The past becomes the present this week and as a result, daily life is likely to turn into a time warp. Wednesday feels like Monday. Friday feels like last year. And tomorrow feels like yesterday. Try not to let this temporal dislocation throw you into a tizzy. Deadlines are still within reach, particularly if you accommodate the need for greater latitude and leeway on what’s due when. Staying agile – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – is essential in handling the erratic one-step-forward-two-steps-back rhythm of this time warp.
Two retrogrades form the core of the distortion. Saturn began a retrograde phase on Monday, February 18; Mercury begins its first retrograde of the year on Friday, February 23. As these two planets “retrace” their recent paths, we review ours, with an eye toward refining plans, projects, decisions, and declarations recently set in motion. Saturn Retrograde continues until July 8, and during that time we will be reviewing events set in motion as far back as November 15, 2012. This was approximately six weeks after Saturn began its journey through Scorpio, a journey that lasts until December 2014. I find it difficult writing about Saturn’s transit through Scorpio, because the Sign of Scorpio tends toward the secretive; its still waters are the deepest of the astrological system, and understanding that depth requires patience. In Scorpio, we face the challenge of control – this is where we ultimately encounter forces far greater than individual will or ego or even physical prowess, forces that do the work of destiny and fate. Scorpio teaches us that we are not in control, not one bit, and thus, Scorpio is also the Sign where we decide our response to that truth: Will we pretend and posture or surrender and transform? We all have Scorpio somewhere in our birth chart; we all make this choice somewhere in our lives.
Saturn symbolizes discernment, structure, and the capacity to grow from our experiences – it is the critic and the judge, as well as the student and the teacher. As it moves through the uncontrollable currents of Scorpio’s deep waters, it will help us to delineate where we stand, individually and collectively, in relation to forces out of our control – political, cultural, financial, sexual, and environmental. With any luck, we will find the humility, again, individual as well as collective, to face those super powers with an intention to grow.
This first Mercury Retrograde phase lasts until March 17. Most of you know the drill by now, but for the very few who don’t: Mercury Retrograde is not a good time to initiate new projects. It is an excellent time to refine, reflect, and reconsider. As I often point out, retrogrades are not the work of the devil; they are simply a facet of the ongoing planetary tableau, and occasionally can be viewed as a boon, especially when we find ourselves in the midst of a multitude of details that need to be sorted out and reorganized, often through the lens of practical experience.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
I realize that you don’t like repeating history, but sometimes we can learn from analyzing past experiences. Open to this process and you’ll uncover valuable information for future endeavors.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Expect old acquaintances, friends, lovers, and significant others to make an appearance in the soap opera of your life. And whether their presence is physical or psychological, your emotional response will be revelatory.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The retrogrades are focused on work-related issues, which means certain decisions you thought were long ago integrated into policy could be up for reconsideration. Be patient with this process – you could benefit from the results.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Rather than pretend you are immune or impervious to what’s happening around you, join the discussion. You may not sway anyone to your way of thinking, but you’ll certainly invigorate the conversation.
Leo July 23-August 22
Review your spending habits and pay particular attention to what you consider to be “necessities.” Then, review whether those items are actually essential. There’s nothing to be afraid of; you’re simply becoming aware of what’s important.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Relationships require attention, and while you might be inclined to dismiss the need or requests of significant others, try to honor them instead. What may seem silly to you could be hugely important to another.
Libra September 23-October 22
Whether it is one-on-one with a family member or friend, or whether it’s in your community, you have the power to make a difference in the lives of others. Contemplate where your efforts to help would be best spent.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Saturn is taking its toll, but the total cost of its journey through your Sign cannot yet be measured – and the same is true for the benefits. So while it’s grueling work to grow, continue to embrace this process.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Be aware that even if you think nothing is happening, plenty is taking place. Start paying attention to the seemingly insignificant details and you’ll start to get sense of how powerful this process truly is.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Conversation and dialogue are the focus, and staying true to yourself continues to be the thread. Yes, some of what’s said will be repetitive, but the review is still worthwhile and valuable.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
At first glance it looks like a financial issue, and while it may involve money, what’s really at stake is your self-esteem and self-confidence. Don’t undervalue yourself to please others.
Pisces February 19-March 20
You’re in the midst of an identity crisis and this part of the process is about examining how you want the world to see you. Take your time – it isn’t as simple as a new haircut or color.
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 © 2013 by Ralfee Finn