It’s another wacky week, here on planet Earth, and trying to make sense of almost anything is going to require a level head that’s able to discern the true from the false and the fact from the fiction. Even if you’re the most practical, most wise, and most insightful observer of human nature and current events, you’re still likely to be surprised by the unforeseen plot twists and sudden reversals of fortune that are possible—okay, probable—this week. The best way through the morass of stupefying phenomena is compassion, even for the people who are contributing to the chaos.
Not all of us care about our common concerns, and neither do we all understand the deepest or highest truth in the same way. But what we do share is a desire for relief from the madness that’s infected our personal and collective situations. Granted, not everyone is suffering. Some people are even having fun. But the daily dose of ongoing outrageous and mostly negative behavior does inevitably dampen joy.
Donald Trump is the best example of our collective nervous breakdown. He is clearly channeling the sludge of anger and frustration that so many people are feeling and have been feeling for such a long time. The problem is that he is also emblematic of what happens when you think that celebrity is an achievement in-and-of itself, or that money is a measure of character, or that leadership is about exacerbating the problems that divide instead of finding ways to unify our shared human goals. Most of us know that name-calling and rudeness are immature. We also know that bullying won’t solve anything. And yet Trump has captured the imagination of so many, solely because he has assumed the unfiltered worst of us. (And I used to think it couldn’t get worse than Bush.) Lots of folks would like to just say anything, regardless of the consequences to others. But we don’t, and we don’t because we recognize that what we say to others has an effect, especially when we utter rash words said in the heat of the moment to assuage our ego or solidify our power.
If you step back from the shit-show, it’s possible to see a profound polarization: On one hand, positive, conscious efforts are growing exponentially to make the world a better place; something that can be witnessed—if you take the time to look—by an increasing number of compassionate efforts in all areas of concern. Maybe not enough to tip the scales toward a better world for everyone right now, but there are lots of our fellow travelers who are devoting time and effort to that goal. Yet on the other hand, the efforts of our unconscious fellow travelers to dismantle what’s good are proliferating. For example, the opposition to gun control, the support of corporate greed, and a commitment to rejecting science, as well as bigotry of all denominations are but a few manifestations of that collective ignorance. Trump is expressing one side of this schism loudly and proudly. But that doesn’t mean that he will ultimately triumph.
It’s a collective schism that grows more intense with each unfolding development. We’re not only learning that black lives matter, we’re also learning that all lives matter—human lives, animal lives, planet lives, even insect lives, which we are certainly learning from the struggle of the bees to stay alive.
Astrologically, how are we to understand this collective moment? My best guess is through the Uranus/Pluto squares, which have turned everything on its head, from war to peace to sex to gender to economics to survival. We are learning to think about everything from a different point of view.
For the last week we been in the thrall of a Sun/Uranus trine, a dynamic combination of planetary influences that stirs the hearts of revolutionaries everywhere, as it simultaneously fires the souls of eccentrics, also everywhere. It’s exact on August 13 and separates on August 20, which is why this week could be even wackier than last week—if that’s possible.
The good news—and there is always good news—is Jupiter’s entry into Virgo, on August 11. Jupiter is the planet of great good fortune, as well as the symbol for spiritual and philosophical inquiry. And what’s most interesting about Jupiter is that it can be the instrument of great excess or a heat-seeking missile for the truth—and everything in between. My favorite characteristic is its humorous quality (even when it’s gallows humor, which these days seems to be a necessity).
Virgo is a much-misunderstood Sign, and rather than dwelling on its addiction to details, it’s important to acknowledge the esoteric importance of those details. Virgo is where we recognize the interconnectedness of life. It’s no accident that the ecology movement caught hold with the Uranus/Pluto conjunctions of the mid-1960s. Of course, there were individuals prior to those conjunctions who recognized the web of life, but it was the Sixties that made us hyper-aware of the need for an ecological revolution to occur in order for Earth to survive. (And…really…it’s unbelievable that we are still struggling with this process because many are still denying the scientific information.)
Virgo’s counterpart and complement, Pisces, is the Sign where we recognize the undifferentiated oneness of being. But Virgo is just as mystical. It’s the Sign where we recognize the differentiated oneness of being—it signifies god in all its particulars. This is why Virgo is the Sign of stewardship. It represents the awareness that all living organisms are interrelated. And Jupiter’s transit through Virgo will find a vocal representative for every species—no living organism will go unnoticed. Jupiter’s transit through Virgo lasts until September 2016. Don’t be surprised if during that time we see the effects of climate change reach an undeniable peak.
