Astral patterns once again dance between extremes, but this week, the celestial choreography expresses the stark contrast between being vague and being precise, and as a result, attitudes and aspirations span the vast chasm between mushy/gooey and crystal clear. Don’t be surprised if moods, yours or others’, also swing between these poles causing daily life to unfold with two-steps-forward-one-step-back routines. From a positive perspective, this vacillation offers the potential to examine different intellectual and/or emotional positions you may find confusing, again, your own or others’.
And as often happens when we walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, the difference in perspective has the power to transform a once tried and true opinion. I knowŠa new perspective isn’t guaranteedŠand sometimes it takes tragedy to facilitate the kind of role reversal that loosens rigid bonds. But if you look closely, for example, at the gun control issue, it’s possible to discern incremental shifts in attitude, even if the pace of change is glacial. The planets are also providing opportunities for intuition to flourish, a condition that turns up the volume on what’s felt but often left unsaid, allowing for a deeper, more authentic conversation.
A Mercury/Mars/Neptune conjunction, in Pisces, provides the key to understanding the flux of the week. Mercury symbolizes the intellect. Mars represents action. Neptune signifies the principle of receptivity. When these three forces combine in Pisces, the Sign of imagination, we experience the potential for an active mind that tends to spend its energy in fantasy. Jupiter squares this entire bundle, and because Jupiter always amplifies and expands, many of us are at risk for wild, even unrealistic dreams to prevail.
The good news is that while some of those fantasies can be easily dismissed as delusional, the Mercury/Mars/Neptune conjunction can also stimulate penetrating insight, especially by the weekend, as both Mercury and Mars pull away from Neptune’s fog and into a trine with Saturn, in Scorpio. Saturn, always pragmatic, grounds the nervous energy of Mercury/Mars, by providing the power of discipline and concentration.
Saturn simultaneously squares Venus, in Aquarius. This square inclines toward emotional inhibition that expresses itself as a hard-hearted attitude. Be wary of the loneliness that stems from this potential for harsh judgment. Rather than attaching to a hypercritical edge, soften, and allow for idiosyncratic behavior, yours or others’. Just don’t expect the softening process to be quick or slick. Saturn moves very slowly for the next two weeks in preparation for its retrograde that begins on February 18. And while we are on the subject of retrogrades: Mercury goes retrograde on February 23. Start those back up engines, now.
The best news of the week is a Venus/Jupiter trine that lasts until Monday. This warm-hearted interaction supports love in all its many manifestations, from friendship to family – and everything in between. Let it help you to remain generous and kind despite Saturn’s critical eye. Most importantly, allow it to feed a joyous perspective, even if life isn’t exactly as you would like it to be.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
It’s another week of learning to use your intuition as a tool rather than a weapon. Be disciplined as you try to discern the difference between a hunch, wishful thinking, a projection, or a clear insight into reality.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Seize the moment as well as the opportunities to make strong strides in your professional pursuits. Yes, criticisms need to be addressed, but those observations shouldn’t be allowed to dampen your joy.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Feel the positive possibilities down to your toes, and then do whatever it is you do to ground that joy into action. Whether it’s a new professional venture or a volunteer position, follow your desire to be engaged and involved.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You’re in the process of building an internal sense of confidence, and now the challenge is how to handle doubt: Allow it to undermine what you’ve been creating? Or let it help you to refine what you believe?
Leo July 23-August 22
Even when you think the situation isn’t about love, for you it’s always about love. Find a way to stay openhearted, to yourself and to others, and you’ll discover a way to stand in your true strength and courage.
Virgo August 23-September 22
It’s a convergence of obligations and opportunities, and while it feels overwhelming, don’t give up. Listen with all of you – body, mind, heart, and soul – and you’ll make the right choice.
Libra September 23-October 22
Don’t worry, the goddess isn’t abandoning you; she simply knows there are certain things only you can do. So rather than relying on a miracle, roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You might be surprised about how easy it is to feel optimistic – ride that wave, and let nothing distract you from a positive mindset. The more you focus on what’s “right,” the better you’ll feel.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
While your heart isn’t exactly on your sleeve, you’re certainly feeling vulnerable, which is why you’d rather hibernate. Go ahead; your innate desire for social contact will kick in when the timing is right.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
It’s an emotional week, but that’s not necessarily a bad trend. Give yourself permission to explore the feelings that arise, and you’ll discover lingering patterns in need of transformation.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Allow the graciousness of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, to model the appropriate attitude in each situation. Simply wear her love like heaven, and you’ll do fine.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Step into your authority, share your insights and ideas, and even if your opinions aren’t widely shared or agreed to, don’t let that stop you. Sometimes just talking about an idea stimulates a process.
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