Magic punctuates the days and nights of daily life this week, so don’t be surprised if regular routines have a slightly spacey feel or other-worldly quality. Some may find this dreamy air annoying, especially if normally reliable people or activities suddenly turn unreliable. Others might find this touch of magic utterly enchanting, especially those who rely on their intuition. For most, this is simply a great week for delving into an appreciation for alternate ways of knowing. Be open to calling in a shaman for help or consulting the I-Ching for guidance. Wherever you find yourself along this magical spectrum, it would be wise to prepare for surprising reversals of fortune. Just don’t expect those plot twists to be only negative—some are for the best, even if they don’t look like it at first.
Several sources contribute to the unusual environment:
(1) We are in the grip of a lunar eclipse, in Pisces, that occurs on Friday, September 16. During a lunar eclipse, the Sun overpowers the Moon, and conscious concerns override unconscious ones. The difficulty with this eclipse is that Mars, in Sagittarius, squares both the Sun and the Moon, which turns the event into a T-Square—and that spells trouble. Trouble because T-Squares are inherently fractious: Two (or more) are in an opposition and the other forms a 90-degree angle to both, forming three right angles crashing into each other—think dissonance rather than harmony. In this particular lunar eclipse T-Square, Mars is the fractious third party forming those right angles—and Mars is already the symbol for aggression.
Mars is always ready to take a stand, and this week it is ready to support either the practical concerns of the Sun, in Virgo, or the not quite as down-to-earth wishes of that Moon, in Pisces—or both. The solution to any T-Square is the empty angle, or empty Sign—the one without planets in it. In this case, it’s Gemini and that translates into communication as the solution to any difficulties that arise as a result of fractious interactions that seem to be getting out of hand. Information is going to be a big part of making nice this week, so pay attention to what’s being said. And try not to get caught up in gossip, rumor, innuendo, or just plain bald-faced lies meant to manipulate, deny or obscure.
(2) Steering clear of embellishing the facts won’t be easy, because the temptation to obfuscate is at an all-time high, given that we are in the separating phase of the final square between Saturn and Neptune. This Saturn/Neptune square began in November 2015; the final one was on Saturday, September 10—just last Saturday. (There won’t be another until September 2033.) Saturn is always the voice of reality, especially when no one likes what it has to say. And Neptune is always the magician, whose sleight of hand can easily befuddle and confuse. We’ve been in the thrall of this square for so long—too long, really—that many of us have grown inured to Donald Trump’s blatant manipulation and willful distortion of facts. While I know that politicians tend to work data to their advantage, that doesn’t make it okay to simply ignore the truth. Most of us know this, but not everyone is dedicated to acknowledging the facts, and increasingly opinion seems to overwhelm reality.
(3) But before I veer off into that wilderness…there’s a third contributor to this week’s magical atmosphere. We’re under the influence of a Venus/Uranus opposition, and even though this wouldn’t technically be thought of as a magical configuration, it is a highly creative and deeply erotic combination that could easily translate into falling under the spell of attraction. When Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, aligns in any combination with Uranus, the freedom fighter, we tend to experience a deep need for personal freedom that often expresses itself in unusual amorous adventures. Those reading this column for a while know the Venus/Uranus rule—Marry in haste, repent at leisure. And the reason for this rule is that Venus/Uranus affections often die down as quickly as they flare up. Have fun, but don’t confuse momentary pleasure, no matter how intense, with a long-term commitment.
Also be aware that this Venus/Uranus opposition stimulates the need to break free from whatever enslaves, which means breakups and breakdowns are probable, particularly unilateral declarations of independence. And those breaking free are likely to be muttering “I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take it anymore!” Go ahead, channel Howard Beal, but also do your best to be kind to those around you. We are all in this together—and that’s a fact.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Remember, the solution to the tension is through communicating the facts. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean everyone is listening, which means you are going to have to repeat yourself a lot. So keep those patience pills handy, but also keep your perspective elevated—you’re the only one who sees the forest and the trees.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Even though it’s important to respect the values of others, it’s equally important to honor your own, especially when you’re uncomfortable disagreeing with those you care about. I’m not suggesting a self-righteous stand. I’m simply advising you not to abandon yourself in the peacemaking or peacekeeping process.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Sometimes the hardest work is the work of simply being yourself, but that’s the solution to the tension. So no matter how stressed you are about professional misunderstandings or family matters in need of attention or significant others who only want to fight, hold fast to your innate gift of gathering information—and just stick to the facts.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You’re right—it’s a mind game, but it’s not the normal screwing around with the facts. This game is all about learning how to train your mind not to wander off into needless brooding over circumstances beyond your control. If you stay calm within—and I think you can—you’ll discern what’s real and what’s a figment of your imagination.
Leo July 23-August 22
The solution is simple, but it requires a couple of steps: First, realize that you are not alone—friends, associates and your community see you and appreciate your presence. Next, rely on your innate generosity of spirit to uplift and inspire those who rely on you to lead the way. You are in your element when you feel loved and able to love in return.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Yes…it is particularly intense for you, given that you just had a solar eclipse on your Sun and now the Moon is also obscuring that bright light. But don’t worry, this is about devoting yourself to work at an entirely different level. Not in a workaholic or even a resentful way, but devoting yourself to excellence for its own sake.
Libra September 23-October 22
Often a simple prayer is the perfect way to clear internal confusion and put an end to static. So offer up the current situation to a Higher Power—put all the details on a silver platter—every little itty-bitty thing that’s out of your control, and surrender the outcome to spirit. Yes…we are co-creators, but sometimes co-creation is about letting go.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Put selfish concerns aside. That’s right…. give up the what’s-in-it-for-me attitude and contemplate how others might benefit from the situation. If you can put aside pride and prejudice and assume a neutral stance, you will start to recognize how even the hard things ultimately make a contribution and sometimes are even our greatest teachers.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Yes…it’s a delicate situation and you’re being asked to find and maintain a fluid equilibrium that can help others find and maintain their balance. So take a deep breath and make a commitment to discover what your significant others need to feel safe and secure in the midst of the current instability.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
The solution to your current dilemma is immersing yourself in service to others. I’m not advising sacrificing your goals or suffering in order to make others happy. I am simply suggesting that stepping out of yourself and acknowledging the complexity for everyone involved will help you access the magic of the week.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Be creative and assess the situation as if it were Act Two of a play you started writing last year. Some players may have faded away, but you’re still the main character and it’s still your story. So be clear about what this narrative is really about and find that clarity by looking through a creative lens. You won’t be disappointed with the view.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-212-222-3232, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com. Copyright © 2016 by Ralfee Finn