I’m not sure what to say—the tragedy in Charleston has been discussed extensively and eloquently by many others. It’s hard to find words to express the great suffering of that event and all the other tragedies we have endured and are likely to continue to endure until we find a way to heal the hate infecting the hearts of so many.
Not every occurrence is explainable, and certainly many astrologers will look to the skies to identify planetary signatures that correlate to the murders in Charleston. And perhaps they will find them. But the astral patterns for last week were not pernicious. The richly positive Jupiter/Uranus trine dominated the astral airwaves. Yes, Saturn moved back into Scorpio—but it did not make harmful contact as it did so, at least not with the traditional pantheon of planets. Jupiter is often present in an individual’s chart at the time of death, but not always. As I have written over the years, the planets are not causal. They are indicators of archetypal patterns, universal patterns, patterns that we feel ourselves to be a part of, patterns that we participate in, because like those patterns we are dynamic. We are as alive as the sky. And we make free-will choices here on Earth through our reactions and responses to those patterns.
For the last several years, we’ve been under the influence of Uranus and Pluto, the two boldest change agents of the astrological system. In 2008, a Saturn/Uranus opposition indicated shifts in the status quo. Among many, many changes, the United States elected a black president, and that election was emblematic of things to come. And so was the reaction to that paradigm shift. Since that time, racism—latent and blatant—has been a key component of the American zeitgeist. One could argue that this has always been so, given the systematic genocide of the Native American people who originally inhabited this country. Now it is undeniable.
In 2012, Uranus and Pluto began a series of seven squares that lasted until just recently. The archetypal pattern of Uranus and Pluto interactions is revolution, and upheaval is a part of that transformational process. Revolution is a response to stagnation, but upsetting the tried and true—even if unjust—always generates a reaction. Some of us may view the 1960s as the halcyon days of innovative change, but they were tumultuous as well as painful. Lives were lost in the fight for civil rights, and there were times when it felt as if nothing would ever change and that injustice would persist.
Not everyone embraces change with an open heart. Certainly, as we continue to move through the aftermath of the last two years of Uranus/Pluto squares, two years of shift that have their origin in the Uranus/Pluto conjunction during the 1960s—we will continue to see the bitter resistance of those still unwilling to accept change. The confederate flag is just one symbol of that resistance.
Uranus, currently in Aries, seems to spotlight the need of the individualist to assert power. Aries signifies the impetus toward self-actualization. In its unconscious manifestation, it’s the sheer brute force of the will asserting its needs. In its conscious application, it is the self in service to others, the self that has understood that the needs of the one must be aligned with the needs of the many if all of us are to live long and prosper.
Pluto, currently in Capricorn, seems to focus on structures—institutional, political, economic, and corporate to name but a few—and because Pluto signifies the process of death and rebirth, it’s possible to witness its power through the destruction and deconstruction of structures and authorities once taken for granted.
There is nothing inherently kind about Pluto or Uranus. If we want this cycle of change to benefit the many, then each of us must recognize our role as a true agent of change. We must supply the necessary wisdom and compassion to transform this revolutionary phase into a cycle that benefits all sentient beings. Change doesn’t come from the planets. Change comes from the hearts of individuals who are no longer willing to live in a world defined by hatred and violence. Change comes from the hearts of individuals committed to love in all the small and seemingly insignificant moments of the day—the willingness to be kind to each other, to our children, families, pets, strangers, and especially, to be kind when we don’t want to be—so that when we are confronted by hatred, we have the fortitude to meet it with kindness and compassion.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The positive influence of the Jupiter/Uranus trine continues, and this week Venus adds her beauty and grace. Embrace her presence with the understanding that true value doesn’t necessarily glitter like gold. Be committed to understanding the true value of your current situation and you’ll be pleased with yourself and with the results.
Taurus April 20-May 20
As Venus joins with Jupiter in your Solar House of the home, you’re likely to experience a deep and abiding sense of inner peace. You could just as easily feel the need to renovate and beautify your living space. Why not do both? Make graceful changes inside and out and you’ll feel the multidimensional benefits of your positive efforts.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The conversations continue and this week Venus brings beauty and grace to the Jupiter/Uranus exchanges that have characterized the last several weeks. The only requirement is to show up, stay in the moment, and speak from your heart, even if there are difficult areas to discuss. Be honest with yourself and others, and you’ll create deeper intimacy with those who matter.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Venus adds the touch of financial gain to the Jupiter/Uranus opportunities you experiencing. If you’re not after the money, you are likely to experience her influence as an increased awareness of what matters most to you. Use this as an opportunity to clarify what you need so you can feel good about yourself as well as the fruits of your labor.
Leo July 23-August 22
As Venus joins Jupiter in your Sign, you’re sure to feel an incredible lightness of being and beauty. But because Uranus also plays a role, you’re also sure to experience a surprise or two. Rather than be thrown off by what you didn’t see coming, have confidence in your ability to handle the unexpected gracefully.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Allow yourself to feel uplifted by the Jupiter/Uranus trine, especially as Venus adds the element of beauty to the entire bundle. And because this happens in your Solar House of dreams and visions, allow the goddess of love and beauty to stimulate your psyche and inspire your creative endeavors.
Libra September 23-October 22
Venus, your Ruling Planet, turns the Jupiter/Uranus trine—which is already a love-fest—even sweeter. Give yourself permission to be tender, for while vulnerability isn’t always comfortable, it does allow the heart to open. And the power of that openness could surprise you.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
As Venus joins the already powerful Jupiter/Uranus trine, she bestows even greater possibilities for success, some of which could be coupled with tangible financial gain. But don’t make money the focus of your efforts. Use this positive influence to find work that satisfies your soul.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The Jupiter/Uranus trine is encouraging you to believe in yourself and in your creativity. Add Venus to the mix and you have plenty of opportunities to enhance your efforts with graceful and elegant strokes. Use this time wisely and you’ll not only be pleased with the results of your efforts, you’ll also be inspired to continue long after the influence is over.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Venus amplifies the Jupiter/Uranus trine, increasing your ability to make deep and lasting transformational shifts, particularly when it comes to how you assess your ultimate value. It isn’t always necessary to agree with others, especially over what matters most. So be bold, and take pride in what defines your value system.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
It truly is a love-fest, as Venus joins Jupiter in your Solar House of relationship, and both trine Uranus in your Solar House of communication. Take this moment to tell all the people you love just how much you love them. Embrace this process and you’ll discover a new level of intimacy, not just with others, but also with yourself.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The Jupiter/Uranus trine continues to provide opportunities for tangible financial gain through surprising work-related scenarios. Venus joins that configuration this week, and her presence increases the positive benefits of an already positive signature. Make it a point to be faithful to what brings you joy, and you may experience surprising opportunities in the field of your choice.
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