It’s another week of intense interactions, as diverse perspectives struggle to hold onto unique and often polarized positions. From the political to the personal to the profound, and in some cases to the stupid, conversations focus on safety and security issues, especially what can be done to create greater stability. Unfortunately the search for solid ground—ideally higher ground—collides with the very real limitations of 3-D reality, causing some to despair whether the ground will ever feel steady again. Conditions in general are in a peculiar state of disintegration. But—and this is a really important exception—the current state of deterioration is a necessary preliminary part of a vital integration process.
All of us, aware of it or not, are moving through the physical and psychological debris of the last several years, and it is going to take a huge cleanup to restore balance, inside and out. It’s akin to the beaches in Alaska and other places along the Pacific coastline where the wreckage of the Fukushima earthquake continues to litter the shores. While this cleanup may be exhausting, it is the task at hand, and the good news is that there are many, many positive efforts being made, efforts that are undeniably inspirational.
From an astrological perspective, today, July 15, is the culmination point of several interactions, and it is also the start of a new lunar cycle. So don’t be surprised if you feel as if you’re caught in a maze of endings and beginnings, and confused about what turn to take next. Fortunately, there is astral clarity:
(1) The ongoing Mars/Pluto opposition, which has been making many of us more than a little testy and/or controlling, ends today. The problem is when hard aspects separate (and a square is a very hard aspect), we feel the full force of their intensity. Be prepared for angry interactions and aggressive encounters, and don’t be surprised if you instigate at least one or two of those skirmishes.
(2) The Mercury/Mars conjunction, which is also opposite Pluto, is also exact today, which means that many of those battles manifest as words of war. Be careful what you say in the heat of the moment, and be sure to coat your ears with “compassion cream” just in case someone says something she or he immediately regrets and you wish had never been uttered.
(3) A Sun/Uranus square turns some of those angry utterances into declarations of independence from both the oppressed as well as the oppressor. This entire bundle generates a lot of frustration, and that discontent is likely to fuel harsh ultimatums. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
(4) Again, on July 15, a New Moon, in Cancer, occurs at 9:25 pm EDT, which means the hours leading up to that occurrence (basically all day long), as the Moon conjuncts Mars and Mercury and simultaneously opposes Pluto, are rife with breakups and breakdowns. Breakthroughs are also possible, but not without a struggle of some kind. Most of us will need to monitor our tongues to keep from saying many things best left unsaid.
As this week and the next several weeks unfold, lots of issues in need of resolution are going to ride the tides of daily life, and because there are so many themes in so many places, the potential for overwhelm is at an all-time high, especially if you think certain situations are hopeless. Recently, I attended the celebration of the Dalai Lama’s birthday at University of California at Irvine, and while it was joyous and inspiring to be honoring someone who has done so much for the planet, it was also sobering. There were three panels, one on climate change, which included various scientists; one on activism, which included several Nobel Laureates; and the third focused on young leaders committed to active compassion. The message was simple: Compassion is active, and each of us must do what we can to make the world a better place. This is not a new idea, but it is still powerful because it works. And although the pace of transformation may appear glacial in light of all that needs to happen, listening to the stories—especially the stories of students, ranging in age from 14-22—shifted and accelerated the way I think about change, which was already in the transformation zone.
Yes, over the course of the last several years, we have witnessed a searing disintegration that has been most obvious on the global stage but also has affected many people personally. We can despair over the destabilization, or we can learn from this falling-apart. Let’s choose to learn, even if it is painful. Most importantly, let’s make the world a better place for everyone by using our time here wisely, consciously, and compassionately.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Work responsibilities could clash with personal ones, but only if you go to extremes. The good news is that you don’t have to choose. Simply make “balance” your mantra, and you’ll find a way to establish and maintain your equilibrium at work and at home.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Do your best to stay in present time even if your day-to-day interactions may seem at odds with your wanderlust, and especially if you’re longing to be anywhere other than where you are. Your current circumstances will only “unwind” if you are an active participant.
Gemini May 21-June 21
You can withstand these waves of change—you have the capacity to hold your own and to hold steady. So rather than spring into action because you think you should, take as many deep breaths as possible, and practice profound patience. A better time for action will present itself.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You can’t help but assert yourself, so rather than waste a moment of effort and energy holding back, hold forth. To be sure, there will be opposition to some of your ideas, but never mind the pushback. Even if some of your opinions fall flat, others are exceptionally vital.
Leo July 23-August 22
Your internal world is even busier than your external one, a condition that could cause conflicting priorities, especially as you try to find a balance between the two. Don’t worry if you’re inclined to lean inward by meditating more and paying closer attention to your dreams and visions.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Yes, there are still oppositional forces impeding your progress, but that’s no reason to abandon your peaceful stance. If you can manage to stay steady and non-confrontational, you’ll not only hold your own, but you will also inspire others toward non-violence as a viable solution.
Libra September 23-October 22
The conflict between personal and professional responsibilities could reach a climax, especially if you’re feeling that you must choose one or the other. Make it a point to stay moderate in thought, word, and deed, and a choice won’t be necessary.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
It might be helpful to think of “faith” as a state of confidence rather than as a belief in something without evidence or proof. I realize that could be challenging, dear Scorpio, but it could also be a worthwhile endeavor. Confidence in your deepest truth will deliver an abiding state of calm.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
It’s a fundamental philosophical question that is simultaneously personal and collective: Is change possible? Of course it is if you realize that everything is changing all the time. So what you’re really asking is whether you can change. Of course you can—like everything else, you’re changing all the time.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Partnership issues persist, but they also begin to unwind. And as they do, you will encounter several delicate moments that will tempt you to unload instead. It will take all of your discipline to hold steady during this process, but if you are willing to make a commitment to causing no harm, you’ll emerge victorious.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The tension could manifest as a health issue, particularly if you haven’t been taking care of yourself. Or you could experience doubts about how to be of service to others. Either way, you’re in a phase of taking better care of yourself and others.
Pisces February 19-March 20
It is a lot of tension, but it doesn’t have to be debilitating. All you need to do is allow your innate flexibility to help you align with creative solutions—even if that means a change of heart or a shift in plans. Your natural fluidity will move you through any difficulty with ease.
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