This week, as all the issues of the world from misogyny to racism to violence to greed continue to float on the surface of the collective pond, take heart and do your best to keep your head. Remember, Uranus sends illuminating lightning bolts to stagnant areas in need of reform. From a multidimensional point of view, Donald Trump is an agent of change. That doesn’t make him a benign or positive force; it simply means he is stirring the caldron, which helps us to identify what needs to shift. Notice where you have a personal agent of change mixing it up in your personal life, and then use that awareness to transform your relationship to that friction. Try to find compassion for the fractious force—not a namby-pamby saccharine compassion that resembles condescension, but a true compassion that says, “I am that, too.”
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Jupiter is in your Solar House of service, work, health and small animals. Yes…it’s a crowded sector of your chart, which means you best be prepared to be stretched thin. Unless, of course, you figure out how to manage your time and energy in a wise fashion that enables you to put your health, first, so that you will have the strength and energy to take care of others.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Jupiter enters your Solar House of risk, a sector of the chart that includes romance, fun, creativity, children, and gambling. Be prepared for optimistic leaps into new experiences. But most importantly, expect Jupiter’s presence to stimulate a strong desire to take the big risk of being all you, all the time.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Jupiter is in your Solar House of the home and its expansive urges are going to have you thinking about how to decorate or redecorate your living situations, inside and out. On the internal level, that means a renovation of your meditation techniques. On the external level, you’re looking at plenty of paint cans and fabric swatches.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Jupiter’s transit through your Solar House of communication is going to stimulate a talkfest that lasts for the entire next year. You’re sharing your opinions freely, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself engaged in conversations on a variety of subjects that take place over a wide band of time. Also be prepared for dialogues with strangers about philosophical issues that matter to you.
Leo July 23-August 22
Jupiter transits your Solar House of resources, which translates into the potential to make money and replenish your reserves, as well as an opportunity to build your self-esteem and self-confidence. Use this time wisely and you’ll emerge from this phase much more grounded in the truth of who you are and what you have to offer.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Yes, dear Virgo, Jupiter is in your Solar House of personality, transiting your Sign for the next year, and bestowing all sorts of beneficial gifts. The first is a positive identity makeover, so get that haircut, go to the gym, or any other self-improvement plan that sounds good to you. Then, decide how you would most want to be seen by others. This is a solid opportunity to revise and refresh your persona.
Libra September 23-October 22
Jupiter transits your Solar House of psyche, beckoning you to a deeper exploration of your unconscious. This is a fantastic time to go into therapy, or if you are already in therapy, to deepen your commitment to greater self-awareness. There’s no need to fear what you will find, and every reason to expect greater mental health and emotional authenticity.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Jupiter enters your Solar House of community, which means your participation in communal plans and projects is likely to increase. As is the size of your actual community, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a new and expansive environment. Take advantage of this phase by contemplating where you are happiest and what activities bring you joy.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Jupiter, your Ruling Planet, is in your Solar House of career—or what I like to call the sector of the chart that tells us what we most want to be known for. Anticipate expansive professional opportunities, and even if you’re retired, be prepared for volunteer work to present itself. Say “yes” to these openings and you’ll handle the expansion easily and gracefully.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Jupiter transits your Solar House of global expansion, which also happens to be Jupiter’s natural placement in the astrological system. When Jupiter “comes home,” it sheds its expansive light on all things related to a broader perspective. Expect to have bouts of wanderlust, as well as a renewed interest in exploring the great spiritual traditions of the planet.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Jupiter enters your Solar House of transformation, taking you on an existential journey that’s all about issues of trust and control. But don’t worry; this is not a negative excursion. It’s just an intense one, especially when it comes to all those areas of life—sex, death, and the process of transformation itself—that require surrendering to a power greater than ourselves.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Jupiter enters your Solar House of relationship, beginning a year-long sentimental journey with significant others, past, present, and future. Give yourself permission to enjoy this ride, but remember the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Allow Jupiter to expand your self-awareness, especially when it comes to interactions with others, and you’ll be pleased with your growth.
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