Emotions run high this week as our new spring season begins with a divisive astral signature: a full Moon at 0° Libra illuminates the Sun at 0° Aries, just hours after the start of the spring equinox on March, 20, at 9:58 PM GMT. The Moon and the Sun symbolize soul and spirit, and their opposition signifies what many of us are likely to experience as a deep internal discontent with the state of our individual lives, as well as a deep sadness about the state of our world. It’s unfortunate that our transition into the season of hope and rebirth is punctuated by this opposition, which signals that our differences could become more important than our similarities and that what divides is likely to override what unites. It will take every effort of consciousness to transform this polarization into a synthesis. We’ve been breathing a toxic air for what seems like an eternity and there is no letup in sight. Over the course of the coming weeks and months, the planets up the ante on what separates us from one another, making it even more important to figure out how we are going to remedy our disconnection and join together to create a better world.
Saturn and Pluto are at the core of our discontent. They continue to move inexorably toward a conjunction in Capricorn that becomes exact in January 2020. A conjunction of these two planets in any Sign signals a paradigm shift, which always manifests as a huge contractive force. From now until July 2019, we are in an intensified preview of that potential. Once the actual conjunction occurs, on January 12, 2020, and Saturn and Pluto start separating, we will experience the full brunt of its force—election year, anyone? And although that may seem too far in the future for us to be concerned about now, from where I am sitting right at this moment in time and space, we are already in it, especially in light of last week’s massacre in New Zealand.
My apologies to readers: I was wrong last week when I wrote that there would be a slight lessening of intensity—life actually got worse for far too many of our fellow travelers. While there might have been a break for some of us, our electronic interconnectedness enables us to span the globe with a touch that translates into shared experiences, positive and negative. This week, that interconnectedness should have celebrated the global student strike, which was powerful in its demonstration that young people are involved in their future. But there’s no longer any escaping the reality of tragedy when it erupts anywhere outside of our local time zones; everyone is affected. The only isolation is ignorance.
Mr. Trump continued to affirm his ignorance as well as his extremism when he threatened the potential for violence against the left, violence from his supporters—Bikers for Trump—violence he encourages. I don’t need to reiterate the pressure he is under from all sorts of agencies for all sorts of things he never thought he would get caught for—and I won’t. What I will do is note the astro-pressure he is under: the tightening grip of the Pluto/Saturn conjunction is moving steadily toward his natal Saturn/Venus conjunction in Cancer. Pluto is currently one degree away from an exact opposition to his Saturn, and it’s certain to be causing his structures to tremble. His remedy for those tremors is to double down on fear. But this is only the beginning of his astrological troubles. In January and February 2020, the Saturn/Pluto conjunction will be exact and separating on that Saturn/Venus conjunction, which means he is likely to try anything to seize the power of that moment, and like some awful disaster movie, move us into a dystopian nightmare.
Or—and this is where I’m putting all my chips—we could make an evolutionary leap and find solutions that serve every living being. The good news of the week—the best news—is the 1.4 million students who marched in support of action on climate change. They are our future—and they won’t settle. We must stand by their efforts and lend a hand because none of us can afford to settle for surface solutions, economic Band Aids, or spiritual bypasses. We must find solutions that address the causal level. It’s not just a matter of banning assault weapons; we must look at what motivates people to such extreme violence. We must treat the cause if we are to succeed in eradicating the disease. Many of us already know what gives rise to these eruptions of violence, and there are psychological and spiritual resources available that offer us the power to right those ideological ships lost at sea and bring those fellow travelers safely home. But we must have the determination and discipline to implement those resources, to change the way we live, and to help others to make those changes too.
