The great unraveling continues and daily life reflects this undoing through unreasonable demands, dyspeptic moods, and testy tempers as Mars, the god of war, joins forces with the Moon, the goddess of emotions, and together they accelerate the pace of our individual and collective shifts. Several intense influences unfold all week long, making getting it together and keeping it together difficult—even for those who think they already have it together. And forget about the consistency of regular routines—Mercury is still retrograde and its backward glance, coupled with the angry air, wreaks havoc on the needs of the now. Expect communication delays and detours as a result of retro-snafus and also anticipate an army of judgmental fingers pointed anywhere and everywhere they can assign blame. Refuse to be a part of this blame battalion and instead focus your awareness on how to keep the peace.
The primary source of irritation and aggravation continues to be Mars. Its square to Pluto was exact yesterday, and as Mars separates and pulls away, it pulls a lot with it, especially mild manners and what’s left of civility. Be prepared for the daily mindset to assume an even more militaristic attitude that makes all declarative sentences sound like orders from a boot camp sergeant.
On Saturday, November 9, you’re likely to experience mounting tension about situations and activities, big and small, important and unimportant, as the Moon in Aries begins to square Saturn, souring moods with emotional criticism that would be best kept to oneself. As the day unfolds, the Moon also squares Pluto, which sends power surges through the already agitated atmosphere. Early the next morning, on November 10, the Moon opposes Mars—and yes, this is as intense as it sounds. Aries is ruled by Mars, so this Moon/Mars opposition inflames disagreements, which means you can expect flare-ups and meltdowns, personal and political, to span most of this week. Hardly anyone will be able to keep their cool. Do your best to avoid getting embroiled in any kind of argument—they could easily escalate into a full-fledged war. But also avoid trying to minimize the feelings of others who might be insulted by your efforts to tamp down the intensity. It’s a tricky line to walk, but it can be done if you stay mindful about the need to be peaceful.
For the next several weeks, these persistent, difficult interactions lead up to the Saturn/Pluto conjunction of January 12 and its aftermath. Quite a few people are beginning to pay attention to this conjunction and its effect. We’ve been in it for a while, but since Saturn went direct in September and Pluto went direct in October, these two Titans have been closing the distance between each other, tightening their grip on the routines of daily life and sending intense messages about how we need to transform in order to facilitate a jump in personal and planetary consciousness. Even if this conjunction isn’t directly affecting your natal chart, you can see its effect on the collective—all you need to do is watch the news, read the paper, or become aware of the suffering of others.
Keywords for this conjunction: divisive, severe, cold, polarizing, and calculating. When Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008, we knew that institutions, including governments and banks, would be challenged. But the hope was that there would be real, positive change. While some things shifted, the forces that led to the Great Recession have remained the same; we’ve been in that dismantling process for eleven years. When Saturn entered Capricorn, its Home Sign, at the end of 2017, its presence amplified the dissolution already taking place. We’ve been through other Saturn/Pluto conjunctions, but this one is different because the consciousness of the planet and its survival play a key role in determining the outcome.
Nothing short of a moral shift at the core of our cultural gravity, has the power to keep our shared ship afloat and headed toward personal and planetary healing. We have to remember how to respect each other regardless of our differences, but we also need to agree on the rules of engagement, acknowledging that our behavior, individual and collective, has caused and continues to cause harm to others, including those who have no audible voice in the outcome. Certainly the trees and grasses, rivers and seas, and all the other sentient beings who live with the consequences of human aggression deserve a voice in determining the outcome of Planet Earth. We need to interpret their disappearances—their extinction—as a way of communicating the urgency of our current situation.
This week, once again, it is important—maybe even more important—to practice kindness and compassion, even with the fellow travelers we wish weren’t traveling with us. A friend recently confided that she couldn’t believe that all the years of learning to open her heart and develop empathy could have led to this point of pain. Of course those practices of openheartedness have led us right to this moment, because this is the moment when we need empathy the most.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The only way out is through—so keep putting one foot in front of the other, and no matter how many challenges—physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual— know that your innate strength will prevail. You’ve got this, and your courage to persist is a wonderful example to others.
Taurus April 20-May 20.
Avoid pointing blaming fingers at anyone, but most importantly, do your best to avoid the tar pit of self-recrimination. Everyone makes mistakes—that’s how we learn, or as Leonard Cohen wrote, “that’s how the light gets in.” Rather than using that light as a weapon, let it illuminate the next step of growth.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Yes, your financial picture is still a little wonky, but that doesn’t mean it will be forever or that you can’t take steps to improve your overall condition. Be creative as you continue to ponder remedies to your situation. Not every idea is likely to be a miracle cure, but you might find one that offers actual relief.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Be confident about your ability to solve almost any problem, especially problems with significant others. You don’t need a magic wand because you already have one: when you apply your innate gift of comfort and care, everyone, including you, feels nurtured and safe.
Leo July 23-August 22
I’m not sure others recognize just how much you rely on passionate activities to keep you on course—creativity and productivity are two of your strong suits. No matter what the astral environment presents, immerse yourself in meaningful creative work and you’ll nurture your heart and hold steady.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Conversations with family and friends will span a wide range of emotions, but if you make wise choices about who to talk to and what to talk about, you’ll find solace in these intimate exchanges. Be truthful about what you’re feeling, but be prudent about who you share those feelings with.
Libra September 23-October 22
You’ve been wearing that Martian hat of leadership for the past several weeks, and you’re probably getting tired of having to make so many choices and being exposed to so much criticism. Rather than completely capitulating, take a step back, see what you’re learning, and modify your behavior accordingly.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Make a commitment to staying as neutral as possible everywhere you can. Yes, your days could unfold with a multitude of challenges, some righteous and some not so much. What’s most important is that you stay calm and able to discriminate between what needs your attention and effort and what doesn’t.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Rely on your innate optimism and generosity of spirit to help you navigate any ill winds you encounter. I’m not suggesting you deny the need for participation in certain situations; I’m simply advising you to stay grounded in your ability to negotiate peaceful settlements that satisfy everyone’s needs—even yours.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You’re right—it is almost too much to bear. Between family matters, work issues, and situations with friends, your plate is full and there just isn’t room for one more thing. Nevertheless, your load increases. The best way through is to discern where your efforts and gifts will yield the best results.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Your instinct is to withdraw to the safety of your center, whether your actual physical home or your internal spiritual center—or both. Honor those urges to go deep within; whether they involve hunkering down at home or spending extra time doing yoga or meditating, what’s important is listening to yourself.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The secret of your success lies in establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. While this is not a new idea, you may need to refine your ability to empathetically merge with others. Rather than turn a cold shoulder or lose yourself in the suffering of others, concentrate on finding the middle ground.