For the next several weeks, the planets align in complex, and for the most part, difficult patterns that underscore, once again, the serious dilemmas many of us are facing personally as well as collectively. Although it is possible to acknowledge these patterns as celestial indications of a concentrated phase of personal and collective transformation, and try to frame the current turmoil from a positive perspective, that expanded point of view still doesn’t diminish the very real and painful struggles that are currently catalyzing so many lives.
The desire for freedom—economic, political, cultural, intellectual, and sexual—grates against the status quo of so many failing power systems that blackouts seem inevitable. Unfortunately, the response to the constant irritation of inevitable change is an ever increasing fundamentalism that refuses to recognize diversity—sexual, political, racial, and religious—as the true picture of reality here on the blue planet. The effect of that denial only fuels and exacerbates the struggle, and the result is escalating polarization that all too often resorts to violence. It’s not a pretty picture; it’s hard to witness; it’s even harder to hold an inclusive view, one that holds even enemies as sentient beings deserving of compassion. Very few of us are up to finding and then maintaining a wide enough bandwidth to sustain such broad vision. And yet that’s the task.
Mars is the driving force behind the turmoil of the week. It is in Cancer, conjunct Jupiter, a position that amplifies a need to succeed. But Mars also opposes Pluto, a tense interaction that is exact and separating on Saturday, July 27; Mars also squares Uranus, an equally tense interaction that is exact on Wednesday, July 31. All three of the participants – Mars, Uranus, and Pluto—signify energy, and in this specific interaction, prodigious amounts of almost superhuman force that can convince even the meek and mild to assume the role of superhero. The problem is when these three planets form a negative relationship, which is exactly what happens this week and next, that huge reservoir of energy has to spend itself somewhere, and as often happens, it’s likely to spend itself on the mostly petty frustrations of daily life—road rage, indignation at a meaningless slight, a peeing puppy, a pesky neighbor.
Expect relationship tensions to amplify, with either participant playing the victim to the other’s hotheaded or mean-spirited victimizer. Diffuse this polarization by refusing to take silly oversights to heart. Turn a deaf ear to criticism that’s only meant to hurt and not improve. Don’t kick the dog because you can. And when possible turn the other cheek. If you can manage to not engage, you can turn your opponent or the oppositional system to your advantage, especially if you’re willing to recognize that the force of your reaction is equivalent just how deeply you are being mirrored. Make amends under this influence and they could, quite possibly, last forever.
Beneath the aggression, the ongoing Saturn/Neptune continues to provide the potential to see the current personal and collective intensity as spiritual opportunities. But don’t use this idea as a slick quick fix. Actualizing ideals in the midst of turmoil takes a strong commitment to integrating evolutionary ideas into new responses to old circumstances. Often that means leaving the comfort zone of the tried and true and embarking on an exploration that requires renouncing the needs of the ego.
As the week unfolds, the Sun, in Leo, trines Uranus, in Aries, sparking a need for personal freedom. Allow that impulse to ignite creative choices, especially when it comes to handling aggression, whether it’s covert passive aggressive behavior or an overt danger of physical violence. Unfortunately, Saturn squares the Sun, and the friction from that hard angle chaffs at uninhibited personal expression. It also exacerbates anxiety, real or imagined, and that could cause resentment to override common sense. In the heat of the moment, it’s hard to make positive, creative choices. But it’s necessary to remember that we really are all in this together, and every time we choose compassion we widen the field for peaceful resolutions that foster positive results.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Yes, the question of safety and security still lingers, especially when it comes to the idea of planning for the future. Rather than succumb to anxiety, remember that just as the past creates the present, the present creates the future. Co-create with courage.
Taurus April 20-May 20
It’s as simple as choosing to not engage in any conversations that tempt you to use words as weapons. It doesn’t serve anyone to simply fire back. Think before you speak, bide your time, and you’ll maintain peace, which will allow for future beneficial conversations.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Read Taurus, above, and add this: While the surface situation resembles a financial crisis, at a deeper level, it is a crisis of values. Be willing to reexamine what matters most, and then surrender positions that no longer serve anyone—especially you.
Cancer June 22-July 22
It’s up to you: Succumb to an oppositional point of view that pits you against anyone who disagrees with your choices. Or, genuinely consider that the other point of view might be raising important issues that you might otherwise ignore.
Leo July 23-August 22
You can brood about what could have been or should have been, or you can focus all that intensity on what could and should be. Let go of the compulsive need to chew on old situations and you’ll find the mental stamina to embrace the power of the present moment.
Virgo August 23-September 22
You’re in transition, and part of the discomfort of this phase is figuring out how to ask for advice but also how to synthesize conflicting suggestions. Start by realizing that just because you’ve asked for help doesn’t mean you’re obligated to agree. Simply take your time, and listen closely to your heart.
Libra September 23-October 22
Try not to let conflict override common sense. Yes, you are being asked to handle an increasing financial responsibility. But you’re up to the challenge. Stay true to what you know you can comfortably handle, set good boundaries, and move forward with confidence.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You can turn it into an ideological skirmish, or you can learn to accept that some people are going to disagree with your point of view. Sounds like a simple choice on the surface of things, but only you know (and maybe me) just how deeply you want to be “right.”
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Stand firmly on the ground of your ultimately values, and hold true to what matters most to you. Speak eloquently as well as elegantly about your concerns, and your passion will inspire others to do be make an equally strong commitment to authenticity.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Do your best to avoid overt conflict with significant others, personal as well as professional. While you believe there are “things” that need to be said, sometimes silence is a wiser choice. Refuse to engage in negative conversations and you’ll maintain a peaceful heart and mind.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The challenge isn’t so much about transforming external opponents into allies, as it is figuring out how to rewire your internal perspective so that you are able to embrace yourself wholeheartedly—flaws and all. This is not permission to disengage; it’s an invitation to neutralize negative self-judgment.
Pisces February 19-March 20
It’s okay to wear your heart on your sleeve—just be aware that others may not honor your sensitivities or treat you with a necessary tenderness. Rather than resent this lack of awareness, use it to foster a better sense of personal boundaries.
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