With the Sun and five planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Neptune—in Mutable Signs this week, joined by a Full Moon in Pisces on Saturday, opportunities abound to soothe ragged edges and mend broken fences, individual and collective. Unfortunately, it’s not likely that all of us will want to work together toward the common good; individuals may be so inclined, but politicians, maybe not so much. Too many contradictions apply from other planets to make this an easy ride for the peacemakers of the zodiac. Mutable Signs build bridges and look for compromise—qualities we could really use right now to try to manage the upsets of daily life. Sometimes that Mutable determination to find compromise can be crazy-making, especially when a Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces starts making more suggestions than necessary (or than we can handle). But most often, Mutable Signs signify the ability to stand in another’s shoes and see the situation from a conciliatory perspective that allows our shared ground to become visible.
The problem this week is that while Pluto in Capricorn continues to trine the Sun and Mars in Virgo, Neptune in Pisces simultaneously opposes the Sun and Mars, and Neptune’s interference almost always manifests as confusing messages. While Neptune opposite the Sun and Mars can create a powerful empathic field, but it can also obscure the facts with its proclivity to illusion and delusion. Neptune/Sun/Mars contacts facilitate being too susceptible to suggestion and therefore easily fooled. There’s nothing wrong with being open, but we need common sense to keep our feet on the ground. Just because something is quicker, cheaper, or comes with batteries doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice. If you can channel this Neptunian openness into plans and projects in need of inspiration, you will find the perfect containers for Neptune’s dreamy, but nonetheless intense imaginings.
Jupiter is in Sagittarius, moving quite quickly toward an exact square with Neptune on September 21. There have been two prior exact squares between Jupiter and Neptune in this series; the first on January 13 and the second on June 16. This square is the astro-equivalent of the master magician. Both planets rule Pisces. Before Neptune’s discovery, the rulership was Jupiter’s alone, but it soon took a back seat to Neptune, although its standing never completely diminished. When you think about this square, think illusion squared and in some cases, delusion squared. Again, be careful who you listen to: lots of stories are going to be told and most of them are going to be beyond belief, because they are. So try not to be fooled by your wishful thinking or by someone else’s gift of blarney.
Saturn Direct begins in a week, on September 18, and as it prepares for its “course correction,” the normal goings-on of daily life are likely to slow to a crawl. Try not to push this seemingly plodding Saturnian river in the hope of making it move faster—it won’t. Instead of insisting upon a certain direction or specific timetable, go with the flow; the pace will pick up soon enough and; as it does you may find yourself longing for these slower days.
Attune to the peacemakers. There are many obstacles ahead, and a peaceful attitude will make it so much easier to overcome those difficulties. And as always, try to remember to help your fellow travelers. Too many need comfort right now, so it won’t be difficult to find opportunities to lend a helping hand.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Stand in your professional power and own your wisdom born of experience, but try to wear it gently and gracefully; don’t lord it over others, with a stern attitude. All that’s necessary is your awareness that the other people involved may not understand the situation as clearly as you do, and with that in mind, you can help them to arrive at a reasonable position.
Taurus April 20-May 20.
No pretense is necessaryso just be yourself—all you, all the time. Of course it won’t be easy to be that vulnerable, but if you can really get your head around the idea that vulnerability can be transformed into great strength and stamina, you’ll start to assess the situation with a different eye. A shift in perspective will allow you to move forward with renewed determination.
Gemini May 21-June 21
There’s a lot to think about, especially issues involving home and family, and it probably won’t be easy arriving at conclusions that will work for everyone. But it’s still important to figure out how to make the tough bits work and where to find the energy to get the job done. Rather than feel daunted by what lies ahead, consider this a chance to put several new patterns in motion.
Cancer June 22-July 22
It’s time to create a positive plan of action that will allow you to move forward on several projects you’ve wanted to implement for a while but haven’t had the time or support to begin. Even if you get off to a clumsy start, don’t worry; it’s important to make mistakes because they show us what needs work. If you stay grounded, your efforts will eventually meet with great success.
Leo July 23-August 22
It could be a frustrating week, especially if you’re trying to move forward a little too quickly. Yes, I know there are things that need to be done and that you are ready to get started on all sorts of new beginnings, but you still need to moderate your pace. If you try to hurry, you just might have to hurry up and wait and that would not sit well with your fiery disposition.
Virgo August 23-September 22
It’s a deeply emotional week, so don’t be surprised if there are more than a few moments where you feel overwhelmed almost to the point of tears. But not all those tears are certain to be tears of grief, some may be tears of rage, and others might be tears of joy. You’ll be dealing with a wide range of emotions, so stay grounded and allow yourself to be fully present for what unfolds.
Libra September 23-October 22
You can feel something new is on the horizon and you’re eager to have that something new to pour your passions into. As your pent-up energy starts to release over the next several weeks, make sure you have what you need to guide this process through the many twists and turns of your journey. There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle and you don’t want to overlook something.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Your light continues to shine brightly and its charismatic glow draws many people to you. Share your opinions freely and encourage others to do the same. Take the leadership role gladly and as you do, remember to inspire others by your example. We live in times that require new ways of working together and your ability to listen deeply will leave a lasting impression.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Balance is the key to maintaining your energy and strength, so rather than indulge in all those excesses that you love so much, practice moderation in all you do. I’m not suggesting that you stop having fun—I wouldn’t dare deprive you of joy. But I am advising you to pay attention to your excesses and when possible to make more moderate choices—choices that will keep you from burning out.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You’re busy putting lots of your ideas in motion, which is fantastic. I know I don’t have to remind you to be pragmatic—you are the poster child for keeping it real. However, Neptune could confuse a few issues, so dream and manifest but be aware of the ramifications of your dreams. Sometimes we think we have included good works for others, but actually we haven’t.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You hardly have a chance to catch your breath because there are so many things that must be done within a specific time frame. Not only that, a lot is riding on your ability to execute these tasks perfectly—or at least as close to perfectly as you can. So take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. And don’t worry—you’ve already done a great job.
Pisces February 19-March 20
You are one of those natural peacemakers, so wherever you find yourself engaged in a confrontation or a misunderstanding, call time out and think about how you can create the solid ground of compromise. I am not suggesting you abandon your opinion or your position; I’m simply reminding you that a peaceful solution isn’t possible until you try to understand the opposing viewpoint.