested in widening the bandwidth of your internal universe, be willing to try different meditation techniques. If you’re interested in exploring new physical locations, get busy searching for the best travel bargains. Either way or both, there are a multitude of universes to experience.

Gemini May 21-June 21
2019 focuses on how to better handle your resources, especially your money, with better precision. So if you haven’t already, make a spending plan so you can bring greater awareness to how you are managing your finances. Once you have that information, see if you can find a more efficient method for money management.

Cancer June 22-July 22
2019 is about recognizing your sensitivities and managing your boundaries—all those planets lining up in Capricorn oppose your Sign, which could be more than a little overwhelming for you. Spend more than a moment contemplating how you handle vulnerable situations—you don’t have to hide in your shell; you simply have to be responsive rather than reactive.

Leo July 23-August 22
2019 helps you find a personal alchemy that’s able to blend personal satisfaction with being of service to a cause greater than your own. Don’t confuse this challenge with the notion that you have to sacrifice your joy—yes, there are sacrifices to be made, but sacrifice means to make sacred, which means this process is a gain, not a loss.

Virgo August 23-September 22
2019 is all about perspective—taking in the broadest view possible so that you can understand the passage of time and its effect on the present moment. As you make this assessment, be sure to consider how previous judgments may have detrimentally affected your picture of reality and be willing to let those negative impressions go.

Libra September 23-October 22
2019 presents the opportunity to create greater safety and security, internally and externally. Seize the moment and finish up all the little projects around the house that need attention. And if you find yourself plagued by persistent anxiety, find healthy ways to handle the stress—if necessary, go to therapy and uncover what old patterns are interfering with your joy.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
2019 offers the potential to find meaningful relationships, both personal and professional. This isn’t necessarily about romantic interactions, although they could be part of the greater picture. The challenge is about finding or strengthening your relationship with equals, particularly when it comes to sharing your ideas and opinions freely, trusting they will be well received.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
2019 stokes the fire of desire, especially the desire to solidify your resources. Read your counterpart, Gemini, and add this: Managing money doesn’t have to be a chore; it can actually be pleasurable, but only if you’re willing to pay close attention to the details. Give it a try—you may find that it’s not actually as boring as you imagine.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
2019 presents many challenging moments, some of which could have you feeling quite alone—but that doesn’t mean you are alone. Rather than devolve into a deep state of emotional solitary confinement or isolation as a means of protection, reach out to others as a way of handling the stress. Yes, you are completely competent—and you also don’t have to do everything yourself.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
2019 sends the following message: The universe is yours if you can show up for reality and stay in the moment, even if the reality of the moment is uncomfortable. How to do that? Be truthful with yourself and others and rather than force the outcome, allow each situation to unfold organically. Of course, you can offer a tweak or two—but no manipulation or coercion is allowed.