Aquarium Age, Blogs

The Aquarium Age: May 18-24

By Ralfee Finn

I could cobble together a clever line or two about the difficulty of living in interesting times, or I could just quote Herman’s Hermits and suggest singing endless rounds of I’m Henry the Eighth I am, Henry the Eighth I am, I am because the second verse is the same as the first. Especially this week as daily life unfolds in pattern similar to last week and the week before that. But there is one important exception: Mercury goes direct early Sunday morning, May 22, and as its “forward” motion gathers momentum, regular routines resume with renewed vigor. Just be aware, Mercury Direct does not translate into an immediate x-marks-the-spot clarity.

No way. It takes Mercury a couple of days to build its strength. More significantly, Mars Retrograde is still very much alive. And as it continues, so do the monkey wrenches of frustrating interruptions and obstacles. The key to handling this week’s amalgam of astral forces is to stay focused on the task at hand as you simultaneously commit to holding fast to the bigger vision. Or put simply: Straddle the universe of detail as you realize with increasing awareness that you are actually straddling actual universes.

In ten days, Mars moves back into Scorpio, continuing to retrace the path it’s followed since February of this year, and in keeping with astrological wisdom, that means we are looking back on the paths we’ve taken during that same period of time, both individual and collective. Mars goes direct on June 29, but as part of its overall review, before it goes direct, it revisits the degrees Saturn transited through Scorpio since February 2014—talk about a retrospective. Yet even though that was a long time ago and much has happened since, certain situations continue to linger. Notice what’s been stuck on your personal screen that harkens back to your circumstances two years ago, but particularly to last summer when Saturn stirred the last degrees of Scorpio before moving into Sagittarius.

Mars represents the ability to stand in the world—it is self-assertion from the lowest forms of unspecified global rage to the highest forms of self-actualization. Mars symbolizes the warrior ready to do battle, sometimes just for battle’s sake. Not surprisingly, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump all have an extraordinarily strong Mars in their natal charts, and they are certainly doing battle. As Mars Retrograde continues, pay attention to what you are willing to go to battle for, who you are willing to defend, what and who you haven’t been willing to fight for and what that ultimately cost you.

The good news for this week is that the Grand Trine in Earth Signs also continues: Mercury, in Taurus (retrograde and direct), trines Jupiter, in Virgo, and both Mercury and Jupiter trine Pluto, in Capricorn. We should all thank the planets for this ongoing piece of “solid” astral ground. (Now there’s a contradiction!) This Grand Trine triggers the potential for thoughtful processes and clear communication about significant issues, especially themes carrying over from last year’s Uranus/Pluto upheaval.

As you move through the week, continue to make patience your constant companion, and also try to be as compassionate as possible with yourself and your fellow travelers, especially those around you who have a hard time letting go of the past. Very few realize just how damaging grudges are to the heart. It’s always good to remember how quickly kindness can heal those wounds.

Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.

Aries March 21-April 19
Mercury goes direct in your personal house of resources, making it important to pay attention to money matters. Do your best to stay level-headed by not letting issues of security cloud your clarity. Avoid anxiety by showing up for this process and staying present.

Taurus April 20-May 20
You’ve got a lot to say—Mercury is in your Sign, and as it moves forward, so do you, especially when it comes to conversations about issues you’ve been contemplating during this review. Be clear, direct and honest and you’ll nullify any worries about how you will be received.

Gemini May 21-June 21
You’ve been ruminating on a lot of subjects, and now as Mercury moves forward, many of your ideas take on a new vitality. As you feel various areas light up with enthusiasm, be sure to focus on the ones that will bring you the most personal satisfaction.

Cancer June 22-July 22
Be prepared for increased social contact as Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of community, triggering invitations as well as opportunities to participate in projects that could be personally satisfying. Be picky during this process and only devote yourself to the ones you like.

Leo July 23-August 22
Mercury Direct has the power to move goals and aspirations, as well as plans and projects, forward with a new velocity. Be prepared to work hard on several levels simultaneously. Also be prepared to enjoy the ride—you thrive on hard work when you are immersed in what you love.

Virgo August 23-September 22
Take a deep breath and get ready to move quickly, even if you’re only moving on the inner planes. Mercury Direct is facilitating a new point of view, which can include a literal and physical shift of perspective as well as an internal one.

Libra September 23-October 22
Mercury Direct stimulates a positive and powerful mood swing. Be willing to release disturbing conversations you’ve been holding onto that actually have outlived their relevance, and use Mercury’s forward motion to create a transitional bridge with the power to foster a new approach.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
Be prepared for your Mercury Retrograde relationship review to yield tangible results, expect those outcomes to include surprising resolutions to old problems. Don’t worry; there’s nothing to worry about. Simply acknowledge that it’s time to move forward.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Despite Mars and Saturn Retrograde in your Sign, Mercury Direct stimulates a fresh approach to both finances and career. Rather than focusing on what’s wrong, make the most of this moment by concentrating on what is working. There will be plenty of time for revisions later.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
Mercury Direct is certain to move several projects quickly, especially any endeavors that have felt mired in a retrograde review. Spend the currency of this astral shift wisely and you’ll be pleased with the new pace as well as the potential for positive results.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
Mercury turns around in your Solar House of the home, and whether that indicates a physical move or a metaphysical one is unclear. Be prepared for an external change of residence, a renovation, or an internal makeover. Whatever occurs, there’s a definite shift in your surroundings.

Pisces February 19-March 20
Those conversations with significant others continue, but now as Mercury moves forward, some of those exchanges take on a different, more positive tone. Be prepared to move into action, and by that I mean to walk your talk with increased awareness and vigor.

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

This article was originally published on May 19, 2016.