The horror in Christchurch is one more moment of insanity in a world that has been spinning out of control for so long that we’ve almost accepted it as the new tilt of Earth’s axis. But we can’t let that happen. Even as we become increasingly inured to it, we must continue to conscientiously refuse to normalize hate or to be demoralized by it. We must not expect it—but at the same time, until we find solutions, we must be prepared for it. I don’t know how you teach children to hold both of these realities, but we have to figure it out; we must not give up on a non-violent world. We can weep, but we must not dissolve into despair. Too much is at stake. Too much hangs in the balance. Hating the haters changes nothing. Find a way to stand firm in active compassion—it’s a more difficult position to hold, but a far more effective response.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
As the Sun shines its light in your Sign, allow it to illuminate how you can live a more peaceful life, inside and out. Rather than feeling pulled in several directions simultaneously, concentrate on how you can synthesize these seemingly disparate perspectives into a holistic point of view. It may not be a smooth process, but it will be worth the effort.
Taurus April 20-May 20.
You may be experiencing waves of emotions, some comfortable and others not so much. Rather than try to stuff these swells, breathe into them and bring awareness to what you are feeling. Give yourself permission to feel deeply and you’ll not only increase your self-awareness, you’ll also learn that when feelings move freely, they are a lot easier to transform.
Gemini May 21-June 21
There’s a lot of upheaval to deal with, both internal and external, and trying to keep it all under control is impossible. Rather than focus on what’s falling apart, put your attention on what’s working. I’m not suggesting you deny reality. I’m simply advising positive action as the best way of handling these difficulties. Stay focused on the task at hand and you’ll manage these shifts skillfully.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You’ll need to find creative solutions to handle any conflicts that might arise between your professional responsibilities and those at home. Although family is always the most important, you’re on the threshold of a new career phase, which requires you to pay attention to opportunities as they arise. While that could cause conflicts at home, if you stay flexible, you’ll maintain your balance.
Leo July 23-August 22
This is the perfect moment to revitalize your spiritual practice—maybe a little more meditation or yoga will help deepen your awareness and create a greater sense of inner peace. Also consider adding a devotional facet. That doesn’t mean having to make sacrifices or go on a pilgrimage; being grateful on a daily basis for all the abundance in your life would be enough.
Virgo August 23-September 22
It’s all about balance, in all aspects of your life, but especially when it comes to relationships and money. Moderation is probably the easiest way to keep an even keel. I realize that won’t be easy given the financial demands you’re handling. But if you make a commitment to taking no unnecessary action, you’ll find it much easier to navigate these waters through wise choices.
Libra September 23-October 22
As Joni Mitchell wrote (and sang) there is a “kind of crazy you get from too much choice,” and certainly that is you at this particular moment. The moment is yours to seize and make the most of, but before you jump into action, it would be wise to identify what you actually need as well as what you want. There’s no need to hurry—take as much time as you need to be clear.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You’ll need all your spiritual strength to handle the challenges that lie ahead, so reaffirm your commitment to being a spiritual warrior. Confront your obstacles with compassion and strength, and as you do, keep in mind that kindness isn’t always passive. It is possible to take bold and brave steps when decisive action is necessary—and those steps don’t have to be a call to battle.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You’re in the mood for romance and according to the planets, romance is in the mood for you. Just keep in mind that romance covers a broad spectrum of experiences, not all of which are amorous, so if you’re not inclined in that direction there are plenty of other ways to spend this energy. All you need do is follow your passion and engage in activities that feed the heart.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You have an opportunity to get even more grounded than you normally are, so don’t hesitate to spend as much time as necessary prioritizing your goals. Make realistic plans about how to actualize them. This isn’t about spending more money than necessary to insure the implementation of plans; this is about knowing what you want and having a strategy for making those desires real.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You’re talking—a lot—about every little thing and you’re going to need your listeners to listen closely. It’s not that what you have to say is earthshaking, although some of it might be. This is about is knowing that you are being heard by those you care about—it’s what your heart needs to feel at home and at peace, within and without.
Pisces February 19-March 20
You’re in the midst of a deep emotional process that’s focused on how you value yourself in relation to others. Sometimes making an accurate assessment of your value is really hard because you tend to put others first, and when you do take care of yourself first, you feel selfish. Don’t worry; it’s okay to put yourself at the top of your list—it’s actually healthy and necessary.