Aquarium Age: March 28 – April 3

It’s another week of intensified intensity here on planet Earth—we’re in the deep space of personal and planetary transformation and the stakes are high. Who would or even could have imagined that our entire planet—everyone, including animals, minerals and vegetables, everywhere, including land, sea and air—would be sharing a simultaneous identity crisis? Each new day highlights another facet of our changing world. And it’s not just local or specific to the United States, although Mr. Trump and his Gang of Hungry Ghosts seem to be spearheading a devolution, vainly attempting to hide from the social shadows in dire need of attention—shadows that are giving birth to a revolution.

It’s also a global identity crisis, as countries around the world experience an increase in right-wing resistance to an inevitable paradigm shift, a shift that’s more about our shared common ground than it is about our individual nations. The convulsions of this identity crisis are also pulsing through the animal and plant world, as one after another of our fellow travelers becomes extinct. And the oceans, once considered too vast to be polluted, are suffocating under the weight of our refuse. There’s so much to take in that no one would be wrong to feel it’s simply too much to handle gracefully.

And for the next several weeks that might be true for all of us, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself in perpetual crisis-management mode. The ongoing Mars/Saturn conjunction, in Capricorn, tightens its grip this week—it’s exact and separating on Monday, April 2, which means we’re within its strongest effect for the next week at least. This is a pernicious interaction that signifies inflammation of every kind—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Mars wants to move and Saturn wants to control. Mars is the Warrior and Saturn is the Authoritarian. Saturn sits on that Martian need for action, and the result is an atmosphere rife with frustration, arguments and power struggles. As noted last week, under this influence it’s likely that most of us will be more than a little irritable, so try not to take your frustrations out on others. No snarly, snarky comments to the barista or snide asides about a co-worker. Even the smallest perceived infraction could escalate into a full-scale battle.

What’s more, the Mars/Saturn effect is exacerbated by several other interactions. (1) The ongoing Mars/Sun square, which was exact on March 24, persists until April 7, ramping up the idea that a fight seems is as good a way as any to blow off steam. (2) The Sun/Saturn square is exact and separating tomorrow, March 29, and we’re in its critical wake until April 8—so anticipate harsh and angry exchanges about the way things should be done. (3) On March 31, the Full Moon, in Libra, squares the Mars/Saturn conjunction, adding an emotional component that few will have the patience to tolerate. (4) A week later, the Moon conjuncts Mars and Saturn, in Capricorn, continuing the thread of emotional hypersensitivity. Yes…it is as complex as it sounds. But the gist is this: It’s a cranky, bellicose bundle that is sure to stimulate a need to fight—bullies are empowered, but even the meek and mild-mannered could blow a gasket under this influence.

And that is a problem because on April 2, the day the Mars/Saturn conjunction is exact, it is also exactly opposite Mr. Trump’s Mercury, in Cancer, at eight degrees. Mercury, as we know, signifies all things related to communication and thought processes, and when Mercury is opposed by Mars and Saturn, an irritable mental state, beset with anxiety and fear, could push a need to take action to alleviate the stress. Mr. Trump has been not-so-quietly putting together his war team, and the influence of this opposition could trigger his determination to start a war, if only to serve as a further distraction from his deep-rooted anxiety about the Mueller investigation.

Add in Mercury Retrograde, which is in full blown delay-and-detour mode until April 15, and…well…it’s a mess.

Here’s the good news: While constant upheaval is unnerving, it can also be exciting and inspiring. Daily we are witnessing spontaneous eruptions of conscious goodwill aimed at tackling one or another of our common problems: Corporations refusing to be a part of the pollution problem. Members of the one percent sharing their wealth to make the world a better place for those less fortunate. And, of course, children taking a powerful stand against gun violence, children who are teaching many of us to take a powerful stand for what we believe in despite any cynicism that may have accreted to an older generation’s early revolutionary inclinations. They are inspiring hope everywhere. And these children are terrifying to the complacent white men currently in power whose narcissism blinds them to the consequences of their actions. As David Bowie sang in 1971: And these children that you spit on as they try to change their worlds are immune to your consultations. They’re quite aware of what they’re goin’ through. Don’t tell them to grow up and out of it. Apparently, the revolution will be live AND on television. But it is no longer a local revolution. It’s global, and Planet Earth really does hang in the balance.

