Aquarium Age

Aquarium Age: November 13 – 19, 2019

By Ralfee Finn

We’re in a super astral countdown: seven weeks remain until the start of the calendar New Year; five-plus weeks are left until the solstice—the actual astronomical New Year; one more week remains of Mercury Retrograde (it ends on November 20); and there are eight-plus weeks until the Saturn/Pluto conjunction is exact and separating. As with any countdown, tensions mount as each passing day moves us closer to each pivotal moment, but unlike almost all other buildups to blast-off, there are so many crucial moments waiting to unfold that any lessening of tension will barely be noticeable, especially given the political dramas currently playing out on local and global stages. These dramas are emblematic of what needs to shift, and they are not just happening at the level of the collective. Most of us are feeling stressed as we look to the coming new year, wondering how we will be affected by the intense astral activity of 2020.

Mars continues to dominate the current sky news: Saturday, November 16, Mars begins an opposition to Uranus, which is exact and separating on November 24 and persists until December 1. This is a volatile, explosive interaction that could turn just about any place, but especially the Thanksgiving dinner table, into a combat zone, so don’t be surprised if some family members as well as friends morph into gladiators who seem intent on feeding you or others to the lions. Black Friday will likely be a blessing to retailers but also to shoppers as lots of folks relieve their holiday heartburn with a spending spree. Just be aware that Mars has been irritating the air for several weeks and its face-off with Uranus is certain to produce a dynamic effect.

Because this is the week of the televised impeachment inquiry, it’s also certain that most of the vitriol engendered by the Mars/Uranus opposition will be political. We’re embroiled in a collective battle over values, and the division between those of us who care about our fellow humans and those who don’t gains greater clarity every day. It will also become painfully obvious once again that many of us no longer value truth. It’s sad to witness just how willing Republican politicians are to lie. It’s as if their new doctrine is “just keep repeating misinformation and you’ll eventually convince people you are right.” Those of us who’ve been to see the Great Oz actually know that sometimes you have to pull back the curtain and expose what’s behind or beneath the surface to get an accurate picture of reality—as the Tin Man might say, “it’s important to have a brain and to use it.”

Repeating a lie does not make it the truth, but television gives lies staying power—it’s a powerful magic trick, and for those who cannot think for themselves, it’s incredibly effective. In Shikasta, Doris Lessing calls TV the “propaganda machine.” God only knows what she would have called Facebook.

I read an article about a man, a farmer in South Dakota, who committed suicide—he owed $300,000 that he had no way to pay; he left behind his family and a farm that had failed as a result of trade wars and extreme weather. I don’t know if he was a Trump supporter or not, one of the countless many struggling with broken promises for a better future, but I am sure we will hear similar stories as Trump’s tariffs make it impossible to sustain family businesses, especially farming, and climate change continues to turn the world upside down.

I think billionaires should buy these farms and then give them back to their owners debt-free as gifts. It’s similar to what John Oliver did when he paid all those medical bills. It’s using money to help people—the best use of excess cash. Apparently, others agree with me: Jennifer Rubin has an opinion piece in the Washington Post about Bloomberg, already a philanthropist, who she thought could find better ways of helping the country than running for president. Her suggestions included buying Fox News (although I don’t think Murdoch would loosen his grip); devoting billions to automatic voter registration and voting by mail. And I would add funding as many school districts as possible; paying down student debt; or funding health care. He has the money to support a wide range of positive causes and initiatives. When we help our fellow travelers, we restore our faith in each other and when we relieve the stress of survival, most of us flourish.

And while I am on the topic of billionaires, I’m thinking that Oprah should run for president—she is the only one with the media might to overpower Trump. She could nominate Elizabeth Warren or Mayor Pete or any other of the candidates to be her Vice, which would give them the experience they need for future runs—all except Biden, because he already has the experience. And then she could appoint Barack Obama as Secretary of State and he could go about repairing our standing in the world, which is surely damaged and needs a skillful touch to restore faith in our system. Actually, any candidate could do just that and what a boon to the world it would be.

In my value-sphere, the solution to our current global madness is compassion. Helping people is better than harming them. Generosity is better than greed. Kindness is better than cruelty. So no matter how intense it gets during the coming weeks, try to remember that we are all in this together and kind acts always have the power to shift consciousness. Today is World Kindness Day—participate. www.randomactsofkindness.org/about-us

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

Aries March 21-April 19
You can be despairing about your financial situation if you choose to, but even as you complain, be aware that you are a co-creator of your reality. The best way through your current situation is to take responsibility by showing up, staying present, and being as clear as possible about your positive options.

Taurus April 20-May 20.
Yes, it is a face-off with significant others, personal or professional, and although there doesn’t seem to be an immediate solution, if you are willing to stay on the field and play by the rules, you will find positive solutions that serve everyone involved. It won’t be easy standing in your integrity, but it will be worth it.

Gemini May 21-June 21
There’s a disparity between how you envision your role and what you are actually needed for. I’m not suggesting you give up your dreams or subvert your ideals; I’m advising you to be aware of the many agendas bearing down on your situation so that you can handle these varying perspectives with skill.

Cancer June 22-July 22
The first rule of magic: the universe arranges itself to accommodate our picture of reality—we create what we envision. So think carefully about the day-to-day reality that would be most beneficial for you and those you love. This may sound simple, but it requires aligning thought, word, and deed.

Leo July 23-August 22
The conflict presents as a clash between personal and professional responsibilities, and while it won’t be easy finding solutions, if you focus on identifying everyone’s needs, you’ll get the best perspective. Consider the consequences of your actions and you’ll create a win/win solution.

Virgo August 23-September 22
Aligning your day-to-day with an expansive philosophical framework presents a challenge: on the one hand, you are deeply committed to living in your integrity, yet on the other hand, you’re tempted to use the most expedient methods available. These aren’t easy choices, but the choosing process is worthwhile.

Libra September 23-October 22
There’s nothing wrong with making money, but don’t use that as an excuse for questionable behavior. Yes, you’re ambitious and you want to take advantage of your opportunities. But given the angry air, it wouldn’t be wise to put anything in motion that might bite you in the ass later on.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
Mars moves into your Sign on Tuesday, November 19, strengthening your already Martian temperament—with Pluto, it is one of your Ruling planets. So for the next few days you’ll be feeling an increasing intensity to do things your way. Rather than resisting this Martian light, step into it and handle it skillfully.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Too many people want you to do too many things and your challenge is establishing and maintaining good boundaries. Yes, learning to say no is difficult, but it’s a handy skill to refine, especially at times like this when just about everyone is looking for a fight so they can blow off steam. Stay cool and be cool.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
Your presence is needed, not just because you are a steady, reliable, and practical presence, but because you can shoulder more responsibilities than most. Just don’t overdo it—yes, you are strong but that doesn’t mean you are invincible. Be aware of what you can and can’t handle and honor those limits.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
The emphasis is on work even though that focus has the potential to generate tensions at home. Yes, you must find a balance, but I don’t think you are going to resist the temptation to take advantage of this work cycle. Rather than resenting or ignoring what’s needed at home, find a workable, positive solution.

Pisces February 19-March 20
You’re searching for a spiritual path that will help you break the monotony of the day-to-day by offering a dynamic practice capable of moving stagnant energy and raising consciousness. Great—and have at it. Just be sure to include a grounding process that helps you integrate your new techniques.

This article was originally published on November 13, 2019.