I am sure that someone, somewhere is busy creating a new Book of Changes. Not because I think the ancient I Ching is out of touch with reality—I continue to consult it regularly. But as I watch the collective psyche tilt daily, I can’t help but think we might need a new, updated oracle, one more suited to a digital civilization where transformation seems to be facilitated through millions of tweets, all of which move at the speed of light and many of which are so powerful they seem to bend the very cables sending their message through cyberspace. It’s dizzying to behold so many opinions resonating through the ether. There is truly something for everyone, and while a smorgasbord of ideas ain’t a bad thing, the inability to sort through data and differentiate fact from fiction is. This deluge of digital information contributes to our collective polarization and often is a powerful tool to exacerbate what divides us. The “something for everyone” terrain of cyberspace has obliterated critical thinking and left us with…well…a depressing mess. Recently someone confided to me that she just wanted to stay under the covers, far from it all. I supported her urge, because when you are bludgeoned daily by all that’s wrong with the world as well as by what appears to be an indefatigable resistance to making it right, wanting to stay under the covers is an appropriate response. Hopelessness is a soul-sickness that isn’t easily healed.
This week, there’s not a lot of relief from the fractious atmosphere of the last several weeks. A Mars/Pluto square bolsters belligerence while also supporting ruthlessness as a strategy for success—a pernicious interaction that makes it wiser to withdraw than to engage. Getting your point across requires a commitment to nonviolent communication, with head and heart—and both feet—planted firmly on the ground of compassion and in respect for your opposition.
Mars symbolizes self-assertion, which includes everything along that spectrum, from global rage to self-actualization. This week, Mars is mostly about anger; it is in Aries, its Home Sign, amplifying the need to take a stand, which often leads to brawls and battles. Pluto signifies transformation and will stop at nothing to enforce its way. When these two collide, all sorts of negative interactions are probable, which is why practicing nonviolent communication would be a good choice. But there is something positive to remember about Mars and anger: both Mars and Aries are associated with the start of spring, the season when even the most delicate shoot of a crocus or daffodil has the power to push away the hard, frozen earth of winter and bring forth new life. That assertive force, which is the renewal of life, is the magic of the season, and Mars also symbolizes that magic. Align with that gentle persistence for the next couple of weeks and you just might avoid collisions with Pluto and its need to control.
Pluto’s transit through Capricorn continues rattling all the bones of all the structures that hold reality together—it’s challenging authority of every denomination, from the rule of men to the rule of law to the domination of corporations, governments, and banks. From a collective perspective, the underpinnings of daily life are trembling from unrelenting upheaval and the threat of annihilation. From a personal perspective, it’s pretty much the same story. Pluto has us in its grip and is not letting go anytime soon.
Uranus’ entry into Taurus in March, brings Pluto’s intensity into focus, turning that turmoil into a revolution of values. Pluto’s journey through Capricorn is the American Revolution 2.0, culminating in the United States Pluto Return in February 2022. The United States Pluto Return is emblematic not just of our national karma but of our global situation—we are in a revolution that includes everyone, everywhere, because we are deciding whether we want to evolve and survive or devolve and suffer extinction. (Yeah…I know that’s a harsh way to put it, but I’m just keepin’ it real.)
This revolution of values spotlights the crevice between those who care about others and those who don’t. While the callousness of those who don’t care is almost too much to bear in an almost cartoonish villainy of their desire to do harm and the very real damage it is causing, there are plenty of good people performing all kinds of miraculous acts of kindness and compassion, everywhere, every day. Great strides are being made at the local levels of consciousness where the capacity to care for others is being applied diligently by those who are committed to making a difference in the lives of their fellow travelers. That is where the power is.
So for those who are feeling despairing because previous efforts to make the world a better place seem to have been for naught, take heart. There are profound efforts underway to shift the focus from hate to love, some in bold, unexpected gestures of compassion and some in the quiet of the day-to-day. The survivors of the Parkland massacre who are making the world a better place one heart and one vote at a time are my current heroes. They are an antidote to the soul-sickness of hopelessness.
My other favorite remedy lies in the words of Ari Mahler, a nurse who treated the gunman who slaughtered all those people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh: “Love as an action is more powerful than words, and love in the face of evil gives others hope. It demonstrates humanity. It reaffirms why we’re all here. The meaning of life is to give meaning to life, and love is the ultimate force that connects all living beings.” Wow. Just wow. Love is something each of us can engage regardless of the insanity that bombards us daily. It’s a really good reason to come out from under the covers.
www.dailygood.org/story/2176/eight-inspiring-moments-from-2018-jeremy-adam-smith/
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Quiet reflection would be a perfect response to the noise that surrounds you. While I know you want to take action, because action is your strong suit after all, right now the best approach would be to take no unnecessary action. As the Taoists would advise, practice wu-wei, or as the saying goes, go with the flow.
Taurus April 20-May 20.
Surrender all your anxieties to Nofret, an ancient Egyptian queen who I call No-Fretti, because when you lay your fears of ruin upon her altar, a great sense of relief is possible. I’m not really sure if that is her domain, but it seems to work, and what you need most is the certainty that the Goddess is listening.
Gemini May 21-June 21
You’re already wearing your heart on your sleeve, so rather than pull back, hold steady. Being vulnerable is never easy, but despite the effort it takes to stay open and on the field, vulnerability is a place of tremendous power—when you stand in the truth of your heart, there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Cancer June 22-July 22
The key to keeping the peace is being objective about what would best serve everyone’s needs. Spend a moment creating a strategy with the intention of including the needs of all concerned parties. You may not be able to please everyone, but just the attempt to find a win/win solution will be appreciated.
Leo July 23-August 22
There’s no need to shy away from attention—grab the spotlight and use it to your advantage, and don’t be afraid that your ego will blow everything out of proportion. You have the inner strength to resist the temptation to blow things out of proportion. All you need do is stay steady and take it one day at a time.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Indulge your urge to hermitize—give yourself as much quiet time as you need. You’ve been coping with a lot of changes and it’s important to replenish your reserves. Don’t worry what others might think about taking time for yourself. You’ve spent a lot of time caring for others and now it’s time for self-care.
Libra September 23-October 22
Take a deep breath and as you exhale, try to release recent relationship tensions, especially any resentments you may feel about the participation—or lack thereof—from significant others. You’ve been trying to reorganize your relationship patterns for a while, and sometimes it’s just easier to let go.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
In the midst of madness it’s often difficult to remember that life is a process and that while one particular phase feels more important than another, all the various bits and pieces of a life comprise the entire puzzle. This current phase is all about communication—use it wisely by choosing your words with care.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Jupiter is still expanding those feelings of love, whether romantic or platonic, and you’re still attempting to ride those waves of passion. Good—hang in there and know this: the more you acknowledge the truth of your heart, the easier it will be to move forward with confidence.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
If you rely on your spiritual foundation to get you through these current waves of intensity, you’ll have an easier time staying on course. That foundation includes your intuition, so don’t dismiss your hunches because they seem too far-fetched. You don’t have to act; just listen closely and learn.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Life is moving forward at a rapid rate and despite a couple of obstacles, the ride is thrilling. Make the most of this moment by opening up a discussion with significant others, personal and professional, about what’s needed for you and your partner(s) to feel safe as well as satisfied in the relationship.
Pisces February 19-March 20
It’s possible to make solid financial gains, but only if you are willing to do the hard work of analyzing the available data. Figure out how to clear your mental space, so discard what’s superfluous and concentrate instead on the important information. Some of this might be boring, but it will be worth your effort.