You might want to consider donning your not-so-gay Teflon apparel this week. It’s pretty much a you-know-what storm of misunderstandings—and you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the kind of armor that won’t allow negativity to stick. Most of the drama comes from words spoken or written in haste, words that give voice to opinions that might be better left unspoken until the astral air clears, if only because for the next several days, words have the power to undermine, unsettle, and undo.
The good news is that it’s not all bad news. But, unfortunately, that doesn’t mean the good news is powerful enough to neutralize the difficulties. I know we are all in need of a few weeks of easy-peasy, hassle-free interactions, but alas, that’s just not in the cards right now, which is why Teflon suits are looking so good.
The ongoing opposition between Mars, in Gemini, and Saturn, in Sagittarius, continues to be the main source of strife, simply because it indicates tense interactions, based on information as well as misinformation, between individuals and authorities. Gemini is the Sign of the day-to-day goings on of life. Mercury is its Ruling Planet, and together, Mercury and Gemini represent communication, language, travel and commerce. Mars signifies the warrior, and its position in Gemini could incline many of us to use words as weapons. Do your best to avoid threats and/or ultimatums—yours or others’. Choose your words carefully, knowing they will probably be misunderstood, and don’t resent having to repeat yourself—lots of people are going to have a hard time tuning in and really listening.
Saturn is retrograde in Sagittarius, the Sign of global communication, and given that all digital communication systems regardless of their location are actually global, this opposition could throw a monkey wrench into routine interactions, especially if satellite systems and other networks that tie us together are under some kind of attack by viruses, sunspots, and other phenomena such as the upcoming Mercury Retrograde that begins on May 18 and lasts until June 11.
But before we segue into Mercury Retrograde, there’s a little more to consider about the Mars/Saturn opposition, which is exact and separating on May 15. Sagittarius signifies the ability to cobble together a worldview—it is home to philosophy, religion, spirituality, classical traditions, and the search for truth. Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius is certain to provoke changes in how each of us perceives our world, from the micro of the everyday to the macro of politics, economics, cultural traditions, and the environment. Currently, as Saturn opposes Mars, clashes between personal opinions, observable fact, intuition, and expert advice could turn moods more than a little testy, especially when we challenge someone’s worldview or our own perspective encounters opposition. So rather than rail over differences, take as many deep breaths as possible and keep breathing until you feel your center restored.
The problem with the separating Mars/Saturn opposition is two-fold. (1) Whenever hard aspects separate, we experience the brunt of their force, which means May 15-May 20 are the hardest days of the coming week—and really the hardest days since mid-March. (2) These five days also collide with the start of Mercury Retrograde, particularly the three days prior to the retrograde when almost everything starts to move like molasses. There’s bound to be a pileup on the information highway as these forces coalesce into one problem after another.
Mercury Retrograde is never a good time to initiate new projects and almost all Mercury Retrograde phases are best spent reviewing and refining projects and plans already in the works. For those unfamiliar with retrograde hassles, here’s what to expect: Snafus of every denomination in all areas related to communication and travel. Of course there are always exceptions. But forewarned is better prepared, so back up those hard drives, now. And while you’re at it, make sure you have copies of everything in all the possible electronic Clouds—just in case.
Please Note: I am taking off for the entire Mercury Retrograde.
I will see you back here on June 10.
