Aquarium Age: January 16 – 22

Planetary patterns continue to merge time zones as the past and future meld with the now, so continue to keep those multidimensional beanies firmly in place for at least another week—longer if you can handle it. And don’t forget the ET antennae—there are still lots of transmissions occurring and even if you can’t hear them directly, you’re probably still receiving the broadcasts. www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jan/11/aliens-radio-signals-space-brexit-trump

But don’t be dismayed if you’re feeling more than a little discombobulated by the current tumult and can’t get comfortable in the here and now. You are not out of touch, you are actually in tune. Our present global situation is deeply unsettling because we’re caught in a maelstrom of change with no clear outcome in sight. Finding peace in the midst of this uncertainty—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—is the challenge, especially when so many dimensions are broadcasting so many diverse messages all at once. What’s more, because most of us are already worn thin by the incessant intensity, it’s that much harder to hold a clear vision about what’s happening.

The primary message of the week—its contractive force, as well as the source of our existential anxiety—is a Sun/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn that began on January 5, was exact and separating on January 11, and is finally over by January 18. This conjunction indicates power struggles, individual and collective, personal or professional, and one of the ways this signature displays its intensity is through a refusal to budge from self-interest. It’s also certain in its certainty, which means anyone who doesn’t agree must be wrong. That kind of rigidity encourages despots of every type to throw their weight around. (Shutdown, anyone?)

The Sun/Pluto conjunction also previews the future, giving us a glimpse of what the Saturn/Pluto conjunction will be like in January 2020, which we know from historical manifestations tends to favor inhibiting forces that exert power in any way possible. By April this year, Saturn and Pluto come within 3° of each other and stay in close contact throughout May into early June—a prolonged comingling that provides strong indications of what lies ahead.

But that’s not all—I did say there were a lot of transmissions. Mars, currently in Aries is on the offensive this week, as it squares Saturn. This pernicious influence began Saturday, January 11, is exact and separating on January 21 (approximately six hours after the lunar eclipse), and pulls out of range by January 31. Expect this fractious interaction to intensify the psychic noise, political rhetoric, and perhaps even physical assault levels: Mars represents military might and Saturn represents authority, including the authority of the State; as a result of this clash, tension increases in all those places that are already too agitated. The eclipse only amplifies this tension.

And there’s more:

We’re still under the influence of the Jupiter/Neptune square and the Saturn/Neptune sextile—two ongoing astral combinations that free imagination and have the power to inspire new solutions to old problems. I’m not suggesting Neptune is a universal remedy for what ails—many would argue that its penchant for illusion and delusion override any positive contribution. But—and this is a big but—a vision is required before anyone can create a new reality. Neptune represents the ability to dream; Jupiter turns that ability expansive; and Saturn facilitates turning inspiration into action. Dreams push creativity forward. So continue to use these two Neptunian interactions to make progress in your personal life but also realize that when we dream together, collective progress is possible.

Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, also offers some relief as she conjuncts Jupiter, joining its square to Neptune. Venus begins her conjunction to Jupiter today, January 16; their perfect union is exact on January 22 and separating; it ends on January 28. Let Venus inspire your dreams and visions. On the physical plane, this Venus/Jupiter conjunction could spark and possibly ignite a romantic fire, especially as Mars trines that conjunction, fueling passions. Again, let Venus inspire your intentions.

Back to the tough stuff: Mr. Trump has transiting Pluto opposite his natal Saturn, and while that opposition won’t be exact until February 20, 2020, it is close enough to be felt, deeply. His structures are breaking down and he can no longer rely on his tried and true methods. He is channeling the zeitgeist. Yes, his reactions are awful, but he is an example of what happens when Pluto pokes your weak spots. Remember, Pluto is about death and rebirth, which means that under any Pluto transit you must first surrender what is inauthentic before you can rebuild on the basis of integrity. When revelations finally come to light that Mr. Trump not only colluded with the Russians but also committed treason by selling the United States to a foreign power, we can only hope that it will be possible to undo what he’s put in motion. It may take years to repair the damage done and restore faith in our government, but it can be done, especially if we reject the idea of hatred and the idea that freedom of speech means saying anything we want, even if it is untrue and harmful, and acknowledge that the right to bear arms doesn’t grant a license to kill with assault weapons. There’s a lot of work to do, but it can be done.

