Aquarium Age

The Aquarium Age: Sept. 20-26

By Ralfee Finn

You’re going to need coping mechanisms this week—lots of them, from stress eating to stress exercising to stress marathons to stress meditation to all manner of addictive appetites—self-medicating as well as self-soothing habits are certain to be a crucial part of each and every day. Even if you haven’t smoked in decades, you might find yourself suddenly overwhelmed with an almost urgent desire to light up. The same is true for alcohol, drugs, sugar, or shopping—anything and everything with the promise of alleviating anxiety is gonna start looking good. Just be aware that although some historical survival mechanisms are still powerful enough to override even the best intentions to stay on a middle path, they still aren’t the best way to stay steady—and staying steady is a must. We’re at an astrological tipping point related to a year’s worth of intense planetary activity, which is why balance continues to be the task, the challenge and the goal. Do whatever it is you do—whatever it is you do that’s healthy—to find and maintain your equilibrium. We live in extraordinary times, times that require being and staying as conscious as possible. Turning off and tuning out isn’t going to work. This is a profound time to clean up all sorts of lingering issues, for what gets set in motion under the current skies stays in motion for longer than most of us can imagine.

The current source of this extremely stressful atmosphere is a final contact in a series of three oppositions between Jupiter, in Libra, and Uranus, in Aries. This series began December 2016 and persisted almost without a break until March. Now on September 28, there is this third and final opposition in the series, and this week, as both planets continue to tighten their positions, many of us are likely to feel slightly more on edge—even those who don’t think there’s room on the edge for even a smidgen more intensity. (Alas…it seems there is always room for more.)

Jupiter symbolizes good fortune and expansive awareness. Uranus represents invention and surprise. And when they interact, the combination of their signatures generates strong urges for personal freedom. This combination also represents the desire to break free from stagnant patterns that still have power to hold you hostage to situations or behaviors that no longer serve. (Another reason why addictive appetites are ‘trending.’) Over the next two weeks, as this opposition increases in intensity and then releases, notice what you’re clinging to out of habit, and then rather than indulging, find outlets that allow you to channel the intensity into creating positive remedies for the stress.

Oppositions signify polarities, so do your best to notice where you are polarizing rather than synthesizing. Synthesis is an alchemical key to transforming a wide number of tense situations. And while I’m not suggesting that compromise is always the best or most useful answer—for example, you can’t compromise with evil—I am proposing that we find solutions that include our fellow travelers even if we don’t share the same opinions. We need solutions that facilitate progress toward creating environments that nourish all sentient beings.

Significantly, this third Jupiter/Uranus opposition forms an exact square to Pluto’s position in the United States’ birth chart. Jupiter also trines the United States’ Moon as Uranus sextiles it, but neither of those contacts is as important as the square to Pluto, simply because Pluto signifies power and America is definitely wrestling with power issues—and not just along party lines. What’s more, the United States is also moving steadily to its Pluto Return which occurs from March 2021 until December 2023. As I have written about in previous columns, this series of Jupiter/Uranus oppositions has raised key issues that America is certain to face during that return: Who really has the power in the United States: The people? The government? The politicians? The corporations? Or a small number of extremely wealthy individuals who seek to shape the world according to their vision of what America should be. Pay close attention to how the disaster policies and financial compensation for the Harvey and Irma clean-ups reflect political, corporate and financial priorities. Also pay attention to how the people in those areas react to those policies. Those reactions will eventually turn into action.

Back to 2017…Friday, September 22, is the first day of fall, marked by the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, and the vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a good day to remember that we are a planet spinning in space around a ball of fire that is the physical source of life, which makes it a good day to reflect on how best to spend our brief moments here.

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

Aries March 21-April 19
Think about how your year began and then contemplate how the circumstances of the last many months reflected what was set in motion. It’s been quite a wild ride and it may not resemble what you had in mind when this journey began. Continue to stay open to transforming those areas of life that still need to shift, and by the end of the year you’re likely to make even more significant progress.

Taurus April 20-May 20
It would be wise to focus on how to bring a specific project, or even several projects, to completion. Yes, the creative process is invigorating because it keeps inspiration vital, but part of that process is recognizing when the work is actually finished. I’m not suggesting there won’t be finishing touches, but I am advising you to think about how to move into the completion stage.

Gemini May 21-June 21
You could find yourself singing endless choruses of Let It Go. And while you may not be happy about having to acknowledge certain feelings, they may be feelings that you’ve outgrown. They might also be feelings too painful to deal with, but holding them tightly inside and denying them won’t change anything. Allow yourself the luxury of fully feeling and you’ll find the strength to cope.

Cancer June 22-July 22
You want to move into action, but you’re not sure what the best course is. When in doubt, take your time—there’s no benefit in making a choice or choices out of frustration. And there’s no need to push so hard that you push yourself into a direction you might later regret. Gather the necessary information and then trust yourself to move into action when the time is right.

Leo July 23-August 22
There are abundant opportunities for you to improve your financial situation, but before you can take advantage of these openings, you have to put your anxiety aside so you can be clear and level headed about your decisions. It’s important for you to make sober choices that are based on all you’ve learned about how to handle money…wisely.

Virgo August 23-September 22
There is absolutely no need to be concerned about making the wrong decision. You’re in your element, with Venus, Mars and Mercury transiting your Sign (as the Sun is just leaving), all providing tremendous support for you to rely on your innate gifts and talents. So take a deep breath and be your best and truest self, and don’t expect that to be difficult—you are simply terrific.

Libra September 23-October 22
You can spend your time dwelling on all the things that have gone wrong, or you can focus your attention on all the life lessons those experiences have provided and how to best put that wisdom to work in the present moment. Sounds like a no-brainer, and pretty much it is, especially if you are willing to embrace the possibilities with the sort of practical wisdom that usually makes things work.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
I can’t get a clear reading on your present state of mind, but I know this to be true: Concentrate on being objective about your situation and everyone involved, and you’ll access the clarity you’re craving. If you can steer clear of a judgmental attitude about yourself or others, you’ll find a way to be neutral in the midst of many, many strong opinions, most of which you don’t agree with.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
It’s hard being optimistic in a world that’s besieged by so much negativity. Yet optimism is your essence, making it all the more important for you to find a way of positively framing what’s going on—at least in your immediate environment. Make it a mission to find all the good works occurring, not just in your world but all around the world, and your attitude will improve immediately.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
Most of us live in a world that worships success, but few of us seldom consider how to define success. It would be an interesting exercise for you to examine your definition to see if it is authentic or even realistic. Is it measured in money? Recognition? Appreciation? Personal satisfaction? A thoughtful definition might help you recalibrate how you assess your accomplishments.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
There’s no need to put your armor on—you’re not in danger. Yes, you’re facing an important challenge, but it’s all about a confrontation with yourself as you wrestle with just how much you are willing and able to change old patterns. Before you make hasty choices, be sure to ask yourself what matters most. Then allow that clarity to move you into positive action.

Pisces February 19-March 20
The answer is always love, especially when you’re facing off with significant others who would prefer that you do it their way. I’m not suggesting you surrender your desires, but I am advising you to consider how to say no in the most loving way possible. If you can find compassion for their point of view, you will heal a multitude of wounds—including some of your own.

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This article was originally published on September 21, 2017.