Whether it’s ignorance, violence, greed, fear, or despair—yours or others’—you’ll need a strong internal center that is vitally connected to a broader perspective that can contextualize local and global upheaval as part of a much larger process. I know I am preaching to the choir, but sometimes even the choir needs to review its parts, especially if it’s trying to sing in the midst of so much shift.
2015 opens on pretty much the same note that closed 2014: the mounting tension of the final Uranus/Pluto square. And while this square is not exact until late in the day on March 16 (EDT), these two astral change agents are within a degree of each other from the start of 2015 and stay in that tight formation for all the weeks leading up to the last contact of this series. Anticipate mounting tension in all those areas that are already straining from the stress, but also anticipate more than a few surprises. Uranus symbolizes unforeseen developments, and those startling plot twists are certain to astonish even the most experienced procrastinators. As you move through the coming weeks, try to keep in mind that these squares are not just at the core of the collective disruption; they are also at the core of profound shifts in the lives of individuals, particularly those whose natal charts are directly affected. (All those born in the first half of the Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn; or whose Moon or Ascendant is in the early phase of a Cardinal Sign, have felt the depth of turmoil generated by the last two years of these intense Uranus/Pluto contacts.)
The chart for the New Year also contains a Mars/Jupiter opposition, a tense interaction that signals the presence of extremes as well as the need to find and maintain the middle ground. This need for moderation is the need most likely to not only dominate the year, but also to present the greatest challenge, especially for those inclined to use denial or dysfunction to establish stability. The task we’re actually being asked to tackle is how to find and maintain an even keel in the midst of ongoing personal upheaval, and then how to work collectively within our communities—professional, geographic, or spiritual—to find the solid ground of progress. This search for balance tests character and intention, yours or others’.
Unfortunately, the Moon, in Taurus, forms a square to both Jupiter and Mars, creating a T-Square, a fractious interaction with the potential to hold entrenched positions, especially religious ones. (So what else is new?) As the stress of this T-square bears down upon the strain of daily life, many of us are likely to lash out at others as a way of alleviating frustration. Resist the urge to strike out—it will only boomerang. Also, try not to let the rigidity of this configuration hold you in its grip—the solutions we need to remedy the current situation, personal or collective, won’t be found in dogma; it’s dogma and literalism that put us here.
Fortunately, the Moon, in Taurus, trines a Mercury/Venus conjunction, in Capricorn, offering the promise of a sympathetic mindset that is both thoughtful and understanding, as well as determined to actualize its kindness. This is a trine in Earth Signs—Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn—and there’s nothing more important to Earth Signs than the ability to manifest their views through attitude and behavior. This trine is a good counterbalance to the extremes of the T-Square.
As mentioned in last week’s column, Saturn is in the beginning stages of its transit through Sagittarius, and as the year unfolds, there will be much to learn from that journey, especially about how to structure our new global connections so that they sustain diversity.
As you make resolutions for the coming year, please put kindness and compassion for your fellow travelers at the top of the list. It may not be easy to tolerate the beliefs of others, but finding a way to include rather than exclude what we don’t understand is essential to establishing lasting peace. It’s also necessary if we are to find a balance strong and sturdy enough to hold all our hearts.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Opportunities to improve your finances abound in the coming year, so stay open to receiving as well as accumulating a little more m-o-n-e-y. Just be aware, your good fortune isn’t about luck—this increased abundance is the result of lots of elbow grease and consistent hard work.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Assess how you can refine your interactions with others so that you can feel more comfortable expressing intimacy. Be sure to include all your partnerships, not just romantic ones, and also include yourself. Gaining greater self-knowledge and awareness will improve all your partnerships.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The New Year resembles a Rubik’s Cube, and as you try to figure out its pattern, frustration is likely. Breathe deeply before each move, and expect it to take more than one attempt. If you’re patient with this process, you’ll also be patient with others—and that’s the key to your success
Cancer June 22-July 22
The challenge is figuring out how to be true to yourself and honor your needs without ignoring or denying the needs of others. This is no easy task, but if you can apply your creativity to the problem, you’ll find the solid ground of positive compromise—and that will soothe any ruffled feathers.
Leo July 23-August 22
It’s about staying centered and grounded inside first, and then expressing that stability through thought, word, and deed. Yes…this is another way to say, “Walk your talk.” And there will be plenty of opportunities for you to do that, especially as you actualize your ideals.
Virgo August 23-September 22
The challenge is figuring out how to speak from the heart as you simultaneously realize that not every word gushing forth is the truth with a capital “T”. There are certain things that need to be said, but a gentle touch will work better than a sledgehammer—at least in most cases.
Libra September 23-October 22
Yours is a challenge of value, specifically how to distinguish between what matters most to you and what matters most to others, and then, having made those distinctions, figuring out how to merge two systems. It won’t be easy finding the solid ground of compromise, but it will be worth it.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You’re probably still celebrating the thrill of Saturn’s departure, but you’re still working on how to assert yourself in relationships, personal and professional. Don’t worry; this isn’t about a breakdown or breakup. It’s about holding your own as you empower others to do the same.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The task is figuring out how to stay confident in your connection to a Higher Love, even as various belief systems—tried and true—seem to fall away. Be willing to examine all your attitudes, and that openness will enable you to solidify what is ultimately true for you—and that will feel good!
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Despite your personal seasonal festivities—it is your time of year—make the time to reflect on all you want to accomplish in the year ahead. Make lists, sketch projects, do whatever it is you do to organize your goals, and you’ll make strong progress toward your success.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The focus is on expressing the depth of who you are, and while that might involve surprising and sudden exposure, it’s still worth thinking about. Take your time contemplating what you’d like to be known for, and how that process could create clarity and self-confidence.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The challenge is coming to terms with what you actually believe to be spiritually true, and then how to actualize your beliefs. Don’t be surprised if the year leads you on a path of many windings—it probably will. Stay open to listening to your heart and you’ll discover your own wisdom.
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 © 2015 by Ralfee Finn