Aries March 21-April 19
Mars is in your Sign, which means you’re feeling your Martian might, but don’t let that assertive energy turn into a general with a bad military attitude. Soften your commands with compassion born of the understanding that not everyone shares your fire—and that those differences can be key to creating a well-rounded approach.

Taurus April 20-May 20.
You’re asking probing questions and you’re not willing to settle for trite answers—and that’s a good thing, because there are seldom quick-fixes to serious spiritual inquiries. Take your time with this process and allow yourself to mull over the various answers you are presented with. At first glance some ideas may seem far-fetched, but a closer look might reveal their wisdom.

Gemini May 21-June 21
Certain areas of your life are moving forward quickly, while others feel stagnant. Never mind the disparity—just focus on what brings you joy, which probably means all the projects and plans that are taking flight. If you focus on what’s stuck, you run the risk of getting stuck. The stagnation will eventually end on its own. Right now, it’s important for you to feel the wind beneath your wings.

Cancer June 22-July 22
The key to your success is organizing your priorities, creating a strategy, and then applying those plans to all there is to do—and there’s plenty. The only obstacle may be relationship obligations of time and energy. If your significant other is feeling challenged by your focus, make the time to explain what’s happening. If you are challenged by your partner’s agenda, apply the same action—talk about it.

Leo July 23-August 22
It’s a lot of work on every level because not only are you doing the organizational lifting—figuring out what to work on and how much time to devote to each facet—you are also doing the mental, emotional, and spiritual heavy lifting of growing into this new phase. Even as the deadlines approach, take your time—it will all get done.

Virgo August 23-September 22
Continue to seize the moment and acknowledge the strong creative current freely flowing through your day-to-day goings-on. If you can, record or jot down your ideas. You may not be able to implement them all at once or even in the near future, but that doesn’t lessen their value—quite the opposite. There’s a great joy in simply feeling and acknowledging your creativity

Libra September 23-October 22
I wouldn’t quite call it an earthquake, although certain areas of your life are rattled. I would consider these tremors a warning that certain issues with significant others need to shift. But don’t look for the easy out or the spiritual bypass. Stay on the field and figure out how to create peaceful solutions that help everyone feel more at home, internally and externally.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
There are many positive virtues to having honest conversations with the people we love the most, even if some of what we have to say is difficult. The most important thing to remember when you are having these discussions is to avoid blame. The key to a compassionate exchange is the awareness that polarized positions are usually born of judgment and projection, not reality.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Have a blast with Venus and Jupiter in your Sign, because it puts you in your best light. Be as charming as you can and don’t rule out romance—Mars is ramping up passionate encounters that can’t be easily be denied. But even if you aren’t interested in a specific—or any—romantic escapade, channel this energy into creative endeavors and you’ll feel a deep sense of personal satisfaction.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
You’re right—it is impossible to handle all the things that are happening in your personal world, the worlds of those you love, and the wider world around you. Take a deep breath—actually as many as you need—to feel settled in your body and contemplate what you can do each day to calm your nervous system. This isn’t about backing away from the tumult; it’s about learning to handle it skillfully.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
Express yourself—every little feeling, no matter how petty you might think you’re being—because if you let yourself tell the truth, you’ll feel the log jam that’s been building inside release. Even though that letting go may be a bit messy, it will nonetheless be authentic, and that authenticity has the power to set you free from so much that might be inhibiting your joy.

Pisces February 19-March 20
You’re likely to be drawn more to work than to play, given the possibilities of career opportunities and the potential for financial gain. But I’m not suggesting that you devote yourself to success only. Make time for convivial interactions with friends, family, and all the other people in your life that feed your spirit and nurture your heart. Joy is just as important—if not more—than money.