As many of you know, I live in New York City, where the devastation of Sandy has tilted the axis of everyday life. Nothing is the same, and nothing will ever be the same for millions of us. While the waves of the actual storm may have receded, the reality of Sandy’s wounding persists: Waves of grief, despair, and dislocation will continue to pound the shores of our communal psyche and breach the barriers of individual hearts for quite sometime. There is no overestimating the kindness and care it will take to soothe so many souls from the shock of this storm.
As many of you also know, I write this column at least a week before its publication, which means until this morning, I had no idea who won the election. What I do know is that Mercury Retrograde began at 6:03 PM EST, on November 6. It was stationary for the first part of the day, a stagnant position for the normally fleet-footed, quicksilver messenger, and retrograde for the remainder of the day, a position that’s sure to have caused its own kind of communication storm because Mercury Retrograde is always about snafus, delays, and detours. So it was quite a surprise as well as a great relief to see the results. I would much rather sing the normal retrograde blues than an endlessly repeating election lament with the retrograde potential to last well into December. But the clarity of President’s Obama’s Electoral College win doesn’t have the power to neutralize political polarization, and the consequences of the election rhetoric and what it highlighted about the current condition of American politics will linger well past this Mercury Retrograde phase. Like the waves of Sandy – and the nor’easter about to hit our shores today – huge waves of disappointment, resentment, and animosity will continue to pound the circuits of our already too-stressed nervous systems for quite sometime. Again, there is no overestimating the kindness and care it will take to soothe our national psyche and close the great divide of our political extremes.
Mercury starts its final retrograde phase of the year in a trine to Uranus and a square to Neptune. A Mercury/Uranus trine indicates a deep desire for free thinking, which tends to manifest as innovative and inventive problem solving – something we could use a lot of right now. Anticipate lots of challenges to normal procedures, but also expect an equal amount of frustration when new solutions don’t provide a quick fix. The Mercury/Neptune square is slightly more complex. Both Mercury and Neptune are infamous as symbols for the Trickster, often present in situations involving deception and deceit. Pay attention: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The good news is that Saturn continues to trine Neptune, a positive interaction that can sustain self-restraint, prudence, and sound intuitive analysis. Use it to cut through what may be keeping you from deeper insight into the next necessary steps.
The best news is a Venus/Jupiter trine that promises to keep hearts warm and convivial. We love this partnership, especially when so many are in need of generosity and goodwill.
Over the coming weeks, many of us will be searching for a perspective capable of holding the heard steady and true. That process is likely to have you moving between emotional extremes, but that vacillation isn’t necessarily negative. Remember: On planet earth you have to feel to heal.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The situation requires a cautious attitude that at first may seem antithetical to your natural impulsivity. Continue to be patient, and wait for just the right moment.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Look at all your relationships from a new point of view and you’ll find the missing piece of the puzzle. Remember, consciousness is the searchlight that illuminates the shadows and allows hidden obstacles to be revealed.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Progress isn’t always measured by how many people you can win over to your side. So rather than engage in unnecessary arguments, let go of the need for a specific outcome, and allow the situation to unfold on its own.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Prioritizing your goals before you move into action will create the clarity needed to stay focused on what needs to be accomplished even in the midst of obstacles that might otherwise impede forward progress.
Leo July 23-August 22
The next phase is all about creating a strong sense of security, inside and out. Notice what brings you joy, as well as what’s absolutely essential. If they differ, create a unified field of intention and endeavor.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Catch your breath, and give yourself time to get accustomed to the new terrain. Yes, there is plenty to do, but that’s always true. At this moment, all that matters is finding and maintaining a comfortable personal pace.
Libra September 23-October 22
You’re harnessing a tremendous amount of power, but the trick is handling it well, so that you can make energetic progress toward significant goals, personal and professional. Trusting yourself is the most important component of this process.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
A truly powerful person knows the limits of his or her power and therefore knows when to persist and when to let go. Pushing may evidence your determination, but it will also deplete your strength and stamina.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The only real enemy is ignorance, itself, so do your best not to blame those less capable of handling the situation, and instead make every effort to educate by your example.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
One of your greatest gifts is understanding that even in the midst of chaos, all things follow an innate order. Attune yourself to that wisdom, and you’ll handle these waves with skill.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You think the situation is dangerous – and it does involve risk – but it is not as precarious as you might imagine it to be. Stay cautious, but be participatory. You’re likely to be surprised by the outcome.
Pisces February 19-March 20
This is not the time to press for more than is necessary, but rather to focus on gratitude for all that is. Holding on too tightly will only stir anxiety, while generously letting go will only increase your joy.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail Ralfee@AquariumAge.com. Copyright © 2012 by Ralfee Finn