Over the course of the next ten days, three major events have the power to tilt the axis of daily life in a new direction: (1) the American mid-term elections, which occur on November 6; (2) Uranus retrogrades back into Aries—also on November 6; and (3) on November 8, Jupiter enters Sagittarius, where it hasn’t been for twelve years. We could—or maybe even should—call these days Ten Days That Shook the World, the title of John Reed’s book on the Russian Revolution (published 99 years ago) because the coming ten days will set the tone for the next several years, and those years are best understood as the American Revolution 2.0.
No matter what the results of the November 6 elections, the battle over whose values will prevail is certain to continue for quite some time. The values we are divided over—race, gender, religion, climate, and every other polarizing issue—are symptoms of being beholden to a value system that worships at the altar of money and the power it provides. This is both capitalism’s finest and worst hour, and its worshipers are reveling in its intensity. Capitalism has always divided and exploited people on the basis of their differences, and those with less agency—women, children, people of color—have always borne the brunt of its cynicism. This is an age-old story of humanity’s struggle to find its better self, and it’s a story that seems to only improve slowly, over time. Some would argue that the struggle to end capitalism’s victim/victimizer dance is a useless pursuit, while others might argue that our accelerated digital world has the power to hasten the pace of an egalitarian transformation.
This is where Uranus, in Taurus, comes in. Uranus is the symbol of egalitarian idealism—it is the rebel, with or without a cause, provoking stagnant waters with its lightning bolts of illumination.
Uranus began its journey through Taurus, the Sign of values in May 2018. Uranus’ previous transit through Taurus began on June 6, 1934, and in the seven years it journeyed through Taurus, it provoked a crisis of values. In 1935, the Social Security Act was passed , an act that also included unemployment insurance. In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act, which protected children from being exploited, was made law. But lest we get cocky or overly optimistic, Hitler’s power was solidified in August, 1934.
Polarized value systems—then and now. Republicans call social security an entitlement. Really? Needless to say (but I’m gonna say it anyway), Mr. Trump models his rhetoric on Hitler’s. (I guess some things don’t change.) The question is not how we can silence the hate speech. The question that lies before us—for as long as it takes to shift it—is how we can address the causes and conditions that give rise to hate.
On November 6, Uranus dips its revolutionary tail back into Aries, the Sign where individual self-assertion finds its fire. Anger often motivates action—and there is certainly plenty to be upset about. The mantra of unbridled Aries energy often translates into I want it my way, my way only, and I want it now. (Since we all have Aries somewhere in our natal chart, don’t be too quick to go on any self-righteous, anti-Aries tirade about the selfishness of such a rant.) The moment Uranus enters Aries on November 6, it hits the midpoint between the Moon and Venus, activating the two female principles in astrology. (For more details, see last week’s column.)
This activation is symbolic of the anger women are experiencing as the patriarchy tries to hold its position and continues to subjugate the feminine at any cost. Uranus symbolizes shift, and one such possible manifestation is that a multitude of women will turn out in droves to vote for their equality, once and for all. Michael Moore has likened America’s relationship to Mr. Trump to that of a victim of domestic violence, who believes despite all evidence to the contrary, that the abuser will eventually change and becoming loving. Michael Moore is right—as long as we kowtow to Mr. Trump, his Gang of Hungry Ghosts, and the bullies he recruits to do his dirty work, we will stay shackled to the old model. There’s no standing by your man if he is a violent misogynist who has no regard for the consequences of his actions. My hope is that when Uranus presses that Moon/Venus midpoint, it will unleash the power of the feminine to effectuate change and break free from the shackles of the patriarchy.
Here’s the good news: Jupiter enters Sagittarius on November 8, and as the planet of hope moves from the deep waters of Scorpio into the expansive fires of Sagittarius, we move into a new mood. Jupiter is a generous presence that signifies wisdom. It also represents global communication, and as it transits Sagittarius, the Sign where we search for truth, it has the potential to encourage diversity. This journey could also inspire great leaps of faith, and even if some of those leaps seem foolish at first, through Jupiter’s guidance they can be characterized as hopeful.
