Welcome to the week of cosmophobia, a brief period of time when a doomsday disorder has the power to infect minds and hearts, sweep reason away, and convince multitudes of people that the world is coming to an end. For those of you wondering what I’m talking about, the Mayan Long Count calendar ends on Friday, and according to popular legend, so does the world. Anxiety about this event was so severe that NASA coined the phrase “cosmophobia” in 2010, defining it as an “irrational fear of the cosmos,” especially the belief that a catastrophic event will occur on December 21, 2012.
(Apparently, the trailers for the movie 2012, released in 2010, created wide spread panic, causing NASA to respond with a special website to quell fears- too bad the movie wasn’t as good as its hype. (You can visit NASA’s website and read that response to the panic at http://lunarscience.nasa.gov/articles/cosmophobia/) Until sometime Saturday, many of us will be expecting the worst. Unfortunately, even if you don’t suffer from cosmophobia, the psychic atmosphere will be intensified by those that do. And because many of us are reeling from the violent aftershocks of recent weeks, doomsday despair could have a pernicious effect. Protect yourself by getting grounded and centered in the here and now by doing whatever it is you do to maintain a healthy perspective.
Assuming that life goes on, the true seasonal New Year occurs on the winter solstice, Friday, at 6:11 AM EST. The dominant theme of that astrological moment is a trine between Mercury, in Sagittarius, and the Moon, in Aries – an optimistic signature that bodes well for the coming year. Mercury symbolizes intellectual processes and pursuits. The Moon represents feelings. Sagittarius is the Sign where we search for the broadest possible frame of reference; it’s home to all spiritual, religious, and philosophic traditions, as well as global interactions of every variety, from the physical to the psychological. Aries is the Sign of the individuation; it’s the principle that allows us to know ourselves as separate and distinct from others. Both Aries and Sagittarius are Fire Signs, which means they are passionate, inspiring, enthusiastic, and warm. The alliance between Mercury and the Moon at the solstice point, indicates the potential for thoughtful, heartfelt communication, as well as the capacity for sympathetic dialogue, as well as an authentic exchange of ideas – something we need right now, and something we will continue to need in the coming year.
Personal interactions could turn family gatherings a little squirrelly on Christmas Day, as a Sun/Pluto conjunction amps up the need to vie for power, and a Sun/Uranus square simultaneously intensifies the need to push against the status quo. As the day unfolds, the Moon, in Gemini, the Sign of conversation, conjuncts Jupiter, the planet of expansion, and both sextile Uranus. This entire bundle fosters a lively atmosphere with differences of opinions and perspectives on a wide range of topics. It won’t be easy abstaining from the ideological fracas. And while discussion is necessary, do your best to remember the deeper meaning of the day by practicing good will toward all sentient beings, even and especially those you might disagree with.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Authentic leaders demonstrate their principles by positive example, and this is your moment to lead. Step into your power, and don’t hesitate to be bold. Just remember to empower others to be as strong and confident.
Taurus April 20-May 20
You’re synthesizing a number of themes, organizing and prioritizing them according to their relevance. While it may be hard to see the outcome of this process aim for the broadest perspective, and you’ll find your way.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Rather than worry about the situation, focus on what you already know to be true, and let that information inspire the next step. This process is about gaining clarity before taking action.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Despite the seasonal invitations to a variety of festivities, you’re immersed in projects and plans that have everything to do with what you most want to accomplish. Stay focused – but don’t forget to have fun.
Leo July 23-August 22
John Lennon once wrote, “There are no problems, only solutions.” Make that your mantra, and you will find a creative way around every obstacle, including any internal inhibitors keeping you from experiencing joy.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Notice what you need to feel safe and secure. This isn’t necessarily about anything external, although a healthy bank balance may be on your list. It’s primarily about being aware of how you inhabit your heart.
Libra September 23-October 22
Heartfelt conversations with loved ones continue, especially as those you care about share their feelings. Listen carefully to what’s being said, and you’ll realize their concerns are your own.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Allow your passion to move you into positive action. It makes no difference whether that fire is work-related, romantically linked, or simply something done for fun. This is simply about expressing yourself.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You’re still talking, and the conversation isn’t about to end anytime soon. But this week, the dialogue deepens into intimate exchanges about what you need to honor the truth of your heart.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Allow yourself to be stirred into positive action aimed at transforming psychological patterns keeping you mired in addictive behavior. While that sounds like a huge task, taking life one day at a time makes it possible to change.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Read Libra above, and add this: While you may be surprised at some of what’s said, if you listen closely to your reactions, you’ll discover the next step of personal growth.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Balanced, wholesome self-confidence is never easy to achieve unless you have a spiritual practice that keeps referring you to something greater than yourself. If you have that alliance, strengthen it. If you don’t, devote yourself to building one.
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 © 2012 by Ralfee Finn