I certainly don’t mean to sound cavalier about the great many trials and travails so many of my fellow travelers are currently experiencing and have been experiencing for quite some time. But I’m beginning to feel as if I have “Post Traumatic Astro Disorder.” So much so that even positive planetary configurations trigger my duck-and-cover response. (And I don’t think the planets are causal, with the exception of Mercury Retrograde and Uranus anything.) But this week is yet another week of unusual plot twists and turnabouts—or better yet, toss-abouts—so many that even the unimaginative are likely to feel like roustabouts. Daily life increasingly resembles a circus—but not necessarily the good kind (if there is such a thing).
This surreal quality of life has been going on for a while, and the shift isn’t ending anytime soon. I can blame it on the aftermath of the seven Uranus/Pluto squares, or I can blame it on Uranus alone, but either way, my nervous system—and most likely yours—could certainly use a break. I know I am not alone in my PTAD because over the last several weeks many friends and clients have been wondering how long the madness will persist. My reply is always “for a while.” And that’s my answer this week, if only because integrating—digesting and metabolizing—so much change takes a very long time.
But that’s no excuse to be or stay a victim of circumstance. As I often try to emphasize, the power of the moment is the portal to power: Take responsibility for your situation, and that position alone will facilitate a shift in attitude as well as perspective—the first steps of transformation. And yes, many times finding that awareness and holding onto it is easier said than done. Mere mortals have to walk through actual reality doing the best they can to keep a clear and steady course.
A Sun/Uranus trine occupies the center ring of the circus. It begins on August 7, is exact on August 13, and ends on August 20. Sun/Uranus contacts symbolize rebels, with or without a cause—although given the state of the planet, I don’t think it’s possible to not have a cause. At its core, this is a fundamentally positive interaction that impels a dynamic need for personal freedom, whether that need is expressed politically or creatively. But it also signifies surprising turnarounds that seem to spontaneously occur in the blink of an eye, and because they happen so quickly, there tend to be rash reactions to whatever is shifting. You’ll need your best breathing exercises to work your way through the excitement, even if the plot twist is your idea—and beneficial. Next week, as the Moon conjuncts the Sun, in Leo, beginning a new lunar cycle, and Venus continues her retrograde back through Leo, those sudden changes of fortune are sure to have a powerful emotional component that could leave you breathless.
But back to this week, where I’m hard put to situate Saturn in a circus ring…but its presence is sure to be felt—perhaps it’s the Lion Tamer (a role I’ve always associated with cruelty) as it squares the Venus/Jupiter conjunction. Saturn’s exact square to Jupiter occurred on Monday, August 3. Its exact square to Venus is today, August 5. Saturn’s reputation as a stern taskmaster is well deserved—it’s the planet that helps us discern right from wrong, and sometimes making those distinctions is a tough job. But Saturn is also the principle that allows us to mature from our experiences. At the moment, it’s in a trine to Mars, providing the potential for grounded feats of strength and stamina. As it squares Venus and Jupiter, it reminds us of our dramatic excesses, asking us to recognize where we need to grow. Cecil’s death is certainly emblematic of this potent Venus/Jupiter/Saturn square.
The Venus/Jupiter conjunction, in Leo, continues for another week, and while it does symbolize dramatic excess, it also symbolizes a super- abundance of creative fire. Jupiter enters Virgo next Tuesday, and its last days in Leo—it won’t be back for another twelve years—are sure to be filled with fire. Generosity of heart is Leo’s strong suit, so do your best to embody that magnanimous spirit. Remember, each of us has every Sign in our birth chart, which means we all have that Leonine capacity to roar with pride as well as joy. Do that this week—spend your fire on all the things that really matter to you, all the pursuits that make you happy.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Don’t let the necessity for discipline dampen your fire and desire—you’re quite likely to be lost without it. Be precise, even as you are bursting with creative ideas. And be determined to put those flashes of brilliance into motion through an organized structure that’s built for success.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Be it ever so humble—or perhaps this week, so grand—there is no place like home. Stay open to the possibility that you could find yourself relocating, redecorating, or renovating your digs. Don’t hesitate to go with the flow—it’s time to fill your home with beauty or simply enhance the beauty that’s already there.
Gemini May 21-June 21
There are opportunities for a riotously good time, and there are moments when the ruckus has to take a backseat to getting the job done. You’ll need to gauge the ebb and flow of those moments with a discerning eye and ear. But don’t worry; you have the skill to negotiate the flow with ease.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You can use this cosmic moment to make money and/or gather your resources, or you can spend like a drunken sailor and squander what you’ve managed to save. Rather than allowing fear or recklessness to motivate your behavior, try to find a balance—it is possible to spend and save.
Leo July 23-August 22
Even Saturn’s stern gaze can’t completely dim your extraordinarily bright light. So don’t succumb to brooding your time away over things you have no control over or over past mistakes. Instead, concentrate on being grateful for all your amazing gifts—a passionate heart that is confident, daring, and generous.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Spend this week dreaming about all the plans and projects you want to put in motion when Jupiter, the planet of great good fortune, moves into your Sign next week. These dreams are a necessary preparation for the next phase when you will be so busy that daydreams will be a rarity.
Libra September 23-October 22
There could be intense encounters with significant others over finances, especially if you’re using money to make a point—something you should try to avoid because it might backfire and spoil plans for the future. Be thoughtful, considerate, and unwilling to be rash. The moment will pass.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
It’s time for several thoughtful, dynamic—even showy—career moves. Whether it’s starting your own business, looking for a new job, applying for a promotion, or retiring, the potential for a beneficial change is undeniable. Make the most of this propitious time.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Think about what matters most to you and how those concerns reflect your personal philosophy. Yes…I know that doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, but you’re moving into a new phase that will require you to know what you need as well as what you want.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
There are challenges, to be sure, but those obstacles can be overcome if you’re honest with yourself about what needs to shift inside of you. Remember, we can only create what we can envision, and as long as you are looking through an old lens, you won’t be able to create a new picture.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
It’s a relationship marathon, and it includes partners of every variety, from the professional to the personal, and most importantly, your relationship with yourself. The secret to your success during this phase is learning to treat everyone with a generous heart.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Your world is tilting in a new direction, but the gates don’t open until next week. Devote this week to self-care and get all the rest and relaxation you’re craving. You won’t regret taking the time to take care of you, and whatever it costs, the return will be exponentially beneficial.
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 © 2015 by Ralfee Finn