Aquarium Age, Blogs

The Aquarium Age: July 23-29

By Ralfee Finn

I think there should be a Mars ritual, this week, so we can clearly mark the end of its eight-month-plus transit through Libra, a trek that began on December 7, 2013 and finally ends on Friday, July 25, as well as delineate the beginning of its seven-week transit through Scorpio, a journey that begins on July 25 and ends on September 13. I’m not sure what a “Bye-Bye Mars In Libra” ritual would look like, although I’m certain just about every Libra would (without a moment’s hesitation) create an interpretative dance expressing both grief and relief.

And given that all of us have Mars somewhere in our personal astrological chart, that dance would not be solo for long—multitudes are likely to be grateful for this shift in perspective, a shift that moves us away from what has for many been an unrelenting focus on personal partnerships. Just don’t celebrate too soon—there are still a couple of days left, and those days have the potential to distill the entire eight months of Mars, in Libra, into concentrated decisive action.

Unfortunately, as much as I think there should be equal time to acknowledge Mars’ move into Scorpio (its former Home Sign; Mars is still a co-ruler, but its main domain is Aries.), our collective situation doesn’t lend itself easily to a welcoming rite that joyously delineates the beginning of this new Martian phase. Mars does, after all, represent the warrior, and we are facing far too many battles in far too many locations around the world to be glad that Mars’ aggressive energy will be enhanced for the next seven weeks by its presence in Scorpio. And while it can be argued that overt acts of war are not Scorpio’s modus operandi, it can also be argued that as Mars gathers strength in Scorpio’s familiar environs, the urge to satisfy its need for aggression is likely to intensify. Especially, as Mars, upon entering Scorpio, moves into an exact square with the Sun. On a personal level that Scorpio intensification coupled with the Sun/Mars square, could translate into a need to vie for control, even when there’s no need for control. So unless it’s absolutely necessary, avoid getting embroiled in situations that are only about who’s the boss. On a positive note, a Sun/Mars square stokes ambition and competition, providing the energy and stamina to endure and succeed. Jupiter is also a part of this square, so try to spend your excess energy on positive endeavors—friendly competitions and harmless physical challenges.

And speaking of positive energy, a Sun/Jupiter conjunction, in Leo, fosters optimism, even in the midst of our dire collective circumstances. Jupiter represents expansive good fortune, and when it combines with the generosity of the Sun, a generosity that often knows no bounds, especially when the Sun is in Leo, a positive force takes hold, producing a fertile environment for altruistic idealism and endeavors. This Sun/Jupiter conjunction generates a strong current of hope that has the potential to feed the heart—even broken hearts—and sustain the spirit—even the wounded spirit. Allow it to move you into compassionate action, particularly activities to help children. This conjunction also represents the innocent child—the Divine Child—whose presence lives in all of us, regardless of race, religion, or location. When any child suffers the wounds of war, we all suffer those very same wounds, even if the violence is not immediately recognizable.

Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.

Aries March 21-April 19
Mars moves into your Solar House of transformation, and even though its transit is brief, you’re certain to go through a whirlwind of changes, many of which have to do with finances, partners’ finances, and your need to be even more aware of the consequences of those relationships. Stay present with this process; you’re learning to assess how your values measure up to the values of others, and, ultimately, how to hold onto what matters most to you.

Taurus April 20-May 20
Mars enters your Solar House of relationship, turning up the heat on partnership issues, personal and/or professional, that can no longer be ignored. This shouldn’t be cause for alarm, unless you’ve been in denial about what you need or what your partner needs to feel connected. Use the intensity of the next several weeks to clean out any lingering threads of neglect that could be undermining what it is you would like to strengthen and build.

Gemini May 21-June 21
Mars transits your Solar House of service and employment, shifting the attention away from romance and into the practical matters of regular routines, especially when it comes to work. Harness the power of Mars by using this phase to sweep clean work-related issues that might be affecting your ability to do the best job possible. And if you aren’t working at all or as much as you might like, use this Mars transit to intensify your determination to be the best person for the task at hand.

Cancer June 22-July 22
Mars moves into your Solar House of creativity, self-expression, and romance, so don’t be surprised if you experience uncontrollable urges to immerse yourself in as many areas as you can possibly manage. Just don’t spread yourself too thin, and don’t worry—these urges won’t go on forever. Yes…there are risks: your heart could get broken—a lot. But
the benefits could be exponential, especially if you allow joy to be the motivating factor behind all your choices.

Leo July 23-August 22
Mars enters the deepest sector of your Solar Chart—the Solar House of the home—a position that could manifest as a need to go deeply internal. But Jupiter and the Sun aren’t likely to let that happen. And while it is important to honor your inner life, it is equally important to simply have as much wholesome fun as possible. Continue to be disciplined about meditation and contemplation, but also do whatever it is you do to make your heart sing and your soul happy.

Virgo August 23-September 22
Mars moves into your Solar House of communication and you move into non-stop conversation and dialogue about all the things that matter most to you—with just about anyone who will listen. There’s no way to turn the discourse off, so as you happily and energetically hold forth, just remember to listen to what others have to say with as much enthusiasm. You may not agree with all you hear, but that’s likely to make this phase all the more interesting.

Libra September 23-October 22
I can hear that sweet sigh of relief from here! Mars is finally moving onto something other than your relationship issues, and as it enters your Solar House of resources, it immediately focuses on m-o-n-e-y. Which is fine because, honestly, you need a break. (And Uranus, in Aries, is sure to keep the relationship intensive going for a while.) Use this Martian energy to reinvigorate your interest in how to best manage your resources and also how to increase your self-confidence.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
Mars transits your Sign, moving out of the Solar House of psyche and into your Solar House of personality and individuation. Expect to be much more visible than you have been in a very long time. Also be prepared to go through an abbreviated identity crisis, as you move out of this long internal phase of introspection into a more extroverted position. Don’t worry if the first couple of weeks are a little uncomfortable; it’s hard moving out of the cave and into the bright spotlight of the day-to-day.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mars transits your Solar House of psyche, taking you on a deep internal journey that spans the vast realms of dreams and visions. This is the sector of the chart where the personal as well as the collective unconscious dwell. Don’t be surprised if your dreams are ripe with symbols and metaphors. Also anticipate a real need for quiet time—I know that’s hard for you to imagine, but it would be important to honor the desire for introspection and contemplation whenever possible.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
Mars stimulates a need for increased social contact as it enters your Solar House of community so don’t be surprised if you feel like being out and about for the next few weeks. What’s more, there’s no reason to apologize for that need for company and camaraderie. This phase is about shifting from the all work attitude you’ve embraced for the last several months into a more convivial and gregarious approach that includes more time for fun.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
Mars moves into your Solar House of career and you move into action—even if you’re retired, you’re sure to feel the pull of this powerful active planet as the desire to get completely involved in what you most want to accomplish. Don’t hold back or even try to resist this phase. And don’t worry about timing. Even though we’re entering the dog days of summer, when Mars wants to work, we’re willing to move mountains to accomplish our goals.

Pisces February 19-March 20
Mars transits your Solar House of belief systems, inviting you to pay attention to what needs to be reformed and revitalized within your spiritual perspective. There’s been a lot of growth, some of it painful, some of it pleasant, and most of it transformational. Now it’s time to integrate those lessons into the regular routines of daily life. Pay attention to what you cling to and are most resistant to shifting—that’s what needs to change the most.

This article was originally published on July 25, 2014.