This week, despite all the positive celestial interactions occurring among the Water Signs, our terrestrial situation is on fire. We’re in the midst of a revolution that longs for evolution, and the disparity between what is and what needs to be is almost too great to measure. Even if you think you are unaffected by what’s happening on the political, economic, national, or global frontier, think again.
It no longer matters where you live; the world is getting smaller with each moment. No one is immune to the state of our planet, and each of us is feeling the inexorable strain of change, whether we experience that stress through personal circumstances, collective challenges, or both. Given these high levels of intensity, there was never a more appropriate time to practice compassion, for yourself and others, loved ones and strangers, especially if that practice helps you to remember that what divides us—fear, greed, sorrow, or anger—will never be as strong as what holds us together—our capacity to love.
While the current planetary picture is not as complex as last week, it’s also not as simple as might be desired. Mars moves into Cancer on July 13, and as it does, it forms an immediate conjunction with Jupiter (which just entered Cancer on June 25). Mars doesn’t thrive in Cancer—Cancer’s nurturing waters tend to dissipate that Martian drive. But Jupiter’s strength nullifies some of that dissipation, and as Mars joins the ongoing Jupiter/Saturn/Neptune Grand Trine, the power of that trine, especially Saturn’s capacity for discipline, galvanizes determination and ambition. Use this potent configuration to help generate better alignment between what you envision and what you create. Remember, the most essential component of personal growth is the ability to integrate consciousness into action.
Mercury Retrograde continues for ten more days. By this weekend, it will square Uranus. This is an irascible interaction, but also an inventive and innovative one. And yes, it does exacerbate techno difficulties, but this square can also be used to find creative solutions to persistent difficult situations.
We are also still in the wake of the third exact Uranus/Pluto square, and that means we are still in the midst of extreme upheaval and upset, personal and collective. Uranus is the principle of sudden and startling plot twists and its presence throws lightning bolts into stagnant waters. And while we may not always welcome its illuminating efforts, there’s no denying its powers. Pluto also signifies change, and its presence, while not often as dynamic as Uranus, is no less powerful; it is often experienced as the relentless decay of attitudes and behavior that we cling to out of habit even though we know those habits have outlived their usefulness. Pluto demands that we surrender what is inauthentic, even if that means sometimes letting go of what we are most identified with.
The good news—and there is always good news—is that even in the midst of the turmoil, there are positive signs of true compassion. Various websites report acts of kindness, and here are just a few you can find on the Internet that are inspiring hope and confidence in our fellow travelers http://www.dailygood.org/, http://www.awakin.org, http://www.karmakitchen.org/, or http://www.movedbylove.org/. As I often write, the first rule of magic states that whatever you focus your attention on becomes your reality. Taking the time to focus your attention on kindness could make all the difference in creating a positive field where love is actually the answer.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Mars and Jupiter join that retrograde Mercury in your Solar Fourth, magnifying the need to hunker down at home, but also the need to put your home in order. Continue to identify what’s necessary and what isn’t, and then allow yourself to let go of what you no longer need.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Your life continues to be focused on conversations of every variety, and when Mars joins Jupiter, there will be no end to the wide range of subjects you’ll want to weigh in on. Just try not to waste this opportunity to communicate on chitchat. Instead, make every word count by speaking from your heart.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Despite Mercury Retrograde in your Solar House of personal finance, the Mars/Jupiter conjunction provides plenty of opportunities for you to make solid tangible financial gains. More importantly, there is also support for shifting into a deeper awareness of your true value, which will enhance and amplify your self-esteem.
Cancer June 22-July 22
As Mars merges with Jupiter, you’re sure to feel surges of renewed vitality and a strong desire to channel that energy into plans and projects. Even if those you love aren’t as enthusiastic about spending the time or money, allow this energy to reinvigorate your determination to succeed.
Leo July 23-August 22
The Mars/Jupiter conjunction stirs your imagination, helping you to envision the necessary next steps toward your desired goals. Dream big, and don’t be afraid of failing. You’re in a deep creative process and that means allowing yourself the freedom to make mistakes—a freedom that will ultimately refine your vision.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Use this Mars/Jupiter conjunction to contemplate how you could create a more satisfying sense of community of all kinds—creative, professional, physical—and don’t limit your choices just to your local environs. This is the moment to reach for more than the mundane.
Libra September 23-October 22
Mars joins Jupiter in your Solar House of recognition, stirring the urge to reinvigorate your professional standing, as well as your image in your immediate world. Embrace this phase by contemplating what you would most like to be known for and what you could do to achieve that goal.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Normally, a Mars/Jupiter conjunction in your Solar House of global travel would mean an ocean voyage to explore the cultures and values of others. But given the limitations of our modern world, you may have to do some of that journeying within, exploring your internal culture and how that expresses your values.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mars joins Jupiter in your Solar House of Transformation, which means you might want to consider impersonating David Bowie—ch…ch…ch…changes—or any other song that might best encapsulate a deep and profound molting phase. Let the old skin fall off—the new one will suit you better.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
As Mars merges with Jupiter, you could feel a deep longing for connection—even if you’re already partnered. Couple that with Mercury Retrograde in the same Solar House of relationship, and you’re likely to review current as well as old liaisons, looking for a deeper understanding of what makes a relationship actually work.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Mars joins Jupiter in your Solar House of service, and as it does, it ups your workload, as well as your desire to make a contribution to help others. Volunteer in an area that will benefit from your participation, but be careful not to stretch yourself too thin.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The Mars/Jupiter conjunction amplifies your creativity and invites you to dive into an authentic, heartfelt expression of what matters most to you. Whether it is education for children, the arts, athletics, cinema, or gardening, do what brings you joy. And needless to say, joy will follow.