Here’s the best news: Mercury Direct begins today at 2:12 PM EST, so those who have been hampered, impeded, set back, and discombobulated by the delays and detours of the last nearly three weeks of retro-static can breathe a sigh of relief—a big sigh. We won’t be trapped in that obstacle course again until mid-February 2020, which is a comfort to everyone traveling for the holidays. Just be aware of the Mercury Retrograde three-day rule, which cautions jumping the gun and moving into action the moment the retrograde is over. Give that mercurial frequency a chance to gain a little momentum before you spring into action.
Here’s the good news: We’re under the influence of a Venus/Jupiter conjunction in Sagittarius, an optimistic, fun-loving combination that’s guaranteed to invigorate the atmosphere with a positive attitude—and we certainly could use the boost. Jupiter rules Sagittarius, and together this planet and Sign symbolize the joys of being human, which includes the search for meaning as well as an appetite for life. The worst of Jupiter and Sagittarius is a tendency towards excess—Jupiter is always involved when there is too much of anything, so be prepared to find yourself (or those around you) pushing the limits of indulgence. Venus adds grace to whatever she touches, so many of these excessive revels can be beautiful. Also anticipate a flirtatious wind to waft through a variety of interactions, igniting what might have been an ember of interest into a bonfire of attraction. Although the Venus/Jupiter conjunction could turn some of these flirtations serious, the essence of this influence is having fun with a light touch in the moment.
Unfortunately, the week is not without its downside. On November 19 (yesterday) Mars moved into Scorpio, one of the Signs it rules, and for the next several days Mars will be tightening its opposition to Uranus, currently retrograde in Taurus. A Mars/Uranus opposition is a pernicious configuration that feeds impulsive and mostly explosive outbursts. That opposition is exact and separating on November 24, as Mars simultaneously conjuncts the Moon, adding an even deeper texture of emotional intensity to an already too-intense interaction. Try to avoid having a fight with anyone about anything. Whatever you are upset about can wait—very little is worth starting a brouhaha over, especially if it’s a brouhaha you can only measure with a Geiger counter.
And speaking of brouhahas that never seem to end…the ongoing Saturn/Pluto conjunction is also tightening its grip. Lots of folks are feeling a new level of intensity permeating individual and collective situations—and it feels slightly out of control. It is. Everything is. Those of us who are aware of the intensifying intensity have a responsibility to find solutions within the escalating polarization. And it is not easy.
Last week, a long-standing client and friend—a reader for the twenty-three years I’ve been writing this column—wrote that I was unfair to Republicans in these weekly missives; that Democrats do not have the corner on truth and she was tired of my apparent implication that they do. I promised I would correct the impression that Democrats are saints or saintly—they are not. But as I mulled over her complaint, I considered the dilemma of being aware and remaining compassionate. While I don’t think Democrats are saints, I do think they care more about working people than Republicans. I don’t think Democrats are without greed, but I do think they are more interested in championing the rights of people of color, women, children, and all the other marginalized among us in the hope of helping them to get a fairer shake. Democrats see government as an ally, not as an enemy. While I abhor the current Republican behavior and rhetoric, but I don’t hate Republicans. And I will do my best to make that distinction clearly.
We are all being asked to work through the polarization that the Saturn/Pluto conjunction is highlighting, and although it is strenuous soul-work, it is worth the effort. We have to figure out how to work together if we are going to make it through this evolutionary leap.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction amplifies your sense of fairness, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself drawn to the causes of social justice. On the other hand, it may also have you relishing the joy of romantic love, and delighting in giving and receiving amorous affections.
Taurus April 20-May 20.
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction stirs your passions, so much so that you feel compelled to express your desires. Whether those desires are focused on a specific person or a specific project, you probably won’t be able to hold them back. My hope is that attraction is mutual.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction focuses on significant others, personal and professional, spouses or friends. Channel this intensity into sincere acts of generosity and your kindness will be returned manyfold. Don’t worry about reciprocation; you won’t be disappointed.
Cancer June 22-July 22
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction generates a lot of opportunities and a lot of work. Open to this beneficial configuration with the willingness to expand your perspective. If you stay open to the idea of new frontiers and are committed to learning, you’ll create the perfect environment for success.
Leo July 23-August 22
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction stimulates a creative love-fest—you are loving you, everyone you already know, and everyone you meet. I know this sounds like an exaggeration, but exaggeration is Jupiter’s signature and the effect of this combo is likely to play out expansively.
Virgo August 23-September 22
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction fills your plate with a lot, especially when it comes to family and loved ones. Stay as present as you can for all your feelings, even if they are overwhelming at times. There’s emotional gold hidden in the depth of this experience and you don’t want to overlook it.
Libra September 23-October 22
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction turns on your talk switch and there’s absolutely no way for you to turn it off, so don’t even try. Instead, focus on all the conversations you know you will enjoy. It’s not likely you’ll say something you’ll regret, and most likely you’ll be build new bridges and mend a fence or two.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction is likely to present opportunities to make money, so if that’s what you’re interested in, have at it and make the most of this moment. If you’re looking for opportunities to build your self-esteem, there’s plenty of those experiences available, too—again, make the most of it.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
How are you likely to handle the magnificence of the Venus/Jupiter conjunction in your Sign? Expect to fall in love with everyone and to have everyone fall in love with you. Not a bad prognosis, especially for your innately flirtatious nature! Just remember not to get too serious, but to definitely have fun.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction has the power to provide serious mental relief from the burdens you’ve been brooding over, so whatever you do and whatever you have to deal with, be sure to take advantage of this psychic relief. It won’t solve all your problems, but it will provide a break from the intensity.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction stimulates your desire to participate in community events. Whether those gatherings are online or outside, make the most of them—they are sure to provide stimulating experiences that break the tedium of the day-to-day.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction generates the potential for work-related opportunities that expand your horizons and offer beneficial results. I’m not promising your world will shift, but I can guarantee a change in your professional weather that promises good things to come.