As these coming weeks unfold, try to keep in mind that we are still very much in the wake of the Uranus/Pluto squares, and as the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars touch the degrees of those squares, the various themes of the last two years are certain to rise to the surface of daily life, causing many to be on edge. Do your best to help your fellow travelers. Be kind, considerate, and understanding. We are all in this together.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Mercury goes retrograde in your Solar House of communication, so not only are you repeating yourself, but everyone else is too and the repetition compulsion could drive you crazy. Of course, a certain amount of review is always necessary, but too much is just that, and it’s so much that you might start barking orders and that won’t serve anyone. So take a deep breath, contain your frustration, and figure out what to do with your excess energy.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Mercury goes retrograde in your Solar House of personal finance—I can hear that groan from here and the retrograde hasn’t even started. There are positive ways to frame this painstaking review of your m-o-n-e-y, but you have to be unstintingly honest with yourself about what you spend and why. I’m not suggesting you stop spending; I am simply advising you to pay attention to your finances so you can bring greater awareness to your choices.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Mercury, your Ruling Planet, goes retrograde in your Solar House of personality, which could generate a mini identity crisis, especially if you find yourself declaring martial law—Mars is, after all, in the same sector of your Solar chart. Relationships with significant others are at the core of this self-defining process, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself utterly impatient with behavior you once easily tolerated. Keep your cool by remembering that each encounter is a lesson in self-awareness.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Mercury goes retrograde in your Solar House of the unconscious, which continues to put you at risk for a protracted Brain Worm episode, especially as Mercury mulls over recent encounters, conversations, and clashes with the ideas and opinions of others. The best way through this review is to keep an open mind. Yes, there are certain principles to maintain, but that shouldn’t keep you from staying flexible and willing to discard old systems that no longer serve.
Leo July 23-August 22
Mercury goes retrograde in your Solar House of community, and as it retraces its path, you’re revisiting recent events and interactions with an eye toward understanding the long-term consequences of your participation. Embrace this process, even if it is uncomfortable, and even if it seems tedious. Take the time to pay attention to previously overlooked or easily dismissed details and you’re likely to discover valuable information.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Mercury goes retrograde in your Solar House of recognition, which is often the sector of the chart where we find career activity. Don’t be surprised if you feel certain opportunities seem as if they are suddenly on hold. Don’t worry. This is not about missing important moments. This retrograde phase is about getting your obligations, professional or social, in order, so that you can move forward on a solid and thoroughly grounded foundation.
Libra September 23-October 22
Mercury goes retrograde in your Solar House of global travel, so if you’re planning a trip, try to get everything sewed up before the retrograde—and if you can, wait to travel. That area of your solar chart is also the sector of belief systems, which means the retrograde could also challenge some of the ways you structure your world view. The best way through either scenario (and probably several more) is simply to stay flexible and open to making all the necessary adjustments.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Mercury goes retrograde in your Solar House of transformation, which makes it quite likely you will be experiencing more than a few degrees of change during the retro-phase. Embrace this process by reviewing and reconsidering recent decisions and/or analysis of certain situations regarding issues of trust and control. Allow this process and you’ll emerge from it with valuable information to facilitate the next step.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mercury goes retrograde in your Solar House of relationship and…really…is there anything more to say? Okay, there is: Be prepared to review certain partnership interactions, especially those that feel out of balance. Put no one on a pedestal and allow no one to elevate you. The goal of this retrograde process is learning to refine your ability to build and maintain relationships with equals, each participating and fully engaged.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Mercury goes Retrograde in your Solar House of health, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself taking a detailed inventory of what you need to work on, refine, or improve as part of your personal regimen. Pay particular attention to diet and exercise. And if you are completely in the pink and in no need of improvement, see if there is a way you can help those you love find their best state of fitness. And if everyone is just dandy, maybe there is a pet or two who could use a fresh diet.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Mercury goes retrograde in your Solar House of romance—which is also the Solar House of self-expression, but I think romance is more in keeping with the seasonal vibe. As Mercury reviews your romantic situation, you might find yourself mulling over the details of your current relationship. There’s no need to resist this process. You might also find old lovers making contact and checking in. Or, you just might meet someone new.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Mercury goes retrograde in the deepest section of your chart or what I like to call the Solar House of the home—this is where your internal center extends out into your external one. You can hibernate during this phase and gather your strength. You can redecorate and make your home cozier and more comfortable. Or you can make “home” improvements: meditate more, take up t’ai chi or yoga or another method that will help you come to peace more easily and skillfully.
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