It’s hard to know what to say at the end of this extraordinarily long year that seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye; a year that started with a painstaking, frustrating, and in certain instances, excruciating Mars Retrograde and ended with a painful, disturbing, and devastating Uranus Direct. All year long emotional bodies have run the gamut between anxiety and ecstasy, wild expectation and dashing disappointment, and now, finally at the finish line, far too many of us are suffering from physical as well as psychic exhaustion.
Of course, we can always blame our travails on the stars: 2012 saw the first of seven Uranus/Pluto squares that will extend to March 2015. While those of us interested in astrological cycles understood going into 2012 that Uranus/Pluto contacts are infamous signatures for social change, no one could have predicted the particulars of the turmoil and tumult of the year, nor the depth of resistance to change that seems to ride the surface of our collective skin. And we are still only at the beginning of this crisis of change.
But it wouldn’t be accurate to say that upset and upheaval started this year; if you assess what’s taking place from an evolutionary or cyclical perspective, the process we’re currently experiencing started much earlier. Without going too far back in history, we could start with Pluto’s move into Capricorn in 2008. Pluto signifies change at the molecular core. Capricorn symbolizes authority, whether that’s personal power, or the power of governments, institutions, or corporations. Certainly, we’re in the midst of foundational shifts in all those areas – this doesn’t mean we’re all in agreement; we’re simply growing increasingly conscious of and uncomfortable with structures that no longer serve.
Pluto’s entry into Capricorn isn’t the only contributor to our current crisis. From the fall of 2008 until the fall of 2010, Saturn, the planetary ruler of Capricorn, opposed Uranus, the planetary ruler of Aquarius, and a planet I like to think of as the Che Guevara of the astrological system. Saturn/Uranus combinations signal the dissolution of the status quo, and they are often found in the charts of stock market upsets and the ensuing financial upheaval.
But that’s not all. When Uranus completed its entry into Aries on March 11, 2011, the earth actually moved, and the earthquake in Japan so profoundly symbolized what was to come – at least to those of us paying attention – that it felt too big to digest, let alone metabolize and assimilate into our nervous systems and consciousness, personal or collective.
And yet, that is exactly what’s most needed for the next phase in our current crisis of change; for it’s no longer a matter of how much the “earth” has to move to accommodate personal and planetary healing. What we need now is conscious concentration on how to shift the systems we already recognize as toxic to our personal and collective wellbeing. It’s not just the physical violence that needs mediation; it’s also the psychic, emotional, and spiritual violence we participate in everyday – violence to ourselves and to each other – that continues to poison our world. My wish for the coming year is that kindness will infiltrate our wounds and compassion will penetrate our hearts, turning revolution into evolution.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Your emotional cup is likely to run over, but that’s no reason to deny the depth of your feelings. Honor the truth of your heart, and you’ll skillfully manage the intensity.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Embrace the spotlight. Step into the leadership position. And as you enjoy the position of command, just remember to inspire your team with thoughtful, compassionate guidance.
Gemini May 21-June 21
You are moving forward, and so are all those areas in your life that need attention. Take the time to make the necessary adjustments, and your willingness to compromise will help your success.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Although you’ve demonstrated keen concentration, the situation still requires consistent focus. Sure, you’re entitled to a break, but until the time is right, do your best to stay diligent.
Leo July 23-August 22
Consciousness is almost always hard won, and this year was no exception. Acknowledge the fruit of your labor, by recognizing and honoring just how much you’ve grown.
Virgo August 23-September 22
You can attach to the strife or you can remember that even though the situation feels personal, it isn’t. YesŠI am talking about refusing to engage in negative projections, yours or others’.
Libra September 23-October 22
It is a matter of authority, specifically, you stepping into yours and owning what it is you need. I know I often encourage this internal process, but ultimately, your first relationship will always be with yourself.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You can brood about Saturn’s journey through your Sign, or you can welcome its presence as an opportunity to transform stagnant structures in need of creative solutions.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
If you thought you were talking before – Oy! Fasten your seatbelt, especially if you choose to wield your words as a sword. A word of caution: Kindness will be infinitely more persuasive.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Rather than argue with significant others, make every effort to find the solid ground of positive and fair compromise. I’m not suggesting you give in; I’m simply advising you to lessen the stern edge.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
There’s nothing wrong with a time out, but you simply don’t have the time. Honor your need for quiet by making time to meditate, contemplate, or simply sit without any distractions.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Hold the sword of righteousness, but make sure it’s not self-righteousness. Yes, you have penetrating insight into many areas, but that doesn’t mean you always have the appropriate perspective.
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