Aquarium Age

The Aquarium Age: Dec. 14-20

By Ralfee Finn

This week, we’re flying into a storm that lasts well into 2017, and as the astral turbulence increases, that old cliché, “Fasten your seatbelts…it’s going to be a bumpy ride” has never been more true. You’ll need a strong internal compass to hold you steady along a path of common sense—unrest, upheaval and uproar are certain to continue disrupting the routines of daily life, both personal and collective. Some will thrive on the intensity, glad for the opportunity to swing wildly to extremes, all the while taking stands for what they know to be true—but might not actually be a reality. Others will be dismayed as the brouhaha disturbs the festivities of the holiday season and sullies the start of the new year. Even more fellow travelers are likely to feel helpless in the midst of the political madness that’s sure to escalate and overwhelm almost all other concerns. We are at the end of a long year of startling events, and these last weeks present even more surprising plot twists. From a collective perspective, it’s best to be prepared for just about anything—from Russian hackers to Senate hearings to vote recounts to an entirely new US Presidential election—there’s simply no telling what’s gonna happen next. From a personal perspective, navigating the next several weeks not only requires common sense. It also requires embracing a philosophical attitude that supports the flexibility to go wide, high and deep in all attempts to glean an inkling of what’s goin’ on.

Several sources coalesce into this perfect storm.

(1)  Mercury Retrograde begins on December 19 and ends on January 8. For those new to Mercury Retrograde, here’s the gist: Approximately three times a year (although there are exceptions, such as this year when it happens four times), Mercury appears to be moving backwards in the sky relative to Earth’s position in its orbit around the Sun. Mercury represents language and communication as well as travel and commerce, and when Mercury seemingly retraces its path, all things within its vast domain seem to move backward rather than forward. Schedules go screwy, people are hard to find, normally reliable communication systems suddenly collapse, and frustration becomes the mood du jour, which leads to a great gnashing of teeth—a sound that can be heard quite clearly when computers freeze, printers die, smart phones turn stupid, and delays and detours make easy travel impossible. Mercury Retrograde is never a good time to start something new. And yes…I know…it’s a bummer.

The good news about Mercury Retrograde is that it’s a really good time to review, reflect and reconsider plans and projects already in motion, which means it’s a great time to take a deep breath and gain perspective on where you’ve been and where you’re headed. This Mercury Retrograde is interesting because it occurs at 15 degrees 6 minutes Capricorn, which is the degree in Capricorn that all the Mercury Retrogrades of the year have pointed to. I don’t have a logical explanation of this occurrence, but I am willing to go with my gut: All the retrogrades this year point to this moment because this moment is pivotal. I have no reasonable explanation of why, other than the realization that this Mercury Retrograde occurs on the day the Electoral College votes, and the decision that’s made is the culmination of a year that future historians might call The Year the World Lost Its Mind. And no…I am not being dramatic…every cabinet appointee named by Trump is clearly appointed to dismantle that specific department of the government.

(2)  The potential for reversals of fortune is attributable to the ongoing Jupiter/Uranus opposition (which has been building all month long) is within 30 minutes of exact contact on December 19 (which means it’s pretty close), and is exact and separating the day after Christmas. But I wouldn’t really call it a true separation, given that we are in the swing of its seesaw effect until March 3. Jupiter/Uranus contacts are infamous for surprising developments, and as this opposition sustains a prolonged crescendo for nearly two months, many unforeseen turnarounds are likely. From a personal perspective, plans and projects rise and fall, relationships turn on and off, and tensions are released. The constant flux of this opposition is at the core of an ongoing pervasive psychic anxiety that seems to be everywhere as people worry about everything from human rights to finances to climate change and all the other consequences of the Trump deconstruction plan. Yes…we were worrying about these things prior to Trump. It’s just that now it’s blatantly clear just how much is in such great jeopardy and we’re worrying even more.

(3) Saturn continues to act as a stabilizing influence in the midst of these astral mood swings, but it’s not likely to be able to dull the effect of Uranus, at least during the last weeks of December into the first weeks of January. Uranus is simply too powerful during that time.

