The week is a hodgepodge of mighty efforts, strong intentions and dashed plans, so don’t be surprised if your coping skills are stretched to capacity. All week long, agendas, schedules, deadlines and every other iteration of plans encounter what those positive thinking New Agers deem “challenges”— which is nothing more than a polite euphemism for snafu. But despite the push-pull/stop-start rhythm of the week, there are plenty of opportunities to stay grounded in practical as well as pragmatic endeavors. Do your best to focus on what matters most to you and allow that determination to keep you from getting lost in a multitude of distractions. Be aware, some of those detours are certain to be more fun than hard work, and while I often write as if getting things done is one of the most important values, all work and no play isn’t good for anyone. Not only will it make you dull, but “no play” also means that brain and body never have a chance to process and release the stresses of daily life. So this week, concentrate your energy and efforts, but also take a moment to indulge in at least one fun distraction. Never underestimate the power of joy.
However, before you get lost in too much good news, here are the factors contributing to the I-don’t-have-enough-bandwidth-to-handle-it-all atmosphere.
(1) On Monday, May 9, Jupiter ended its retrograde (a phase that began on January 7), and now as it moves forward and gains momentum, so do we. Expect plans and projects that have been lingering or sluggish since the beginning of the year to slough off their lethargy. But there is one glitch: Jupiter Direct isn’t completely unencumbered—other factors mitigate its freedom, which means very little moves quickly immediately.
(2) After all, Mercury is still retrograde. That “review” doesn’t end until May 22. For those new to Mercury Retrograde: Three times a year, Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit around the Sun relative to our perspective here on Earth. Of course, Mercury is not actually in reverse, but during one of its retrograde phases, all things within its vast domain have a tendency to go off track. Within the astrological system, Mercury symbolizes all things related to communication, travel and commerce, so during a retrograde, mail gets lost, text messages evaporate, and negotiations often get stuck in a repetitive loop. The best use of Mercury Retrograde is reviewing what’s already in motion and making sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. The second best use of Mercury Retrograde is learning to embody patience as a worldview.
(3) The third culprit inhibiting the free flow of forward progress as well as the smooth flow of regular routines is Mars Retrograde, which began on April 17 and continues until June 29. Mars signifies muscles, movement, and might. It’s a forward-moving planet that thrives on goals, competitions, and tests of strength, and it’s not particularly interested in introspection. And when it’s moving behind instead of ahead, it can turn into a traffic-snarling, ambition-dampening buzzkill. Okay…maybe it’s not that bad, but Mars Retrograde certainly does not facilitate confident forward motion. Mars Retrograde tends toward pent-up feelings of aggression and anger as a result of thwarted efforts, and under a retrograde those feelings tend to intensify and leak out in any number of dysfunctional ways.
Interestingly, for the next several days the Moon is the only member of the astrological family that makes contact with Mars, and this lack of contact could lead to even more frustration. Without a connection to other planets, there’s no specific place for Mars to channel its energy, a condition we experience as scattered efforts. Today and tomorrow, the Moon, in Leo, trines Mars, and that direct, positive contact is likely to manifest as passionate and potentially volatile interactions. What’s more, in ten days, when we arrive at the full Moon on May 21, Mars conjuncts the Moon as it simultaneously opposes the Sun. This is a lot of contact, not at all positive, and it makes up for the previous lack of connection. So take as many deep breaths as possible, and remember, patience is the key to negotiating this Mars Retrograde obstacle course.
The good news is another Grand Trine in Earth. Last week it was Mercury, Jupiter and Pluto. This week it’s Venus, Jupiter and Pluto. We love this! It’s a positive, grounded interaction that promotes good attitudes, a deep appreciation for beauty, and a love of love. What’s more, because this positive force occurs in Earth Signs, it provides a solid, stable and reliable foundation that holds firm, despite other contrasting and conflicting interactions. So as you move through the week, rely on this benign combination of influences to hold you steady, and also use it to inspire a fresh approach to applied compassion. Use its love for love as a way of reaching out to others and offering an authentic helping hand.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Positive opportunities to make solid financial gain continue. Just do your best to avoid getting carried away by frustration. Some situations are out of your control. Rather than stretch your patience to the breaking point, learn to let go gracefully.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Grab the spotlight and let yourself shine—actually, let yourself sparkle. You’re in the perfect position to apply all your gifts as well as your accumulated experience to whatever excites your imagination. So don’t hesitate to jump in and take the lead.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Yes, the wheel of your life is turning round and round, but there’s no need for concern. Simply allow the spin, and as you do, notice what truly brings you joy. Make a commitment to spend more time pursuing happiness and you’ll witness how fun heals the heart.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Important conversations with significant others gathers together several threads of persistent issues. The difficult news is that some of these topics are uncomfortable and could give rise to strong emotions. The good news is that these exchanges offer opportunities to weave a new approach.
Leo July 23-August 22
Continue to concentrate on your creative goals, especially refining your vision of what you want to accomplish. Continue to be patient about moving into second or even third gear. It’s important start producing, but you don’t want to spend precious energy pushing the river.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Take a deep breath and anticipate accelerated forward movement—despite the Retro-Zone delays. Jupiter, in your Sign, is pulling you into a new phase. So be clear and concise about what it is you want to accomplish and be prepared to move into action.
Libra September 23-October 22
It’s all about discovering, establishing and then maintaining a deep state of inner stability that permits a relaxed approach to difficult situations, if and when you encounter them. There’s no need to worry—nothing is wrong. I’m simply suggesting that you fortify your inner reserves.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You’re still in the midst of a relationship intensive, so whether you’re exhausted or elated from relating, take a deep breath and get ready for more encounters of an intimate kind. Pay particular attention to friends this week, especially if those partnerships have financial components.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Those career opportunities persist, so continue to seize the moment by saying yes to offers that interest you. And if you’re not interested in expanding your professional horizons, use this moment to contemplate where you would like to devote your time and energy.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You’re being dialed-up to a new frequency, and as I often remind those in transition, there is sure to be static between the broadcast signals. Be clear about what you want to align with as well as attune to, and the week will provide support for staying on course.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You actually know where you need to concentrate your efforts, so don’t hesitate to apply time and energy to those goals—even if that means staying home and focusing on clearing up and cleaning up the details. Trust your instinct about what needs attention and you won’t go wrong.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Important conversations with friends, family, and significant others offer a wealth of insight and ideas. Speak your mind and encourage others to do the same. You’re likely to be surprised by the intensity as well as the integrity of these exchanges.
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 © 2016 by Ralfee Finn