Aquarium Age, Blogs

The Aquarium Age: Aug. 20-26

By Ralfee Finn

Buckle up! The week unfolds like a roller coaster and you’ll need your safety gear in place to handle the ups and downs: One minute you’re climbing to the top, and the next, you’re flying high, screaming your head off at the all-too-quick descent, and then very next moment, you’re sinking low, so low you’re doubtful you will ever see the top again. And so go the regular routines of daily life in a world already punctuated by extremes. It’s hard to say what the wisest course through the excitement will be. Certain situations could inspire participation—you’ll want to take a stand for what you believe in. But other situations might be best served by bearing witness and holding a non-reactive perspective that has the power to calm, soothe, and encourage peace.

The source of this week’s highs and lows are many-fold: First, the Mars/Saturn conjunction, in Scorpio, continues to tighten its grip; it will be exact and separating on August 25, which is when we will experience the full impact of this difficult interaction. Mars signifies assertion. Saturn represents discipline. And when these two forces share the same space, their combined energy often manifests as the stamina to endure whatever it takes to complete a task with precision. This conjunction also symbolizes the capacity to work hard under a “negative” thumb, especially if the hypercritical voice of Saturn is used to reign in the Martian tendency toward aggression. Unfortunately, because Mars/Saturn contacts demand perfection, it can also incline toward blaming or punishing behavior when there is a failure to achieve the ideal. Try not to create a combat zone of harsh judgment, internal or external. The positive potential of this conjunction is the capacity to transform difficult situations by delineating what’s necessary and having the courage to release what no longer serves.

But that letting go is complicated by a Venus/Jupiter conjunction, in Leo, a combination that tips many appetites as well as activities toward extravagance. The good news is that the “shop till you drop” attitude doesn’t last long, because by Saturday, Venus moves into a square with the Mars/Saturn conjunction, a position that curtails a flair for excess.

Yet at that very same time, Uranus trines Venus, causing electrical sparks to ignite a need for freedom from whatever inhibits. This trine sends flutters through nervous systems, particularly when it comes to sexual flirtations or encounters. Venus/Uranus also enhances creative endeavors of every variety. You can use this interaction it to experiment with a new approach to any and all artistic pursuits.

It’s always challenging to stay calm in the midst of turmoil and tumult, and this week’s wild ride is no exception. While some aspects are sure to be exciting, the other, less extraordinary moments will help to create a much-needed balance. Despite the highs and lows, do your best to stay grounded and focused, and when possible, help others to do the same.

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

Aries March 21-April 19
You are presented with a multitude of positive distractions, all of which spark your imagination about what could or should be. Let yourself envision the possibilities, but make it a point to stay grounded in the here and now. If you stay steady, you’ll make the right moves going forward.

Taurus April 20-May 20
You can frame the situation as “problems with partners” or you can make it a point to keep an open mind and heart. It’s not that your point of view isn’t valid. It’s a matter of being able to appreciate how a potent difference of opinion has the power to transform an old perception into a new perspective.

Gemini May 21-June 21
The challenge is staying present and actively participating in a fluid situation that has yet to resolve itself—and resolution may not happen quickly. Patience will be your best ally as you attempt to synthesize the seemingly disparate pieces of the puzzle.

Cancer June 22-July 22
Express your feelings, but be prepared for others to share their experience with equal intensity. There is no right or wrong way to be feeling. What’s important to remember is that you are in a process, and feelings change, especially after they are shared and acknowledged.

Leo July 23-August 22
Try not to let anxiety, specific or free-floating, corrupt your optimism. Yes, there are needs that must be addressed. And yes, again, there are questions about how to handle those needs, but that doesn’t prevent positive solutions. Remember the first rule of magic: Whatever you focus your attention on becomes your reality.

Virgo August 23-September 22
Harsh words spoken in haste will be your undoing, so even if you’re right, put self-righteousness aside, and sit out the next couple of weeks until it is much safer to voice your concerns. Speak now, and you’ll be ignored or misunderstood; speak later, and you’ll be heard, clearly.

Libra September 23-October 22
You can frame it as a money issue—and it could be—or you can see it as a clash of values. Either way, you’re feeling as if you are carrying all the responsibility, again, financial or otherwise. I’m not suggesting you take a break, but I am advising you to share the load—it will be better for everyone involved.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
It would be wise to temper your mettle by attempting to soften your approach to a variety of work and career issues. It’s not that your opinion isn’t valid—it is, particularly in the care you’ve given to the details. But presentation is important, especially if your goal is to inspire excellence.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Sometimes it’s just plain hard to dislodge a brain worm, especially one you’ve grown accustomed to. But it is essential to your mental health to let go of the litany of grievances you keep ruminating on, particularly when it comes to self-judgment.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
You’re redefining your social persona, asking yourself how you want to be seen and what you want to be known for. Continue with this process, but as you do, go for the big picture because a broad perspective at the start will make it much easier to add the details as you go along.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
Apply your innate creativity to any obstacles you encounter, and even if it takes a moment to figure out the solution, you’re sure to find a way to unstick what seems to be stuck. Be patient, and your efforts will ultimately solve the problem.

Pisces February 19-March 20
Once again, you’re sorting out what has meaning for you and what doesn’t. Be brave, and face your tried and true belief systems as well as new, recently acquired ones. If you have the courage to examine a broad range of ideas, you’ll emerge with a strengthened internal center and stronger external boundaries.

Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com.
Copyright © 2014 by Ralfee Finn

This article was originally published on August 22, 2014.