The spiritual cliché goes: No one is given more than she can handle. I’m not sure that’s true at this moment in time and space. We may have to modify that wisdom to: Handle as much as you can…but try to handle it with compassion. The world changes one heart at a time, and what we are witnessing through the Parkland students is the power of individual hearts joining together to facilitate social change that benefits not just the one, but the many. Social justice is love at the collective level—love for all our fellow travelers, animal, mineral and vegetable. When you combine that love with revolution you create evolution.

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

Aries March 21-April 19
The fractious atmosphere is likely to manifest as career conflicts—many militant demands from authority figures collide with your ambitions, and as if that isn’t enough, by the end of the week partners, personal and professional, chime in with an emotional agenda. Assume a broad perspective that allows you to view the entire mess as a phase—be responsive rather than reactive.

Taurus April 20-May 20
Life is not a riddle, but working your way through the week could feel as if you’re moving through a puzzle. Be clear about what you value and you’ll find a way to manage individual ‘pieces’ of conflict without abandoning your principles. I’m not suggesting that you refrain from compromise. I am advising you not to settle for less than you know is fair.

Gemini May 21-June 21
It could be quite easy to go to battle, but it could be just as easy to find yourself despairing over the outcome. Some of the conflict originates with the inability of others to change, although another layer of tension stems from your own negative mindset. Stay on the field, but rather than engaging on impulse, consider the consequences—not every fight is worthy of your efforts.

Cancer June 22-July 22
The conflict is with significant others, personal and professional, and as the tension builds, your desire to take a stand increases proportionately. To avoid taking a stand you might later regret, focus your attention on what you love and admire about the other person. This isn’t about denial—it’s about stepping back from the brink and remembering why you partnered in the first place.

Leo July 23-August 22
Rather than devolve into doubt, turn the stresses and strains of the week into a vision quest. Assume that the angry air is an important lesson about how to deepen your spiritual commitment. Probe your reactions to see what they might reveal about your fears or anxieties, and then use that knowledge to move yourself into the next phase of personal growth.

Virgo August 23-September 22
It wouldn’t be beyond the reach of your abilities to transform the confrontational currents of the week into opportunities for success. I’m not suggesting that you capitalize on others’ suffering. I’m simply pointing out that you have a lot of irons in the fire and getting embroiled in one argument after another would only distract you from taking care of your many projects.

Libra September 23-October 22
The intensities of the week stir the deep waters of your psychic pond, so be prepared for emotions to do more than ripple across the surface of daily life. Be especially aware of the tendency to project your discomfort onto significant others. It might be wise to refrain from angry interactions until the dust settles—but even when that happens, try not to blame others for your discomfort.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
Angry words, yours or others’, said in the heat of the moment, could start an avalanche of accusations, especially if you’ve been brooding about the situation for a while. Words wield power, and while it might feel good to say certain things—from your point of view, clearing the air—the person on the receiving end of your diatribe may not have the same reaction to the “cleared” air.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Rely on your innate philosophical nature to get you through these waves. You’ve been through lots of changes and you know that more lie ahead, so if you can find a way to witness the conflicts, you can also find a way to avoid battles you might later regret. Be observant, but also be determined to stay neutral—this isn’t about being a wimp; it’s about applying wisdom.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
It’s a challenge—and it’s not easy because you have to figure out how to harness your personal power and channel it into positive action. Even if you feel the pressure to act, take your time with this process. What you put in motion stays in motion for quite some time, so rather than push a specific agenda, allow the situation to unfold. You’ll know when the time is right to act.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
Seize the moment but be aware that the most important battlefield is within—you’re training your mind to see the world differently. Yes, there are important externals to attend to, especially more precise communications with significant others, personal and professional. But your thoughts are the most important messages—be clear and disciplined about integrating a potent spiritual attitude.

Pisces February 19-March 20
It’s always a good idea to look at any situation from a variety of viewpoints, but it’s an especially good idea to take difficult circumstances and stand them on their heads, because shifting the perspective almost always creates an opening for a fresh approach. Rather than assuming a staunch stand, embrace flexibility as a way to create a positive solution for everyone.