And we need as much hope as we can muster. We’re in the midst of a values crisis—a cultural crisis that is pitting us against one another and it’s likely to take years for us to recover. Finding a way to identify our shared concerns is part of the task ahead. Finding the hope that makes such an enormous effort possible won’t be easy. Sometimes it will require standing in the shoes of another even when those shoes are too small, too big, or too tight. Of course, there are some things we can’t empathize about—we can’t share hate. But we can acknowledge fear as a shared experience. We can understand that one of the ways people manage fear is by projecting it onto anyone or anything they can’t understand and making those people or that thing the enemy. We can have compassion for people who are afraid even if we abhor the behavior their fear motivates.
The ongoing chaos of our world requires that we dig deep—each of us, through whatever method works best—and find our shared humanity. All of our lives depend on it.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Hold on tight—for the next couple of months Uranus is going to deliver several surprises, all of which have to do with putting the finishing touches on your persona—not only how you want to be seen, but also how you want to see yourself. Identify what matters to you about your essence and then figure out how to wear those qualities loud and proud.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Sometimes it’s actually beneficial to let things fall apart—a breakdown in the system will always reveal what isn’t built on solid ground. But the process can also be quite disorienting, especially if you’ve had expectations about specific outcomes. Rather than resent or resist this moment, use it as a blueprint for what needs to be revised and refined.
Gemini May 21-June 21
It’s important to have the courage to share your ideas freely, so don’t apologize for holding an unpopular view. Just keep relying on your keen need for information and you’ll find a way to make a cogent argument about the validity of your point of view. Just be sure to listen to opposing points of view with an open mind—it just might enhance yours.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You are in a money-making state of mind, so focus your efforts by prioritizing your goals and then figuring out what you have to do to actualize your aspirations. Keep in mind as you plan that you don’t have to amass your fortune overnight. Steady progress will be just as, if not more, rewarding in the long run. Take your time and keep everything you do aligned with your mission.
Leo July 23-August 22
Anticipate feeling a deep need to hunker down at home—and no, this isn’t the horoscope for Cancer. You are in need of rest that’s capable of replenishing your reservoirs, both physical and metaphysical. Rather than resist taking a break, embrace the idea of just puttering. Funny thing about that; puttering gives your mind and body a chance to integrate recent changes.
Virgo August 23-September 22
There’s not a lot you can do to quiet the external chatter, but there is plenty you can do to calm your internal dialogue, especially if you keep ruminating on the same information. Let it go—all of the second-guessing or regretting—and instead focus on self-soothing. Increase your meditation, take an extra yoga class, double your spinning time or any other activity that will ease your stress.
Libra September 23-October 22
It’s still all about money, especially your ongoing search for how to handle your finances with greater skill and grace. Something you might want to consider is how over time gratitude can remedy a deficit. Focus your attention on what you are grateful for, and as that appreciation deepens you could be surprised to notice just how abundant your life truly is.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You’re busy—there’s no denying that—and as the mountain of work piles up, you needs to be prepared to handle it with a good attitude that welcomes what need to be done. I know there are only twenty-four hours in a day and that some of that time needs to be spent sleeping. So before you jump in feet first, use your head. Make a list of what needs to be tackled first, organize the load, and get to work.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Jupiter’s journey through your Sign is an invitation for fun, so make sure you know what brings you joy and then make sure you spend as much time as possible being joyful. I know that won’t be easy in the current cultural climate, but someone needs to balance the zeitgeist. I’m not kidding—have at it, but just be sure your fun isn’t at someone else’s expense.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You think you’re alone, but you’re not. There are plenty of people experiencing the same angst, but they aren’t necessarily talking about it. See if you can find a group of people who will open up and share how they are feeling. It’s surprising, if not downright miraculous, how a community of fellow travelers sharing their ideas can lighten the load and nourish the heart.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Don’t be shy about craving comfort and feeling the need to take care of yourself and others. It’s your nature to help and right now the world needs all the help it can get. That doesn’t mean you have to go global—just taking care of loved ones will make a positive contribution to the collective mood, and it will also help improve yours.
Pisces February 19-March 20
It’s a stretch—as wide as your arms can manage and as big as your spirit wants to reach. In that expanse there’s a tremendous amount of wisdom, so don’t despair that you don’t have the answers. Yes, life is out of control, but that’s true most of the time, even when things are good, so take a deep breath, plant your feet on the ground, and trust in your ability to make the right choices.
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