(4)  Uranus goes direct on December 29, just in time for the New Year. Pay attention: Uranus Direct is the equivalent of Mercury Retrograde on steroids, if only because Uranus symbolizes all things related to electricity, and that includes all facets of technology, from software to hardware to tablets to phones, as well as actual electrical grids and human nervous systems. Communication patterns are disrupted and so are sleep patterns, and because this particular Uranus Direct happens in the middle of Mercury Retrograde, those relying on electronic anything, take heed: if you haven’t backed up your data yet, stop reading this column and do it now.

Next Wednesday, December 21, we celebrate the winter solstice, the return of the light in the northern hemisphere. Keeping in mind that all the festivals of the season celebrate the joy of that return, it’s possible even in the midst of the current madness to make time to acknowledge the message of nature: When the days are darkest, the light eventually returns. This is the cyclical pattern of our cosmic order and it always fills our hearts with gladness. (In the southern hemisphere, where the light is still strongest right now, it’s the same rhythm, but reversed.) So…although it would be wise to strap yourself in for the bumpy ride ahead, it’s also wise to celebrate the season of hope. Be of good cheer to your fellow travelers. Life is so much easier to handle when we live the truth of our interconnectedness.

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

Aries March 21-April 19
There are a multitude of business details in need of attention. So rather than brood about what should be occurring, focus your attention on what needs your attention. Some of it might be tedious, but some of what you uncover through your diligence could open up an entirely new vision for what’s next.

Taurus April 20-May 20
If you haven’t already, find a personal philosophy that will help you negotiate a maze of details, many of which you thought were already taken care of. If you have a way of looking at life that supports flexibility, great. If not, be open to refining your perspective so you can skillfully handle unexpected developments.

Gemini May 21-June 21
Yes…you do have to take care of certain financial details, and your time will be best spent welcoming this phase rather than resenting it. And yes, again, it’s hard taking responsibility for unanticipated expenses. It’s possible to view this entire situation through a positive lens, but only if you’re willing to grow.

Cancer June 22-July 22
Expect old relationship issues to reappear, even if the “old” significant other is no longer around. These issues have more to do with you and your relationship with yourself than they do with anyone else. Turn your attention toward your own behavior and you’ll discover useful and vital information.

Leo July 23-August 22
The next phase is all about reviewing details that are work-related as well as health-related. Don’t worry—this isn’t about a crisis. It’s about examining your habits, including those where you are disciplined as well as those that inspire your passion, so you can make the necessary adjustments and move forward.

Virgo August 23-September 22
Take the time to examine how creativity can enhance your life and increase your joy. I’m not suggesting that you take up an art or a craft, although that might be a good practice. I am advising you to contemplate how a creative attitude can improve your vision of who you are and who you could be.

Libra September 23-October 22
At the moment, home is everything, which means you’re focused on how you can improve your living situation, inside and out. Contemplate increasing your meditation practice, which will deliver positive inner benefits, and then notice how you could make similar beneficial improvements to your physical home.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
It’s all about communication—what was said, what should have been said, and what you would like to say now. But before you slip into harsh self-criticism, consider that mistakes are usually how we learn our best lessons. Reconsider how you are expressing yourself, and then make the necessary adjustments.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
There is much to learn from the financial details if you’re willing to take the time to review the various transactions and understand the process. I know it’s boring and you don’t really have to do it. But if you make the time and take your time, your financial situation will improve—and that will be great.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
Consider this phase another facet of your ongoing identity crisis and it will be much easier reviewing the details and sorting through what feels right and what needs to be updated or discarded. You don’t have to give up the tried and true traits you rely on. You just have to be willing to grow.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
Even as you are mulling over previous situations and previous conversations, the goal is not to brood about what was or wasn’t said. This review is not about regrets of any kind. This review is about gathering information that can inform your next steps and improve your communication skills.

Pisces February 19-March 20
You’re in the spotlight, and while the attention feels good, it also makes you worry about whether you’re up to the task. You have many gifts to share with your community. Contemplate how you can step into the leadership role with greater confidence and vitality and use your gifts to inspire others.
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 © 2016 by Ralfee Finn

This article was originally published on December 15, 2016.