Some weeks, I do want to stick my head in the sand and make like an ostrich because it seems that the news just gets worse—at least the global broadcast news—and mustering the soul strength to deal with the potential for yet another wave of extreme violence just isn’t easy. That’s the curse of augury: How to frame the difficult news without adding to the problem. Of course, I could always lie, something a reader suggested in a text message last week: “I really, really wish that you would lie in your columns.” Alas, lying about the planets isn’t possible for me. Putting a positive spin on astral interactions is, but sometimes finding a wholesome balance interpreting planetary patterns is as difficult as finding a wholesome balance in just living life.
This week, finding any kind of balance requires Herculean muscle. Mars, Uranus, and Pluto continue to align in a pernicious T-Square, indicating extreme tension and its release. All three planets are in Cardinal Signs—Mars in Libra; Uranus in Aries; Pluto in Capricorn—positions that favor action as a means of alleviating stress. That Cardinal need to do something—anything—is exacerbated by the planets in play, none of which can stand still for long and all of which can be quite fierce. Mars symbolizes war; Uranus, rebellion and instability; and Pluto, the process of death and rebirth. There is no way to soften the edges of this rough and tough complex interaction, and its potential to support the need for sheer brute force can be witnessed throughout the recently increased vitriolic rhetoric of fear, bigotry, and war-mongering. It seems that these worst of times has the power to bring out the worst in some. Yet while this Mars/Uranus/Pluto T-Square can fuel the impulse to lash out, it can also demonstrate the uselessness of hatred: Saying awful things that incite violence or doing awful things to counter violence doesn’t change anything. Violence, as history teaches, only begets violence.
A lesson to be learned is always inherent in any difficult astral interaction. Identifying the lesson actually lessens negativity. Many know this from personal experience: You hit a wall someplace in your spiritual growth, a wall that seemingly refuses to shift until you try to answer the question, “What is my spirit trying to learn from this?” That question is enough to open a window into a deeper wisdom; it’s enough to alter perspective, and that moves energy, which transforms the situation in to a growth opportunity.
In our current collective situation there are so many lessons we have already learned but fail to apply because we haven’t reached critical mass yet. Critical mass is an aggregation of consciousness in which enough people reach a similar point of awareness and understanding that somehow that new idea gets accepted into the cultural perspective. (The Hundredth Monkey illustrates this idea.) Our failure to apply certain ideas (even if Oprah supports them) can be seen in any number of instances. But one example is how we continue to abuse children, and by doing so, teach them to hurt others as a way of momentarily alleviating their powerlessness. Terror, neglect, and abuse can turn children who are without hope or help into bullies and in some cases, terrorists. As we are reaching for understanding, it’s important to remember that recognizing the origins of violent behavior never justifies or excuses egregious acts. Understanding the origins of violence should make us determined to eliminate the conditions that give rise to it.
The solution to any T-Square is found in the “empty” Sign, which in the case of this week’s T-Square is Cancer, the Cardinal Sign of nurturing and the Cardinal Sign of the mother. Cancer also symbolizes safety and security issues, particularly as those themes relate to home, family and children. The Sign of Cancer symbolizes the longing to belong and the need to feel firmly rooted in place by family and held close by love.
I’m not sure how that maternal emphasis translates into practical and immediate action, but its deepest meaning can be used as a reminder that we are all born into this world dependent upon a mother’s love to hold us safe and sound. And I think that reminder can be applied to the anxiety many now experience daily—the anxiety that violence can erupt at any moment because the world is no longer safe. Yes, the world is out of control. It has been for quite some time. But now it seems that the social agreements that kept some areas safe are broken. But hate mongering won’t make anything safer. If anything, it amplifies the insanity we are slowly accepting as “normal.”
All of us, even our enemies, long for safety, and as those who search for positive solutions know, the need to punish and persecute will only fuel violence and hatred. Which always leads me to the same conclusion: The antidote to extreme polarization is kindness and compassion. Be nice to your fellow travelers through thought, word and deed, even if it’s hard and especially if it takes effort. Each of us has the power to be the hundredth monkey.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Spend as much time as possible getting your home—internal and external—in order. That doesn’t translate into hiding under the covers—although that could be an option. I’m suggesting that creating order, inside and out, will help you gather your strength and resources.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Communication continues to be the de-stressor, especially in situations that require diplomacy to smooth and soothe ruffled feathers, your own or others’. Continue to choose your words wisely, and you’ll navigate several situations easily.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Consider the situation a clash of values: On one hand, you’re being told that you need to align your opinion with the prevailing point of view. Yet on the other, you’re called to honor your expertise and knowledge. Sounds simple, but defying conventional wisdom always requires skill.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Take no unnecessary action and avoid forcing your agenda. Yes, you may have a better take on priorities and goals, but pushing the river will only engender pushback. So take as many deep breaths as necessary, and wait for a better time to implement your plan.
Leo July 23-August 22
There’s no need to be afraid of what’s going to happen next, so put aside any behavior that has you mulling over the plan like a hamster on its wheel. You’re learning to let go, and that’s not an easy process for someone who’s used to being in charge and in control.
Virgo August 23-September 22
It isn’t easy figuring out how to simply be in a world that seems to have lost its sense of self. Rather than succumb to dislocation and depression, focus on staying steady from the inside out. Make the center of your world a place of inner calm and the days and nights will get easier.
Libra September 23-October 22
The task at hand is taking care of yourself in healthy ways that will have long-term benefits for you and those you love. Take a look at how you can include positive self-soothing rituals into the routines of daily life. You don’t have to go to extremes, but extra pampering is advised.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The good news is that you are in a generous, benevolent frame of mind that allows positive interactions with significant others and, really, just about anyone. If you hold fast to those good attributes and do your best to stay neutral in the midst of conflict, you will emerge victorious.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Continue to be confident in your choices, but also do your best to stay open to others’ ideas. I’m not suggesting you abandon your opinions in order to please the concerned participants. I’m simply advising you to listen carefully to all points of view that need to be considered.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You have the potential to be as nurturing as your counterpart, Cancer, but you often hesitate to demonstrate the depth of your sensitivity and caring. Don’t hide your care and concern this week. Be present, empathetic, and willing to comfort those in need of reassurance.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The best way to avoid unnecessary conflict is to stay focused on what you want to accomplish. Just make sure that focus doesn’t turn into a myopic perspective that abandons those you care about as well as those you need.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The solution this week is to immerse yourself in creative projects that enable you to stretch your boundaries. Be willing to move beyond your present level of accomplishment and you’ll be delighted with the new territory. Yes…some of it will be a struggle, but it will be worth it.
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