The planets continue to dial up the intensity this week, and just like last week, many of us are experiencing strong urges to break free from whatever enslaves, whether those systems are political, emotional, financial, professional, or creative. Expect to feel challenged in all those areas where you’re clinging to structures that have outlived their usefulness and no longer serve individual or collective consciousness.
And anticipate that these challenges will continue to be uncomfortable. We are only approaching the midpoint of a nearly three-year astrological sequence of revolution/evolution, symbolized by seven exact Uranus/Pluto squares, an astral signature that signifies social, political, and cultural upheaval. There are no simple ways to make it through these waves of change, but these same powerful forces symbolize the potential to make a deepening commitment to live in greater alignment with what we already know to be true: We are all in this together, and the solutions we must find to our pressing problems need to be inclusive, even if that threatens the status quo. No one succeeds if the rest suffer. The needs of the many do outweigh the needs of the few or the one.
We’ve been in the grip of a pernicious T-square, anchored by Mars, through its opposition to Pluto as well as its square to Uranus. Today, as Mars pulls away, and the tension releases, emotional bodies are sure to spill over, turning the next several days into a flood of feelings. Some of those sentiments need to be expressed, but others may simply be fleeting and reactionary. Watch your words—opinions shared in the fullness of the moment could cause a ripple effect you might later regret.
Jupiter is part of that T-square and even though its presence tends to be benign, at its core, Jupiter amplifies, magnifies and intensifies any situation it participates in. Be prepared for exaggerated positions—hyperbolic claims, inflated stands, and overplayed hands. The necessary skill to handle this Jupiter/Uranus/Pluto excess is a cool attitude and a refusal to engage in overblown expectations. Stick to the facts, even, and especially, if that means relinquishing your ego for the greater good.
That neutrality won’t be easy. By the weekend, the Moon enters Cancer, joining Jupiter and Mars, as it opposes Pluto and squares Uranus. Again, try not to deny your feelings, but understand that feelings change, and with the fluidity of a Cancer Moon, they could change quite rapidly. What was “true” in the morning may not be later in the day.
Of course, the question is always how to handle the volatility of these astral interactions and their effect with skill and grace. Recently I was complaining to an old friend about the state of the world, lingering (perhaps a little too long) on the condition of the planet and all of its many inhabitants, especially the consciousness of humans and our consistent failure to create peace. My friend, a long-standing Buddhist practitioner, quoted the Twelfth Kenting Tai Situpa, a Tibetan Rinpoche, who, when asked about our current difficult times said that it is not just now—it’s the nature of the suffering of samsara and it’s the way samsara always is: the reality of samsara is suffering. Yes, I thought to myself. Earth is a molten rock, with major and minor eruptions from its core occurring daily. Instability is not an anomaly on Planet Earth—it’s reality. Learning to live with that impermanence is the task. Learning to be kind at the same time is the challenge.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The situation is not as rigid as you might imagine. Rather than polarize over unimportant issues, take a deep breath, and stay committed to a peaceful demeanor. The solution is there, but you need a calm heart and mind to recognize when to seize the moment and press forward.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Continue to choose your words wisely, and you will continue to keep the peace. Not everyone will agree with your perspective, but that doesn’t mean you should stop listening to or respecting your opposition.
Gemini May 21-June 21
You can argue with partners, personal and/or professional, over finances or you can make a commitment to pay more attention to your spending habits. Remember, we often criticize others for personal flaws we just can’t seem to remedy in ourselves.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Sometimes simply expressing emotions diminishes the need to act on them. So rather than spending your time pretending that you don’t care, wear your heart on your sleeve. Just don’t let yourself be swept away by a fleeting flood of feelings.
Leo July 23-August 22
Focus your attention on what you want to create. Yes, there continue to be obstacles, but that resistance is sure to dissipate, especially if you refuse to be ruled by negative or oppositional forces.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Your day-to-day world is expanding, and an active curiosity about your community is part of that new perspective. Make the time to meet your neighbors or to spend time with co-workers, and you’re likely to be surprised by all there is to share.
Libra September 23-October 22
What do you want to be recognized for? Expertise? Accomplishment? Generosity? The capacity to love, even in the face of disappointment? Whatever it might be, use this phase to align your thoughts, words, and deeds with your aspirations.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Continue to stand in your authority, but make sure your opinions are grounded in more than intuition. There’s nothing wrong with feelings, but in order to hold your ground you will also need facts to back up your position.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The best way to spend your excess energy is to share your information. Whether it’s starting a blog, becoming a big sister, or taking a shift at the local help line, move out into your community—your presence will make a difference.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Keeping the peace with partners requires respecting your differences. I know that sounds simple, but it will be very easy to either dismiss what others have to say or to feel dismissed by them. Take a deep breath, and be committed to healing any divisions by creating a tangible unity.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The challenge is how to meet all your responsibilities with a happy heart. Whether it’s professional obligations, a desire to serve others, or simply a heavier than normal workload, be determined to maintain a positive attitude and you’ll move through obstacles with ease.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Rather than spend your extra time in mundane pursuits, answer the call of the muse and immerse yourself in creative projects. You don’t have to produce a marketable product; you simply have to allow this process to transform you.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit http://AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com.
Copyright © 2013 by Ralfee Finn