As each week of 2017 unfolds, I encounter the same problem as I face the blank page: Should I go micro with the planets and talk about the influence of astral activity on the individual, or stay macro and talk about the influence of astral activity on the collective? I used to be able to combine both fairly easily (although some complained I was always and only writing about the intensities of daily life). But since the start of this year, when it became apparent to most that the former realities of daily life were evaporating at an alarming rate, and that it was imperative to learn how to live in a brave new world where nothing is what it once was, it started getting harder and harder to find a synthesis of the micro and the macro that could provide practical advice. I know I am not alone in this dilemma. Colleagues in the counseling profession, from the mainstream to the fringes, are witnessing the devastating psychological effect of Trumpism on patients and clients, making it all the more important to offer advice that’s relevant in a world spinning out of control.
In previous columns I’ve shared my struggle as I have worked through the disappointment and heartache at the way the world turns as a result of the election. I’ve also shared my search for a new equilibrium capable of containing the existential uncertainty of these interesting times. It’s been helpful to contextualize Mr. Trump as an anomaly, more specifically an anomaly very few could have imagined, and even those who saw something like him on the horizon could not have expected the weight of this disruption. This is why I cannot refer to him as President Trump—he simply defies the standard definition of a statesman, let alone a President of the United States. Frankly, I thought President G. W. Bush had done as much damage as possible to the dignity of the office. But I was wrong. While he and his gang of war-mongering capitalists opened the Gates of Hell with the war in Iraq, nothing compares to the devastation and destruction currently being set in motion by Trump and his greedy band of cruel and mendacious cronies.
To be sure, I am as tired of writing about it as I am of reading about it—and my exposure to the barrage of information regarding his egregious behavior is less than most because I am currently living overseas, safely away from the 24/7 news cycle. But I am still affected—we all are—and I know you are as weary as I am. Even so, there is no escaping the political reality of daily life—As Tip O’Neill would say: All politics is local. And local is the new global.
But I am encouraged this week by Mr. Trump’s unenlightened decision on climate change and the responses it engendered, responses that brought to light a deep, powerful and organized resistance to the ignorance of his decision. Cities, states, corporations, and individuals took a stand and said no, we’re going to do what’s necessary to save our planet because it is the right thing to do, and their defiance signals a strong ray of hope. Sanctuary cities and states, as well as the lawsuits against his abuses of power through edicts based on fear are all indications that we will abide by our highest principles. I suspect we will see more and more powerful demonstrations with positive effects.
The seemingly insurmountable problem is education—and it’s always been a problem. Fifty years ago, no one thought understanding ecology was important until enough people realized the implication of ecological systems. The same was true about the rights of women—and we are still struggling with educating enough people about the consequences of domestic violence. And certainly, racial and religious differences have been exploited by capitalism for as long as history can remember. How do you educate people who don’t understand the value and power of knowledge? I suppose the process is akin to Annie Lamott’s Bird by Bird—you simply do it one person and one issue at a time until enough hearts change to tip the balance.
I used to think effective resistance to Trump and the reeducation of his base would take too long to make a difference, but I’m changing my mind. The power of the Trump anomaly to destroy cannot be denied. But its power to awaken and galvanize resistance is equally powerful, if not more so. The evolutionary shifts required for this phase of survival are gaining momentum. Unfortunately, the healing crisis is painful for far too many and it’s important to offer assistance and aid to those in crisis, many of whom voted him in. There is nothing noble about ignorance. We all suffer from it in some way. It’s in our best collective interests to focus as much effort as possible on education.
Astrology
Jupiter is the big news this week. It goes direct on Friday, June 9, one hour after the Full Moon, in Sagittarius, that very same day. Jupiter has been retrograde since February 6, and for the last four months it has been retracing the path it covered since November 11, 2016—yes, just after the election…really…sometimes astrology just gets it right. Jupiter Direct reviews that same ground once again. All retrogrades are a planetary version of Groundhog Day. But we are the ones learning the lessons, not the planets.
A Full Moon always intensifies emotional responses, and because this is a Full Moon, in Sagittarius, opposite the Sun, in Gemini, the war of words continues as too many opinions and obscurations continue to pile up on the information highway. Jupiter tends toward exaggeration, so some of the claims are sure to be outrageous. Normally, the best advice would be to fasten your seatbelts and hang on. But I think the wisest advice is to stay awake and pay attention to what goes down—valuable information is sure to be hidden among the hyperbole.
Kindness is a powerful antidote for ignorance. So while there’s no escaping the magnitude of our shared situation and we dare not normalize the fear and hate, we can continue to practice compassion.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Jupiter goes direct in your Solar House of relationship, inviting a multitude of interactions, big and small, with significant others, personal as well as professional. Take your time with this process and sort through your contacts carefully. There’s no need to make alliances of convenience. The perfect partners always show up at the right time.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Jupiter goes direct in your Solar House of health, employment and service, and as it makes its “course correction,” activity in all those areas of life increases. As you cope with a much busier schedule, leave room for self-care. All work and no play isn’t good for anything but extra stress, so be pre-emptive and book enough hours for rest and relaxation.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Jupiter Direct in your Solar House of creativity and self-expression translates into a new phase of inspirational plans and projects. Remember, creativity doesn’t have to be limited to an art or a craft. Creativity is an attitude, and if you live every day as part of a great canvas upon which you’re painting a great masterpiece, you’ll live life fully.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Jupiter Direct occurs in your Solar House of the home—where you live, from an external perspective, as in your actual dwelling, to an internal one, or how you maintain your center. Take a moment to contemplate how you want to spend this energy, and then use the power to inspire an expansive attitude that can help you enhance a deep sense of well-being.
Leo July 23-August 22
Jupiter goes direct in your Solar House of communication and you start talking—a lot—maybe even more than you would like to, but there’s no stopping the power of this position. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, put it on the page, whether it’s through journaling or starting a blog. Whatever it is, let those ideas flow—it’s simply good for your mental health.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Jupiter Direct in your Solar House of resources stimulates a desire to make money, or at the very least, enhance your financial stability. At the very most, its “forward” motion is all about increasing your self-confidence and self-esteem. Remember, money matters, especially when it comes to survival. But the only thing that endures is the goodness of your heart.
Libra September 23-October 22
Jupiter goes direct in your Solar House of personality, giving you plenty of opportunities to put your ideas and opinions out into the world. Seize this moment and don’t hold back, even if some of your “darlings” receive mixed reviews. Jupiter is an optimistic force with plenty of staying power, which means you can stay on the field and practice until perfect.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Jupiter Direct in your Solar House of psyche stimulates your dreams, waking and sleeping. Use this positive and expansive presence to open the doors of perception through meditation and visualization. And if you are new to these types of practices, find a good teacher or program that will facilitate a new appreciation for the benefits of these techniques.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Jupiter, your Ruling Planet, goes direct in your Solar House of community, or the sector of the chart where we share out gifts with the world. Think about what it is you would like to contribute and then make a plan for the best way to offer your contribution. For some, this could simply be a financial gift, but for most, it’s likely to be through reaching out and volunteering.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Jupiter Direct occurs in your Solar House of career and recognition, and even if you are retired, it’s powerful enough to stir dormant ambitions and awaken the fire in your belly. Use this potent energy to clarify what it is you would like to do next and then let it move you into action. And don’t worry about spreading yourself too thin or changing your mind—Jupiter has energy to spare.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Jupiter goes direct in your Solar House of the quest for truth, stimulating a desire to probe and understand even more than your normal curious nature requires. Don’t hesitate to contemplate a variety of traditions, and also try not to be overwhelmed by just how many paths to truth there are. Diversity is the key to wisdom.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Jupiter Direct takes place in your Solar House of transformation, inviting you to move even more deeply into spiritual practices that will help you remove obstacles inhibiting personal freedom. Embrace this phase—even if you’re tired of growing (and at a certain point, who doesn’t grow weary?)—and you will be surprised by the progress you can make.
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